What is Cold Pressed Dog Food and How to Make Your Own at Home

In the ever-evolving world of canine nutrition, cold pressed dog food has emerged as a standout choice for pet owners seeking a healthful and natural diet for their furry friends. Let's dive into the essence of cold pressed dog food, its origins, and the myriad benefits it offers. Additionally, we'll explore how the OutPaw Essentials 304 Stainless Steel dog bowls and food mat bundle is the perfect companion for serving this nutritious meal.

What is Cold Pressed Dog Food?

Cold pressed dog food is a type of dry dog food that is produced using low temperatures to cook the ingredients. This method preserves the nutritional integrity of the food, ensuring that your dog receives a meal rich in natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Unlike traditional kibble, which is often cooked at high temperatures, cold pressing avoids the destruction of essential nutrients, providing a diet that’s closer to raw feeding.

Origin of Cold Pressed Dog Food

The concept of cold pressing originates from the food industry, where it's used to preserve the nutritional content of oils. This technique was adapted for dog food in Europe and has gained popularity for its ability to maintain the natural goodness of ingredients. It's a modern take on canine nutrition, reflecting a broader trend towards healthier and more transparent food sources.

Features and Benefits

Cold pressed dog food offers several advantages over traditional dry food:

• Nutrient Preservation: The gentle cooking process retains more vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
• Digestibility: It breaks down more easily in the dog’s stomach, reducing the risk of bloating and improving overall digestive health.
• Natural Ingredients: Often made with high-quality, whole ingredients, without additives or preservatives.
• Taste: Many dogs prefer the richer, more natural taste of cold pressed food.

Ideal Candidates for Cold Pressed Dog Food

Cold pressed dog food caters to a wide variety of canine needs, providing a diet that's particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs, allergies to overly processed kibbles, or those known to be picky eaters. Due to its natural composition and high digestibility, it's an excellent choice for pups across the board — encompassing all ages, sizes, and breeds.

Moreover, for dogs that require a specific blend of nutrients due to health conditions or life stages, cold pressed food can be tailored to meet these needs. For instance, older dogs may benefit from a mixture with higher fiber content and joint-supporting supplements, while active breeds might require a denser caloric intake with a strong protein base.

Addressing the Concerns

While critics of the raw food diet often highlight the potential risks of exposing pets to parasites and harmful bacteria, the cold pressed method presents a viable solution. By incorporating a gentle cooking stage at low temperatures, cold pressed dog food diminishes these dangers. This step ensures that the integrity of the nutrients is preserved, akin to a raw diet, while significantly reducing the occurrence of infections that might arise from completely raw foods.

Furthermore, counter to the belief that raw diets might come with convenience and financial challenges, cold pressed dog food can, in fact, bridge the gap between the health benefits of raw feeding and the convenience of dry kibble. Since cold pressed dog food comes in a dry, shelf-stable form, it doesn't require refrigeration like traditional raw diets. This negates the need for additional freezer space, which can be a significant consideration for many dog owners.

Additionally, when discussing the cost, it's important to consider the value in terms of health benefits, which may result in fewer veterinary visits and a happier, more vibrant dog. That said, cold pressed dog food can be part of a cost-effective strategy for long-term canine health maintenance, as preventive nutrition may lower potential future medical expenses.

While cold pressed dog food upholds many of the advantages of a raw diet, it is created with the convenience and safety concerns of contemporary pet owners in mind. It is a testament to a balanced approach in pet nutrition — offering the best of both worlds with minimal risk and maximal nutritional value.

Finding Cold Pressed Dog Food in the US

Cold pressed dog food is available in pet stores, specialty dog food stores, and online. More brands are recognizing the demand for high-quality, nutritious dog food, making it easier to find than ever.

Making Your Own Cold Pressed Dog Food

While homemade cold pressed dog food can be a bit challenging due to the need for specialized equipment, preparing a minimally processed meal at home is achievable. Focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients and consider consulting with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure your homemade diet meets your dog's nutritional requirements.

Homemade Dog Food Recipe

Creating homemade dog food allows you to preserve the natural nutrition of the ingredients, mimicking the beneficial process used in high-quality commercial foods. Here's an adapted recipe for your DIY endeavors, inspired the cold press method ethos:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of lean ground chicken or turkey
• 2 cups of cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 cup of finely chopped vegetables (such as carrots, spinach, peas - exclude onions and garlic)
• 1/4 cup of chopped apples or blueberries (ensure seeds and cores are removed)
• 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for omega-3
• 2 tablespoons of fish oil for extra healthy fats
• Adequate dog-friendly multivitamin supplement, as per recommendations

Instructions for Cold Pressing:

1. Preparation: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground meat, cooked rice or quinoa, chopped vegetables, and fruits.
2. Adding Supplements: Gently stir in the ground flaxseed or chia seeds and fish oil into the mixture. Sprinkle the dog-friendly multivitamin supplement over the mixture and mix well to ensure an even distribution throughout the batch.
3. Mixing with Cold Water: Gradually add cold water to the mixture until you achieve a slightly moist consistency. The amount of water needed may vary, so add slowly and mix thoroughly.
4. Quick Cooking: To slightly cook the mixture while preserving its nutritional integrity, place it in a non-stick pan and cook over low heat for just a few minutes. The idea is not to fully cook the ingredients but to initiate the breakdown of some of the more complex carbohydrates and proteins, making the nutrients more accessible.
5. Cooling and Pressing: Allow the mixture to cool back to room temperature. After cooling, press the mixture into the desired shapes that are appropriate for your dog's size.
6. Storage: Store the pressed pellets in airtight containers. They can be kept in the refrigerator for immediate use or frozen for long-term storage.

Disclaimer:

It's essential to consult a veterinarian before altering your dog's diet, especially when introducing homemade meals. They can provide guidance on suitability, portion sizes, and nutritional balance based on your dog's unique health profile and dietary needs.

The Perfect Companion: OutPaw Essentials Dog Food and Water Bowl Mat Bundle

Combining the benefits of cold pressed dog food with the OutPaw Essentials Dog Food and Water Bowl Mat Bundle elevates your pet’s dining experience to new heights. This bundle includes two high-quality stainless steel bowls designed for durability and soft cushion padding to minimize noise and mess. The patented silicone feeding mat with a revolutionary splash guard ensures a tidy feeding area, safeguarding your floors and walls from spills.

Crafted for both indoor and outdoor use, this bundle is not only easy to clean and maintain but also ensures a peaceful and enjoyable mealtime for your dog. Whether you're at home or on an adventure, the OutPaw Essentials Bundle facilitates a clean and successful cold pressed dog food mealtime.

Cold Pressed Dog Food Offers Leaps in Canine Nutrition

Cold pressed dog food represents a significant leap forward in canine nutrition, offering a diet that's nutrient-rich, highly digestible, and packed with natural goodness. When paired with the OutPaw Essentials Dog Food and Water Bowl Mat Bundle, you ensure that your beloved pet enjoys the health benefits in a clean, serene, and mess-free environment. Explore the world of cold pressed dog food and witness the thriving health and happiness of your furry companion with OutPaw Essentials.