The Complete Guide to Dog Food Types – Dry, Wet, Raw, Fresh, Grain-Free, Natural, Soft and More

 The Complete Guide to Dog Food Types – Dry, Wet, Raw, Fresh, Grain-Free, Natural, Soft and More

Choosing the right food for your dog directly affects its health, energy, digestion, coat, and quality of life.
Today, the market offers many types of food – not just brands – and each category suits different dogs, according to age, activity level, sensitivities and lifestyle.

Below is a clear, practical guide to the main dog food types.

1. Dry Food (Kibble)

The most common dog food in the world. Produced by high-temperature cooking and extrusion into crunchy pellets.

Advantages:

• Convenient and easy to store

• Affordable compared to most other types

• Long shelf life

• Helps clean teeth thanks to chewing

• Huge variety of formulas (puppy, adult, senior, sensitive, small breed, etc.)

Best for:
Most dogs, and owners who want a convenient, everyday solution.

2. Wet Food (Canned/Pouches)

Moist, aromatic food with strong smell and flavour.

Advantages:

• Very tasty – ideal for picky eaters

• High moisture – good for dogs that don’t drink enough

• Easy to chew – suitable for seniors or dogs with dental issues

Best for:
Picky dogs, seniors, and dogs with chewing difficulties. Can also be mixed with dry food.

3. Raw / Frozen (BARF)

Raw diets based on meat, bones, organs, vegetables and fruits, usually frozen.

Advantages:

• Very close to the “natural” diet of dogs

• High-quality protein

• Often improves coat condition, stool quality and energy

• Minimal processing

Disadvantages:

• Requires freezer space and careful hygiene

• Can be more expensive

• Not suitable for all dogs (e.g. certain medical issues)

Best for:
Owners looking for a natural approach and willing to handle raw food safely.

4. Fresh Cooked Food

Gently cooked meals, often vacuum-sealed – like home-cooked food in a controlled recipe.

Advantages:

• Uses fresh ingredients

• Highly digestible

• Very tasty for picky dogs

• Less processed than typical dry food

Disadvantages:

• Shorter shelf life

• Needs refrigeration

• Usually more expensive

Best for:
Sensitive dogs, picky eaters, owners who want a “home food” style but balanced.

5. Grain-Free Food

Formulas without wheat, corn or rice – using potato, sweet potato, peas, lentils etc.

Advantages:

• Good option for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities

• Often higher in protein

• Sometimes easier to digest for some dogs

Disadvantages:

• Not every dog needs grain-free

• Can be more expensive

Best for:
Dogs with skin problems, itchiness, chronic digestive issues suspected to be grain-related.

6. Natural / Holistic Food

Foods made with cleaner ingredient lists and minimal artificial additives.

Advantages:

• No artificial colours or unnecessary chemicals

• Focus on high-quality ingredients

• Often includes natural sources of vitamins and minerals

Best for:
Owners who want a “cleaner” label and more natural nutrition.

7. Soft / Semi-Moist Food

Semi-soft kibble or soft chunks – a middle ground between dry and wet.

Advantages:

• Very tasty and aromatic

• Easy to chew – great for seniors

• Keeps the “kibble” form but is softer

Disadvantages:

• Shorter shelf life than regular dry food

• Often more expensive per kilo

Best for:
Picky dogs, small breeds, seniors, or dogs with dental sensitivity.

8. Vegetarian / Vegan Food

Plant-based formulas designed for dogs with extreme protein allergies or based on owner preference.

Advantages:

• Suitable for dogs with severe allergies to animal proteins

• Can be recommended by vets in special cases

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for all dogs

• Must be formulated very carefully to be complete and balanced

Best for:
Dogs with confirmed, serious allergies under veterinary supervision.

9. Veterinary Diets (Prescription Diets)

Medical foods designed for kidney issues, skin allergies, obesity, digestive disease, heart conditions and more.

Advantages:

• Developed and tested for specific medical conditions

• Recommended and monitored by veterinarians

• Can significantly improve quality of life

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than regular food

• Should only be used under vet guidance

Best for:
Dogs with chronic diseases or strong sensitivities.

10. Life-Stage Diets

• Puppy – higher protein and energy, supports growth

• Adult – balanced for maintenance and activity

• Senior – lower fat, easier to digest, often with joint support

⭐ How to Choose the Right Type?

Ask yourself:

• How old is my dog? (puppy, adult, senior)

• Is my dog active or calm?

• Any skin, coat or digestive issues?

• Picky eater or will eat anything?

• What is my budget?

Often the best solution is a combination:

• Quality dry food as a base

• Plus wet or soft food for taste and hydration

• Switching to grain-free / natural / veterinary when there is a specific need

???? LoveDog – Our Approach

Every dog is different. In LoveDog, we help match the type of food to each dog’s lifestyle, sensitivities and taste – not just to a brand name.

???? Main Comparison Table – Dog Food Types (English)

⚡ Quick Summary Table (English)