What is dry dog food?

Put simply, dry dog food is like small biscuits that have very low water content, usually between 8-11% and is added to help create a dough ready to be cooked.

This type of dog food usually contains more carbohydrates than wet alternatives as this helps to hold the biscuits, or kibble together and provides texture and structure. Though your dog doesn’t necessarily require a carbohydrate rich diet, they can help to supply a readily available energy source, as well as delivering important amino acids and fibre.

You will often find that dry food also contains meats and fats in the ingredients list, and these are added to provide more energy, along with protein to help with muscle, skin and coat repair and maintenance. It is also possible to find vegetarian and vegan options of dry dog food that derive protein from plant-based sources.

With dry food you also get the choice between complete and complementary options. Basically, complete dry food and kibble contains all of the nutrients your dog will need, whereas a complementary option needs to be fed as a mixer with other food, usually wet.

What are the benefits of dry dog food?

Feeding your dog with a dry food diet can have a number of benefits that you should be aware of when trying to choose the best option for you and your dog.

Advantages

Ease of use The first benefit of dry food is how easy it is to both store and use. As it has very low moisture content, it can often be stored for longer than wet food alternatives without getting spoiled. With complete dry food options, the feeding process is as simple as scoping the required amount for your dog and putting it in a bowl. Cost effectiveness This benefit probably won’t come as too much of a surprise. Due to efficient processes within the supply chain, it allows for mass production at low cost which can be passed on to you!

How is dry dog food made?

The manufacturing of dry dog food and kibble uses a process know as extrusion. This process uses heat and steam to soften or melt dry ingredients before high pressure is applied to combine the mixture. After the ingredients have all been combined they are cut to size and ready to be packaged and sold.

How much should my dog eat?

It’s not always easy to determine how much food your dog should eat as there are a number of factors that can impact this, including; weight, activity levels, and your dog's age.

You can however get a good understanding of your dogs needs by using the feeding chart guidance that is required on all dog food packaging. 

Here’s a sample dog feeding chart similar to the one you will find on any dry dog food packaging:

 

Size of Dog	Dry Food Amount per Day (g)
Under 10kg	Up to 150g
10 - 20kg	150 - 260g
20 - 32kg	260 - 400g
32 - 45kg	400 - 500g
45kg +	450g +

Note: Example above is from Skinners Field & Trial Muesli Mix for Adult Working Dogs. Dog feeding amounts vary from product to product based on calorie content and formula. Consult the feeding chart on the back of your dog’s food packaging. Individual needs can vary, so consult your veterinarian regarding special dietary needs.