Cooked dog food has grown in popularity among owners looking for an alternative closer to a home-cooked diet but with nutritional guarantees. But is it really better than kibble?
What is cooked dog food?
Cooked dog food is a type of food that combines fresh ingredients (meat, vegetables, grains or root vegetables) cooked at moderate temperatures to eliminate pathogens without destroying essential nutrients. Unlike extruded kibble, which is processed at high temperature and pressure, cooked food better preserves the nutritional profile of the ingredients.
Types of cooked dog food
Fresh cooked food: prepared and refrigerated, with a shelf life of a few days. Requires constant refrigeration.
Frozen cooked food: cooked and frozen in individual portions. Maintains its properties for longer.
Dehydrated cooked food: water is removed after cooking, making it more practical. Rehydrate before serving.
Kibble with low-temperature cooked meat: dry food incorporating cooked or freeze-dried meat as the main ingredient. Offers higher palatability than traditional kibble and a digestion similar to wet food for dogs.
Benefits of cooked dog food
Better digestibility: the cooking process softens fibres and facilitates the absorption of proteins and starches.
High palatability: the aroma and texture of cooked meat are very appealing to most dogs, especially fussy eaters or those with little appetite.
Ingredient transparency: based on recognisable foods (chicken, carrot, sweet potato), it is easier to monitor what your dog eats.
Suitable for sensitive dogs: a good option for dogs with mild digestive issues, as it usually includes a single protein source and few ingredients.
Is it better than kibble?
There is no single answer. Cooked food offers advantages in palatability and digestibility, but natural dog food remains a nutritionally complete option that is more practical and economical for everyday use.
Many vets recommend combining both options: natural kibble as a base and cooked or wet food as a complement to enrich the diet and increase water intake.
How to choose the best cooked food?
Check the ingredient list: meat must appear in first place, with a minimum of 50% ingredients of animal origin.
Avoid artificial additives: colourings, synthetic preservatives and flavourings have no place in a quality food.
Adapt to size and age: calorie needs and portion size vary depending on the dog.
Opt for brands with veterinary supervision: the formulation should be overseen by nutritionists or vets.
How to introduce it into the diet
The change should be gradual to avoid digestive upsets. Start by mixing 25% cooked food with the usual food for the first two days, progressively increasing to 100% over 7-10 days.
Explore our selection of natural dog food and discover our mealtime section to complement your dog's diet.
