If you’ve been browsing dog food options lately, you’ve probably seen terms like cold-pressed, extruded, and gently dry extruded thrown around. But what do they actually mean — and which one is better for your dog?
At Timmy’s Pet Shop, we often get asked about the difference between cold-pressed dog food and traditional dry extruded kibble. So let’s break it down in simple terms and help you decide what’s best for your pup.
What Is Cold-Pressed Dog Food?
Cold-pressed dog food is made by mixing all the ingredients together and compressing them at low temperatures (typically under 75°C). This helps retain more of the original nutrients, vitamins, and natural goodness of the raw ingredients.
One of our favourite cold-pressed options is Herbafix, which is packed with high-quality meat, herbs, and beneficial extras like probiotics and joint support.
What Is Dry Extruded Dog Food?
Most traditional kibble is extruded, meaning it’s dry extruded at high temperatures and pressure to create crunchy, shelf-stable pellets.
While convenient and widely available, this method can destroy some of the natural nutrients — which is why many brands need to add synthetic vitamins back in after cooking.
Why Cold-Pressed Food Might Be a Better Option
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to make it easier:
| Feature | Cold-Pressed Dog Food | Dry Extruded Dog Food |
| Cooking Temperature | Low (under 75°C) | High (120–200°C) |
| Nutrient Retention | High (more natural vitamins) | Lower (requires added supplements) |
| Digestibility | Breaks down gently in the stomach | Can expand in the stomach |
| Storage | Shelf-stable, like kibble | Shelf-stable |
| Flavour & Aroma | More natural smell & taste | Often masked with flavour sprays |
| Additives | Fewer (often no artificial extras) | Commonly includes preservatives |
What Are the Benefits of Cold-Pressed Dog Food?
- Easier on the tummy: Cold-pressed food breaks down more gently in the stomach, which may help dogs with sensitive digestion.
- More natural nutrients: Lower cooking temps help preserve essential oils, amino acids, and vitamins.
- Great for fussy eaters: The natural aroma often makes it more appealing for picky dogs.
- Supports a healthy gut: Many cold-pressed options include natural prebiotics and herbs to aid digestion.
Why We Stock Herbafix at Timmy’s Pet Shop
We’re big fans of Herbafix, one of the few premium cold-pressed dog food brands available in Ireland. It’s made with:
- Real meat like salmon, lamb, and turkey
- Functional herbs like milk thistle, turmeric, and chicory root
- Joint support ingredients (glucosamine + chondroitin)
- Options for puppies, sensitive tummies, and even hypoallergenic diets
🛍️ Top picks from our shop:
- Herbafix Hypoallergenic Salmon 12kg – great for allergies or sensitivities
- Herbafix Puppy & Junior 12kg – supports growing pups
- Herbafix Lamb Vitality 12kg – ideal for active adult dogs
- Herbafix Lamb Sausage 800g – natural treat option
Is Cold-Pressed Dog Food Right for Your Dog?
Cold-pressed food like Herbafix can be a great choice for:
- Dogs with sensitive digestion or food intolerances
- Owners looking for a more natural feeding option
- Pups who are fussy about flavours
- Dogs needing extra joint or immune support through diet
If you’re unsure whether it’s the right switch, feel free to pop into the shop or drop us a message — we’re happy to help!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, every dog is different — but cold-pressed food is a gentle, nutritious option that’s getting more and more attention for all the right reasons.
We stock a full range of Herbafix cold-pressed dog food at Timmy’s Pet Shop both in-store and online. No subscription, no fuss — just real food for real dogs.
