· By Mike Grindy
Whole Food - Bioavailability and Absorption Advantages
When we talk about nutrition, what really matters is not just what goes in the bowl but what actually gets absorbed. This is where the concept of bioavailability comes in: how well nutrients are absorbed, metabolised, and used by the body. For dogs, just like for humans, bioavailability can be the difference between feeding and nourishing.
In the world of pet food, there’s a growing conversation about the difference between nutrients from whole foods and those added synthetically after processing. And increasingly, the science is showing that whole food forms of nutrients are not just more natural but also more effective.
What Is Bioavailability?
Bioavailability refers to how efficiently a nutrient is absorbed into the bloodstream and made available for use by the body. A nutrient may be present in a food or supplement, but that doesn't mean it's being absorbed or used in the way we hope. This matters especially in pet food, where a lot of the nutrition comes from fortified premixes added after high-heat processing has stripped much of the natural content.
In contrast, whole food nutrients are delivered in their natural "matrix," meaning they come bundled with other compounds like enzymes, fibre, or healthy fats that help the body recognise and use them properly. This is particularly important for dogs, who digest differently from humans but still benefit from nutrient co-factors and support systems.
How Whole Foods Improve Absorption
Research shows that vitamins and minerals from whole food sources are often better absorbed than their synthetic counterparts. This is partly due to the presence of supporting compounds. For example:
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Vitamin A from carrots (as beta-carotene) is converted by the body as needed, reducing the risk of overdose, unlike synthetic vitamin A which is stored and can build up to toxic levels.
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Turmeric, when given as a whole food, includes not only curcumin but also essential oils and turmerones that enhance absorption. When paired with black pepper, its effectiveness increases even further.
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Papaya and pineapple contain digestive enzymes like papain and bromelain that support the breakdown of food and improve nutrient uptake.
A 2022 clinical trial published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science showed that dogs fed a fresh whole food diet experienced lower inflammation and improved immune responses compared to those on a processed diet (source).
This is backed up by human data too. Numerous studies have shown that nutrients from food tend to be more bioavailable, better tolerated, and more effective than synthetic supplements. The same logic applies to our dogs.
Synthetic Additives: More Isn’t Always Better
Many commercial dog foods rely on synthetic vitamins and minerals to meet their nutritional standards. These are often added after cooking, which can destroy naturally occurring nutrients. The problem is that synthetic forms often lack the co-nutrients needed for proper metabolism. For example, isolated vitamin D does not contain the other fat-soluble vitamins or minerals (like magnesium) that help regulate its uptake.
Even worse, synthetic nutrients can sometimes disrupt the body's balance. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) can accumulate in the liver and fat tissues, posing a risk of toxicity if over-supplemented. By contrast, nutrients from whole food sources tend to be better balanced and more forgiving because the body is able to regulate their absorption more effectively.
The Role of the Gut
Bioavailability isn’t just about the nutrient itself. It’s also about the health of the digestive system. A healthy gut means better absorption. Whole foods help here too:
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Fibre from fruits and vegetables supports the microbiome, helping beneficial bacteria thrive.
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Prebiotics in whole foods (like chicory root or flaxseed) nourish gut flora.
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Digestive enzymes in foods like papaya, pineapple, and fermented plants help break food down efficiently.
Highly processed pet food tends to be low in these compounds. The result? Poor stool quality, increased inflammation, and lower nutrient uptake.
In a U.K.-based survey of holistic vets, dogs fed raw or fresh diets were consistently reported to have better stool, fewer allergy symptoms, and improved energy compared to those fed conventional kibble.
Powdered Whole Food Supplements: Do They Hold Up?
The big question for us at D33 was whether powdered whole foods could still offer these advantages. The answer, according to emerging research, seems to be yesif they are handled correctly.
Minimal processing (like dehydration or freeze-drying) can retain much of the nutrient content and co-factors. For example:
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Flaxseed powder has been shown to boost omega-3 levels in dogs (source).
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Kelp, when dried and added to food, supports dental health thanks to its enzyme and mineral content (source).
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Turkey Tail mushroom extract increased survival time in dogs with hemangiosarcoma in a clinical study, demonstrating the potential power of powdered botanicals when properly prepared (source).
These ingredients, when used in balanced formulations, support everything from the immune system and joint health to digestion and cognition.
A Note on Honesty and Overpromising
We believe in transparency. Not every dog will benefit from the same ingredients. Some may have allergies, sensitivities, or conditions that require a tailored approach. And while whole food powders can offer support, they are not magic bullets. What they do offer is a gentler, more recognisable form of nutrition that supports the body’s natural processes.
Our job is to keep refining our formulas using the best available science not hype. That means sourcing with care, processing with precision, and formulating with purpose.
Final Thought
Bioavailability is about more than nutrient sit's about how the body interacts with food. Whole food nutrition, whether served fresh or in high-quality powdered form, offers real, measurable advantages in terms of absorption, tolerance, and overall wellbeing.
As more research emerges, and as more dog owners ask deeper questions about what’s in their bowl, we’re committed to staying honest, curious, and science-led.
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