Best Dog Food for Puppies: Top Picks for Your Furry Friend

Puppies are cute, cuddly, and require a lot of attention. One of the most important things you can do for your puppy is to provide them with the best nutrition possible. Feeding your puppy the right food can help them grow strong and healthy, and prevent diseases and health problems down the road.

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for puppies, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to choose a food that is specifically formulated for puppies. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and their food should reflect that. Look for a food that is labeled as “puppy food” or “for all life stages” to ensure that it meets your puppy’s nutritional requirements.

Another important factor to consider is the ingredients in the food. Look for a food that has high-quality protein as the first ingredient, such as chicken or lamb. Avoid foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products, as these can be harmful to your puppy’s health.

At [Brand Name], we understand the importance of providing your puppy with the best nutrition possible. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various puppy foods to identify the ones that provide the perfect balance of nutrition and taste. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks for the best dog food for puppies.

Best Puppy Foods

As new puppy owners, we understand the importance of finding the right food for our furry friends. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top puppy foods on the market. These products are formulated with the necessary nutrients to support your puppy’s growth and development. We’ve taken into consideration factors such as ingredient quality, nutritional value, and customer reviews to ensure that our recommendations meet the highest standards. Check out our list below to find the perfect food for your new addition.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Flavor, Puppy Dry Dog Food, 15 lb Bag Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you want to give your puppy the best start in life, then Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Flavor, Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health
• Immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies
• Some puppies may not like the taste
• Slightly more expensive than other brands

We recently tried Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Flavor, Puppy Dry Dog Food for our new puppy and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The fact that real chicken is the first ingredient is reassuring and we could see the difference in our puppy’s coat after just a few weeks.

We also like that this formula contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk that support cognitive function and retinal health. The immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits are also a great addition to this formula and we feel good knowing that we are providing our puppy with balanced nutrition.

While we did not experience any issues with this food, we do want to note that it may not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies. Additionally, some puppies may not like the taste of this food, so it may take some time to get them used to it. Finally, this brand is slightly more expensive than other puppy food brands, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Flavor, Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking to give their puppy the best start in life.

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 your small breed puppy’s nutritional needs.

Pros

• The small kibble size and delicious chicken flavor make it easy for puppies to enjoy.
• Contains DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development.
• Provides high-quality protein for building lean muscle.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than other puppy food options.
• Some puppies may not enjoy the chicken flavor.
• The bag size may not last as long for larger breed puppies.

As a dog owner, we know that providing our furry friends with the best nutrition is important. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is carefully formulated to meet the developmental needs of small breed puppies. The small kibble size and delicious chicken flavor make it easy for puppies to enjoy, and the added DHA from fish oil supports healthy brain and eye development.

We appreciate that Hill’s Science Diet uses high-quality ingredients, including real chicken, lamb, or salmon protein, and never contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or chicken by-product meal. The balanced set of minerals promotes strong bones and teeth, and the added protein supports lean muscle growth.

While the price point may be higher than other puppy food options, we believe that the benefits of Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food outweigh the cost. However, some puppies may not enjoy the chicken flavor, and the bag size may not last as long for larger breed puppies.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for your small breed puppy’s nutritional needs.

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)

If you want to give your puppy the best start in life, then Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice. With high-quality natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals, this puppy food provides everything your furry friend needs to grow up healthy and strong.

Pros

• Real chicken first ingredient for healthy muscle development
• Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health
• LifeSource Bits support a healthy immune system

Cons

• Formula adjustments may be made from time to time
• Packaging may vary
• May not be suitable for puppies with specific dietary needs

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for a while now, and we’ve been really impressed with the results. Our puppy loves the taste, and we love the fact that it contains only natural ingredients. The real chicken first ingredient provides plenty of protein for healthy muscle development, and the added DHA and ARA are great for cognitive function and retinal health.

We also appreciate the fact that this puppy food contains LifeSource Bits, which are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support our puppy’s healthy immune system. We’ve noticed that our puppy is rarely sick and has plenty of energy for playtime.

While we do appreciate the fact that Blue Buffalo makes slight formula adjustments from time to time, we do wish that the packaging was more consistent. We’ve noticed that the packaging can vary from bag to bag, which can be a little confusing.

Overall, we would highly recommend Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food to any pet parent who wants to give their puppy the best start in life. It’s a great choice for puppies of all breeds and sizes, and we’re confident that your furry friend will love it as much as ours does.

NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a nutrient-rich and flavorful dog food for your puppy, NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Made with a trio of high-quality proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon
• Contains 15 vibrant superfoods that support coat health and healthy skin
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Cons

• Trace amounts of genetically modified material may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the food

We’ve been using NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food for our puppy for a few months now and have been very pleased with the results. The food is made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient and features a blend of high-quality proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it contains 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries that support coat health and healthy skin. We’ve noticed that our puppy’s coat looks shinier and healthier since we started feeding him this food.

Another great thing about NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food is that it doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. We feel good about feeding our puppy a food that is made with high-quality, natural ingredients.

However, it’s worth noting that trace amounts of genetically modified material may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing. Additionally, this food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions. Finally, some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the food, so it’s important to monitor your puppy’s reaction to it.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, nutrient-rich dog food for their puppy.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack, 2 oz. Tubs, Pack of 8 Variety Pack 2 Ounce (Pack of 8)

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious meal complement for your puppy, Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck.
• Mix this dog food in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and ultimate tail wags.
• Crafted with 100% natural ingredients, from real chicken and duck to real vegetables.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other meal complements.
• Some clumping may occur, but it doesn’t affect the quality of the food.
• Not a complete meal, meant to be used as a supplement to dry food.

We’ve been using Nutro So Simple as a meal complement for our puppy for a few weeks now and we’re very happy with it. The ingredients list is short and simple, and we feel good about feeding it to our pup.

The chicken and duck flavors are a hit with our pup, and we’ve noticed that he’s been more excited about meal times since we started using Nutro So Simple. We’ve also mixed it in with his dry food and he seems to really enjoy the added flavor.

One downside is that it is more expensive compared to other meal complements, but we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. We’ve also noticed that some clumping may occur, but it doesn’t affect the quality of the food.

Overall, we highly recommend Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement as a tasty and simple addition to your puppy’s diet.

Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

If you want to give your puppy a nutritious and tasty meal, Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Humanely raised meat
• Wholesome ancient grains
• 100% transparency

Cons

• The smell is weird
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• More expensive than other brands

We love that Open Farm uses prime cuts of real meat raised in audited high-welfare family farms without growth hormones. The meat is raised responsibly, so we feel good about the food we put in our puppy’s bowl. The ancient grain formula is loaded with meaty animal protein, whole ancient grains, and fresh locally sourced produce without antibiotics, GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The pure mix of gluten-free grains such as steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds is designed for nutrient-rich wellness using omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamins, and fiber.

We appreciate the transparency of Open Farm. As a part of their commitment to transparent sourcing practices, they provide owners with the ability to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag. We think it’s important to know where our pet foods come from and Open Farm makes it easy.

However, we did notice that the smell of the dog food is a bit weird. Some dogs may not like the taste, but that’s just a matter of preference. It’s also more expensive than other brands, but we think it’s worth the extra cost for the quality ingredients.

Overall, we highly recommend Open Farm Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food for puppies. It’s a nutritious and tasty meal that we feel good about giving to our furry friend.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

We highly recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for puppies due to its all-natural, high protein, grain-free, and limited ingredient formula that includes superfoods.

Pros

• The centuries-old slow and gentle air-drying method naturally preserves food without artificial fillers while retaining nutrients and maximizing flavor. This makes it a great choice for even the pickiest of eaters.
• The recipes are made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as powerhouse superfoods including green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe. No peas, legumes, or potatoes are included.
• 100% ethically and sustainably sourced meats and seafoods from New Zealand’s free-range farms and pristine blue waters with no added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.

Cons

• The product is expensive and may not be affordable for everyone.
• The food may not be suitable for dogs with certain allergies or sensitivities.
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste or texture of the air-dried food.

We have found that ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a nutrient-dense option as three portions of raw ingredients make one portion of finished air-dried food. This means that you will feed less and your dog will have reduced stool volume. It also gives kibble a nutritional boost as a 1 oz. meal topper. Additionally, the food may help promote allergy relief, healthy skin and coat, improved digestion, joint health and mobility, and weight maintenance. It provides higher Taurine levels than nutritionally required to promote heart health.

Overall, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a great option for puppies who need a high-quality, limited ingredient diet that is also delicious and nutritious.

ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for your puppy’s nutritional needs.

Pros

• Packed with antioxidants and vitamins to support a healthy immune system
• Contains naturally occurring Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat
• Made with 85% fresh or raw animal ingredients, including free-run chicken and turkey and wild-caught fish

Cons

• Expensive compared to other puppy food brands
• Not suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities
• Some dogs may not like the taste

We have been using ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for our puppy for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and energy levels. The high protein content has helped him maintain a healthy weight and build strong muscles.

The inclusion of fresh and raw ingredients, such as chicken liver and whole mackerel, has also helped our puppy develop a taste for a variety of meats and fish. The kibble is easy to digest and has not caused any digestive issues for our puppy.

One downside to this product is the cost. It is more expensive than other puppy food brands on the market, but we believe the quality of ingredients and nutritional benefits make it worth the investment.

Overall, we highly recommend ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food for puppies who need a high protein, grain-free diet.

ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you want to give your puppy the best nutrition, then ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice.

Pros

• Provides the protein-powered nutrition your growing puppy needs to support peak development
• Made with 85 percent fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients, including ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like nourishing organs to mimic what your puppy’s ancestors consumed in the wild
• Contains freeze-dried dog food coating that provides a burst of flavor dogs instinctively crave

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog foods
• Some puppies may not like the taste
• Some customers reported issues with the freshness of the product

We highly recommend ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food for puppies. It is specially designed to provide your puppy with all the essential nutrients they need to grow into a healthy and happy dog.

The high protein content of this dog food is made with 85 percent animal ingredients like free-run chicken, free-run turkey, and wild-caught fish to support peak development. The first five ingredients of this puppy dog food are fresh or raw chicken, turkey, turkey giblets, flounder, and whole mackerel, giving your puppy a strong source of essential protein, vitamins, and minerals to maximize their nutrition.

The ORIJEN WholePrey diet features the most succulent and nutrient-rich parts of the prey, and the freeze-dried dog food coating provides a burst of flavor dogs instinctively crave. The included fresh ingredients are delivered refrigerated, and the included raw ingredients are delivered frozen.

However, this dog food is expensive compared to other dog foods, and some puppies may not like the taste. Some customers also reported issues with the freshness of the product.

Overall, if you want to give your puppy the best nutrition, then ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice.

IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag

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

Pros

• Complete and balanced: 100% complete -amp; balanced puppy food with 0% fillers
• Brain Cognition: Contains omega-3 DHA for smarter, more trainable puppies
• Supports Growth: With high-quality protein, this product supports growing muscles

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste
• Bag size may not be sufficient for larger breeds
• Contains grains that may not be suitable for some dogs

We’ve been using this puppy food for a while now, and we’re happy with the results. The ingredients seem good, and our puppy seems to enjoy it. We’ve noticed positive changes in her energy levels and coat condition.

One of the things we really like about this product is that it is complete and balanced, with 0% fillers. This means that our puppy is getting all the nutrients she needs to grow and develop properly.

Another great feature of this puppy food is that it contains omega-3 DHA, which is important for brain development and can help make our puppy smarter and more trainable.

Finally, the high-quality protein in this product supports growing muscles, which is essential for our puppy’s overall health and wellbeing.

While we haven’t experienced any major issues with this puppy food, we do know that some puppies may not like the taste. Additionally, the bag size may not be sufficient for larger breeds, and the product contains grains that may not be suitable for some dogs.

Overall, we would recommend IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken to anyone looking for a nutritious and delicious puppy food that supports growth and development.

Buying Guide

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

Nutritional Balance

It’s essential to choose a puppy food that provides a complete and balanced diet. Look for products that meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These standards ensure that the food contains the right balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Ingredients

Check the ingredients list to see what the food is made of. Look for high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid products that contain by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.

Age and Breed Appropriate

Different puppies have different nutritional needs based on their age, breed, and size. Choose a product that is specifically formulated for your puppy’s age and breed. Large breed puppies, for example, may require a different balance of nutrients than small breed puppies.

Digestibility

Puppies have sensitive digestive systems, so it’s essential to choose a food that is easy to digest. Look for products that contain high-quality, easily digestible ingredients.

Price

Price is always a factor when choosing any product, but it’s important not to sacrifice quality for a lower price. Look for products that offer good value for money and meet all your puppy’s nutritional needs.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best dog food for your puppy that will provide them with the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended foods for puppies?

We recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your puppy’s specific needs. However, some popular vet-recommended brands for puppies include Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan.

Which dry puppy food brands are considered the best?

Some of the best dry puppy food brands on the market include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Taste of the Wild. These brands offer high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition for your growing puppy.

How should one choose the best food for a small breed puppy?

Small breed puppies have unique nutritional needs and require a diet that is high in protein and fat. Look for small breed puppy formulas that are specifically designed to meet these needs. It’s also important to choose a food that is small in kibble size to make it easier for your puppy to eat.

What are the recommended dog food options for large breed puppies?

Large breed puppies require a diet that is lower in fat and calories to prevent them from growing too quickly. Look for large breed puppy formulas that are specifically designed to meet these needs. It’s also important to choose a food that is large in kibble size to promote healthy chewing habits.

How does Royal Canin puppy food compare to other brands?

Royal Canin is a highly respected brand in the pet food industry and offers a wide range of puppy formulas to meet the specific needs of different breeds and sizes. Their formulas are developed with the help of veterinarians and are designed to provide balanced nutrition for your growing puppy.

Is Blue Buffalo a good choice for feeding puppies?

Blue Buffalo is a popular brand that offers a wide range of puppy formulas to meet the specific needs of different breeds and sizes. Their formulas are made with high-quality ingredients and are designed to provide balanced nutrition for your growing puppy. However, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your puppy’s specific needs.