Your Guide to Dry Dog Food – What’s Best for Your Dog
January 10, 2025 | By David Jackson
Dry dog food, AKA kibble, is a staple in the diets of countless dogs worldwide. And considering its affordability, convenience, and long shelf life, it’s no wonder so many pawrents rely on it.
But with so many options out there – we alone have over 1200 dry foods listed on All About Dog Food - how on earth do you pick the best one for your dog?
It’s not just about grabbing the first bag on the shelf - your dog’s health and happiness depend on making the right choice.
That’s why we decided to put together this handy guide to take a look at the world of dry dog food, breaking it down into digestible bite-sized (biscuit) chunks to help you find the perfect fit for your dog.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is Dry Dog Food?
Dry dog food comes in many forms. There’s extruded dry dog food, baked, cold pressed, air dried, freeze dried, semi moist and even muesli, but no matter how it’s processed, all dry dog food essentially contains the same things.
That’s a mix of meat, grains, and vegetables that’s cooked, shaped, and dried into crunchy little nuggets for your dog.
So, why is it so popular? Well, it ticks a lot of boxes for pet parents:
Why is it so popular?
- • It’s budget friendly: Dry dog food is often easier on the wallet compared to wet or fresh options.
- • It’s easy to store: Unlike wet food, kibble doesn’t need refrigeration, and it lasts a lot longer.
- • It’s convenient: Measuring out portions is quick and mess-free – perfect for busy days.
But while dry dog food offers these perks, not all options are created equal, and to make the best choice, you’ll need to look beyond the packaging.
Key Ingredients to Look For
 The first place you should look is the ingredient list on the back of the bag as it’s going to be your best guide for what is actually in your dry dog food.
High-quality dry dog foods will deliver balanced nutrition with wholesome ingredients.
Real, Named Protein
Your dog needs protein to thrive, so it should always be the first ingredient. Look for specific sources like “chicken,” “beef,” or “salmon.”
Skip vague terms like “meat meal” or “poultry by-products” - you deserve to know exactly what’s in your dog’s food.
Nutritious Carbs
Carbohydrates provide energy, but not all carbs are created equal. Whole grains like brown rice and oats or alternatives like sweet potatoes are great options and will provide you with extra minerals and vitamins.
Plus, they offer energy without unnecessary fillers.
Healthy Fats
Fats are essential for energy, a shiny coat, and overall health. Look for natural sources like fish oil or chicken fat to provide omega fatty acids.
Having fat in the food will also help with your dog’s poos…
Added Nutrients
High-quality dry dog food often includes extras like probiotics for digestion, glucosamine for joint health, and omega fatty acids for a soft, shiny coat.
These little details can make a big difference.
Ingredients to Avoid
Unfortunately, not every dry dog food is made with your dog’s best interests in mind. In fact, some brands even cut corners by using low-quality ingredients that do more harm than good for your pup.
So, here’s what to steer clear of:
Artificial Preservatives and ColoursEvery dog is unique, and their food should reflect that.
Additives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin may keep food fresh longer, but they’re not great for your dog’s health.
The same goes for artificial dyes - they’re unnecessary and can irritate sensitive dogs.
Fillers
Corn, soy, and wheat gluten are often used to bulk up kibble but offer little nutritional value. They’re cheap fillers, plain and simple, and your dog doesn’t need them in their diet.
By-Products
If the label mentions “animal by-products” or “poultry meal,” it’s time to move on. These can include anything from beaks to feet - not exactly the premium protein your pup deserves.
Added Sugars and Salt
These sneaky ingredients aren’t just bad for humans – they’re bad for dogs, too. Over time, they can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Matching Dry Food to Your Dog’s Needs
By matching your dog’s dry dog food to their specific needs – from age to breed size – you’ll make sure they’ve everything they need to keep them happy and healthy.
Age Matters
- • Puppies: Growing dogs need extra protein and fat to fuel their development. Look for formulas with DHA to support this.
- • Adults: Maintenance formulas are designed to meet the needs of active, healthy adult dogs.
- • Seniors: Older dogs benefit from lower-calorie kibble with added joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
 Size and Breed
- • Small Breeds: These little guys need smaller kibble (to avoid a choking risk) and nutrient-dense formulas to match their fast metabolisms.
- • Large Breeds: Big dogs have unique needs, like joint support and slower growth to avoid bone issues.
Activity Level
- • Active Dogs: High-energy pups need food packed with protein and fat to keep up with their lifestyle.
- • Couch Potatoes: Dogs with a more relaxed approach to life may do better with weight-control formulas.
Health Conditions
If your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach, or specific medical needs, there are loads of dry dog foods out there that have been specially formulated to help support them. You can set a filter for these through our Dog Food Directory or if you’re not too sure on what to buy and what to avoid, we always recommend you consult with your vet to find the best diet for them.
Why Dry Dog Food Can Be Great for Your Dog
Dry Dog Food isn’t just convenient - when it’s high quality, it can have real benefits for your dog, for instance:
- • Easy to Store and Serve: No refrigeration, no mess, and no complicated prep.
- • Cost-Effective: High-quality kibble offers balanced nutrition at a lower price point than many fresh or wet options.
- • Versatile: You can use it as a base, mixing in wet food or toppers for variety without sacrificing nutrition.
Tips for Switching to Dry Food
Transitioning your dog to a new food - whether it’s from wet to dry or simply a new brand – needs to be done gradually.
- • Start Slow: Mix 25% of the new food with 75% of the current food. Gradually increase the new food over 7–10 days.
- • Watch for Changes: Keep an eye on your dog’s stool, energy levels, and overall behaviour to ensure the new food agrees with them.
- • Enhance the Flavour: If your dog seems hesitant, try adding a bit of warm water or mixing in a small amount of wet food.
- • Stick to a Routine: Feed your dog at the same time every day to help them adjust.
How to Choose the Best Dry Food
We get it, choosing the best dry dog food for your dog can be tricky given how many options there are on the market at the moment (again, over 1200 listed right here on AADF!), but finding the perfect choice for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are our top 5 tips to help you make the right choice…
- • Read the Ingredients: Focus on named proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains or grain-free alternatives.
- • Think About Your Dog: Consider their age, size, breed, activity level, and any health issues.
- • Do Your Research: Check trusted reviews on platforms like Trustpilot and always remember our impartial rating system will help you make an informed choice. You can even compare the foods you’re interested in!
- • Talk to Your Vet: They can offer personalised advice based on your dog’s health, just remember that some vets are incentivised by big companies to push certain brands, so you may wish to do your own research on top of their advice.
- • Test and Observe: Once you choose a food, monitor how your dog responds. Their energy, coat condition, and digestion will tell you if it’s a good fit.
And always remember, what suits one dog, may not suit another. Only you know what’s truly best for your pup.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right dry dog food can be tough, but it’s one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog’s health and happiness.
By focusing on high-quality ingredients, avoiding harmful additives, and selecting a formula tailored to your dog’s unique needs, you can give them the balanced nutrition they deserve. Remember, your dog’s diet is the foundation of their well-being.
And of course, for more information and to compare trusted brands, visit our Dog Food Directory. This invaluable resource can help you find the best dog food to keep your pup thriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a dry dog food is high quality?
Look for dog foods with named protein sources (like chicken or beef) as the first ingredient, healthy fats like fish oil, and wholesome carbohydrates such as brown rice or sweet potatoes. Avoid artificial preservatives, colours, and fillers like corn or soy. You can also check reviews and ratings on trusted platforms like the Dog Food Directory.
Can I mix wet and dry dog food?
Yes, mixing wet and dry dog food can be a great way to provide variety and improve palatability for picky eaters. Just make sure to adjust portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, and ensure both foods are of high quality to maintain balanced nutrition.
How often should I transition my dog’s food?
You should only transition your dog’s food when necessary, such as when they reach a new life stage (puppy to adult or adult to senior), if their nutritional needs change, or if they develop a health condition. Always transition gradually over 7–10 days to minimise digestive upset.
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