Crunchy or pressed dog food, which is better?

Pressed food

How is it made?

Pressed dog food is made using a pellet press. Relatively low and short-time heating using steam kills negative bacteria and exploits the binding properties of the ingredients.

This short-term heating (about 75 degrees) means sensitive amino acids and fatty acids are virtually not damaged, which is one of the main advantages of pressed dog food.

What is distinctive?

Pressed food contains unlinked (read digested) grains, so your dog or cat can digest the food properly. It is more compact than crunchy food: because it is pressed, there is less air in the food and the kibble also takes up less space in the stomach. So your dog's stomach burden is minimal.

Why pressed food?

• Because the food is more compact, you need to give smaller portions of pressed food compared to crunchy kibble.
• As the burden of pressed dog food on the stomach is minimal, pressed kibble is extremely suitable for active dogs.
• The kibble is better combined with meat food because of its similar digestive behaviour in the stomach.
• Also very good for pregnant dogs: a bitch sometimes has less appetite at the end of pregnancy (because the puppies press against the stomach), when food is extremely important. So with pressed dog food, they get enough essential nutrients in smaller portions.
• Because pressed food takes up less space, packaging is also smaller and transport can be more efficient. Again, saves for the environment :).
• The production of pressed kibble also requires less energy and thus leaves a smaller “footprint” ecologically.

Crunchy food

How is it made?

Crunchy food is extruded. That means the grains are decomposed using an extruder. This machine works with higher temperatures and pressure, which means the starch decomposition is even slightly higher than in pressed pellets. Crunchy chunks can be produced with higher protein and fat contents. Oils, fats and flavourings can be added after production, making it easier to eat by some difficult eaters.

What is distinctive?

Crunchy dog food is easily digestible and absorbs moisture in the stomach. Often the latter is seen as something alarming, but it is not. The dog is full faster from the food. Characteristically, the dog also has to chew the food a bit harder, which of course is also good for the teeth.

Why crispy food?

• Dogs often find crispy food more palatable, as the later added flavourings, oils and fats make it smell stronger and have more flavour.
• Because the dog has to chew harder, crunchy food makes a positive contribution to the dog's teeth.
• Because oils and fats can still be added after extrusion,
• Is it possible to achieve a higher fat content in the feed.
• Ideally suited to dogs that like to feel full and dogs with large chewing requirements.

What food do you choose for your dog?

It depends on the dog you have and your own preference. Crunchy is not better than pressed and pressed is not better than crunchy. If you have an active dog, it's better to start with the pressed food. If you have a dog that likes to eat very much anyway, you better start with crunchy food. Most importantly: don't go mixing it. The food is so different in composition that mixing is not good.