"Moisture is the delivery system of nutrients." We wholeheartedly agree with this phrase, so today we want to talk a bit about gently cooked fresh food options for your dog or cat.            

Maybe you're feeding a kibble diet and want to add more moisture to your pet's meals, or you're interested in a raw food diet but not quite ready to make the jump - gently cooked fresh foods may be the perfect fit for you and your pet! Gently cooked foods are excellent for picky pets and for seniors who maybe prefer a softer diet. This food is also a great alternative to making food from scratch at home (which can be quite time-consuming) - the bonus is these foods are already balanced meals (you don't have to do the balancing!).           

The Basics
Gently cooked fresh foods are baked or cooked to the minimum USDA recommended temperature for each protein. Some brands cook vegetables, and some leave vegetables raw in their formulas. The food is then quickly frozen to maintain freshness and stays frozen until you pick it up out of our freezers at the store. Gently cooked fresh foods are available in pouches, patties, and even bulk boxes. These foods do not contain preservatives and should be used in 2-4 days after thawing.            

Why Try Gently Cooked Fresh Foods?
Moisture
You'll hear us repeat this often: moisture is important in food! Gently cooked foods are high in intercellular moisture - moisture found IN food (as opposed to drinking water). Cats especially evolved to meet their moisture needs through diet rather than drinking water (cats are highly inefficient at drinking water). Intercellular moisture is important for dogs too. When your pet gets moisture from its food, it supports all organs in the body, including the kidneys. Adding a small amount of freshly cooked food to your pet's kibble diet can provide much-needed moisture and nutrients.

Fresh Nutrients
Speaking of nutrients: Unlike most kibbles and canned foods, gently cooked fresh foods are minimally processed, keeping all nutrients as intact as possible. Most recipes contain fresh veggies and fruits which are chock full of healthy nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Palatability
Gently cooked foods make a great topper for kibble, adding extra tastiness and moisture. This is an excellent food for older dogs and cats as it is highly digestible and easy to eat. Got a picky pet? Gently cooked is perfect for picky friends - the cooking/baking brings out the flavor! Each dog and cat is different in what temperature they like to consume their food - after thawing your gently cooked food, you can run it under hot water or let rest on the counter to warm it up as needed.   



Brands We Carry 
The brands of gently cooked foods we carry (as of this blog post) in-store include: Small Batch, My Perfect Pet, Open Farm, Raised Right, Primal, Pet Plate, A Pup Above, and Stella & Chewy's.
Nutrition information for these foods can be found on our website HERE. Formulas are available in grain-inclusive and grain-free, as well as many different proteins (some brands have single protein formulas for dogs and cats with allergies). There are even low-carb options too!   

Try Gently Cooked Today!
Come on into The Green Spot Omaha at the Shoppes at Aksarben Village! You're always welcome; ask one of our knowledgeable team members about Gently Cooked Fresh Food today! With so many brand and formula options, we can be sure to find one that works for your dog or cat. Gently cooked food is a great addition to kibble diets or can be fed by itself. Once you find a gently cooked food your pet loves, you can use our Pet Food on Demand service to deliver your pet's food to your door! Check out the details!   

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The Green Spot is a woman-owned, family-owned pet supply shop in Aksarben, Omaha Nebraska. Your Spot for nutrition education, self-service dog washes, dog and cat nail trims, pet food deals, inclusive community events, and more! Thanks for supporting our local shop; it keeps our local economy healthy and provides jobs to local Omaha residents like yourself! See you at our Spot; you and your pack are always welcome. 

- Jessica & Whitney
Owners, The Green Spot Omaha
72nd & Pacific, just across from the old Bed Bath and Beyond in the Shoppes at Aksarben Village