Dry Food: Extruded or Cold-Pressed?

Almost every pet owner who wants to feed their dog or cat dry food will eventually have to decide between extruded and cold-pressed dry food.

So what exactly is the difference?

A key difference lies in the manufacturing process.
In the extrusion process, the raw ingredient mixture is pressed into the desired kibble shape in an extruder using a screw under high pressure and, if necessary, with steam. The heat generated during extrusion (up to 200 degrees) and the high pressure destroy the valuable components of the raw materials, which must then be replaced with synthetic substances. Chemical antioxidants and preservatives are added to extend the food’s shelf life.

In the cold-pressing or pelletizing process, the high-quality raw materials (meat, vegetables, herbs, carbohydrates) are gently mixed in ground form to create a feed mixture. The feed mixture is sprayed with cold water, causing it to bind together as it is pressed through a die, thereby forming the pellets. Since the ingredients are exposed to temperatures of no more than 45–47 ° C, vital nutrients such as vitamins, phytochemicals, macronutrients, and micronutrients are preserved.

Unlike extruded products, which draw four times as much water from the body, cold-pressed dry food crumbles into a powder when it comes into contact with water. It does not swell and therefore does not draw water from the body. The example image of extruded dry food clearly shows how much water the kibble has absorbed from the glass.

Example images:

Extruded dry food                                                                                                               cold-pressed dry food

For these reasons, Dr. Ziegler recommends feeding a cold-pressed dry food if a raw diet (BARF) is not possible.

Have you tried our Dr. Ziegler’s cold-pressed dry food yet?

Our cold-pressed dry food for dogs is available in the following varieties 
* Beef & Millet
* Duck & Potato (also available in mini pellets)
* Chicken with Potato and Parsnip
* White Fish & Whole-Grain Rice
* Goat & Whole-Grain Rice
* Venison & hemp leaves

For cats , there is Dr. Ziegler’s cold-pressed dry food with poultry.

Our customers often ask us why we don’t carry puppy or senior food in our product line. This isn’t necessary because, whether it’s a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior, all dogs need high-quality food. Since the nutritional needs of a puppy or young dog are higher than those of an adult dog, the amount of food required is correspondingly greater. The amount of food should therefore be based on age, activity level, how well the dog metabolizes food, and weight.
From the 4th month onward, the puppy is considered a young dog until it reaches sexual maturity; after that, it is an adult dog. Large breeds grow more slowly, so they do not reach adulthood until around 18 months of age. Until the young dog stage, we feed 4 meals; then only 3 meals; and from sexual maturity onward, only 1–2 meals.

For the feeding amount of a young dog, we recommend the following rule:
Add the amount for a puppy to the amount for an adult dog and divide by 2

e.g., puppy up to 15 kg: 300 g–600 g = average 450 g plus 165 g (adult up to 15 kg) ÷ 2 = approx. 300–400 g 

Please adjust the feeding amount up or down by regularly weighing your dog, and once growth is complete, settle on the feeding amount for an adult dog. The recommended feeding amounts are minimum guidelines. 

If you have any questions regarding feeding your dog or cat, we are happy to assist you at any time by phone or via email.