Production: Extruded dry food is the most common type of dry food. For this process, ingredients such as meat, grains and vegetables are chopped, mixed and heated intensely with steam. The mixture is pressed through a nozzle under pressure, expands as it exits and is shaped into kibble. It is then dried to ensure a long shelf life. Heat-sensitive nutrients and oils are partially lost during this process and are later sprayed back onto the kibble.
Characteristics: The heat breaks down the starch it contains, making it easier for dogs to digest. It provides energy and ensures that the kibble retains its shape and stability. A slightly greasy surface is typical of extruded food because fats are sprayed on afterwards.
Important to know: In the stomach, extruded food expands significantly – in some cases to two to three times its original volume.
Production: To make cold-pressed dog food, the ingredients are first dried, chopped and mixed. They are then pressed through dies under high pressure to form solid pellets. “Cold-pressed” means that no external heat is added. However, the pressure still generates heat, usually reaching 80 to 100 degrees, with the outside of the pellets becoming hotter than the core. For manufacturers, this process is more cost-effective because it requires less energy, no steam and no complex drying step.
Characteristics: Cold-pressed food tends to contain more natural ingredients and dissolves somewhat faster in the stomach than extruded food. It has a smooth, dry surface and quickly breaks down into a pulp when soaked. The lower processing temperature also has disadvantages: starch is not always broken down sufficiently and may therefore be less digestible. In addition, germs are not always completely eliminated. This is why storage mites are more commonly found in cold-pressed food than in extruded dry food. It is also important to know that cold-pressed does not automatically mean high-quality – even low-quality raw materials can be processed this way.
Production: Baked dry food is relatively uncommon. The ingredients are mixed into a dough, shaped and then baked at a temperature of at least 120 degrees. Unlike extruded or cold-pressed dry food, neither high pressure nor shaping through dies is used.
Characteristics: Baked dry food is usually quite hard and dry. A distinct toasted aroma is typical. Picky eaters or dogs with dental problems may find it difficult to eat.
```Production: Semi-moist dry food, also known as soft food or semi-moist food, is produced in a similar way to classic dry food, but contains significantly more moisture at the end. While regular dry food contains no more than 14 percent water, soft food has a moisture content of around 15 to 25 percent.
Characteristics: Soft food is significantly softer than classic dry food and is therefore often more comfortable for senior dogs, dogs with dental problems or picky eaters. Due to its higher residual moisture, it usually has a more intense smell and taste and also provides a little more fluid. The downside: It spoils more quickly and is more prone to mold. It should therefore be stored well sealed, ideally in its original packaging or transferred to an airtight container.
To make sure your dog is well nourished in the long term, pay attention to the product declaration on the packaging. Clearly named ingredients, an understandable composition and the analytical constituents help you assess the product more accurately.
- Complete food provides your dog with all the nutrients they need on a daily basis.
- Complementary food is more suitable as a snack or for variety. It is not sufficient on its own and needs to be supplemented according to your dog’s individual needs.
Some dogs prefer soaked dry food to the dry version. Soaking is particularly suitable for extruded dry food, while cold-pressed dry food becomes very mushy.
Dry food and wet food differ in terms of moisture content, composition and digestion. For many dogs, it is easier to digest them when they are fed separately: for example, wet food in the morning and dry food in the evening.
The same applies to dry food and fresh food: Don’t mix, alternate instead. This adds variety to your dog’s bowl without mixing different types of food in the same meal.
Make sure to adjust the total daily amount to your dog’s energy needs.
To make dry food more appealing, you can add a few fresh ingredients, such as grated carrot, apple or a spoonful of cottage cheese.