Is kibble bad for dogs?

No, kibble isn't bad for dogs as a blanket rule, and plenty of dogs live long, healthy lives on it. A good complete kibble is balanced, convenient and affordable, so don't feel guilty if that's what's in your bowl. The honest answer is that quality varies enormously between products, and that matters far more than "kibble" as a category.

The thing to look at is what's actually in it. Cheaper kibbles are often bulked out with grain fillers and vague ingredients like "meat derivatives," so you're paying more for volume than nutrition. It's also dry and heavily processed by nature, cooked at high heat, which is why some owners add a bit of water or fresh food on top. Reading the ingredient list, a named meat first and not too much filler, tells you more than the picture on the front of the bag.

There are gentler ways to feed if you'd rather. It's not that kibble's the enemy, it's that quality varies enormously. Happy Hour, for instance, is a grain-free kibble built around real NZ grass-fed lamb rather than fillers, which is the kind of thing to look for. The best food is a good-quality one your dog actually enjoys and does well on.