Dog food comes in different forms, sizes, brands, and varieties. Here are the different types of dog food you’ll see in the market:

1 – Kibble or Dry Dog Food

Kibbles come in pellet form. They may look small, but they can be full of the nutrients your dog needs.

Because they are dry, they can last long even without refrigeration. Pet owners like kibble because it’s easy to handle. It’s probably the most convenient dog food type.

Also, of all the dog food options, kibble is one of the most economical.

Another advantage of kibble-type dog food is they help keep your dog’s teeth healthy. Chewing on crunchy food can help reduce tartar buildup.

Bacteria and tartar can build up along their gum line or between their teeth. When your dog chews on kibble, it can scratch on the insides of their mouth and help remove some of the built-up tartar and plaque.

There are different kinds of kibble, depending on how they are prepared. They can be baked, coated, or extruded.

2 – Canned or Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food products are not always canned. Sometimes they come in packets or pouches.

Many paw parents affirm wet dog food is more palatable than the other types. Maybe it’s because of their smoother texture. You can choose between flaked, shredded, and stewed wet food. It’s a good option if your dog is a picky eater.

Wet dog food products have high water content to help keep your dog hydrated. They contain 70% to 80% more moisture than dry dog food. Just like the human body, a dog’s body can perform better when it’s hydrated.

Canned food can be more expensive than dry dog food though, so it’s a good idea to mix or feed them alternately with dry dog food.

3 – Semi-Moist Dog Food

These are dog food products shaped like steaks, burgers, or pork chops and are chewy. They may look attractive, but experts suggest giving these to your dog sparingly as they are not very nutritious.

4 – Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Freeze-dried dog food is raw meat (sometimes mixed with fruit or veggies, or both) that’s blast frozen to preserve its nutritional content. A vacuum pump removes any remaining moisture from the product before it is placed in airtight packaging to discourage the growth of bacteria.

Freeze-dried dog food is considered one of the healthiest types of dog food. But it’s also one of the pricier ones. The ingredients are minimally processed, so their natural vitamins and nutrients are still intact.

Freeze-dried dog food should be eaten within a few days. And they need your special handling. You can mix freeze-dried dog food with water so you can keep it in the freezer for up to four days.

When your pet is done eating, you need to wash their bowl thoroughly to make sure there are no leftovers where fungus and bacteria can grow.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But don’t forget there are factors to consider when choosing which dog food to buy.