Buy cold pressed dog food

Cold pressed dog food — also known as cold pressed kibble, low-temperature pressed food or simply "cold pressed" — has become enormously popular in recent years. And not without reason: by pressing at low temperature, natural nutrients, vitamins and amino acids are better preserved than with traditional extruded dry food. The result is a more natural, more easily digestible and often meatier product.

At Fidello you'll find a broad range of cold pressed dog food from well-known premium brands such as Bf Petfood, Naturis, Carnilove Cold Pressed, Markus-Mühle, Lukullus and Hubertus Gold — for every dog size and every life stage.

What is cold pressed dog food exactly?

With cold pressed kibble, the ground ingredients are pressed together at low temperature (around 60 to 80 °C) into kibbles — comparable to how pellets are made. With extruded kibble (the most sold form in the UK), the ingredients are "puffed" under high pressure and high temperature (often above 100 °C) into airy kibbles. That puffing process gives standard dog kibble its typical airiness — and also causes them to swell up in the stomach.

With cold pressed kibble, that swelling doesn't occur, or barely so. Cold pressed kibbles break down in the stomach into a uniform mash that is gradually digested. This means:

• The food provides a gradual energy release
• There's less chance of bloat (gastric torsion)
• The dog feels full for longer
• The digestion is less stressed
• Natural nutrients are better preserved

Cold pressed versus extruded: the difference at a glance

Extruded kibble (standard):

• Production at 100–200 °C under high pressure
• Kibbles swell up in the stomach
• Fast digestion, fast energy release
• Vitamins are often added after production because they don't survive the heat
• Long shelf life, wide availability
• Usually cheaper

Cold pressed kibble:

• Production at 60–80 °C, low pressure
• Kibbles don't swell up, or barely so, in the stomach
• Gradual digestion and energy release
• Natural vitamins, minerals and enzymes largely remain intact
• Often higher meat content and fewer fillers
• Usually more expensive, smaller selection

Which dogs are cold pressed kibbles suitable for?

Cold pressed kibbles are an excellent choice for almost every dog, but offer particular added value for:

• Dogs with a sensitive stomach or intestines
• Dogs with an increased risk of bloat — such as large and giant breeds (great dane, dobermann, weimaraner)
• Greedy dogs who wolf down their food without chewing
• Dogs eating raw / BARF — cold pressed kibbles are good combination food
• Dogs with a tendency to vomit after eating
• Dogs that tolerate more natural food
• Senior dogs who benefit from easily digestible food
• Puppies where a healthy digestion is being carefully built up

Benefits of cold pressed dog kibble

• Preservation of natural nutrients, vitamins and enzymes due to low production temperature
• More easily digestible for dogs with a sensitive stomach
• Don't swell up in the stomach — lowers the risk of torsion
• Gradual energy release — prevents energy peaks and dips
• Often with high meat content (40–70%) and few fillers
• Suitable for combining with raw food or BARF
• Many grain free options available
• Less chance of overeating due to longer satiety
• Often more natural and with fewer artificial additives
• Suitable for all ages and sizes

Considerations with cold pressed kibble

• Drinking water is essential — cold pressed kibbles contain little moisture and draw moisture from the body during digestion. Always provide unlimited fresh water.
• Kibbles can crumble — due to lower pressure they are less hard. That can cause some crumbs in the food bowl.
• Gradual transition required — especially for dogs accustomed to puffed kibble, the digestion may need time to adjust.
• Slightly more expensive per kilo — due to the more careful production process and higher meat content.
• Sometimes more filling — you often need slightly less food per day than with extruded kibble (always read the dosage advice).

How do you switch to cold pressed dog kibble?

The switch from extruded to cold pressed food should be done slowly. Unlike with other food changes, the gastrointestinal tract may need extra time here because the digestion process is completely different:

• Day 1–4: 75% old food + 25% cold pressed food
• Day 5–8: 50% old + 50% cold pressed
• Day 9–12: 25% old + 75% cold pressed
• Day 13+: 100% cold pressed food

Important: preferably don't mix extruded and cold pressed kibbles in the same meal over the long term. Their digestion speeds differ greatly, which can cause complaints. Give them in separate meals or switch completely.

Cold pressed kibbles for different life stages

At Fidello you'll find cold pressed kibbles for every life stage:

• Cold pressed puppy kibbles — smaller kibbles, higher energy density and adapted calcium-phosphorus ratio for healthy growth. Also check out our puppy food
• Cold pressed adult kibbles — for adult dogs from 1 to 7 years
• Cold pressed senior kibbles — combines the gentleness and digestibility of cold pressed with the additional nutrients for older dogs. See also senior dog food

Cold pressed and bloat (gastric torsion)

Bloat is a life-threatening condition that mainly affects large and deep-chested breeds (great dane, weimaraner, dobermann, irish setter, saint bernard). An important risk factor is swelling of the stomach volume after a large meal. Because cold pressed kibbles barely swell up, many vets consider them safer for at-risk breeds. Complete prevention is not possible, but together with other measures (two to three smaller meals per day, no wild running directly after eating, slow-feeder for greedy dogs), cold pressed food helps lower the risk.

Combining cold pressed kibbles with BARF or raw meat

Many owners specifically choose cold pressed kibbles because they combine well with raw meat or natural chew bones. The digestion of cold pressed kibbles runs in sync with that of raw food — with extruded food, that difference can lead to fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract. Preferably give raw meat and cold pressed kibbles in separate meals, or mix them if both are quickly digestible.

Frequently asked questions about cold pressed dog food

Are cold pressed kibbles the same as low-temperature kibbles?
Practically yes. "Cold pressed" refers to the low-temperature process, although it isn't actually cold (60–80 °C). The terms cold pressed, low-temperature pressed and "koudgeperst" are used interchangeably.

Can my dog combine cold pressed kibbles with wet food?
Certainly. Preferably give them in separate meals or mix them just before serving. Many dogs appreciate the combination of taste and texture.

What if my dog doesn't immediately want to switch?
Sometimes the taste needs to grow on them. Add a splash of salmon oil, a spoonful of wet food or some warm water to enhance the flavour. Never give in to fussiness by quickly going back to the old food — build up gradually further.

Can cold pressed kibbles cause tartar?
Like other dry food forms, cold pressed kibbles help against tartar to a limited extent, but less than hard extruded kibbles. Combine with regular dental care and something to chew a few times a week.

How long do cold pressed kibbles keep?
Unopened until the best-before date. Once opened, generally 4 to 6 weeks in a properly sealed, dry and cool storage place. They lose their crispness more quickly than extruded kibbles.

Are cold pressed kibbles suitable for overweight dogs?
Yes, provided you watch the dosage advice. Due to the higher energy density, you need slightly less food per day. For dogs with significant obesity, a specific prescription diet food may suit even better.

Cold pressed or extruded kibbles for my puppy?
Both are possible, but many breeders and vets choose cold pressed kibbles for puppies because of the gentler digestion and more natural process. Always choose specific puppy food with adapted composition.

Does my dog need more water with cold pressed kibbles?
Yes. Cold pressed kibbles contain little moisture and absorb moisture in the stomach. Always provide unlimited fresh drinking water, especially during warm days.

Tips for choosing cold pressed dog kibbles

• Look at the meat percentage (ideally 40–70% or more)
• Watch the protein source — meat as the first ingredient is a good sign
• Avoid food with many artificial additives or by-products
• Choose a brand that is open about the production process and temperature
• Combine with good drinking water provision
• Start with a small bag to test tolerance
• Build up the transition gradually (10–14 days)
• Combine if desired with wet food or raw meat for variety

Order cold pressed dog kibbles at Fidello

Browse the complete range of cold pressed dog kibbles below and choose nutrition that suits the age, size and health of your dog. Quickly delivered and with personal advice from our dog experts. Combine with salmon oil for extra shine, or check out our grain free dog food and hypoallergenic food for dogs with specific nutritional needs.