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What is fresh dog food? The ultimate guide for Swiss pet owners

  • hello66889
  • Mar 31
  • 7 min read

In Switzerland, awareness of healthy eating is growing – not just for humans, but also for our four-legged family members. More and more Swiss dog owners are asking themselves: What exactly is fresh dog food and why should I offer it to my dog? This comprehensive guide answers all your questions and shows why fresh dog food could be the best choice for your loyal companion.


Definition of fresh dog food


Fresh dog food refers to a diet made from minimally processed, natural ingredients prepared for immediate consumption. Unlike conventional dry dog food (kibble) or canned wet dog food, fresh dog food is made from real, human-grade ingredients and gently cooked to preserve nutrients.


The main features of real fresh dog food are:


  • High-quality protein sources : Fresh muscle meat, not by-products or meat meal

  • Natural ingredients : Real vegetables, fruits and grains (or grain-free

  • No artificial additives : No preservatives, colors or flavor enhancers

  • Gentle preparation : low-temperature cooking that preserves nutrients

  • Fresh production : Short time between production and consumption


In Switzerland, where quality and sustainability are particularly valued, fresh dog food is becoming increasingly popular. Local suppliers like Pawy rely on Swiss quality standards and regional ingredients to guarantee the highest quality.


Fresh vs. processed dog food: The key differences


To truly understand the benefits of fresh dog food, it is important to know the basic differences from conventional food.


Manufacturing process


Dry food (kibble):

  • Manufactured under high pressure and extreme temperatures (up to 200°C)

  • Undergoes an extrusion process that destroys many natural nutrients

  • Often contains meat meal instead of fresh meat - Requires preservatives for long shelf life (often 12-18 months)

  • Fortified with synthetic vitamins to compensate for nutrient losses


Wet food from a can:

  • Sterilized at high temperatures

  • Often contains high levels of by-products and fillers

  • Requires stabilizers and thickeners

  • Has a high water content, but often fewer nutrients per serving


Fresh dog food:

  • Cooked gently at low temperatures (below 90°C)

  • Retains natural enzymes and heat-sensitive nutrients

  • Uses whole, identifiable ingredients

  • Served fresh or flash frozen to preserve nutrients

  • Requires no artificial preservatives


Nutrient profile


Another crucial difference lies in the nutrient profile:

Nutritional aspect

Fresh food

Dry food

Wet food

Protein quality

High (intact amino acids)

Reduced by heat treatment

Varies greatly

Fat quality

Natural, unchanged fatty acids

Oxidized fats due to processing

Better than dry food

Vitamin content

Naturally occurring

Greatly reduced, synthetically supplemented

Reduced

Water content

65-75% (natural)

5-10% (unnaturally low)

70-85%

digestibility

Very high (90%+)

Moderate (70-80%)

Varies (75-85%)

Swiss dog owners frequently report that their dogs digest fresh food better and experience fewer digestive problems. This is not surprising considering that the canine digestive tract is evolutionarily adapted to fresh, moist food.


The benefits of fresh dog food for your dog's health


Switching to fresh dog food can have numerous positive effects on your dog's health. Research and veterinary observations indicate the following improvements:


  1. Improved digestion


Fresh food is easier to digest and leads to:

  • Smaller, firmer stools

  • Less bloating and stomach problems

  • Improved intestinal flora and nutrient absorption

  • Reduced risk of constipation and diarrhea


Current veterinary research shows that increased digestibility of food leads to less intestinal stress and can therefore improve many common digestive problems in dogs.


  1. Healthier coat and skin


When feeding fresh food, one can often observe:

  • Shinier, softer fur

  • Reduced hair loss

  • Improvement of skin problems and itching

  • Less dandruff and dry skin


This is due to the higher quality of proteins and fats, especially the content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their natural form.


  1. Healthy weight management


Fresh food can help:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • to reduce excess weight

  • Maintain muscle mass

  • To improve metabolism


Because fresh food has a higher water content and a more natural nutrient density, dogs feel fuller for longer with fewer calories.


  1. More energy and vitality


When switching to fresh food, you can often observe:

  • Increased energy and joy of playing

  • Improved endurance when hiking in the Swiss Alps

  • Better overall fitness

  • More active behavior, especially in older dogs


  1. Stronger immune system


A natural, nutrient-rich diet supports:

  • The natural immune defense

  • Resistance to infections

  • Recovery from illness

  • The general resistance


  1. Long-term health benefits


Scientific studies suggest that fresh food in the long term leads to:

  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases

  • Fewer vet visits lead to

  • Improves quality of life

  • Potentially extends the service life


Current research in the field of animal nutrition shows that dogs fed fresh food develop fewer chronic health problems on average than dogs fed exclusively commercial dry food.


How is fresh dog food made?


Have you ever wondered what the manufacturing process for high-quality, fresh dog food actually looks like? At Swiss suppliers like Pawy, it involves several meticulous steps:


  1. Selection of ingredients


  • Protein sources : 55-65% high-quality muscle meat from Swiss suppliers

  • Vegetables and fruit : 20-30% seasonal, regional products, preferably organic

  • Carbohydrate sources : 7-9% whole grain rice, sweet potatoes or other easily digestible sources (or completely grain-free)

  • Healthy fats : 0.9-1.3% natural oils and fats for essential fatty acids

  • Superfoods and supplements : Small amounts of natural sources of vitamins and minerals such as algae, herbs or special oils


  1. Preparation


  • Gentle cooking at low temperatures (typically below 90°C)

  • Separate preparation of different ingredients to ensure optimal cooking temperatures

  • No use of high pressure or extreme heat

  • Maintaining the natural structure and texture of the ingredients


  1. Portioning and packaging


  • Individual portioning according to the dog's size, weight and activity level

  • Environmentally friendly, food-safe packaging

  • Shock freezing for preservation without additives

  • Clear labeling with ingredients and nutritional information


  1. Delivery and storage


  • Regular delivery in subscription model to guarantee freshness

  • Delivery in insulated boxes to ensure the cold chain

  • Easy storage in the freezer

  • Convenient portion sizes for easy defrosting and serving


Unlike industrially produced food, which is often produced in large quantities and stored for months, fresh dog food is produced in smaller batches and delivered quickly to the end consumer to ensure maximum freshness and nutrient preservation.


Frequently asked questions about fresh dog food


Is fresh dog food suitable for all dogs?


Yes, fresh dog food is generally suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Dogs can particularly benefit from:


  • Dogs with digestive problems or sensitive stomachs

  • Allergy sufferers or dogs with food intolerances

  • Overweight dogs

  • Older dogs with a decreased appetite

  • Active dogs with high energy needs

  • Puppies in the growth phase


However, in certain medical conditions, the change should be discussed with the veterinarian


The change should be made gradually over 7 days:

  1. Day 1-2: 25% fresh food, 75% previous food

  2. Day 3-4: 50% fresh food, 50% previous food

  3. Day 5-6: 75% fresh food, 25% previous food

  4. From day 7: 100% fresh food


This slow transition gives your dog's digestive system time to adjust and minimizes digestive problems.


Is fresh dog food more expensive than conventional dog food?


At first glance, fresh dog food often seems more expensive than dry food. However, when you consider the long-term benefits, the price difference becomes more realistic:


  • Higher nutrient density often means smaller portions

  • Potentially lower veterinary costs due to better health

  • Better nutrient utilization and less excretion

  • Personalized portions reduce waste


At Pawy, prices for fresh dog food start at CHF 2.40 per day for small dogs – a manageable amount for the health of your four-legged family member.


How long does fresh dog food last?


Fresh dog food is usually delivered flash frozen and is:


  • In the freezer: 6 months shelf life

  • In the refrigerator: 7 days after thawing

  • After opening: 3 days in the refrigerator


The exact shelf life may vary depending on the manufacturer and should be stated on the packaging.


Does fresh dog food contain all the necessary nutrients?


High-quality fresh dog food like Pawy's is formulated by nutrition experts to meet all your dog's nutritional needs. It contains:


  • Balanced ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates

  • Essential vitamins and minerals

  • Natural fiber for healthy digestion

  • Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health


Unlike home-cooked food, you don't have to worry about nutritional deficiencies because professional providers carefully balance their recipes.


Can I prepare fresh dog food myself?


While home preparation is possible, there are some challenges:


  • Ensuring a balanced nutrient composition

  • Time required for regular preparation

  • Knowledge about foods that dogs are intolerant to

  • Storage and portioning


Commercial providers like Pawy take this work off your hands and guarantee a balanced diet developed by experts.


Conclusion: Why fresh dog food is the best choice for Swiss dog owners


Choosing fresh dog food is more than just a trend—it's a return to a more natural, species-appropriate diet for our four-legged companions. In Switzerland, where quality and sustainability are valued, fresh dog food offers numerous advantages:


  • Health benefits : From improved digestion to shiny coat and more energy

  • Transparency : Clear, identifiable ingredients with no hidden additives

  • Sustainability : Lower ecological footprint through regional ingredients and more environmentally friendly production

  • Swiss quality : Compliance with high Swiss standards for food safety and animal welfare

  • Personalization : Nutrition tailored to your dog's individual needs


Numerous observations and studies show that dogs fed fresh food often exhibit improved health and quality of life. Especially for active dog breeds, which are popular in Switzerland, optimal nutrition can make a significant difference in energy, endurance, and overall well-being.


Investing in high-quality, fresh food is ultimately an investment in the health and well-being of your loyal companion – and what could be more important?


Click here to Try fresh Pawy dog food with a special discount on your first order and experience the difference for yourself!



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