The Truth About Kibble
By Jason – Just Dog People
Kibble is the Base of the JDP Food Pyramid
Kibble has long been the go-to dog food—since the Fromm Family commercialized it in 1904. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s ideal. Let’s look at the truth behind this dry dog food standard.
A Brief History of Kibble
Kibble was born from wartime innovation. By the 1950s, extrusion technology helped food last longer, but it also destroyed natural nutrients. Synthetic vitamins and minerals were added back in to compensate.
Today, there are roughly 3,000 kibble options—many white-labeled by the same manufacturers. Over 70% contain chicken or a by-product.
Why So Many People Feed Kibble
- Affordable: Budget-friendly for many households
- Convenient: Easy to store and scoop
- Balanced (on paper): Meets AAFCO minimums
- Available everywhere: Grocery stores, boutiques, and online
- Long shelf life: Can last months unopened
But Kibble Isn’t Perfect…
- Low moisture: Often under 10%—dogs need hydration from food
- Heavily processed: Natural enzymes destroyed
- High in carbs: Many kibbles are 40–60% carbohydrates
- Health risks: Linked to skin problems, GI issues, poor stool, and allergies
- Often coated: Fat sprays make it more appealing
What the Experts Say
Pro-Kibble View: Some vets recommend kibble for budget and bulk feeding reasons. Breeders often promote it as allergy-friendly or safe.
Critics: Holistic vets and canine nutritionists argue kibble is like fast food—convenient, but not ideal for optimal health.
Our Take at Just Dog People
We don’t shame any dog owner for their choices—every dog and every situation is different. But we’ve helped thousands of dogs and families, and here’s what we’ve seen:
- Kibble is only about 120 years old. Dogs have been around 30,000+ years. What did they eat before?
- Dogs need about 3–5% sugars. Kibble often contains 60–80% carbs.
- Synthetic nutrients are added to replace what’s lost during processing.
- Protein often comes from meals, not real meat. Whole proteins matter.
- AAFCO standards are minimal—and honestly, some ingredients are disturbing.
- Raw-fed dogs rarely come in for food consultations. No allergies. No GI issues. No picky eating.
Next Up: Canned & Wet Food
In our next post, we’ll look at the second tier of the JDP Food Pyramid—wet and canned foods. We’ll break down the ingredients, compare them to kibble, and discuss when they might be the better option.
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