Choosing any type of dog food for your dog can feel like a daunting task. There are so many different things to consider, from ingredients to texture.
Soft dry dog food contains soft pieces to give your dog a chewy dog food that’s not wet or canned. It also stores easily and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. We picked ten soft dry dog foods with reviews of each to help you decide which one is the best.
Browse our top choices here to see what these foods have to offer your pup.
A Quick Comparison of the Winners in 2023
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription |
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Click Here to Save 50%! |
Best Value
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Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food |
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Check Price |
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Moist & Meaty Chopped Burger Dry Dog Food |
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Check Price |
| Best for Puppies |
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Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dry Dog Food |
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Check Price |
| Vet’s Choice |
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Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Soft Dry Dog Foods
1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Beef, oats, beef liver, lentil flour, sweet potatoes |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 3850 kcal/kg |
Our #1 best overall pick for the best soft dry dog food is Ollie’s Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes Recipe. If your dog prefers a softer food, this baked kibble is what you’re looking for. Ollie’s provides ingredients that promote a healthy lifestyle including sweet potatoes, oats, carrots, and lentils. There are even omega fatty acids, antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins for dogs of all ages. What you’ll really love, however, is that the main source of protein and the primary ingredient is beef. The guaranteed analysis of this kibble is 26% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Fiber, and 10% Moisture.
The only issue we see with Ollie’s Baked Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe is that it requires a monthly subscription to receive it. If you’re on a budget, this could be an issue.
All in all, we think Ollie’s Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes is the best soft dry dog food available this year.
2. Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food — Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, whole-grain corn, ground wheat, meat and bone meal, brewer’s rice |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 12.5% |
| Calories: | 349 per cup |
The Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food recipe contains chicken as the first ingredient. The protein-rich formula is crafted with 26 nutrients to keep small breed dogs healthy, making it the best soft dry dog food for the money. The food is a mix of crunchy pieces that promote gum and dental health and tender, meaty chunks. But some dogs like these tender pieces so much, they pick them out of the food, leaving the dry kibble behind! The H-shaped hard kibble pieces are included to remove plaque and tartar buildup as your dog chews.
The different textures make a pleasing meal for any small dog. The bag has a zipper so the food stays fresher for longer.
3. Moist & Meaty Chopped Burger Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Beef by-product, soy flour, soy grits, high fructose corn syrup, water |
| Protein content: | 18% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Calories: | 474 per pouch |
Made with real beef, the Moist & Meaty Chopped Burger Dry Dog Food is a great soft dry dog food. Each pouch serves as a complete meal, snack, or topper for another food, making it a good option for soft dry dog food.
The pouches are conveniently mess free. Just open one, and empty it into your dog’s dish. Be sure to calculate how much food your dog needs for each meal, as large dogs may need more than one pouch. Beef by-product is in the recipe, which adds to the protein content.
This food is tasty and easy to chew, perfect for dogs with dental issues or missing teeth. It does contain artificial coloring, though, which some dogs may be allergic to.
4. Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dry Dog Food — Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Whole-grain corn, corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal, whole-grain wheat, beef fat |
| Protein content: | 27.5% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 387 per cup |
The high protein content in Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dry Dog Food promotes healthy and strong muscle development. It includes real beef in the recipe along with the essential vitamins and nutrients that growing puppies need. Many of these are naturally found in a mother dog’s milk, like DHA for healthy brain development. The recipe has a “Healthy Start Blend” for puppy development that is highly digestible and full of protein, antioxidants, and flavor.
Calcium is added to the formula to promote teeth and bone health. If your puppy enjoys gravy, adding warm water to this food will make a tasty sauce for the tender pieces. If your puppy is just learning to eat solid food, they may pick out the softer pieces and only eat those.
5. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food — Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, rice, whole-grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 387 per cup |
Real chicken is the first ingredient in Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food. Combined with rice, this food is a great option for high protein and energy. Hard kibble pieces are mixed with tender shredded bites for a texture variety.
Vitamin A and omega fatty acids keep coats and skin healthy and soft. Live probiotics are included for digestive health and immune support. This formula has a protein-to-fat ratio that is designed to help your dog maintain their ideal weight and body condition. This recipe also contains glucosamine for joint health.
Some of the tender pieces in this bag get smashed under the weight of the kibble. Dog owners have noticed crumbs at the bottom of the bag.
6. Yumwoof Perfect Kibble Artisanal Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, eggs, organic coconut oil, organic coconut glycerin, organic flaxseed |
| Protein content: | 28% |
| Fat content: | 28% |
| Calories: | 375 per cup |
The soft and chewy texture of Yumwoof Perfect Kibble Artisanal Dog Food is sure to entice any dog. The food is made in small batches and baked at 170°F to retain its flavor and texture. Using just 14 ingredients, this food contains no artificial fillers or preservatives.
Real, fresh chicken is the first ingredient for a high protein content. Antioxidants and healthy fats are added for immune and skin health. Blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, and seaweed provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber for easy digestion. The recipe was crafted by a chef and a veterinary nutritionist, so you know that your dog is getting the nutrients that they need in a soft dry food that is enjoyable to eat.
Unfortunately, the soft texture can cause this food to crumble inside the bag. The food is easily smashed and turns into crumbs.
7. Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken by-products, corn meal, chicken by-product meal, dried beet pulp |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 15% |
| Calories: | 397 per cup |
Farm-raised chicken and chicken liver are combined in Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed Dry Dog Food. This food is nutritionally balanced and includes omega fatty acids to nourish the skin. This food has been made in the U.S. since 1947 and doesn’t have any fillers, wheat, or soy.
Bil-Jac uses a Nutri-Lock cooking method that enables it to use more fresh chicken in every package without exposing it to high temperatures and high pressure. The texture of the food is soft and spongy. This is suitable for all small breed adult dogs and good for those with missing teeth or dental problems.
8. Purina Beneful Simple Goodness Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, malted barley extract, soy flour, soy grits, water |
| Protein content: | 18% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Calories: | 353 per cup |
The Purina Beneful Simple Goodness Dry Dog Food is made with tender morsels to give your dog an enticing texture. Farm-raised chicken is combined with peas and carrots for protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The food is packed in convenient pouches to keep it fresh and soft. Dogs can eat this as a completely balanced meal or mixed in with kibble to make it more palatable.
Some small dogs may find that the pieces of food are too big or hard to chew. For very small dogs, the pieces may have to be broken by hand before serving. This food can also be broken into small pieces to make it easier for dogs with missing teeth.
See also: 10 Best Purina Dog Foods
9. Pedigree Tender Bites Adult Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Ground whole-grain corn, meat and bone meal, animal fat, corn gluten meal, soybean meal |
| Protein content: | 21% |
| Fat content: | 10% |
| Calories: | 318 per cup |
The wholesome recipe used in Pedigree Tender Bites Adult Dog Food is made of whole grains, protein, and vegetables for a nutritionally balanced diet. The tender bites are mixed with crunchy kibble that can help scrub tartar and plaque from teeth as your dog chews.
The food is enriched with antioxidants and omega fatty acids for immune and coat health. Vitamins and minerals are added for nutrition. Whole grains and natural sources of fiber promote healthy digestion and gut health. The food features chicken and steak flavors with no fillers or artificial flavoring.
The bag has a zipper closure to help the food stay fresh and soft.
10. Kibbles ‘n Bits Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Corn, soybean meal, beef and bone meal, whole wheat, animal fat |
| Protein content: | 19% |
| Fat content: | 8% |
| Calories: | 377 per cup |
Kibbles ‘n Bits Dry Dog Food is a familiar company that has been in business for many years. The kibble mixed with tender meaty morsels is enticing to dogs and packs a great beef-and-chicken flavor.
A blend of fiber from green beans and carrots, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals make this food balanced and complete for your dog. High-quality protein promotes strong muscle health. This food is suitable for dogs of all ages.
This food does contain dye, which some dogs might be allergic to or sensitive to. Some dog owners have reported a strong, unpleasant odor in the food.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Soft Dry Dog Foods
What is soft dry dog food?
Soft dry dog food is ready to eat and is neither wet nor completely hard kibble. It contains various flavors and textures to entice your dog to eat. The soft dry food can either be made of completely tender pieces or mixed with dry kibble to offer a texture combination.
Tender pieces resemble real meat pieces and are easier for dogs to eat, so many dogs prefer soft dry food.
What are the benefits of soft dry dog food?
Soft dry dog food is convenient because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and stores easily, just like dry kibble. You don’t have to make a mess with cans and spoons trying to fill your dog’s dish. You can just pour the food into the bowl from the bag.
Soft dry dog food is more flavorful than dry kibble. If your dog loves wet food because of the flavor and texture, they might also enjoy soft dry dog food, which may be more convenient for you.
Soft dry dog food also lasts for a longer time on the shelf than wet food. Just be sure to pay attention to the expiration date on the packaging. The food is also less expensive than wet food, making it more cost effective.
Senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with dental issues may benefit from soft dry dog food because it’s easier to chew than just hard kibble. If you prefer not to feed your dog canned food, soft dry dog food is a good option.
This food can also be mixed with canned food or added as a topper to kibble to entice picky dogs to eat.
Choosing the Right Food
When you’re looking for the best soft dry food for your dog, read the ingredient list. Many foods have fruits and vegetables that are great sources of vitamins and minerals. Fruits like blueberries, cranberries, and apples have antioxidants to boost immune systems and prevent diseases.
The protein content should be the highest percentage on the package. Protein helps build strong, lean muscles and improves nerve function. High-quality protein sources include chicken, lamb, beef, and turkey.
Omega fatty acids are beneficial ingredients that promote healthy brain and eye development. You can find these acids in ingredients like fish oil and flaxseed. They help improve coat and skin health and can reduce arthritis symptoms.
Conclusion
When it comes to soft dry dog foods, our top choice is Ollie Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes. It’s good for dogs with dental issues and comes in convenient packaging. For the best value, we like Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food. The crunchy kibble cleans teeth and real chicken is the first ingredient. Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dry Dog Food has everything growing puppies need, plus a soft texture for easy chewing. The high protein content, probiotics, and glucosamine make Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food our vet’s choice for a soft dry dog food.
We hope that our reviews have helped you narrow down the options and find the right soft dry dog food for your dog today.
Featured Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock
