Kibble vs Canned Food: Which Is Best for Your Dog?

Kibble vs canned food: the age-old debate. Okay, it’s not that old, but it’s a question that plagues Dog Owners every time they’re browsing the best dog food options. Which dog food is better? Which one is most cost-effective? And, the question that every pooch hopes their Owner will ask: “which one do dogs prefer?” 

In this article, we’re going to sniff out the answers so that you can decide, once and for all, whether to join Team Kibble or Team Canned Food (or maybe even another team, entirely!)

The ideal doggy nutrition plan

Before we dive into the kibble vs canned food specifics, let’s consider what a dog needs from their food. This will help later, when we’re reading nutrition facts like dog food experts!

To start, a good dog food has plenty of protein. Preferably this would be from a meat source with high biological value, like we explained in our article, What’s the Best Meat for Dogs? 

But, you’ll also notice that pet foods aren’t all protein. Many also include veggies, which can provide a good amount of fibre, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. These elements are crucial for your pupper’s normal functioning, such as building up a strong immune system and regrowing muscle tissue during rest. 

And, while there are some concerns about pet food companies using these veggies as filler foods, the truth is, our puppers are omnivorous! Just like us, they can benefit from a balance of meat and plant-based ingredients.  

Which dog food option is closer to the ideal doggy diet? Kibble or canned?

Now we know that our dogs need a good source of protein and a range of all those very important nutritional elements like fat and vitamins and amino acids. So, in the debate of kibble vs canned food, which one is closer to this ideal doggy diet?

The big reveal is…it’s a tie! There’s consensus in the world of doggy nutrition that both kibble and canned food can offer up about the same balance of protein and other nutritional elements. 

Of course, not all kibble and canned food is created equal. Some brands offer less protein or protein from sources that have a lower biological value. Others provide more nutrients or a wider range of nutrients. So, it’s still a good idea to take a look at the nutritional content of whichever kind of food you buy for your pup.

But, the kibble vs canned food debate is not over! Let’s take a look at why some Dog Owners would choose one over the other.

Non-nutritional considerations for kibble vs canned food

Kibble and canned foods each offer up some unique advantages that might sway a Dog Owner to choose wet or dry food.

Let’s talk about price, first. Here, dry food wins out. That’s because dry food is available in bulk, which can make it the most economic choice for Dog Owners. Wet food, on the other hand, typically costs more and has a shorter shelf life.

In terms of convenience, dry food also has the advantage. Dry food doesn’t spoil. It’s easy to handle. It doesn’t have as strong a smell as canned food. So, many Dog Owners prefer to have dry food on hand.

Now, when it comes to water content, canned food is the obvious winner. For dogs with specific health issues such as kidney disease, a vet may recommend canned food for its high water content.

Canned food may also be easier to eat and digest for some puppers with dental problems or food sensitivities. Senior doggos may also benefit from softer foods of the canned variety for the same reason.

There is some truth to the fact that dry food is better for your pupper’s chompers. It may serve to break off some of the plaque build-up on their teeth. But in reality, the kibble vs canned food debate shouldn’t determine your dog’s dental health. Regular brushing is the best way to ensure that your dog’s teeth are in tip-top shape, no matter what kind of food they eat.

Finally, there’s taste. Many dogs prefer to chow down on canned food because of its smell and texture. Whether your furry friend has high standards, or you simply want to add more mental stimulation to meal times, canned foods are the better choice.

Cons of kibble and canned food

It’s pretty clear at this point that the kibble vs canned food debate has a lot to do with the individual needs and preferences of each doggo. But, we don’t want to gloss over some of the drawbacks of both dry and wet food.

The big one is the use of preservatives. Both kibble and canned food tend to be mass-produced and manufactured to last. This is great for our convenience, but perhaps not so great for our pups.

As the RSPCA explains, some preservatives, such as sulphur dioxide and potassium sulphite preservatives, can pose significant health risks for our dogs. And unfortunately, there aren’t great regulations that will help us determine which preservatives can be found in store-bought dog food.

Their recommendation is to stick with high-quality kibble or canned food brands that are transparent about their ingredients. Even better if the brand has made a commitment to comply with the Australian Standard for Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food.

Another suggestion? Make the switch to fresh, human-grade dog food. With thoughtfully balanced raw meals, you can be sure that your dog is getting the highest quality meat, perfect blend of nutritious veggies, and preservative-free freshness. 

Final considerations for kibble vs canned food

Unfortunately, there are no universal truths when it comes to the kibble vs canned food debate. Some dogs will do better with a dry food diet. Others will benefit from canned food. And, for both options, you may want to pay special attention to protein sources and preservatives.

The fact that you’re searching for the best dog food shows how much you care about your furbaby. Wherever you fall on the kibble vs canned food debate, being more aware of your pup’s food choices is a great way to keep them healthy and happy! 

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