In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards small batch and artisanal dog foods. These are dog foods that are made in small batches with high-quality, fresh ingredients. As more dog owners become concerned about what they are feeding their pets, small batch dog foods have become an appealing option. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what exactly small batch dog food is, the benefits it offers compared to traditional kibble, and some things to look for when choosing a small batch dog food for your pup.
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What is Small Batch Dog Food?
Small batch dog food is made in small quantities, usually in batches of less than a few hundred pounds. This differs greatly from large commercial pet food manufacturers who produce food in extremely large batches. Small batch producers focus on quality ingredients and nutrient-rich recipes instead of mass production.
The small batches allow for greater quality control and oversight in the production process. The food can be made fresher and the ingredients carefully sourced from trusted suppliers. Preservatives typically aren't needed since the food moves from production to sale quickly.
Small batch dog foods are made by small companies, often started by dog lovers or pet nutritionists. They may produce their recipes in their own production facility or work with a co-packer who makes the food to their specifications in a human-grade food production environment.
Either way, the small scale production allows the company to focus on quality and safety first. This hands-on approach and attention to detail is a hallmark of small batch dog foods.
Benefits of Small Batch Dog Food
There are many benefits that small batch dog foods offer compared to traditional kibble made by big name pet food companies. Here are some of the top reasons to consider feeding a small batch food.
Fresher Ingredients
Since small batch dog foods are made in smaller quantities closer to the time of sale, the ingredients used are much fresher. This includes whole meats, grains, fruits, vegetables, and supplements. fresher ingredients means higher nutritional quality.
Natural Preservation
Large manufacturing requires long storage times and the use of preservatives to extend shelf life. Small batch foods can skip artificial preservatives by using natural alternatives like vitamin E and by the quick turnover from production to sale.
Improved Quality Control
With large scale production, quality control can suffer. Ingredients can become rancid or contaminated without detection. Smaller batch sizes allow companies to intimately control and monitor the ingredients and process from start to finish.
Focus on Nutrition
Instead of cheap filler ingredients to reduce costs, small companies pride themselves on nutritional formulations using high-quality ingredients. This leads to better digestibility and absorption of nutrients for your dog.
Unique Formulas and Proteins
You'll find more diversity in formulas and ingredients with small batch producers. They can feature more unique proteins like goat, duck, salmon, bison, or venison in grain-free or whole grain recipes.
Made in North America
Most small dog food companies manufacture their foods in North America with ingredients sourced from the region. This provides peace of mind compared to dog foods made in other countries with lower quality control.
What to Look for in a Small Batch Dog Food
If you want to feed your dog a high-quality small batch food, what should you look for when evaluating different brands? Here are some tips:
- Look for a specific statement about "small batch" production on the bag or website. This ensures the food is truly produced in small quantities.
- Make sure whole meats, meat meals, and specific meat sources are listed as the first few ingredients. Avoid generic terms like "poultry" or "animal."
- Check that the brand manufactures their food in a human-grade facility in North America to ensure safety and quality.
- Look for statements about quality control steps and testing for contaminants like heavy metals and bacteria.
- Consider grain-inclusive and grain-free options to find a recipe suited to your dog's needs and sensitivities.
- Don't forget about appropriate calcium and phosphorus amounts for puppies or levels to support joint health in older dogs.
- Make sure the manufacturer provides complete nutritional analysis so you know exactly what you're feeding.
Examples of Quality Small Batch Dog Foods
If you're interested in sampling a small batch dog food for your beloved pup, here are some top rated options to consider:
The Farmer's Dog - This service delivers freshly made, customized meals for your dog. Their turkey, beef, chicken, and lamb recipes are gently cooked and use USDA certified ingredients.
Freshpet - This brand offers a variety of minimally processed refrigerated dog foods including fresh meats, vegetables, and grains. They use USDA fresh ingredients and are made in small batches in the USA.
Stella & Chewy's - Their raw frozen and freeze-dried recipes contain raw proteins and minimal extra ingredients. Options include cage-free poultry, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught fish.
Ziwi - This air-dried pet food brand from New Zealand uses ethically sourced grass-fed meats like lamb, venison, beef, and mackerel. Their foods avoid grains and contain natural preservatives.
Ollie - Customized meal plans for your dog using high-quality proteins and fresh fruits and veggies are home delivered. Their recipes are cooked using human-grade ingredients.
Smaller pet food companies like Only Natural Pet, Nature's Logic, and Northwest Naturals also offer quality limited ingredient and grain-free recipes made in smaller batches.
How to Transition to a Small Batch Dog Food
Switching your dog to a new food like a small batch brand needs to be done gradually. Mix a little of the new food in with their current food, slowly increasing the ratio over 5-7 days. This allows time for their digestive system to adapt to the change in ingredients and nutrient profile. Go slow and monitor stool quality.
Small Batch Feeding for Puppies vs Adult Dogs
Puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional requirements. Puppies need higher protein, calories, essential fatty acids, and minerals for growth. Adult dogs do best with lower calories and protein matched to their lifestyle. Look for small batch foods formulated for your dog's life stage.
What Goes into Small Batch Dog Food Recipes
When it comes to ingredients, small batch dog food companies focus on quality. You'll see whole meat proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, goat, duck or exotic meats. Whole fish like salmon or whitefish are other good proteins. They may use meat meals to concentrate protein and moisture. Fruits like apples, blueberries, and pumpkin add vitamins. Veggies like sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots provide antioxidants. Whole grains like oats, barley, and brown rice can add fiber. Some oils like fish or coconut oil support the skin and coat. Probiotics and prebiotics aid digestion.
How the Production Process Differs from Big Brands
Small companies make food in smaller batches at privately owned facilities where they oversee the process. Production quantities usually range from just a few pounds up to a few hundred pounds per batch. They often use human-grade production methods and sometimes cook or gently process the foods. By contrast, big brands produce tons of kibble per batch at huge industrial facilities using extrusion and high heat. The smaller scale allows small batch companies to be nimble and have quality control.
Why Ingredients are Fresher in Small Batch Foods
When any food is made in larger quantities, the ingredients must be stored longer before production and the finished food stored longer before sale. Small batches mean ingredients are used quickly so they don't sit around getting old or stale. Because the food sells faster, it doesn't linger on shelves or in warehouses as long either. This results in much fresher food. Freshness equals higher nutritional quality and taste. Dogs love real, minimally processed whole foods.
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How Much Small Batch Should I Feed My Dog?
When switching to a small batch dog food, follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging which are usually provided based on your dog's weight. Small batch foods are often more nutrient-dense, so you may need to feed slightly less compared to traditional kibble. Monitor your dog's body condition and adjust amounts as needed to maintain an ideal weight.
Where is Small Batch Dog Food Made?
Most small batch dog food companies manufacture their recipes in small quantities in human-grade facilities in North America. This includes countries like the USA, Canada, and New Zealand. They pride themselves on locally sourced fresh ingredients and quality control.
Who Owns Small batch Pet Food?
Small batch is a pet food company founded in 2015 by Corina Lazarescu. Based in San Francisco, they focus on fresh, human-grade recipes customized for each pet and delivered to your door. Small batch was recently acquired by Just Food For Dogs, a fresh pet food company, in July 2022.
Can You Make Your Own Raw Dog Food?
You can certainly make your own raw dog food at home with quality ingredients like meats, organs, bones, fruits, veggies, eggs, and supplements. However, home-prepared raw diets require following recipes carefully to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. Consult your vet and pet nutritionist when formulating homemade raw meals. Commercial small batch options provide balanced nutrition without the hassle.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Small Batch Dog Food
What exactly is small batch dog food?
Small batch dog food is produced in small quantities, usually in batches of less than a few hundred pounds. This allows for greater oversight of ingredients and processes compared to large-scale production.
Is small batch dog food better than commercial brands?
Small batch foods use fresher, higher quality ingredients with a focus on recipes optimized for nutrition. The smaller production scale also enables better safety and quality control.
Is small batch dog food more expensive?
Small batch dog food often costs more than large commercial brands due to the use of premium ingredients and smaller manufacturing scale. However, you can feed less of many small batch foods.
Is small batch dog food high in protein?
Many small batch formulas are high in quality animal protein sources. However, some also offer grain-inclusive or lower protein options too. Check labels for protein content.
How do I switch my dog to a small batch food?
When transitioning your dog to a small batch food, mix a little into their current food over 5-7 days. Gradually increase the new food until it becomes their full meal to allow digestive adaptation.
Does small batch mean organic or raw food?
Not necessarily. Small batch refers to production quantity, not a certain type of ingredient or processing method. They can be raw, home cooked, organic, or conventional foods.
Where can I buy small batch dog food?
You can find small batch foods at some pet stores, through online retailers, or directly from specialty dog food companies. Some offer subscription delivery services.
How do I choose the best small batch food?
Look at the ingredient quality, company reputation, manufacturing standards, your dog's needs and preferences, and consult your vet to find the optimal small batch dog food.
Conclusion
When looking for a healthy, high-quality food for your canine companion, don't overlook the benefits of small batch dog foods. The smaller production quantities allow companies to focus more on nutrition, freshness quality control, and use of premium ingredients. This results in great tasting dog food with optimal nutrition.
Feeding your dog a high protein small batch food with more fresh meats can provide big benefits for their energy, skin, coat, immune system, and long-term health. With so many innovative options available from small pet food producers, you can feel confident finding the perfect food for your pup.