Raw Food vs. Kibble: Which is Better for Your Dog?

Go to any dog park, and you will find two camps. Camp Kibble says: “Raw food is dangerous and unbalanced!” Camp Raw says: “Kibble is burnt, processed junk food!”

Who is right? Both of them. And neither of them. Feeding your dog is not religion; it’s nutrition. Let’s break down the pros and cons of the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet vs. conventional Dry Kibble.

Dry Kibble

Pros:

• Convenience: Scoop and serve. Stable shelf life.
• Cost: Generally cheaper.
• Safety: Cooked at high temperatures (extrusion) to kill bacteria.
• Balance: AAFCO-approved kibbles are complete and balanced. You don’t need to do math.

Cons:

• Processing: It is highly processed. Nutrients are destroyed by heat and sprayed back on.
• Carbs: To make the nugget shape, kibble needs starch (carbs). Dogs have no biological need for high carbs.
• Moisture: It is dry. Dogs on kibble are often in a state of mild chronic dehydration.

Raw Food (BARF)

Pros:

• Nutrient Bioavailability: Raw meat retains natural enzymes and vitamins.
• Palatability: Dogs LOVE it.
• Poop: Raw-fed dogs produce tiny, firm, odorless poops because they digest almost everything.
• Skin/Coat: Many owners report shinier coats and less itching.

Cons:

• Bacteria: Salmonella and E. coli risk is real. Not just for the dog, but for you (handling the meat, dog kisses).
• Imbalance: Throwing a chicken breast in a bowl is NOT a balanced diet. You need bone, organ, and muscle meat in exact ratios. An unbalanced raw diet causes rickets and organ failure.
• Cost: It is expensive.

The Middle Ground

You don’t have to choose extremes.

• Fresh Cooked: Companies like The Farmer’s Dog offer cooked, frozen meals. Safe (cooked) but fresh.
• Kibble Toppers: Add fresh food (eggs, sardines, blueberries) to your dog’s kibble. Even 20% fresh food improves health markers.

Summary

The “Best” food is the one that:

1. Is complete and balanced.
2. Your dog does well on (good poop, good energy).
3. You can afford and safely manage.

Don’t let guilt drive your decision.