Discover what cold pressed dog food is, how it differs from traditional kibble and why many dog owners are making the switch.
Walk into any pet shop today and you’ll find more choice than ever before. Alongside traditional kibble and wet food, you’ll now see options such as air-dried, freeze-dried, raw and cold pressed. At Hildreth’s Garden Centre, we try to keep our range as wide as possible because we understand that dog owners have their own criteria for choosing food for their pets.
But one type that’s becoming increasingly popular is cold pressed dog food. So much so, that we’ve just launched our very own exclusive range at the Pet Shop.
So, what exactly is it, how is it made and why are so many owners choosing it for their dogs?
What is cold pressed dog food?
Cold pressed dog food is made using a gentler cooking process than traditional kibble. That’s the big difference. And there’s an argument that this make it’s a healthier choice. High-quality ingredients – usually including meat, vegetables, herbs, vitamins and minerals, are carefully blended before being pressed together at relatively low temperatures.
The lower-temperature process helps preserve more of the ingredients’ natural goodness, flavour and nutritional value, creating a dry food that’s packed with wholesome ingredients without exposing them to intense heat. The result is a nutrient-rich food that’s easy to feed and store, while offering a different approach to traditional dry diets.
How does the cooking process work?
Traditional kibble is produced through a process called extrusion. Ingredients are cooked at very high temperatures and pressure before being shaped into biscuits. The pieces are then dried and often coated with oils or flavourings.
Cold pressed food skips this high-heat cooking process. Instead, the ingredients are gently pressed into pellets, helping to retain more of their natural characteristics.
The finished food is also much denser than kibble and behaves differently once eaten. Rather than expanding significantly in the stomach, cold pressed food breaks down more gradually, which advocates believe makes it gentler on their dog’s digestive system.
What are the other benefits of Cold Pressed?
Every dog is different, but many owners report noticeable improvements after making the switch from traditional kibble to cold pressed.
Dogs fed cold pressed food are often said to have healthier digestion, smaller and firmer stools, shinier coats and consistent energy levels. Because the food is nutrient-dense, many dogs also require smaller portions compared with some traditional dry foods. It’s also highly palatable, making it a popular choice for picky eaters!
Is it suitable for all dogs?
Cold pressed food is suitable for most healthy adult dogs and puppies, provided you choose a recipe that’s appropriate for their age and lifestyle. As with any change in diet, it’s generally reckoned to be best to introduce the new food gradually over seven to ten days, slowly replacing your dog’s current food to allow their digestive system to adapt.
Obviously, if your dog has a medical condition or requires a prescription diet, we always recommend you seek advice from your vet before changing their food.
Introducing Hildreth’s Cold Pressed Dog Food
As more of our customers have asked about cold pressed nutrition, we’re delighted to introduce Hildreth’s own range of Cold Pressed Dog Food to the pet shop.
Available in premium 80/20 recipes and grain-free options, the range has been carefully selected to provide balanced nutrition using quality ingredients and the gentle cold pressed process.
Whether you’re looking to support sensitive digestion, try something different or simply feed a premium-quality dry food, we’ve got a pretty extensive stock of options in our little independent shop – and Mandy and the team are always happy to help you choose the right recipe for your dog.
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