Why Feed Gently Cooked Dog Food To Your Pup

Ever feel like your dog’s meals are stuck on autopilot? Scoop, pour, repeat. It’s easy, sure — but when your pup gives you that “this again?” look, it’s hard not to wonder if there’s something better out there.

At A Pup Above, we get it. Feeding your dog should feel good — not like a compromise. And for a lot of pet parents, that search for something better often leads to gently cooked food. But what exactly is gently cooked food — and is it right for your pup? 

In this article, we’re breaking down what it is, how it stacks up, and why more pet parents are making the switch. So, if you’ve been trying to get to the bottom of what should actually go in your dog’s bowl, keep reading.

What Is Gently Cooked Dog Food?

Gently cooked dog food is exactly what it sounds like — real, whole food that’s been cooked low and slow to keep its natural structure intact.

Unlike traditional pet foods that go through high-heat processing, gently cooked meals are simmered at lower temps using methods like sous-vide (hi, that’s us). That means ingredients stay closer to their original form, with less processing and fewer shortcuts.

You’ll see food you recognize — chicken, rice, spinach, sweet potatoes, bone broth. It’s all fully cooked, not raw, and safe to serve straight from the fridge or freezer.

Think of it as a home-cooked meal for your pup, minus the guesswork. No sautéing. No balancing nutrients. No giant pot of turkey simmering on your stove. Just food that looks the way you’d expect, made in a way that fits real life.

What Are the Benefits of Gently Cooked Dog Food Over Kibble or Canned Food?

You now know what gently cooked food is — but why are so many pet parents ditching the usual stuff for it? What makes it different from the canned or crunchy kind? Believe it or not, there are a few big perks that go beyond just what’s on the label. 

Here’s why it’s getting more space in people’s fridges (and in their dogs’ bowls):

Fewer Fillers, More Real Food

A lot of kibble and canned foods bulk things up with filler ingredients — stuff like corn, wheat, or meat meals — to stretch the formula. Gently cooked meals skip that. You get real ingredients you’d find in your own fridge, not mystery powders or vague terms like “animal by-product.”

It’s simple: when you feed whole foods, you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s body. No decoding needed.

Better Digestion

Highly processed foods can be tough on your dog’s stomach. Ever dealt with random bouts of gas, messy poops, or sudden grass-eating sessions? Yeah, that.

Because gently cooked food is made with whole, lightly prepared ingredients, it’s easier for your pup to digest. You’re not overwhelming their system — you’re giving it food it knows how to handle. And that often means more regular bowel movements, less tummy drama, and fewer 2 a.m. emergency potty trips.

More Moisture in Every Bite

Most dogs don’t drink as much water as they should, especially if they’re eating dry food every day. That lack of moisture can add up and may lead to issues like constipation, kidney strain, or general sluggishness over time.

Gently cooked meals naturally hold onto more moisture, so your pup gets some hydration with their food. It’s not soupy or soggy — just the kind of moisture that real food should have. And when your dog is getting water and nutrients in one go, their body doesn’t have to work as hard to stay balanced.

Smells (and Tastes) Like Real Food

If you’ve ever opened a can of dog food and immediately regretted it, you’re not alone. The same goes for that dusty puff of air that comes with scooping kibble. It’s no wonder some dogs hesitate.

Gently cooked food smells like food. Because it is food. Real chicken, beef, pork, veggies — stuff you’d recognize in your own kitchen. And when their dinner smells good, dogs don’t need convincing. They just eat. No begging, no bribes, no weird rituals to get them interested in the bowl.

No Additives or Preservatives

Ever read a pet food label and felt like you accidentally enrolled in a chemistry class? That’s because shelf-stable products often need extra help to sit around for months — think artificial preservatives, flavor enhancers, and a bunch of stuff you probably wouldn’t add to a home-cooked meal.

Gently cooked food skips all that. It stays fresh because it’s stored in the fridge or freezer — not because it’s packed with unpronounceables. What you see on the ingredient list is what you’re actually serving, and yes, it makes a difference.

How Much Should I Feed My Dog By Weight?

Figuring out how much gently cooked food to feed your pup can feel like a whole thing, especially when you’re used to scooping kibble and calling it a day. But don’t worry, it’s not complicated. 

Here’s a quick daily guide based on your dog’s weight to help you portion it out like a pro. This is for gently cooked food and is a great starting point for most adult dogs.

Mixing with dry food? Easy — just scale back the kibble to make room for the fresh. And if you’re noticing any weight changes, your vet can always help fine-tune things.

How Do You Switch Your Dog to Gently Cooked Food?

So, you’ve decided to give your pup the good stuff and leave the mystery pellets behind — now what? Switching foods can feel like a big step, but with a little planning (and patience), it doesn’t have to be stressful.

To help your dog ease into their new, gently cooked meals without any digestive drama, consider these simple tips:

Take It Slow

Start by mixing a small amount of gently cooked food into their usual meal — around 25% fresh to 75% old food. Over the course of seven to 10 days, gradually increase the fresh portion and decrease the old until you’ve fully made the switch.

Keep Mealtimes Consistent

You’re changing what’s in the bowl, not how or when they eat. Keep feeding times consistent — it helps your dog feel like nothing’s too different, even if the food smells way better.

Watch for Changes

Some changes are totally normal. Their poop might look different, their energy might shift a bit, or they might just act more excited for meals. That’s all part of adjusting to real food. If anything seems off for more than a few days, a quick check-in with your vet never hurts.

Serve It Warm(ish)

Gently cooked food is stored cold, but that doesn’t mean your dog wants a fridge-cold dinner. Let it sit out for a few minutes, or warm it slightly to bring out the aroma. Room temp = more appealing.

Stick With It

Some dogs dive right in. Others take a few days to come around. Either way, stay consistent. Once they realize this new food actually tastes like food, you’ll probably notice fewer leftovers and more bowl-licking.

Is This a Dog Food Picky Eaters Usually Like?

If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, you’re not alone. Some dogs turn into food critics the second you put down their bowl — sniff, stare, walk away. Rude.

At A Pup Above, we started this whole thing for our own pup who turned her nose up at kibble. So yeah, we get it. That’s why flavor and palatability are a big deal to us. 

We cook our meals low and slow using real cuts of meat, non-GMO veggies, and a splash of bone broth for good measure. The result? Meals that smell like something your dog wants to eat — and actually will.

Whether it’s Texas Beef Stew or Chicka Chicka Bow Wow, our recipes don’t just check the nutrition box — they pass the sniff test, too. Because no one wants to beg their dog to eat dinner.

The Bottom Line

So, why feed your pup gently cooked dog food? Because when you know better, you feed better. And let’s be honest — our dogs deserve more than just what’s cheap, shelf-stable, or easy to scoop.

At A Pup Above, we believe mealtime should be something you both feel good about. That’s why we make food that’s packed with flavor, cooked low and slow, and made from ingredients you can actually recognize — no weird stuff, no shortcuts.

If you’re ready to swap the mystery meals for something fresh, nutritious, and tail-wag-worthy, we’ve got you. Check out our gently cooked recipes and see what a difference real food can make.

👉 Shop Gently Cooked Meals

Let us know if your dog starts licking the bowl clean — we love hearing those stories.

Sources:

Fresh vs Raw Dog Food vs Kibble: Which Diet Is Best For Your Dog? | AKC

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets | ASPCA

My Dog Won't Eat: Feeding Picky Eaters | VCA Animal Hospitals

How to Safely Change Your Puppy's Food | American Kennel Club