Choosing the Best Pet Food in 2025: How do you you pick what's best for your Pet?

Selecting the optimal diet for your dog or cat in 2025 can be daunting given the array of options: Dry Kibble, Lightly Cooked Formulas, Raw Dog Food, Tinned Wet Foods, & Fresh Rolls. Each pet & owner has unique needs, budgets, & time constraints, making a one-size-fits-all solution impossible. This guide outlines a framework to evaluate your lifestyle & your pet’s health requirements, then compares five commercially available food categories to help you make an informed decision. By answering three key questions—Time, Budget, & Health Needs—you can identify the best dog food or cat food for your circumstances.

Three simple questions will help you choose the best foods for your pet.

To select a “complete & balanced” diet, as defined by AAFCO standards, consider the following:

1. Time: How much time can you dedicate to preparing or sourcing pet food? Busy schedules with work or family may limit you to low-prep options, while others may have hours for weekly meal planning (or the desire to do so!).

2. Budget: What is your weekly or monthly pet food budget? Larger pets, like a 50kg Rottweiler, require more food than a 2kg Yorkshire Terrier, impacting costs. If your budget is very tight, don't stress, there are lots of cheap, everyday foods you can 'value-add', check out this Blog for more info feeding on a tight budget. https://www.chicaandco.shop/post/5-healthy-cheap-foods-to-boost-your-dog-kibble-every-day

3. Health Needs: Does your pet have specific health conditions, such as allergies or digestive issues? Are they a high-energy puppy or a sedentary senior? The life stage will impact the choices you make when choosing their food.

These answers guide your choice among the following food categories, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks.

1. Dry Kibble

Pros: Dry kibble is highly convenient, requiring minimal preparation—just pour & serve. It has a long shelf life and is easy to store. Most kibble meets AAFCO’s “complete & balanced” standards, ensuring basic nutritional needs are met. Prices vary widely, from $20 supermarket bags to $180 premium options, though ingredient lists often overlap. Budget kibble can be enhanced with nutrient-rich additions like vegetables or fish oil at low cost. Unfortunately the price of the bag does NOT guarantee you're getting better quality!

Cons: Long-term reliance on kibble is linked to health issues, including obesity, dental decay, & joint problems. A 2023 Veterinary Medicine study (1) highlights increased risks of chronic conditions in kibble-fed pets. Dental care costs can accumulate due to tooth decay. While some pets thrive, many face challenges, making kibble best for those prioritising convenience & affordability over long term wellness..

2. Lightly Cooked Formulas

Pros: Lightly cooked formulas offer convenience, often delivered frozen in single servings. They are highly palatable & digestible, ideal for senior pets or those with sensitive stomachs. Many brands, such as Prime 100 SPD, include balanced meat, offal, & vegetables, meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles. A variety of proteins (e.g., chicken, lamb) accommodates dietary restrictions.

Cons: These formulas are expensive, & some include fillers like rice or quinoa, reducing value. Owners must verify formulations include adequate organ meats and bone to avoid deficiencies, as noted in a 2024 Journal of Animal Science study (2). This option suits those seeking cooked food without preparation time but with a higher budget.

3. 100% Raw Formulas

Pros: Raw dog food delivers significant health benefits, including improved coat, digestion, & energy levels. Commercial raw formulas, available frozen, combine meat, offal, bones, & vegetables for balanced nutrition. A 2023 Frontiers in Veterinary Science study (3) confirms superior nutrient bioavailability. Novel proteins like kangaroo or crocodile benefit allergy-prone pets. Delivery options enhance convenience.

Cons: Raw food can be costly, & handling raw meat may deter some due to smell or texture. Concerns about pathogens like Salmonella are minimal, as dogs’ digestive systems handle bacteria naturally Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, (3). This is ideal for health-conscious owners with sufficient budget and tolerance for raw handling.

4. Cooked Moist Rolls and Soft 'Meatball' Formulas

Pros: Available in supermarkets, moist rolls are convenient & low-odor, appealing to busy owners.

Cons: These are often nutritionally inferior, with vague ingredient lists (e.g., “beef and/or chicken”) that obscure protein sources, risking allergic reactions. They offer little advantage over quality kibble or cooked formulas, making them a less optimal choice unless convenience is paramount.

5. Tinned Wet Foods

Pros: Tinned foods are widely available, easy to store, & highly convenient. With 70% moisture content, they combat dehydration better than kibble’s 10%. Many are nutritionally superior to kibble, requiring fewer preservatives or carbohydrates due to pressure-cooking.

Cons: Tinned foods are odorous, affecting both the food and pet waste. Costs can be high for larger pets. This option suits owners seeking a balance of convenience & quality, especially for smaller pets. Another side effect is unfortunately larger, smellier poop!

Hybrid Feeding & Homemade Options for Dogs & Cats

Hybrid Feeding: Combining kibble, raw, or tinned foods offers flexibility for busy schedules or travel. Generally a mix of foods will meet nutritional requirements over time. This approach accommodates changing circumstances, such as pet sitters or holidays.

Homemade Diets: Homemade raw or cooked meals can be excellent but require expertise to avoid deficiencies. A 2020 Animals study (5) warns against simplistic recipes (e.g., meat & rice), which lack essential nutrients like calcium. Consult a nutritionist or vet to ensure balance, as many veterinarians caution against improper homemade diets as they are often unbalanced and missing vital nutrients only found in offals, a group of misunderstood and often disliked ingredients. They can also be hard to source.

Conclusion

Choosing the best pet food in 2025 depends on your time, budget, & pet’s health needs. Dry kibble offers affordability & ease, while lightly cooked and raw formulas prioritise health but demand higher costs or handling. Tinned foods balance convenience & quality, & moist rolls are a last resort in my opinion. Hybrid feeding provides flexibility, while homemade diets require careful planning. Regularly reassess your choice as circumstances evolve, sometimes adulting gets really hard! By understanding these options, you can confidently navigate the complexities of pet nutrition, and make the best decision that suits you and your pet.