Why Kibble Isn't What It Seems
For decades, kibble has been positioned as the gold standard in dog nutrition—cheap, convenient, and allegedly complete. But scratch the surface and you’ll find a very different reality. Most kibble is made using a process called extrusion, where ingredients are subjected to high heat and pressure to form those small, crunchy nuggets. While efficient for mass production, this process destroys many of the nutrients dogs need.
In fact, much of the nutrition in kibble comes from synthetic vitamin packs added after cooking to compensate for nutrient loss. But synthetic doesn’t equal natural. It’s simply a workaround to replace what high temperatures burned away.
When reading a kibble label, look beyond the marketing and into the ingredient list. Many brands, even those labeled as “premium,” may include:
- Rendered meat meals (e.g., poultry meal, meat by-product meal)
- Fillers like corn, wheat, or soy
- Artificial preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin
- Sprayed-on flavor enhancers to make the food more palatable
These ingredients are chosen for shelf stability and cost efficiency, not for your dog’s health. Over time, they can contribute to obesity, skin conditions, food intolerances, and even chronic inflammation.
Kibble brands often tout that their food meets AAFCO standards for being “complete and balanced.” But AAFCO guidelines simply define minimum nutritional thresholds—not the source, digestibility, or bioavailability of those nutrients. For example, protein derived from animal by-products may meet the protein requirement on paper but provide far less actual value to your dog compared to fresh, whole meats.
Why We Do It Differently
At Koda King, we believe that true nutrition comes from real food—not artificial substitutes. That’s why our meals are made with USDA-certified meats, slow-cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients, and completely free from grains, fillers, and preservatives. We include natural sources of essential vitamins and minerals, like flaxseed, blueberries, and sardines, to support your dog’s full-body health. The result? Real food that delivers real benefits: shinier coats, healthier digestion, more energy, better weight control, and fewer allergic reactions.
Nourish Your Dog Naturally
Discover our handcrafted recipes made with USDA meats and nutrient-rich ingredients—no fillers, no grains, no compromises. Choose the meal that’s right for your pup and order today.
