Cold Pressed vs Kibble Dog Food: Which is Better for Your Dog?

Introduction

If you've been researching dog food lately, you've probably come across cold pressed dog food and wondered how it compares to regular kibble. Both are dry dog foods - but the way they're made, and how your dog's body processes them, is quite different.

At Growing Paws, we stock both, so we're not here to sell you one over the other. We're here to help you make the right choice for your dog.

What is Kibble?

Kibble is made through a process called extrusion - ingredients are cooked at very high temperatures (often above 120°C) and forced through a machine to create those familiar bite-sized pieces. The high heat makes it shelf-stable and consistent, but it also breaks down some of the natural nutrients in the ingredients, which is why kibble manufacturers add synthetic vitamins back in after processing.

What is Cold Pressed Dog Food?

Cold pressed dog food uses much lower temperatures (typically under 45°C) to gently press and bind ingredients together. This slower, gentler process preserves more of the natural nutrients, enzymes and proteins in the ingredients, meaning your dog gets more goodness from the food itself, rather than from added supplements.

Key Differences at a Glance

	Kibble	Cold Pressed
Processing temperature	High (120°C+)	Low (<45°C)
Nutrient retention	Lower	Higher
Digestion	Expands in stomach	Breaks down gently
Suitable for sensitive stomachs	Sometimes	Generally yes
Shelf life	Long	Slightly shorter

Which is Better for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?

One of the biggest advantages of cold pressed food is how it behaves in your dog's digestive system. Kibble expands when it gets wet — you may have noticed your dog drinking a lot of water after eating, or even vomiting undigested food. Cold pressed food, by contrast, breaks down from the outside in, much more slowly and gently, which is kinder on the gut.

This makes cold pressed particularly well-suited for dogs with:

• Sensitive stomachs or digestive issues

• Food intolerances or allergies

• A history of bloating

• Dogs transitioning away from raw feeding

  
  

Is Cold Pressed Worth the Higher Price?

Cold pressed food tends to cost more per bag — but it's worth looking at the feeding amounts. Because cold pressed food is nutrient-dense and your dog absorbs more of it, they typically need less per meal than standard kibble. This can offset the higher price tag over time.

Our Cold Pressed 80/20 Beef Dog Food contains 80% beef with sweet potato, superfoods and a joint care blend — at £64.99 for a 12kg bag, it works out competitively when you factor in feeding amounts.

So Which Should You Choose?

• Choose kibble if your dog has no digestive issues, does well on their current food, and you're looking for a reliable, cost-effective option.

• Choose cold pressed if your dog has a sensitive stomach, has struggled with other foods, or you want a closer alternative to raw feeding without the hassle.

Still not sure? Get in touch — we're happy to help you find the right food for your dog.