The debate surrounding raw dog food vs kibble is complicated. The truth is, there are many different versions of both “kibble” and “raw dog food” — and there are benefits and downsides to each.

In this article, we’ll outline the positives and negatives of both raw and kibble dog foods to help you decide which diet is best for your canine pal. Let’s dive in.

What’s the Difference Between Fresh, Raw and Kibble Dog Foods?

Fresh Food

In general, feeding your dog food made from real, healthy ingredients —  like beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots, and blueberries — can do wonders for their overall well-being.

It supports your pup’s physical health, along with their energy levels, coat, breath, skin, and even their poops.

However, cooking this food at home for your dog is a time-consuming and expensive process. Plus, most homemade diets don’t undergo the scrutiny and rigorous testing applied to commercial dog foods — so it’s tough to determine if your pup is getting all of the nutrients they need in the right forms and amounts. 

If you choose to feed your dog a homemade diet, be sure to follow recipes prepared by a veterinary nutritionist. Of course you want the best for your pup, so make sure you consult with a professional first!

Raw Food

Raw dog food can be homemade, store-bought, freeze-dried, or dehydrated. A raw diet usually includes organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and veggies, and a dairy product such as yogurt. 

Advocates of raw dog food usually cite a shinier coat, healthier skin, improved dental health, increased energy, and smaller stools for their pups. However, dogs with pancreatitis, cancer, or other diseases may require cooked food — and puppies are better off with cooked food, as well.

It’s also important to mention that some vets warn that raw diets aren’t appropriate for dogs who share their homes with young children or people with compromised immune systems. Please, always take meticulous care in the handling, preparation, and sanitation of raw food. 

Kibble

Kibble is more convenient for easy, on-the-go feeding. There’s no need for refrigeration — it can be stored at room temperature in the packaging or in an airtight container. Because kibble has a lower water content and doesn’t require refrigeration, it’s also usually a cheaper diet for your pup than raw or fresh dog foods.

Kibble tends to be more consistent in its formulation than fresh dog food. Kibbles like Jinx have been expertly-formulated by nutritionists to give your dog all of the essential vitamins and nutrients they need to thrive, in just the right amounts. 

The different types of kibble out there vary considerably — and it’s important to choose a kibble that uses real, natural ingredients. When you look at the kibble packaging, make sure that a real, premium protein is the #1 ingredient — like beef, chicken, or salmon. 

The ingredients in kibble are processed together and cooked, and need preservatives to prevent the fat from becoming rancid. Some lower-quality kibbles also contain lots of unnecessary ingredients like sugar, corn, wheat, and soy. So again, be sure to read the packaging and opt for a kibble that contains zero fillers, like all of our Jinx recipes. Only the good stuff for your best friend!

So, Which Option is Best?

Is fresh dog food better than dry? Is raw food better for dogs? At this point, you likely have a lot of questions. 

So, we asked a vet, and this was their response: “As a veterinarian, I am often asked to compare raw or frozen diets to kibble diets.  Well, I’ve got great news for busy pet parents —  kibble diets can actually offer several advantages over raw diets. Some dogs do not do well on fresh diets or raw diets, because they can be time consuming to prepare and difficult to balance.”  

Raw Dog Food vs Kibble: Weighing the Cost

While all pup parents want the best for their dogs, more expensive doesn’t always mean better. Raw and fresh diets can be more costly than kibble in both time, and the expense of buying all of the ingredients. Raw diets can also spoil quickly if not maintained at the proper temperature when thawing and serving. That said, kibble is definitely a better option from a cost point-of-view. But every dog is different, so take time to weigh your options and figure out what’s most important for you and your pup.

Can I Mix Raw Dog Food with Kibble?

Yes, you can feed your dog a combination of raw and kibble dog foods, either in separate meals or mixed together. However, it’s important to note that long-term studies of mixing these foods together have not yet been carried out, and only a full transition to raw has been studied.

That said, mixing raw and kibble is a great way to introduce your pup to raw feeding — helping them to adjust to their new food and take the transition at a slower pace. This is particularly helpful for picky dogs, as well as those with sensitive stomachs.

When mixing raw and kibble, it’s important to make sure that you feed your dog a suitable amount of food to meet their nutritional needs, regardless of the ratio of raw to kibble. Take good care to make sure that you’re not under- or overfeeding your pup.

Picky Pups and Raw Food

Got a picky pup who takes a long time to eat their food? If your pup tends to be a selective or slow eater, then a raw diet may be challenging to maintain.

Raw food cannot be left out for prolonged periods of time, due to risk of dangerous bacteria like salmonella.  If you choose to put your dog on a raw diet, make sure to follow the storage and serving directions on the packaging carefully, and never leave raw food out for long.

At Jinx, we use premium proteins like grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken and Atlantic salmon as the #1 ingredient, along with 20+ superfoods, and patented probiotics. From our Cage-Free Chicken and Sweet Potato Kibble to our Grain Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Paté, our range of dry and wet dog food is packed with essential nutrients to help your dog thrive.