We all want to feed our dogs nutritious meals. With so many options of dog foods available, it is difficult to determine what is the best food to feed our pups. After discussing options with your veterinarian, you may decide that cold pressed dog food will be the best option for you and your dog.
This post will examine what cold pressed dog food is, how it is made, the benefits it can provide for your pup, how to select the best cold pressed dog food, and feeding guidelines.
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What Is Cold Pressed Dog Food?
Cold pressed dog food is relatively new on the market and is made by gently pressing ingredients together at low temperatures. This process helps keep more nutrients in the food compared to regular dry kibble.
This type of dog food contains mostly animal-based protein and natural ingredients. It comes in bite-sized pieces that are easy for dogs to eat and digest.
How Is Cold Pressed Dog Food Made?
Cold pressed dog food uses a unique production method that preserves nutrients. This process involves careful ingredient selection and a special pressing technique.
Raw Ingredients Selection
You’ll find high-quality proteins, vegetables, and grains in this type of dog food. Manufacturers choose fresh, natural ingredients. They avoid artificial additives and fillers.
The raw materials are ground into a fine powder. This step ensures even mixing and pressing. Quality control checks happen at this stage to remove any unwanted items.
Vitamins and minerals are added to meet nutritional needs. Some brands include probiotics for gut health.
The Cold Pressing Technique
Cold pressing uses low temperatures and pressure to form kibble. The ingredients are mixed with cold water. This mixture is then pressed into shapes.
The process happens quickly, usually under 1 minute. Temperatures stay below 90°F (32°C). This gentle method helps keep nutrients intact.
After pressing, the kibble is cooled and dried. The final product is crunchy and shelf-stable.
What Are The Benefits To This Type Of Dog Food?
Cold pressed dog food offers several advantages. It keeps nutrients intact, improves digestion, and avoids artificial preservatives.
Nutritional Integrity
The gentle cooking process uses lower temperatures. This helps preserve nutrients that might be lost with other cooking methods, keeping more vitamins and mineral in the food.
Cold pressing retains more amino acids and fatty acids. These are important for your dog’s health. The food also keeps its natural enzymes. These help with digestion and nutrient absorption.
You’ll find higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in this dog food. These support your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system.
Improved Digestibility
The ingredients are mixed with cold water and pressed. This creates a less dense food that’s easier to digest, so your dog is able to break it down more easily than traditional dog food.
As your dog eats, the kibble breaks down into smaller pieces in their stomach. This helps their body absorb nutrients more effectively.
Many dogs have fewer digestive issues with this type of food. You might notice less gas, bloating, or upset stomachs.
No Artificial Preservatives
This type of dog food often doesn’t need artificial preservatives. The gentle processing and low moisture content help the food stay fresh naturally.
Many brands use natural preservatives instead. These might include vitamin E or rosemary extract. This means fewer chemicals in your dog’s diet.
Without artificial preservatives, the food has a shorter shelf life. But it’s often fresher when you buy it. You’ll need to use it more quickly, but your dog gets a more natural diet.
How Do I Choose The Right Cold Pressed Dog Food?
When choosing cold pressed dog food, focus on nutritional value. Look for high-quality meat as the main ingredient. Check the label for a good balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Pay attention to ingredient quality. Avoid foods with artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers. Opt for natural, whole food ingredients that you can easily recognize.
Take into account your dog’s specific needs. Age, size, activity level, and health conditions all play a role in determining the best food. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re unsure about your dog’s dietary requirements.
Taste matters too. Some dogs can be picky eaters. You might need to try a few brands before finding one your pup loves.
Compare prices and portion sizes. Cold pressed food is often more nutrient-dense, so you may feed less compared to regular kibble. This can make it cost-effective in the long run.
Is Cold Pressed Dog Food The Same As Freeze Dried?
Cold pressed and freeze-dried dog foods are different. Freeze-drying removes moisture through freezing and vacuum pressure. It creates a very light, crispy texture.
Cold pressing uses mechanical force to shape the food. The result is denser than freeze-dried options.
Both methods aim to preserve nutrients. But cold pressing is often less expensive. It also creates a texture more similar to traditional kibble.
You can store cold pressed food at room temperature. Freeze-dried food may need rehydration before serving.
How Do I Feed My Dog Cold Pressed Food?
Feeding your dog this type of dog food requires a different feeding approach than traditional kibble. The nutrient-dense nature of this food means you’ll need to adjust portion sizes and feeding routines. Here’s what you need to know about transitioning and portioning cold pressed dog food.
Transitioning From Traditional Food
Start by mixing a small amount of cold pressed food with your dog’s current food. Gradually increase the ratio over 7-10 days. Begin with 25% cold pressed and 75% old food. Every 2-3 days, increase the cold pressed portion by 25% until you reach 100%.
Watch for any digestive issues during the switch. If your dog has soft stools, slow down the transition. Some dogs may adapt quickly, while others need more time. Stay patient and consistent.
Portion Sizing And Frequency
Cold pressed food is more concentrated than kibble. You’ll feed about 30% less by volume. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy when measuring portions.
Check the feeding guide on the package for your dog’s weight and activity level. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed. Split daily portions into two meals for adult dogs.
Monitor your dog’s weight and body condition. If they gain or lose weight, tweak the portions slightly. Active dogs may need more food, while less active dogs require less.
Top Cold Pressed Dog Foods
Here are a few examples of cold pressed dog foods available. Product information is according to the manufacturer.
Nulo Cold Pressed Dog Food
- Minimally processed ingredients.
- Kibble alternative.
- Made of 95% animal based protein.
- Contains no meal meal.
- Good for a reduced carbohydrate diet.
- Made with pre-pro-and post- biotics.
- Provides digestive and immune system support.
- Available in beef, chicken, salmon, and turkey options.
The Honest Kitchen Tasty Whole Food Clusters
- Available as clusters, small breed, human grade, puppy options.
- Meat, liver, oats, beneficial fats, and probiotics cold pressed into clusters.
- Clusters are then roasted and dehydrated.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- GMO free.
- Free from gums, carrageenan, feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, or fillers.
- Made in the USA.
Tribal Pets
- Uses fresh meat and fish.
- Grain free.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Good for dogs with allergies and digestive issues.
- Available in puppy and adult formulas.
- Made in the UK.
Nextrition Pet
- Made at 3x lower temperature than kibble.
- Subscription plan.
- 3 recipes to choose from.
- Lamb.
- Chicken.
- Salmon.
- Can order once or have food delivered every 2 weeks.
- Personalized meal plan catered to your pup.
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids.
- Made in the USA.
Cold pressed dog food provides your pup with food that is easy to digest, allowing for better nutrient absorption than traditional dog food. Talk to your veterinarian to determine if this type of diet is right for your pup.
Please check out our other posts on Health, Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel accessories for your dog, as well as Reviews of various products and travel destinations.