Not All Kibble Is Created Equal – Here's the Science Behind It
When it comes to feeding our dogs, it may seem like all kibble is the same — small, dry pellets conveniently bagged and marketed with shiny labels. But if you've ever wondered why your dog might be thriving on one brand and struggling with another, you're not alone. The truth is: not all kibble is created equal. Let's break down the different types and what science has to say about them.
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Types of Kibble: A Quick Overview
There are three common categories of kibble you may encounter:
1. Veterinary Prescription Diets
2. Cold-Pressed or Minimally Processed Kibble
3. Standard Extruded Kibble
Each one varies drastically in its ingredients, processing method, and how it interacts with your dog’s digestion and overall health.
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1. Veterinary Prescription Diets
Veterinary prescription diets are typically designed to address specific medical needs, such as kidney disease, diabetes, or gastrointestinal issues. These diets are often formulated with the help of veterinary nutritionists and are available only through a vet.
🧪 Science Says:
A 2017 study published in The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs with chronic conditions like kidney disease showed improved health markers when fed tailored prescription diets (source). However, these diets often use fillers and by-products that wouldn't otherwise be considered premium quality — they are designed for functionality, not necessarily optimal whole-food nutrition.
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2. Cold-Pressed or Minimally Processed Kibble
Cold-pressed kibble is made using lower temperatures (often under 70°C) which preserves more natural nutrients and enzymes. Unlike traditional kibble, which is cooked under extreme heat and pressure, cold-pressed food dissolves more easily in the stomach, aiding digestion.
🧪 Science Says:
A 2019 review in Frontiers in Veterinary Science emphasized the importance of food digestibility in preventing gastrointestinal issues and maintaining nutrient absorption (source). Cold-pressed and minimally processed foods retain more natural oils, vitamins, and probiotics, making them a gentler option for sensitive dogs.
Additionally, cold-pressing avoids the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide — a chemical produced when foods are cooked at high temperatures, which is considered a potential carcinogen (FDA, 2021).
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3. Standard Extruded Kibble
This is the most common form of dog food. Ingredients are ground up, mixed into a dough, then pushed through an extruder and cooked at high temperatures. This method is cost-effective and allows for long shelf life.
🧪 Science Says:
Extrusion can significantly reduce the nutritional value of ingredients. A 2010 study from Animal Feed Science and Technology found that the high heat of extrusion can degrade important amino acids and vitamins, which are often sprayed back on artificially afterward (source).
While it’s the most widely available and affordable, this type of kibble often contains more fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives, which some pet owners prefer to avoid.
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Why It Matters: What Happens in the Water Test?
The viral water test shown in many videos demonstrates how different kibbles react in water. While it's not a complete scientific analysis, it can give clues about density, oil content, and how the kibble may behave in your dog’s stomach. For example:
Kibble that crumbles quickly may be more digestible.
Kibble that floats or stays intact may contain more fillers or be less processed.
This is why the right cup in the image above (likely a cold-pressed kibble) begins to break down quickly, while the middle cup (probably an extruded kibble) floats or remains whole.
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Final Thoughts
If your dog is dealing with digestive issues, itchy skin, or inconsistent energy levels, don’t ignore the role food may be playing. Choosing the right kibble — or even switching to a whole food or raw diet — can make a world of difference.
👩⚕️ Talk to a holistic or integrative vet if you’re unsure about what to feed. Not all dogs need prescription food, and not all over-the-counter kibble is created equal.
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References:
1. Buff, P. R., Carter, R. A., & Bauer, J. E. (2010). Effects of processing on nutrients in dry dog foods. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 159(3-4), 114–120.
2. Zicker, S. C. (2017). Nutritional assessment and management in veterinary practice. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 250(5), 532–538.
3. Michel, K. E. (2019). Nutrient bioavailability in pet foods. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6, 69.
4. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2021). Acrylamide: Questions and Answers.
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