Dry dog/cat food is made by mixing dry and wet ingredients together to form a dough. This is followed by extrusion process – the dough is heated under pressure, and then cut and formed into pieces of kibble (these can be very different in size, shape, colour, etc.). Pieces of kibble are then dried, cooled and spray coated. Extrusion is the most common production process, there are some others that are becoming more common as well, like: oven-baked, cold-pressed, air-dried, etc.
In dry pet foods, animal derivatives are usually used in a meal form: this means that meat or fish, by-products or a mixture of various types of animal meat and by-products are first cooked, then the fat is removed, so that the remaining mixture can be dried to create a dry meal (in powder form). Dry ingredients are ground and sieved where required and then mixed.
*Animal by-products are usually animal organs (e.g. liver, kidneys, lung) and various by-product meals (3rd quality category/class).
Usually, the dry food mixture recipe includes also cereals, grains, vegetables (all in dry form), as well as some added oils and fats, vitamins and minerals, so that the recipe includes nutritional requirements.
I want to focus on the “Kibble coating” part of the process: “after drying and cooling, kibbles often enter a revolving drum where they are evenly coated with a mix of flavours to enhance taste, and preservatives to prevent spoilage through the shelf life of the food. Flavours or other coatings may also be sprayed on baked foods as they exit the oven.” (FEDIAF)
This part is crucial for a dog with allergies and food sensitivities. I am not sure that it is widely known that some pet foods contain additives, colourings and artificial flavours, in order to get your dog to “like” their brand more than the others. Similar than in ultra-processed human foods, to be honest. This is also something that I am not a fan of, and you will never find that in our products.
It is also important to note the labels “Complete” and “Complementary” dog/cat/pet food
– Complete means that the dog food contains all the nutrients that your dog needs on a daily basis
– Complementary means that this dog food can be added to the complete dog food, to increase the nutritional value of your dog´s meals. These are usually dog treats and supplements.
My comment here is: if done right, dog treats can also be a valuable part of your dog´s daily nutrition. In this case, it is important that you choose high quality, natural treats, without any additives, artificial colours, flavours, etc. I strongly suggest that you educate yourself on various types of available dog foods and your dog´s nutritional needs (according to his/her activity level, size, age, etc.). We, at LYO DOG don´t see our treats as an addition, but as a part of your dog´s meals.
Remember, proper nutrition can contribute to a long, healthy and happy life of your dog.
