What’s the Best Dog Food Type for My Dog?

Q: What’s the best dog food type for my dog?

A: There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. The best dog food depends on your dog’s age, health, and preferences and a focus on species-appropriate nutrition. The main food types—kibble, wet, raw, lightly cooked, cold‑pressed, and air‑/freeze‑dried—each have pros and cons. Understanding those differences helps you choose a diet your dog thrives on.

Choosing what to feed your dog can feel overwhelming. Kibble, raw, wet, cold-pressed, air-dried, freeze-dried… what do they all mean? Which one is healthiest? Which one actually works for your dog?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but understanding the differences between the main types of dog food is the best place to start. In this blog, we’ll cover the most common dog food types, how they differ, and what to consider when choosing what goes in your dog’s bowl. If you’d like to dive deeper (with brand comparisons, pros and cons, and a full comparison chart), you can grab our free downloadable Dog Food Types Guide at the bottom of this post.

Hi, I'm Jodie, a trainee canine nutritionist and I'm here to help you help your dog.

🐶 Why Dog Food Type Matters

Your dog’s food fuels everything from their immune system and digestion to their coat, teeth, and energy levels. While all complete foods legally meet minimum nutritional standards, the quality of ingredients and how the food is made can vary massively. This is where understanding food types becomes important. The way a food is processed directly impacts its nutritional value. Highly processed foods can lose key nutrients during manufacturing, while less-processed foods are designed to keep nutrients in their most natural and digestible form, better aligning with a dog's natural biology.

🦴 Main Types of Dog Food (UK Overview)

Here’s a simple breakdown of the most popular types of dog food in the UK:

1. 🦴 Kibble (Baked & Extruded Dry Food)

What it is: Kibble is dry dog food that comes in pellet or biscuit form. It’s the most common type of food fed in the UK. But not all kibble is created equal—there are two main types:

• Extruded kibble: The most common. Ingredients are cooked at high pressure and heat (~120–200°C), then shaped, dried, and sprayed with flavourings. This intense process can destroy some nutrients and reduce digestibility.

• Baked kibble: Cooked at lower temperatures in an oven, which may preserve more nutrients and result in a gentler product. It's less common but growing in popularity.

  
  

✅ Pros: Shelf-stable, convenient, easy to store

❌ Cons: Low moisture, still a processed food

2. Wet Food (Tinned, Trayed, or Pouched)

Wet food has a high moisture content and is typically cooked twice—once before packaging and again under pressure—which can reduce some nutrients.

✅ Pros: Tasty and hydrating

❌ Cons: Short shelf life once opened, often more expensive

3. Raw Food (BARF or PMR)

Raw food is uncooked and designed to mimic a dog’s natural, ancestral diet. It typically includes meat, bones, and organs—sometimes with added veg or supplements.

✅ Pros: Minimally processed, highly digestible, rich in nutrients

❌ Cons: Requires freezer space and correct balancing

4. Lightly Cooked Food

Gently cooked at lower temperatures, this is a great middle ground between raw and kibble. It’s more digestible than kibble and less processed than tinned food.

✅ Pros: Great for sensitive stomachs

❌ Cons: Needs refrigeration, can be expensive

5. Cold-Pressed Food

Cold-pressed food is made by compressing ingredients at lower temps. It’s more digestible than kibble and breaks down quicker in the stomach.

✅ Pros: Nutrient-preserving, shelf-stable

❌ Cons: Still dry and low in moisture

6. Air-Dried & Freeze-Dried Food

These are raw foods with the moisture removed—either by slow air-drying or freeze-drying. They’re nutrient-dense and ideal for travel, but pricey.

✅ Pros: Long shelf life, raw-style nutrition

❌ Cons: High cost, can be too rich for some dogs

🧠 So Which Type Is Best?

That depends on your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. Ask yourself:

• Does your dog have allergies or digestive issues?

• Are they fussy or food motivated?

• Do you want something fresh or convenient?

• What’s your budget and freezer space like?

  
  

Sometimes, the best choice is a mix of options—like kibble with fresh toppers, or raw in the morning and lightly cooked at night.

❌ Common Myths (and the Truth)

❌ “Kibble cleans teeth” – Not really. Most dogs swallow it whole.

❌ “Grain-free is always better” – Not if it’s just full of potatoes or peas.

❌ “Raw is dangerous” – Only if done poorly. Balanced, hygienic raw diets can be incredibly beneficial.

❌ “Wet food is more nutritious” – Not always—many are overcooked and low in protein.

🐾 Want the Full Breakdown?

If you’d like help choosing the right food for your dog, we’ve put together a free Dog Food Types Guide just for you. It includes:

✅ A comparison chart of all major food types

✅ Brand examples based on ingredient quality (not vet sponsorships)

✅ Key pros and cons of each type

✅ Bonus tips for switching food safely

👉 Click here to download your free guide

No fluff. No pressure. Just clear info to help you feed your dog better with confidence.

💬 Final Thoughts

Feeding your dog isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being informed. Once you understand what’s in your dog’s bowl, you can make small changes that lead to big health benefits. And if all of this still feels like a lot? Start with one step. Even just adding a fresh topper to dry food or switching to a more transparent brand can make a real difference.

You’ve got this—and we’re here to help.

Understanding Your Dog's Nutritional Needs

Understanding your dog's nutritional needs is crucial. Every dog is unique, and their dietary requirements can vary based on age, breed, size, and health status. For example, puppies need more protein and calories than adult dogs. Senior dogs may require fewer calories but more fibre to aid digestion.

The Importance of Ingredient Quality

When choosing dog food, ingredient quality matters. Look for foods that list real meat as the first ingredient. Avoid those with fillers like corn and soy. High-quality ingredients can lead to better health outcomes for your dog.

Transitioning to New Dog Food

Transitioning your dog to new food should be done gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food. Over a week, increase the new food while decreasing the old. This helps prevent digestive upset.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health. With various options available, it’s important to consider your dog's specific needs and preferences. By understanding the different types of dog food and their benefits, you can make informed decisions that contribute to your dog's overall well-being.

Remember, the journey to finding the best food for your dog may take time, but the health benefits are worth it.

FAQ's

• What type of dog food is healthiest? The healthiest food is the one where most nutrients are retained and the main ingredient is fresh meat - that also meets FEDIAF minimum requirements. All dogs are different however so you would need to choose based on your dogs health. If you are unsure speak with a canine nutritionist.

• Is raw dog food safe? Yes, it is safe. You would handle raw dog food exactly like you would normal raw food. Ensure that you are selecting the correct one - 80-10-10 if you are adding your own veg etc or complete (with added veg etc).

• Does kibble clean dogs’ teeth? No! This is completely wrong! Most dogs crunch kibble quickly or swallow it whole, so it doesn’t scrub teeth like brushing or dental chews.

• Should dogs eat grain‑free diets? Grain‑free can be fine if meat is the primary ingredient, but it’s not inherently superior. Focus on the overall ingredient quality and nutritional balance.