Raw, Cooked, or Kibble?

How to Choose the Right Food for Your Pet

If you’ve ever typed 'best food for dogs' into Google and come away more confused than when you started, you’re not alone. Raw, cooked, kibble, freeze-dried, air-dried—it’s a lot. And everyone online has a strong opinion.

Here’s the truth:

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best feeding plan depends on your pet’s unique needs—and your real-life situation. Progress, not perfection, is what creates lasting health.

A Balanced Look at Raw, Cooked, and Kibble

Raw

✅ Nutrient-dense and minimally processed

✅ Supports gut health and energy

⚠️ Requires careful balance and safe handling

⚠️ Can be difficult to source high-quality raw meats and organs consistently

Cooked

✅ Gentle on digestion

✅ Easier to balance than raw for some pets

⚠️ Prep time required

⚠️ Can be tricky to balance without guidance

Kibble

✅ Convenient and shelf-stable

✅ Can be budget-friendly

⚠️ Lacks moisture—can be very drying

⚠️ Often highly processed—may need fresh food additions or digestive support

How Do You Choose What’s Right for Your Pet?

Start with your pet’s health, digestion, and behavior. A healthy 3-year-old dog with strong digestion likely has different needs than a senior cat with arthritis.

Also think about what you can sustain. You’re not failing if you don’t have time to cook daily meals for your dog. Adding a scoop of real food (raw or cooked) on top of kibble is still a positive change.

Watch for signs a food isn’t working: itching, frequent soft stools, gassiness, low energy, picky eating. Your pet’s body gives you clues—you just need to know how to read them.

Why Coaching Helps

Feeding styles don’t have to be all-or-nothing. You might go through phases, or find that a blend works best—depending on your pet’s health and what’s practical for you.

Coaching helps you understand how your pet responds to food (energy, digestion, skin, mood) and what changes might help. We can even explore tools like food sensitivity testing to make more informed choices.

My role isn’t to tell you what you 'should' do—it’s to support you in building a plan that makes sense for your pet and feels good to you.

Not Ready to Switch Completely? Try This First.

Even if you're not ready to switch to raw or cooked meals, there are easy ways to boost your pet’s bowl right now by adding fresh whole foods to their diet.

Simple Ways to Add Real Food to the Bowl

💧 Add bone broth or goat milk for hydration and gut health.

🌿 Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil for breath and digestion.

🍳 Crack an egg (lightly scrambled is ideal) once or twice a week.

🐟 Top with a small amount of sardines in water or a fish oil supplement for Omega-3s.

🥩 Mix in a bit of plain cooked meat (like chicken, turkey, or beef).

🥦 Add a spoonful of steamed, mashed veggies like pumpkin, green beans, or carrots.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to feed your pet, you’re not doing anything wrong. You just need support that’s clear, kind, and grounded.

💛 Book a free discovery call and let’s talk through your options.

Whether you're ready for a full food plan or just want a little clarity—I’m here to help.

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