Dog food is a multi billion dollar industry all over the world, with thousands of companies selling a variety of different products. The two main categories of dog food are dry dog food and wet dog food, although there are also a number of alternate dog food products on the market
Dry dog food products make up the majority of the diet for many dogs around the world, so choosing dry dog food is important for all dog owners. When good quality dry dog food is combined with wet dog food, meat scraps, leftovers, and other alternate foods, any dog can live a long and healthy life. Three important tips when buying dry dog food are to buy for your particular breed of dog, compare ingredients, and always use with other types of dog food products for a balanced diet.

Dry dog food is also known as kibble in the United States, and is sold from a wide range of supermarkets, pet stores, and online retailers. Dry dog food consists of between six to ten per cent moisture by volume, with the rest of the volume taken up by grains, offal, meat, and grain based filler material. Many dog food makers also include additional nutrients in their dry mixtures, and others may only use organic or vegetarian products. When choosing dog food for your pet, it is important to get the right food for the breed and age of the animal you are buying for. For example, small dogs often require a vastly different diet to large dogs, and puppies often need access to additional nutrients when they are in their growing phase.

While dry dog food is not recommended as the only food to give dogs, it can act as a major staple in a well balanced diet. Some of the additional foods that are often recommended for dogs include raw food, home-made food, bones, dog biscuits and snacks, and wet dog food. Wet canned dog food is the other major contributor to the standard dog diet, with a moisture content of between 60 to 90 per cent. Wet dog food has the advantages of being made in a commercially sterile environment, while also providing a high content of meat and nutrients. When wet dog food is combined with high quality dry dog food and other speciality pet food items, all dogs can lead a vibrant and healthy lifestyle.