Best Brand of Dog Food for Puppies: Top Picks for Healthy Growth

Puppies are adorable animals that require proper care and nutrition to grow into healthy adult dogs. One critical aspect of caring for a puppy is feeding them with the right food. Choosing the best brand of dog food for puppies can be a daunting task, especially for first-time pet owners. However, with the right information, selecting the appropriate dog food brand can be easy and straightforward.

Dog food for puppies comes in various types and brands, each with its unique features and benefits. The type of dog food you choose for your puppy will depend on several factors, including their breed, age, size, and activity level. Some dog food brands are specifically formulated for puppies, while others may cater to adult dogs. It’s essential to choose a brand that is specifically designed for puppies to ensure that your furry friend receives the proper nutrition they need during their growth and development stages.

When selecting the best brand of dog food for puppies, there are several critical factors to consider. The first thing to look for is the ingredients list. A good puppy food brand should contain high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, as well as essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, the brand should be free from harmful additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors or colors.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various dog food brands to identify the best one for puppies. We evaluated the ingredients, nutritional value, and customer reviews of several brands to determine which one offers the best value and benefits for puppies. With our comprehensive review, you can make an informed decision and choose the best brand of dog food for your furry friend.

Best Brands of Dog Food for Puppies

As pet owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best possible nutrition. When it comes to puppies, their growing bodies require a specific balance of nutrients to ensure they develop into healthy adult dogs. With so many brands of dog food on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your puppy. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best brands of dog food for puppies. Our recommendations are based on quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and positive reviews from other pet owners.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food, 1 lb Bag

If you are looking for a high-quality puppy food that is made with human-grade ingredients, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade ingredients
• Contains enhanced protein to support muscular development and boosted DHA for brain health
• No fillers, by-products, or artificial ingredients

Cons

• Can be expensive compared to other puppy foods
• Some puppies may not like the taste
• Only comes in a 1 lb bag

We were impressed with the quality of the ingredients in this puppy food. The fact that it is made with 100% human-grade ingredients means that we can trust that our puppy is getting the best possible nutrition. The enhanced protein and boosted DHA are also great features that help support our puppy’s development.

One downside to this puppy food is that it can be more expensive than other options on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the higher price point.

Another potential downside is that some puppies may not like the taste of this food. We were lucky that our puppy enjoyed it, but it’s always a good idea to introduce new foods gradually to see how your puppy reacts.

Overall, we would recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality puppy food that is made with human-grade ingredients.

Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Healthy Growth Formula with DHA, Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe, 4-lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your puppy, Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering. Our team has tested this product and we’re confident that it will provide your puppy with the essential nutrition they need to grow and thrive.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient
• Contains DHA for cognitive development
• No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and no corn, wheat, or soy

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste
• Expensive compared to other brands
• May cause digestive issues for some puppies

In our experience, Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice for puppies. The high-protein recipe promotes healthy muscle development while supporting skin and heart health. Additionally, the inclusion of DHA and ARA helps to support cognitive and retinal development.

We also appreciate that this dog food contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and no corn, wheat, or soy. This means that your puppy is getting wholesome, healthy ingredients without any fillers or artificial additives.

However, it’s worth noting that some puppies may not like the taste of this dog food, and it’s more expensive than some other brands on the market. Additionally, some puppies may experience digestive issues after eating this food.

Overall, we think that Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies. If you’re looking for a high-quality, nutritious dog food that will support your puppy’s growth and development, we highly recommend giving this product a try.

Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe 4-lb Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for its high-quality ingredients and natural nutrients that are essential for your puppy’s healthy growth.

Pros

• The formula features high-quality protein from real chicken to support healthy muscle development.
• It contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health.
• All BLUE dry dog food contains LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support your puppy’s healthy immune system.

Cons

• The packaging may vary.
• Formula adjustments may occur from time to time.
• Individual puppy’s requirements may vary from the feeding chart.

This puppy food is made with wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits that you can trust to keep your small breed puppy powered with the wholesome nutrition needed for healthy growth and play. It is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

We found that our puppy loves this food, and we love that it is made with natural ingredients that are safe and healthy for our furry friend. The feeding chart is easy to follow, and the food is easy to digest. We highly recommend this product to any pet parent who wants what’s best for their puppy.

In summary, the Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice for pet parents who want to provide their puppies with high-quality, natural ingredients that are essential for healthy growth.

Blackwood Special Diet All Life Stages Dry Dog Food, 5Lb., Salmon Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, Sensitive Skin and Stomach, Grain Free Dog Food 5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s made in the USA, Blackwood Special Diet All Life Stages Dry Dog Food might be the one for you. It’s handcrafted in small batches with only the finest natural ingredients, and it’s formulated without corn, wheat, or soy to give your dog wholesome goodness without artificial flavors and fillers.

Pros

• Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients
• Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities
• Promotes healthy digestion and happy tummies

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit pricey compared to other dog foods
• May not be readily available in all stores

We’ve been using Blackwood Special Diet All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for a few months now, and we’re quite satisfied with the results. Our puppy has a sensitive stomach, and we were looking for a grain-free dog food that would be easy on his digestive system. Blackwood fits the bill perfectly.

One thing we really appreciate about this dog food is that it’s made in the USA with high-quality ingredients. We’re always a bit wary of dog foods that are made overseas, so it’s nice to know that Blackwood is made right here at home.

Another big selling point for us is that Blackwood is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. Our puppy is prone to stomach upset, so we wanted a dog food that would be gentle on his tummy. Blackwood has been great in that regard.

Finally, we love that Blackwood promotes healthy digestion and happy tummies. It contains prebiotics and probiotics, which are great for maintaining good gut health. We’ve noticed that our puppy’s stools are more regular and consistent since we started feeding him Blackwood.

Of course, there are a few downsides to Blackwood as well. Some dogs may not like the taste, so it might take a bit of trial and error to find out if your pup is a fan. Additionally, Blackwood is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods on the market. Finally, it may not be readily available in all stores, so you might have to do some searching to find it.

Overall, we’re quite pleased with Blackwood Special Diet All Life Stages Dry Dog Food. It’s a high-quality dog food that’s made in the USA with natural ingredients, and it’s ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. If you’re looking for a dog food that promotes healthy digestion and happy tummies, Blackwood is definitely worth considering.

Dentalife DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews, Daily

If you’re looking for a dog treat that helps keep your furry friend’s teeth clean and healthy, Dentalife DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews, Daily is a great option.

Pros

• Scientifically proven to reduce tartar buildup
• Chewy, porous texture helps clean hard-to-reach teeth
• Tasty chicken flavor that dogs love

Cons

• Not suitable for puppies under one year of age or adult dogs under 15 pounds
• Caloric intake from treats should not exceed 10% of a dog’s total daily caloric requirement
• May not be as effective as brushing your dog’s teeth regularly

We’ve been using Dentalife DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews, Daily for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s dental health. The treats are easy to give to our dog, and he loves the taste.

The chewy, porous texture of the treats helps clean hard-to-reach teeth, and the eight distinct ridges help clean right down to the gumline. We appreciate that these treats are made with wholesome ingredients and without any artificial colors or flavors.

While these treats are a great addition to our dog’s oral care routine, we still make sure to brush his teeth regularly. It’s also important to note that these treats are not suitable for puppies under one year of age or adult dogs under 15 pounds.

Overall, we highly recommend Dentalife DentaLife Made in USA Facilities Small/Medium Dog Dental Chews, Daily for any dog owner looking for a tasty and effective way to help keep their furry friend’s teeth clean and healthy.

Natural Dog Company Skin -amp; Coat Chews

If you want to improve your puppy’s skin and coat health, we recommend trying Natural Dog Company Skin -amp; Coat Chews.

Pros

• Our dogs loved the salmon and peas flavor
• Suitable for all ages, sizes, and breeds
• Made with love in small batches in the USA

Cons

• May not work as quickly as other skin and coat supplements
• Some customers reported receiving stale chews
• A bit pricey compared to other brands

We’ve been using Natural Dog Company Skin -amp; Coat Chews for a while now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in our puppy’s coat. The chews are easy to administer, and our pup loves the taste. We appreciate that the supplement is suitable for all ages, sizes, and breeds, so we can continue using it as our puppy grows.

While the chews may not work as quickly as some other skin and coat supplements, we believe the natural ingredients are worth the wait. However, do note that some customers have reported receiving stale chews, so make sure to check the expiration date before purchasing.

Overall, we highly recommend Natural Dog Company Skin -amp; Coat Chews for anyone looking to improve their puppy’s skin and coat health. While it may be a bit pricey compared to other brands, the quality ingredients and love put into each batch make it worth the investment.

JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food, Complete Meal or Dog Food Topper, Chicken -amp; White Rice Human Grade Dog Food Recipe – 12.5 oz (Pack of 6)

If you’re looking for high-quality, human-grade dog food for your puppy, JustFoodForDogs is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with fresh whole foods that are gently cooked for optimal nutrient absorption
• 40% more digestible than kibble, leading to better digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, easier weight management, and more excitement at mealtime
• Shelf-stable thanks to innovative Tetra Pak packaging, which means it’s free from preservatives and can be stored unopened for up to two years. Perfect for traveling.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
• The food can be a bit pricey compared to other brands
• The packaging can be difficult to open

We recently tried JustFoodForDogs for our new puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The food is made with fresh, whole foods that are gently cooked for optimal nutrient absorption, which means our puppy is getting all the nutrients she needs to grow and thrive.

One of the biggest benefits of JustFoodForDogs is that it’s 40% more digestible than kibble, which has led to better digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, easier weight management, and more excitement at mealtime for our puppy. We’ve also noticed that she seems to be more satisfied after eating JustFoodForDogs than she did with her previous food.

Another great thing about JustFoodForDogs is that it’s shelf-stable thanks to innovative Tetra Pak packaging. This means that it’s free from preservatives and can be stored unopened for up to two years, making it perfect for traveling or keeping on hand for emergencies.

While we were impressed with the quality of the food, we did notice that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food. Additionally, the food can be a bit pricey compared to other brands, which may be a consideration for some pet owners. Finally, we found that the packaging can be difficult to open, which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry.

Overall, we would definitely recommend JustFoodForDogs to anyone looking for high-quality, human-grade dog food for their puppy. While it may be a bit more expensive than other brands, we believe that the benefits of the food are well worth the cost.

Weruva Classic Dog Food, Let’s Give Em’ Pumpkin to Talk About Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a dog food brand that features pumpkin as a primary ingredient, Weruva Classic Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The variety pack features six of Weruva’s best-selling flavors, all of which include fiber-rich pumpkin.
• The dog food is produced in human food facilities, ensuring high-quality ingredients.
• The formula is free of grains, gluten, GMOs, and carrageenan.

Cons

• The product is relatively expensive compared to other dog food options.
• The formula is designed for adult maintenance, so it may not be suitable for puppies.
• The variety pack only includes 12 cans, which may not be enough for long-term feeding.

We recently tried Weruva Classic Dog Food, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The pumpkin-based formula is a great source of fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion in dogs. We also appreciated that the product is free of grains, gluten, GMOs, and carrageenan, making it a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

The variety pack includes six of Weruva’s best-selling flavors, all of which feature pumpkin as a primary ingredient. Our dog enjoyed all of the flavors, and we appreciated the variety that the pack offered. However, we do wish that the variety pack included more than 12 cans, as we had to reorder sooner than we would have liked.

The formula is designed for adult maintenance, so it may not be suitable for puppies. If you have a puppy, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan. Additionally, the product is relatively expensive compared to other dog food options, so it may not be the most cost-effective choice for all pet owners.

Overall, we recommend Weruva Classic Dog Food for pet owners looking for a high-quality dog food brand that features pumpkin as a primary ingredient. While it may be more expensive than other options, the quality of the ingredients and the variety of flavors make it a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 30.6 lb. Bag Large Breed 30.6 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious puppy food that supports muscle growth and cognitive development, IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Contains 22 key nutrients like those found in mother’s milk
• Enriched with antioxidants to support immune system development
• Omega-3 DHA for smarter, more trainable puppies

Cons

• Contains ingredients that some pet owners may not like
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Bag size may not be ideal for all pet owners

We recently tried IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food with Real Chicken for our new furry friend, and we were impressed with the results. Our puppy loved the taste and had no trouble digesting the food. We noticed that our puppy seemed more alert and responsive after eating this food, which we attribute to the Omega-3 DHA.

One thing to note is that this food does contain ingredients that some pet owners may not like, such as corn and by-product meal. However, we found that the benefits of the food outweighed any concerns we had about the ingredients.

Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food with Real Chicken for pet owners looking for a high-quality puppy food that supports muscle growth and cognitive development.