Which Food Is Best For My Dog?
From kibble to raw, every food type has trade-offs. The good news? There's no single right answer — and you don't have to spend a fortune to feed your dog well.
Choosing the best food for your dog can be overwhelming, given the plethora of options available. From kibble to raw, each type of dog food has its pros and cons. But the most important thing to remember is that the best food for your dog is whatever works best for them—nutritionally, behaviorally, and physically. You don't necessarily need to spend the most money, but you do need to pay attention to ingredients and nutrient levels.
Types of Dog Food
When it comes to feeding your dog, the choices can seem endless. From the convenience of dry kibble to the raw diets that aim to mimic a dog's ancestral meals, each type of dog food comes with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Understanding the differences between these options can help you make an informed decision that best suits your dog’s individual needs. Below, we’ll explore the main types of dog food—kibble, fresh, raw, and canned—detailing the pros and cons of each to help you determine which might be the best fit for your furry friend.
Kibble
Kibble, also known as dry dog food, is one of the most popular choices for feeding dogs due to its convenience and affordability. Kibble is made through a process called extrusion, where ingredients like meat, grains, and vegetables are mixed into a dough, cooked at high temperatures, and then forced through a machine to create uniform, bite-sized pieces. The high heat and pressure not only shape the kibble but also cook the ingredients thoroughly, killing any harmful bacteria and extending the shelf life of the food. After extrusion, the kibble is typically sprayed with fats and oils to enhance flavor and nutritional value before being packaged. While this processing method ensures that kibble is easy to store and serve, it can also reduce the nutritional content of some ingredients, making it essential to choose high-quality brands that focus on maintaining nutrient levels through careful formulation.
Despite some concerns that have emerged about kibble, it can actually be a healthy and balanced option for your dog when you choose a high-quality brand. Kibble provides a convenient and nutritionally complete diet that meets the dietary needs of most dogs. Reputable kibble brands are formulated by veterinary nutritionists who ensure that the food contains the right balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Moreover, kibble is often enriched with essential nutrients that might be lost during the cooking process, such as vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, ensuring your dog gets everything they need for overall health. The crunchy texture of kibble also contributes to dental health by helping to reduce plaque buildup and keep teeth clean. While it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients in kibble—opting for products that list high-quality proteins and avoid fillers, by-products, and artificial additives—when chosen carefully, kibble can be a convenient, cost-effective, and nutritionally sound choice for many dogs.
- Convenience: Kibble is incredibly easy to store, measure, and serve. It doesn’t require refrigeration and can be left out for extended periods without spoiling, making it ideal for busy pet owners or for dogs who like to graze throughout the day.
- Affordability: Kibble is typically the most cost-effective dog food option. It’s available in bulk quantities, which can help save money in the long run, especially if you have a larger dog or multiple dogs to feed.
- Long Shelf Life: Thanks to its dry nature, kibble has a long shelf life even after the bag is opened. This reduces waste and the need for frequent shopping trips, as you can buy in bulk without worrying about the food spoiling quickly.
- Dental Benefits: Some kibble is specially designed to help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew, reducing plaque buildup and promoting better dental health. This can be a significant advantage for dogs prone to dental issues.
- Quality Variability: The quality of kibble can vary greatly between brands. Some kibbles use high-quality ingredients, while others may rely on fillers, by-products, and artificial additives. It’s essential to carefully read the ingredient list to ensure you’re choosing a nutritious option.
- Processing: Kibble is highly processed, which can diminish the nutritional value of certain ingredients. The high-heat cooking process used to produce kibble can destroy some of the natural nutrients, requiring manufacturers to add synthetic vitamins and minerals to meet nutritional standards.
- Hydration: Kibble lacks moisture, which means dogs on a kibble-only diet may need to drink more water to stay hydrated. This can be a concern for dogs who don’t naturally drink enough water or for those with specific health conditions that require higher hydration levels.
Fresh Cooked
Fresh cooked dog food is gaining popularity among pet owners who want to provide their dogs with meals made from whole, natural ingredients. Unlike kibble or canned food, fresh cooked dog food is prepared using minimally processed meats, vegetables, and grains, often cooked at lower temperatures to preserve the nutritional value of the ingredients. These meals are typically formulated to deliver balanced nutrition tailored to your dog’s specific needs, offering a diet that is both delicious and packed with nutrients. For those looking to feed their dogs a diet that resembles homemade meals, fresh cooked dog food offers a convenient yet wholesome option that can contribute to a healthier, happier life for your pet.
- Whole Ingredients: Fresh dog food is often made from real, minimally processed ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and grains. This means your dog is getting food that is closer to its natural state, which can lead to better nutrient absorption and overall health.
- Balanced Nutrition: Many fresh dog food brands focus on providing a well-rounded, nutritionally balanced diet. These meals are often formulated by veterinary nutritionists to ensure they meet the specific dietary needs of dogs, with clear transparency about the ingredients used. Gently cooked dog food is also what I like to recommend for dogs with allergies!
- Taste: Fresh dog food is often more palatable to dogs compared to other types of food. The fresher, more natural ingredients can make mealtime more enjoyable for your dog, especially if they’re picky eaters.
- Cost: Fresh dog food tends to be more expensive than kibble. The use of high-quality ingredients and the need for refrigeration or freezing adds to the cost, making it a less budget-friendly option for some pet owners.
- Storage: Fresh dog food requires refrigeration or freezing, which can be less convenient than storing kibble. This can also be a challenge if you have limited freezer space or if you’re traveling with your dog.
- Shelf Life: Fresh dog food has a shorter shelf life once it’s thawed or opened, meaning it must be used quickly to avoid spoilage. This can lead to more frequent shopping trips and the need to stay vigilant about food safety.
Raw (BARF)
Raw dog food, often referred to as a "BARF" diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food), is a feeding approach that seeks to replicate the natural diet of dogs’ wild ancestors. This type of diet typically includes raw meat, bones, organs, and sometimes fruits and vegetables, all served in their uncooked state. Advocates of raw feeding believe that this diet is closer to what dogs are naturally designed to eat, providing them with high levels of protein and unprocessed nutrients. While raw dog food can offer benefits such as improved coat condition and higher energy levels, it also requires careful planning and handling to ensure it is safe and nutritionally balanced. For pet owners looking for a diet that aligns with a dog’s evolutionary eating habits, raw dog food offers a back-to-basics approach that prioritizes natural, whole ingredients.
As a certified companion animal nutritionist, I often approach raw dog food with caution due to several concerns that may outweigh its potential benefits. While raw diets aim to provide a natural and protein-rich meal, they come with significant risks that need to be carefully considered. One of the primary concerns is the potential for bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can pose health risks not only to dogs but also to the humans handling the food.
Additionally, achieving a balanced diet with raw feeding can be challenging, as it requires careful formulation to ensure dogs receive all the essential nutrients they need, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Without proper planning, raw diets can lead to nutritional imbalances, which may result in long-term health issues. Given these risks, I often recommend other types of dog food that offer a more controlled and safer approach to nutrition, such as high-quality kibble or fresh cooked meals, which can provide a balanced diet with less risk of contamination.
- Natural Diet: Advocates of raw diets believe that feeding raw food is more aligned with what dogs would naturally eat in the wild. Raw diets typically include raw meat, bones, and organs, which can provide a diet that is rich in protein and nutrients in their natural form.
- High Protein: Raw diets often contain high levels of protein, which is essential for muscle development and overall health. Because the food is not cooked, the protein and other nutrients are preserved, offering a rich source of nutrition.
- Enthusiastic Eaters: Many dogs love the taste and texture of raw food, which can make mealtime more exciting for them. For dogs who are picky or have lost interest in other types of food, a raw diet can reignite their appetite.
- Risk of Contamination: One of the biggest concerns with raw diets is the potential for harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella or E. coli, to be present in the raw meat. This poses health risks not only to dogs but also to humans handling the food. It’s crucial to follow strict hygiene practices when preparing and serving raw food.
- Nutritional Imbalance: If not carefully formulated, raw diets can lack essential nutrients. Dogs require a balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, which can be challenging to achieve with raw food unless the diet is well-planned and supplemented where necessary.
- Cost and Storage: Like fresh dog food, raw diets are more expensive and require freezing or refrigeration. This can be a significant investment, both in terms of money and time spent preparing the food. Additionally, storing raw food properly to prevent spoilage is crucial.
Canned
Canned dog food, also known as wet dog food, is a popular choice for pet owners seeking a flavorful and hydrating option for their dogs. Made with a high moisture content, canned food is often more appealing to dogs due to its rich taste and softer texture, making it an excellent option for picky eaters, older dogs, or those with dental issues. This type of food typically contains a higher protein content and fewer carbohydrates compared to dry kibble, offering a nutrient-dense meal in every can. Additionally, the sealed packaging helps preserve the food’s freshness without the need for artificial preservatives. For pet owners looking to add variety or moisture to their dog’s diet, canned food provides a convenient, palatable, and nutritionally balanced choice.
- Palatability: Dogs often prefer the taste and texture of wet food.
- Moisture Content: Helps keep your dog hydrated, especially important for dogs who don’t drink enough water.
- Long Shelf Life (Unopened): Canned food can be stored for long periods without refrigeration.
- Cost: Typically more expensive than kibble.
- Dental Health: Wet food doesn’t provide the same dental benefits as kibble and may contribute to plaque buildup.
- Short Shelf Life (Opened): Needs to be refrigerated after opening and used within a few days.
Freeze Dried
Freeze-dried dog food is made by removing moisture from raw or lightly cooked ingredients through a process called lyophilization. Food is frozen and then placed in a vacuum, causing the ice to evaporate without the food ever being heated significantly. The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable product that retains much of the nutritional profile and flavour of the original ingredients. Freeze-dried food is available as complete and balanced meals, toppers, or treats, and can typically be served as-is or rehydrated with water before feeding. For pet owners who want a minimally processed diet without the food safety concerns of traditional raw feeding, freeze-dried food offers a compelling middle ground.
- Minimally Processed: The freeze-drying process preserves much of the natural nutrient content, flavour, and texture of the ingredients without the high heat used in kibble production. This means proteins, enzymes, and other heat-sensitive nutrients are largely retained.
- Shelf Stable: Unlike raw or fresh food, freeze-dried meals don't require refrigeration until rehydrated, making them easy to store and ideal for travel. Unopened bags can last months to years without spoiling.
- Highly Palatable: Because the ingredients are minimally altered, freeze-dried food tends to be very appealing to dogs — including picky eaters. It's also a popular option as a kibble topper to boost palatability and nutrient density.
- Cost: Freeze-dried food is typically one of the more expensive options on the market. The specialized production process and high-quality ingredients contribute to a significantly higher price point than kibble or canned food.
- Rehydration Step: While optional for some products, rehydrating freeze-dried food before serving is recommended to support hydration and digestion. This adds a small but consistent extra step at mealtime.
- Not All Products Are Complete: Many freeze-dried products on the market are formulated as toppers or treats rather than complete meals. It's important to check that the product you're using meets AAFCO or CFIA nutritional standards if it's intended as your dog's primary diet.
Recommendations From A Pet Nutritionist
As a certified companion animal nutritionist, I am an advocate for whichever food works best for your dog! This could be the cheapest kibble from the grocery store or the most expensive raw food from a local vendor. If your dog is healthy and loving their food, that is the main thing!
For new pet parents or owners looking to switch their dog’s food, there are a few important things I always recommend keeping in mind when evaluating dog food options.
Kibble is often one of the most practical options for feeding dogs. It is typically more economical, shelf stable, and easier to store and travel with than other food types. Many kibble diets are also formulated to be fully balanced.
However, some dogs are picky eaters and may not find kibble as palatable as other foods. In these cases, a combination feeding approach can work well. Mixing kibble with fresh food or wet food in a 50/50 ratio can increase palatability while still keeping costs manageable. For extremely picky dogs, a fully wet or fresh diet may sometimes be necessary.
It is also important to remember that not all kibble is created equal, which makes reviewing the ingredients and nutritional profile essential.
For picky dogs, a 50/50 mix of kibble and wet or fresh food can boost palatability without blowing your budget. Only extremely picky dogs may need a fully wet or fresh diet.
The ingredients used in a dog food play a major role in its overall nutritional quality. Ingredients are listed by weight — what appears first dominates the recipe.
It is generally best to avoid vague ingredients like meat by-product meal. These can contain a mixture of bone, cartilage, and other carcass components that are typically less digestible.
The GA gives you a snapshot of key nutrient levels. Here are general targets for most adult dogs:
These are my personal opinions based on what I see on the label. I am not sponsored by any of these brands.
There's no single "best" food for every dog.
The right choice depends on your dog's age, breed, size, activity level, and any health concerns. Monitor how they respond — healthy weight, good energy, and a happy demeanor are your best indicators. You don't need to break the bank to feed your dog well. Focus on ingredient quality and nutritional balance.
Get a nutrition plan built for your dog.
Every dog is different. Book a one-on-one consult with a certified companion animal nutritionist and get a science-backed plan tailored to your dog's age, breed, and health goals.