Choosing the right dog food can feel overwhelming. From kibble and canned food to raw, air-dried, and homemade diets, there are more options than ever for feeding your dog. Each type of dog food comes with its own benefits and potential drawbacks, and what works best depends on your dog’s health, lifestyle, and nutritional needs. Below, we break down the pros and cons of the most common types of dog food to help you make a more informed decision.
There’s no single “perfect” diet for every dog. This guide is designed as an introduction to the types of dog food. You should always do your research and always consult your veterinarian before making major changes to your dog’s diet.
Types of Dog Food: Benefits and Drawbacks Explained
Canned Dog Foods (Wet Food)
Canned dog food (also called wet dog food) is a popular option for pet owners who want a meal that’s moist, flavorful, and easy to eat. Because it contains a higher water content than dry kibble, it can be especially helpful for dogs who don’t drink enough water on their own, as well as seniors or dogs with dental issues. However, like any diet choice, canned food comes with both benefits and drawbacks depending on your dog’s needs and your budget.
Pros
Highly palatable, making it ideal for picky eaters.
Easier to chew for senior dogs or those missing teeth.
Good option for dogs with limited kidney function due to higher moisture content.
Long shelf life (typically one to three years, depending on the brand).
Cons
Can be more prone to contamination once opened.
Generally more expensive than dry food.
Dogs fed exclusively canned food often require more frequent dental cleanings.
May cause loose stools in some dogs.
Related: Best Puppy Dog Foods
Dry Dog Foods (Kibble)
Dry dog food, also known as kibble, is one of the most common ways people feed their dogs because it’s convenient, affordable, and easy to store. Many formulas are designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition, making kibble a reliable everyday option for a wide range of dogs. However, quality varies widely between brands, so ingredients and sourcing matter when choosing the best dry food.
Pros
Provides balanced nutrition when high-quality brands are chosen.
Supplies essential proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
May support better dental health than canned or soft food.
Convenient, affordable, and easy to store.
Cons
Lower-quality options may use meat by-products instead of whole meats.
Can include fillers that irritate sensitive digestive systems.
Low moisture content may contribute to dehydration-related skin issues.
Recalls are possible due to contamination or toxicity. There’s always the possibility of accidental contamination. Many recognizable brands have issued recalls due to serious toxicity or contamination concerns. Check Dog Food Advisor for lists of ingredients, recall histories, and facts on every dry dog food on the market.
You can still have all the convenience of kibble without sacrificing your dog’s health. Check out our list of the Best Dry Dog Foods and the Top Dog Food Brands Without Recalls.
Home-Cooked Dog Foods
Home-cooked dog food is a great option for owners who want full control over what goes into their dog’s bowl. It can be especially appealing for dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, or picky appetites, since meals can be customized. That said, homemade diets require careful planning to ensure dogs get the right balance of nutrients, which often means following veterinarian-approved recipes.
Pros
Fresh ingredients retain more natural nutrients.
Ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
Full control over ingredients, preservatives, and quality.
Homemade dog food will always be fresh, which may make it more appealing to picky eaters.
Cons
Difficult to achieve proper nutrient balance without expert guidance.
Shorter shelf life than commercial foods.
Can be more expensive and time-consuming.
There is a greater risk of your dog developing nutritional deficiencies if you don’t provide the right balance of nutrients. Creating a nutritionally-balanced homemade dog food requires a lot of research to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met.
Note: You can still get homemade-quality food without spending time shopping and cooking. See our list of the Best Fresh Dog Food Brands.
Raw Dog Foods
Raw dog food diets usually include uncooked meat, bones, and organs, sometimes along with fruits and vegetables. Many owners choose raw feeding in hopes of improving their dog’s digestion, coat health, and overall wellness. While some dogs do well on raw dog food, there are safety concerns to consider, including bacteria risk and the challenge of maintaining proper nutritional balance.
Pros
May promote healthier skin and coat.
Can improve dental health.
Often results in smaller, firmer stools.
Some dogs experience improved digestion.
Cons
Risk of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.
Nutritional imbalances are possible.
Bones can cause choking, bowel obstruction, or intestinal injury.
Typically more expensive than traditional diets.
There is no cut-and-dry “best diet” that works for all dogs; it’s up to you to decide what fits into your dog’s lifestyle and nutritional needs. Talk to your vet and check out this helpful infographic from dogtips.com debunking popular food and feeding myths!
Air Dried Dog Foods
Air-dried dog foods are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners for their numerous benefits and are often seen as a middle ground between kibble and fresh food. It’s made by slowly removing moisture from ingredients, which helps preserve nutrients while creating a shelf-stable product that’s easy to serve. Many dogs love the taste, and the formulas are often high in animal protein—but the price and portion control can be a downside for some households.
Pros
Retains more nutrients due to low-temperature processing.
Often made with high-quality meats, organs, and bones.
Lightweight and easy to store.
Long shelf life without artificial preservatives.
Highly palatable for most dogs.
Cons
Can be costly compared to kibble.
Limited availability in some areas.
Nutrient-dense formulas require careful portion control.
May contain allergens depending on ingredients.
Transitioning too quickly can cause digestive upset.
Air-dried dog food offers many advantages like high nutrient content, convenience, and taste that many dogs enjoy. However, it can be costly, harder to find, and may require careful portion management. As always, owners should consult with their vet to determine the best diet for their dog’s specific needs and conditions.
Related: Best Dog Foods For Allergies
Dehydrated Dog Foods
Another emerging type of dog food is dehydrated dog food. The benefits of dehydrated dog food are that the low and slow cooking process is gentler on the ingredients than methods like high-heat extrusion, which is how dry food is made. Dehydrated foods also do not require as much starch to bind the food together, allowing for a healthier, higher-protein formula.
Pros
Gentler processing than high-heat extrusion.
Typically higher in protein than traditional kibble.
Lightweight and easy to store.
Long shelf life.
Cons
Requires rehydration before feeding.
Can be more expensive than standard dry food.
Not all formulas are nutritionally complete.
Whatever option you choose, our list of Best Dog Foods can help you pick a healthy food to make your dog happy!
Which Dog Food Type Is Right for You?
When it comes to feeding your dog, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each type of dog food, whether dry, canned, raw, homemade, air-dried, or dehydrated, offers unique advantages and potential downsides. The best diet for your dog depends on their age, health, activity level, and personal preferences. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet, and take time to research brands and ingredients carefully.
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