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Can my dog live healthy on kibble if raw food is too expensive?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Ideally I would love to feed my dog a commercially prepared raw diet but it's very expensive. Is a high quality kibble still ok? I want her to live a long healthy life.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 10th, 2017

Yes, this is okay. Balanced, well-prepared raw diets are great when fed correctly, but high quality kibble is certainly a reasonable alternative that most dogs do very well on. I would suggest a brand like Orijen or Taste of the Wild, if possible.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on February 4th, 2017
There are many varied and strong opinions on this subject. A good quality, complete kibble is an appropriate diet for your dog and avoids the risks of under or over supplying essential nutrients as well as the risks of food poisoning type issues with raw food. Not all brands will suit all dogs and it may take a little time to find the best diet for your dog, which may change as he gets older or develops any health concerns
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on December 10th, 2019
For the vast majority of dogs, a raw diet is not recommended. Remember that you find all kinds of false information on line. Raw diets require careful formulation to be sure that they are balanced. Raw diets also pose a potential health threat to humans. That being said, there are a few dogs with specific disease conditions who may benefit from a raw diet but these are rare. Here are some links with good information:
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet

https://www.petcoach.co/article/raw-and-homemade-diets-what-you-need-to-know/

In general, commercial kibble is not only nutritionally balanced but it's also safer. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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