Is extruded or cold pressed dry dog food better?
Extruded and cold pressed are two terms that owners encounter when buying dry dog food. However, they do not say anything about the recipe of the respective feed, but inform about the process used in its production.
The differences between extruded and cold-pressed dog food and the advantages and disadvantages of both types are explained below. We also explain why the manufacturing process alone is not enough to judge the quality of a dry dog food.
How to produce extruded dog food
The process used in the production of extruded dog food is called extrusion. To press the ingredients into pellet form, this method uses pressure.
Before that, the raw materials are dried, ground and then mixed together. Once the mass has reached the right consistency, it is then pressed through a nozzle under pressure to form pellets of the desired size. Since water vapour is used in the extruder, the temperatures during production can reach around 120 degrees.
How to produce cold pressed dog food
Also in the cold pressing process, the ingredients of the dog food must first be dried and ground and mixed together. As with extrusion, pressure is required to form the pellets.
Since the roller used in this process does not require any additional heat, the temperatures during processing are, however, significantly lower than during extrusion, at around 80 degrees.
Both production methods have advantages and disadvantages
Both production methods have both advantages and some disadvantages. The cold pressing process is generally considered to be particularly gentle due to the comparatively low temperatures reached during production.
The nutrients contained in the raw materials are largely retained in the finished feed. In addition, the croquettes swell less in the stomach, which is why cold-pressed dry food is recommended for large dogs that are more prone to stomach twisting. However, at least in theory, there is a risk that the germ load is higher in cold-pressed dried fodder.
During extrusion, the nutrients contained in the raw materials are better broken down, which should make extruded dry dog food more digestible. In addition, possible germs are killed particularly reliably by the high temperatures during production.
However, the heat can also prove to be a disadvantage. This is because it can have a negative effect on the nutrients contained in the feed, and in some cases damage them.
Either manufacturing method says nothing about the quality
The manufacturing process is not the only criterion that provides information about the quality of a dry dog food. Both the cold pressing process and extrusion make it possible to produce a high-quality and easily digestible food without any problems.
For this to be successful, it is essential in both production methods that the composition meets the nutritional needs of dogs and that the raw materials used are of good quality.
This means, among other things, that dried fodder should be free of grain and artificial additives. In addition, it is important to ensure that the animal protein content is in line with requirements and that the carbohydrate suppliers contained in moderation are easily digestible.
Dry dog food from Bellfor
In the Bellfor range you will find both cold pressed and extruded dry food for your dog. You are therefore free to choose and can decide for yourself which variant you prefer for feeding your dog.
Both types of feed score points with the high quality of the ingredients used, a species-appropriate composition and excellent digestibility. In addition, both variants are not only available in classic varieties with conventional protein suppliers such as chicken, but also as hypoallergenic insect-based dog food.
A balanced and needs-based diet is therefore neither a problem with our cold pressed nor with our extruded dry food for dogs.
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