Raw vs. Kibble vs. Homemade: Dog Food Decoded

A complete breakdown of raw, kibble, and homemade diets for dogs. Backed by studies, with pros, cons, safety, and suitability for Shiba Inu owners.

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Feeding your dog isn’t as simple as picking a bag off the shelf anymore. From raw diets to kibble to homemade meals, owners have more choices than ever — but which is right for your dog? This guide breaks down the research, the risks, and the benefits, so you can make an informed choice.

🍖 1. Raw Diets

Uncooked meat, organs, bones, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. Popular for its “natural” approach.

Cons:

  • Studies show many raw diets are nutritionally incomplete if not formulated by a veterinary nutritionist
  • Risk of bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli) for both dogs and humans in the household
  • Requires freezer space, safe handling, and higher cost

🥣 2. Kibble (Commercial Dry Food)

Processed dry dog food that must meet nutritional standards such as AAFCO (US) or FEDIAF (EU).

Cons:

  • Lower digestibility for some dogs due to processing
  • Lower moisture content can be a concern for hydration
  • Quality varies: cheaper kibbles may contain fillers and byproducts

🍲 3. Homemade Diets

Cooked or fresh meals prepared at home with meats, vegetables, and supplements.

Cons:

  • Studies show most homemade diets are missing essential nutrients without vet guidance
  • Time-consuming to plan and prepare
  • Requires supplementation (especially calcium, phosphorus, essential fatty acids)

📊 Study-Backed Comparisons

🎯 Which Diet Fits a Shiba Inu?

📷 Infographic & Image Ideas

  • Comparison chart: Raw vs. Kibble vs. Homemade (nutrition, cost, risk)
  • Prep photos: fresh raw meat with safe handling, cooked homemade meal, high-quality kibble bag
  • Lifestyle: Shiba Inu enjoying each type of meal

Recommended sizes:

  • Infographic: 1200×800 px
  • Inline support photos: 800×600 px or 400×300 px
  • Always include descriptive alt text for SEO and accessibility

✅ Key Takeaways

Bottom line: For most Shibas, high-quality kibble is the safest baseline. If you’re exploring raw or homemade, involve your vet or a nutritionist to ensure balance and safety.