Not All Dog Food Is Cooked the Same
When you think of cooking, you might picture a home-cooked meal — slow, gentle heat that keeps food flavorful and nutrient-rich.
Unfortunately, most commercial dog food doesn’t work this way. Instead, it’s made using high-temperature extrusion — a process that cooks ingredients at up to 400°F, stripping away much of their natural nutrition.
At Koda King Natural Dog Food, we do things differently. Our recipes are gently cooked at low heat, protecting the natural nutrients your dog needs to thrive.
What Is Low-Heat Cooking?
Low-heat cooking is exactly what it sounds like: cooking food at a controlled, lower temperature to retain as many vitamins, minerals, and enzymes as possible.
In dog food, this means:
- Avoiding extreme heat that destroys delicate nutrients.
- Preserving amino acids and healthy fats that are vital for your dog’s health.
- Maintaining natural flavor so dogs enjoy their meals without artificial flavorings.
This method keeps your dog’s food closer to its natural state — just the way it should be.
How Is Kibble Cooked?
To understand why low-heat matters, you need to know how kibble is made.
Most kibble goes through high-temperature extrusion:
- Ingredients are ground into a paste-like dough.
- The dough is cooked at extremely high heat (up to 400°F).
- The pellets are dried and sprayed with fats, artificial flavorings, and synthetic vitamins.
This process makes kibble shelf-stable, but at a cost:
- Natural nutrients are destroyed.
- Proteins are denatured, reducing their bioavailability.
- Synthetic vitamins must be added back in to make up for lost nutrition.
In short: your dog’s “food” ends up being highly processed pellets, far from its original form.
Why Low-Heat Cooking Is Better for Your Dog
Here’s why our cooking method makes a real difference:
1. Nutrient Preservation
High heat destroys essential amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Low-heat cooking keeps these intact, so your dog gets real nutrition from real food.
2. Easier Digestion
Because proteins and fats aren’t damaged by extreme heat, they’re easier for your dog to digest and absorb.
3. Better Flavor (Naturally)
We don’t need to coat our food in artificial flavorings — low-heat cooking keeps the natural taste of beef, chicken, and turkey that dogs love.
4. Fewer Additives
Since our food retains its natural nutrients, we don’t need to rely on synthetic vitamins or preservatives.
The Science: What Really Happens at High Heat
High-temperature cooking doesn’t just strip nutrients — it creates Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), compounds formed when proteins and sugars are cooked at extreme heat.
Studies in both humans and animals show that AGEs can increase inflammation and oxidative stress, which may contribute to chronic health problems over time.
By cooking at lower temperatures, Koda King significantly reduces the formation of AGEs, providing a cleaner, healthier meal for your pup.
Why Pet Owners Are Switching to Low-Heat Cooked Meals
Our customers in Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, and Snowflake often share similar stories:
- “My dog has more energy and better digestion since switching.”
- “Her coat is shinier, and she’s stopped itching.”
- “It feels good knowing my dog is eating real, wholesome food.”
This isn’t just about feeding your dog — it’s about helping them thrive.
Low-Heat Cooking vs. Kibble: A Quick Comparison
Here’s a simple breakdown of why our cooking method wins:
Feature | Kibble (Extruded) | Koda King (Low-Heat) |
Cooking Temperature | ~350–400°F | ~170–200°F |
Nutrient Retention | Low | High |
Added Synthetic Vitamins | Required | Not Needed |
Flavor | Artificially Added | Natural from Ingredients |
Digestibility | Lower | Higher |
Additives | Common | Minimal/None |
How to Transition Your Dog to Low-Heat Cooked Meals
Making the switch is simple:
- Start with a mix: Combine 25% Koda King food with 75% of your current dog food.
- Increase gradually: Add more Koda King every 2–3 days.
Watch for improvements: Most dogs show better digestion, increased energy, and a shinier coat within weeks.
FAQs About Low-Heat Cooking in Dog Food
1. Does low-heat cooking kill bacteria?
Yes — our controlled cooking process ensures safety while preserving nutrients.
2. How is your food different from raw?
We gently cook our food to remove harmful bacteria but keep it as close to natural as possible.
3. Can I mix Koda King with kibble?
Absolutely — it’s a great way to transition and boost your dog’s nutrition.
4. Do you deliver low-heat cooked meals?
Yes — we deliver fresh, gently cooked dog food across Show Low and surrounding communities.
Give Your Dog Food That’s Closer to Nature
Your dog deserves real nutrition — not overprocessed pellets. With Koda King’s low-heat cooking method, you’re giving them a meal that’s healthier, tastier, and easier to digest.
Order Fresh, Low-Heat Cooked Dog Food Today
Feed your dog better.
👉 Call us at (928) 551-5916 or visit us in Show Low, AZ to get started today.
