Why do they call it kibble
What's in kibble and why do animals find it so tasty?
Here's our quick guide to whats in kibble, why your pets love it so much, the fillers to watch out for, and the ingredients needed to ensure your beloved pets stay healthy.
The debate about whether dry vs wet food is better for your cat or dog is one that has been rumbling along for years. There have been huge improvements in understanding animal nutrition since the start of the pet food boom in the 1960s. This research has helped inform the ingredient choice used in kibble recipes, meaning they are getting healthier for pet owners to use. This is a useful development, as pet food owners often choose kibble over wet food because of benefits like its long storage life and less offensive smell, while still offering something finicky pets will enjoy. With 90% of Americans using it to feed their pets, we thought it was worth finding out exactly what is in kibble.
What's in kibble?
Kibble is made up of ground-up ingredients shaped into pellets and dried. This can include meat, grains, vegetables, and carbohydrate fillers. Typically, for meat eaters, as well as the carbohydrate base, it will include assorted protein and fats, fiber, preservatives like antioxidants (to stop the fats going rancid), emulsifiers (to stop the fat separating out of the food), as well as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and digestibility enhancers. There are usually also additives included like anti-parasitic compounds and minerals designed to keep your pet's teeth clean. Hopefully this will make you a lot more confident about what's in kibble.
How is kibble made?
While 'what's in kibble' is an important question, perhaps as important is how it's made. Whether it's supermarket own-brand or premium, grain-free or organic, all kibbles are made by the same expansion and extrusion process, very similar to how puffed corn snacks are made for humans. All the ingredients are mixed up into a paste, which is then cooked using hot water or steam applied at extremely high temperatures and pressures. The resulting dough is then pushed through tubes or a plate with holes in to give the pellets their final shape.
These pellets are then dried to remove any remaining water (and give the kibble that long shelf life) and are then coated with oils and flavorings that animals find irresistible, as well as vitamins to replace those lost in the cooking process. Mint and oregano are favorite additives for herbivores, and a range of meat-based chemicals and extracts are used for cats and dogs.
What's in kibble that attracts animals to it
The secret to making animals want to eat kibble is that tasty and strong-smelling coating rather than what's in kibble. Much like Cheetos and Doritos for humans, it's not the plain corn snack we crave, but the cheesy and spicy dust that coats them. That's not to say there isn't anything appetizing in the pellet itself; it's just nowhere near as irresistible smelling as what it is sprayed with.
A lot of the protein found in cat and dog kibble is in the form of hydrolyzed protein, which gives off an attractive smell to carnivores. To 'hydrolyze' a protein, you break down the long protein chains found in meat using enzymes or hydrochloric acid it produces the same effect as cooking food for a long time. Although this is a smell humans can deal with happily and meat-eating animals find appetizing, to properly attract cats and dogs you need to add some truly revolting odors.
Most of the smells we humans find objectionable, like vomit, excrement and rotting flesh, are very appetizing to cats and dogs. We associate these smells with disease and illness, whereas to animals they just indicate where a potential food source can be found. In fact, the problem kibble manufacturers have is how to balance the smells they add to make them foul enough to attract cats and dogs, but tolerable enough that people will buy it without worrying about it stinking out their homes.
You only need to look at the names of the additives to get a clue as to how unpalatable humans can find them: putrescine and cadaverine. Both are colorless chemicals produced naturally by the breakdown of proteins that are largely responsible for the revolting smell of rotting flesh and cats and dogs love them.
Cat kibble is also treated with pyrophosphates, commonly referred to in the industry as 'cat crack'. This chemical seems to intensify the flavorof amino acids found in proteins, and cats can't get enough of it.
How can I tell if whats in kibble is safe?
In the US, Europe, and UK, there are reasonably strict rules on what can go in pet food. Anything designated as 'complete' will meet the nutritional standards needed to ensure it contains everything needed for your animal to be healthy.
In the United States, the Foodand Drug Administration (FDA)regulatespet foodproducts and their ingredients. Nearly all states also require pet food products to be registered, and for their labels to adhere to strict requirements regarding product names and ingredients. If you want to check a particular kibble ingredient, you can see a list of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) ingredients on the FDA website.
In the UK, as long as the food meets PFMA (Pet Food Manufacturing Association) guidelines, it will have the complete nutritional requirements for pets.You can check on the PFMA website to find out whether your pet food brand's manufacturer is a member.
The best key as to the quality of kibbles for cats and dogs is the protein content. The higher the protein, the lower the carbohydrate filler. Because kibble is dried, you should always provide water, as well as food, when feeding your animals to prevent them getting dehydrated. Read dog food ingredients explained for more information.
Does whats in kibble cause obesity in pets?
The short answer is no. No more than any delicious human food is the cause of obesity in humans it's all about portion size. Pet food manufacturers argue that they have to make kibble as delicious as possible so that all of the portion is eaten to ensure that your pets nutritional needs are met. This means that it's up to you to ignore those pleading eyes begging you for more of this tasty food. If you make the effort to control how much food you are giving your pets (while ensuring they are exercised), then your furry friends will not get fat. Take a look at this article if you want to know what to do if your dog is overweight.
Worries about added sugar making your cat fatter is also not true. Cats can't even taste 'sweet' so adding extra sugar to cat kibble has no effect on how much a cat will eat. Their diet in the wild contains no carbohydrates so they have no need to detect the sweet taste of these sugars when searching for food. That's why cats will leave left out donuts and cakes alone.
Dogs, of course, really can taste sugar, and will snaffle confectionary whenever they can. This is because dogs have been eating scraps from humans for a lot longer, while cats were left to look after themselves as they were there to get rid of rodent pests. As dogs have evolved to taste (and crave) sugar, this is an ingredient you should check the quantity of when buying their kibble.
Some kibbles for carnivores are certainly of a lower nutritional quality than others. Watch out for those heavy on carbohydrates you should choose those with a higher percentage of protein for your dog or cat.
Can whats in kibble cause dehydration?
One of the main issues with kibble is the fact that it is made up of dried food. Cats and dogs are used to eating wet food meat in the wild, so are used to getting hydration from there. If your animal is on an only dry food diet then ensure there is always water available for them to hydrate themselves a pet water fountain is a good way to encourage them to drink.
Is whats in kibble addictive?
It's not so much addictive as too delicious! It is no surprise that animals crave food that we have specifically designed for them to like. Again, controlling portion size is the way to ensure that they aren't overeating and learning to ignore those begging stares and mournful miaows!
Why Is Dog Food Called Kibble?
Kibblethe term associated with dry dog foodbut what does it mean? Lets explore. Kibble is hard pellets made from processing and drying moist pet food. Its not about texture and consistency alone, but also the ingredients. High-quality kibble has proteins, vitamins, and minerals, providing both nutrition and satisfaction.
Now lets see how Kibble compares to wet or canned food, semi-moist food, and other forms of pet food:
| Type of Pet Food | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Wet or Canned Food | Soft. High moisture. Requires refrigeration. |
| Semi-Moist Food | Chewy. Convenient. May contain artificial flavors or preservatives. |
| Dry or Kibble Food | Hard. Low moisture. Long shelf life. |
So why the popularity of Kibble? Its easy to use and it lasts. It doesnt need refrigeration, so store it in the pantry. As a vet, I recall a client who switched from wet food to Kibble for health reasonsthe dogs oral hygiene improved. Kibble not only provides nutrition, but helps maintain dental health.
From scraps to gourmet meals, the evolution of dog food has been quite the journeywag to riches!
The history of Dog Food
To better understand the history of dog food and its evolution, we will explore the origin of commercial dog food and how it has changed over time. The sub-sections we will cover briefly are the origin of commercial dog food and the evolution of dog food.
The Origin of Commercial Dog Food
The start of the Dog Food Industry began with pet owners in the late 1800s wanting a more convenient way to feed their pups. Manufacturers began playing with ingredients and formulas to make nutritionally balanced diets. By the early 1900s, commercially-made dog food was available in pet stores.
Canned wet food was introduced in the 1920s, but dry kibble was more popular due to its longer shelf life and cheaper production cost. Recently, organic and natural dog food has become popular as pet owners look for healthier alternatives.
When it comes to choosing commercial dog food, its advised to pick quality animal proteins over fillers like wheat or corn. Formulations targeted towards certain life stages are beneficial. Also, avoid generic diets that dont differentiate between breeds.
Dog food has come a long way, but Fido still prefers a dirty sock over a kale smoothie!
Evolution of Dog Food
Canine nutrition has come a long way since the days of domestication. Today, theres a wide variety of options, from wet food to dry kibble. The evolution has been driven by an understanding of what dogs need and like.
Table tags can illustrate the pet food industrys growth. In the past, people made dog food at home and gave their leftovers to their pets. Then, in 1860, James Spratt invented commercial dog biscuits. Other companies like Gaines Food Co., Purina Mills, and Hills Science Diet followed.
Now, people want more specialized formulas like organic diets and grain-free meals. Theres even a new category called, Allergy-friendly foods. Pet owners are demanding better quality based on ingredients.
Manufacturers are also providing personalized dietary solutions. For example, Royal Canin created individualized nutrition programs for specific dog breeds/sizes/ages, based on DNA tests.
The initial kibble was so dry, dogs had to chase it down with a glass of water!
The Beginning of the Kibble
To understand the origin of kibble dog food, and gain insight into what sets it apart from other types of dog food, we will take a closer look at how it is made. You will also discover the benefits of feeding your dog kibble, such as convenience and the potential for better dental health.
How Kibble is Made
Uncover the secret origins of dry pet food. Kibble. This is how its made:
- Blend raw ingredients for a homogenous mixture.
- Cook the mix through extrusion; heat and pressure shape it into nuggets.
- Dry out the kibble to remove moisture. Keeps shelf-stable for long.
- Add flavors or oils for taste.
This food was initially crafted for astronauts pets. But it became popular among pet owners. So, production started for mainstream markets.
Pro Tip: Pet health depends on many variables. Choose pet foods wisely. And when you feed kibble to your dog no more searching for missing socks in piles of poop!
Advantages of Feeding Kibble to Dogs
Kibble is widely accepted as a great way to meet a dogs nutritional needs. There are many benefits to feeding kibble, like:
- It provides a complete and balanced diet.
- Its convenient to store and serve.
- It promotes chewing and helps maintain dental hygiene.
- Its usually more affordable than fresh or canned food.
- It has a long shelf-life without needing refrigeration.
Plus, kibble has been getting better in recent years, with improved nutrition profiles and high quality ingredients.
Pet owners can further enhance their pups nutrition by giving them healthy treats and fresh water daily, plus regular exercise.
Kibble can be a great way to provide top-notch nutrition and cost-effectiveness for your canine companion. From the gourmet lamb and rice blend to the mystery meat medley, kibble is sure to have your pup guessing what theyre actually eating!
Types of Kibble
To help you understand the different types of kibble, in this section of the article about why dog food is called kibble, well cover dry kibble and wet kibble. Dry kibble is a common option made from baked or extruded pellets and often contains more carbohydrates. Wet kibble, on the other hand, is typically made with a higher water content, providing more hydration for your pup.
Dry Kibble
Dry kibble is a popular pet food choice. Its made from combining various ingredients like meat, veg, grains and supplements. Moisture content can range from 6-10%. Its easy to store and has a long shelf life. Plus, its affordable!
It also helps clean teeth as it scrapes away tartar buildup. Though, a study on the Ancestral Diet Pet Food website showed that feeding dry kibble exclusively may lead to canine urologic syndrome. So why not try wet kibble instead? No need for a swimming pool now!
Wet Kibble
Wet and Moist Kibble Unleash the Flavors!
This type of yummy dog food has higher moisture content than dry kibble. Its available fresh or canned. The texture is usually meatier and more appealing to some pups.
- Moisture level is higher with wet kibble.
- Meaty texture adds extra flavor.
- Canned or fresh food options.
- Hydration and digestion help for seniors.
- Quality protein from meat as the main ingredient.
- Refrigerate leftovers for avoiding spoilage.
Plus, wet kibble can absorb extra water that dogs dont usually drink. This is great for older pooches who may struggle to stay hydrated. But remember to refrigerate leftovers to avoid bacteria growth in warmer temperatures.
Variety is important for pets too! Every once in a while, wet dog food will deliver different flavors and nutrients, making your furry friends life more enriching.
Are you ready to give your pup a unique culinary experience? Try wet or moist kibble today! Finding the right kibble for your dog is like finding a life partner it takes time, patience, and plenty of sniffing!
Choosing the Right Kibble for Your Dog
To choose the right kibble for your dog with optimal nutritional value and health benefits, take into account your dogs unique nutritional requirements, health considerations, age, and activity level. These sub-sections are key factors to take note of when picking the ideal dog food for your furry friend.
Nutritional Requirements of your Dog
You need to know your pups dietary needs for the best care. Understand their essential nutrients with this table:
| Food Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Proteins | Chicken, beef liver, eggs |
| Carbohydrates | Rice, sweet potatoes, beans |
| Fats | Fish oil, flaxseed oil |
| Vitamins | Vitamin A (carrots), B (liver), C (oranges) |
| Minerals | Calcium (dairy), Iron (beef), Potassium (bananas) |
Note: Every pup has unique requirements based on age and breed. Eg. puppies need more proteins, senior dogs may need joint supplements.
Pro Tip: Check with a vet before changing diets. They can help your pup get the right nutrition for a long and healthy life.
Healthy dogs are rare and mystical. Feed them the right kibble to keep their magical glow!
Health Considerations
Choose the right kibble for your dog! Consider health factors like nutrition, allergies, and lifestyle. Puppies need higher protein than seniors. Account for special health issues, too. Make sure its tasty and nutritious! Dont deprive your pupchoose wisely!
But lets face ittheyll eat anything, as long as its not kale.
Age and Activity Level
When picking the right kibble for your dog, consider their age and activity level. Puppies need protein-rich kibble to grow properly. Senior dogs might need kibble with joint-supporting additives for better mobility. Dogs who do intense physical activities may need higher fat content kibble. Low-activity dogs, however, should have lower calorie kibble to avoid weight gain.
Also, be sure to check with your veterinarian about any breed-specific needs. The right kibble helps ensure healthy growth, keeps them active, maintains a healthy weight, and overall health. So, dont forget to give your pup the right nutrition choose the right kibble today! Choose right and your pup will love you, choose wrong and your pup will love your carpet.
Conclusion: Is Kibble the Best Option for Your Dog?
As a vet, I advise kibble for your pup. Its packed with nutrients and easy to store. Make sure to get high-quality brands without fillers like grains.
Plus, kibble helps keep teeth clean, plus its super convenient. Long shelf life and travel-friendly.
Mix things up! Rotate between brands or add wet food. Ask your vet before making major changes.
Bottom line: kibble is a great, safe option with the nutrients and convenience you and your pup need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dog food called kibble, and what is kibble, exactly?
Kibble is a type of dry dog food that is extruded under high heat and pressure. It is called kibble because of its shape; it resembles small, hard pellets or biscuits. Kibble is a popular choice among pet owners because of its convenience and long shelf life.
Is there a difference between kibble and other types of dry dog food?
Not necessarily. Kibble is just one type of dry dog food. Other types include freeze-dried, dehydrated, and air-dried. However, kibble is the most commonly available and affordable option.
Do all dogs like kibble?
No, not all dogs like kibble. Some dogs prefer wet food, homemade food, or raw food diets. It is important to find a food that your dog enjoys and that meets their nutritional needs.
Is kibble a healthy option for dogs?
Yes, kibble can be a healthy option for dogs if it contains high-quality ingredients and meets their nutritional needs. It is important to read the label and check for ingredients such as meat, grains, and vegetables.
Can kibble cause health problems in dogs?
Kibble itself is not harmful, but some lower-quality brands may contain fillers or artificial preservatives that can lead to health problems. It is important to choose a high-quality brand of kibble and to feed your dog an appropriate amount.
How should I choose a brand of kibble for my dog?
When choosing a brand of kibble for your dog, look for one that lists meat as the first ingredient and does not contain artificial preservatives or fillers. You should also consider your dogs age, breed, and any health concerns they may have.
