Feeding Your Dog: Raw, Home-Cooked, Kibble or Vegan? A Personal and Scientific Perspective
Feeding our dogs is one of the most important (and hotly debated) decisions we make as pet owners. With so many diet options out there – from raw meat feasts to vegan kibble – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. As a dog trainer and behaviourist living with eight dogs myself, I’ve experimented with various feeding methods over the years. In this post, I’ll share a friendly but evidence-informed perspective on the main scientifically supported feeding options: raw diets, home-cooked meals, cold-pressed kibble, traditional extruded kibble, and vegan diets.
I’ll also clear up some common misconceptions about ingredients vs. nutrients, and delve into what dogs are actually adapted to eat given their evolutionary history. Each diet has its pros and cons, and what works for one dog (or household) might not be ideal for another. Let’s explore these options, so you can make an informed choice that suits you and your canine companion.
Ingredients vs. Nutrients: Clearing the Confusion
One key concept in canine nutrition is understanding ingredients versus nutrients. Many well-meaning dog owners scrutinize ingredient lists on pet food labels, believing that a food is only as good as its ingredients. However, what truly matters to your dog’s health is the nutrients those ingredients provide funkstownvet.com.
Ingredients are the raw materials in the food (chicken, rice, corn, blueberries, etc.), whereas nutrients are the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates those ingredients contain. For example, corn is an ingredient that provides nutrients like fibre, protein and carbohydrates, and blueberries supply nutrients such as vitamin K, manganese and antioxidants funkstownvet.com. Your dog’s body isn’t concerned with whether those nutrients come from a fancy cut of beef or from a mix of grains and supplements – it just needs the right nutrients in the right amounts to thrive.
This is why veterinarians talk about feeding a “balanced diet”: it means all the required nutrients are present in the correct proportions funkstownvet.com. Sometimes, achieving that balance means pet food companies add vitamins and minerals in their pure form rather than relying solely on whole ingredients. (If you’ve ever wondered about those long, hard-to-pronounce words on a pet food label – like tocopherol – they’re often just the scientific names of added nutrients, in this case vitamin E funkstownvet.com.) It’s very similar to how we humans might take a daily multivitamin to fill any gaps in our diet funkstownvet.com.
Remember: Dogs (and cats) have nutrient requirements, not ingredient requirements aces.illinois.edu. As one nutrition professor puts it, “As long as they’re consuming the essential nutrients in the correct amounts and ratios, dogs can be vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eaters.” aces.illinois.edu In other words, there’s no single “magic ingredient” – what counts is that the diet as a whole delivers what the dog needs. So, don’t be fooled by marketing that highlights exotic ingredients or by the myth that only a raw steak can give your dog protein. The focus should be on nutrients and overall diet quality, rather than just the ingredient list sites.tufts.edu.
One practical tip is to look for a “complete and balanced” statement on dog food labels (per AAFCO or FEDIAF standards). This indicates the food has been formulated or tested to provide all essential nutrients for your dog’s life stage funkstownvet.com. If you’re formulating a home-made diet, it’s wise to do so with guidance from a veterinary nutritionist to ensure all nutrient requirements are met ucdavis.eduucdavis.edu. Now, with the ingredients-vs-nutrients misunderstanding cleared up, let’s consider what dogs are actually built to eat – it will help put these diet options in context.
From Wolves to Woofers: A Brief Evolutionary History
Dogs may be part of the family, but biologically they’re not too far removed from wolves. It’s often said that dogs are carnivores by ancestry – and indeed, wolves are carnivorous hunters – yet thousands of years of domestication have tweaked our dogs’ digestive systems and dietary needs. Early dogs likely scavenged alongside humans, eating our scraps and leftovers. Over time, this partnership led to genetic changes in dogs that make them better at digesting starches and grains than their wolf ancestors petfoodindustry.competfoodindustry.com.
Notably, domestic dogs evolved to produce more of the enzyme amylase, which breaks down starch. Wolves typically have only two copies of the amylase gene, but dogs have anywhere from 4 to 30 copies, resulting in much higher amylase levels and a greater ability to digest starch-rich foods like wheat or rice petfoodindustry.competfoodindustry.com. In fact, scientists consider this adaptation to a starchier diet a crucial step in early dog domestication nature.com. Dogs also produce a form of maltase (another digestive enzyme) that is more efficient than the wolf version, further helping them extract nutrition from plant-based sources petfoodindustry.com.
What does this mean in plain English? Dogs are omnivores, not obligate carnivores. Unlike cats (which are strict carnivores), dogs can survive – and even thrive – on a much wider range of foods. Their ancestral diet was primarily meat, but domestication has made them very adaptable eaters. They have teeth and a digestive tract suited to processing meat and plant matter. Biologically, your dog can get nutrients from a bowl of well-made kibble that includes grains and veggies just as he could from a raw piece of meat (provided both are balanced diets).
That said, being omnivorous doesn’t mean all diets are created equal for every dog. Individual dogs might have preferences or sensitivities based on breed or genetics (for example, some Nordic breeds supposedly handle high-fat fish diets well, whereas others might get tummy trouble from too much fat). But broadly, knowing that dogs are nutritionally flexible creatures should give you confidence that a variety of feeding approaches can be healthy – as long as the nutritional basics are covered. Now, let’s dive into those feeding options, one by one, examining their merits and pitfalls.
Raw Diets: Back to Nature – for Better or Worse
What it is: Raw diets for dogs (often called RMBDs – Raw Meat-Based Diets, or the BARF diet, “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food”) consist of uncooked animal products. Typically, this includes raw muscle meat, raw meaty bones, organ meats, and sometimes raw eggs or dairy. Some raw feeders also include small portions of pureed fruits or veggies, but meat is the star of the show.
The appeal of raw feeding is the idea of returning to a dog’s natural, ancestral diet – “what wolves eat.” Many owners (myself included, at times) are drawn to raw diets because they sound wholesome and unprocessed. Proponents claim benefits like shinier coats, cleaner teeth, smaller stools, and improved overall vitality in their dogs. There’s also a satisfaction in knowing exactly what’s (not) in your dog’s bowl – no mysterious additives, just real animal ingredients.
Pros of Raw Diets:
High Protein and Palatability: Raw diets are rich in protein and fat from meat, which are nutrients dogs find highly palatable and biologically useful. Many dogs go absolutely bonkers for raw meals – even notoriously fussy eaters often dive into raw food with gusto. This makes raw feeding an enticing option for dogs who turn up their noses at kibble.
Whole, “Natural” Ingredients: The ingredients in a raw diet are typically recognizable cuts of meat and bone. For owners who value natural, unprocessed food, this is a big plus. There are no artificial flavours or preservatives in a true raw diet. mdpi.com
Low Carbohydrate: Most raw diets are very low in carbs (since they contain little to no grain or starch). Some evidence suggests this can be beneficial for dogs that need to lose weight or manage blood sugar, though for healthy dogs it’s not usually a necessity. Anecdotally, active dogs often do well on the high protein/high fat content of raw diets, which can support sustained energy.
Owner-Reported Health Improvements: Many raw feeders report improvements like a glossy coat, healthier skin, and smaller, less smelly stools (due to the high digestibility of meat) mdpi.com. There’s also the belief that raw meaty bones help keep teeth clean through the chewing action (though one must balance that with the risk of dental fractures – more on that below).
Cons of Raw Diets:
Bacterial & Parasite Risk: Feeding raw meat comes with the very real risk of food-borne pathogens. Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and parasites can be present in raw meat (even human-grade cuts). Studies have shown that about one-third of commercial raw pet foods test positive for harmful bacteria like Salmonella vet.cornell.edu. Dogs on raw diets can shed these bacteria in their saliva and faeces, potentially infecting humans in the household vet.cornell.eduvet.cornell.edu. Young children, elderly or immunocompromised family members are especially at risk. In short: handling raw dog food is like handling raw chicken – it requires diligent hygiene. The FDA and many vets strongly caution that the health risks to pets and people often outweigh any benefits mdpi.commdpi.com.
Nutritional Imbalances: Simply throwing your dog a slab of meat and a bone is not a balanced diet. Dogs have requirements for vitamins and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc, etc.) that may not be met without careful inclusion of organ meats, bones, or supplements. Poorly formulated raw diets can lead to serious deficiencies or excesses. For example, a common mistake is not enough calcium (from bone), which can cause bone weakness, or too much vitamin A from liver, which can be toxic. Many homemade raw recipes floating on the internet are not nutritionally complete. It takes planning (often with veterinary guidance) to do raw right mdpi.com.
Cost and Convenience: Feeding raw can be expensive and logistically challenging. Quality meat and fish cost a lot more per day than kibble. If you have big dogs or multiple dogs (like my own family), the monthly food bill for raw can be eye-watering. You’ll also need ample freezer space to store ingredients safely. Preparation can be messy – think bloody cutting boards and meat grinders – and time-consuming. It’s definitely less convenient than scooping kibble from a bag.
Safety Hazards: Raw bones present a physical hazard. Large weight-bearing bones can crack dogs’ teeth; smaller sharp bones can splinter and cause choking or perforations in the gut. I personally avoid weight-bearing beef bones for this reason, but even supposedly “safe” bones carry some risk and nom doubt this is how Siri ended ups with a slab fracture and subsequent tooth extraction. Additionally, raw diets must be handled like raw meat (e.g. thaw in fridge, don’t leave leftovers out) to avoid spoilage and bacterial growth.
Vet and Public Health Concerns: Most veterinary nutritionists and public health officials advise against raw feeding because of the above risks mdpi.commdpi.com. Some vets may even refuse to handle a raw-fed dog’s samples in clinic due to contamination concerns. This doesn’t mean raw is outright “forbidden,” but owners should be fully aware of the downsides.
In summary, raw diets resonate with the idea of a dog’s natural diet and can be very rewarding (I’ve seen my own dogs practically dance at dinnertime for a raw meal!). However, they come with substantial responsibility. If you choose to go raw, do your homework: follow a well-established recipe or use a reputable commercial raw product that is formulated to be complete, practice safe food handling, and monitor your dog’s health closely. Raw feeding can work and many dogs do well on it, but it must be done knowledgeably to avoid potentially serious consequences.
Home-Cooked Diets: DIY with Love (and Caution)
What it is: Home-cooked diets involve preparing your dog’s food from scratch using fresh ingredients from your kitchen. Unlike raw diets, home-cooking means you fully cook the ingredients (meat, grains, vegetables, etc.), similar to preparing a meal for a human family member – just formulated for canine nutritional needs. This approach gives owners maximum control over what goes into the food. It’s often chosen by pet parents whose dogs have specific dietary needs or intolerances, or by those who enjoy cooking and want their dog to eat home-made meals.
I’ll admit – there’s something very heartwarming about cooking for your dog. 🥕🍗 My kitchen has seen its share of simmering stews for sick foster pups or special “birthday meals” for my dogs. Many of my clients who adopt home-cooking do so because they trust themselves more than pet food companies, or they want to use higher-quality, “human-grade” ingredients for their beloved pet ucdavis.edu.
Pros of Home-Cooked Diets:
Quality Control: You select every ingredient, so you have complete control over the quality and source. If you prefer organic produce, free-range meats, or “non-allergenic” grains, you can tailor the diet accordingly. This can be very reassuring if your dog has food allergies or if you’re concerned about contaminants in commercial foods.
Fresh and Preservative-Free: Home-cooked meals are typically free of the preservatives and additives found in some commercial pet foods. The food is fresh (often cooked in batches for a few days at most). Some owners (and dogs) find freshly cooked food more appealing in aroma and taste compared to kibble. For fussy eaters, a warm home-cooked dinner can be much more enticing than cold dry pellets!
Customisable Nutrition: If done with proper guidance, a home-made diet can be precisely adjusted to your dog’s needs. Need higher calories for a working dog? You can add more fat. Dog with kidney issues? You can tailor protein and phosphorus levels under veterinary direction. This flexibility is useful for dogs with medical conditions that aren’t well managed by off-the-shelf diets.
Bonding and Enjoyment: Let’s not discount the intangible benefit – a lot of people simply enjoy cooking for their pets. It can strengthen the human-animal bond. Your dog may also show visible excitement when those pans come out, which many find rewarding. (My sighthounds definitely supervise any kitchen activity with great interest, just in case it’s for them!)
Cons of Home-Cooked Diets:
Nutritional Balancing Act: The biggest challenge with DIY dog food is getting the nutrient balance right. It’s extremely difficult for the average pet owner (and even many vets) to formulate a diet that provides all essential nutrients in the correct amounts ucdavis.eduucdavis.edu. In fact, a comprehensive study of 200 published home-cook recipes found that 95% of them were deficient in at least one key nutrient ucdavis.edu – even recipes authored by veterinarians! Common shortfalls in home recipes include calcium, iron, choline, zinc, vitamin D and E ucdavis.edu. Over time, such deficiencies can lead to serious health problems (e.g. brittle bones from calcium deficiency, or immune issues from lack of zinc) ucdavis.edu. The bottom line: cooking for your dog isn’t as simple as making chicken and rice every night. It requires either use of a tested recipe plus appropriate supplements, or consultation with a veterinary nutritionist ucdavis.eduucdavis.edu. Without those, you risk inadvertently harming your dog through nutritional imbalances.
Time and Effort: There’s no denying that home-cooking is time-consuming. You need to source ingredients, cook them (often separately, as different ingredients have different cook times), mix in supplements, portion the food, and store it (typically in the fridge or freezer). Doing this for a big dog or multiple dogs, every day, can become like an unpaid part-time job in the kitchen. If you enjoy cooking, it might be fun; but if not, it can become a chore.
Cost: Depending on the ingredients, home-cooked diets can be costly. Using fresh meat, fish, fruits and veggies – especially if you opt for higher-welfare or organic options – will usually cost more per calorie than commercial kibble. Plus, you may need to buy supplement powders or pills (like calcium, multivitamins, omega-3 oils) to ensure completeness. For small dogs the cost may be manageable, but feeding a 30kg active dog a fillet of salmon and quinoa daily might break the bank!
Shelf Life and Food Safety: Home-cooked food typically doesn’t have preservatives, so it spoils quickly. You can refrigerate a batch for a few days or freeze portions, but you must stay on top of prep to ensure your dog always has fresh meals. There’s also some food safety concern – while the food is cooked (killing pathogens), improper storage or slow cooling can let bacteria grow. Always handle your dog’s home-cooked food with the same care you would handle your own leftovers.
Not Always Convenient for Multi-Dog Homes: If you have several dogs, cooking separate diets or large volumes can become complicated. Different dogs might have different needs or appetite sizes. It’s doable (some dedicated folks cook huge stews and freeze many portions), but much less convenient than pouring kibble for a crowd.
In short, home-cooked diets can be a wonderful way to feed, if done responsibly. They offer quality and personalization that’s hard to match. I’ve seen dogs with severe dietary issues thrive on carefully crafted home diets. However, for it to be truly beneficial, you must ensure the diet is nutritionally complete. This usually means consulting a professional or using reputable recipe software/supplements – don’t just wing it with internet recipes. As Dr. Jennifer Larsen (a veterinary nutritionist) noted, even recipes in vet textbooks can fall short, and owners should ideally get a custom plan from a nutrition specialist if they want to go home-made long-term ucdavis.eduucdavis.edu. With the right support, cooking for your dog can be very rewarding. Without it, you might be courting nutritional disaster despite the best of intentions.
Cold-Pressed Kibble: Gently Does It
What it is: Cold-pressed dog food is a type of dry food made with a low-temperature process, as opposed to the high-heat extrusion used for traditional kibble. Despite the name, it’s not served cold – “cold-pressed” refers to how it’s manufactured. Ingredients are mixed and then pressed at around 42–47°C (rather than ~100°C or more in extrusion) to form bite-sized pieces nutritionrvn.com. The idea is that the food is gently cooked– hot enough to kill bacteria, but not so hot as to degrade all the natural nutrients and flavours. The result is usually a softer-textured nugget that breaks down easily.
Cold-pressed food is relatively new on the market and often marketed as a premium or holistic option. I was curious about it when it first popped up – it seemed like a middle ground between raw and kibble. You get the convenience of a shelf-stable dry food, but with less processing, which in theory preserves more nutritional value.
Pros of Cold-Pressed Kibble:
Retains More Nutrients and Flavour: Because of the lower cooking temperature, cold-pressed diets are believed to retain more of the natural vitamins, enzymes, and aromas from the ingredients nutritionrvn.comnutritionrvn.com. In practice, this can mean the food smells more like real food (which dogs appreciate) and may not require as heavy supplementation of vitamins as extruded kibble (since fewer are lost in processing). Owners often report that cold-pressed pellets have a rich, meaty smell.
High Digestibility: These diets tend to be highly digestible. The ingredients are finely ground before pressing nutritionrvn.com, and the gentle cooking keeps proteins in a more natural state. This can make them a good choice for dogs with sensitive digestion. In fact, cold-pressed foods have been noted to be easily digested and suitable for dogs with delicate tummies nutritionrvn.com. They also break down quicker in the stomach (they tend to crumble rather than swell), which some believe may reduce risk of bloat in large breeds.
Palatability for Picky Eaters: Thanks to retaining more natural oils and flavours, cold-pressed kibble can be more enticing to dogs, especially seniors or picky eaters who are losing interest in food nutritionrvn.com. I’ve had a couple of clients switch to cold-pressed for this reason and see their dogs eat more eagerly. The richer aroma and softer texture can be a nice change for dogs bored of traditional kibble.
No Artificial Preservatives (but Still Shelf-Stable): Cold-pressed foods typically avoid artificial preservatives. The pressing process often vacuum-seals the food or naturally keeps it stable for a reasonable time nutritionrvn.comnutritionrvn.com. While the opened shelf life is shorter (see cons), an unopened bag can last many months, making it easier to stock up than fresh or raw diets. And unlike raw, it doesn’t harbor dangerous bacteria – the gentle cooking does kill pathogens, making it safe for you and your dog nutritionrvn.com.
Eco-friendlier Processing: Some manufacturers point out that cold-pressing uses less energy than extrusion. Also, since nutrients aren’t as degraded, there might be less need for synthetic additives. This is more of an industry point, but interesting for the environmentally conscious.
Cons of Cold-Pressed Kibble:
Shorter Freshness Once Opened: The biggest drawback I’ve found is that cold-pressed food can spoil faster once the bag is opened nutritionrvn.com. Because it often lacks strong preservatives and can have a bit higher moisture or fat content, it’s prone to oxidation or mold if left sitting too long. You can’t leave cold-pressed kibble out in the bowl all day – it may soften or go off. In a multi-dog household, if each dog doesn’t finish their share promptly, you have to be diligent about picking up leftovers to avoid waste or spoilage nutritionrvn.com.
Wastage & Storage Issues: Building on the above, you might end up throwing away more uneaten food. Dogs that like to “graze” might not do as well on cold-pressed, since the food isn’t as forgiving being left out. Also, once you open a bag, you should use it up within a few weeks. For a small dog, that might mean the smallest bag sizes only. Large bulk bags could be a problem unless you have many dogs or go through food quickly. Proper storage in airtight containers is a must to keep it fresh.
Availability and Cost: Cold-pressed kibble is still a niche product. Not all pet shops carry it, so you might need to order it specially. The cost is generally in the premium range – often a bit more than standard mid-range kibble, though usually cheaper than freeze-dried or raw diets nutritionrvn.comnutritionrvn.com. For what it’s worth, the price reflects high-quality ingredients in many cases. But budget-conscious owners may find it pricey per kilo.
Fewer Brand Choices: Compared to regular kibble, there are relatively few companies making cold-pressed diets. That means less variety in protein sources or special formulations. If your dog has specific needs (say a veterinary diet for kidney disease), you won’t find that in cold-pressed form. It’s mostly marketed as general premium food.
Requires Some Adaptation: Dogs switching to cold-pressed might need an adjustment period. The feeding amounts can differ (sometimes you feed a bit less because it’s nutrient-dense). Also, the texture is different – it crumbles easily and some dogs might gulp it faster or make a mess. These aren’t huge issues, but worth noting.
Overall, cold-pressed kibble offers a compelling compromise: much of the convenience of dry food with a nutritional profile closer to gently cooked homemade food. In my experience, it’s been a hit with dogs that need an appetite boost or have had issues on conventional kibble. Just remember, “gently cooked” doesn’t mean “don’t need to check nutrition” – you still want to ensure the brand is reputable and nutritionally complete. Reputable cold-pressed brands will have an AAFCO/FEDIAF complete diet statement (the good ones do). If you try cold-pressed, buy in quantities your household will finish in a month or so, and store it carefully. It could be a great option if you’re looking for something a little different for your dog but aren’t ready to leap to raw or home cooking.
Extruded Kibble: The Reliable Dry Dog Food
What it is: Extruded kibble is the traditional dry dog food that has been around for decades. It’s made by mixing ingredients into a dough and then cooking it quickly at high temperature and pressure through an extruder machine, which shapes it into those familiar brown nuggets europeanpetfood.orgeuropeanpetfood.org. The pieces are then dried and sprayed with flavourful fats or broths to make them tasty europeanpetfood.org, and preservatives are added to keep the food stable on the shelf. This results in a crunchy, dry pellet with very low moisture content (under 10%), which can be stored for long periods.
Extruded kibble rose to popularity because it’s convenient, inexpensive, and complete – a hard-to-beat combo for many dog owners. All of my dogs rely on a kibble as the main source of their nutrition even if I do add in other foods for variety.
Pros of Extruded Kibble:
Convenience & Ease of Feeding: It’s hard to overstate how convenient kibble is. Scoop, pour, done. It doesn’t spoil at room temperature (so you can free-feed if needed), it’s easy to travel with, and no refrigeration or prep is required. In multi-dog homes, kibble makes life much easier – each dog can be fed their portion.
Complete & Balanced Nutrition: Virtually all commercial kibble diets (except some limited “mixers” or prescription add-ons) are formulated to be complete and balanced for a dog’s daily needs. If you choose a reputable brand, you can be confident your dog is getting all essential nutrients in each bowl. These diets are usually formulated with the aid of veterinary nutritionists and undergo feeding trials or analytical testing funkstownvet.com. Put simply, a good kibble takes the guesswork out of nutrition – a relief for owners who don’t want to concoct diets themselves.
Cost-Effective: Kibble is generally the most economical way to feed a dog. There’s a wide price range, but even premium kibbles often cost less per day than raw or home-cooked diets of similar quality. For those on a tight budget or with very large/very many dogs, kibble can be the only feasible option. There are also bulk bags available (12kg, 15kg sacks) which reduce cost and frequency of purchase.
Long Shelf Life & Storage: Unopened kibble can last many months; opened kibble, if sealed, is usually good for several weeks. It contains preservatives (often natural ones like mixed tocopherols/Vitamin E) to prevent fat rancidity europeanpetfood.org. This means you can store it in a bin and not worry about daily cooking or short expiry. For people with limited time or those who rely on others to feed the dog (kennels, pet sitters), kibble’s stability is a godsend.
Variety of Formulas: The kibble market is huge, so you can find a formula for almost any need: puppy, senior, active sporting dog, weight management, grain-free, grain-inclusive, novel protein for allergies, etc. There are also veterinary prescription kibbles for medical conditions. This variety means you can often find a kibble that suits your dog’s specific health profile. Extruded kibble is the most researched form of dog food, with decades of science and improvements behind it. Big manufacturers invest in R&D to improve kibble digestibility, palatability, and health outcomes (e.g., dental kibbles for teeth, joint-support kibbles, etc.).
Sustainability Aspects: Interestingly, traditional meat-based kibble can make efficient use of animal by-products, which is environmentally positive. In the UK and EU, pet foods use a lot of meat ingredients that are by-products of the human food industry (organ meats like liver, heart, tripe, poultry by-product meal, etc.) europeanpetfood.org. These parts are nutritious for pets but not popular for human consumption. By using them in pet food, we ensure they aren’t wasted bva.co.uk. So, while kibble does contain “leftover” ingredients, that’s not always a bad thing – it’s recycling nutrients in a sustainable way that also keeps pet food prices lower.
Cons of Extruded Kibble:
Highly Processed: There’s no denying that kibble is a processed food. The extrusion process involves high heat which can destroy some nutrients – manufacturers compensate by spraying vitamins and amino acids on afterward europeanpetfood.orgeuropeanpetfood.org. The kibble is also often sprayed with rendered fat or “digest” (a broth) to enhance flavour europeanpetfood.org. Some owners feel uncomfortable with how far the kibble is from fresh food – it’s the canine equivalent of a processed cereal or biscuit. While dogs can thrive on it, the processing is something to be aware of if you prefer a whole-food approach.
Palatability and Texture: Kibble is dry and crunchy. Many dogs enjoy the crunch, but some fussy dogs find kibble boring, especially if they’ve tasted tastier options. I’ve noticed older dogs or dogs with dental issues might struggle with hard kibble pieces (though soaking kibble in water or broth can help). In contrast to a juicy piece of meat or a home-cooked stew, kibble can seem relatively bland – which is why some dogs hold out for toppers or wet food mix-ins.
Carbohydrate Content: Most kibbles (especially extruded ones) use grains or legumes as a significant part of the formula to bind the kibble and provide energy. That means many kibbles are moderate to high in carbohydrates. While we know that dogs can digest carbs, there’s endless debate about optimal amounts. For very active dogs or those prone to yeast infections or obesity, a high-carb diet might be less ideal. Grain-free kibbles replaced grains with pea and potato – but that led to other concerns (see next point).
Recent Health Controversies: You might have heard about the grain-free kibble and heart disease (DCM) issue. In recent years, some dogs on certain boutique grain-free extruded diets developed heart problems, possibly linked to formulas heavy in peas/lentils and exotic ingredients. Research is ongoing, but it highlighted that not all kibbles are created equal. It’s generally advisable to choose established brands that employ veterinary nutritionists. The vast majority of dogs have done well on extruded diets, but stay informed and discuss with your vet if you have concerns about a specific formula.
Potential for Additives: While all ingredients in kibble must be safe and mostly “natural,” some kibbles may contain things like artificial colours (rare these days), salt, or palatants that some owners would rather avoid. Always read the label – for example, if seeing unnamed “meat and animal derivatives” bothers you, you might opt for a brand that specifies its meat sources. Fortunately, many quality kibbles are very transparent and use high-grade ingredients (there are kibbles with human-grade meats, non-GMO grains, etc., if that’s what you want).
In summary, extruded kibble remains the go-to for many dog lovers because it hits the sweet spot of convenience, cost-effectiveness, and balanced nutrition. All of my own dogs eat kibble as their primary food with no health issues, endless energy and plenty of tail wags. The key is to choose a reputable brand that suits your dog’s age and needs, and feed the appropriate amount. If you worry that kibble is too monotonous or processed, you can always jazz it up with a bit of fresh food on top (like a spoon of cooked meat or veggies) – a strategy I often recommend to combine convenience with freshness. Kibble’s not glamorous, but it has kept generations of dogs healthy. Just store it properly (cool, dry place, sealed container) and mind the expiry dates. Extruded kibble is indeed an “old reliable” in the dog feeding world.
Vegan Diets: Plant-Powered Pups?
What it is: Vegan diets for dogs contain no animal-derived ingredients. That means no meat, no fish, no dairy, no eggs – only plant-based ingredients plus vitamins/minerals (which might be synthetic or from yeast/bacteria). A typical commercial vegan dog food might use proteins from soy, peas, lentils, chickpeas, or potatoes, and include grains like oats or quinoa, along with added amino acids like taurine and L-carnitine (since those are naturally low in plants). There are both extruded vegan kibbles and cooked wet/canned vegan foods available on the market. Some intrepid owners also attempt home-made vegan diets for their dogs, but this is quite challenging to balance.
The idea of a vegan dog diet is often met with raised eyebrows – after all, dogs descend from wolves, which certainly aren’t nibbling soybeans in the wild! However, given dogs’ omnivorous adaptations, it’s biologically possible for them to get nutrients from plant sources. The motivation for vegan dog food usually comes from the owner’s ethics or environmental concerns. If someone is vegan themselves for moral reasons, they may feel conflicted about buying meat-based dog food. Additionally, there’s growing interest in reducing the carbon “pawprint” of pets – and plant-based diets are generally seen as more sustainable than meat-heavy ones. Even some mainstream pet owners are curious if a dog can be healthy without meat.
Pros of Vegan Diets:
Ethical and Environmental Alignment: The obvious pro is that it aligns with vegan owners’ values. No animals are directly harmed or used to produce the pet food, which addresses the ethical dilemma for vegan pet parents. Environmentally, plant-based diets tend to use less land and water and produce fewer greenhouse gases than livestock farming. So feeding vegan can reduce the environmental impact associated with your pet’s food.
Can Be Nutritionally Balanced (If Well Formulated): Contrary to popular belief, dogs can get all their required nutrients from a plant-based diet – but it must be properly formulated and supplemented aces.illinois.edu. Several studies, including one at University of Illinois, have shown that carefully designed vegan diets can meet AAFCO nutritional standards and be highly digestible for dogs aces.illinois.eduaces.illinois.edu. For instance, vegan diets often add synthetic taurine, vitamin B12, vitamin D3 (which are normally high in meat) so that the dog isn’t missing anything. There are now veterinary nutritionists who specialize in plant-based formulations. When done right (usually via commercial complete diets), vegan food has kept many dogs healthy.
Health Outcomes – Emerging Evidence: Interestingly, some research suggests dogs on nutritionally sound vegan diets might have health outcomes as good as or even better than dogs on conventional diets. A large 2024 survey study led by Prof. Andrew Knight found that dogs fed vegan diets had lower rates of health disorders on average than dogs fed meat-based diets petfoodindustry.competfoodindustry.com. Specifically, only 36% of vegan-fed dogs in the study had health issues, compared to 49% of those on conventional meat kibble petfoodindustry.com. They even slightly outperformed raw-fed dogs in that survey. Additionally, vegan diets have been associated with lower blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels aces.illinois.edu, which could be beneficial for dogs prone to pancreatitis or those needing weight management. It’s important to note these are correlational findings (healthiest owners may choose these diets, etc.), but they counter the assumption that vegan diets are automatically “less healthy.” The takeaway: a proper vegan diet is not inherently harmful and might have some benefits like reduced obesity or better gut health (due to higher fibre) aces.illinois.edu.
Allergy-Friendly (in some cases): For dogs with severe protein allergies (e.g. cannot tolerate any animal proteins), a vegan diet can be a novel-protein solution. Since the protein comes from plant sources the dog hasn’t encountered, it can help diagnose or manage food allergies. There are hypoallergenic vegan veterinary diets for dogs with protein-losing enteropathy or skin issues, precisely for this reason.
Suitable for Multi-Pet Vegan Households: If your household includes other herbivorous pets (like rabbits) or you simply don’t want any animal products at home, feeding the dog vegan simplifies things. You won’t have raw meat next to your tofu in the fridge, and there’s a philosophical consistency. Some vegan owners report feeling relieved that every member of the family, including Fido, is on a cruelty-free diet.
Cons of Vegan Diets:
Formulation Must Be Spot-On: This is the biggest caveat. A vegan diet that is not meticulously formulated can be harmful. Dogs need certain nutrients (like amino acids, calcium, certain fats) in sufficient quantities that plants alone often can’t provide. Mistakes can lead to protein deficiencies, imbalances in amino acids, vitamin deficiencies, etc. For example, a home-made mix of veggies and rice without supplements would be grossly deficient in protein and many vitamins for a dog. The success stories of vegan diets are all from diets balanced by experts or labs aces.illinois.edu. If an owner just wings a vegan diet, the dog can suffer. So, one should only feed commercial vegan diets that are labeled complete or follow a veterinary nutritionist’s recipe for a home-made version. There’s little margin for error. As the British Veterinary Association puts it, “it’s much easier to get the balance of essential nutrients wrong than to get it right” with a vegan diet bva.co.ukbva.co.uk.
Lack of Long-Term Research & Veterinary Caution: While initial studies and anecdotal reports are promising, we still lack extensive long-term data on large populations of dogs fed vegan for their whole life. Veterinary authorities have been cautious. The BVA in 2024 stated that “from the veterinary profession’s perspective, there just isn’t enough scientific evidence currently to safely promote a vegan diet for dogs” bva.co.uk. They highlight concerns about nutrient bioavailability – e.g., even if you add synthetic nutrients, are they absorbed as well from a plant matrix? bva.co.uk We need more research to be sure that subtler health issues won’t emerge over time. Until then, many vets recommend vegan diets only in specific cases (like food allergies) or with close monitoring. Essentially, the jury is still out in terms of universal approval bva.co.uk.
Not All Dogs Thrive: Just like some people don’t feel great on a vegan diet, some dogs might not do as well. Individual metabolism varies. Some very active dogs or those with high calorie requirements might struggle to eat the larger volume of food needed on a high-fibre vegan diet (plant diets are generally less energy-dense than meat ones). If a dog needs a lot of fat or has issues like digestive disease, a vegan diet might be less suitable. Also, palatability can be an issue – let’s face it, many dogs adore the taste and smell of meat. Some will chow down on a chickpea-based kibble, but others may be picky about it. Good vegan dog foods add things like pea protein, potato, and flavourings like nutritional yeast or seaweed to enhance taste, but it may not entice every canine palate.
Availability and Cost: Vegan dog foods are still relatively specialized. Not every pet store carries them, though online options are growing. They also tend to be premium-priced (pea protein and quinoa aren’t cheap compared to corn or meat meal). If home-cooking vegan, you’ll likely need a cupboard of supplement powders, which can add up in cost. So, it might strain the budget more than mid-range kibble.
Social Perception and Judgment: This is more of a con for the owner – be prepared for raised eyebrows or critical comments. Some folks feel very strongly that feeding a dog vegan is “forcing your ideology” on an animal. You may find yourself frequently explaining or even defending your choice. (Of course, it’s your dog and your decision, but it’s a factor to consider in our society.)
To summarise, a vegan diet for dogs is possible and can be nutritionally balanced – but it is the most demanding diet to get right. If you’re committed to it for ethical reasons, I strongly advise working with a vet and using commercial diets that have undergone feeding trials. Watch your dog’s condition closely: check their weight, coat quality, and do regular bloodwork to ensure all is well. Supplementation (of amino acids like taurine, certain vitamins and minerals) is non-negotiable bva.co.uk. The good news is, with modern formulations, more dogs are trying plant-based menus and wagging their tails just as much. I’ve transitioned a rescue dog with meat protein allergies onto a soy-based diet successfully – but I did so under guidance and it was a learning curve and I have clients with healthy and happy vegan rescue dogs who were adopted when obese and are now slim and fit. So, if done responsibly, a vegan diet can keep a dog healthy and certainly fits vegan households. Just remember that “vegan” doesn’t automatically mean “healthy” – it has to be vegan and properly balanced. When in doubt, consult your vet – they might not outright oppose it, especially as new studies emerge, but they will insist it’s done carefully (as they should!).
Conclusion: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
So, what’s the “best” diet for your dog? The perhaps unsatisfying answer is: it depends. Every dog is an individual, and every owner’s situation is unique. The best diet is one that keeps your dog healthy and fits your lifestyle so that you can feed it consistently and happily.
From my personal experience with a multi-dog household, I’ve learned that flexibility is key. I have had one dog who thrived on raw but when elderly needed a home cooked diet. I have fed just about every option available and now my dogs eat a very basic working dog kibble but also have a huge variety of treats, raw titbits, toast corners, dried animal body parts and they still love to tell me how lovely a snack of rabbit poop is! And choices aren’t permanent – you may feed kibble during a busy life phase, then explore home-cooking when you have more time, or use a mix (some kibble, some fresh toppers) to get the best of both worlds.
Before changing your dog’s diet, consult with your veterinarian, especially for drastic shifts like going vegan or raw. A vet can help you monitor for any issues and suggest supplements or adjustments. Transition diets slowly to avoid tummy upsets (generally over 7-10 days). And once you’re on a diet, keep an eye on your dog’s condition: healthy coat, good energy, normal stools, and stable weight are all signs that the diet is agreeing with them.
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good – a diet that checks all the scientific boxes on paper is only worthwhile if it works for your dog in practice. Likewise, a diet that’s super convenient for you is only good if it meets your dog’s nutritional needs. Weigh the pros and cons (hopefully this article and table help), and you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision.
At the end of the day, whether you’re dishing up a raw chicken leg, a bowl of kibble, or a lentil loaf, the fact that you care so much about what to feed already means you’re a conscientious dog owner. Your love and attention are big ingredients in your dog’s health, too! 😉 Happy feeding, and give your pup an extra pat from me – perhaps after dinner, when they’re contentedly full.
References: Scientific and veterinary sources have been cited throughout this article for those who want to dive deeper into the evidence. Key references include recent reviews on raw diets mdpi.commdpi.com, studies on home-made diet deficiencies ucdavis.edu, explanations of cold-pressed vs extruded processing nutritionrvn.comnutritionrvn.com, and research on dogs’ starch digestion evolution petfoodindustry.com and vegan diet outcomes petfoodindustry.competfoodindustry.com. These support the points discussed and underscore the importance of a scientifically balanced diet for your dog, whichever form it takes. Remember, your dog needs nutrients, not specific ingredients aces.illinois.edu – and those nutrients can come from a range of diet types, as long as you choose and plan wisely. Good luck on your feeding journey! 🐕🍽️