Markus Muhle and other cold pressed dog food

[chrishordley]

My guess would be that in order to meet safety standards there would need to be quite an investment in the initial set up of a processing plant which might put people off. The big companies making kibble may be throwing out scare stories too. I am not particularly into conspiracy theories though, so there may be possible problems. I would expect the German and Dutch authorities to have regulation in force to ensure manufacturing is safe.
My only slight concern with cold pressed is the density of the pellet. I foster rescued dogs and my current jrt cross was very underweight with therefore a small tummy and he threw up his first couple of MM meals, he was fine after that but I should have introduced it over a longer period than I did.

[Tinyplanets]

I didn't have any of the old kibble left when I changed to MM so a gradual change wasn't possible. However I didn't give more than the recommended amount and we had no problems. Trouble is the recommended amount did look small due to the density and it would have been tempting to add a bit more. Having seen how much it swells when you add water, I can see why too big a potion may be rejected.

Somebody I know has just started her older dog with hit and miss appetite on Gentle. The smaller potions are good for her as she can be put off by larger amounts. Initially she was looking for more after her breakfast. When a little more was offered a while later, she left it. I am guessing she felt full as the food expanded in her stomach.

[FurriesMom112]

Hi. We are waiting for  our first bag of Gentle to arrive. Ordered it Sunday night after trying a sample. My dog  currently eats a mix of kibble and canned food. We will have finished the canned tomorrow so hoping to do the changeover using just the kibble.  Is there a specified/suggested number of days for the changeover to this food.   Just worried as  current food is low and Harvey won't like too much dry kibble for long!
Also, Harvey enjoyed the sample but worried about him facing a meal of it  as he does like his canned food. How mushy does it get with added water?  Any experience and advice would be great.  Thank you.

[Dottie]

I didn't transition mine - just started it and they were absolutely fine.  AFAIK there is nothing in it that should cause any violent reaction and brown rice is often recommended when a dog has had digestive problems.   As I've already mentioned, remember to weigh it accurately so as not to overfeed.  If you want to soften it just pour a little warm water over and it will be nice and mushy within about 10 to 15 minutes.  You get used to how much to add to get it to the consistency you require.  I soften Gentle for their Kongs but do it by guess.  Really I ought to have a go weighing it and measuring the water properly - will do that next time.  I do hope that your dog does well on cold pressed food. 

[FurriesMom112]

Thanks Dottie. Hoping it arrives in the next few days so we can see how Harvey does with it. 

[Tinyplanets]

I also only add a little water to stuff kongs . Initially I used to pour a little warm on to release the smells from the food and serve it straight away but my dog will eat it however  it comes. She is still enjoying it and has been fed it (amongst other foods ) for a while now.

Although she mostly has it for treats and kongs, she is happy to have it for a meal as well. She is mostly having wet food and raw for meals.

[Greg]

Thanks Dottie, i think i'll message a few of the cold pressed companies and ask how they make sure their products are sterile. I'll let you all know what i'm told.

[Greg]

Just spoken to one company that do cold pressed, they've said that meat products are '...cooked in way that salmonella and bacteria are destroyed and that the food is later cold pressed at no more than 45 degrees celsius.' although she couldn't tell me what that cooking process is, so cooked meats are then being cold pressed. Does that not defeat the point a little, although the videos of the extruded vs cold pressed digestion make it look a much better prospect regardless, but is the difference between the nutritional values being saved that noticeable?

Certainly doesn't answer why a UK manufacturer hasn't done it yet if it's as simple as cooking the products first before cold pressing?

[chrishordley]

Is this where pasteurization comes in ? I am no expert but raising to and maintaining sufficient heat to kill off bacteria as with dairy products produces "safe" food without the nasty chemical effects high heat produces. I tend to slow cook without searing after reading about the controversy over grilling etc. The colour of the product kinda suggests it is not raw.

[FurriesMom112]

My Dog is 14 with  liver problems caused by an enlarged gallbladder. Sorry been on here a lot recently so you prob know already!
I wanted to place him on Gentle as it's good protein, low phosphorous, and natural. It seems to fit the requirements for his health problems.  I was concerned about the lowish fat content  as my pooch is losing weight so contacted my veterinary surgery.
I was told today by the nurse that they did not like the look of Gentle  for the following reasons:
It caters for all dogs and is not specific for seniors
The feeding guide was I think they thought "too vague".
The idea that the analysis was not dry matter.
Overall they said it was not good quality and they could not "put their name to it".
Came out of course with a recommendation to call 'royal canin'.
I am going to ring the Gentle company  for their response to this but anybody got any views on what my surgery is saying about this food?

[Dottie]

It caters for all dogs and is not specific for seniors

There are different thoughts on this - some believe in life stage food to meet what is supposed to be different nutritional needs and others feel it is unnecessary. I am not sure, but I think that the analysis of Gentle, being mid range makes it suitable for all life stages.  However, it is their opinion and I respect that. Like so much to do with dog food, at the end of the day it is down to individual choice.

The feeding guide was I think they thought "too vague"

I've not found that to be the case simply because I have never come across a feeding guide that was anywhere near accurate anyway. On the contrary, I find it easy to work out and the website does say that you need to move it up or down depending on the dog's needs. That seems sensible.

The idea that the analysis was not dry matter.

Earlier I mentioned this and suggested that you take the dry matter analysis from the Dog Food Directory of this website - it is provided graphically in the form of the dials. 

Overall they said it was not good quality and they could not "put their name to it".

The review on this website does not tally with theirs so you just have to read up and form your own opinion.

On the subject of Royal Canin, it seems to take a lot of flak but tbh I have fed their products in the past and I don't remember having any problems with it.  I have posted on the thread here about veterinary advice.  All I can say is that this is their opinion so you have to do the homework and make that decision yourself.

One thing I have learned over the many years of dog ownership is that there are many different views and ways of feeding our furry friends.  No one thing is right and that is why I am always wary of people who are dogmatic (no pun intended) on the subject.  If you feel that this product might be helpful then yes, have a chat with Beate Rothon about it and see what she thinks.  You can but try it and monitor your dog's condition.  I would be interested in hearing the outcome and following your dog's progress. 

[Eden Holistic Pet Foods]

What is the difference between a senior (or puppy) food and a typical adult food... Protein levels.

Adult food is often about 25%, puppy or senior is pushed up to 32% (for growth in puppies, and to minimise muscle wastage plus to compensate for reduced digestive take up in seniors).

So if a food is 32% or over in protein already then why would you need a separate senior or puppy variety?

[Seaweed]

I don't think this brand has been mentioned on the forum before although I may be wrong. However to update the cold pressed topic. Pure Dog cold pressed grain free Chicken,Trout and Potato. Pure Dog also do a range of low temperature in-can cooking process wet foods. www.puredog.co.uk/

[Dottie]

Thank you for the update - I didn't know about this.  Another addition to the cold pressed range is Guru Pet Food.

[Tinyplanets]

Great to see more cold pressed foods on the market. They are woefully few and far between at the moment.