The consequences of feeding kibble
The proponents of raw feeding will often declare that kibble is harmful, and responsible for all kinds of health problems, such as allergies and digestive troubles. But the truth is that there is no evidence to support many of these claims. As far as we know most dogs will thrive and live long and happy lives on kibble.
Kibble-fed dogs tend to produce larger quantities of softer and smellier faeces than raw-fed dogs. Dogs that have soft stools may need their anal glands emptying. This usually involves a visit to the vet (you can be taught to do it yourself, but it is an unpleasant and smelly process). Raw-fed dogs that get sufficient bone in their diet do not need their anal glands emptying because their stools are firm.
There is, however, an altogether more serious problem that may be associated with certain types of kibble. You may know that bloat is a condition that involves a serious swelling of the stomach. In dogs, this gastric dilation or swelling may be accompanied by a rotation or twisting of the stomach.
This rotation cuts off the blood supply at either end of the stomach and results in the rapid decline and death of the dog if not treated very quickly. Vets call this condition GDV (gastric dilation and volvulus) and it is a particular problem in some large, deep-chested breeds of dog. A study carried out at Purdue University, Indiana, USA, showed that GDV is more common in dogs fed kibble with a high fat content or a high citric-acid content. A more recent study from Pennsylvania published in 2012 listed dry food generally as a risk factor. Bloat is also more common in dogs that are related to bloat sufferers or that have suffered from bloat in the past.
Interestingly, there have been a number of cases of salmonella acquired through contact with kibble and there have been a significant number of recalls of kibble during the last few years due to contamination.
Kibble-fed dogs tend to produce larger quantities of softer and smellier faeces than raw-fed dogs. Dogs that have soft stools may need their anal glands emptying. This usually involves a visit to the vet (you can be taught to do it yourself, but it is an unpleasant and smelly process). Raw-fed dogs that get sufficient bone in their diet do not need their anal glands emptying because their stools are firm.
There is, however, an altogether more serious problem that may be associated with certain types of kibble. You may know that bloat is a condition that involves a serious swelling of the stomach. In dogs, this gastric dilation or swelling may be accompanied by a rotation or twisting of the stomach.
This rotation cuts off the blood supply at either end of the stomach and results in the rapid decline and death of the dog if not treated very quickly. Vets call this condition GDV (gastric dilation and volvulus) and it is a particular problem in some large, deep-chested breeds of dog. A study carried out at Purdue University, Indiana, USA, showed that GDV is more common in dogs fed kibble with a high fat content or a high citric-acid content. A more recent study from Pennsylvania published in 2012 listed dry food generally as a risk factor. Bloat is also more common in dogs that are related to bloat sufferers or that have suffered from bloat in the past.
Interestingly, there have been a number of cases of salmonella acquired through contact with kibble and there have been a significant number of recalls of kibble during the last few years due to contamination.
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