What is dry dog food?

Dry dog food, or kibble, is a baked and extruded food with low moisture, so it stays fresh for longer and is easy to store. Most recipes are complete and balanced for a particular life stage.

How is dry dog food made?

Ingredients are mixed, cooked under heat and pressure, shaped into kibble, dried and then coated with fats and flavours before being packed. Our vets walk through the whole process in how dry pet food is made , so you know what's behind every bowl.

Is dry or wet food better for dogs?

Both can be part of a healthy diet. Dry food is convenient and easy to store, while wet food is tasty and adds moisture. Many owners mix both. Our guide to wet vs dry dog food compares the two in more detail.

Is kibble good for dogs?

Yes, a good quality kibble that's complete and balanced can meet all your dog's nutritional needs. Choose a recipe that suits your dog's age, size and health, and read the label to check what's in it. If you have concerns, your vet can help you compare options.

How do I store dry dog food?

Keep it in a cool, dry place in the original bag (and inside an airtight container if you wish), and reseal it after each feed. Avoid heat, sunlight and moisture. Our guide to storing wet and dry dog food has more tips.

What's the best dry food for puppies?

Look for a kibble labelled complete and balanced for puppy growth and development, with a size to suit your pup's breed. Large breed puppies need a formula designed for their growth. Our vets share their favourites in the best dry puppy food guide.

Can I mix dry food with wet food?

Yes, mixing is a popular way to add variety and flavour. Just reduce the dry food to keep the total amount of calories in line with your dog's daily needs (see our pet feeding guide for more). Be sure to store opened wet food in the fridge and use it within the time on the label.

Does dry food clean my dog's teeth?

Dental-specific diets can help to keep your dog's teeth clean. They are best combined with regular brushing and vet checks. Browse our dental care dog food .

What are the benefits of feeding my dog dry food?

Dry food can be a convenient and healthy option for ensuring your dog has a healthy, complete and balanced diet. The benefits of feeding your dog dry food include: Dental Health : Dry food can help clean your dog's teeth by mechanically reducing plaque build up, some formulas also contain ingredients which bind salivary calcium to inhibit tartar formation. It's important to note that feeding dry food alone is not sufficient to prevent dental disease in dogs, but it can play a part in their overall dental health management plan. Convenience: Dry food is easy to store and transport and can be less messy than other formats such as wet food. Weight Management : Dry food can be a good option for weight management, as it's easier to measure portions accurately.

How should I store dry dog food to keep it fresh?

In order to keep dry dog food as fresh as possible, avoid as much as possible exposing it to moisture and air, as this can cause it to become stale or mouldy sooner. Store dry dog food in a cool, dry place, avoid storing dry food in areas with high humidity or extreme temperatures. Keep the bag sealed until you need to use it, once opened, seal the bag tightly to prevent moisture and pests from entering. If you use a container or bin to store the dry food, keep the food in the bag inside rather than decanting it completely, this helps reduce the amount of air and moisture that can enter the bag. Most dry dog food has a recommended shelf life once opened, formulations may vary, but a good rule of thumb is that it should be consumed within 3 months of opening. Always check food prior to feeding to ensure there are no signs of mould growth or pests.

Can you mix wet and dry dog food?

Yes, you can mix dry and wet dog food . Combining wet and dry dog food can offer a well-rounded diet. Both options have unique advantages, catering to different nutritional needs and preferences. Wet dog food has a higher moisture content can be beneficial for hydration, especially in warmer climates or for dogs with kidney or urinary tract issues, it is also often more palatable, making it a good choice for picky eaters and can be easier to digest, promoting better nutrient absorption.

Is dry dog food better for dental health?

Dry dog food can definitely play a role in supporting your dog's dental health . The abrasive nature of dry food can help remove plaque build up on your dog's teeth. In addition, some dry dog foods also contain ingredients to bind salivary calcium, which can reduce tartar formation. Veterinary therapeutic dental diets tend to be the most effective at reducing plaque and tartar formation, but it's important to check with your vet prior to switching your dog to one. Crucially, dry dog food alone is not sufficient to keep your dog's teeth and gums healthy, it should be combined with regular dental care including toothbrushing , dental chews and professional dental cleanings.

How do I choose the right dry food for my dog's breed?

To choose the right dry food for your dog's breed, consider their size ( small , medium , large , giant ) as well as lifestage ( puppy , adult, senior ). Many premium science brands offer formulas tailored to specific breed sizes, and in some cases also specific breeds including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Oodles. Breed-specific diets are tailored to address the unique health and nutritional needs of individual dog breeds. These diets often incorporate nutraceuticals known to prevent common ailments in the target breed. For example, a diet for French Bulldogs might include ingredients to reduce flatulence, while a diet for Retrievers could contain L-carnitine for weight management. Premium manufacturers develop these diets using rigorous research and quality control. They often feature high-quality ingredients and include nutritional additives backed by scientific evidence. Many breed diets have specialised kibble shapes to accommodate the breed's jaw structure and promote dental health.

Dry Dog Food - Puppy, Adult & Senior Kibble | Australia's #1 Pet Store

Dry dog food for everyday feeding

Dry dog food, also known as kibble, is the go to everyday meal for many dogs, because it's easy to store, easy to serve and made to be complete and balanced. Our range of dry dog food covers every life stage, size and need. Browse dry dog food from trusted brands and find a recipe your dog will love.

Why choose dry food

Kibble is convenient, keeps well and is easy to portion. It works well in puzzle and automatic feeders as well as training sessions. Dry food comes in a huge range of recipes, from grain free and high protein to vet diets, so there's something for every dog.

How to choose

Match the recipe to your dog's life stage, size and health needs, and check that it's complete and balanced. Our vets explain how dry pet food is made, compare wet vs dry dog food and share tips on how to store wet and dry dog food.

Popular dry dog food brands

Shop dry dog food from brands like Royal Canin dog food, Hill's Science Diet dog food, Advance dog food, Black Hawk dog food, Eukanuba dog food, Instinctive Bite dog food, ZIWI Peak dog food and Open Farm dog food. Most offer a range of recipes for different needs.

Explore dry dog food

Dry puppy food - kibble for growing dogs
Dry senior dog food - kibble for older dogs
Wet dog food - tasty meals for fussy eaters
Fresh dog food - chilled and frozen meals
Air dried dog food - gently dried, minimal prep

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FAQs about Dry Dog Food

What is dry dog food?

What is dry dog food?

How is dry dog food made?

How is dry dog food made?

Is dry or wet food better for dogs?

Is dry or wet food better for dogs?

Is kibble good for dogs?

Is kibble good for dogs?

How do I store dry dog food?

How do I store dry dog food?

What's the best dry food for puppies?

What's the best dry food for puppies?

Can I mix dry food with wet food?

Can I mix dry food with wet food?

Does dry food clean my dog's teeth?

Does dry food clean my dog's teeth?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Food for Dogs

What are the benefits of feeding my dog dry food?

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Can you mix wet and dry dog food?

Is dry dog food better for dental health?

How do I choose the right dry food for my dog's breed?

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