Guide to Digestibility Testing – and Why Herbie Wilde’s 95% Protein Score Matters

WHY DO SOME DOG FOODS SCORE LOW AND OTHERS DON’T MENTION IT?

It’s not just luck – or marketing spin. Lower digestibility is often caused by:

• Poor-quality protein sources: Many commercial meat-based kibbles use by-products like meat meal, which can be high in collagen. Collagen is tough stuff, and your dog’s gut struggles to break it down.

• Excessive fibre or ash content: Some plant-based recipes skip the purification step, leaving behind fibre or minerals that block absorption.

• High-temperature processing: Harsh heat can damage amino acids, especially lysine, which is crucial for building and repairing tissue.

A 2022 review published in Animals found that plant-based diets using properly isolated proteins (like ours!) scored as high – or higher – on digestibility than many meat-based kibbles. But when plant diets skipped ingredient purification, their scores often fell below 80% – the same issue seen with poor-quality meat meals.

So while the marketing might talk about “fresh beef,” what really matters is whether that protein survives processing and lands in your dog’s bloodstream.

HOW HERBIE WILDE ACHIEVES SUCH A HIGH DIGESTIBILITY SCORE

At Herbie Wilde, we believe that every dog deserves the very best – and that means making every ingredient count. Here’s how we do it:

First, we start with the highest-quality ingredients. Our Growers are carefully chosen for their commitment to ethical, regenerative farming. Think human-edible lentils from farms that preserve biodiversity, non-GMO peas from fields buzzing with bees, and potato proteins that are purified to remove excess fibre and anti-nutritional factors. We know our Growers personally, and we’re proud of their dedication to producing ingredients that nourish dogs and the planet.

Then we treat those ingredients with the respect they deserve. Our gentle cooking process uses low temperatures (below 130°C) and controlled moisture, so the essential amino acids aren’t damaged. This ensures that the protein structure stays intact and easy to digest.

But we don’t stop there. After cooking, we gently coat the cooled food with essential nutrients like taurine and algal DHA, so they reach your dog’s gut intact and ready to support their health. It’s a process that honours the integrity of every ingredient, maximising the nutrition your dog actually absorbs.

The result? A laboratory-verified protein digestibility score of 95% – a figure that sits proudly in the very top tier of any diet, plant or meat.

WHY WE SHOUT ABOUT OUT NUMBERS (WHEN OTHERS STAY QUIET)

You might have noticed that most dog food brands don’t put their digestibility scores on the bag. And honestly? It’s because many don’t want you to know. Testing is expensive, and when the results show a protein digestibility below 80%, it’s not exactly a selling point. But at Herbie Wilde, we believe that transparency is part of trust.

Our 95% protein digestibility score isn’t just a number. It’s proof that every bite of our food is designed to be fuel for your dog’s health – from their tail to their toes.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Digestibility isn’t just a technical term – it’s the key to ensuring your dog is getting the absolute best from every meal.  At Herbie Wilde, we don’t just want to feed your dog; we want to fuel their health and happiness with every mouthful.  With ingredients from farmers we know and trust, low-temperature cooking that protects delicate nutrients, and a commitment to testing that’s second to none, we’re setting a new gold standard in dog nutrition – one where every bite counts.  Because when food becomes fuel, it’s not just what’s in the bowl that matters – it’s what’s in your dog’s body that makes the difference.