The Kibble Problem No One Talks About
Most pet parents trust the front of the kibble bag - the “premium” labels, the roasted chicken photos, the shiny-coated dogs. But flip it over, and the ingredient list often tells a very different story.
Between cheap fillers, over-processed proteins, artificial additives, and clever marketing tricks, many mass-market kibbles available at the grocery store contain far less nutrition than they claim. And if your dog or cat deals with itchy skin, dull coat, gas, inconsistent stool, or low energy, the culprit is often hidden right there in the fine print.
This blog uncovers the ingredients that slip into everyday kibble - and explains why premium brands like Farmina N&D are worth the upgrade for Canadian pet parents who want real, transparent, biologically appropriate nutrition.
The Hidden Ingredients Sneaking Into Standard Kibble
(A truthful, slightly shocking, but empowering look behind the label)
Walk down the pet food aisle at any supermarket and you’ll see a wall of glossy bags all promising the same thing: “Complete Nutrition,” “Vibrant Coat,” “Healthy Digestion,” “Premium Chicken.” But flip that bag over - and the story starts to change.
For decades, the pet food industry has relied on clever wording, vague ingredients, and confusing regulations that make it hard for the average pet parent to know what they’re truly feeding their dog or cat. And if you’ve ever wondered why your pet still struggles with itchy skin, inconsistent stools, or sluggish energy even on so-called “premium” kibble”… the answer is often hidden in the fine print.
This section pulls back the curtain on the most common ingredients lurking in mass-market kibble - the ones that don’t appear on the front of the bag, but absolutely impact your pet’s health. This blog will help you learn how to read the ingredient list like a recipe and spot the difference between standard kibble and premium options.
1. “Meat Meal” and By-Products: The Disguised Protein Problem
Most grocery-store kibbles list “chicken meal,” “meat meal,” or “poultry by-product meal” as primary ingredients. That sounds decent… until you understand what those labels can legally include.
Meat meal can come from:
- Leftover scraps from the human food industry
- Beaks, bones, and organ remnants
- Highly processed tissue rendered at extreme heat
During this rendering process, proteins lose much of their natural nutritional value - including amino acids pets need for muscle development, energy, and coat health.
Compare that to premium dry dog foods like Farmina, which use:
- Fresh, whole meats
- Traceable protein sources
- Minimal processing to preserve nutrients
The difference is night and day in terms of quality - and digestibility.
2. Cheap, High-Starch Fillers (That Look More Like Livestock Feed Than Pet Food)
Carbs aren’t the enemy - but excessive, low-quality carbs can be. Economy kibble often relies on cheap fillers not for nutrition, but for cost efficiency and structure.
Look for these red flags on ingredient labels:
- Corn gluten meal
- Wheat middlings
- Rice hulls
- Potato starch
- Brewer’s rice
These ingredients inflate the food with bulk without contributing meaningful nutrients.
Even worse, many of these carbs have high glycemic loads, which can spike blood sugar and contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and sluggish energy.
Farmina N&D Dog Food, by contrast, formulates recipes with:
- Low-glycemic ancient grains
- Pumpkin
- Limited carbohydrate content
- Higher meat inclusion
Your pet gets nutrition, not filler.
3. Ingredient Splitting: The Industry’s Sneakiest Trick
This one shocks most people. Imagine a food where 60% of the formula is carbohydrates, but the label lists:
- Peas
- Pea fiber
- Pea protein
- Pea starch
Suddenly, chicken can appear as the first ingredient, even though the bag is mostly peas. This is called ingredient splitting, and it’s perfectly legal.
It’s also one of the biggest reasons why many “high-protein” grocery-chain kibbles aren’t what they appear to be.
4. Artificial Additives, Colours and Preservatives
If your dog food has a rainbow of kibble colours (orange, green, brown), here’s the truth: Your dog or cat doesn’t care. Those colours are added for humans, and often come from questionable artificial dyes.
Common additives found in mainstream kibble include:
- BHA and BHT (synthetic preservatives linked to health concerns)
- Propylene glycol
- Unspecified “flavour enhancers”
- Artificial dyes (Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5/6)
5. Low-Quality Oils and Rancid Fats
To make kibble palatable, many low-cost brands spray it with rendered fats or “animal digest” - a catch-all term for highly processed flavour coatings. These fats not only oxidize quickly (especially when packaging sits in warm warehouses), but the quality is inconsistent and impossible to trace.
6. The Marketing Mirage: Labels That Sound Healthier Than They Are
Words like “natural,” “gourmet,” or “holistic” mean very little without ingredient transparency. Many kibble brands rely on branding, not biology to sell a story.
If the ingredient list tells one story and the marketing tells another… your pet deserves better.
The Wake-Up Call (and Why This Matters for Your Pet)
The goal here isn’t to scare pet parents, it’s to empower them. Once you start reading labels through a more informed lens, it becomes clear why some foods are inexpensive… and why they cost more later in terms of health, digestion issues, and vet bills.
Brands like Farmina are rising in popularity because they flip the traditional kibble model - prioritizing whole ingredients, gentle processing, and transparent nutrition.
And yes, your pet can absolutely taste and feel the difference.
Why Premium Brands Like Farmina Are Different
Once you understand what’s hiding in mainstream kibble, it becomes clear why so many Canadian pet parents are switching to premium, transparent brand kibble and freeze-dried raw foods - and Farmina is one of the most trusted names in that category.
Farmina Nutritious and Delicious dog food doesn’t just swap out a few ingredients or add a “healthy” label. They rethink the way kibble is designed, processed, and sourced from the ground up. Here’s what sets them apart.
1. Ingredient Transparency You Can Actually Trust
Many big-name kibble brands bury vague terms like “meat meal,” “poultry by-products,” or “natural flavours” in their ingredient lists. Farmina takes the opposite approach:
- Real, whole meats are always top of the list
- Protein sources are clearly named and fully traceable
- No mystery meals or ambiguous “animal” ingredients
- No artificial colours or cheap filler grains
You know exactly what you’re feeding your pet, because Farmina tells you.
2. Low-Glycemic Carbs - or No Carbs at All
Most kibble uses carbohydrates because they’re inexpensive and easy to process.
Farmina uses carbs only when beneficial, and even then, they choose options that support steady energy and digestive health.
Examples include:
- Pumpkin (excellent for digestion)
- Sweet potato (low-glycemic)
- Spelt and oats in Farmina’s ancestral grain line (easy on the stomach)
Compare this to typical kibble formulas overloaded with corn, wheat, and potato starch - and the difference becomes obvious.
3. High Meat Inclusion: the Way Pets Were Meant to Eat
Cats are obligate carnivores. Dogs are opportunistic carnivores. Neither species thrives on a bowl full of filler grains and starches.
Farmina N&D's formulas reflect this biology with some of the highest meat percentages in the industry, often 60–90% animal protein depending on the line.
More meat means:
✔ Better muscle maintenance
✔ Reduced stool volume
✔ Shinier coats
✔ More stable energy
✔ Fewer sensitivities
It’s simple: your pet gets more of what their body actually needs.
4. Gentle Processing That Protects Nutrients
Most kibble is made through high-temperature extrusion - a process that destroys nutrients, denatures proteins, and often requires synthetics to replace what was lost.
Farmina uses cold infusion technology, meaning key vitamins and minerals are added only after cooking, preserving their natural potency.
This gentle method results in:
- Better nutrient absorption
- Better flavour (pets notice!)
- Less digestive stress
- More bioavailable vitamins
It’s the difference between feeding pets and fueling them.
5. European Quality Standards (Stricter Than North America)
Farmina Nutritious and Delicious dog food is produced in Italy, where pet food regulations are significantly more stringent than in Canada or the U.S.
That means:
- Stricter ingredient sourcing
- Higher safety testing standards
- More transparency around origin
- No allowance for ambiguous “feed-grade” loopholes
When you compare the regulations side by side, Farmina’s pet food quality commitment stands out immediately.
6. Visible, Real-Life Benefits for Pets
Canadian pet parents consistently report improvements when switching to Farmina N&D - and they’re not subtle.
Common benefits include:
- Smaller, firmer, more consistent stools
- Shinier coats and reduced shedding
- More stable energy throughout the day
- Fewer digestive issues (gas, bloating, vomiting)
- Improved skin condition in sensitive pets
- Better overall vitality
When the ingredients are cleaner, the results speak for themselves.
Farmina isn’t just “fancy kibble.” It’s what dog and cat food looks like when you remove the fillers, remove the marketing tricks, and start with fresh, biologically appropriate nutrition - the kind that supports healthier bodies, better digestion, and longer lives.
A Side-by-Side Comparison: Cheap Kibble vs. Farmina
Understanding pet food quality becomes a lot easier when you compare the extremes side by side. On one end, you have Economy Kibble, the budget-friendly, filler-heavy formulas most commonly found in grocery stores.
On the other, you have Premium/Holistic Kibble like Farmina, Now Fresh, Orijen or the Honest Kitchen built around whole ingredients, high meat content, and transparent sourcing.
Here’s what the difference really looks like.
| Category | Economy Kibble (Grocery Store / Big-Box) | Farmina (Premium / Holistic) |
| Protein Source | Meat meal, by-products, unnamed proteins | Fresh, named meats (chicken, lamb, herring), transparent sourcing |
| Meat Inclusion | Often less than 20% | 60–90% depending on the line |
| Carbohydrates | High carbs from corn, wheat, soy, potato starch, tapioca | Low-glycemic carbs like pumpkin, oats, spelt — or no added carbs |
| Ingredient Transparency | Vague terms (“animal fat,” “poultry meal,” “natural flavour”) | Fully traceable ingredients, clearly named proteins and fats |
| Processing Method | High-heat extrusion (destroys nutrients) | Gentle processing + cold-infusion of vitamins and minerals |
| Additives | Artificial colours, flavours, preservatives (BHA/BHT) | No artificial colours or synthetic preservatives |
| Fats & Oils | Low-quality rendered fats; may oxidize quickly | High-quality fats (herring oil, chicken fat) rich in Omega-3 & 6 |
| Digestibility | Lower digestibility; large stools, gas, inconsistent digestion |
High digestibility; smaller stools, steady digestion, better absorption
|
| Allergy Risk | Higher (due to fillers, vague proteins, high carbs) |
Lower (clean ingredients, fewer triggers, limited-ingredient options)
|
| Coat & Skin Benefits | Often dull coat, dryness, shedding |
Shinier coat, healthier skin, fewer hot spots
|
| Overall Nutrition Philosophy | Budget-first, heavy processing |
Biology-first, natural nutrition built around pet health
|
| Long-Term Impact | More sensitivities, digestion issues, potential for increased vet visits |
Improved vitality, stronger immunity, better long-term wellness
|
Why This Comparison Matters
Most pet parents choose kibble based on price, convenience, or marketing - not because they’ve seen what’s actually inside. Once you line up the formulas side by side, the picture becomes clear:
Economy kibble focuses on cost.
Farmina focuses on nutrition.
And that difference affects everything from stool quality to coat shine to energy levels.
The truth is simple: Pets can only thrive when the food in their bowl supports their biology, not the manufacturer’s bottom line.
Why Premium Pet Food Is Worth It (Especially in Canada)
Switching to a premium brand like Farmina isn’t just about choosing “fancier” kibble — it’s about choosing better nutrition with real, long-term benefits. And for Canadian pet parents, that upgrade matters even more.
Here’s why:
1. Better Digestion = Better Poops
Let’s be honest: the easiest way to tell if a food is working is… in the yard. Premium foods like Farmina create:
- Smaller, firmer, more consistent stools
- Less gas
- Better nutrient absorption
Economy kibble produces the opposite — more fillers in = more fillers out.
2. Fewer Allergies and Sensitivities
Cheap kibble often contains common triggers like corn, wheat, soy, chicken by-products, and artificial preservatives. Farmina’s limited, clean ingredient lists mean:
- Reduced itching
- Less paw licking
- Fewer ear infections
- Calmer skin
Perfect for sensitive dogs and cats.
3. Healthier Skin and Shinier Coats
High-quality fats like herring oil + higher meat inclusion =
- Improved coat sheen
- Less shedding
- Stronger skin barrier
- Fewer hot spots
You can see these benefits within weeks.
4. More Stable Energy (No Sugar Highs and Crashes)
Cheap carbs can spike blood sugar, causing:
- Afternoon crashes
- Frantic morning energy
- Sluggish evenings
Farmina’s low-glycemic formulas support steady, balanced energy all day long.
5. Long-Term Savings on Vet Bills
Premium food costs more up front, but pets on better diets often experience:
- Fewer digestive issues
- Fewer allergy flare-ups
- Healthier weights
- Better dental and organ health
Meaning fewer emergency visits, and fewer expensive long-term problems.
Why It Matters for Canadians
With cold winters, dry indoor heating, road salt, allergens, and weather swings, Canadian pets face environmental stressors that make high-quality nutrition even more important.
Farmina gives them the support their bodies need to thrive — no matter the season.
Where to Buy Farmina in Canada (Without Paying Import Fees)
When upgrading to premium pet food like Farmina N&D, one of the biggest concerns Canadian pet parents face is access: authenticity, cost, shipping, and reliability. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate imports or risk grey-market stock.
Why Smart Canadian Pet Parents Buy from a Trusted Retailer
- Authentic Canadian-stock inventory: ensures freshness, correct formulation, and compliance with Canadian pet-food standards.
- CAD pricing & no surprise duties: many international listings seem cheaper until cross-border fees kick in.
- Fast shipping across provinces: from British Columbia to Newfoundland, reliable delivery matters.
- Supportive customer service: questions about recipes, transition, feeding amounts — Canadian pet parents deserve timely, local help.
- Subscription or bulk deals: since premium food costs more up front, convenient re-ordering options help maintain the routine without hassle.
How to Choose the Right Retailer
- Check Stock Authenticity: Look for Farmina Canada branding, manufacturing dates, and batch codes.
- Shipping Origin: Does the retailer ship from within Canada or the U.S.? Canadian-based equals fewer delays.
- Customer Reviews: Canadian pet-parent testimonials matter more than generic global reviews.
- Pricing Transparency: The price per kilogram should reflect premium ingredients — avoid “sale” claims that mask thin quality depth.
- Support and Education: Good retailers offer guides (like this blog) around transitions, spacing, and dog-specific advice.
Why Brindle Pet Supplies is the Smart Choice
At Brindle Pet Supplies, we specialize in premium pet nutrition. Here’s how we make it easy:
- 🇨🇦 Canadian-based and shipping across all provinces
- 🏷 CAD pricing and no hidden cross-border fees
- 📦 Full Farmina product line, fresh stock, proper storage
- 📚 Expert advice for Canadian pet parents (winter, large breeds, regional issues)
- 💳 Subscription options to keep your dog fully stocked with Farmina
Your pet’s next chapter of health starts with better food - and Brindle is here to help.
Final Thoughts: What’s Inside the Bag Matters
At the end of the day, your dog or cat can’t read ingredient labels - but their body absolutely responds to what’s in their bowl.
Economy kibble fills stomachs.
Premium brands like Farmina fuel lives.
Once you understand what’s actually hiding inside many mass-market kibbles — and how dramatically different clean, transparent formulas can be — choosing better food becomes less of an upgrade and more of a responsibility. The payoff is visible: healthier digestion, steadier energy, shinier coats, fewer sensitivities, and pets who simply feel better every day.
Better nutrition isn’t a luxury. It’s a long-term investment in your pet’s happiness, health, and longevity - and one that pays off in every wag, purr, stretch, and snuggle.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Explore the full Farmina Dog & Cat Food Collection at Brindle Pet Supplies, your trusted Canadian retailer for premium pet nutrition.
- Fresh, authentic Canadian stock
- Fast, nationwide shipping
- Transparent ingredients you can feel good about
- Expert support for transitions and feeding questions
👉 Shop Farmina at BrindlePetSupplies.ca
Give your pet the food their body was made for - clean, biologically appropriate nutrition that supports them from nose to tail.