The Ultimate Guide to Cold-Pressed Dog Food
- Lara Moniz
- Oct 13
- 5 min read
When it comes to your dog’s health, nutrition plays a vital role. The better the food, the healthier and happier your furry friend will be. While traditional kibble has been the standard for decades, a new, more natural option is gaining popularity: cold-pressed dog food.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what cold-pressed dog food is, how it compares to regular kibble, the benefits it offers, and why more dog owners across Europe are choosing it for their pets. You’ll also learn how to transition your dog to a cold-pressed diet and discover what makes Gentle Dog Food a trusted name in the world of pet nutrition.
What Is Cold-Pressed Dog Food?
Cold-pressed dog food is made by pressing ingredients together at low temperatures (typically below 40°C). Unlike traditional kibble, which is pressed at high temperatures through extrusion, cold-pressed food retains more of its natural nutrients and structure.
Instead of being baked or puffed, the ingredients in cold-pressed food are gently mixed, pressed, dried and cooled. The result is a dense, nutritionally rich pellet that breaks down easily in your dog’s stomach. This method is designed to protect sensitive nutrients and preserve the natural flavors and aromas of the ingredients.
It’s this gentle process that gives cold-pressed food its name and its appeal among health-conscious dog owners.
How Is Cold-Pressed Different from Kibble?
Cold-pressed dog food dissolves from the outside in, reducing the risk of bloating and making it gentler on sensitive stomachs. This makes it especially appealing for dogs with digestive issues or those prone to gastrointestinal discomfort.
The Key Benefits of Cold-Pressed Dog Food
✔ Better Nutrient Retention
Because it’s processed at low temperatures, cold-pressed dog food retains more essential nutrients that are often lost during high-heat pressing. This includes natural cultures, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and healthy oils like Omega-3 and Omega-6.
✔ Easier to Digest
Cold-pressed pellets dissolve more naturally in your dog’s stomach, which makes digestion smoother and more efficient. Unlike kibble, which can swell and cause discomfort, cold-pressed food avoids this issue altogether.
✔ Great for Sensitive Dogs
If your dog has food allergies, intolerances, or a sensitive stomach, cold-pressed food can be a game-changer. The gentle processing and limited-ingredient recipes reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.
✔ Minimal Processing
Cold-pressed foods usually contain fewer artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers. That means cleaner labels and more whole-food ingredients like meat, vegetables, and natural herbs. Gentle Cold Pressed contains NO artificial additives or preservatives.
✔ More Sustainable
Cold-pressing is more energy-efficient than extrusion. It uses less heat and water, making it a more eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious pet owners. Gentle is produced entirely using hydro electric power.
✔ Better Taste and Aroma
Because the food isn’t overcooked, it retains more of its natural taste and smell. This can make it more appealing to picky eaters.
Who Is Cold-Pressed Dog Food Best For?
Cold-pressed dog food is suitable for all life stages and breeds, but it's especially beneficial for:
Dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies
Senior dogs needing gentle digestion
Puppies transitioning to solid food
Working or active dogs who need nutrient-dense meals
Picky eaters who are uninterested in traditional kibble
It also works well for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a natural, minimally processed diet without going raw.
At Gentle Dog Food, our customers often switch to cold-pressed after struggling with traditional kibble—and report visible improvements in digestion, coat condition, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Why Gentle Dog Food Uses Cold-Pressing
Our story began when our family dog Zenna suffered from chronic stomach issues. After trying countless commercial options with no success, we decided to create our own food. Using a cold-pressing method and a simple, natural recipe, Zenna thrived. That success led to the birth of Gentle Dog Food.
Today, we continue that tradition:
Crafting recipes in small batches
Using high-quality, natural ingredients
Avoiding unnecessary fillers and additives
Cold-pressing each batch to preserve nutrients
Our mission is simple: to help dogs live healthier, happier lives through better nutrition. We've helped thousands of dogs across Europe, and we're just getting started.
How to Transition to Cold-Pressed Food
When switching your dog to a new food, a gradual transition is key. Here's a simple 7-day plan to ease the process:
Days 1–2: Feed small amounts of Gentle as treats throughout the day
Days 3–5: Feed one meal of Gentle and one meal of the old food.
Day 6: 100% cold-pressed
During this period, monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset such as loose stools, gas, or lethargy. Most dogs adapt well, but adjusting the pace to suit your individual pet is always wise. Reduce the amount of Gentle you feed if you spot any of these symptoms. Consult a vet if problems persist.
It can also help to feed smaller portions during the first few days and increase gradually. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
Our Customers: How Cold-Pressed Changed Dogs' Lives
Many of our customers have shared heartwarming stories about how cold-pressed dog food has transformed their pets' health. Here are just a few:
Luna the Labrador suffered from itchy skin and frequent stomach upset. After switching to Gentle Dog Food, her symptoms cleared within weeks.
Max, a senior terrier, had trouble chewing hard kibble. The softer, crumbly texture of our cold-pressed food made eating enjoyable again.
Bella, a rescue with food allergies, finally found relief from chronic ear infections and digestive distress after starting on a cold-pressed diet.
These real-life stories reflect the growing demand for better, more digestible nutrition for dogs across Europe.
FAQs About Cold-Pressed Dog Food
Is cold-pressed food raw? No. It’s cooked at low temperatures but is not raw. This makes it safe, shelf-stable, and easy to handle.
Does it need to be refrigerated? No. Cold-pressed dog food is dry and has a long shelf life. Just store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Can I feed cold-pressed food with wet or raw food? Yes, though some pet owners prefer to feed one type of food at a time to monitor digestion and ensure balanced intake.
Can cold-pressed food help with allergies? Many dogs with food sensitivities respond well to cold-pressed formulas, especially those made with limited, natural ingredients.
Is it more expensive than kibble? While often priced slightly higher, cold-pressed food offers better nutrient density, meaning you may feed less, with better results.
Try Gentle Dog Food Today
Cold-pressed dog food offers a healthier, more natural way to nourish your dog. If you’ve been searching for a food that’s gentle, effective, and loved by dogs across Europe, try Gentle Dog Food today.
We offer:
Sample packs and various size options
Fast EU-wide delivery
Flexible subscriptions
Friendly, expert support
Browse our products to discover the difference.
Because a gentle dog deserves Gentle Dog Food.
Have questions? Contact us anytime or explore our blog for more expert dog nutrition advice.
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