Let’s be honest — if your dog could write Yelp reviews, that daily scoop of dry kibble might not get five stars. Sure, it’s convenient, but have you ever stopped to wonder if it’s really the best option for your pup’s health, happiness, and taste buds?
Enter fresh dog food. It’s not just a trend — it has always been there and is the most natural way to feed our four-legged family members. And the best part? You don’t have to start cooking gourmet meals from scratch (because who has time for that?). That’s where Doggy Grub steps in.
Why the Fresh Food Fuss?
Just like us, dogs thrive on real, wholesome ingredients. Imagine eating dry cereal for every meal, every day — forever. That’s essentially kibble. Fresh food, on the other hand, is made with ingredients you can actually pronounce: lean proteins, seasonal veggies, healthy fats, and no weird fillers. These ingredients are naturally recognised by your dog's body, which makes them easier to digest.
Here’s what a fresh food diet can do for your pup:
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Shinier coat and healthier skin
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More consistent digestion and less gas (you’re welcome!)
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Higher energy levels
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Better weight management
- Stronger immune system and less visits to the vet!
You’ll probably notice your dog getting excited at mealtimes again — like tail-thumping, happy-dance excited.
What’s Really in Kibble, Anyway?
Let’s lift the lid on what’s actually in those crunchy pellets.
Kibble is made through a process called extrusion, which involves mixing dry and wet ingredients together into a dough, then cooking it at extremely high temperatures (think over 150°C). This not only kills bacteria, but also destroys many of the natural nutrients in the ingredients. To make up for this loss, manufacturers add synthetic vitamins and minerals at the end — lab-made nutrients your dog wouldn’t naturally get from real food, sometimes leading to overdosing.
Then there’s the issue of ingredients. You’ve probably seen terms like “meat by-products” or “meat meal” on labels — but what does that actually mean?
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Rendered meat refers to leftovers from slaughterhouses that aren’t used for human food. This can include organs, bones, beaks, and even expired supermarket meat — sometimes still in the packaging.
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Meat by-products are a mix of non-specified animal parts. The source doesn’t have to be clearly stated, and that’s where it gets murky. Your bag might say “with beef” but legally, it only needs to contain 4% of it.
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Labelling laws in Australia, and the rest of the world, allow pet food companies to be vague. There’s currently no strict regulation or mandatory recall system in place for pet food — meaning what goes in your dog’s bowl might not be as safe or transparent as you’d expect.
And while kibble is technically “complete and balanced,” the reality is that it’s heavily processed and bulked out with cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy — ingredients that can trigger sensitivities in some dogs and don’t offer much nutritional value.
Why Doggy Grub Doesn’t Do Kibble
At Doggy Grub, we don’t believe your dog should rely on synthetic nutrients or mystery meat to thrive. Our meals are made from whole food ingredients, that are human-grade, and gently cooked to preserve natural nutrition. No rendering, no extrusion, no funny business.
We work with a pet nutritionist to ensure your dog gets everything they need — naturally. That means no lab-made supplements added at the end, just the good stuff from real food like pumpkin, oats, chicken, sweet potato and flaxseed oil.
Making the Switch (Without the Drama)
Worried about your dog’s tummy doing somersaults? Switching from kibble to fresh food doesn’t have to be a messy ordeal. The key is a slow transition, mixing a bit of Doggy Grub with their usual food over 5–7 days.
Bonus tip: Some dogs are suspicious of new textures. Gently warming the food or adding a splash of warm water can make the aroma irresistible.
Once your pup’s on a full Doggy Grub diet, you’ll likely notice the difference — in their poos (firmer and less smelly), their coat (glossier), and their general vibe (zoomies, anyone?).
So, Why Fresh? Why Now?
If your pup could choose their meals, they’d probably skip the beige biscuits and go for something that looks (and smells) like real food. Fresh food is more than a foodie fad — it’s about nourishing your dog from the inside out.
And with Doggy Grub, it’s never been easier:
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Fresh, local Aussie ingredients (no hidden nasties)
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Ready-to-serve meals that take the guesswork out of feeding
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No synthetic vitamins — just natural nutrients from whole food
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Shelf-Stable- no need to refrigerate or remember to thaw
No sure your dog will like it? Try our sample pack!
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The Doggy Grub blog is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners achieve happier, healthier lives, changing the way we feed our dogs one bowl at a time! If you would like to know more about our fresh food head to Doggy Grub