Cold-Pressed Pet Food: Pros And Cons

Key points

  • Cold-pressed dog food is made by applying pressure to meat and other ingredients at a low temperature.
  • Because cold-pressed food is made without using high temperatures, the kibble retains significantly more nutrients than regular dog food.
  • Insect-based dog food made using sustainable practices is an even better option for responsible dog owners.

Today, pet owners have lots of options when it comes to their pets’ diets: conventional dry or wet pet food, raw, vegetarian, insect-based, grain-free, cold-pressed – the list goes on. It can be tough to understand the differences between different types of pet food, which is why in this article, we will explain why cold-pressed dog food is better than standard kibble.

Cold-pressed pet food vs. standard kibble

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Cold-pressed dog food is manufactured using an alternative cooking method based on cold pressing the pellets at a low temperature (typically, within the 45-80° C range). Compared with standard kibble, cold-pressed food retains significantly more nutrients since regular kibble is cooked at extremely high temperatures, which destroys vitamins. Around 95% of commercial dog food is produced using the extrusion method, making it cheaper and more convenient.

Benefits of cold-pressed dog food

Cold-pressed dog food contains more nutrients

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Cooking at low temperatures helps to preserve natural nutrients, starches, and vitamins. When pet food ingredients are cooked at a high temperature, proteins, vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients break down, making the food less nutritious and more challenging to digest. Low-temperature cooking helps to retain nutrients and create healthy food for all pets.

Cold-pressed kibble is easier to digest

Since more moisture is retained in cold-pressed dog food, this type of kibble is easier for dogs to digest compared to conventional dry kibble. Additionally, cold-pressed pellets dissolve from the outside in, meaning they don’t expand once your dog ingests them. This makes cold-pressed dog food an excellent find for sensitive stomachs, as dogs can break it down quicker and absorb nutrients faster without getting bloated. Some breeds have a genetic disposition to bloating and indigestion, and cold-pressed kibble can help avoid these issues.

Close to a raw diet

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Cold-pressed dog food is one of the best dry alternatives to raw food, as it is made using the same natural ingredients. But the reality is that most people can’t feed their dog raw food daily. First of all, it can be costly, not to say impractical. Plus, handling raw meat on a daily basis can be dangerous for people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, children, and the elderly. The cold pressing method helps eliminate those risks while preserving the nutrients in raw ingredients, including heat-sensitive enzymes, fiber, fats, antioxidants, and vitamins. Plus, since cold-pressed kibble is more flavorful, it’s an excellent choice for dogs who are picky about their food or prefer raw meat to conventional dry meals.

Cost-efficient

Compared to conventional kibble, cold-pressed dog food is richer in nutrients, which means you will need to use 30% less food during each feeding. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Eco-friendly

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The production of extruded kibble that’s so widely popular among pet owners has an immense negative impact on the environment. Dog food manufacturers mostly use grain and livestock in their blends, making most traditional dog food neither eco-friendly nor sustainable. Cold-pressed kibble production doesn’t use as much water and nonrenewable resources and doesn’t challenge the environment. That’s why each pet owner should consider switching to more environmentally-friendly options such as insect-based proteins.

Drawbacks of cold-pressed kibble for pets

  • With cold-pressed dog food becoming popular in the UK, more and more brands are starting to produce their own varieties of kibble. This means that quality is often treated as an afterthought in a rush to get the product to market. For instance, some brands may purchase meat that has been processed by a different company using higher temperatures to save money. This is why if you’re considering switching to cold-pressed dog food, you need to do your research and find a brand that uses quality ingredients and proper manufacturing practices.
  • As cold-pressed food is made at lower temperatures, there’s an increased chance of bacterial contamination. Usually, this isn’t harmful to your pet, but it is something to be aware of.
  • Another thing to remember is that since cold-pressed kibble retains more moisture, its shelf life is typically shorter than that of traditional dog food, around six months.

Insect-based pet food as an alternative to cold-pressed and conventional kibble

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As you can see, cold-pressed dog food has a few appealing advantages, but there are also some drawbacks. Fortunately, there’s another alternative – sustainable and healthy insect-based dog food. This is where Gopetcan comes in. While food made from insects can sound rather strange to humans, it’s becoming more and more popular in the pet kibble market. Scientific research has proven that insect protein has numerous nutritional benefits. Insects are an even better source of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and proteins than meat, as on average, protein makes up around 50% of an insect’s dry weight. In addition, insect-based dog food from Gopetcan is much healthier than meat-based kibble because we don’t treat insects with antibiotics or hormones. This diet can help prevent developmental problems and illnesses associated with excessive hormone and antibiotic consumption by pets.

FAQ

Is cold-pressed dog food good for puppies?

Yes, cold-pressed food can be soaked with warm water before feeding, making it suitable for small dogs and puppies.

Is cold-pressed dog food better?

Cold-pressed dog food is generally considered to be more healthy than conventional kibble. However, there are some drawbacks. Insect-based pet food from Gopetcan is an even better alternative to meat-based dry food.

How is cold-pressed pet food made?

Ground ingredients are taken, mixed with cold water, cooked quickly at low temperatures, and pressed into the desired shape.

What companies manufacture cold-pressed dog food?

Some popular cold-pressed dog food brands include Cobbydog, Tribal Pet Food, Gentle Dog Food, and Forthglade.

Is freeze-dried dog food better than cold-pressed?

Cold-pressed food is made by applying pressure to food for a few seconds at low heat (between 42-47 °C). When freeze-drying, no heat is used, which means the food technically remains raw. Both options have their pros and cons.