Are Dog Food Rolls Good? The Complete Guide to Rolled Dog Food

Ever stared at those cylindrical meat logs in the pet food aisle and wondered if they’re actually good for your furry friend? I’ve been there too! As a dog parent who’s tried practically every food format under the sun, I’m diving deep into the world of dog food rolls today.

Dog food rolls have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason These semi-moist, protein-packed tubes offer a convenient alternative to traditional kibble and canned foods But are they really worth your money? Let’s cut through the marketing and find out what’s really good (or not so good) about rolled dog food.

What Are Dog Food Rolls?

Dog food rolls are exactly what they sound like – cylindrical tubes of semi-moist dog food that can be sliced, diced, crumbled, or served in whatever way works for your pup They’re typically found in the refrigerated section of pet stores or sometimes shelf-stable until opened.

These rolls offer a different texture than both dry kibble and wet canned food, falling somewhere in between. Most high-quality rolls contain:

• Fresh meats as primary ingredients
• Whole food ingredients
• Essential vitamins and minerals
• Lower amounts of processing than some other dog foods

Benefits of Rolled Dog Food

1. High Palatability

Let’s be real – dogs LOVE the taste and texture of rolled foods. The meaty, semi-moist consistency appeals to even the pickiest eaters. Many dog owners report success with rolls when their dogs turn their noses up at other options.

2. Versatility Champions

One of my favorite things about dog food rolls is how versatile they are:

• Slice them as a complete meal
• Dice into small pieces for training treats
• Crumble as a topper over kibble
• Use to hide medications
• Great for travel since some don’t require refrigeration until opened

3. Less Processing

Many rolled dog foods undergo less extreme heat processing than kibble, which may help preserve more natural nutrients. The low-temperature cooking process allows the food to retain vital minerals and nutrients that might otherwise be lost.

4. Freshness Factor

The packaging of rolled dog foods keeps them fresh longer after opening compared to canned foods. Once opened, they can typically last in the refrigerator for 7-14 days.

5. Whole-Food Ingredients

Many premium rolled dog foods prioritize whole-food ingredients with minimal fillers. For example, Redbarn and Lucy Pet rolls feature fresh meats and functional ingredients like Sunflower Oil and Flaxseed to support digestion and promote healthy skin and coat.

How Do Rolls Compare to Other Dog Foods?

Let’s break down how rolled dog food compares to other common formats:

Nutritional Value of Dog Food Rolls

One standout aspect of quality dog food rolls is their impressive nutritional profile. Looking at products like Freshpet’s rolled foods, we see:

• High protein content (often 45%+ on a dry matter basis)
• Healthy fat levels (typically 27-30% on a dry matter basis)
• Lower carbohydrates than many kibbles (often under 20%)
• Excellent fat-to-protein ratios

For example, Freshpet Chunky Beef Recipe shows approximately 46% protein, 27% fat, and just 19% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. This high-meat, lower-carb profile more closely resembles a dog’s natural diet than many highly processed foods.

Popular Rolled Dog Food Brands

Several manufacturers have made names for themselves in the rolled food space:

1. Redbarn – Known for their beef and chicken rolls with whole-grain or grain-free options
2. Lucy Pet – Features biotin for skin/coat health and taurine for heart/eye health
3. Freshpet – Offers refrigerated rolls with 100% natural ingredients
4. Raw Paws Pet – Provides frozen raw food rolls
5. Happy Howie’s – Specializes in natural dog treats in roll form
6. CountryPet Naturals – Features New Zealand free-range meats

Potential Drawbacks of Dog Food Rolls

While there’s a lot to love about dog food rolls, there are some considerations:

1. Cost Considerations

Quality rolled dog foods often cost more than basic kibble due to better ingredients and manufacturing processes. If you’re on a tight budget, using rolls as toppers rather than full meals might be more economical.

2. Storage Requirements

Unlike shelf-stable kibble, most rolled foods require refrigeration after opening. This means you need fridge space and can’t leave food out all day for free-feeding dogs.

3. Dental Health

One advantage kibble has over softer foods is the mechanical abrasion that can help reduce tartar buildup. If you switch to rolls exclusively, you might need to incorporate dental chews or regular brushing.

4. Ingredient Concerns

Some rolled foods contain ingredients you might want to avoid:

• Carrageenan (in some formulas) has sparked some controversy
• Some contain soy or other potential allergens
• Sodium selenite appears in some products (a controversial form of selenium)

5. Recall History

Like any food product, rolled dog foods aren’t immune to recalls. Freshpet, for example, had recalls in June 2021 and June 2022. Always stay informed about pet food recalls regardless of what type you feed.

Who Should Consider Rolled Dog Food?

Rolled dog foods might be especially beneficial for:

• Picky eaters who need enticing food
• Senior dogs who have dental issues or trouble chewing kibble
• Dogs on medication who need appealing food to hide pills
• Training situations where high-value treats are needed
• Multi-dog households where different portions are needed
• Dogs with certain health issues that benefit from higher moisture content

Tips for Feeding Rolled Dog Food

If you’re thinking about trying rolled dog food with your pup, here are some helpful tips:

1. Introduce gradually – Mix small amounts with current food before transitioning
2. Store properly – Keep refrigerated after opening and use clean utensils
3. Portion appropriately – These foods are often nutrient-dense, so measure carefully
4. Check ingredients – Look for named meat sources as first ingredients
5. Consider using as a topper – If cost is a concern, use as a topper on kibble
6. Watch for allergic reactions – Monitor for any signs of food sensitivities

FAQs About Dog Food Rolls

Can puppies eat rolled dog food?
Yes, puppies can eat rolled dog food as long as it meets their specific nutritional requirements. Some brands offer formulas specifically designed for puppies.

How long do rolled dog foods last once opened?
Most last 7-14 days in the refrigerator once opened. Some can be frozen for longer storage.

Are rolled dog foods grain-free?
Not all rolled dog foods are grain-free. There are both grain-inclusive and grain-free options available, depending on your preference.

Can I mix rolled dog food with kibble?
Absolutely! Many pet parents mix rolled food with kibble to add variety, enhance flavor, or adjust moisture content.

Why is rolled dog food more expensive than kibble?
The manufacturing process, combined with higher quality ingredients and unique texture, typically makes rolled foods more costly than traditional kibble.

My Personal Experience

I’ve been using rolled dog food as part of my feeding rotation for years, and I’ve noticed some definite benefits. My older dog with dental issues absolutely LOVES the texture, and it’s been a godsend for hiding his medications.

For my younger, more active dog, I use rolled food more as a high-value training treat or kibble topper. The convenience of being able to slice exactly the amount I need has been super helpful, especially when traveling.

That said, I’ve found it’s not the most economical option for exclusive feeding, especially for larger dogs. But as part of a varied diet? It’s been worth every penny for us.

The Bottom Line: Are Dog Food Rolls Good?

After reviewing the nutritional profiles, ingredients, benefits, and potential drawbacks, I believe high-quality dog food rolls are an excellent option for many dogs. With their high protein content, whole food ingredients, and minimal processing, they offer significant nutritional advantages over many commercial pet foods.

The best rolled dog foods contain significant amounts of quality meat protein, have lower carbohydrate content than many kibbles, and offer the palatability and moisture that many dogs thrive on.

However, like any pet food choice, what works best depends on your individual dog’s needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Many dog owners find that using rolled food as part of a varied diet – perhaps as a topper or supplement to quality kibble – offers the best of all worlds.

Have you tried dog food rolls with your pup? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

References

This article references information from trusted sources including DogFoodAdvisor, iHeartDogs, and pet nutrition experts. All recommendations are based on current nutritional understanding and quality ingredient analysis.

Remember, while dog food rolls can be an excellent choice, the best food for your dog is one that meets their individual needs and that they enjoy eating!