When it comes to your dog’s health, one of the most important decisions you can make is what you put in their food bowl. While many pet owners rely on commercial kibble for convenience, mounting evidence shows that kibble may be doing more harm than good. At GSD Safety-K9 Training, we don’t just care about obedience and behavior—we care about your dog’s overall well-being, and that starts with nutrition.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the dangers of kibble, the benefits of raw feeding, and why your dog deserves better than highly processed commercial pet food.
Does Kibble Cause Health Problems in Dogs?
Is kibble bad for dogs? Over the years, dog owners and holistic veterinarians have begun to observe a troubling pattern: dogs that are fed commercial kibble seem to suffer from a wide range of chronic health issues, including:
-
Allergies and skin problems
-
Epilepsy and seizures
-
Cancer
-
Behavioral changes
-
Digestive disorders
-
Bloat (gastric torsion)
-
Obesity
-
Anxiety and depression
These issues are rarely found in wild canines like wolves, coyotes, or foxes. What’s the difference? Wild animals eat raw, species-appropriate diets—not extruded pellets from a bag. This growing disparity has led many to question: Is kibble harming our dogs?
What Is Kibble Made From?
Kibble is highly processed pet food that’s made by combining meat byproducts, grains, starches, preservatives, and synthetic vitamins into dry, crunchy bits. But what’s really in it?
The ingredients in many commercial dog foods can include:
-
Rendered meat from roadkill, euthanized animals, or diseased livestock
-
Fillers like sawdust, grain hulls, and even dirt
-
Artificial colors and preservatives
-
Chemical additives to enhance shelf life
The rendering process used to create kibble is brutal—heating animal scraps at high temperatures strips the meat of nutrients and creates harmful byproducts like acrylamides. These toxins have been linked to cancer and neurological issues in both humans and animals.
Don’t just take our word for it. Search “dog food rendering” on YouTube or Google, and you’ll find plenty of investigative reports and videos exposing the truth about what goes into kibble.
The Problem with Pet Food Regulations
Many pet food manufacturers operate with little to no meaningful oversight. While agencies like the FDA and AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) provide guidelines, enforcement is inconsistent, and loopholes abound.
This allows major dog food brands to use cheap, low-quality ingredients while marketing their products with images of fresh meat, vegetables, and happy dogs. These ads are often misleading, and the truth lies far beneath the packaging.
Ask yourself:
-
How many dog food recalls have happened in the last decade?
-
How many dogs have suffered or died due to contamination?
-
How many of these brands are still on store shelves today?
It’s time to start questioning the source of your dog’s food.
Why Raw Feeding Is the Healthier Option
More and more dog owners are turning to raw feeding as a natural, nutrient-rich alternative to kibble. A raw diet typically includes:
-
Muscle meat (beef, chicken, lamb, etc.)
-
Organ meat (liver, kidney)
-
Edible bones (raw, never cooked)
-
Vegetables and fruits (optional in small amounts)
-
Natural oils and supplements
This type of diet mimics what dogs evolved to eat—whole, raw animal-based foods. Raw feeding supports healthy digestion, immune function, skin and coat condition, and even behavior. At GSD Safety-K9 Training, we’ve seen countless dogs experience dramatic improvements in energy, focus, and well-being after switching to raw.
Benefits of Raw Feeding
Here are just a few reasons why more dog trainers, veterinarians, and canine nutritionists are recommending raw diets:
-
Healthier skin and coat
-
Stronger teeth and cleaner breath
-
Improved digestion and smaller, firmer stools
-
More balanced behavior and energy levels
-
Stronger immune function
-
Reduced risk of obesity and chronic illness
If you’re investing in top-tier dog training, behavior support, or even a personal protection dog, feeding them a biologically appropriate diet is essential to maintaining their physical and mental edge.
Common Myths About Raw Diets
Despite the benefits, raw feeding is still met with resistance—mostly from outdated advice or misinformation. Let’s address a few myths:
“Raw food is dangerous because of bacteria.”
Dogs have a short, acidic digestive tract built to handle raw meat. With proper handling and sourcing, raw food is safe and effective.
“Kibble is balanced and complete.”
Most kibble gets its “complete” label by adding synthetic vitamins after processing. Raw diets use whole foods, which are more bioavailable and naturally balanced.
“Raw feeding is too expensive.”
While raw can be more expensive than low-end kibble, it often reduces vet bills in the long run due to fewer health problems.
Final Thoughts: So Is Kibble Bad For Dogs?
Don’t Feed Garbage to Your Best Friend
Think about it—would you feed your best friend a bowl of garbage? Of course not. Yet many dog owners unknowingly do just that every day with low-quality kibble. Your dog isn’t just a pet—they’re family. They’re loyal, loving, and they deserve real food that supports their health.
Just like training, socialization, and structure, proper nutrition is a non-negotiable part of responsible dog ownership. If you want your dog to live a long, vibrant life, it starts with what’s in their bowl.
Want to Learn More?
At GSD Safety-K9 Training, we specialize in developing well-rounded, confident dogs—from obedience and behavior work to elite protection dogs. We also believe in guiding owners through every aspect of dog care, including nutrition advice.
Have questions about feeding raw or transitioning off kibble? Ask us. We’re here to help you build the strongest bond possible with your dog—from training to total well-being.
