Raw vs. Gently Cooked: Which Is Ideal for Your Pup?

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Ollie is a dog-first company providing fresh, healthy food for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

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As more pup parents seek the best fresh dog food for their companions, they may find themselves choosing between a raw diet and a fresh diet. While cases have been made for both options, let’s examine both approaches to help you make the best choice for your pup’s nutrition.

Understanding Raw Dog Food

Raw dog food consists of uncooked meat, fish, bones, organs, and sometimes raw eggs, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Often sold fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried, raw diets aim to replicate what wild ancestors might have consumed.

The Case Against Raw Food

While raw food supporters claim benefits like shinier coats and increased energy, major veterinary organizations express serious concerns:

Health Risks Include:

Bacterial contamination: Studies have found that commercial raw dog food diets can contain E. coli and Salmonella bacteria. The danger isn’t just for your dog. These bacteria can be shed in your dog’s feces, contaminating your home and potentially leading to human infection. [1]
Physical hazards: If the bone content in a raw diet is too high, it can lead to severe constipation. Whole, raw bones can be a choking hazard, break your dog’s teeth, or cause a life-threatening internal puncture of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. [1]
Digestive challenges: Raw vegetables and grains can be difficult for some dogs to digest properly. Gently cooking these ingredients helps break them down, making the nutrients more available to your pup. [1]

Official veterinary position: The American Veterinary Medical Association, CDC, FDA, and American College of Veterinary Nutritionists all discourage raw feeding due to pathogen risks that affect both pets and families.

Special considerations: Dogs participating in therapy programs, living with young children, or those with compromised immune systems may be prohibited from raw diets due to increased infection risks.

The Advantages of Gently Cooked Dog Food

Human grade dog food that’s gently cooked offers a safer alternative while preserving nutritional value. This approach eliminates pathogens while making nutrients more bioavailable.

Proven Fresh Dog Food Benefits

Research demonstrates significant advantages of fresh, cooked diets:

Longevity: Studies have shown that dogs fed fresh diets can live up to 2.5 years longer than those on commercial diets. [2]

Superior digestibility: Dogs absorb nutrients better from fresh food than kibble diets, showing higher digestibility rates for dry matter, organic matter, energy, and fats. [2]

Health improvements: Research shows that dogs eating fresh food have lower pro-inflammatory markers, which points to better health as they age. [2]

The Science Behind Human Grade Dog Food

Dogs fed human-grade pet foods also had higher apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein, required lower caloric intake (kcal/d), and had lower fecal dry matter (DM) and as-is fecal output than those fed a kibble diet. Because they were more digestible, that study showed that human-grade pet foods also require a lower daily DM food intake than kibble or fresh diets. [3]

Key Benefits of Fresh, Cooked Dog Food

Enhanced Digestive Health

Fresh dog food often contains higher moisture content and easily digestible ingredients, leading to better nutrient absorption and less strain on the digestive system. This can result in smaller, firmer stools and reduced instances of gastrointestinal issues. [4]

Improved Skin and Coat

The higher quality protein and fat sources in fresh dog food, along with essential fatty acids, can contribute to a healthier skin and coat. [4]

Better Nutrient Retention

Unlike kibble, which undergoes high-heat processing that can degrade nutrients, fresh dog food is minimally processed and retains more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Studies have shown that fresh food can be higher in essential nutrients like B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in overall health. [4]

Cognitive Support

According to a Journal of Veterinary Medicine study, cognitively impaired senior dogs who were fed an antioxidant-enriched diet had higher levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which may slow cognitive decline.

Safety and Storage Considerations

Gently cooked fresh food provides the nutritional advantages of minimally processed ingredients while ensuring safety through proper cooking temperatures. Best fresh dog food options should:

Meet AAFCO complete and balanced nutrition standards
Be formulated by veterinary nutritionists
Use human-grade ingredients from reputable suppliers
Follow proper storage guidelines

Making the Best Choice for Your Pup

When Fresh Food Is Ideal

Many dogs do well on almost any type of high-quality, nutritionally complete and balanced dog food, but some seem to really flourish after changing to a fresh dog food. Dogs who might benefit from a fresh food diet often have: [5]

Digestive sensitivities
Food allergies
Picky eating habits
Skin and coat issues

Professional Guidance

Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s health and about the potential downsides and benefits of fresh food for dogs. [5]

Healthy Dog Food Alternatives: Why Ollie Stands Out

At Ollie, we believe gently cooked fresh food represents the best natural puppy food and adult dog nutrition. Our approach combines:

Human-grade ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers
Veterinary nutritionist formulation ensuring complete and balanced nutrition
Gentle cooking process that preserves nutrients while eliminating pathogens
Personalized meal plans tailored to your dog’s specific needs
Convenient delivery bringing fresh nutrition directly to your door

Our gently cooked recipes provide all the fresh dog food benefits without the safety risks associated with raw diets. Each meal is crafted to support optimal health, from growing puppies to senior dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is fresh dog food better than kibble?

A: Numerous studies show that fresh dog food is superior to kibble. [2] Fresh food offers better digestibility, nutrient retention, and health outcomes compared to highly processed alternatives.

Q: What makes human-grade dog food different?

A: Human-grade dog food must meet the same safety and quality standards as human food, including FDA-regulated facilities and ingredients suitable for human consumption.

Q: Can puppies eat fresh dog food?

A: Yes, fresh dog food formulated for all life stages provides excellent nutrition for growing puppies, offering easily digestible proteins and essential nutrients for healthy development.

Q: How do I transition my dog to fresh food?

A: Gradually introduce fresh food over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts with your current food. This allows your dog’s digestive system to adjust smoothly.

Q: Is fresh dog food worth the cost?

A: Users of fresh food justify the extra expense by reasoning an improved diet and better health will lead to reduced veterinary bills in the long run. [6]

Ready to give your pup the nutrition they deserve? Discover Ollie’s personalized meal plans and experience the difference that gently cooked, human-grade dog food can make in your dog’s health and happiness.