What's in the Bowl? A Quick Guide to Pet Food Types

At IB Pet, we believe knowledge is the first step to better pet health—starting with what you put in the bowl! Here’s a simple, snack-sized breakdown of the most common types of pet food and what makes each one unique.

🥣 Kibble (Dry Food)

Kibble is the most common pet food—and also the most processed. It's made using high heat to shape and cook ingredients like grains, meat meals, and supplements into crunchy little bites. After that, animal fats and synthetic nutrients are added back in to boost flavor and nutrition.

🥫 Wet Food (Canned Food)

Wet food is soft, moisture-rich, and super palatable—great for picky eaters or pets with dental issues. It’s cooked in its packaging to keep it shelf-stable without preservatives and usually tastes closer to real food.

🦴 Raw Food

Raw diets mimic what dogs and cats would eat in the wild—meat, bones, organs, and sometimes a few extras like veggies or supplements. It comes frozen, freeze-dried, or dehydrated, and keeps nutrients intact without cooking.

❄️ Freeze-Dried & Air-Dried

These are raw-inspired options that are shelf-stable and easy to serve. Freeze-dried food is made by removing moisture without heat, while air-dried food is gently dehydrated over time. Both keep the good stuff—like enzymes and amino acids—while ditching the mess.

Perfect for: Travel, meal toppers, or a less intimidating way to try raw feeding.

🍲 Gently Cooked

Think of this as home-cooked meals for pets. Gently cooked food is made with fresh meats and veggies, cooked at low temps to keep nutrients intact, and then frozen for freshness.

Every food we stock at IB Pet meets our standards for ingredient quality, transparency, and species-appropriate nutrition. Whether you’re feeding kibble or raw, we’re here to help you find the best fit for your pet’s needs—and your lifestyle.

Have questions or want to sample something new? Come chat with us in-store!