There are a number of different types of dog food out there to consider when deciding what to feed your furry friend. The options can be overwhelming, so how do you know what to decide? We’ve broken down the different types and included some pros and cons of each, so that you can make the best decision based on your pet’s nutritional needs. 

With any dog food, regardless of the type, it’s important to remember to read the labels and know what it contains to make the best choices for your dog. You should trust the brand and do the required research to ensure your pet is being fed a proper diet.

It’s also important to consider the individual needs of your dog. Dog food is not one-size-fits-all. Take into consideration your dog’s age, size, and activity levels to select the right dog food.

Kibble (Dry Dog Food)

Most people tend to give their dogs kibble. It’s usually the most cost-effective way to ensure your pup is getting all of his vitamins and nutrients, as well as staying full and happy. Kibble stores well and you can easily take it with you when travelling with your pet. Most kibbles contain all the necessary nutrients for your pet, so you won’t have to worry about nutritional deficiencies. They’re available in varying flavours and require virtually no preparation, making it a convenient option if you have an otherwise busy lifestyle.

On the downside, kibble often contains ingredients that are of poor quality, such as preservatives and byproducts of meat. It’s very important to read the labels and understand what makes a dog food good. Kibble is typically rich in carbohydrates, which could cause weight problems for some dogs.

Canned Dog Food (Wet Dog Food)

Wet dog food is generally more appealing to dogs than kibble. The majority of canned dog food uses either fresh or frozen meat instead of rendered meat, which is more processed. This is definitely a benefit of feeding your dog wet dog food. There are also less carbohydrates in wet dog food, so dogs who eat canned food usually aren’t as prone to weight gain. Similar to kibble, canned dog food contains a full spectrum of nutrients, so you also don’t have to worry about deficiencies.

Some of the cons of canned dog food are that it’s generally more expensive than kibble, it’s got an odour that is a bit offensive to people, it can be messy to prepare, and it often contains more fat than necessary.

Homemade Dog Food

If you’re worried about byproducts, preservatives, or other chemicals in your dog’s food, creating a homemade diet may be the right option for you. Creating your dog’s diet allows you to be in control, know exactly what products he is consuming, and choose fresh and healthy ingredients. Your dog will probably also prefer the taste of homemade dog food, since it’s closer to what you’re eating!

However, homemade dog food requires a lot of planning and diligence. It’s very time-consuming and you have to be well-versed in canine nutrition as well as your dog’s individual needs. You will probably need to use supplements in order to ensure your dog is getting his full spectrum of nutrients. It’s also far more expensive to make your own dog food.

There are other types of dog food out there as well – commercial raw dog food, dehydrated dog food, and freeze-dried dog food are all worth taking a look at if the normal types of dog food aren’t working for your pet. Most Australian made dog food has a guarantee of nutritional completeness, but you should always check the labels.