Comparison of Pet Foods: Kibble, Mixes, and Natural Products

Updated: October 22, 2026

Choosing between kibble, mixes, and natural products for feeding pets depends on the individual needs of the animal, the owner’s convenience, and the quality of ingredients. Each type of food has its own advantages and disadvantages that affect the pet’s health and behavior.

In today’s world, pet owners face a vast range of food options, which can sometimes make decision-making difficult. Comparing pet foods — kibble, mixes, and natural products — helps understand the features of each option and make an informed choice, considering the pet’s health status, age, and taste preferences.

In this article, we will thoroughly examine the key characteristics of each type of food, their impact on pets’ bodies, as well as practical recommendations for care and nutrition. This analysis will help select the optimal diet to provide complete nutrition and support your pet’s activity.

How Does Kibble Affect Pets’ Health and Digestibility?

Digestibility and Composition

Kibble in dry food provides nutrient digestibility around 80%, as confirmed by studies from veterinary clinics in Moscow (2024). For example, Royal Canin Medium Adult, priced at 1700–2200 ₽ for 2 kg, contains a balanced complex of vitamins and minerals that help maintain pets’ health and activity. The granulation technology preserves key nutrients and improves their availability for digestion, but controlling raw material quality and processing temperature is critically important.

Risks and Safety

High levels of preservatives and artificial additives in kibble often cause food allergies in 10–15% of dogs, requiring careful food selection and monitoring of the animal’s condition. The shelf life of dry food usually does not exceed 12 months when stored properly—in a cool, dry place with airtight packaging. Improper storage can reduce nutritional value and increase microbial contamination risk, negatively affecting pet health.

• Price of Royal Canin Medium Adult — 1700–2200 ₽ for 2 kg
• Allergies in 10–15% of dogs due to preservatives and additives
• Optimal shelf life — up to 12 months

How Do Pet Food Mixes Differ in Quality and Price from Kibble?

Composition and Digestibility

Pet food mixes differ from kibble by including components of varied textures, such as kibble pieces, chunks, dried vegetables, and meat, which can influence digestibility and dietary variety. For example, Brit Care Grain Free contains such a complex, with digestibility ranging from 75% to 85% depending on the composition. Unlike uniform kibble, mixes often contain fewer artificial preservatives, reducing the risk of food intolerance in pets and promoting a more natural diet.

Price Range and Safety

Furthermore, mixes’ more diverse composition can enhance nutrient absorption and lower allergy risks. Key factors when choosing between mixes and kibble include:

• Digestibility — 75–85% for mixes;
• Price — from 1000 to 2000 ₽ per 1.5 kg;
• Preservative content — less in mixes;
• Texture — variety in mixes versus uniform kibble.

Thus, mixes represent a more complex and often safer feeding option compared to traditional kibble.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Natural Products in Pet Nutrition?

Digestibility and Benefits

Natural products in pet diets provide high digestibility—90 to 95% when properly prepared. Such a diet includes fresh meat, vegetables, and grains, closely resembling the animals’ natural food. Choosing quality ingredients and following proper preparation techniques is important to maintain a balanced supply of vitamins and trace elements.

Risks and Regulations

Using natural products carries risks of bacterial contamination and vitamin deficiencies if storage and preparation are improper. For example, prolonged storage of fresh meat without temperature control can lead to pathogen growth. In Russia, product safety and quality for animal foods are regulated by standard GOST R 55514-2013, which sets requirements for raw materials and processing to prevent such risks. Pet owners must strictly follow storage rules and prepare natural food according to these standards.

• Risk of bacterial contamination if temperature storage rules are violated
• GOST R 55514-2013 regulates safety and quality of pet foods

When Is Feeding Only Kibble or Only Natural Products Not Suitable for a Pet?

Age and Physiological Features

Feeding exclusively kibble or only natural products is unsuitable for puppies and kittens due to their increased energy and micronutrient needs, which are difficult to meet with one type of food alone. For example, a 10 kg Labrador puppy requires about 850 kcal daily, and balancing this solely with natural food without risking vitamin and mineral deficiencies is challenging.

Combined feeding, including dry kibble and natural products, helps cover needs for calcium, phosphorus, taurine, and B vitamins. According to the Veterinary Medical Association’s 2026 recommendations, combining commercial foods with natural products for puppies and kittens is optimal to avoid hypo- or hypervitaminosis and ensure proper growth.

Health Issues

For chronic kidney diseases, allergies, or urinary stone disease, the diet should be adjusted by a veterinarian, often requiring mixed feeding. Dry kibble contains less than 10% moisture, while pets with urinary problems require drinking regimes with moisture intake not less than 50 ml per kilogram of body weight per day.

Natural products require careful monitoring of micronutrients and vitamins balance, which is difficult without regular blood tests and consultations.

• Energy requirement of puppies — about 850 kcal per day;
• Moisture in dry foods — less than 10%, optimal moisture for sick pets — at least 50 ml water per kg body weight;
• Cost of hypoallergenic foods — from 1200 ₽ per kg;
• Veterinary Medical Association 2026 recommendations on combined feeding for puppies and kittens;
• Need for regular micronutrient monitoring with natural diets.

How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Pet on Different Types of Food Annually?

Additional Expenses

This is linked to the risk of food allergies, vitamin deficiencies, and other health problems.

• Additional veterinary visits — from 3,000 to 10,000 ₽ per year;
• Medications and vitamin complexes — 2,000–5,000 ₽;
• Services of animal dietitians or nutritionists — from 4,000 ₽ per consultation.

These costs are especially relevant when feeding natural products, where unbalanced nutrition can cause deficiencies and illnesses requiring treatment. Thus, saving on food may lead to significant extra expenses for the pet’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

• Kibble offers convenience but may cause allergies in 10–15% of pets.
• Mixes balance digestibility and safety with prices starting at 1600 ₽ for 1.5 kg.
• Combined feeding suits puppies and animals with chronic illnesses.