Which Dog Food is Best: Kibble, Air-Dried or Raw?

By a Canine Nutritionist Sudanshu Goyal at Paw Entree

Are you wondering what kind of food is healthiest for your dog—kibble, raw, or air-dried? In this article, we break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed choice for your pet’s long-term health and happiness.

Let’s have an honest talk. If you're feeding your dog kibble every day and assuming it’s “complete and balanced,” you’re not alone. Most dog owners do the same, thinking it’s the best option. But as someone who has studied canine nutrition and worked with countless pet parents, I want to share something important— dry kibble food was made for convenience, not as healthy alternative for your dog.

Here’s why fresh food might be a better choice for your furry friend.

1. Was Dry Kibble food Made as healthy food or for Convenience?

When kibble was invented over 70 years ago, its goal wasn’t to create the healthiest food for dogs—it was to make feeding cheap, easy, and convenient. While this innovation helped millions of pet owners, it didn’t prioritize optimal health for dogs.

Today, we know that dogs thrive on diets rich in protein, healthy fats, and moisture—qualities often lacking in kibble due to its high-temperature processing and reliance on fillers like corn and soy.(Swanson et al., 2024)

As Dr. Karen Becker explains: “Kibble is highly processed and lacks the moisture and bioavailable nutrients that dogs need to thrive. It’s convenient but far from ideal.”

2. How dry kibble food Is Made—and Why It Matters for health of a dog

Kibble production involves intense heat and pressure, which strips away many natural nutrients and creates Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). These AGEs are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress in dogs.

Scientific studies back this up:

- A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that fresh diets had significantly higher digestibility than kibble diets, meaning dogs absorbed more nutrients from fresh food.

- Another study from the University of Illinois showed that dogs fed fresh diets had healthier gut microbiomes compared to those on kibble[1].

Dr. Judy Morgan emphasizes: “The extrusion process used for kibble destroys many nutrients and creates compounds that can contribute to chronic inflammation in pets.”

3. Long-Term Health Effects of Kibble vs. Fresh Food

The long-term effects of feeding kibble versus fresh food are striking:

- Dogs on fresh diets have lower inflammatory markers, better coat quality, and healthier stools. [sources: link]

- Kibble-fed dogs are more prone to obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and reduced microbiome diversity.

- Research shows that fresh diets can reduce defecation frequency by up to 66%, indicating better nutrient absorption.

As Dr. Richard Patton notes: “Fresh food diets are closer to what nature intended for dogs—they reduce inflammatory markers and improve overall vitality.”

4. The Real Cost of Kibble vs. Fresh Food

While kibble seems cheaper upfront, its long-term costs can be significant:

- Many kibble brands rely on fillers like corn or wheat instead of high-quality meat or vegetables. [source WEBMD]

- Chronic conditions linked to kibble diets—such as obesity or arthritis—result in higher vet bills over time.

Fresh food may cost more initially but offers better nutrition that can reduce healthcare expenses and extend your dog’s lifespan.

5. Shelf Life vs. Health

Kibble lasts 18–24 months on shelves because it’s preserved with synthetic additives. But this longevity comes at a cost: it lacks the freshness and bioavailability of real food. Fresh food doesn’t last that long because it’s alive—it nourishes your dog in ways ultra-processed kibble cannot.[sources: Link]

In Conclusion: Your Dog Deserves Better

At Paw Entree, we believe dogs thrive when they eat food that is:

- Gently cooked or air-dried to retain nutrients

- Made from whole-food ingredients you can recognize

- Served Fresh or Naturally preserved without synthetic additives

Your dog doesn’t need convenience; they need fresh, tasty, nutritious food that supports their health and happiness every day. Let’s move away from factory-created crunchies toward food that loves your pet back.