Many dog owners are ditching traditional kibble for premium fresh and raw diets from the refrigerated section—foods that resemble what we'd feed family members. But have these newer options been thoroughly tested? A recent study examined their performance: Do dogs love them? Are they digestible? Do they boost activity?
Researchers evaluated the palatability and digestibility of three commercial fresh and raw dog diets alongside a standard kibble. These included a lightly cooked grilled-chilled diet; a lightly cooked grain-free roast-refrigerated diet; and a raw diet. The roasted diets were pasteurized, while the raw one used acidifying bacteria to deter harmful microbes. All were chicken-based, with some featuring added beef, salmon, or chicken liver, plus vitamin-mineral mixes and dry plant blends like sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, cranberries, and carrots.
Eight beagles rotated through each diet for one month, following a 14-day transition. Researchers tracked voluntary activity and analyzed urine, stool, and blood samples. The roasted diets proved more digestible than kibble. Both the grain-free roasted and raw diets lowered blood triglyceride levels compared to kibble, despite higher fat content. Notably, these diets also shifted gut microbiota profiles versus kibble.
All dogs remained healthy throughout, with every diet highly palatable, digestible, and producing quality stool. While some showed statistical edges in digestibility or triglycerides, all values stayed within normal ranges. Thus, every tested diet—including kibble—is a solid, healthy choice.
