Is Dry Dog Food Good for Dogs? | Choosing the Best Option for Your Dog

When it comes to feeding your dog, one of the biggest decisions is choosing the best option. With so many choices available, it’s important to consider your pooch's nutritional needs based on their age, breed, weight and overall state of health. One popular choice is dry dog food, also known as kibble. With convenience and affordability on its side, is this truly the best option for your dog’s health?

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of dry dog food, comparing them against other dog food options, and when to include them in your dog’s diet.

What Are the Benefits of Dry Dog Food?

Dry dog food, or kibble, offers several advantages for both dogs and their humans, with so many different types available. It remains a popular choice amongst dog owners, and is often included in a diet to suit a variety of needs.

Below, we explore some key benefits of dry dog food:

Convenience

One of the biggest advantages of dry dog food is its convenience. With a long shelf life, unopened dry dog food bags can be stored up to 18 months without spoiling. Once opened, it still carries long-lasting benefits and is generally good to be used within six weeks.

Kibble is also great for pre-portioning, simplifying feeding time and reducing waste.

Health Benefits

Dry dog food has key health benefits for your pooch, helping their development and promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Many brands also focus on formulating dry dog food products that promote skin health in dogs. Look for beneficial ingredients such as fatty acids, omega-3, and single protein options, which help relieve itching and inflamed skin.

For more information, read our guides on choosing dry dog food for skin conditions here!

Great For Slow Feeders and Puzzle Toys

Kibble works well for dogs that eat too quickly. It can be used in slow-feeder bowls to encourage slower eating and aid digestion—all without spoiling. This also benefits pet owners who must leave their pooch during the working day.

Additionally, dry dog food can be placed inside interactive puzzle toys, perfect for mental stimulation and preventing boredom.

Cost

Dry dog food is generally more affordable than wet or raw diets, making it a cost-effective option for pet owners. For even more convenience, consider bulk purchasing options to further increase savings while still providing balanced nutrition for dogs.

Interested in treating your pooch to high-quality food? - Browse all our dry dog food products here.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Dry Dog Food?

While dry dog food has many benefits, some drawbacks may lead pet owners to explore alternative options.

Below, we examine some common concerns and provide solutions to help you make the best choice:

Low Moisture Content

Compared to other types, such as wet or raw food, kibble contains less moisture, which means dogs need to drink more water to stay hydrated. In these cases, you may consider adding water or a broth to the dry dog food to help increase hydration.

A great alternative is cold-pressed dry dog food, which retains more natural moisture and is easier to digest.

Shop all our Cold Pressed Dog Food here.

Not Suitable for Dogs with Sensitive Teeth or Tooth Loss

Dogs with dental issues, such as missing teeth, gum disease, or sensitive teeth, may struggle to chew hard kibble. This can lead to discomfort or even refusal to eat. In these cases, a softer diet or a high-quality cold-pressed dog food, such as Alpha Spirit, which is gentler on the teeth.

Potential Allergens

Many dry dog food products may also contain certain allergens that may impact your dog’s health. Common allergens may include corn, soy, and wheat, and may cause itching, digestive issues, or ear infections in your canine companion.

If your dog has allergies, switching to a hypoallergenic dry food such as Nourish Rite can be a great solution. These foods are specially formulated to avoid common allergens while providing balanced nutrition.

Potential Filler Ingredients

Some lower-end dry dog foods are packed with fillers such as corn, soy, and by-products that provide little nutritional value. These can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and lower overall health benefits.

To combat this issue and ensure your dog gets optimal nutrition, choose premium dry food brands that use high-quality, natural ingredients.

Every dog is unique, and their dietary needs can vary based on age, breed, health conditions, and activity levels. If you're unsure about the best diet for your pet, book a wellbeing consultation with a Fetch nutrition expert to ensure your dog gets the right balance of nutrients for optimal health.

Book your wellbeing consultation with a canine nutrition specialist today!

How Does Dry Dog Food Compare to Wet and Raw?

Feature	Dry Dog Food (Kibble)	Wet Dog Food (Tins & Pouches)	Raw Dog Food (BARF & Prey Model)	Which is Best?
Moisture Content	Low (around 10%)	High (70–80%)	High (up to 80%)	Raw – Kibble is fine with added water
Cost	Generally, the most affordable option	More expensive than dry food	Usually the most expensive option	Dry – Best for budget-conscious pet owners
Convenience	Highly convenient, easy to measure and save	Less convenience, requires refrigeration and portioning	Least convenient, requires careful preparation and handling	Dry – Easiest to store and use
Dental Health	Some benefit from chewing	No chewing action, may contribute to plaque buildup	Encourages chewing, especially with raw meaty bones – requires supervision	Dry or Raw - Kibble helps, but raw bones are best for dental health
Allergen Risk	Some brands contain fillers like corn, soy, and wheat	Often contains additives or thickeners that may trigger allergies	Minimal allergens if properly sourced	Raw or Hypoallergenic Kibble – Best for dogs with sensitivities
Storage Needs	Long shelf life, easy to store and no refrigeration needed	Shorter once opened, but sealed tins can last months	Must be frozen or refrigerated if properly sourced	Dry – Easiest to store long-term
Nutritional Balance	Often formulated to be complete and balanced	Usually balanced, but can vary by brand	Required careful formulation to ensure balance	Depends on Quality – Make sure to choose premium products and reliable brands
Suitability for All Dogs	Suitable for most dogs; some may require grain-free options	Good for picky eaters or those needing a higher moisture content	Best suited for dogs without underlying health conditions	Dry or Wet – All depends on your dog’s particular needs and the recommendation of a wellbeing pet expert

Can You Combine Dry Dog Food with Wet and Raw?

Yes, you can! Mixing different types of dog food is a great way to combine several benefits, making mealtimes more fun for your canine companion. Many pet owners combine dry, wet, and raw diets to provide their dogs with a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Benefits of Combining Dry and Raw Dog Food:

• Increased Water Intake: Good for adding hydration to dry dog food, especially if your dog doesn’t drink enough water on their own.
• Better Quality Ingredients: Many raw diets are made from fresh, whole foods without artificial preservatives, while high-quality kibble provides essential vitamins and minerals.
• Manages Allergies Better: A raw and kibble combination—especially using hypoallergenic dry food like Nourish Rite—can help reduce allergy symptoms.
• Better Palatability: Adding raw or wet food to kibble enhances the flavour and texture, making meals more appealing, particularly for picky eaters.
• Better Variety of Ingredients: Mixing different types of food introduces a wider range of nutrients and proteins, which can support overall health.

For the best of both worlds, consider DARF cold-pressed dog food. Unlike traditional kibble, cold-pressed food is gently processed at low temperatures to preserve natural nutrients while maintaining a firmer texture for strengthening dental health.

What Dry Dog Food Options Are Available?

At Fetch, we stock high-quality, premium dry dog food options for various needs. Here are some of our top picks:

1. DARF Cold Pressed Dog Food combines raw food's benefits with kibble's convenience. This dog food is a great alternative to a raw diet and is rich in prebiotic fibre. It is available in regular, salmon, chicken, lamb, and turkey flavours.
2. Nourish Rite - Their grain-free recipe is designed to suit those with grain intolerance/sensitivity, with a wide variety of flavours and age groups available.
3. Alpha Spirit - The “only one” to provide your dog with a natural diet, with 85% fresh meat including pork, chicken, mackerel, and sardines.
4. Orygo - These recipes are made using 100% fresh ingredients, with a specially tailored formula to provide your dog an extra boost of health. With cold pressed and wet dog food options, they are designed with your pet’s health in mind.

In summary, with the right formulas and high-quality brands, dry dog food can be good for dogs and improve their overall health – all while convenient and cost-effective for pet owners.

Browse our entire range of dry dog food at Fetch, or contact us for more guidance.

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