Raw, kibble, or cooked: what’s best for your pet?

Raw Food

✅ Advantages:

High protein content and minimal processing
Raw food often contains the highest concentration of natural nutrients without additives or heating.

Natural feeding approach
Most closely mimics what dogs and cats would eat in the wild, which feels like the “right” choice for many owners.

Flexibility in composition
You have full control over what your pet eats – no hidden ingredients or additives.

❌ Disadvantages:

Bacterial risk if handled incorrectly
Certain bacteria can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable pets or at-risk people in the household.

Requires thorough knowledge of nutritional balance
An unbalanced raw diet can cause serious deficiencies. Calcium/phosphorus ratios, organ meat percentages, vitamins, and minerals – everything needs to be just right.

Not suitable for all pets
Animals with certain medical conditions are better off without raw food.

Time and cost
Daily prep, food safety, and quality meat make it labor-intensive and often more expensive.

Commercial Kibble

✅ Advantages:

Convenient and long shelf-life
Easy to store and serve – ideal for busy owners or when traveling.

Cost-effective for most families
Generally the most affordable option, especially for larger pets.

Standardized nutritional values
Quality brands meet nutritional standards and contain all essential nutrients.

❌ Disadvantages:

Quality varies widely between brands
From excellent to very poor – you need to know what to look for (see this blog).

Highly processed, often high in carbohydrates
Many kibbles contain grains and fillers pets don’t necessarily need.

Can contribute to dehydration
Dry food contains only 6-10% moisture, while pets naturally get 60-70% moisture in their food.

Limited shelf-life after opening
Must be used within 6-8 weeks after opening to prevent it from going stale.

Cooked/Steamed Food

✅ Advantages:

Less processed than kibble, safer than raw
Retains more natural nutrients than kibble, but eliminates bacterial risks.

Easier to tailor to individual needs
A great option for pets with sensitive stomachs or specific medical conditions.

Commercial fresh meals available
More and more brands now offer ready-made fresh, cooked meals – convenience without hassle.

❌ Disadvantages:

More expensive than kibble
Fresh meals cost more than traditional kibble, both commercially and homemade.

Home cooking requires extensive nutritional knowledge
Crucial to understand: Cooking for your pet isn’t simply “chicken with rice.” Every meal has to be nutritionally balanced with the right proportions of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This demands professional knowledge and often customized supplementation.

Short shelf-life
Fresh meals have to be used within a few days, requiring planning and fridge (or freezer) space.

The truth: there’s no single “best” option

The best food is the one that:

- Fully meets your pet’s nutritional needs
- Fits your budget and lifestyle in a sustainable way
- Your pet genuinely enjoys