Fresh Dog Food vs Cold Pressed – Which is Better for Your Dog?

At a glance

• Fresh dog food contains 65–75% moisture; cold pressed contains around 10%, comparable to standard kibble
• Cold pressed is made at temperatures below 45°C, which preserves more nutrients than standard kibble extrusion, but it remains a dry, processed format
• Fresh dog food delivers higher digestibility scores than cold pressed: dogs absorb a greater proportion of nutrients from minimally processed moist food
• While they are both not extruded like kibbles, cold pressed is a different category from fresh dog food

Fresh dog food vs cold pressed: comparison

What is cold pressed dog food?

Cold pressing is a manufacturing method where ingredients are compressed into pellets at temperatures typically below 45°C, compared to the 120–160°C used in standard kibble extrusion. The lower heat preserves more of the natural nutrients that high-temperature processing destroys.

The result is a dry, dense pellet that breaks down gradually in the stomach rather than expanding on contact with moisture, which some advocates argue is gentler on digestion than standard kibble. Cold pressed has attracted a following among owners who want to move away from heavily processed dry food but prefer the practicality of dry feeding.

Worth being clear about what cold pressed is not: it is not fresh food, it is not raw food, and it does not contain the moisture levels of either. It remains a dry format, with all the trade-offs that entails.

Is fresh dog food more digestible than cold pressed?

Digestibility research consistently shows higher scores for fresh and minimally processed dog food compared to dry formats, including cold pressed. Digestibility measures the proportion of nutrients a dog actually absorbs from what it eats, not just what is listed on the label. A food can be complete and balanced on paper while delivering those nutrients less efficiently in practice.

Cold pressing at lower temperatures does preserve more nutrients than standard kibble extrusion, but ingredients are still compressed, dried, and bound in a way that differs from a gently cooked fresh meal. Fresh food also retains natural moisture, which supports digestive function directly. The natural prebiotics in Marleybones recipes, including chicory root rich in inulin and yucca, further support gut bacteria balance and stool consistency in a way a dry format cannot replicate.

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Does the moisture difference actually matter?

Fresh dog food contains 65–75% moisture; cold pressed, as a dry format, contains around 10%. In their evolutionary history, dogs satisfied a substantial portion of their hydration requirements through food. The shift to dry feeding places a greater burden on dogs to drink enough water to compensate, and research consistently shows that dogs on dry diets consume less total water than dogs on fresh or wet diets, even accounting for increased drinking.

For dogs prone to urinary issues or digestive sensitivity, moisture content can be a very relevant factor to consider. The soft texture of fresh food also has practical benefits for senior dogs and any dog with dental issues or reduced jaw strength, as hard pellets require chewing effort that some dogs find uncomfortable or refuse entirely.

Which dogs benefit most from fresh food over cold pressed?

Fresh dog food is particularly well suited to:

• Dogs with sensitive stomachs: higher digestibility, lower ingredient complexity, and natural prebiotics actively support gut bacteria balance and reduce digestive upset
• Fussy eaters: fresh food is consistently more palatable than dry formats. The natural aroma of meat cooked in its own juices is typically more appealing than a dry pellet. Marleybones meals are loved by 9 in 10 fussy dogs
• Puppies: higher moisture and soft texture support developing digestive systems. Pantry Fresh® is complete for all life stages including puppies
• Senior dogs: easier to chew and digest than firm pellets. Soft texture removes the difficulty of hard cold pressed for older dogs with dental wear
• Dogs with urinary issues: higher moisture content supports urinary tract health
• Owners without freezer space: Pantry Fresh® is the only fresh format that stores at room temperature, making it practical for small homes, travel, and holiday feeding

Cold pressed suits dogs that do well on dry food and whose owners want a less processed alternative to standard kibble without switching to a moist format.

Can you mix cold pressed and fresh dog food?

Yes, but portioning requires care. Both formats are nutritionally complete on their own, so combining them means calculating total calorie intake across both, not following the full serving guidelines for each. Overfeeding is the most common mistake when mixing formats.

Transition gradually over 7–10 days regardless of direction. Introduce the new food at 25% of the portion on days 1–3, increasing to 50%, then 75%, then 100% by day 8–10. Monitor stool consistency and appetite throughout.

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FAQs

Is cold pressed dog food better than kibble?

Cold pressed is less processed than standard extruded kibble, made at temperatures below 45°C versus 120–160°C for kibble, which preserves more natural nutrients. It remains a dry, low-moisture format, so digestibility and hydration benefits are still limited compared to fresh food.

Does fresh dog food have more bioavailable nutrients than cold pressed?

Fresh dog food typically provides nutrients in a more bioavailable form than cold pressed. Higher moisture content supports digestive function, and ingredients in fresh meals are less processed, resulting in higher digestibility scores.

Is fresh dog food good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Fresh dog food is one of the better options for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Higher moisture supports digestive function, and recipes formulated with natural prebiotics, like the chicory root and yucca in every Marleybones Pantry Fresh® meal, actively support gut bacteria balance and stool consistency. Many dogs with recurring digestive issues show improvement within a few weeks of switching to fresh food.

Does Marleybones Pantry Fresh® need to be refrigerated?

No. Pantry Fresh® meals are shelf-stable at room temperature and require no freezer or refrigeration before opening. Unopened pouches keep for up to two years. Once opened, meals should be refrigerated and used within 2–3 days.

How do I switch my dog from cold pressed to fresh food?

Transition gradually over 7–10 days. Start by replacing 25% of the cold pressed portion with fresh food on days 1–3, increasing to 50% on days 4–5, 75% on days 6–7, and 100% from day 8. Monitor stool consistency and appetite throughout. Dogs with particularly sensitive digestion may benefit from a slower two-week transition.

Is cold pressed dog food the same as raw dog food?

No. Cold pressed dog food is cooked, compressed at low heat rather than served raw. Raw dog food refers to uncooked meat, bones, and organs, which involves different nutritional and food safety considerations. Cold pressed, fresh-cooked, and raw are three distinct formats.

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Reviewed by Dr Davide Stefanutti DVM, PhD, Veterinarian Nutritionist

References

1. Tanprasertsuk, J., Perry, L. M., Tate, D. E., Honaker, R. W., & Shmalberg, J. (2021). Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy estimation in commercial fresh and extruded dry kibble dog foods. Translational Animal Science, 5(3), txab071.
2. Sires, R., Yamka, R., & Wakshlag, J. (2025). Feeding fresh food and providing water ad libitum is clinically proven to exceed calculated daily water requirements and impact urine relative supersaturation in dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 12, 1675990.
3. Stevenson, A. E., Hynds, W. K., & Markwell, P. J. (2003). Effect of dietary moisture and sodium content on urine composition and calcium oxalate relative supersaturation in healthy miniature schnauzers and labrador retrievers. Research in Veterinary Science, 74(2), 145–151.