What are the primary differentiators when comparing kibble, fresh, and raw diets?
Answer
Ingredient processing and moisture content
The three main feeding categories—kibble, fresh food, and raw diets—are primarily distinguished by how the ingredients are treated before consumption. Kibble is characterized as highly processed and significantly dehydrated due to the manufacturing process required to create shelf-stable pellets. Fresh food diets, conversely, are minimally cooked or sometimes kept entirely raw, meaning they retain much higher moisture levels than kibble. Raw food diets are completely uncooked, offering the highest natural moisture content. Therefore, the extent of ingredient processing, which directly influences moisture retention, serves as the main distinguishing factor among these three feeding methodologies.

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