Kibble or fresh food: What should you feed your dog?

When it comes to the best diet for dogs, opinions fly faster than a tennis ball at the dog park. Kibble? Raw? Home-cooked? Wet food? The options for pet food are endless and so is the advice.

While every pup is different, understanding the pros and cons of dry food vs wet or fresh food can help you choose what works best for your furry friend’s needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Along the way, we also spoke with veterinarian and pet nutritionist Dr Will Maginness, who shared his expert perspective to help cut through the confusion.

Let’s dig in and sniff out the facts on what to feed a dog — from kibble to raw food, toppers to home-cooked meals — so you can make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed.

What you need to know about dry dog food

Kibble is the classic dry dog food option you’ll see on just about every supermarket or pet store shelf. It’s convenient, long-lasting, and comes in a huge variety of formulas for different dog breeds, ages, and dietary needs.

Dry food (a.k.a. kibble) is made by combining ingredients like meat meal, grains, vegetables, and vitamins, then cooking and shaping it into crunchy little biscuits.

There are different types of kibble, including:

• Standard kibble: The most common and affordable option.
• Grain-free: Formulated for dogs with grain sensitivities.
• Breed or age specific: Designed for the needs of certain breeds or stage of life.
• Prescription or vet-approved kibble: Tailored for dogs with medical conditions.

One of kibble’s biggest pros? It lasts ages. An unopened bag can stay fresh for up to 12–18 months. Once opened, it’s best used within six weeks and stored in a sealed, airtight container.

But is kibble good for dogs? What you need to know is that it’s not all created equal. When shopping, be sure to look for:

• Named proteins (like "chicken meal" instead of "meat by-products" – more on this below)
• Whole grains and vegetables
• No artificial preservatives, colours, or fillers

Pros and cons of dry dog food

What you need to know about wet dog food

On the other side of the bowl, we’ve got wet and fresh food — a broad category that includes everything from canned food to raw meats to home-cooked meals.

Wet foods often come in pouches, cans, or frozen packs. They tend to be higher in moisture, more aromatic, and often more appealing to fussy eaters.

Types include:

• Canned food: Sealed, shelf-stable wet meals.
• Frozen raw: Uncooked meats and bones, stored frozen.
• Cooked fresh meals: Gently cooked food often made in small batches.
• DIY home-cooked: Meals made by you, at home, with vet-approved recipes.
• Food toppers: Wet or fresh additions to dry kibble to boost flavour and nutrients.

💡 Choosi tip: Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure you receive tailored advice on providing a balanced diet for your pet.

Pros and cons of wet dog food

“Fresh food uses whole ingredients, cooked gently to preserve nutrients, moisture, and natural flavours. You end up with highly digestible protein, more bioavailable vitamins and minerals, and hydration built into the meal, which can make a huge difference to kidney, urinary, and overall metabolic health. The trade-off is that fresh food requires refrigeration and is usually more expensive.” — Dr Will Maginness, Pet Nutritionist, 5 Hounds

What to feed your dog: comparing your options

So, with all that said, what dog food is better for your situation? In short, it depends on your dog’s age, health, preferences, and your budget and lifestyle.

Here’s a quick dog food comparison to help weigh your options:

Expert tips on choosing the right food for your pup

Still not sure? We asked pet nutritionist, Dr. Will Maginness, for his expert tips.

Here’s what he had to say:

Expert tip 1: Look at the ingredient list, not the front of the bag

“The marketing claims on the packaging can be misleading. Instead, read the ingredients from top to bottom. You want clearly named animal proteins (e.g., "beef heart" or "kangaroo meat"), whole food ingredients, and minimal fillers. Avoid vague terms like "meat by-product" or "meat meal".”

Expert tip 2: Match nutrition to your dog’s needs

If your dog has specific energy, nutrition or breed needs, it can be worth looking into more premium and specialty dog foods (many of which are imported to Australia from Europe and the US, and required to meet specific standards).

“Your dog’s age, activity level, and health status should guide your choice. A puppy, a working kelpie, and a senior Cavalier will all have different requirements. If you’re feeding fresh food, make sure it’s properly balanced to recognised standards (like Association of American Feed Control Officials or FEDIAF European Pet Food).”

Expert tip 3: Make a quick assessment

“If your dog’s coat is glossy, their energy is steady, their stools are well-formed, and they’re maintaining a healthy weight, you’re likely on the right track. If not, it might be time to reassess.”

Caring for your dog beyond food choices

A happy, healthy dog means more tail wags. But unexpected health issues can come up for any dog, leading to unexpected vet costs. That’s where pet insurance comes in.

Explore your pet insurance options with Choosi and find cover that suits your furry friend from options available on our Approved Product List, so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying mealtime (and all the moments in between).