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

Puppies are a bundle of joy, but they also require a lot of attention and care. One crucial aspect of their care is their diet. Choosing the right dog food brand for your puppy can be overwhelming, given the number of options available in the market. However, it is essential to select a high-quality puppy food brand that caters to their unique nutritional needs.

Puppy food brands differ from adult dog food brands in terms of the nutrient content they offer. Puppies require a higher amount of protein, fat, and calories to support their growth and development. Additionally, they need specific vitamins and minerals that are essential for their bone and muscle growth.

When making a purchase, it is critical to look at the ingredients list and ensure that the brand meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. Furthermore, it is crucial to choose a brand that caters to your puppy’s specific breed, size, and age.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various puppy food brands to identify the ones that offer the best nutritional value and taste. We understand the importance of selecting the right food brand for your furry friend, and we are here to help you make an informed decision.

Best Dog Food Brands for Puppies

As pet owners, we know that choosing the best food for our furry friends is crucial to their overall health and well-being. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best for our puppies. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best dog food brands for puppies that will provide them with the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. These brands have been carefully selected based on their ingredients, nutritional value, and customer reviews. Read on to find out which brands made it to our list.

WAG Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Chicken -amp; Lentil Recipe

If you want to provide your puppy with a tasty meal that is also healthy and nutritious, the WAG Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Chicken -amp; Lentil Recipe is worth considering.

Pros

• Real American chicken is the main ingredient, providing a delicious blend for your pup.
• Nutritious vegetables like lentils and peas provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients; salmon oil and flaxseed provide omega-3 fatty acids, including long-chain DHA.
• Contains no added grain, corn, or wheat; no added artificial colors, flavors, or chemical preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may require a longer transition period when switching to this food.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger breeds.
• The price point may be higher than other puppy foods.

We have been using this food for our new puppy and have noticed a significant improvement in her coat and overall health. The ingredients are high-quality and the lack of fillers and artificial additives is a big plus. Our puppy loves the taste and the kibble size is perfect for her small breed. However, it is important to note that some dogs may require a longer transition period when switching to this food. Additionally, the price point may be slightly higher than other puppy foods, but we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. Overall, we highly recommend the WAG Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Chicken -amp; Lentil Recipe.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies

We highly recommend Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies as it provides a balanced and high-quality diet for your furry friend’s healthy growth and development.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for strong muscles.
• Contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health.
• Includes exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to support immune system health and life stage needs.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• Packaging may vary from what is shown in the product image.
• May be more expensive than some other puppy food brands.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies is specially formulated to provide a balanced and natural diet for your puppy. The real chicken as the first ingredient ensures that your puppy gets high-quality protein for strong muscles. The recipe also includes cranberries and vegetables for a balanced diet.

What sets this puppy food apart is that it contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health. Additionally, the exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits provide immune system support and a healthy oxidative balance.

While some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food, this is a minor issue compared to the benefits of a balanced and natural diet. The packaging may vary from what is shown in the product image, but the quality of the food remains the same. Finally, the price may be higher than some other puppy food brands, but the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

In conclusion, Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies is an excellent choice for your furry friend’s healthy growth and development.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for small breed puppies.

Pros

• The small kibble size is perfect for little pups.
• DHA from fish oil helps support healthy brain and eye development.
• Provides high-quality protein for lean muscle growth.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste.
• It is a bit pricey compared to other puppy food brands.
• The bag size is small, so it may not last very long.

We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for our small breed puppy and have been very pleased with the results. The small kibble size is perfect for our little pup and he loves the delicious chicken flavor. We have noticed that he has been growing at a healthy rate and his coat is shiny and soft.

One of the best things about this puppy food is that it contains DHA from fish oil, which helps support healthy brain and eye development. We feel good knowing that our puppy is getting the nutrients he needs to grow and develop properly.

Another great feature of this puppy food is the high-quality protein it provides for lean muscle growth. Our puppy has been very active and energetic, and we believe this is due in part to the protein in his diet.

While we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, we do acknowledge that some puppies may not like the taste. Additionally, it is a bit pricey compared to other puppy food brands, and the bag size is small, so it may not last very long.

Overall, we believe that Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great choice for small breed puppies. It provides the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly, and the small kibble size and delicious flavor make it a hit with our little pup.

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

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food brand that offers wholesome grains and raw coated protein, then Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food is an excellent option to consider.

Pros

• The recipe includes six animal protein sources, which makes it highly nutritious and delicious for your puppy.
• The wholesome grains used in the recipe make it easily digestible for all life stages.
• The formula is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which helps improve your dog’s entire well-being.

Cons

• Some dogs might not like the taste of the food.
• The price is a bit high compared to other dog food brands.
• The kibble size might be too small for some larger breeds.

We’ve been using Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food for our puppy for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with the results. The recipe includes six animal protein sources, which makes it highly nutritious and delicious for our puppy. Plus, the wholesome grains used in the recipe make it easily digestible for all life stages.

We also appreciate that the formula is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which helps improve our dog’s entire well-being. The kibble size is perfect for our puppy, but we can see how it might be too small for some larger breeds.

The only downside we’ve experienced is that some dogs might not like the taste of the food, and the price is a bit high compared to other dog food brands. However, we believe that the quality of ingredients and the nutritional benefits make it worth the investment.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food brand that offers wholesome grains and raw coated protein, then Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food is an excellent option to consider.

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

We highly recommend the Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe for puppies.

Pros

• The kibble is coated in freeze-dried raw meat, providing a protein-rich taste that puppies crave.
• The recipe includes six animal protein sources, including cage-free chicken, turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck, which puppies are sure to love.
• The recipe is grain-free, making it easy for puppies of all life stages to digest.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than some other puppy food options.
• Some reviewers have noted that the kibble does not appear to be as “raw coated” as advertised.
• The expiration date may be relatively short, so be sure to check before purchasing.

We recently tried this puppy food with our own furry friend and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The protein-rich taste from the freeze-dried raw meat coating had our puppy eagerly gobbling up every bite. We appreciated that the recipe includes multiple animal protein sources, as well as fiber and probiotics for digestive support and taurine for heart health.

While the price point may be higher than some other puppy food options, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. Additionally, some reviewers have noted that the kibble does not appear to be as “raw coated” as advertised, but we did not find this to be a significant issue. We did note, however, that the expiration date may be relatively short, so be sure to check before purchasing.

Overall, we highly recommend the Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Prairie Recipe for puppies who crave a protein-rich diet.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend Wholesome Grains Wild-Caught Whitefish -amp; Salmon Recipe with Superfoods

If you’re looking for a high-quality, nutrient-packed dog food for your puppy, Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend is definitely worth considering. Our experience with this product has been overwhelmingly positive, and we believe that it is one of the best dog food brands for puppies available on the market today.

Pros

• Superfood-Powered Kibble: Raw-coated, nutrient-packed, and crafted with a unique blend of responsibly sourced proteins, grains, and superfoods, SuperBlends help your dog thrive. Our Raw Blend recipes even have pieces of freeze-dried raw meat mixed right in for an extra protein boost.
• Delicious Taste, Guaranteed: Made with bone broth and raw-coated for maximum flavor, SuperBlends offer an irresistible taste that your pup is sure to love. Plus, all of our recipes are complete and balanced meals, giving your dog everything they need in one bag.
• Small-Batch, Nutrient-Rich: Our SuperBlends recipes are oven-baked in small batches, helping preserve all the nutrients your pup needs to stay healthy and strong.

Cons

• Higher Price Point: Compared to other dog food brands, Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend may be a bit more expensive. However, we believe that the quality of the product more than justifies the price.
• Soft Stools: Some dog owners have reported that their dogs’ stools are softer than usual after switching to SuperBlends. While this is not a major issue, it is something to keep in mind.
• Limited Availability: Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend in stores. However, it is readily available online.

In our experience, Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend is an excellent choice for puppies who need a nutrient-dense, high-quality diet. The superfood-powered kibble is packed with protein, grains, and superfoods, and our puppy absolutely loves the taste. Plus, the fact that it is oven-baked in small batches means that all of the nutrients are preserved, ensuring that our puppy gets everything she needs to stay healthy.

One thing to note is that Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend may be a bit more expensive than other dog food brands. However, we believe that the quality of the product more than justifies the price, and we are willing to pay a bit more for a product that we know is healthy and nutritious for our puppy.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend for puppies who need a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet. It’s a bit pricier than some other dog food brands, but we believe that the benefits are well worth the cost.

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

We highly recommend the Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend for puppies. This high protein, grain-free, and legume-free recipe is perfect for dogs of all life stages and offers numerous benefits.

Pros

• The recipe contains six poultry-free animal protein sources, including beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison, and goat, which offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve.
• The recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, organ meat, and cartilage, which helps your pet thrive.
• The recipe 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.

Cons

• The recipe has very few raw chunks, which may disappoint those seeking a more raw food diet for their puppies.
• The recipe is expensive compared to other dog food brands.
• The recipe may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend is a nutritious, grain-free recipe that is easy for dogs of all life stages to digest, with no unnecessary fillers and only the finest ingredients. The recipe’s whole prey ingredients, including animal muscle meat, organ meat, and cartilage, help your puppy thrive. Additionally, the recipe 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.

Moreover, the recipe contains antioxidants from fruits and veggies, which help support a healthy immune system, while naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin help support hip and joint health. The recipe also includes omega fatty acids from chia seeds and salmon oil, which provide skin and coat support. Lastly, the recipe is crafted in the USA using responsibly sourced, premium ingredients and a small-batch production process in all their recipes.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality, nutritious, and delicious dog food brand for your puppy, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend. With all the benefits it offers, your puppy will surely love it!

Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend Wholesome Grains Puppy Cage-Free Chicken -amp; Wild Caught Salmon Recipe with Superfoods

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food brand for your puppy, Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend Puppy food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Superfood-powered kibble with a unique blend of responsibly sourced proteins, grains, and superfoods
• Delicious taste with bone broth and raw-coated for maximum flavor
• Small-batch, nutrient-rich oven-baked recipes that preserve all the nutrients your pup needs

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than other puppy food brands
• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture
• Not available in larger bag sizes

We recently tried Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend Puppy food and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Each recipe is raw-coated and superfood-powered, giving your dog the maximum flavor and nutrition in every bite. We especially liked the fact that their small-batch, oven-baking process helps preserve all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and strong.

One of the standout features of SuperBlends is the unique blend of responsibly sourced proteins, grains, and superfoods. Meats, poultry, and fish in their recipes are raised without added hormones or antibiotics, and all of their recipes contain a variety of superfoods, including oatmeal, flaxseed, quinoa, organic blueberries, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, organic spinach, organic squash, organic cranberries, chia seed, pumpkin seeds, salmon oil, chicory root, kale, pumpkin, ginger, turmeric, dried kelp, and New Zealand green mussel.

In terms of taste, our puppy loved the Chicken -amp; Wild-Caught Salmon Recipe. The bone broth and raw-coating definitely gave it a delicious taste that our pup couldn’t resist. We also appreciated the fact that all of their recipes are complete and balanced meals, giving your dog everything they need in one bag.

However, we did notice that SuperBlends is slightly more expensive than other puppy food brands. Additionally, some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the kibble. Lastly, we wish they offered larger bag sizes for those with larger breed puppies.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s SuperBlends Raw Blend Puppy food for those looking for a high-quality dog food brand that is packed with nutrients and superfoods to support your puppy’s health and growth.

Wonder Bound Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality dog food brand for your large breed puppy, Wonder Bound Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Real chicken as the #1 ingredient
• Supports healthy muscles, joints, bones, and immune system
• Contains probiotics and fiber for digestive health

Cons

• May cause gas in some dogs
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Contains rice, which may not be suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities

We recently switched our large breed puppy to Wonder Bound Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food and have been impressed with the results. The real chicken as the #1 ingredient ensures that our puppy is getting high-quality protein for healthy muscle development. The inclusion of L-Carnitine and glucosamine supports lean muscles and healthy joints, respectively. Additionally, calcium and phosphorus support strong teeth and bones, while DHA supports brain and vision development.

We appreciate that this dog food also includes probiotics and fiber for digestive health, which has resulted in more consistent bowel movements for our puppy. However, we did notice that our puppy had more gas than usual after switching to this food, so it may not be suitable for all dogs.

Overall, we highly recommend Wonder Bound Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food for its affordable price, high-quality ingredients, and beneficial nutrients for large breed puppies.

Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula High Protein Natural Dry Puppy Food

If you’re looking for a natural and healthy puppy food that offers complete and balanced nutrition for your furry friend, then Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for strong, growing muscles.
• Contains DHA, a nutrient found in mother’s milk, to support vision and brain development.
• Four antioxidant sources promote a strong immune system.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste of the food.
• The kibble may be too hard for some puppies to chew.
• The bag is not resealable, making it difficult to keep the food fresh.

We’ve been using Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula for our new puppy, and we’re impressed with the results. The real chicken provides high-quality protein, and the addition of DHA supports vision and brain development. We also appreciate that the food contains four antioxidant sources to promote a strong immune system.

One thing to note is that some puppies may not like the taste of the food, so it may take some time to get them used to it. Additionally, the kibble may be too hard for some puppies to chew, so it’s important to monitor your puppy while they eat.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula for anyone looking for a natural and healthy puppy food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for their furry friend.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food brand for your puppy, there are several factors to consider. We recommend looking for products that meet the following criteria:

Nutritional Value

Puppies require a well-balanced diet that provides them with the necessary nutrients to support their growth and development. Look for dog food brands that offer a balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals. Check the ingredients list to ensure that the product contains high-quality protein sources, such as meat or fish, and avoid products that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Age and Breed

Different breeds of puppies have different nutritional requirements, and their needs may also vary depending on their age and size. Consider your puppy’s breed and age when choosing a dog food brand, and look for products that are specifically formulated for their needs. You may also want to consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on the best dog food brands for your puppy’s breed and age.

Price and Availability

Dog food brands can vary greatly in price, and it’s important to choose a product that fits within your budget. However, it’s also important to consider the quality of the product and avoid choosing a brand based solely on price. Look for dog food brands that offer good value for money and are readily available in your area.

Brand Reputation

The reputation of a dog food brand can also be an important factor to consider. Look for brands that have a good track record for producing high-quality dog food products that are safe and nutritious for your puppy. You can also check online reviews and ratings to get an idea of how other pet owners feel about the brand.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What criteria should we consider when selecting food for our puppy?

When selecting food for your puppy, you should consider their age, breed, size, and activity level. Look for high-quality ingredients, such as whole meats, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Additionally, choose a brand that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for complete and balanced nutrition.

Which puppy food brands are highly recommended by veterinarians?

Some of the top puppy food brands recommended by veterinarians include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Blue Buffalo. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every puppy is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your specific puppy’s needs.

How do we determine the best food portion size for our puppy?

The best way to determine the appropriate food portion size for your puppy is to consult with your veterinarian. They can take into account your puppy’s age, weight, activity level, and other factors to recommend the ideal amount of food to feed them. In general, puppies should be fed multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals.

What are the top-rated dry foods for puppies?

Some of the top-rated dry foods for puppies include Royal Canin Puppy Dry Dog Food, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe. These brands offer high-quality ingredients and meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.

Are there any affordable yet high-quality dog foods for puppies?

Yes, there are many affordable yet high-quality dog foods for puppies on the market. Some options include Purina ONE SmartBlend Puppy Formula, Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula, and Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy. These brands offer quality ingredients and meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition at a more affordable price point.

What are the nutritional requirements for a growing puppy?

Growing puppies require a diet that is high in protein and fat to support their rapid growth and development. Look for puppy food that contains at least 22% protein and 8% fat. Additionally, puppies require vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth, as well as DHA for brain and eye development. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific nutritional requirements for your puppy.