Why real dog food?

Our dogs are living less than half as long as they could

Typical lifespan
11 years
Potential lifespan
Up to 29 years
↑ The oldest dog on record is 29-year-old Bluey

Chronic disease is stealing years from our dogs

Most dogs will face preventable chronic disease, costing them years of healthy life.

80% 1
of dogs over 3 have dental disease
40% 2
are overweight or obese
1 in 4 3
will face cancer in their lifetime
These diseases aren’t by chance. They’re fueled by what we’re putting in the bowl every day.

80% of dogs live on ultra-processed diets

The ultra-processed foods we avoid for ourselves is just as bad for our dogs.

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Meat by-products

Ultra-processed dog food may contain parts from 4D animals. That's dead, dying, diseased, or disabled. 4

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Extreme heat, toxic results

It's cooked at up to 200°C which destroys natural nutrients and creates carcinogenic byproducts called AGEs. 5

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Dangerous toxins

Mycotoxins are a toxic chemical compound produced by fungus that can contaminate ultra-processed dog food. They can cause neurological problems like tremors and seizures as well as gut issues. 6

A bowl of kibble

Common myths

Why premium still means processed

Premium food is branding, not better health. Decades of marketing have turned myths into truth.

Myth

“Complete and balanced means it has everything my dog needs to thrive”

Fact

Complete and balanced simply means your dog's food meets AAFCO's minimum standards. Brands can use low-quality proteins and synthetic additives to get there.

Myth

“Kibble cleans teeth”

Fact

Kibble doesn't clean teeth. In fact, ultra-processed, carbohydrate-rich diets may contribute to higher risk of tartar buildup. 7

Myth

“My kibble is made from fresh ingredients”

Fact

While the packaging says fresh, the product can be anything but. Any once-fresh ingredients (often low-quality meat meals and grains) are cooked at up to 200°C, which destroy any natural nutrients that once existed.

From surviving To thriving

Lyka meal ingredients such as broccoli, beef and blueberries

When dogs eat real food, they get real nutrients, and the health benefits to match.

96%8 of owners see their dog’s health improve on a real food diet
Better digestion and poos
Better digestion and poos
Healthier skin, coat, and nails
Healthier skin, coat, and nails
Fresher breath and healthier gums
Fresher breath and healthier gums
Optimal weight
Optimal weight
A happy dog running through a field

A longer, healthier life starts in the bowl

When dogs eat real food, they get real nutrients, and the health benefits to match.

Try real food today
Explore our meals
Three different bowls of Lyka with some of their ingredients shown such as broccoli, steak, blueberries and carrots

Citations

1 Barnes, C., Hiscox, L., & Bellows, J. (2024). Dental Disease in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-dogs

2 Usui, S., Yasuda, H., & Koketsu, Y. (2016). Characteristics of obese or overweight dogs visiting private Japanese veterinary clinics. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 6(4), 338-343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2016.01.011

3 Sarver, A. L., Makielski, K. M., DePauw, T. A., Schulte, A. J., & Modiano, J. F. (2022). Increased risk of cancer in dogs and humans: A consequence of recent extension of lifespan beyond evolutionarily determined limitations? Aging & Cancer, 3(1), 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1002/aac2.12046

4 4 Association of American Feed Control Officials. (n.d.). Byproducts. AAFCO. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/byproducts/

5 Nichols, S., Hensley, A., & Britton, B. (2023, May 24). Acrylamide in dog food. DogCancer. https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/causes-and-prevention/acrylamide-in-dog-food/

6 Boermans, H. J., & Leung, M. C. (2007). Mycotoxins and the pet food industry: Toxicological evidence and risk. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 137(3-4), 349-362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2007.12.006

7 Hemida, M. B. M., Holm, S., Eklundh, M., & Hielm-Bjӧrkman, A. (2025). Modifiable early life risk factors for dental calculus in dogs: A retrospective cross-sectional study in Finland. BMC Veterinary Research, 21(1), 430. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-04885-8

8 Lyka, May 2023. Online Sample: n=131 Lyka customers surveys who had been feeding Lyka for over 3 months.