Difference Between Cooked Kibble and Oven Baked Kibble

Written by: Karuna Subbiah

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Time to read 8 min

As a responsible pet parent in India, you want to provide your furry companion with the best possible nutrition to ensure their overall well-being. In the ever-evolving world of pet food, one debate that has been raging on is the difference between extruded dog food and oven baked kibble . At Supertails, we believe in empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions for your dog's health.

What is Dog Food Extrusion ?

A Labrador gets excited to see the food

Extruded dog food is the conventional method of manufacturing dry extruded dog food . This process involves forcing a dough-like mixture through a machine called an extruder, which applies high pressure and intense heat. The meaning of extruded pet food is that it has undergone this process of thermal processing , where the ingredients are cooked under extreme conditions.


While this method is cost-effective and efficient for mass production, it comes with a significant drawback – the high temperatures involved can compromise the nutritional value of the ingredients. The intense heat and pressure can destroy delicate vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes present in the raw materials, reducing the overall nutritional quality of the final product.


Additionally, extruded dog food often contains a higher proportion of carbohydrates and lower levels of protein, which may not align with a dog's natural dietary needs as a carnivore.

What is Oven Baked Kibble for Dogs?

A Labrador Puppy gets excited to try kibble

Enter oven baked kibble , a revolutionary approach to pet nutrition that is gaining immense popularity in India. This method involves baking the kibble in an oven at lower temperatures, typically between 200-300°F (93-149°C), preserving the natural goodness of the ingredients.


Oven baked kibble , also known as non-extruded dog food , is made using high-quality, whole-food ingredients, such as real meat, fruits, vegetables, and superfoods, ensuring your dog receives optimal nutrition with every bite.


By avoiding the extreme heat and pressure of extrusion, the delicate nutrients remain intact, providing a more complete and balanced diet for your canine companion.

The Oven Baked Kibble Difference

Henlo; The best baked dog food in India

At Supertails, we are proud to introduce Henlo , our premium baked dry dog food brand. Henlo's oven baked kibble is a true game-changer in the Indian pet food market. Crafted with love and care, Henlo's recipes are formulated by expert nutritionists to provide your puppies and adult dogs with a balanced and wholesome diet tailored to their specific life stage and breed requirements.


Henlo's oven baked kibble is made with carefully sourced, human-grade ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours. Each batch is gently baked to perfection, ensuring the natural flavours and aromas are preserved, making it irresistible to even the fussiest eaters.

What are the Benefits of Baked Kibble?

A Labrador Puppy in a bowl of kibble

The Benefits of Oven Baked Kibble


  1. Nutrient Preservation : Oven baking ensures that the natural nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in the ingredients are preserved, ensuring your dog receives optimal nourishment for a strong immune system, healthy skin and coat, and overall vitality.

  1. Increased Digestibility: Oven baked kibble is easier for dogs to digest, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues and ensuring better nutrient absorption. The gentle baking process also helps to break down complex carbohydrates, making them more readily available for your dog's energy needs.

  1. Flavour and Aroma: The gentle baking process enhances the natural flavours and aromas of the ingredients, making the kibble more appetizing for even the pickiest eaters. Dogs are naturally drawn to the inviting aroma of baked foods, making mealtime a truly enjoyable experience.

  1. Limited Processing: With minimal processing, oven baked kibble retains its natural goodness, providing your dog with a wholesome and nutritious meal that closely resembles their ancestral diet.

  1. Versatility: Oven baked kibble can be easily customized to cater to specific dietary needs, such as grain-free, limited ingredient, or breed-specific formulations, ensuring your dog receives the tailored nutrition they require.

  1. Protein Quality: The gentle baking process preserves the high biological value and digestibility of the proteins present in the ingredients, ensuring your dog receives optimal amino acid intake for muscle development and overall health.

What are the Effects of Extrusion of Pet Food on Dogs?

 A Pet Dog waits patiently for his food bowl

While the extrusion process is efficient and cost-effective, it can have significant impacts on the nutritional quality of the food. The high temperatures and pressure involved in extrusion can lead to the following:


  1. Nutrient Degradation: Vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes are sensitive to heat and can be destroyed or reduced during the extrusion process.

  1. Protein Denaturation: The intense heat and pressure can denature and damage the proteins in the ingredients, reducing their biological value and digestibility.

  1. Carbohydrate Alteration: The extrusion process can alter the structure of carbohydrates, making them more resistant to digestion and potentially contributing to gastrointestinal issues.

  1. Loss of Natural Flavors and Aromas: The high temperatures involved can diminish the natural flavours and aromas of the ingredients, leading to the need for added artificial flavours.

Does Oven Baked Dog Food Meet the Dietary Requirements?

Your pet dog is designed to thrive on a diet rich in animal proteins and fats. Oven baked kibble, with its high-quality animal protein sources and limited processing, aligns more closely with a dog's natural dietary needs.


Feeding a diet too high in carbohydrates and plant-based proteins, which are not well-suited for a dog's digestive system, can potentially lead to issues like obesity, diabetes, and digestive problems.


By providing a biologically appropriate diet that closely mimics their ancestral feeding patterns, you can support your dog's optimal health, vitality, and longevity.

How to Choose the Right Oven Baked Dog Food?

A Pet Dog digs into his favourite kibble

While the benefits of oven baked kibble are clear, not all products are created equal. When choosing an oven baked kibble, it's crucial to read ingredient labels and understand where the ingredients are sourced from. Opt for a kibble made with whole-food ingredients, without artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours.


Additionally, select a product tailored to your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and breed-specific requirements. For instance, large breed dogs may benefit from a kibble formulated with specific calcium and phosphorus levels to support joint health.


When transitioning your dog to a new oven baked kibble, it's essential to do it gradually to avoid digestive upset. Slowly introduce the new kibble by mixing it with their current food, gradually increasing the ratio over a week or two.

How to Combine Oven Baked Kibble with Fresh Foods?

While oven baked kibble provides a balanced and nutritious foundation, many pet parents are embracing the trend of incorporating fresh, whole foods into their dog's diet. Adding fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables can increase nutrient density, variety, and overall enjoyment for your furry friend.


Examples of healthy, dog-friendly fresh foods that can be added to oven baked kibble include cooked lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish, as well as fruits like apples, and carrots. Introduce fresh foods gradually and safely, ensuring proper portion control and balance.


Adopting a rotational diet, where you alternate between different protein sources and fresh ingredients, can provide a well-rounded nutritional profile and help prevent food sensitivities or allergies from developing.

Oven Baked Kibble for Specific Dietary Needs

Puppies share a bowl of nutritious oven baked kibble

Many dogs have specific dietary requirements due to allergies, sensitivities, or health conditions. Fortunately, oven baked kibble can be tailored to meet these specialized needs.

1. Dogs with Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Hypoallergic and grain-free, limited ingredient, and novel protein oven-baked kibble options are available are available for your pet. These formulas can help eliminate potential trigger ingredients and provide relief from adverse reactions.

2. Dogs with Weight Management Concerns

Oven baked kibble can also be beneficial for dogs with weight management concerns, as the gentle baking process can preserve more nutrients and fiber for satiety, helping your furry friend feel fuller for longer.

3. Dietary Consideration for Senior Dogs

Senior dogs may also benefit from oven baked kibble, as it may be easier to digest and provide optimal nutrient absorption during their golden years. However, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure your senior dog's specific dietary needs are met.

To Conclude

An excited Dog ready to eat

At Supertails, we are committed to revolutionizing pet nutrition in India. By choosing Henlo's oven baked kibble, you are not only providing your dog with a superior source of nutrition but also contributing to their overall well-being and longevity. Unleash the power of oven baked kibble and witness the remarkable difference it can make in your dog's health, vitality, and happiness.


Join the growing community of conscious pet parents who are embracing the oven baked revolution and experience the Henlo difference today. Your dog deserves nothing but the best, and with Henlo's oven baked kibble, you can rest assured that you are giving them the gift of optimal nutrition and a lifetime of health and happiness.

FAQs

Is baked dog food better than extruded?

Yes, baked dog food is generally considered better than extruded dog food. The baking process helps preserve more of the natural nutrients in the ingredients compared to the high heat and pressure of extrusion.

What is extruded dog food?

Extruded dog food refers to dry kibble that has gone through an extrusion process. This involves forcing the ingredient mixture through an extruder machine that applies extreme heat and pressure to cook and shape the kibble.

Is oven baked dog food better?

Yes, oven baked dog food is often seen as a better option. The gentle oven baking uses lower temperatures that help retain nutrients, keep protein structures intact, and preserve natural flavours and aromas.

Are extruded foods bad for you?

While not inherently "bad", the extrusion process can potentially degrade certain heat-sensitive nutrients, denature proteins, and diminish natural flavours in extruded foods compared to lighter processing methods.

Is all dry dog food extruded?

No, not all dry dog foods go through extrusion. Baked kibble varieties are non-extruded alternatives that utilize a gentler oven-baking manufacturing process instead of extreme heat and pressure.


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