No Shame, Just Smarter Choices
I get it—kibble is easy. It’s convenient. It can sit in your cupboard for months and still seem fine to feed your dog. It appears cheaper than other options. Most dog parents feed kibble, and if you’re one of them and plan to keep doing so, that’s okay.
But like any category of dog food, not all kibble is created equal.
This article isn’t about shaming you. It’s about meeting you where you are and sharing simple, smart ways to make the kibble you’re already feeding work harder for your dog’s health, without adding anything extra to the bowl. (Yet. 😉)
Here are 7 common mistakes dog parents make when feeding kibble, and what to do instead. If this sparks your curiosity, I’ll have more resources coming soon to help you dive deeper. But here's what might surprise you: it's not what you feed, it's how you feed it that often makes the biggest difference.
1. Stop Picking Kibble Based on Ingredients Alone
The mistake: You're standing in the pet store aisle, comparing ingredient lists like you're reading a recipe book. "Deboned chicken, kumara, peas..." sounds healthy, right?
Why this backfires: Ingredient lists are marketing tools, not nutrition guides. They're listed by weight before processing, which means that "deboned chicken" at the top might actually contribute less protein than the chicken meal listed fifth. Plus, you can't determine digestibility, bioavailability, or nutritional adequacy from an ingredient list.
What to do instead: Look for AAFCO feeding trial statements (not just "formulated to meet" standards) and research the manufacturer's quality control processes. Focus on companies with rigorous testing protocols and transparent manufacturing practices.
The deeper truth: There's a systematic approach to evaluating dog food in New Zealand that goes far beyond ingredients, one that considers your dog's individual needs, life stage, and health status.
2. Stop Choosing a Formula That Doesn’t Match Your Dog
The mistake: You pick a food because it worked for your friend's dog, or because the marketing speaks to you. "Grain-free for sensitive stomachs" or "High-protein for active dogs" sounds perfect for your pup.
Why this creates problems: A retired Huntaway and an active young Border Collie have vastly different nutritional requirements. What's optimal for one could be harmful for another.
What to do instead: Consider your dog's age, activity level, breed size, health status, and body condition. A 12-week-old puppy needs different nutrition than a 12-year-old senior, even if they're the same breed.
The missing piece: Most dog parents don't realise there's a specific framework for matching nutritional profiles to individual dogs; it’s not guesswork, it’s science. (Need help? Book a nutrition consultation.)
3. Why Big Bags of Dog Food Can Hurt Your Dog’s Health
The mistake: Bigger bags mean better value, right? You stock up on 20-kilo bags because the cost per kilo is lower.
Why this works against you: Kibble starts losing nutritional value the moment the bag is opened. Fats go rancid, vitamins degrade, and freshness plummets. That "savings" disappears when you're feeding nutritionally depleted food for the last month of that giant bag.
What to do instead: Buy bags your dog can finish within 3–4 weeks of opening. Store properly in a cool, dry place in the original bag, which has protective barriers designed specifically for that food.
The real cost: Poor nutrient retention can impact everything from coat quality to immune function. Fresh nutrition is an investment in long-term health.
4. Don’t Assume Expensive = Better Dog Food
The mistake: You equate premium pricing with premium nutrition. If it costs more, it must be better for your dog.
Why this misleads you: Marketing budgets, fancy packaging, and boutique positioning drive up costs without necessarily improving nutritional value. Some expensive foods have poor digestibility or inappropriate nutrient profiles.
What to do instead: Evaluate cost per feeding (not per gram) and focus on dog food brands in NZ that invest in research, not just marketing.
The insight: The most expensive food isn’t always the best choice, but the cheapest rarely is either. There’s a sweet spot that balances quality and value.
5. Stop Feeding the Same Kibble Year After Year
The mistake: You found a kibble your dog tolerates, so you stick with it forever. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," right?
Why this limits your dog: Nutritional needs change with age, activity level, and health status. The food that was perfect for your 2-year-old may be completely wrong for your 8-year-old. Plus, dietary variety can support gut health and reduce food sensitivities.
What to do instead: Reassess your dog's nutritional needs annually and be prepared to transition foods as life stages change. Consider rotating between 2–3 quality formulas to provide variety.
The opportunity: Strategic food rotation may actually improve digestion and reduce the risk of developing food sensitivities over time.
6. The Best Way to Store Kibble in New Zealand’s Climate
The mistake: You transfer your dog’s kibble into a plastic storage container to keep it "fresh" and make feeding easier.
Why this backfires: Plastic is porous and can absorb and transfer odors and flavours. More importantly, it doesn't provide the same protective barriers as the original packaging. You’re also losing the lot numbers and expiration dates you’d need in case of a recall.
What to do instead: Keep kibble in its original bag, then place the entire bag inside an airtight container. This preserves freshness while maintaining traceability.
The protection: Proper storage maintains nutritional integrity and protects your investment in quality food.
7. Stop Free-Feeding Kibble
The mistake: You keep the food bowl full all day, letting your dog graze whenever they want. It seems convenient and natural.
Why this creates problems: Free-feeding makes it impossible to monitor appetite changes (often a sign of health issues), prevents you from using meals for training opportunities, and can lead to overeating or food guarding in multi-pet households.
What to do instead: Establish regular meal times. This creates routine, allows you to monitor intake, and strengthens your bond through consistent interaction.
The benefit: Scheduled feeding gives you valuable data about your dog’s health and creates opportunities for positive reinforcement and connection.
Want to Take the Next Step?
You're already making better choices just by reading this. If you're ready to do something with what’s already in your pantry or fridge…
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Let Me Say It Clearly
Feeding kibble doesn’t make you a bad dog parent. Not even close.
I’m a fresh food advocate, but I also believe in meeting people where they are. These changes aren’t about guilt. They’re about empowering you with knowledge. You’re already doing more than most by reading this far.
And guess what? These seven changes might seem simple, but they represent a fundamental shift in how you approach your dog’s nutrition. Instead of making decisions based on marketing messages or assumptions, you’re making informed choices based on your individual dog’s needs.
None of these changes require adding extra food, taking extra time, or spending tons more money. They’re the foundation for better nutrition, better health, and better quality of life for your dog.
FAQ: Dog Nutrition for Kibble Feeders in NZ
Can I improve my dog's nutrition without switching from kibble?
Yes! Small changes like better storage, feeding routines, and smart add-ins (like fresh toppers) can boost your dog’s health without switching foods.
How do I choose the best dog food in NZ?
Look beyond ingredient lists. Focus on brands that do feeding trials, publish testing data, and have transparent sourcing. Your dog’s age and health also matter.
Is it okay to keep feeding the same kibble for years?
Not always. Dogs' needs change with age and activity. Rotating between 2–3 quality formulas and reassessing yearly can help maintain optimal nutrition.
About the Author
I'm Hilary, a certified canine nutritionist & coach based in New Zealand and founder of Thrive Dog Kitchen. I help dog parents move from confusion to confidence in their feeding decisions, whether you're feeding raw, fresh, kibble, or something in between.
I believe optimal nutrition should be accessible to every dog, no matter your budget or lifestyle. Want support tailored to your pup? Let’s connect.