Loaf, Kibble, Stew—Oh My! A No-Judgment Guide to Feeding Your Pet

Let's face it, deciphering pet food labels is harder than understanding why your cat prefers the empty Amazon box to the $50 cat tree. And choosing the right food format. That feels like navigating a minefield blindfolded while your dog tries to "help" by licking your face. Fear not, fellow pet parent, for we're about to embark on a hilarious, slightly chaotic, yet ultimately informative journey through the world of pet food formats. 

Back to Basics: Kibble 

The trusty, crunchy staple. It's the pet food equivalent of a beige cardigan, while not exactly the most exciting thing, it is practical and reliable. Kibble can be extruded or baked. Either way, it’s typically brown and round. When selecting kibble for your pet, here are some foods for thought to consider:  

• Pros: Convenient, like finding a twenty in your old jeans. Kibble has convenience on its side, as well as a variety of meats, flavors, and types of carbohydrates. Kibble has something for everyone in the sense that it has a variety of flavor offerings, can come in specialized diets, and is easy to store away in your pantry for Fido’s next feeding. 

• Cons: Aside from finding one of these crunchy pieces on the floor in the middle of the night, kibble may not be as tasty as other formats (listed below) for those pickier eaters.  

• Pet Parent Pro-Tip: If your pet looks at their kibble like you look at a salad, try adding a splash of warm water. Instant gravy… sort of. Or try topping with a different format below.  

Side note: For those who are new to topping your pet’s food, this can be a fun way to add different flavors, try different formats, and increase palatability at mealtime. Watch out for going overboard on toppers, though, as too much can cause an imbalance of nutrients and add too many calories to your pet’s daily caloric intake.   

Loaf, Chunks, or Stew… So Much to Choose: Wet Food 

Wet food: not just pâté for the picky palates. It's the pet food equivalent of a five-star restaurant—if that restaurant served everything in a can. Today’s wet food is not limited to a can but comes in various packages and textures, such as chunks in gravy, stews, and loaf/pâté. Before feeling overwhelmed by a sea of cans, here is the skinny (or not so skinny) on those tasty tins: 

• Pros: Hydrating! Perfect for pets who think water is only for baths. Highly palatable, especially for those picky eaters, as it is packed with high amounts of meat and natural animal fat.  

• Cons: Some say the smell, while those with larger dogs are thinking pocketbook. Since wet food is meat-forward, the smell can be more pungent than that of kibble. However, as wet food is, well… wet, the calories per volume are lower, meaning a larger dog may need to eat upwards of 10+ cans a day to meet its daily caloric intake.  

• Pet Parent Pro-Tip: Invest in a good, reusable can lid (and maybe a nose clip). Wet food can be excellent for topping a pet’s normal diet for picky eaters if feeding only wet food is not economical. It can also serve as a great method for hiding medicine.  

The Lightweight Champ of The Pet Food Aisle: Freeze-Dried 

Freeze-dried food is the pet food equivalent of astronaut ice cream—lightweight, convenient, and a bit of a novelty. Freeze-dried foods are gaining popularity, but what do we truly know about these overnight sensations?  

• Pros: Freeze-dried food is super convenient and easy for on-the-go treats or food. Typically, it is rich in meat and animal protein and tastes great! Freeze-dried is a great option for those seeking a “minimally processed” or “gently cooked” alternative; just remember that those descriptors do not have true regulatory definitions.  

• Cons: Can be somewhat expensive. When comparing cost per pound, freeze-dried food is significantly higher than kibble or wet food. However, when considering the daily feeding amounts, the difference may not be substantial. A little can go a long way; freeze-dried food is calorically dense even if the product may be light—keep this in mind to prevent overfeeding. 

• Pet Parent Pro-Tip: Store freeze-dried food or treats in an airtight container to prevent them from getting stale.  

Something to Chew On: Air-Dried 

Air-dried food has a chewy, jerky texture that has a bit more moisture than crunchy kibble, which can enhance its flavor. Think of your pet’s favorite jerky treat, but as a complete-and-balanced meal! Before running to the store to stock up, here are a few pros and cons of air-dried products. 

• Pros: Notably recognized for being highly palatable, especially for dogs. More brands are developing air-dried options, which offer different animal proteins and ingredient options. 

• Cons: Making jerky requires salt, and air-dried products are no different. If your pet has a medical condition requiring lower sodium, contact the company to determine the sodium level before feeding. Additionally, air-drying processes vary across brands, so texture may differ from one brand to another. 

• Pet Parent Pro-Tip: Air-dried products can be a bit on the pricier side, but with complete-and-balanced options, using them as a topper could be a fun way to introduce a new format to your pet without breaking the bank. 

Living on The Wild Side: Raw Food 

Raw food: for the pet parent who dreams of their pet channeling its inner wolf or lion. If you dare to venture into feeding raw, pet food brands now offer complete-and-balanced raw options. But before jumping in, check out some of these considerations.  

• Pros: For those who wish to feed raw but don’t know where to start, pet food brands that have embraced formulating raw pet food now offer complete and balanced options out there—taking the guesswork out of which multivitamin to add to your pet’s bowl.  

• Cons: The risk of bacteria is real, people. And let's not forget the meticulous hygiene required, which may not be ideal for those with compromised immune systems or for families with children (who often like to sample the dog’s food, as well).  

• Pet Parent Pro-Tip: If you're feeding raw, do your research, keep good cleaning products on hand, and maybe wear gloves…. and a hazmat suit.

The Bottom Line 

Choosing the right food format is a personal journey, much like finding the perfect pair of socks. Just breathe and remember to consider your pet’s activity level, age, and nutritional needs when making your selection. When in doubt, consult your pet food nutritionist friend (me!)—because, after all, your pet probably just wants to eat whatever you're having anyway. Now, go forth and choose wisely!  

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About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Clark is a board-certified companion animal nutritionist, veterinary nurse and nutrition specialist, a pet owner, and a mother who had a baby during the formula shortage. She has spent the past almost two decades dedicating her career to the welfare of pets, livestock, and wildlife. She currently provides nutritional consultations for veterinary clinics and works in the pet food industry.