In March, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Global Pet Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. This annual event is one of the largest pet industry trade shows in the world, attracting leading pet product manufacturers eager to showcase the latest innovations in pet food, training tools and toys, and health products.
This year, the spotlight was clearly on high-quality dog food, reflecting a major shift in consumer demand. With the U.S. pet food market for dogs and cats now exceeding $51 billion, it’s clear that pet parents are more focused than ever on choosing the best food for their dogs—prioritizing nutrition, quality ingredients, and minimal processing.
Gently Processed Dog Food: A Growing Trend
Traditional dry kibble has long dominated the pet food shelves. However, it’s typically made using high-heat extrusion (over 320°F), a process that can destroy essential nutrients and denature proteins—making them harder to digest and more likely to cause allergic reactions in dogs. Vitamins like A, E, and B complexes are particularly vulnerable during this process.
At the 2025 Global Pet Expo, several brands stood out by offering gently processed dog food alternatives. These new options are made using lower-temperature cooking/steaming. Some brands, in addition, use air drying, which helps make their product room temperature shelf-stable and easy to serve. Others require refrigeration. Brands leading this innovation include:
- Freshpet
- The Farmer’s Dog
- Ollie
- The Pets Table
In addition to lower temperature/ air-dried food, other companies are embracing raw frozen and raw freeze-dried dog food. These options more closely mimic a natural canine diet and retain more nutrients. However, raw diets come with challenges, including potential bacterial contamination, parasites, and strict storage and handling requirements.
What to Look for in High-Quality Dog Food
If you’re considering making the switch from kibble to gently processed or raw dog food, it’s essential to do your research. Make sure the food you choose is nutritionally complete and balanced and meets or exceeds the guidelines set by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).
Feeding your dog a well-balanced, high-quality diet isn’t just about physical health—it can significantly impact behavior. Through years of training and education, I’ve seen firsthand how proper nutrition can lead to calmer, more focused, and better-behaved dogs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Dog Food?
If you’re unsure about your dog’s current diet or struggling with behavioral issues, I’m here to help. Contact trainer Joe DeSimone of Canine Command at 239-963-7676. I specialize in turning dogs of all ages into well-mannered Canine Good Citizens, using a combination of expert positive reinforcement training and tailored nutritional advice.
