We often talk about dog food cooked “low and slow” and how it can maximize the nutritional value of ingredients. But what does “moderate temperature” or “low and slow” actually mean?
Cooking gently at low or moderate temperatures
Cooking at low or moderate temperatures means applying heat in a controlled way to eliminate bacteria while minimizing damage to essential nutrients.
If food is not cooked (or barely cooked), there is a higher risk of pathogens. If it is cooked too aggressively, vitamins, amino acids, and natural proteins can be lost.
According to USDA and FDA food safety guidance, moderate temperatures around 75°C should be sufficient to achieve microbial safety in beef, chicken, and fish:
https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/To-what-temperature-should-I-cook-beef?utm_source=chatgpt.com
However, many dry extruded foods are processed at much higher temperatures — typically 110°C to 150°C — and under high internal pressure, mainly to dehydrate the product and extend shelf life. This destroys a portion of heat-sensitive nutrients.
The perfect balance between safety and nutrition
On one end, highly processed foods are cooked at very high temperatures that guarantee extended shelf life without refrigeration, but reduce the natural content of vitamins and enzymes.
On the other end, raw foods have a higher risk of containing bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Moderate-temperature cooking aims for the middle point: high enough heat to improve safety, but gentle enough to maximize preservation of flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Shelf life is shorter than kibble and requires freezing to maintain quality.
Experts at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University confirm:
“Apart from anecdotal reports from pet owners and even some veterinarians, there is currently no evidence that raw diets offer benefits over cooked diets. However, there is substantial evidence that these diets can be associated with dental fractures, bacterial or parasitic infections and other health problems in pets. In addition to food safety concerns, almost all homemade raw diets and many commercially available raw diets are deficient in essential nutrients.”
— Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University (https://vet.tufts.edu)
Raw, overcooked, and the middle ground
Moderate-temperature cooking represents balance, wellbeing, and transparency.
Choosing foods with the greatest possible amount of fresh ingredients, gently cooked, and free from artificial additives is a more conscious and responsible way to care for your dog’s health, vitality, and wellbeing — with the same attention and care you would put into your own meals.
Based on evidence from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and guidelines from the FDA, WSAVA, AVMA, and NRC. This text is for informational purposes and does not replace guidance from a veterinary professional.
