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McDug Nutrition Nourish Plus Salmon dog food vs Forthglade cold-pressed

Posted by ROBERT MACLEOD on
McDug Grain-Free Salmon dog food packaging” “Comparison of cold-pressed vs Freshtrusion dog food processes”

Freshtrusion vs Cold-Pressed: Why McDug Nutrition’s Nourish Plus Salmon Dog Food Delivers Superior Nutrition

In the ever-evolving world of dog nutrition, pet owners are faced with an increasing number of choices. Among the top contenders in the premium dry dog food space are cold-pressed foods and those made using the Freshtrusion™ process. In this article, we compare McDug Nutrition’s Grain-Free Salmon dog food with Forthglade’s Cold-Pressed Salmon recipe to determine which delivers the best value, nutrition, and quality for your dog.


What is Cold-Pressed Dog Food?

Cold-pressed dog food is made by compressing ingredients at low temperatures. This method is marketed as being gentler on nutrients compared to traditional high-temperature extrusion. However, it’s important to understand that most cold-pressed foods, including Forthglade’s, use meat meals or pre-cooked meat that has already been subjected to high heat before the pressing stage. This means the final product might not retain the full nutritional integrity that "cold-pressed" implies.

Forthglade Cold-Pressed Salmon Overview:

  • 29% salmon (16% freshly prepared, 13% dried ground salmon)

  • Includes sweet potato, peas, beet pulp, fruits and botanicals

  • Marketed as easily digestible with a shorter shelf life (4–6 months)


What is the Freshtrusion™ Process?

McDug Nutrition uses the advanced Freshtrusion™ process, designed to gently cook freshly prepared, traceable meats at low temperatures. Unlike cold-pressed foods that may rely on rendered meat meals, Freshtrusion allows us to deliver a food that is high in fresh meat content and rich in nutrients that remain bioavailable.

Key Benefits of Freshtrusion:

  • Starts with raw, freshly prepared meats (not pre-cooked or rendered)

  • Gentle cooking protects proteins and nutrients

  • Fresh oils and botanicals added post-cooking for enhanced palatability

  • Complete traceability from UK farms and fisheries

  • Extended shelf life with natural preservation methods

McDug Grain-Free Salmon Overview:

  • 65% total salmon (35% freshly prepared, 23% dried, 4% oil, 3% stock)

  • Includes sweet potato, beans, beet pulp, and a superfood blend (dill, spinach, fennel, asparagus, tomato)

  • High omega-3 levels, antioxidants, and joint support


Head-to-Head: McDug vs Forthglade Cold-Pressed

Feature McDug Grain-Free Salmon Forthglade Cold-Pressed Salmon
Total Salmon Content 65% 29%
Fresh Meat Content 35% 16%
Cooking Method Freshtrusion (low-temp) Cold-pressed (post pre-cooking)
Shelf Life Up to 18 months 4–6 months
Superfoods & Botanicals Yes Yes
Protein Bioavailability High Moderate
Meat Traceability Full (UK-sourced) Not specified

Why McDug is the Superior Choice

While cold-pressed foods sound appealing in theory, the reality is that pre-treated meat meals and a shorter shelf life limit their overall benefits. McDug Nutrition's Grain-Free Salmon, crafted through the Freshtrusion™ process, delivers:

  • Higher meat content and freshness

  • Better nutrient retention

  • Improved digestibility and taste

  • Longer shelf life without artificial preservatives

If you’re looking for a truly premium, traceable, and nutritious dry dog food, McDug’s Freshtrusion-made salmon recipe stands well above cold-pressed competitors.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is cold-pressed dog food better than traditional kibble? Cold-pressed foods are less processed than traditional kibble but still often use pre-cooked meat. The Freshtrusion™ method offers a better alternative by cooking fresh meat gently and preserving nutrients.

Does McDug Nutrition use fresh meat? Yes, McDug uses up to 35% freshly prepared salmon in the Grain-Free Salmon recipe, with total salmon content reaching 65%.

How should I store McDug dog food? Thanks to the Freshtrusion™ process, McDug food stays fresh for up to 18 months when stored in a cool, dry place.


Explore the McDug Difference

Ready to upgrade your dog's diet?

Visit www.mcdugnutrition.com and discover our full range of Freshtrusion™-powered premium dog foods.

McDug Nutrition: Premium Dog Food. Proudly Scottish. Loved by Dogs.

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