Dry dog food, commonly known as kibble, is the most widely used dog food format in the UK. It is made by blending protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, then cooking and extruding the mixture into small, shelf-stable pieces at high pressure and temperature. This process — called extrusion — kills harmful bacteria and produces a consistent, easy-to-store product with a typical moisture content of around 8 to 10%. Some premium dry foods are instead cold pressed, using lower temperatures that preserve more natural nutrients. The full dry dog food range, including both extruded and cold pressed options, is available at petshop.co.uk with next-day delivery when you order before 7pm.

The clearest indicator of a good quality dry dog food is the ingredient list. A high-quality dry food will have a named animal protein — such as chicken, salmon, turkey, or lamb — as the first and largest ingredient. The higher the meat or fish content by percentage, the better. Look for foods that are free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, and check that any carbohydrate sources used are digestible wholegrains or vegetables rather than low-quality fillers. Foods that clearly state the country of origin of their ingredients and their manufacturing process are generally more trustworthy. Avoid foods where vague terms like "meat and animal derivatives" appear without specific sourcing information.

No — dry dog food is not bad for dogs when it is a complete, high-quality formula appropriate for your dog's life stage and size. The majority of dogs in the UK are fed primarily on dry food and thrive on it. The mild abrasive texture of kibble also has a dental benefit, helping to reduce plaque and tartar build-up over time. The one genuine consideration is hydration — because dry food contains very little moisture, dogs must always have access to fresh water. Dogs prone to urinary issues may benefit from having some wet food mixed in to increase their daily fluid intake.

Cold pressed dog food is produced using low temperatures — typically below 45°C — rather than the high heat used in conventional kibble extrusion. This gentler process preserves more of the natural vitamins, enzymes, and nutrients in the raw ingredients that would otherwise be degraded by heat. Cold pressed food also behaves differently in the stomach, breaking down more slowly and gently than extruded kibble, which many owners find benefits digestive health. The trade-off is that cold pressed food has a shorter shelf life and is typically more expensive per kg than conventionally extruded dry food. It is particularly popular among owners who want a dry food that bridges the gap between conventional kibble and raw feeding.

Once opened, dry dog food should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. The best approach is to keep the food in its original bag — which is designed to preserve freshness — fold the top down tightly, and place it inside an airtight container to prevent the natural fats in the food from going rancid. Avoid storing dry food in garages or damp utility rooms where temperature changes and moisture can affect quality. Most dry dog food should be used within six to eight weeks of opening for optimal freshness and nutritional integrity, regardless of the printed best-before date. The Bottomless Bowl subscription at petshop.co.uk lets you schedule deliveries to match your dog's consumption rate, so you always have fresh food without over-stocking.

Yes — mixing dry and wet food is a popular and nutritionally sound approach. Using dry food as the base with wet food added on top is one of the most effective ways to improve palatability for fussy eaters, increase daily moisture intake, and add variety to your dog's diet without the cost of feeding wet food exclusively. When mixing, reduce the dry food portion slightly to account for the calories in the wet food, keeping the total daily amount within the feeding guide for your dog's weight. For the full range of wet food options to pair with, visit the wet dog food page at petshop.co.uk.