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10 Best Soft Dry Dog Foods – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Hanh Duong

By Hanh Duong

Pitbull dog eating healthy and nutritious kibble Does your dog have digestive problems? Or do you have an older pet who has trouble chewing hard foods? If so, dry dog meals with soft chunks might be something to try out. It can be simpler for your pup to digest when the food is soft and easy to chew. However, there are numerous options on the market, and choosing the right one can be confusing.

We’ve done some research and selected some of the best soft dry dog food options. Here is our list of the top 10 choices with in-depth reviews.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Purina Beneful with Farm-Raised Beef Purina Beneful with Farm-Raised Beef
  • Real farm-raised beef
  • Enticing texture
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Cesar Rotisserie Chicken Flavor Cesar Rotisserie Chicken Flavor
  • Made with real chicken
  • Crafted with 26 nutrients
  • Tasty and appealing
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Purina Moist & Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese Purina Moist & Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese
  • Soft, chewy texture
  • Suitable for dogs with dental problems
  • Complete and balanced nutrition
  • Best for Puppies
    Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy
  • Support healthy digestion
  • Rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
  • No artificial flavors and preservatives
  • Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken
  • Soft and small pieces
  • High protein formula
  • Rich in vitamin A and omega-6 fatty
  • The 10 Best Soft Dry Dog Foods

    1. Purina Beneful Simple Goodness with Farm-Raised Beef Dry Dog Food – Best Overall

    Beneful Beneful Dry Dog Food

    Check Price on Chewy
    Main ingredients: Beef, Malted Barley Extract, Soy Flour, Soy Grits, Wheat Flour, Beef Fat, Dried Peas, Dried Carrots, Soybean Oil
    Protein content: 18%
    Fat content: 7%
    Calories: 353 per cup

    Our best overall choice is the  Purina Beneful Simple Goodness Dry Dog Food. The beef in this product will provide essential amino acids that are great for your dog’s muscular development. The formula provides nutrients and energy to support healthy skin and coats by utilizing natural sources of omega fatty acids and many other healthy fats.

    Antioxidants like beta-carotene that help cellular health and repair, are also included, plus a healthy vitamin and mineral combination to support nourishment for the entire body. Another great factor is that the recipe does not contain any artificial flavors or colors.

    The enticing texture and mouthwatering flavor of tender, meaty morsels will delight your closest friend’s taste buds, and the food is packaged in practical pouches to preserve its freshness.

    Pros
    • Real farm-raised beef
    • Enticing texture
    • No artificial colors or flavors
    • Delivers complete and balanced nutrition
    • Added essential vitamins and minerals
    Cons
    • Small dogs could struggle to chew the pieces

    2. Cesar Rotisserie Chicken Flavor & Spring Vegetables Garnish Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Best Value

    CESAR Rotisserie Chicken Flavor & Spring Vegetables

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Yellow Corn, Ground Wheat, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Fish Oil
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 12,5%
    Calories: 349 per cup

    The best soft dry dog food for money is Cesar Rotisserie Chicken Flavor & Spring Vegetables Garnish Small Breed Dry Dog Food. It’s the kind of high-protein meal that your dog deserves, made with premium meat as the first component followed by spring vegetables. They’ll enjoy the texture and diversity of the crunchy kibble bits with meaty, tender chunks mixed in, and you’ll appreciate that they’re getting the complete nutrition that a dog requires, which is loaded with a remarkable 26 nutrients.

    Another benefit is that it has a variety of crunchy pieces, including an “H”-shaped kibble that promotes the health of the gums and teeth. The resealable zipper will aid in preserving the food’s freshness till it runs out.

    Pros
    • “H”-shaped kibble
    • Made with real chicken
    • Crafted with 26 nutrients
    • Tasty and appealing
    • Resealable zipper
    Cons
    • Kibble is a bit harder than other options

    3. Purina Moist & Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavor Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice

    MOIST & MEATY Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavo

    Main ingredients: Beef By-Product, Soy Flour, Soy Grits, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, Corn Syrup, Beef, Beef Fat, Soybean Oil
    Protein content: 18%
    Fat content: 7%
    Calories: 474 per pouch

    Soy and beef by-product are the first two ingredients in Moist & Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavor Dry Dog Food. Your dog can get the essential amino acids they need from a great combination of many sources, including plant and animal proteins. The food contains necessary fatty acids that promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.

    The moistness in this recipe contributes to the pleasantly meaty flavor of the tender pieces and your friend won’t have any trouble eating this because it has bite-sized kibble. Thanks to the convenient, mess-free pouches, you can feed your dog anywhere, at any time. Serve it as a complete meal or a delightful topper.

    This food is delicious and simple to chew, making it ideal for dogs that have dental problems or missing teeth. However, some canines may react to the artificial coloring it contains.

    Pros
    • Soft, chewy texture
    • Suitable for dogs with dental problems
    • Complete and balanced nutrition
    • Convenient packaging
    Cons
    • Includes artificial coloring

    4. Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies

    Rachel Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Dry Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Soybean Meal, Whole Corn, Chicken Fat, Dried Peas, Carrots, Sunflower Oil, Menhaden Fish Oil
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 390 per cup

    The formula of Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food contains plenty of protein for developing pups and active dogs thanks to the chicken and chicken meal. These great sources of amino acids support the growth and maintenance of muscles in puppies. The included omega fatty acids provided by healthy fat sources are great for skin and coat health.

    The diet also contains beet pulp and garden vegetables to give your dog digestible and prebiotic fiber. Vitamin and mineral supplementation also ensures that your beloved pet receives a well-balanced diet.

    An active pup can get the energy they require from the included whole grains. For strong bones and healthy joints, the recipe includes sources of chondroitin and glucosamine, as well as a balance of phosphorus and calcium. Lastly, it is free from artificial flavors and preservatives.

    Pros
    • Real chicken
    • Support healthy digestion
    • Rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
    • No artificial flavors and preservatives
    Cons
    • Some owners report a pungent odor from this food

    5. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal, Soybean Meal, Beef Fat, Dried Egg Product, Fish Meal
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 387 per cup

    When feeding time comes, make your dog happy by serving them Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food. The first ingredients are real chicken and rice—a fantastic source of carbs for energy—along with other premium ingredients, producing a wholesome meal with outstanding flavor.

    Each bite will keep them interested thanks to the excellent combination of the soft shredded chunks and the hard pellets. In addition to guaranteed live probiotics supporting their digestive health, linoleic acid, vitamin A, and omega-6 fatty acids encourage healthy skin and fur to keep them looking beautiful.

    Some owners reported that this food crumbled easily and left a fair bit of dust in the bag.

    Pros
    • Soft and small pieces
    • High protein formula
    • Rich in vitamin A and omega-6 fatty
    • Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics
    Cons
    • Kibble and soft pieces crumble easily

    6. Evanger’s Super Premium Chicken with Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    EVANGER'S Super Premium Chicken with Brown Rice

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Egg, Carrots, Celery, Potassium Chloride
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 406 per cup

    Evanger’s Super Premium Chicken with Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food gives your canine the protein they need for muscles by beginning with the easily digestible chicken and chicken meal. Healthy fat sources provide the critical amino acids for a great immune system and a glossy coat.

    A combination of prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and yucca schidigera extract is included in the formula to help fight inflammation and aid digestion. Essential nutrient supplementation offers complete and balanced nourishment for your dog. The recipe is free of artificial ingredients, wheat, corn, or soy. Additionally, it is made up of many vegetables and fruits that provide digestible fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

    Pros
    • No artificial ingredients, preservatives, and by-products
    • Contains prebiotics and probiotics
    • Balanced and complete
    Cons
    • Strong odor

    7. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Mini Meals Dog Food Pouches

    Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Mini Meals

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potato Starch, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Egg, Tapioca Starch
    Protein content: 8%
    Fat content: 3%
    Calories: 90 per cup

    The next option on our list is Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Mini Meals Shredded Chicken & Turkey in Gravy Dog Food Pouches. Your pet will get the amino acids they need to support lean muscle mass thanks to the two animal proteins that are among the top five ingredients. And healthy fat sources will give your canine the required fatty acids and energy.

    The ingredients in this recipe are designed to be easily absorbed, and there are no grains. The food is prepared for your small dog and comes with an appealing gravy. It also includes vitamins and minerals as supplements to offer complete and wholesome nutrition.

    Artificial ingredients, by-products, and chemical preservatives are absent from this food. Some owners reported that this food gave their dogs runny stools.

    Pros
    • Easy-to-serve packaging
    • No meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
    • Nutrient-rich vegetables
    Cons
    • May cause loose stools

    8. Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed Chicken Liver Recipe Dry Dog Food

    BIL-JAC Picky No More Small Breed Chicken Liver Recipe

    Main ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Products, Corn Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver, Oatmeal, Flaxseed
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 397 per cup

    Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed Chicken Liver Recipe Dry Dog Food‘s primary components are fresh, locally produced chicken and chicken liver—high-quality protein that helps to maintain lean muscles. The included probiotics improve immunological and digestive health, while naturally-derived omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are great for the skin and coat. With this food, small, toy, and miniature canines will get a complete and balanced diet. That said, some owners reported that this food clumped, making it difficult for small dogs to eat.

    Pros
    • Added probiotics
    • Easy-to-chew bites
    • Rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids
    Cons
    • Food may get hard and clump

    9. Pedigree Tender Bites Adult Complete Nutrition Beef & Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food

    Pedigree Tender Bites Adult Complete Nutrition

    Main ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat and Bone Meal, Animal Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal
    Protein content: 21%
    Fat content: 10%
    Calories: 318 per cup

    Pedigree Tender Bites Adult Complete Nutrition Beef & Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food offers a tasty chicken flavor that dogs love and includes the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they require to be healthy and happy. It provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition in a delicious, alluring texture by blending crunchy dog kibble with tender, simple-to-chew chunks. It is additionally enhanced with omega-6 fatty acids to help nourish the skin and give your dog a smooth, shiny coat. Furthermore, it provides whole grains and organic fiber to support healthy digestion.

    Pros
    • Soft bites
    • No artificial flavors and fillers.
    • Omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants added
    Cons
    • Corn is the first ingredient
    • Some owners reported the bites are fairly hard

    10. Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food

    Kibbles and Bits Original Savory Beef and Chicken Flavor

    Main ingredients: Corn, Soybean Meal, Beef & Bone Meal, Whole Wheat, Corn Syrup
    Protein content: 19%
    Fat content: 8%
    Calories: 377 per cup

    Give your dog Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food for decent nutrition and a taste they love. This recipe combines soft, meaty chunks and crunchy kibble with beef and chicken flavors. It is a comprehensive and balanced diet for adults because it is packed with high-quality protein to maintain strong muscles, plus antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, it is proudly created in the USA.

    This food does contain some less-than-ideal ingredients, including soybeans, corn syrup, and corn listed as the first ingredient.

    Pros
    • Soft and meaty bits
    • Packed with essential minerals and vitamins
    Cons
    • Contains artificial colors
    • Strong smell
    • Contains corn syrup

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    Buyer’s Guide – Selecting the Best Soft Dry Dog Foods

    Benefits of Soft Dry Dog Food

    Flavor

    Soft dry food delivers a lot more taste to your dog’s food than traditional kibble. Sense of smell is vital to our furry friends when it comes to food. Because of this, soft dry food is becoming more popular among dogs as the smell immediately reaches their nose.

    white dog looking at the camera before eating
    Image Credit: M Burke, Unsplash

    Shelf Life

    Since wet dog food has a short shelf life, you must store it in the refrigerator. Your dog has to consume it right away to prevent spoilage. So soft dry dog food is a great alternative. It has a shelf life that is comparable to that of dry food and the flavor advantages of wet food. However, you should always verify the food’s expiration date before purchasing.

    Great for Picky Eaters

    Soft dry food is a terrific option for dogs who are somewhat picky eaters and have specific food preferences. The moistness of the meal is enough to encourage your dog to eat more. In addition, soft dry food is less stressful on the mouth and jaw if you have a dog who has trouble chewing. They can absorb it more readily as well.

    How to Choose the Best Soft Dry Dog Food

    To ensure that your dog has a long and healthy life, you must provide them with a diet that is suitable for their age. For example, select soft dry food that is easy on the stomach and low in fillers if you have an older canine. It is also crucial to take your particular pet’s health into account.

    The best soft dry dog food formulations are made with simple and nutritious components. Pay attention to the various macronutrients, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and choose high-quality ingredients, such as whole meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains.

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    Conclusion

    Purina Beneful Simple Goodness With Farm-Raised Beef Dry Dog Food is our top pick for soft dry dog foods. It comes in convenient packaging and is very nutritious for our furry companions. We like Cesar Rotisserie Chicken Flavor & Spring Vegetables Garnish Small Breed Dry Dog Food because it offers the best value and is packed with an impressive 26 nutrients. Moist & Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavor Dry Dog Food is our premium choice and is suitable for pets with dental problems.

    Thanks for taking the time to read our reviews. We hope this post has made it easier for you to select the best soft dry dog food for your beloved pet.


    Featured Image Credit: Roberto Cabrera Castro, Shutterstock

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