The team at ardam, same crew who ran CDK9 Raw, gets asked a lot about the difference between commercial kibble and a raw food diet. Commercial dry dog food, commonly known as kibble, often contains higher levels of carbohydrates and starch than a dog's ancestral diet would naturally include. These ingredients are part of what holds the kibble pellet together, but they aren't something dogs particularly need in large amounts. Here's a look at the processing, moisture and ingredient differences between kibble and raw, so you can make an informed choice for your dog.
Kibble means carbs and starch
Most commercially available dry food is at least 40% carbohydrate, in the form of starch, with some brands containing as much as 75%. It's this starch that holds the kibble together in the pellet-like form we're all familiar with.
Here's the thing though: dogs don't actually require carbohydrates in their diet in these quantities. In the wild, a dog's diet would naturally contain a much smaller proportion of carbohydrate, mainly from fruits and vegetables they've scavenged. That means there's a fair amount of filler in a typical bag of kibble.
Even products marketed as "grain-free" contain carbohydrates and starch, it's just in the form of peas and potatoes rather than rice and corn. Regardless of the source, at the quantities included, much of this passes through a dog's digestive system rather than being put to good nutritional use.
Moisture and processing differences
One of the biggest differences between kibble and raw food comes down to moisture and processing. Dry kibble typically contains around 10% moisture, while raw food is much closer to a dog's natural prey, sitting at around 65 to 75% moisture. This difference affects hydration, digestion and how easily nutrients are absorbed.
The high-heat extrusion process used to make kibble also changes the structure of proteins and can reduce some naturally occurring nutrients, which is why many kibble products are fortified with synthetic vitamins and minerals afterward. A raw or lightly processed diet keeps ingredients closer to their natural state. For a deeper look at why we recommend feeding this way, see our guide on why feed raw dog food.
Alongside a high protein raw diet, there are other ways to support your dog's digestive function, including probiotics, prebiotics and enzyme-supporting foods. For example, papaya, sweet potato and antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and spinach can be a helpful part of a varied diet. This is part of the reason we include a mix of ingredients in our range.
Does kibble clean my dog's teeth?
Not really, at least not in the way it's often marketed. This is one of the more persistent myths in commercial pet food marketing, that the "crunch" of kibble helps clean a dog's teeth.
That's a bit like saying crunchy tortilla chips clean our teeth. In fact, some research suggests that the levels of calcium and phosphorus in commercial dry dog food can contribute to tartar build-up rather than reducing it.
A more effective way to support dental health is to give your dog something that encourages a natural chewing and gnawing action, like raw meaty bones such as lamb necks or duck necks for smaller dogs. Chewing on these can help work on hard-to-reach areas as your dog chews, and most dogs enjoy it as a treat. Strong, determined chewers like Staffies often get particularly enthusiastic about this part of a raw diet, and our guide to raw dog food for Staffies covers bone sizing and portioning for the breed. As always, supervise your dog with any bones or chews and choose an appropriate size for your dog.
Supplementing a kibble diet with raw meaty bones
From our experience, adding raw meaty bones as an occasional supplement to a commercial dry food diet is something to approach carefully. A digestive system that's adapted to a kibble diet may process bone differently to one that's used to a raw diet, so we recommend a gradual transition. When moving from dry to raw feeding, we suggest waiting around two weeks before introducing regular raw meaty bones, or less time if your dog already has some raw meat in their diet. If you're ever unsure, check with your vet before making changes for your individual dog.
Ready to explore a different way of feeding? Take a look at our raw dog food range, try our sample pack, use our food calculator to work out the right amounts, and check out our delivery information for how fresh food gets to your door.
Talk to a vet about your dog
Every dog's digestive system and dietary needs are different, and transitioning between diets should be done gradually and with care. Reviewed by the ardam team. For veterinary advice on your individual dog, contact Dr. Anna Huynh at Greystanes Veterinary Clinic (26 Carnation St, Greystanes NSW 2145, (02) 9609 1500).
FAQs
1. Why is kibble high in carbohydrates?
Kibble requires starch to hold its shape during the extrusion process. These carbohydrates often provide limited nutritional benefit for dogs compared with protein and fat.
2. Can a raw diet support my dog's digestion?
Many raw-fed dogs experience improvements in digestion, likely related to higher moisture content and less processed ingredients, though individual results vary.
3. Is transitioning from kibble to raw food difficult?
Not if done gradually. Start by mixing small portions of raw food with kibble and increase the raw proportion over one to two weeks.
4. Are there risks associated with raw feeding?
As long as raw food is sourced and handled properly, with good hygiene and safe storage, most healthy dogs do well on a raw diet. Talk to your vet if your dog has an existing health condition.
5. How do I start my dog on a raw diet?
Introduce raw food slowly, monitor their digestion and stool quality, and consult your vet if you have concerns.
6. Can I give my dog raw bones while they're still eating kibble?
We recommend waiting until your dog has transitioned to raw feeding for a couple of weeks first, since their digestive system needs time to adjust.
Reviewed by the ardam team. For veterinary advice on your individual dog, contact Dr. Anna Huynh at Greystanes Veterinary Clinic (26 Carnation St, Greystanes NSW 2145, (02) 9609 1500).
