Why Dry Dog Food Might Not Cut It Anymore

Too often we think that the only option to feed our dogs is dry food.

So, here's the scoop: while dry dog food has been a staple for years – super convenient, right? – it's not always the healthiest option. It's loaded with carbs (basically sugar for dogs), and those high cooking temperatures zap away all the good nutrients in the ingredients.

But what's the alternative when you're juggling time, budget, and resources?

A history of commercial dog food

Back in the day, like way back until the mid-1800s, dogs were basically dining on table scraps. Leftovers weren't thrown away; they were lovingly handed over to our four-legged pals. It might sound a bit unconventional, but consider this: the food we ate back then wasn't as processed as it is now. So, our pups probably got a decent variety of nutrients.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a chap named James Spratt came up with the world's first commercially-prepared pet food in England. He saw dogs munching on leftover ship biscuits and thought, "Hey, we can do better." The first dog biscuit was born, featuring wheat meals, veggies, beetroot, and even beef blood.

Canned food came along, gained popularity, and then faced a shortage during WW2 due to tin can constraints.

Enter the Era of Dry Food

After the war, one type of commercial dog food remained top dog: dry kibble. It was convenient, easy to store, and even easier to serve.

Some of the big pet food giants we know today were born in the 1950s, raking in profits while using cost-effective ingredients like meat meal and fillers (corn, soy, peas...).

A Paradigm Shift

Fast forward to today, and pet parents are questioning why they should stick to one type of doggy diet.

They're not just taking their vet's word for it, and they're demanding transparency from the big pet food companies.

It's a fair point – if fresh food is essential for our health, why should it be any different for our beloved pets?

Pimping Your Dog's Bowl

Now, we get it. It's tough to give up dry food cold turkey. We've been conditioned for years, after all.

But fear not, if you still need to feed dry food, there are ways to spruce up your dog’s bowl so they can benefit what kibble is lacking.

• Fresh Foods Galore: Add fresh meat (cooked or raw), veggies (steamed or raw), and even some fruits. Let your pup be the judge of their favorites.
• Balanced Meals: Use balanced meals as rotational meals or to mix with your dry food. Our Doggy Grub casseroles are as convenient as dry food – no need for refrigeration. You can take them anywhere- we've cooked our meat and veggies to perfection, so they're ready to go.
• Superfoods to the Rescue: Incorporate superfoods like chia seeds, spirulina, and blueberries. These little powerhouses are loaded with micro-nutrients that your dog won't find in dry kibble.

Time to pimp your dog's bowl and give them the healthier, happier dining experience they deserve! Your pup will thank you with tail wags, slobbery kisses and less visits to the vet!

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The Doggy Grub blog is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners achieve happier, healthier lives, changing the way we feed our dogs one bowl at a time! If you would like to know more about our fresh food head to Doggy Grub