Gently Cooked Dog Food
We talk a lot about how gently cooked dog food is the best way to maximize the nutritional value of the ingredients. But what do we mean by “gently cooked,” exactly?
At JustFoodforDogs, we talk a lot about how gently cooked dog food is the best way to maximize the nutritional value of the ingredients. But what do we mean by “gently cooked,” exactly?
“Gentle cooking” is not just marketing jargon. We believe all of the ingredients in our recipes deliver far greater nutritional value when cooked this way. Undercook the food, and you risk the presence of pathogens. Overcook it, and little nutritional value remains. Gentle cooking is the safe, happy medium.
Experts at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine confirm:
“Despite anecdotal reports from pet owners and even some veterinarians, there is currently no evidence that raw diets offer any benefits over cooked diets. However, there is substantial evidence that these diets may be associated with dental fractures, bacterial and parasitic infections and other health concerns in pets.”
“In addition to food safety concerns, nearly all home-prepared raw diets and many commercially available raw diets are deficient in essential nutrients.”
What is considered overcooked and undercooked dog food?
In the overcooked, highly processed corner is kibble. In the undercooked corner is raw dog food.
Since high temperatures deplete many nutrients in dry dog food, they are replaced with synthetic substances after cooking to make up for it.
Raw dog food is, well, raw. There is always a risk of bacterial growth and contamination that may lead to Salmonella or E Coli in both humans and dogs.
There’s a better way
At JustFoodForDogs, we only create what we believe is the best balanced diet for pets. We start with the highest quality, USDA-certified, restaurant-grade meats, fresh veggies, and whole grains, all approved for human consumption. There are no preservatives in any of our meals for dogs.
We cook our whole food diets in small batches in real kitchens, not factories. This is a critical point as it relates to quality control and commitment.
We prepare all our healthy pet food recipes by cooking human-grade ingredients to the minimum allowed temperature to preserve the maximum nutritional value your dog needs. We cook whole grains and fresh vegetables to a very specific point to preserve nutrients and ensure optimal digestibility. This way, a dog’s system benefits from the nourishment these healthy ingredients offer.
Our recipes encompass both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets, all formulated to meet and exceed AAFCO standards.
Our gently cooked food lineup includes:
- Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni
- Beef and Russett Potato
- Lamb and Brown Rice
- Venison and Squash
- Fish and Sweet Potato*
- Chicken and Rice recipe*
- Tofu and Quinoa
*Suitable for all life stages.
Pet parents interested in learning more about study findings of gently cooked dog food may visit our research page.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.
“Nutrition FAQs | Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.” 2025. Tufts.edu. 2025. https://vet.tufts.edu/foster-hospital-small-animals/specialty-services/nutrition/nutrition-faqs.
