Dry Dog Food

Reviews of Canadian dry dog food (kibble) from Canadian-owned and Canadian-manufactured brands. Covers grain-free, grain-friendly, low-glycemic, and limited ingredient dry recipes for all life stages.

Note: We are actively building out our coverage of Canadian pet food brands. Check back often as new reviews are added regularly.

Health Benefits of Dry Dog Food

Dry dog food remains the most widely used format in canine nutrition for well-established practical and nutritional reasons. Kibble is the most cost-effective option per serving — meaningful for large breeds or multi-dog households — has a shelf life of 12–18 months unopened, requires no refrigeration, and is easy to measure, store, and use in puzzle feeders and training routines.

The dental benefit is commonly cited and broadly supported, though with the same caveat that applies to cats: dogs must actually chew the kibble to receive any mechanical cleaning benefit, and gulpers or dogs fed small-sized kibble relative to their breed size may not benefit. When chewing does occur, the crunching action scrapes plaque from tooth surfaces. The American Veterinary Dental College reports that over 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three, and incorporating kibble into the diet — alongside regular brushing and veterinary cleanings — is a recognised supportive measure. Purpose-formulated dental kibble carrying the VOHC seal has stronger clinical evidence than standard kibble.

Kibble’s higher caloric density (350–450 kcal per 100g dry matter) compared to wet food (70–100 kcal per 100g) makes it a practical energy source for highly active dogs — working dogs, agility dogs, or dogs with high daily exercise requirements can meet their caloric needs without needing to eat large volumes. The low moisture content (~10%) is the main limitation: dogs fed exclusively dry food must have constant access to fresh water, and dogs prone to urinary issues or kidney disease particularly benefit from having wet food incorporated to boost dietary moisture.

How Much Dry Dog Food Should I Feed My Dog?

Daily dry food portions are primarily determined by your dog’s weight, activity level, and the caloric density of the specific food. Because calorie content varies significantly between brands — a standard cup of dry dog food can contain anywhere from 350 to 600 kcal — the feeding guide on the bag is always the most accurate starting point. General well-supported guidelines for a moderately active adult dog at a standard caloric density (~380 kcal/cup) are:

  • 10 lbs: approximately ¾ cup per day
  • 20 lbs: approximately 1–1⅓ cups per day
  • 30 lbs: approximately 1¾–2 cups per day
  • 60 lbs: approximately 3 cups per day
  • 90 lbs: approximately 4–4¼ cups per day

These amounts are divided across two meals for most adult dogs. Puppies need significantly more per pound of body weight than adults — roughly twice the calories — and should be fed 3–4 meals per day until 6 months of age. Senior dogs typically need less as activity levels decline. Always cross-reference the feeding guide on the specific bag, monitor body condition, and adjust accordingly. Over 50% of dogs in North America are classified as overweight or obese, making accurate portioning one of the most important practical steps in canine health.

Should You Feed Your Dog Both Dry and Wet Food?

Yes — combining dry and wet food is widely recommended as a way to access the benefits of both formats without the drawbacks of either alone. The approach is straightforward: wet food contributes moisture, palatability, and higher protein quality; dry kibble contributes caloric density, convenience, dental texture benefit, and lower cost. Together they cover more nutritional bases than either does individually.

The most practical mixed approach is to serve a measured wet food portion at mealtimes and supplement with a controlled amount of kibble, either in the same bowl or separately. The essential principle is to adjust total calories so you are not inadvertently doubling your dog’s daily intake. If the daily target for your dog is 600 kcal, and you are adding a 100 kcal wet food portion, the kibble portion should be reduced by the equivalent calories. A common ratio suggested by veterinary sources is roughly ¾ cup of kibble replaced by half a can of wet food — though the right balance depends on your dog’s specific caloric needs and the products used.

Transitioning a dog to mixed feeding is typically uncomplicated — most dogs accept wet food readily. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, introducing wet food over 7–10 days by gradually increasing the wet proportion minimises digestive disruption. Dogs with urinary tract issues, kidney disease, or low water intake benefit particularly from maximising the wet food proportion; for healthy, well-hydrated dogs the split can be adjusted to suit owner preference and budget.

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