You’ve seen the ads: glossy kibble bags with pictures of grilled steak or farm-fresh veggies. But is what’s inside really the same as what’s pictured? Let’s break down the most common questions dog parents have about kibble vs. fresh food — and what the labels don’t always tell you.
Q: What does “feed-grade” actually mean?
Most kibble brands are made with “feed-grade” ingredients. Sounds harmless, right? But here’s the truth: feed-grade means the ingredients don’t meet the same safety standards as human food. They can include by-products, rendered meat meals, and items considered unfit for human consumption.
At Furever, our meals are made with human-grade ingredients only — the same standard applied to food you’d eat yourself. Because your dog deserves more than the leftovers of the leftovers.
Q: Why does kibble last years on a shelf?
It comes down to processing. To stay shelf-stable, kibble is cooked at extremely high temperatures. This destroys many of the natural nutrients, which then need to be sprayed back on as “vitamin packs.” It’s also loaded with preservatives so it can sit in a warehouse (and then your pantry) for years.
Fresh meals, on the other hand, are gently cooked at lower temperatures and then frozen to lock in nutrients — no heavy preservatives required.
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Q: Isn’t kibble convenient, though?
Yes — and that’s why it was invented in the 1950s. But convenience often came at the cost of health. Studies have linked ultra-processed diets (like kibble) with obesity, chronic inflammation, and higher risks of disease.
Fresh food is also convenient now — pre-portioned, delivered to your door, and designed to store easily in your fridge or freezer.
Q: Is fresh food really healthier?
In short: yes. Fresh, gently cooked meals preserve the natural integrity of real meats and vegetables. This means better digestion, shinier coats, stronger immunity, and even improved energy levels. In one University of Illinois study, human-grade fresh diets were found to be highly digestible and better absorbed than expected (source).
At Furever, every recipe is designed with veterinarians and pet nutritionists to be complete, balanced, and tailored to your dog’s needs.
Q: So, should I ditch kibble altogether?
Think of it this way: if you ate nothing but heavily processed fast food every day, would you feel your best? Probably not. Dogs are no different. Feeding fresh food — even as a topper — gives your pup the nutrients and quality they need to thrive.
The Bottom Line
Kibble may keep dogs alive, but fresh food helps them thrive. With Furever, you get meals made from human-grade ingredients, crafted with science, and delivered with love — so your dog’s bowl finally matches the marketing on the bag.
👉 Start Your Dog’s Fresh Journey Today
