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

Choosing the right dog food for your puppy can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market. The right dog food must provide your puppy with all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. With that said, the best brand dog food for puppies should have the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support your puppy’s growth and development.

When selecting the best brand dog food for puppies, it is essential to pay attention to the ingredients. The first ingredient should be a high-quality protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish. It is also crucial to avoid dog foods that contain fillers or artificial preservatives that can be harmful to your puppy’s health.

One critical factor to consider when selecting the best brand dog food for puppies is their breed size. Puppies of different breeds have different nutritional requirements, and it is essential to choose a dog food that is specifically designed for your puppy’s breed size. For instance, large breed puppies require a diet that supports their growth without causing excessive weight gain.

After conducting extensive research and testing, we have identified the top ten best brand dog food for puppies that provide all the necessary nutrients for your puppy’s growth and development. Our selection includes dog foods that are made with high-quality ingredients, free from fillers and artificial preservatives, and specifically designed for different breed sizes.

Best Brand Dog Food for Puppies

As pet lovers and owners, we understand the importance of providing the best nutrition for our furry friends, especially during their crucial growth stages. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best brand dog food for puppies. Our selection includes options that are high in protein, rich in vitamins and minerals, and free from harmful additives. We believe that these products will provide your puppy with the necessary nutrients to support their health and development.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 12.5 lb. Bag Chicken 12.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed puppy, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• The small kibble size is perfect for small breed puppies.
• Contains DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development.
• Provides high-quality protein for building lean muscle.

Cons

• Some puppies may not enjoy the chicken flavor.
• The price point may be higher than other puppy food brands.
• The bag size may not be large enough for owners with larger breed puppies.

We’ve used Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for our own small breed puppy and have been pleased with the results. The small kibble size was perfect for our puppy’s small mouth and he seemed to enjoy the chicken flavor. We also appreciated that the food contains DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development.

The high-quality protein in the food helped our puppy build lean muscle, and we noticed that his coat was shiny and healthy. The balanced set of minerals also helped promote strong bones and teeth.

While some puppies may not enjoy the chicken flavor, we found that our puppy had no issues with it. The price point may be higher than other puppy food brands, but we felt that the quality of the food was worth the cost. The bag size may not be large enough for owners with larger breed puppies, but for small breed puppies, it lasted us a decent amount of time.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken Meal -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for small breed puppies. It’s a high-quality option that provides all the necessary nutrients for your puppy’s development.

ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend this product for anyone looking to give their puppy the best possible nutrition.

Pros

• The high protein content comes from fresh or raw animal ingredients, including WholePrey ingredients like nourishing organs, to mimic what puppies would eat in the wild.
• Grain-free kibble tailored to provide the protein-powered nutrition your growing puppy needs to support peak development.
• The freeze-dried dog food coating provides a burst of flavor dogs instinctively crave.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than some other brands on the market.
• The product may not be suitable for puppies with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
• The bag size may not be ideal for larger breed puppies.

We recently tried ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food for our new puppy and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The first five ingredients are fresh or raw chicken, turkey, turkey giblets, flounder, and whole mackerel, providing essential protein, vitamins, and minerals for our growing puppy. We also appreciate that this product is grain-free and tailored to provide the protein-powered nutrition our puppy needs to support peak development.

The high protein content comes from fresh or raw animal ingredients, including WholePrey ingredients like nourishing organs, to mimic what puppies would eat in the wild. The freeze-dried dog food coating provides a burst of flavor that our puppy loves, and we feel good knowing that we are giving him the best possible nutrition.

While the price point may be higher than some other brands on the market, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. However, it is important to note that the product may not be suitable for puppies with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities. Additionally, the bag size may not be ideal for larger breed puppies, so it is important to consider the appropriate serving size for your puppy’s needs.

Overall, we highly recommend ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food to anyone looking to give their puppy the best possible nutrition.

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 that supports your puppy’s growth and development, Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option. With real chicken as the #1 ingredient and no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy, this puppy food is packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, it contains DHA to support cognitive development and LifeSource Bits for immune system support.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient
• Contains DHA for cognitive development
• Supports immune system with LifeSource Bits

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Expensive compared to other brands
• Some users reported digestive issues

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food for our puppy for several weeks now and have noticed a significant improvement in her coat and energy levels. The kibble size is perfect for her small breed and she seems to enjoy the taste. We also appreciate that it contains no chicken by-product meals or fillers.

One thing to note is that this puppy food is more expensive than some other brands, but we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the higher price point. Additionally, some users have reported digestive issues with this food, so it may not be the best option for all puppies.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, nutritious option for their growing puppy.

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag

If you want to give your puppy a healthy start in life, you might want to try Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real salmon, which is a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
• It contains nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat, which can help support healthy digestion.
• It has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon to help support skin and coat health.

Cons

• It is a bit expensive compared to other brands of puppy food.
• Some puppies might not like the taste of salmon.
• It might not be suitable for puppies with certain allergies or dietary restrictions.

We have tried this dog food with our puppy and have been pleased with the results. Our puppy loves the taste and has been thriving on it. We have noticed that his coat is shinier and his digestion seems to be better. The kibble is also the perfect size for him to chew comfortably.

One thing to note is that this dog food is a bit expensive compared to other brands we have tried. However, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price. Additionally, some puppies might not like the taste of salmon, so it might take a bit of trial and error to find out if this is the right food for your furry friend.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe for anyone looking to give their puppy a healthy and nutritious start in life.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag Prairie Recipe 3.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your puppy, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: Our Raw Coated dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; each bite is coated in delicious and nutritious freeze-dried raw meat.
• Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Prairie Recipe includes six animal protein sources that your dog will sure love: cage-free chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose and duck.
• Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 92% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, cartilage and organ meat such as chicken liver.

Cons

• Short Expiry Date: Some customers have reported that the product has a short expiry date.
• Pricey: Some customers have mentioned that the product is a bit expensive.
• Raw Coating: Some customers have mentioned that the product’s raw coating is not as visible as advertised.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe is a great choice for pet owners who want to give their puppies a protein-rich diet. The food is made with responsibly sourced, animal-based protein from multiple meat sources and then coated with freeze-dried raw meat. This provides a protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve.

The Prairie Recipe includes six animal protein sources that your dog will love, including cage-free chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck. It is also grain-free, making it easy for dogs of all life stages to digest.

Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive, and that’s exactly what Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe offers. 92% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, cartilage, and organ meat such as chicken liver.

The food is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which helps improve your dog’s entire well-being, with fiber and probiotics for digestive support and taurine for heart health. Antioxidants from fruits and veggies help support a healthy immune system, while naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin help support hip and joint health.

While some customers have reported that the product has a short expiry date and is a bit expensive, most customers are satisfied with the product’s quality and nutritional value. Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe for pet owners who want to provide their puppies with a nutritious and delicious meal.

Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed puppy, then Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food could be a great choice for you.

Pros

• This dog food is made with real chicken, which means that it’s packed with protein and nutrients that your puppy needs to grow and develop.
• The kibble is small, which makes it easy for small breed puppies to eat and digest.
• The formula contains 90 million probiotics per pound, which can help to support your puppy’s digestive and immune health.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the smell of this dog food is a bit strong.
• The price of this dog food is higher than some other options on the market.
• This dog food may not be suitable for puppies with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.

Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food is a high-quality dog food that is designed to support the health and wellbeing of small breed puppies. The formula is made with real chicken, which provides a rich source of protein and nutrients that are essential for your puppy’s growth and development.

One of the great things about this dog food is that the kibble is small, which makes it easy for small breed puppies to eat and digest. This is particularly important for puppies that are still developing their teeth and digestive systems.

Another benefit of this dog food is that it contains 90 million probiotics per pound. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help to support your puppy’s digestive and immune health. This can be particularly beneficial for puppies that are prone to digestive issues or that have a weaker immune system.

While there are many benefits to Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider. Some customers have reported that the smell of this dog food is a bit strong, which may be a concern for some pet owners. Additionally, the price of this dog food is higher than some other options on the market, which may be a consideration for those on a budget.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is designed specifically for small breed puppies, then Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food could be a great choice for you.

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag Chicken, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin 24 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious dog food for your puppy, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is definitely worth a try.

Pros

• Real chicken is the number one ingredient
• Contains nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin
• Helps support healthy digestion, skin and coat, and immune system health

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit pricier than other dog foods
• The kibble size may not be suitable for all breeds

We recently tried this dog food for our puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real chicken is a great source of protein and helps maintain optimal muscle strength, while the sweet potato and pumpkin provide fiber to support healthy digestion and immune system health. We also noticed an improvement in our puppy’s skin and coat health after switching to this food.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it’s important to introduce it gradually and monitor your puppy’s reaction. Additionally, this food is a bit pricier than other dog foods, but we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe for puppies in need of a nutritious and tasty dog food.

Nature’s Recipe Original Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, Lamb -amp; Rice Recipe, 24 lb Bag Lamb -amp; Rice 24 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a natural dog food that’s both delicious and nutritious for your furry friend, then Nature’s Recipe Original dry dog food is a great option. Made with real, protein-rich lamb as the #1 ingredient, this dog food helps support strong muscles and contains nutrient-dense whole grains, such as rice, oatmeal, and barley, to help support healthy digestion. Plus, it’s made with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and contains no added corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Pros

• Real, protein-rich lamb as the #1 ingredient helps support strong muscles
• Nutrient-dense whole grains, such as rice, oatmeal, and barley, contain fiber to help support healthy digestion
• Made with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and contains no added corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the lamb flavor
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• May be more expensive than other dog food brands

We recently tried Nature’s Recipe Original dry dog food for our puppy and were impressed with its quality ingredients and natural flavor. Our puppy loved the taste of the lamb and rice recipe and we were happy to see that it helped support her strong muscles and healthy digestion. We also appreciated that it contained no added corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, making it a great choice for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a natural, wholesome diet.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the lamb flavor, so it’s important to introduce the food gradually and monitor your dog’s reaction. Additionally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, such as a sensitivity to grains or specific proteins, this may not be the best option for them. Finally, it’s worth noting that Nature’s Recipe Original dry dog food may be more expensive than other dog food brands, but we believe the quality ingredients and natural flavor make it worth the investment.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Original dry dog food for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a natural, nutritious diet.

Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula High Protein Natural Dry Puppy Food with Added Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients – 16.5 lb. Bag Chicken 16.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your puppy, Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula is definitely worth considering. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this natural puppy food provides high protein for strong, growing muscles, including a healthy heart. It’s also made with rice and oatmeal to provide the nutrition your puppy needs.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient in this dog food for puppies to help provide the protein he needs for strong, growing muscles, including a healthy heart.
• Purina ONE puppy kibble made with DHA, a nutrient found in mothers’ milk, to support vision and brain development and four antioxidant sources to support a healthy immune system.
• Easily digestible puppy dog food featuring a SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients, including omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, for a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Cons

• May not be suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs.
• Some puppies may not like the taste of this food.
• May be more expensive than other puppy foods.

We recently tried this puppy food with our new furry friend and were impressed with the results. Our puppy seemed to love the taste and we noticed an improvement in his coat and overall energy levels. We also appreciate that this natural puppy food contains no artificial flavors or preservatives and is highly digestible. Plus, the addition of DHA and four antioxidant sources make this a great choice for supporting vision and brain development and a healthy immune system.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their puppy. With its natural ingredients, high protein content, and added vitamins and minerals, this dog food is sure to provide your puppy with the complete and balanced nutrition he needs for a healthy start in life.

IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

If you’re looking for a nutritious and flavorful puppy food, then IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• 100% complete and balanced puppy food with 0% fillers
• Contains omega-3 DHA for smarter, more trainable puppies
• Supports growing muscles with high-quality protein

Cons

• Some puppies may not enjoy the taste
• A little bit pricier than other brands
• May cause upset stomach in some puppies

We’ve had great success with IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for our puppies. The 22 key nutrients in the recipe, including omega-3 DHA, support brain development and immune system health. The high-quality protein in the food promotes muscle growth and supports overall development.

One of the best things about IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is that it’s 100% complete and balanced with 0% fillers. This means that our puppies are getting all of the nutrients they need without any unnecessary additives.

However, we have noticed that some puppies may not enjoy the taste of this food. Additionally, it is a little bit pricier than some other brands on the market. Finally, some puppies may experience an upset stomach when first switching to this food.

Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for puppies who need a nutritious and delicious meal.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best brand of dog food for your puppies, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting a product:

Nutritional Content

The nutritional content of the dog food is an important factor to consider. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it is essential to choose a product that is specifically formulated for puppies. Look for a food that is high in protein, fat, and other essential nutrients that support healthy growth and development.

Ingredients

The ingredients in the dog food are another important consideration. Look for a product that contains high-quality ingredients, such as real meat, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other unhealthy additives.

Brand Reputation

The reputation of the brand is also an important factor to consider. Look for a brand that has a good reputation for producing high-quality dog food products. You can read reviews and ask for recommendations from other pet owners to help you make an informed decision.

Price

Price is also an important consideration when choosing a brand of dog food for your puppies. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend. Look for a product that offers good value for money and fits within your budget.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best brand of dog food for your puppies that meets their nutritional needs and supports their healthy growth and development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest rated dry puppy food currently on the market?

As of now, the highest rated dry puppy food on the market is Acana Puppy -amp; Junior. It is a grain-free, protein-rich and nutrient-dense food that is made with fresh, regional ingredients. It has received high ratings from both experts and customers for its quality and effectiveness in promoting healthy growth in puppies.

Which puppy food is recommended by veterinarians for large breed dogs?

When it comes to large breed puppies, veterinarians recommend Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy. It is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies, including joint support and controlled calorie intake to prevent excessive weight gain.

What are the top choices for affordable yet high-quality puppy food?

Some of the top choices for affordable yet high-quality puppy food include Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy, and Hill’s Science Diet Puppy. These brands offer a variety of formulas that cater to different breeds and sizes, all while providing balanced nutrition for puppies.

What are the best brands of puppy food for small breed dogs?

For small breed puppies, some of the best brands of puppy food include Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy, Royal Canin Small Breed Puppy, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Puppy. These brands offer small kibble sizes and nutrient-dense formulas that are tailored to the specific needs of small breed puppies.

Which puppy foods are considered the healthiest according to experts?

Some of the healthiest puppy foods according to experts include Orijen Puppy, Acana Puppy -amp; Junior, and Wellness Complete Health Puppy. These brands use high-quality ingredients and avoid fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

Are there any superior homemade food recipes for puppies?

While homemade food can be a great option for puppies, it is important to ensure that the food is nutritionally balanced and meets all of their dietary needs. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended before starting a homemade diet. Some popular homemade puppy food recipes include chicken and rice, beef and sweet potato, and turkey and quinoa.