Kibble has been a staple in dog nutrition for decades. It’s affordable, convenient, and widely available, making it a popular choice among pet owners. However, many dogs struggle to digest kibble, often leading to issues like vomiting whole pieces, bloating, and stomach discomfort.
If you’ve ever noticed your dog throwing up undigested kibble an hour or so after mealtime, the reason could be linked to how kibble is made and its impact on digestion. Let’s break down the key reasons why kibble can be hard on a dog’s stomach.
Unlike cold-pressed dog food, which is gently processed to retain nutrients, kibble is extruded using high heat and pressure. This process:
When digestion is impaired, food doesn’t break down properly in the stomach, leading to vomiting, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
Many kibble brands contain low-quality ingredients to cut costs. These often include:
By contrast, Nextrition cold-pressed dog food uses natural, high-quality ingredients that support better digestion and nutrient absorption.
Kibble is a hard, dry food with a puffed texture, meaning that it will float in water and in your dog’s stomach. This presents challenges because:
Cold-pressed dog food is more dense so it will sink to the bottom of the stomach, a more comfortable position, and quickly breakdown so the digestive system isn’t overworked.
Some dogs have food sensitivities or intolerances that make kibble even harder to digest. These dogs may experience:
Because cold-pressed dog food is made with natural ingredients, lower heat processing, and no artificial ingredients, it’s often better tolerated by dogs with sensitive stomachs.
If your dog frequently vomits undigested kibble, experiences bloating, or struggles with digestion, it might be time to consider a better alternative.
Nextrition cold-pressed dog food is:
Switching to cold-pressed food could be the solution your dog needs for a happier, healthier digestive system. If kibble is giving your dog trouble, it might be time to make the switch!
A dog experiencing excess gas can be an unpleasant companion to be around. Between flatulence, bloating, and discomfort, excess gas can make both you and your dog miserable. But did you know that it could be a sign of poor gut health?
Like humans, dogs thrive when their digestive system maintains a healthy balance of gut microbes. When that balance is off, digestion suffers, and one of the most common symptoms is excessive gas—often leading to bloating, discomfort, and frequent flatulence.
What Else Causes Excess Gas?
Excess gas isn't always the direct result of poor gut health. Other factors could be at play, such as:
If your dog's gas is persistent or paired with other symptoms, it's best to consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.
Other Symptoms of Poor Gut Health
If your dog's excess gas is linked to poor gut health, you may notice additional symptoms, such as:
If your dog's only symptom is flatulence, a simple diet change might be the solution. However, if multiple symptoms occur together, a trip to the vet is a good idea.
How Cold-Pressed Dog Food Can Help Excess Gas
If diet is the culprit, switching to cold-pressed dog food by Nextrition could be an easy and effective fix. Here's why:
Should You Switch to Cold-Pressed Dog Food?
If your dog regularly experiences excess gas, take note of any other symptoms and evaluate their diet. If bloating, flatulence, or digestive discomfort is an issue, switching to a gut-healthy, cold-pressed food could help.
If you're looking for a natural, easily digestible, and gut-friendly option, Nextrition is a great choice. Why not give it a try? Your dog's stomach—and your nose—will thank you.
Most dogs love to eat, and some will devour anything in front of them. While treats can be a great supplement to a healthy diet, dog owners should know that even the type of treats they choose can impact their dog's gut health. That’s why we emphasize gut-healthy treats.
Like any other food, treats can have a positive or negative effect on digestion. A dog’s gut health is determined by the balance of microorganisms in their digestive system. Just like with humans, maintaining this balance is key to proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.
A dog's gut is filled with beneficial bacteria that help break down food and extract nutrients. However, it doesn’t take much to throw this balance off. Even minor dietary changes can disrupt digestion and lead to issues like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
That’s why experts recommend gradually transitioning from one dog food to another. Making sudden changes can shock the digestive system. The same principle applies to treats—what seems like a small snack can significantly impact gut health, for better or worse.
Not all dog treats are created equal. Many commercial treats contain ingredients that can negatively affect digestion. Here’s what to watch out for:
If you want to support your dog's digestion, the best approach is choosing treats made with natural ingredients and minimal processing. Avoid treats that contain unnecessary fillers, byproducts, or artificial additives.
Dog treats that promote gut health are formulated with digestive-friendly ingredients that help maintain a balanced microbiome. When your dog’s gut is in balance, their overall health improves, leading to better digestion, a stronger immune system, and increased energy levels.
By being mindful of what you feed your dog—including treats—you can help them stay healthy and happy. After all, treats should nourish your pet, not just satisfy their cravings.
Our
chicken and
beef tummy treats are made with beneficial ingredients like sweet potato, rice and bone broth to promote a healthy gut.
As more pet parents become aware of food allergies in dogs, we often hear this question: "Do you have chicken-free dog food?" The answer is yes! At Nextrition, we understand that not all dogs tolerate chicken well, which is why we offer nutritionally complete, chicken-free recipes that are just as delicious and nourishing.
Finding the right food for a dog with chicken allergies can be frustrating, especially with so many kibble options containing chicken or chicken byproducts. That’s why we’ve formulated three protein-rich, chicken-free recipes—beef, lamb, and salmon—so your pup can enjoy mealtime without discomfort.
While chicken is a great protein source for many dogs, some develop allergies or sensitivities to it over time. Signs of a chicken allergy may include:
If your dog experiences any of these symptoms, switching to a single-protein, chicken-free diet may help. Your veterinarian can also recommend an elimination diet to confirm if chicken is the culprit.
At Nextrition, we take food sensitivities seriously. That’s why we make cold-pressed, chicken-free dog food with real, high-quality proteins like beef, lamb, and salmon. Unlike traditional kibble, which is cooked at high temperatures that strip away nutrients, our low-heat process preserves flavor, nutrients, and digestibility.
Each of our recipes is:
And because our food breaks down easily in the stomach without swelling, it’s gentle on digestion—helping to reduce bloating and discomfort.
If your dog has been struggling with allergies, discomfort, or digestive upset, a chicken-free diet might be the solution. With Nextrition’s cold-pressed dog food, you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition, taste, or quality—just healthier, happier mealtimes for your pup.
Check out our beef, lamb, and salmon recipes to find the perfect fit for your dog’s needs.
When you hear "mail order," do you automatically assume lower quality? You're not alone. But not all mail order companies are the same—especially when it comes to pet food. Take Nextrition, for example. Technically, we are a mail order dog food company, but what we offer is far from ordinary.
You can order our food online and have it delivered straight to your door. We even provide free shipping on most standard orders within the continental U.S. And if you need it faster, expedited shipping is always an option. But is ordering dog food online really a good idea?
Some people associate mail order products with cheap, low-quality goods. But that's not the case with Nextrition. Our cold-pressed dog food is intentionally designed to be healthier and more nutritious than standard kibble.
Unlike generic, mass-produced dog food found on store shelves, Nextrition is crafted with care. Our ingredients include:
What don’t we include? Fillers, byproducts, artificial flavors, and preservatives. You get only natural, high-quality ingredients designed for good gut health and optimal nutrition.
Great ingredients are the foundation of great dog food, but we go further to provide superior nutritional value. We cold press the ingredients together at 3x lower temperature than kibble, retaining more of the natural nutrients and flavors. This also creates a more nutrient-dense food so your dog needs up to 30% less per meal—giving you more value for your money.
Our secret is in the cold-pressing process:
Traditional kibble, on the other hand, is cooked at high temperatures, which strips it of much of its nutritional value and taste.
If your dog suffers from bloating or digestive issues, this is a major plus. Unlike kibble, Nextrition does not swell in your dog's stomach. That means:
Kibble often swells in the gut due to the manufacturing process. Since we cold-press our ingredients our food breaks down naturally, making digestion smoother for your pup.
If you’ve had bad mail order experiences in the past, we understand the hesitation. But Nextrition is different. We provide high-quality, natural, cold-pressed dog food—delivered straight to your door.
Put us to the test and see how we measure up. Your pup will thank you.
If your dog frequently vomits large chunks of food, you’re not alone. This is a common concern among pet owners, and while an underlying health condition could be to blame, the issue might also be the food itself.
Dogs on a dry kibble diet are more prone to vomiting whole pieces of food, while those eating cold-pressed dog food or a well-planned raw diet are less likely to experience this issue.
If your dog regularly throws up undigested kibble, the problem often comes down to digestion difficulties. Kibble, by design, is hard and dry, making it tougher for a dog’s stomach to break down. Several factors contribute to this:
Because kibble expands in the stomach, it can cause discomfort, bloating, and vomiting of whole pieces when digestion doesn’t go as planned.
Frequent vomiting isn't immediately life-threatening, but it’s not something to ignore. Persistent issues can lead to:
While food is a common culprit, there are other causes of vomiting, including:
If vomiting is frequent, a vet visit is essential to rule out any serious health concerns.
We believe cold-pressed dog food is a better alternative to kibble, especially for dogs with sensitive digestion. Here’s why:
By feeding your dog food that works with their digestive system, you can reduce vomiting episodes and improve overall health.
If your dog frequently vomits whole pieces of food, start by:
Many dogs see significant improvement when switching from kibble to cold-pressed food. If your dog struggles with digestion, it’s worth giving Nextrition cold-pressed dog food a try. You may be surprised at the difference it makes.
We recently introduced Tummy Treats, a special kind of dog treat designed for more than just rewarding good behavior. These gut-healthy treats support digestion and overall well-being while giving your pup a tasty reward.
Like everything under the Nextrition name, Tummy Treats are made with all-natural ingredients and minimal processing to ensure maximum health benefits. Available in chicken and beef, these treats are both delicious and beneficial for your dog's digestive system.
Our Chicken Tummy Treats are made with:
Our Beef Tummy Treats have the same ingredients, with chicken and chicken broth swapped for real beef and beef broth. Each ingredient plays a role in promoting gut health, supporting digestion, and providing essential nutrients.
A dog's gut microbiome consists of bacteria and microorganisms that aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. A balanced microbiome ensures:
An imbalanced gut, on the other hand, can lead to:
Tummy Treats are not a replacement for your dog’s primary diet, but they can be a valuable supplement to support gut health and even help calm down an upset tummy. We recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Here’s how Tummy Treats can benefit your dog:
If you regularly give your dog treats, why not choose one that supports gut health? Nextrition Tummy Treats provide a tasty, nutritious reward while helping maintain a balanced digestive system.
Try them today and see the difference in your dog’s digestion, energy, and overall well-being. A happy gut makes a happy pup!
We have all heard the phrase 'dog breath'. Telling someone they have dog breath is not a compliment, that's for sure. But if you are a dog owner, you know the difference between dog breath and stinky breath in dogs. The latter can be magnitudes worse!
The truth about stinky breath in dogs is that it can be hard to pinpoint. It is easy to assume that it's the food you are feeding him. That could be the case, but it's not likely. When food impacts a dog's breath, the impacts are probably indirect. Most underlying causes of bad breath in dogs are related to underlying conditions.
Dogs are a lot like humans in the sense that oral health problems can lead to stinky breath. Dogs are just as susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth. Plaque and tartar contribute to gum disease, which is a known cause of bad breath.
Tooth decay is another potential problem. The bacteria and other microorganisms associated with tooth decay can flourish in a dog's mouth. You could make the case that there is an indirect connection with food, at least in the sense that a diet that promotes good oral health should reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Food has another indirect influence on stinky breath by way of ingredients. For instance, a diet high in fish products can cause a dog's breath to exhibit a very distinct fishy odor. The odor could be interpreted as stinky breath to someone who does not appreciate fish.
Along those same lines is stinky breath related to gastrointestinal upset. Consider a dog whose stomach doesn't digest certain kinds of food very well. The longer the food sits in the digestive tract, the more likely it is to begin fermenting. This produces gas which, in turn, can lead to bad breath.
One could also make the case that food is directly related to bad breath because it isn't being properly digested. But the effect is still indirect. It is not the food itself that contaminates the dog's breath. Rather, the problem is food-related digestive issues.
It's impossible to talk about stinky breath in dogs without bringing up gut health. A dog's gut is related to so much of his overall health and well-being that 70% of their immune system is influenced by the gut. To explain this properly, let us start with the basics.
The digestive system, which we otherwise call the gut, naturally contains a variety of bacteria and other microbes. Good gut health stipulates all these organisms are in proper balance. They are necessary for digestion, by the way. If they get out of balance, you have the condition we call poor gut health.
Just like gut health plays a role in a dog's breath, food plays a role in maintaining good gut health. Poor gut health could mean stinky breath. Good gut health should mean 'normal' dog breath.
To the extent that your choice of food influences your dog's gut health, it can contribute to bad breath in an indirect way. A food that does not promote good gut health could actually be exacerbating the poor gut health condition. That would mean stinky breath.
Although food is rarely the direct cause of stinky breath in dogs, it can be indirectly related. Fortunately, the solution is easy: change the food. If your dog regularly exhibits stinky breath, consider switching from your current brand to Nextrition cold-pressed dog food.
Dogs and treats go together like cake and ice cream. If there’s a dog in your household, chances are you love giving them treats as a way to show affection. But are those treats actually healthy?
More specifically, are they gut-healthy treats? Just like with food, the treats we give our dogs should contribute to their overall health and digestion. If you’re already mindful about your dog’s diet, why not make sure their treats support their well-being too?
Before diving into gut-healthy treats, let's consider why we give dogs treats in the first place. The reasons vary, but here are some of the most common:
Of course, sometimes we give dogs treats just because we enjoy making them happy. Since treats are a regular part of many dogs’ diets, it’s important to choose options that promote their health.
Everything a dog eats has some effect on their overall health. While an occasional indulgence isn’t harmful, consistently giving low-quality treats can contribute to digestive issues, allergies, or weight gain.
Healthy treats provide benefits such as:
Dogs, like humans, thrive when they eat nutritious foods. By choosing healthy treats, you can ensure every bite contributes to their well-being.
If you’re going to give treats, why not make them gut-healthy? A treat that supports gut health helps maintain a balanced microbiome, promoting digestion and overall wellness.
A small change—like switching to gut-healthy treats—can have a big impact on your dog's health. Whether for training, bonding, or just because, make sure the treats you give compliment the food in their bowl.
When you choose Nextrition, you're choosing healthy dog food made with the finest ingredients, and sweet potato is one of the key components in all of our recipes. Sweet potato is not only a nutritious option for dogs, but it also offers a range of health benefits that make it a great addition to any dog's diet. Let’s explore why sweet potato is such an important ingredient in Nextrition dog food.
Digestive health is crucial for your dog, and sweet potato is packed with dietary fiber, making it a fantastic choice for supporting gut health. The fiber in sweet potato helps to regulate bowel movements and promotes a healthy digestive system. Additionally, sweet potatoes have prebiotic properties, which means they help to nourish the good bacteria in your dog's gut, further enhancing digestion and nutrient absorption.
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals that your dog needs for overall health. They provide:
These nutrients help ensure your dog’s body functions optimally, from maintaining a strong immune system to promoting healthy muscles and nerves.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing your dog with the energy they need to stay active throughout the day. These carbohydrates are calorie-dense, meaning they supply your dog with sustained energy that lasts longer than simple carbohydrates. Active dogs particularly benefit from the steady energy release provided by sweet potatoes.
Maintaining a healthy weight is key to your dog’s overall well-being, and sweet potatoes are an ideal ingredient for managing weight. They are naturally low in fat, which helps prevent excessive weight gain. This makes them a perfect ingredient for high-quality dog foods aimed at weight management.
Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of antioxidants and phytonutrients. These compounds, including beta-carotene, play a vital role in supporting immune function and reducing inflammation. They are especially beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions, and antioxidants help boost overall immune health, keeping your dog in top shape.
Sweet potato is just one of the many health-boosting ingredients we include in Nextrition formulas. If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of our ingredients and how Nextrition can help your dog live a healthier and happier life, don’t hesitate to contact us. We're confident that once you try Nextrition, you'll see why it’s a top choice for your furry friend.
We love sweet potatoes, and so do the dogs who love our food. Combined with real meat, fish, and poultry, sweet potatoes provide your dog with all the nutrients they need for a long, healthy life. Browse our selection of chicken, lamb, beef, and salmon cold-pressed dog food recipes or try out one of our samples to see the benefits yourself.
In recent years, there has been a lot of talk in the pet industry about species-appropriate nutrition. But what does this term really mean? More importantly, does species-appropriate nutrition apply to dogs?
Species-appropriate nutrition is a concept that has evolved alongside our growing understanding of how nutrition impacts living organisms. Just like humans, dogs need food to survive, but the types of food they need and the nutrients their bodies require are different due to their unique biology. This fundamental difference is at the heart of species-appropriate nutrition.
The Basic Premise
The basic idea behind species-appropriate nutrition is simple: an animal will thrive when it is fed foods that meet its specific nutritional needs. Conversely, if an animal is fed food that doesn’t align with its biological requirements, it can suffer from health issues. This is true for both humans and animals, and it applies to dogs as well.
At Nextrition, we’ve designed our cold-pressed dog food with these principles in mind. Our food is nutritionally dense, promotes gut health, supports weight management, improves digestion, and overall contributes to a dog’s well-being.
Dogs Are True Carnivores
Dogs are classified as true carnivores, which means they rely heavily on animal proteins for their nutrition. Their digestive system is specifically adapted to process and utilize animal-based proteins efficiently. Because of this, species-appropriate nutrition for dogs focuses on the following:
1. High Meat Content
The primary ingredient in Nextrition food is always meat, fish, or poultry. This high meat content ensures that dogs receive the protein necessary for muscle growth, energy, and overall health. Their digestive systems are optimized for breaking down animal proteins, making it essential for their diet.
2. Organ Meats and Bones
In the wild, dogs practice whole-prey consumption, meaning they don’t just eat muscle meat but also consume bones and internal organs. A species-appropriate diet for domesticated dogs reflects this, which is why organ meats and bones are beneficial. They provide essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that support a dog’s health.
3. Limiting Carbohydrates
While carbohydrates can be part of a dog's diet, they should be limited. Dogs don't have the digestive enzymes required to process a wide range of carbohydrates effectively. Therefore, a species-appropriate diet focuses on minimizing carbs, while still providing those that are easy to digest, such as sweet potatoes or certain grains.
4. Limiting Plant Matter
Dogs, as carnivores, do not derive significant nutritional benefits from plant-based foods. While some fruits and vegetables—such as apples or sweet potatoes—are excellent sources of fiber and vitamins, they should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s diet. The bulk of their nutrition comes from animal-based ingredients.
How It Affects What We Do
At Nextrition, the concept of species-appropriate nutrition guides everything we do. We choose high-quality, animal-based ingredients as the primary source of protein for our recipes. When you look at the ingredient list of any of our formulas, you'll find that meat, poultry, or fish is always the main component. We supplement these with a small amount of non-meat ingredients to ensure a balanced and well-rounded diet that is perfectly suited to your dog's nutritional needs.
Why Nextrition?
If you're searching for a healthy dog food that is easy to digest, packed with essential nutrients, and designed to support your dog’s health, look no further than Nextrition. Our cold-pressed dog food offers more nutrition per bite, so your dog can eat less and still receive the benefits of a nutritionally dense diet. It’s a better alternative to traditional kibble, helping to prevent bloating and digestive discomfort while keeping your dog healthy and happy.
Species-appropriate nutrition is key to your dog’s health, and at Nextrition, we’ve made it our mission to create the best food for your furry friend’s needs. Whether they prefer beef, chicken, lamb, or salmon - we’ve got your pup’s next gut-healthy meal ready to be delivered straight to your door.
Choosing the right food for your dog involves considering many factors, including their age, weight, size, and breed. That's why commercial dog food manufacturers often include feeding charts—because a dog's nutritional needs are specific to these characteristics. Whether you're feeding your dog cold-pressed dog food, traditional kibble, or a raw diet, it's crucial to understand how these factors influence your dog's diet.
At Nextrition, we believe that cold-pressed dog food is the best choice for most dogs. However, there are exceptions. Let's break down how each factor affects your dog's nutritional requirements.
1. Age
Just like humans, a dog’s nutritional needs evolve with age. As a dog ages, it goes through biological and physiological changes that impact the type and amount of food they require. Here are the key life stages:
Puppy: Puppies require energy-dense foods to support their rapid physical growth. They need a lot of protein and fat, as well as a proper balance of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone development—especially in larger breeds.
Adult: Adult dogs require fewer calories than puppies because their bodies don't need as much energy to maintain health. Their diet should be balanced to meet their maintenance energy needs, which is typically less per pound of body weight compared to puppies.
Senior: Senior dogs are generally less active, so they need fewer calories. However, they still need plenty of antioxidants for joint health and other age-related issues.
Understanding the specific nutritional needs for each age group helps ensure your dog is getting the right balance at each life stage.
2. Weight
A dog’s weight plays a crucial role in determining its nutritional needs. For example:
Overweight Dogs: These dogs benefit from a lower-calorie diet that is low in fat but higher in fiber. Fiber helps them feel full without adding extra calories.
Underweight Dogs: These dogs require calorie-dense foods rich in protein and fat to help them gain weight healthily.
A careful balance based on weight ensures that your dog maintains a healthy weight without the risk of over- or under-feeding.
3. Size
Size influences a dog’s metabolic rate. The general rule is:
Smaller Breeds: Smaller dogs have faster metabolisms and require more calories per pound of body weight. They benefit from energy-dense foods that are easy to chew and digest.
Larger Breeds: Larger dogs, on the other hand, require less energy-dense foods. Too much energy could cause rapid growth in puppies or obesity in older dogs. Therefore, large breeds need a more controlled, less calorie-dense diet.
4. Breed
Each breed has unique characteristics that affect its nutritional needs:
Large Breeds: Large breeds, like Great Danes, are prone to joint problems. Their diet should include properly balanced ratios of calcium and phosphorus to support bone health and growth.
Working Breeds: Working dogs, like Border Collies, have high-energy demands. They need plenty of protein and fat to sustain their active lifestyle.
Small Breeds: Small breeds, such as Chihuahuas, have faster metabolisms and need more frequent meals that are calorie-dense.
Different breeds have different nutritional requirements based on their physical attributes and activity levels.
Finding the Right Food for Your Dog
There isn't a "one-size-fits-all" dog food. It's important to consider your dog’s age, weight, size, and breed when determining their optimal diet. As a company specializing in healthy dog food made with natural ingredients, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best nutrition plan for your dog. If Nextrition meets your dog’s needs, we would love for your pup to get a sample of our chicken, beef, lamb or salmon cold-pressed dog food recipes.
