Glossary

Kibble

Dry, cooked, bite-size pieces of dog food, usually made by extrusion, that are shelf-stable, convenient and the most common way to feed dogs.

Also called: dry dog food, dry food, extruded dog food, dog biscuits, dry matter food

Kibble is dry dog food. The ingredients are mixed, cooked under heat and pressure in a machine called an extruder, cut into pieces, dried and sprayed with fats and flavorings. It is popular because it is convenient, keeps well, is usually cheaper than other forms and can be measured easily.

Quality varies widely, so judge a kibble by the adequacy statement, the company's nutrition expertise and how your own dog does on it, rather than by marketing claims. Dry food is low in water, so dogs need clean water available at all times, and some owners add water or a little wet food.

Kibble is not inherently bad or good. Chewing it does not clean teeth reliably, except for kibble designed and tested for dental use. Store it sealed and cool and watch the use-by date.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Complete and balanced A label claim that a dog food contains every nutrient a dog needs, in the right amounts, for the life stage named on the package. Grain-free A dog food made without wheat, corn, rice or other grains, usually replaced by legumes or potatoes; it is not automatically healthier. Calorie The unit of energy in food; dog food labels list kilocalories per cup or kilogram, which is how portions and weight are controlled. Raw feeding Feeding uncooked meat, organs and often bones, either homemade or commercial, which carries germ risks for dogs and the people who handle it.