The Best Cold Pressed Dog Food: A Complete Buyer’s Guide
- Lara Moniz
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 3
If you’re searching for the best cold pressed dog food, you’re probably looking for something gentler on digestion, made with premium quality ingredients, and processed in a way that preserves nutrients. Cold pressed dog food has grown rapidly in popularity for exactly these reasons. That said, beware! Not all cold pressed foods are created equal.
This guide explains what cold pressed dog food really is, how it compares to traditional kibble, what to look for on the label, and how to choose the best option for your dog.
What Is Cold Pressed Dog Food?
Cold pressed dog food is made using a low-temperature manufacturing process. Instead of being cooked at extremely high heat and pressure (as with most extruded kibble), ingredients are gently pressed together at much lower temperatures.
This difference matters because excessive heat can damage:
Natural enzymes
Heat-sensitive vitamins
Fats and oils
Overall ingredient integrity
Cold pressing aims to retain more of the original nutritional value of the ingredients while producing a shelf stable, dry food that’s easy to feed.
Cold Pressed vs Traditional Kibble
Understanding the difference helps explain why many owners switch.
Traditional extruded kibble
Cooked at very high temperatures (often over 120–160°C)
Ingredients are heavily processed
Often relies on vague meat sources and fillers
Can expand in the stomach after eating
Cold pressed dog food
Usually cooked at significantly lower temperatures
Ingredients undergo less processing
Typically easier to digest
Breaks down gently instead of swelling
Many dogs that struggle with bloating, gas, loose stools, or food sensitivities do better on cold pressed food because it’s easier on the gut.
Benefits of Cold Pressed Dog Food
When choosing the best cold pressed dog food, these are the benefits owners most often notice:
1. Better digestion
Cold pressed food softens and breaks apart more easily in the stomach, which can help reduce bloating and digestive discomfort.
2. Higher ingredient quality
Brands using cold pressing tend to focus on simple, transparent recipes with clearly named ingredients.
3. Improved stool quality
Many dogs produce smaller, firmer stools due to better nutrient absorption.
4. Suitable for sensitive dogs
Dogs with allergies or intolerances often tolerate cold pressed food better than highly processed kibble.
What to Look for in the Best Cold Pressed Dog Food
Not every product labelled “cold pressed” is automatically high quality. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Clearly named animal proteins
Look for specific ingredients like:
Chicken
Duck
Lamb
Fish
Avoid vague terms such as “animal derivatives” or “meat by-products”.
Balanced carbohydrate sources (not just loads of meat or loads of wheat)
Good cold pressed foods use digestible carbs such as:
Brown rice
Oats
Potatoes
These provide energy without overwhelming the digestive system.
Natural fats and oils
Quality fats support skin, coat, and brain health. Look for:
Fish oil
Linseed oil
Rapeseed oil
Avoid excessive unnamed animal fats.
Functional vegetables and herbs
Small amounts of vegetables and herbs can provide fibre and micronutrients, such as:
Beetroot
Chicory
Parsley
Seaweed
These should support the recipe, not replace meat content.
Ingredients to Be Cautious Of
Even in cold pressed food, some ingredients are red flags:
Unspecified meats
Sugar or caramel
Artificial colours or preservatives
Excessive maize or wheat
Generic “animal fat”
The best cold pressed dog foods keep formulas simple and honest.
Here at Gentle we have spent over 15 years perfecting our unique process and recipe. We have targeted a delicate balance of meat, carbs and oils that help your dog with a boost of nutrition. We don't follow marketing trends or flashy 'health' gimmicks, the benefits of our recipe are proven by the thousands of dogs across Europe that already love Gentle. Why not try a sample today!
Some important FAQs about Cold Pressed Is Cold Pressed Dog Food Complete?
Yes, as long as it’s properly formulated.
A complete cold pressed dog food should meet recognised nutritional standards (such as European FEDIAF guidelines) and provide:
Adequate protein
Essential fats
Vitamins and minerals
Correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratios
Always check that the food is labelled “complete”, not just complementary.
Is Cold Pressed Dog Food Right for All Dogs?
Cold pressed dog food is suitable for:
Puppies (always double check packaging of specific brand)
Adult dogs
Senior dogs
Dogs with sensitive stomachs
However, every dog is individual. Transition slowly over 7+ days and monitor stool quality and appetite during the change.
How to Switch to Cold Pressed Dog Food
This depends on the specific food. At Gentle we suggest the following strategy:
Days 1–2: Feed Gentle as treats across the day to introduce the food
Days 3–6: 1 meal Gentle, 1 meal old food (extruded)
Days 7+ : Start feeding 100% cold pressed
Because cold pressed food is nutrient dense, many dogs need slightly smaller portions than with traditional kibble. Always check the packaging or website for feeding guidelines.
What Makes the Best Cold Pressed Dog Food?
The best cold pressed dog food isn’t about trends or marketing claims. It comes down to:
Transparent ingredient lists
Gentle processing
Nutritional balance
Digestibility
Consistency and quality control
If a brand can clearly explain what’s in the food, why it’s there, and how it’s made, you’re usually on the right track.
Final Thoughts
Cold pressed dog food offers a middle ground between raw feeding and heavily processed kibble, combining convenience with better ingredient integrity and digestibility.
If you’re searching for the best cold pressed dog food, focus less on flashy packaging and more on how the food is made, what it contains, and how your dog responds.
A calm stomach, healthy stools, steady energy, and a shiny coat are often the best indicators that you’ve made the right choice.
Why not give Gentle a try?
Gentle is one of the most established and trusted cold pressed brands on the market. Don't take our word for it, here is what the experts at All About Dog Food had to say:
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