Cold Pressed Dog Food

What is Cold Pressed Dog Food?

Cold pressed dog food is one of the most significant developments in dog nutrition in recent years, and it is becoming increasingly popular among owners who want to feed their dog more naturally without the complexity of a raw diet. Understanding how it differs from standard kibble helps explain why so many dogs do better on it.

Cold pressed vs standard kibble

The difference between cold pressed food and standard dry kibble comes down almost entirely to how it is made, and that difference has a meaningful impact on nutritional quality.

Standard dry kibble is made using a process called extrusion, where ingredients are mixed together under extremely high heat, typically around 160 degrees Celsius, and then pushed through a machine and cut into shapes. This process is efficient and produces a very shelf-stable product, but the high temperatures involved destroy a significant proportion of the vitamins, minerals and natural enzymes present in the original ingredients.

Cold pressed food is made by compressing natural ingredients together at low temperatures, typically between 45 and 80 degrees Celsius. This gentler process preserves the vitamins, enzymes and fatty acids that high-heat extrusion would otherwise damage, resulting in a food that is nutritionally closer to the raw ingredients it is made from.

How cold pressed food behaves differently in the gut

One further difference that is particularly relevant for dogs with sensitive stomachs is how cold pressed food behaves once eaten. Unlike extruded kibble, which expands when it comes into contact with stomach acid and moisture, cold pressed food dissolves gradually from the outside in. This makes it gentler on the digestive system, reduces the risk of bloating and is one of the reasons it is so well tolerated by dogs that struggle with standard kibble.

The Benefits of Cold Pressed Dog Food

Cold pressed dog food is not simply a marketing trend. For the right dog, the benefits are genuine and often noticeable within a few weeks of switching.

• Higher nutritional value: the low-temperature process retains the vitamins, minerals and natural enzymes that high-heat extrusion destroys, meaning the food is nutritionally richer from the same ingredients
• Easier to digest: the gentle pressing process and outside-in dissolution make cold pressed food significantly easier on the digestive system than standard extruded kibble
• Suitable for sensitive stomachs: dogs that react to standard kibble through loose stools, excessive gas or skin reactions often do significantly better on a cold pressed diet
• No artificial additives: cold pressed food typically uses natural preservatives and contains no artificial colours, flavours or chemical additives, making it a cleaner option for health-conscious owners
• Compatible with raw feeding: cold pressed food can be mixed alongside raw food to add balanced nutrition, vitamins and minerals without disrupting a raw diet the way standard kibble can
• Smaller portions: because cold pressed food is more nutrient-dense than extruded kibble, dogs are often satisfied on smaller amounts

Is Cold Pressed Food Suitable For My Dog?

Cold pressed dog food suits a wide range of dogs, but there are some situations where it is a particularly strong choice.

• Dogs with sensitive stomachs or recurring digestive issues that have not responded well to standard kibble
• Dogs with suspected food sensitivities or intolerances, particularly those where the reaction may be to the additives or processing method in standard food rather than the protein source itself
• Owners who want to feed more naturally but find raw feeding impractical, as cold pressed provides natural nutrition in a convenient dry format
• Dogs being transitioned from a raw diet who still need a complete, minimally processed complementary food alongside raw meat
• Puppies and senior dogs, for whom the gentler digestive impact of cold pressed food can be particularly beneficial

Cold Pressed Dog Food at Newcastle Pets

Newcastle Pets stocks a range of cold pressed dog food and our team can help you choose the right brand and recipe for your dog’s size, age, breed and any dietary sensitivities they may have. Natural and minimally processed dog food is a genuine specialism at Newcastle Pets, and cold pressed sits comfortably within that.

• Premium cold pressed dog food available in store and online from trusted brands
• Our in-store team can advise on which cold pressed food suits your dog and how to transition from their current diet
• A great fit with the Newcastle Pets natural feeding philosophy: minimal processing, quality ingredients, genuine nutritional benefit
• Free local delivery for Newcastle-under-Lyme customers