Dry Food, Wet Food or BARF: How to Find the Best Dog Food

The short answer

For most dogs there is no single "best" food. The right choice depends on your dog's age, health and preferences, and dry food, wet food and BARF each have clear pros and cons.

• Dry food: convenient, long shelf life, usually cheaper
• Wet food: lots of moisture, good for picky dogs and dogs that drink too little
• BARF: full control, but needs planning and hygiene
• Always switch food gradually over 7 to 10 days

Have you ever stood in front of the food bowl thinking: dry food, wet food or BARF after all? What really makes my dog happy? Me too. And sometimes it feels like all that effort is going to the dogs. Literally.

Here you'll find out when dry food is convenient, when wet food has advantages and for whom BARF can be a real option. I'll also show you simple criteria for making the best decision. For serious health questions, please always talk to your vet.

What does your dog really need?

Your dog needs protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in the right amounts. Protein supplies amino acids for muscles and the immune system, and animal protein usually has a higher biological value. Fats provide energy and help absorb vitamins A, D, E and K, while omega-3 fatty acids support skin and joints. Carbohydrates provide quick energy, and fibre supports gut health.

Energy needs depend on weight, age, breed and activity: a calm senior needs far less than a young sporty dog. Use the energy information on the pack as a guide and watch your dog's body condition: ribs you can feel but not see.

Complete feeds cover all of your dog's needs if you follow the feeding guidelines. Make sure they meet FEDIAF, AAFCO or national standards, because cheap doesn't automatically mean complete. With BARF or home-cooked food, you need a nutrition plan or supplements.

Dry food: convenient and affordable

Dry food is convenient, keeps for a long time and is usually cheaper than wet food or BARF. It is made from meat meal or fresh meat, grains or grain substitutes, fats, vitamins and minerals. A named meat source should come first, not "animal by-products". Vitamin E (tocopherols) is considered a safe preservative, while some sensitive dogs tolerate certain chemical preservatives less well. Grain is not bad in itself, but it can trigger allergies.

Dry food needs more fluid in the stomach and several hours to break down. If your dog often has gas, soft stools or is always hungry, a more digestible recipe is worth trying. Large kibble suits large breeds better, small kibble suits puppies and small dogs. Weigh the food, because high-calorie kibble needs smaller portions.

By the way, regular dry food only cleans teeth a little. Special dental food, tooth brushing, chews and yearly check-ups remain important. My sensitive dog Flicky, for example, tolerates these dry foods well:

Wet food: who it suits best

Wet food usually contains 60 to 84 percent water. This increases fluid intake without extra drinking, which is important for older dogs or dogs that drink too little and for urinary tract problems, and it can help prevent constipation. Many dogs like the smell and soft texture, and after surgery or with dental problems it is easier to eat.

Wet food has less energy per gram, so you feed larger amounts. That fills your dog up and helps with weight. You need to refrigerate opened portions and use them quickly, and single portions reduce spoilage. Look for complete feeds and menus without unnecessary additives. Flicky tolerates these wet foods well:

BARF and raw feeding

BARF stands for "Biologisch Artgerechtes Rohes Futter" in German (biologically appropriate raw food), in English "bones and raw food". You combine raw muscle meat, organs, raw bones, vegetables and fruit, modelled on natural prey. The mix depends on age, activity and health.

The rule of thumb is a starting point you can adjust. Only add supplements such as omega-3 oil, vitamin E or minerals when needed, and regular blood tests beat gut feeling. Introduce new ingredients one at a time, watch stools, coat and energy, and have blood values checked at least once a year.

If you want to feed raw without butchering yourself, these providers are a good choice: Nutriment delivers ready-portioned frozen BARF and fresh menus with a balanced ratio of meat, organs and bones. Haustierkost specialises in frozen meat and ready-made BARF menus. Butternut Box delivers freshly cooked, individually tailored food. You can find the current offers in our shop overview.

Mixed feeding and switching food

Mixed feeding combines the advantages of several types of food, for example 50 g of dry food in the morning and 200 g of wet food in the evening, adjusted to weight and activity. Add up the calories of all components and watch stools, appetite and energy. Clean water must always be available.

Complete menus are ready-made wet food portions with all nutrients, while ready-made BARF comes portioned as a raw or gently processed product. Check the label, hygiene standards and origin of the ingredients. For sensitive dogs, menus with few protein sources are a good fit. If you'd rather stick with dry food, Just Russel is convenient: individual dry food tailored to breed, age and weight and delivered on subscription, so you skip the calculations.

1. 1Start slowlyOn day one, use about 25 % new food, then increase to 100 % over 7 to 14 days.
2. 2Change one thingOnly switch the protein source, food type or brand, never everything at once.
3. 3ObserveNote any vomiting, gas or changes in stools.
4. 4Hygiene with BARFSeparate boards, wash your hands, store safely.
5. 5Involve your vetFor older dogs or dogs with existing conditions, discuss the switch beforehand.

What suits your dog?

Puppies need calorie and nutrient rich food with extra calcium and DHA for brain and bones, so look for the label "for puppies". Seniors often need fewer calories, easily digestible protein and joint supplements such as glucosamine, and wet food helps if they drink little or chew poorly. Dogs with allergies often need an elimination diet with single protein food or hydrolysed proteins, more on this in our allergy guide.

A shiny coat usually shows that the fatty acid balance is right. Wet food is digested faster than dry food, and probiotics can stabilise the gut flora. BARF with raw meat and bones can reduce tartar, but it carries risks. If your vet recommends a special diet, for example for kidney, liver or skin problems, follow it closely and ask about duration and check-up appointments.

Frequently asked questions