Gourmet Goodness Indulging Your Dog s Palate with Organic Fare
Best Gently Cooked Dog Food Brands 2024 (What Is It, Benefits & Reviews)
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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Sandra Tashkovska, DVM.Are you looking for the best gently cooked dog food for your pup? Youre not alone! There has been a growing demand for gently cooked dog food brands, also known as fresh dog food. More dog parents are turning away from highly processed kibble. And for a good reason. Lightly cooked dog food retains more of the nutrients and enzymes found in ingredients, providing numerous benefits for your dogs health.
But is this just a marketing fad, or is there science behind it that supports the health benefits of fresh dog food on our dogs? If youre considering switching your dog to a gently cooked formula, read about the best companies that deliver gently cooked dog food right to your door. We also explain what makes these pre-cooked meals beneficial for your pup, research-based benefits, and everything in between. Lets dig in!
Table of contents
In This Article:
Table of contents
In This Article:Best Gently Cooked Dog Food At A Glance
The ResearchJump to:Full Reviews | AdditionalInfo
Why You Should Trust Us
9experts & studies consulted
10gently cooked brands recommended
What Is Gently Cooked Dog Food?
The term gently cooked refers to the method of preparing dog food that involves cooking the ingredients at a temperature just high enough required by the USDA to kill pathogenslike E. coli, listeria, and salmonella but low enough to preserve as many of the natural nutrients and flavors as possible.[1] This is in contrast to some commercial pet foods processed at high temperatures, which can degrade certain nutrients.
The typical characteristics of gently cooked dog food include human-grade & fresh ingredients, softer texture, higher nutritional value and no preservatives compared to kibble.Lightly Cooked Dog Food vs Gently Cooked
Lightly cooked is often used interchangeably with gently cooked. Both gently cooked and lightly cooked typically refer to the method and degree of cooking, aiming to minimize nutrient loss while ensuring safety. However, in some contexts, lightly cooked might imply a slightly shorter cooking duration or a marginally higher temperature than gently cooked. Nonetheless, they are essentially the same.
For consistency, well refer to lightly cooked dog food as gently cooked dog food throughout this article.
Gently Cooked Dog Food vs Kibble
The primary difference between gently cooked dog food and kibble is their cooking methods.
Kibble is made by an extrusion process where ingredients are blended and then cooked under high heat and pressure.[2] The process varies slightly by the food manufacturer, but the kibble is typically extruded at between 130 to 160C (roughly 260 to 320 Fahrenheit).[3] Similarly, canned food is typically cooked at temperatures as high as 279 F.[4]
Unfortunately, cooking at the extreme temperatures used to make kibble and canned food can significantly affect the nutrient content of pet foods.One study showed many nutrients, such as lysine and amino acids, decreased during the extrusion process in pet foods.[5]
On the other hand, gently cooked dog food employs a method that prioritizes the preservation of nutrients by cooking ingredients at a lower temperature. This approach aims to strike a balance between ensuring food safety by eliminating harmful pathogens and retaining the maximum nutritional value.
While kibble offers the convenience of a longer shelf life and easy storage, gently cooked food provides a meal thats higher in nutrient profile and closer to a dogs natural diet.The trend of feeding dogs healthier food keeps growing due to pet owners increased awareness of their pets health and diets.[6] The growing aversion to the same bulky mystery bags of kibble and its highly processed ingredients (which often lead to health issues like allergies) is another reason dog owner consumer behavior is shifting to healthier alternatives such as gently cooked dog food.
| Characteristics | Gently Cooked | Kibble |
|---|---|---|
| Processed | No | Yes |
| Human-grade | Yes | No |
| Preservative-free | Yes | No |
| Nutritionally balanced | Yes | Yes |
| High bio-availability | Yes | No |
| Fresh ingredients | Yes | No |
| Additives | No | Yes |
| Health benefits | Yes | No |
| Unknown ingredients | No | Yes |
Gently Cooked Dog Food Benefits
Is gently cooked dog food good? Yes, gently cooked foodformulated as a balanced diet can significantly impact your dogs health and wellness.
The most common health benefits associated with gently cooked dog food include:
- Higher nutritional value
- Better gut health
- Better flavor and taste
- Better skin and coat
- Helps with food allergies
- Fewer additives or harmful chemicals
- Weight management
- Better stools
- Cleaner teeth
- Better breath
- Boosts energy levels
Gently Cooked Dog Food Research
Research-based reasons also support the benefits of dog formulas made with human-grade ingredients.
- Higher digestibility. Aresearch studyfound that gently cooked dog food has higher digestibility than kibble.This can lead to many benefits, such as improved fecal quality and fecal microbial composition. A diverse gut microbiota is often associated with better gut health and overall well-being.[7]
- Better blood parameters. After introducing a gently cooked diet, several blood parameters showed significant improvements, including circulating globulins, increased white blood cell increase and creatine levels.[8]
- Skin and coat health. A recently conducted diet study found that dogs eating this diet had less water loss from their skin, which may indicate better health or improved hydration.[9]
- Human-grade benefits. Many brands that offer gently cooked dog food prioritize using human-grade ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal for pets. Human-grade dog food is associated with a longer lifespan, higher protein absorption and more.
How to Pick Gently Cooked Dog Food
Human-gradeOpt for foods that use high-quality, human-grade ingredients. All our recommendations are human-grade.Cost and availabilityGently cooked dog food can be more expensive than traditional kibble. Consider your budget and the availability of the brand in your area or through online retailers.TransparencyCompanies should provide information on how they source their ingredients and how the food is cooked, ensuring its genuinely gently cooked.Avoid fillersSteer clear of foods with unnecessary fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.Taste and palatabilityIts essential that your dog enjoys the food. Consider starting with a sample or smaller pack to see if your dog likes it.AFFCO approvedEnsure the food meets or exceeds the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).Consider special needsIf your dog has allergies, dietary restrictions, or specific health issues, ensure the gently cooked food caters to those needs.Packaging and storageSince gently cooked food often lacks preservatives, it must be refrigerated or frozen. Always check the expiration date to ensure freshness.Consult a VeterinarianBefore switching to a new diet, its always a good idea to consult your vet to ensure it meets your dogs needs.Low-heat dog foodLook for dog food cooked at low temperatures. Gently cooked brands will clearly label or mention on their website that their food is lightly cooked or gently cooked.The ReviewsJump to: The Research | AdditionalInfo
Best Gently Cooked Dog Food Reviews
Mee the best gently cooked dog food brands and recipes.
Weve also ranked our winners based on different categories in which they excel to help you pick the best food that fits your dogs unique needs.
1. Best Overall Gently Cooked Dog Food
The Farmers Dog
Who Its For: Offers the best overall balance of nutrients, highest ingredient quality, price, customer service, and other key characteristics. Their recipes are perfect for most dogs.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork & chicken
Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced
Why we picked and recommended it: The Farmers Dog wins our best overall gently cooked dog food brand because the quality of their food is outstanding. They have tested their food on humans, which speaks volumes about the quality and taste of their recipes. Your dogs meals are gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained this means that your dog gets the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving. The Farmers Dog recipes are ready-to-serve and come in biodegradable pouches and eco-friendly packaging delivered to your doorstep.
What sets it apart from competitors: The Farmers Dog offers an extensive dog profile and diet customization to meet your dogs dietary needs, calorie intake, age, size, preferences, health issues (i.e., allergies, cancer, and obesity) and more.
Key Features
- Vet-designed.Board-certified ACVN veterinary nutritionists make all recipes.
- Human-grade.Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
- Excellent ingredient sourcing.They use reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
What We Like (Pros)
- The level of customization is unmatched
- Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
- Non-processed food (zero chemicals)
- Food is delivered within days of cooking
- Never use feed-grade ingredients or store them on a shelf for months
- Compact packaging for easy storage in your fridge or freezer
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Its on the expensive side
Our Personal Experience
Bottom line Our testing team takeaway: The Farmers Dog offers top-notch fresh gently cooked dog food that looks homemade and exceeds AAFCO nutrition standards. Our dog tested all the recipes flavors available and he devoured them all without any digestive issues whatsoever. He is more energetic and looks healthier since making the switch.
Anthony, Head of Product Testing
Our Video Review Experience
Our readers get 50% offtheir first The Farmers Dog order with Canine Bibles link.
2. Best Gently Cooked Balanced Formula
Nom Nom
Who Its For: For those seeking the highest nutrition and ingredient quality level.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork & Chicken
Why we picked and recommended it: While all the gently cooked dog food brands mentioned in this review offer balanced recipes that meet dogs nutritional requirements for life and function, Nom Nom has taken it a step further by developing a proprietary blend of ingredients called NomNomNutrient Mix to ensure meals are completely balanced. This mix provides your dog with optimal nutrition and sets Nom Nom apart from other gently cooked dog food brands.
What sets it apart from competitors: Nom Nom uses human-grade, restaurant-quality ingredients and is designed by a veterinarian nutritionist.
Key Features
- Ready to serve. Single-sized portions are pre-measured to your dogs daily calorie needs.
- Personalized meals. Plus, all the meals cater to individual dogs weight, age, breed, and overall body condition.
- Sample pack. Offers a variety pack for new customers.
What We Like (Pros)
- 1% of sales go toward pet nutrition research
- Grain-free and gluten-free options
- Full-time veterinary nutritionists oversee all food formulation
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- The frozen packages arent uniform or in good shape, making storing them in the freezer hard. Lacks portability and ease of storage.
Our Personal Experience
Bottom Line Our testing team takeaway: Our journey with Nom Nom dog food has been incredible. From the first bite, our dog was hooked. Hes more active, alert, and his coat has never looked better. Its clear that this isnt just any dog foodits a recipe for a healthier, happier pup
Kassie Reid, Caninr Bible Testing Member
Our Video Review Experience
Our readers get 50% offtheir first Nom Nom order with Canine Bibles link.
3. Most Affordable Gently Cooked Dog Food
Ollie
Who Its For: For dog parents who are on a budget but want to feed premium quality gently cooked dog food.
Recipes: Chicken, beef, turkey & lamb
Why we picked and recommended it: Ollie wins the medal for the cheapest gently cooked dog food. Ollie is not cheap by any means, but their prices are slightly lower than all the companies in this review. However, the quality of their food is equally good or, in some cases, even better. Each order has a storage container and a scoop to keep your opened packages fresh. For those who want to mix fresh dog food with their dogs current food, Ollie offers topper plans. They also have dry-gently cooked food for a cheaper alternative.
What sets it apart from competitors: All the batches are also tested for quality control and passed through a metal detector to scan for foreign materials.
Key Features
- Vet formulated. Tailored to your dog and designed by canine nutritionists.
- Highly digestible.Ollie dog food is95% digestible, while most kibble is in the 80-85% digestibility range.
What We Like (Pros)
- Includes reusable dog food container
- Helpful customer service
- Provides detailed food instructions, transitioning, freshness tips, feeding guidelines (including tips for picky eaters), and expected results from switching to Ollie
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Fresh packs are non-recyclable and should be disposed of in the trash
Our Personal Experience
Bottom line Our testing team takeaway: In my experience, Ollie stands out in the fresh dog food category for its affordability and value in nutrition and convenience. Since transitioning to Ollie, my dogs energy, coat shine, and overall health have notably improved. The exceptional quality is evident, the visible pieces of vegetables and meats attest to the foods freshness. Their recipes resembled gently cooked food (i.e., I could see the peas, carrots, etc.) and smelled pleasant.
Canine Bible, Testing Team
Our readers get 50% offtheir first Ollie order with Canine Bibles link.
4. Best Organic Gently Cooked Dog Food
Raised Right
Who Its For: A clean, organic gently cooked option for those seeking an organic option with farm-fresh ingredients.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, chicken and more
Life Stage: Adult and puppies
Why we picked and recommended it: Pet food companyRaised Righthas a century-old farming and ranching heritage and brings farm-fresh ingredients to its recipes. Raised Right wins our top pick for best organic gently cooked dog food as its ingredients are responsibly sourced, free of antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives from farms that uphold high animal welfare standards and sustainable farming practices throughout the United States.
What sets it apart from competitors: Raised Right doesnt use unnecessary high-carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, squash, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat. Their recipes also have roughly double the amount of protein than other gently cooked brands.
Key Features
- Veterinarian formulated.Their recipes are developed by world-renowned veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker and pet-food formulation expert Steve Brown.
What We Like (Pros)
- Recognized by the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal for the impact their recipes are making in the lives of dogs and cats by being awarded the 2019 Innovation Award for Nutrition
- Family-owned company
- Home-cooked style dog food
- Food is lightly cooked in a gently cooked facility
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Personalization is not as detailed as other brands
Our Personal Experience
Bottom Line Our testing team takeaway Gently cooked dog food has been a game-changer for our little one. Not only does he lick his bowl clean every time, but weve also noticed how vibrant and playful hes become. Its comforting to know that as he grows, hes fueled by the best nutrition.
Victoria Windsor, Canine Bible Testing Member
Our Video Review Experience
Our readers get 50% offtheir first Raised Right order with Canine Bibles link.
5. Best Sustainable Gently Cooked Dog Food
Open Farm
Who Its For: This brand is excellent for dog parents seeking gently cooked food made with premium, sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, chicken and more
Ingredients: Human-grade, ethically sourced
Why we picked and recommended it: Open FarmGently Cooked dog food takes the medal for best sustainable dog food made with gently cooked premium ingredients that are ethically sourced and sustainable. Open Farmonly uses gently cooked (humanly raised) meatsraised without antibiotics and growth hormones on a vegetarian diet with no animal by-products in feed. Their recipes also include non-GMO fruits and vegetables.
What sets it apart from competitors: The company focuses more on the ethical treatment of animals. Everything in every Open Farm bag is only sourced from third-party verified family farms that employ humane farming practices (ethical farms, fisheries, and producers). Each ingredient can be traced back to its origin.
Key Features
- Fully recyclable. All Open Farm packaging is curb-side recyclable, compostable, or recyclable through a recycling program with TerraCycle.
- Audited and accredited suppliers.Open Farms partner farms are regularly audited to verify humane standards are maintained.
What We Like (Pros)
- Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
- 100% humanely raised and antibiotic-free meats
- Wild-caught and sustainably sourced fish
- Wide variety of all-natural, gently cooked food products for dogs and cats
- Transparent about all ingredients on its website
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Only provide a few single-protein recipes
- Higher price tag than the average
Our Personal Experience
Bottom Line Our testing team takeaway: Open Farm has truly redefined dog food quality. Every time I serve it, Im reassured by their commitment to premium nutrition, ethical sourcing, humane treatment, sustainability, and transparency. Personally vetting many brands, I found Open Farms ingredient sourcing, by far the best out of all brands weve reviewed here. Their dedication to only using top-tier proteins like grass-fed beef and pasture-raised lamb sets them apart. As a pet parent, I value their sustainable and ethical approach, and my dog Lilo clearly enjoys every bite. This is the kind of pet food Im proud to choose.
Anna Jones, Canine Bible Testing Associate
Our Video Review Experience
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6. Best Limited-Ingredient Gently Cooked Dog Food
Spot & Tango
Who Its For: If your dog is picky about texture, flavor, and ingredients in his food, this is the perfect choice for you. Also, it is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.
Recipes: Beef & millet, turkey & quinoa, lamb & brown rice
Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced
Why we picked and recommended it: Spot & Tango is our top pick for the best limited ingredient gently cooked dog food. It offers a simple ingredient list. All recipes are made with 12 or fewer ingredients, making it great for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or picky eaters.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike other pet foods with strange-sounding ingredients, its recipes use limited ingredients such as turkey, carrots, and quinoa, making it an excellent alternative for picky-eater dogs or dogs with food sensitivities.
Key Features
- Non-GMO. Uses USDA organic ingredients produced without pesticides or fertilizers.
- Third-party safety test. The company tests each batch for foodborne illnesses like Salmonella and E. Coli.
- Health-specific options. Caters to 20 specific health concerns, ensuring a tailored diet for dogs with various health issues and dietary needs.
What We Like (Pros)
- It also offers a revolutionary formula known as Unkibble, or fresh dog food, with the convenience of dry dog food.
- Meals customized for your dogs weight, breed and activity level
- GMO and hormone-free
- Custom plans and scoops
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- No customer telephone number is available only email
Our Personal Experience
Bottom line Our testing team takeaway: Choosing Spot & Tango was a game-changer for our dogs diet. The organic, limited ingredient recipes ensure hes getting only the best, without any unnecessary fillers. Every meal feels like a gourmet treat, and we have peace of mind knowing were giving him the finest gently cooked nutrition.
Canine Bible, Testing Team
Our readers get 20% offtheir first Spot & Tango order with Canine Bibles link.
7. Best Gently Cooked Dog Food Senior Dogs
Just Food For Dogs
Who Its For: Great for senior dog parents looking to provide the most optimal nutrition and dietary support for their senior canines.
Recipes: Over 20+ recipes
Why we picked and recommended it: JustFoodForDogs (JFFD) offers a wide selection of gently cooked dog food recipes. However, their senior food recipes are the best in this category. PantryFresh combines fresh, gently cooked ingredients, convenience, and a mouth-watering taste.
What sets it apart from competitors: Recipes are designed to support healthy aging and stay healthy and active in their golden years.
Key Features
- Formulated by experts. JFFD relies on over 14 board-certified veterinarians, dermatologists, and nutritionists to oversee their recipes.
- Fresh ingredients. Use the highest-quality meats and produce, the same ingredients you can find in grocery stores and restaurants offer.
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Its on the expensive side
8. Highest Protein Gently Cooked Dog Food
A Pup Above
Who Its For: Perfect for highly active dogs that require high protein levels to support their activities. It is also ideal for those who want a lean diet to maintain muscle and optimal weight.
Recipes: Beef stew, chicken, porkys luau, turkey pawella
Ingredients: Human-grade, non-GMO
Why we picked and recommended it: A Pup Above takes the number one spot for the best gently cooked dog food recipe with the highest protein count. According to their site, they offer 50% more protein than competitors. This makes their recipes perfect for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight and want to build healthier lean muscle, skin and joints.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unlike competitors in this category, A Pup Above uses a unique cooking method known as Sous Vide. Sous Vide cooking is a culinary technique that involves cooking food in a controlled water bath at precise and consistent temperatures, which helps retain the ingredients maximum nutrition, texture, and natural flavor.
Key Features
- Eco-friendly packaging. The food comes in BPA-free vacuum-sealed bagsthat are 100% recyclable packaging.
- Animal welfare.They source their meats from farmers that have strict animal welfare standards.
What We Like (Pros)
- Offer innovative dry, gently cooked dog food known as Cubies
- Grain-inclusive and grain-free
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Sample pack available
- Fortified with natural gravy high in collagen and amino acids
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Doesnt provide customization options
- There are no treat options available from A Pup Above. Most brands in this category also offer gently cooked treats
Our Personal Experience
Bottom Line Our testing team takeaway: I recently tried A Pup Above for my dog, drawn by their commitment to ingredient safety, transparency, and sustainable practices. Their protein-rich, low-carb meals made from gently cooked ingredients and cooked sous-vide with bone broth immediately became my dogs favorite. The visible health benefits and my dogs eager anticipation at meal times assured me that A Pup Above is a top-notch choice for pet owners who value both health and taste.
Anthony, Head of Product Testing
Our Video Review Experience
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9. Gently Cooked Canned Dog Food
Pet Plate
Who Its For: For those who want the convenience of easy storage, serving, and avoiding doing extra dishes. Pet Plate plastic container can easily be sealed back and stored within your fridge or freezer for later, saving you time and trouble.
Recipes: Turkey, beef, pork, lamb, venison & chicken
Ingredients: Human-grade, USDA sourced
Why we picked and recommended it: PetPlate is our favorite gently cooked canned dog food due to its versatile plastic container. Pet Plate meals come in pre-portioned, easy-to-serve microwavable plastic containers, which you can use as a bowl if needed. PetPlate appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank in 2016; since then, theyve become one of the most popular gently cooked fresh dog food brands.
What sets it apart from competitors: PetPlate is designed to be highly convenient to store and use. The food container can easily be sealed back and stored with the remaining food in your fridge or freezer for later use.
Key Features
- Personalization. Each meal plan is customized to suit your dogs size and age.
- Long storage. It can be stored in your freezer for up to one year
What We Like (Pros)
- Crafted in a gently cooked kitchen
- Novel protein recipes
- Flexible subscriptions
- Super tasty
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Slightly lower protein content than other, comparable foods
Our readers get30% off your first box of PetPlate + a 50% discount on treats! Just usethis linkto get started!
10. Bulk Gently Cooked Dog Food
Evermore Pet Food
Who Its For: Perfect for buying gently cooked dog food in bulk.
Recipes: Chicken, beef, turkey & lamb
Why we picked and recommended it: We love the most about Evermore Pet Food because you can buy their food in bulk and save some money. You can opt for the 16 or 32-case option. Each case comes with 1lb of food.They also offer a subscription option.
What sets it apart from competitors: Evermores gently cooked, frozen-fresh dog recipes mimic the best home cookingwithout the work! The food is prepared in a USDA-inspected people food kitchen in California from nothing but the highest-quality ingredients.
Key Features
- Women-owned company. Two women own Evermore a trained chef and a dog care expert and they make great dog food for you and your pets.
- High quality. Uses free-range organic meats from humanely raised animals.
What We Like (Pros)
- Recipes are cooked in USDA/FDA-inspected kitchens in strict compliance with HACCP food safety protocols
- Sous-vide cooking method
- 90% of our ingredients come from CA and the Pacific Northwest alone
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Their website is not as user-friendly as the competitors, but they are working on a redesign
11. Gently Cooked Dog Food For Health Issues
Chi Dog
Who Its For: Ideal for health-specific dietary needs.
Recipes: Chicken, turkey, egg, beef & pork
Why we picked and recommended it: Chi Dogtakes a unique approach to feeding dogs fresh food their food is based on the Eastern Medicine principle Food Is Medicine. They have developed five different recipes (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) that are designed to address specific imbalances in a dogs health, whether it is suffering from diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis or experiencing common problems like obesity, digestive issues, allergies, and anxiety.
What sets it apart from competitors: Currently, they supports 16 dog health conditions.
Key Features
- Vet-formulated. Chi Dog was founded by Dr. Susan Bohrer (integrative veterinarian) and Dr. Rick Berg (veterinarian) to provide pet parents with the benefit of all the nutritional therapies offered by Eastern Medicine.
- High-protein and low-carb. Recipes have low carbs, high protein, and moderate to high-fat levels (fewer than 20% carbs, more than 33% protein, more than 40% fat on a caloric.
What We Like (Pros)
- Therapeutic
- Holistic healing properties
- Owned and operated by holistic veterinarians
What We Dont Like (Cons)
- Not as personalized as others
Other Mentions
- Best gently cooked raw dog food. Darwins Natural Pet Products offers the best gently cooked raw dog food recipes. All formulas are complete and balanced, with the necessary vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. They dont use hormones, steroids, antibiotics, fillers, by-products, or artificial colors.
- Best gently cooked dog food for large dogs. The Pets Table has a great recipe designed for large dogs, and their low pricing is ideal because larger dogs tend to eat more and cost more.
- Best gently cooked dog food for small dogs. Ollies bake recipes are our pick for this category. The size of the kibble is ideal for the small mouths of small breeds.
- Best gently cooked dog food toppers. Portland Pet Food company offers the first-of-its-kind convenient shelf-stable pouch of gently cooked fresh dog meals that work as toppers, mixers, or soft treats.
Additional InformationJump to:The Research | Full Reviews
How to Serve Gently Cooked Dog Food
Gently cooked recipes are easy to serve. This makes them great for those switching to this type of dog food.
Heres how to serve most foods:
- Keep frozen: Store it in the freezer until use.
- Thawing: Remove from the freezer. Let it thaw in your dogs bowl overnight. (Some brands say they dont microwave.)
- Serving: Give your dog the right amount.
- Clean Up: Throw away uneaten food after an hour. Clean the bowl.
Always check the food manufacturers guidelines.
How to Make Gently Cooked Dog Food
Watch this quick video to learn how to make gently cooked dog food at home.
Gently Cooked Dog Foodvs Raw
Gently cooked dog food is sometimes seen as a middle ground between commercial kibble and raw diets. While raw diets have their proponents, they also come with risks related to bacterial contamination. Gently cooked diets aim to provide the benefits of raw food (like higher nutrient content) without the associated risks.
However, commercially available raw dog food companies have addressed all these safety concerns, so you can safely feed Fido a raw diet. A raw diet can lead to a shinier coat, increased energy levels, cleaner teeth, healthier skin, and smaller stools.
Both diets are nutritionally equal. When choosing between raw or gently cooked dog meals, pick what works best for your dog and consult your vet.
| Characteristics | Gently Cooked | Raw |
|---|---|---|
| Processed | No | No |
| Human-grade | Yes | Yes |
| Preservative-free | Yes | Yes |
| Nutritionally balanced | Yes | Yes |
| High bio-availability | Yes | Yes |
| Fresh ingredients | Yes | Yes |
| Additives | No | No |
| Health benefits | Yes | Yes |
| Unknown ingredients | No | No |
Best Gently Cooked Dog Food Brands Conclusion & Alternatives
Is gently cooked dog food the best option for your pup? It depends on their individual needs and preferences. Gentle cooking may be the right choice if youre looking for a more natural diet that provides optimal nutrition. Dog food cooked at low temperatures typically retains the most nutrients, so it may be a wise choice for your dog. But remember to talk to your vet before you make the switch. Every dog is unique and requires a unique diet.
There are also commercially available vegan food diets, or you can make your own. Home-cooked dog food recipes can be a good option if you ensure your dogs meals are balanced.
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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- Clarkston Consulting. (2021). 2021 pet food trends. Clarkston Consulting.
- De Godoy, M. R. C., Kerr, K. R., & Fahey, G. C. (2018). Apparent total-tract macronutrient digestibility, serum chemistry, urinalysis, and fecal characteristics, metabolites and microbiota of adult dogs fed extruded, mildly cooked, and raw diets. J Anim Sci, 96(9), 36703683.
- Chavez, O., Pettey, L. A., Sandelin, B. A., & Tegzes, J. T. (2014). Effects of fresh prepared, whole food canine maintenance diets on clinically measurable blood parameters in healthy dogs. J Anim Physiol a Anim Nutr.
- Geary, E. L., Oba, P. M., Applegate, C. C., Clark, L. V., Fields, C. J., & Swanson, K. S. (2022). Effects of a mildly cooked human-grade dog diet on gene expression, skin and coat health measures, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs. J Anim Sci, 100(10), skac265.
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