The main dog food formats

Dry food (kibble)

The most widely used format. Produced by extrusion under high heat and pressure.

Pros: convenient, long shelf life, affordable, huge variety, mild mechanical dental cleaning effect.

Cons: extrusion degrades some vitamins and amino acids (which are spray-coated back on). Budget options often contain low-quality fillers. Low moisture content means the dog must drink more water.

How to choose a good kibble: named animal protein as the first ingredient (chicken, salmon, beef — not anonymous "poultry meal"), no artificial colours, no added sugar. Compare the guaranteed analysis for crude protein, crude fat and moisture.

Wet food (cans, pouches, trays)

Moisture content: 70–80%. Produced at lower temperatures than kibble.

Pros: higher palatability, higher moisture content (good for kidney health and dogs that drink little), lower caloric density per gram, suitable for dogs with dental problems or poor chewers.

Cons: more expensive than kibble, must be consumed within 24–48h of opening, no dental cleaning effect.

Fresh / gently cooked food

Nutritionally formulated meals made from recognisable ingredients (e.g. Butternut Box, Bella & Duke cooked range).

Pros: recognisable ingredients, high digestibility, less extreme processing, good nutritional control from companies with veterinary formulation.

Cons: most expensive option, requires refrigeration, not accessible for all budgets.

Raw food (BARF)

See dedicated BARF article for a full discussion of pros, risks and how to start safely.

Home-cooked food

Only under the supervision of a veterinary nutritionist. "Balanced" homemade recipes found online are typically deficient in minerals and vitamins. Chronic calcium deficiency in a homemade diet causes severe metabolic bone disease.

Can you mix formats?

Combining kibble and wet food is common and usually well-tolerated. Useful for increasing palatability, adding moisture, or as a topper. Adjust the total amount to avoid overfeeding.

How to read a food label