Choosing a new brand of dog food for your pup can feel like a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider, from ingredients to texture. Soft, dry dog food is easier for some dogs to chew, especially those with dental problems. It also stores easily and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Below, we’ll discuss ten soft dry dog foods with reviews to help you decide which is the best.
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A Quick Comparison of the Winners in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Ollie Baked Dog Food Subscription | Click to Save 50% | ||
Budget Buy  | Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food | CHECK PRICE | ||
 | Moist & Meaty Chopped Burger Dry Dog Food | CHECK PRICE | ||
| Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dry Dog Food | CHECK PRICE | |||
| Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food | CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Soft Dry Dog Foods
1. Ollie Baked 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 best overall pick for the 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 uses ingredients that promote a healthy lifestyle, including sweet potatoes, oats, carrots, and lentils. It also includes 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. If you’re on a budget, this could be an issue.
- Beef is the primary ingredient
- Intended for dogs of all life stages
- Soft and easy to chew
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs
- Requires subscription
2. Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food — Budget Buy
| 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 formula is a mix of crunchy pieces and tender, meaty chunks. But some dogs like these tender pieces so much that they pick them out of the food, leaving the dry kibble behind! The H-shaped 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.
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Resealable bag
- Dry kibble cleans teeth
- Some dogs only eat the tender pieces
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 formula. Each pouch serves as a complete meal, snack, or topper for another food. The pouches are conveniently mess-free. Be sure to calculate how much food your dog needs for each meal, as large dogs may need more than one pouch.
Moist and Meaty is tasty and easy for dogs to chew, which is ideal for pets with dental issues or missing teeth. Although most pet parents are happy with the formula, it contains artificial colors, and some owners may prefer another brand.
- Soft, chewy texture
- Convenient packaging
- Good for dogs with dental issues
- Contains coloring
4. Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy Dog Food
| 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 and the essential vitamins and nutrients that growing puppies need. Many 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 support your dog’s teeth and bones. If your puppy enjoys gravy, adding warm water to Puppy Chow will make a tasty sauce for the tender pieces. If your pup is just learning to eat solid food, they may pick out the softer pieces and only eat those.
- Made with real beef
- Completely balanced and crafted for puppy development
- Promotes easy digestion
- Puppies may only eat the soft pieces
- Meat is not the first ingredient
5. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Dog Food
| 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 the Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food. Combined with rice, this formula is a great option for high-energy puts. Hard kibble pieces are mixed with tender shredded bites for a variety of textures. Vitamin A and omega fatty acids keep the fur and skin healthy and soft. Live probiotics are included for digestive health and immune support.
This formula has a protein-to-fat ratio designed to help your dog maintain their ideal weight and body condition. It also contains glucosamine for joint health. Some of the tender pieces in the bag get smashed under the weight of the kibble, and dog owners have noticed crumbs at the bottom of the bag.
- High protein content
- Probiotics and glucosamine in the formula
- Designed to promote an ideal body condition
- Kibble and tender pieces crumble in bag
6. Evanger’s Super Premium Chicken with Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, oatmeal |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 15% |
| Calories: | 406 per cup |
Give your pup a food that’s delicious and nutritious with Evanger’s Super Premium Chicken with Brown Rice! This completely balanced dog food contains chicken as the first ingredient and has a fair amount of protein in it as a result. It’s also free of gluten, peas, and flaxseed, so if your pup has gluten sensitivity or you’re concerned about peas in dog food, you won’t have to worry about this food. Probiotics and prebiotics are also added, making this food excellent for canines with digestive issues and sensitive stomachs.
There were a few complaints about the odor of this food; it seems it’s quite strong, and some people (and dogs) weren’t fans. Picky eaters also weren’t fans of this food, so if your pup is particular, this may not be the food for them.
- High in protein
- Free of peas, gluten, and flaxseed
- Contains added probiotics and prebiotics
- Some people and dogs dislike the smell
- Picky eaters weren’t a fan of this flavor
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 featured in the Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed Dry Dog Food. It is nutritionally balanced and includes omega fatty acids to nourish the skin. Bil-Jac has been made in the U.S. since 1947 and has no fillers, wheat, or soy.
Bil-Jac uses a Nutri-Lock cooking method that enables it to use fresh chicken in every package without exposing it to high temperatures and high pressure. The texture of the food is soft and spongy. It is suitable for all small-breed adult dogs and for those with missing teeth or dental problems.
- Made with a Nutri-Lock cooking method
- Soft texture for dogs with teeth issues
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Some picky eaters don’t like the taste
- Food can harden and clump together over time
8. Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Patties
| Main ingredients: | Beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef heart, beef tripe |
| Protein content: | 44% |
| Fat content: | 35% |
| Calories: | 56 kcal/patty |
Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Patties are freeze-dried patties, but you can add water to hydrate them to provide a softer meal for your pup. They’re loaded with beef and beef organs and can be served as a meal or treat. They contain no artificial colors, preservatives, gluten, or fillers.
The patties are made in the USA with sustainably sourced ingredients, including 100/% certified veggies and fruits. If you add water to soften the patties, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Although most pups seem to like the flavor of the patties, they’re high in fat and may be healthier as a treat than a meal. Also, they’re pretty expensive for the number of patties in a package.
- High in protein
- Sustainably sourced ingredients
- Beef sourced from grass-fed cattle
- High in fat
- Expensive
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.
- Crunchy pieces help clean teeth
- Tender pieces added for texture variety
- Includes antioxidants and omega fatty acids
- Meat is not the first ingredient
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 makes 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.
- Crunchy and soft textures
- Complete, balanced meal
- Contains dye
- Strong odor
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 be made of tender pieces or mixed with dry kibble to offer a texture combination.
Tender pieces resemble real meat 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. It’s also more flavorful than dry kibble. If your dog loves wet food because of its flavor and texture, they might also enjoy soft, dry dog food, which may be more convenient for you.
Soft, dry dog food also lasts longer after you open it than wet food. Just be sure to pay attention to the expiration date on the packaging. Senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with dental issues may benefit from soft, dry dog food because it’s easier to chew than hard kibble. If you prefer not to feed your dog canned food, soft, dry dog food is a good option.
It 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 looking for the best soft, dry food for your dog, read the ingredient list. Many brands 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 fish oil and flaxseed. They help improve the coat and skin health.
If you’re ever uncertain or have doubts about the best food for your dog, your vet is the best person to ask. They’ll be able to recommend brands they trust and consider best for your dog’s needs.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Our Selection Process For Soft Dry Dog Foods
To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.
Conclusion
When it comes to soft, dry dog foods, our top choice is Ollie Baked Beef with Sweet Potatoes. It’s suitable for dogs with dental issues and comes in convenient packaging. For our budget pick, we like Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food. The crunchy kibble cleans teeth, and real chicken is the first ingredient.
We hope 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
