Best Puppy Dog Food: Top Picks for a Healthy Diet

Puppies are adorable, and taking care of them is no easy feat. One of the most critical factors in ensuring your puppy’s health is feeding them the right food. This is why we set out to research and test various puppy dog foods to identify the best ones for your furry friend.

Puppy dog food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of young dogs. It is essential to choose the right food for your puppy, as it can affect their growth and development. The right food should provide the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support your puppy’s health.

When choosing puppy dog food, it is crucial to pay attention to the ingredients. Look for foods that contain high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, or lamb. Avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial preservatives, as they can be harmful to your puppy’s health.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various puppy dog foods to identify the ones that provide the best nutritional value for your furry friend. In the next section, we will share our findings and recommendations to help you choose the best puppy dog food for your young dog.

Best Puppy Dog Food

We understand that as a new puppy owner, choosing the right food for your furry friend can be daunting. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide what’s best for your pup. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best puppy dog food options that are not only nutritious but also delicious. Our team of experts has researched and tested various products to ensure that we recommend only the top-quality options. So, sit back and relax as we guide you through the best puppy dog food available on Amazon.

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, all-natural puppy food, Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula is an excellent choice. We’ve been using this food for our own puppies and have been very happy with the results.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient for strong, growing muscles and a healthy heart.
• Contains DHA for vision and brain development, and four antioxidant sources for a healthy immune system.
• Highly digestible with natural sources of glucosamine for healthy joints.

Cons

• The kibble may be too large for very small puppies.
• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture.
• May be more expensive than some other puppy foods.

This puppy food is made with high-quality ingredients, including rice and oatmeal, and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. The crunchy kibble and tender meaty morsels provide great taste and texture that puppies love.

One of the main benefits of this puppy food is the inclusion of DHA, a nutrient found in mother’s milk, which supports vision and brain development. The four antioxidant sources also help promote a strong immune system, which is important for growing puppies.

We also appreciate that this puppy food is highly digestible and contains natural sources of glucosamine to support healthy joints. The addition of calcium also helps support strong teeth and healthy gums.

While this puppy food may be more expensive than some other options, we believe it’s worth the investment for the high-quality ingredients and complete nutrition it provides. Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula for anyone looking for the best puppy food for their furry friend.

Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food for your furry friend.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-protein nutrition for your growing puppy.
• Contains DHA and ARA, fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive and retinal development.
• Exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits promote a healthy immune system.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The small kibble size may not be suitable for larger breeds.
• The bag size may be too small for some owners with larger puppies.

This dry dog food is packed with healthy, wholesome ingredients and contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. We appreciate that this product is specifically formulated for small breed puppies and provides essential nutrition for cognitive development and growth.

The high-protein recipe promotes healthy muscle development while supporting skin and heart health. We were impressed with the inclusion of DHA and ARA to support cognitive and retinal development, which is crucial for a growing puppy. Additionally, the exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits promote a healthy immune system.

However, some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food. Additionally, the small kibble size may not be suitable for larger breeds. Lastly, the bag size may be too small for some owners with larger puppies.

Overall, the Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for small breed puppy owners who want to give their furry friend a healthy start.

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 puppy food that is packed with flavor and nutrients, IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Complete and Balanced: This puppy food is 100% complete and balanced with 0% fillers, ensuring that your puppy is getting all the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
• Brain Cognition: IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food contains omega-3 DHA, which has been shown to support brain and cognitive development in puppies.
• Supports Growth: With high-quality protein, this product supports growing muscles and helps puppies develop into strong, healthy adults.

Cons

• Price: This puppy food is slightly more expensive than some other options on the market.
• Bag Size: The 30.6 lb. bag is quite large, which may not be ideal for those with limited storage space.
• Digestive Issues: Some puppies may experience digestive issues when transitioning to this food.

We’ve tried IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food with Real Chicken and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the noticeable difference in our puppy’s coat and energy levels. The kibble size is also perfect for smaller mouths, making it easy for puppies to eat and digest.

One thing to note is that some puppies may experience digestive issues when transitioning to this food, so it’s important to introduce it gradually and monitor your puppy’s reactions. Additionally, the 30.6 lb. bag may be too large for some households, but the quality of the food makes it worth considering.

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

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

If you’re looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that is both grain-free and nutrient-dense, then Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe dry dog food is the perfect choice for you and your furry friend.

Pros

• Real salmon is the number one ingredient, providing high-quality protein for strong muscles and energy.
• Nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin are used instead of added corn or wheat, making this food easy to digest and great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Fiber helps support digestion and immune system health, promoting overall wellness and vitality.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of salmon, so it’s important to introduce this food gradually to ensure your dog enjoys it.
• This food is a bit pricier than some other dog foods on the market, but the high-quality ingredients and superior nutrition make it well worth the investment.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger dogs, so it’s important to choose the appropriate size based on your dog’s breed and size.

We’ve been using Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe dry dog food for several months now, and we’re extremely happy with the results. Our dog loves the taste and eagerly eats it at every meal, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and vitality.

The real salmon provides a high-quality source of protein that helps to build and maintain strong muscles, while the sweet potato and pumpkin provide nutrient-dense carbohydrates that are easy to digest and great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The added fiber helps support digestion and immune system health, promoting overall wellness and vitality.

While this food is a bit pricier than some other dog foods on the market, we believe that the high-quality ingredients and superior nutrition make it well worth the investment. We’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s coat, energy levels, and overall health since switching to this food, and we’re confident that you and your furry friend will love it too.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality, natural dog food that is both grain-free and nutrient-dense, then Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe dry dog food is the perfect choice for you and your furry friend.

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 want to give your puppy a high-quality diet, NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon is a great option.

Pros

• The trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon provides a complete and balanced nutrition for puppies in every bowl.
• NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients carefully sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers.
• The food is specially formulated for puppies (except for growth of large size dogs 70lbs or more as an adult).

Cons

• Trace amounts of certain ingredients may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing.
• Some dogs may not like the taste as much as other brands.
• The food may be a bit pricey compared to other puppy dog food brands.

We have been using NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon for our puppy for a while now and we are happy with the results. Our puppy loves the taste and we have noticed a significant improvement in her coat and overall health.

The trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon provides a complete and balanced nutrition for puppies in every bowl. We appreciate that NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients carefully sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers. We feel confident that we are giving our puppy the best possible nutrition.

However, we do wish that the food was a bit more affordable. Additionally, trace amounts of certain ingredients may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing. Some dogs may also not like the taste as much as other brands.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality puppy dog food, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon.

Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for the best puppy dog food for your teacup, toy or miniature dog, we highly recommend Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe dry dog food.

Pros

• Made with high-quality ingredients that promote supple skin and a shiny coat
• Great tasting meaty foods that your dog will adore
• Grain and gluten-free, making it perfect for small-breed dogs with sensitivities

Cons

• Expensive compared to other puppy dog food brands
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Kibble size may be too small for larger breeds

We’ve tried several dog food brands, but Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is by far our favorite. The protein-first formula contains select cuts of organically raised chicken and highly digestible brown rice, making it a tasty and healthy alternative to store-bought food. We love that it contains no corn, wheat, or soy, and is packed with natural probiotics for proper digestion, as well as flaxseed and pure coconut oil for a shiny coat.

Our dogs go crazy for this dog food, and we love that it’s made without the junk. It’s an easy way to show your furry friends how much you care about their health. We also appreciate that it’s formulated with cutting-edge ingredients like turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and ginger, making it a premium dog food you can trust.

Feeding requirements may vary based on your dog’s age, activity level, and environment. However, the recommended feeding guidelines are as follows: Adults (per day): 1-3lbs 1/4 cup; 4-6lbs 1/3cup; 7-10lbs 2/3 cup; 11-20lbs 3/4 cup; 21-30lbs 1 1/4cup; 31lbs Add 1/4 cup per 10lbs. Puppies should be fed twice the adult amount.

Transitioning your dog to Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is easy. Simply mix 20% of Health Extension with 80% of the old formula on day 1. On day 2, mix 40% of Health Extension with 60% of the old formula, and so on until day 5 when you can feed 100% of Health Extension.

Overall, Health Extension Little Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe is a great choice for puppy dog food. It’s made with real meat and other wholesome ingredients packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy dog food that’s made with your furry friend’s health in mind, this is the one to choose.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food

If you are looking for a high-quality puppy food that is packed with animal-based protein, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food is a great option.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: Each bite is coated in delicious and nutritious freeze-dried raw meat, providing the protein-rich taste that dogs crave.
• Feed Your Pup’s Wild Side: Made with six animal protein sources that your pup will sure love, including cage-free chicken and turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck.
• Perfect for Pups: Smaller bites, higher protein, fat, and calorie content to support the energy and growth needs of puppies, with an extra boost of DHA from salmon oil to support developing brain and eyes.

Cons

• Price: It is a bit pricey compared to other puppy food options.
• Texture: Some dogs may not like the texture of the freeze-dried raw meat coating.
• Availability: It may not be available in all pet stores, so you may need to order it online.

We have been using Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food for our puppy and have been very pleased with the results. The high-quality protein sources and wholesome grains provide our puppy with the nutrition he needs to support his growth and development. We also appreciate that it is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

The freeze-dried raw meat coating adds a delicious flavor that our puppy loves, and the smaller bites make it easy for him to eat. We have noticed that our puppy has more energy and his coat looks healthier since we switched to this food.

While it is a bit pricey compared to other puppy food options, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. The only downside is that it may not be available in all pet stores, so you may need to order it online.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food for anyone looking for a high-quality puppy food that is packed with animal-based protein and wholesome grains.

Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for the best puppy dog food, Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• This dog food is easy on the teeth and stomach, making it perfect for small dogs and those with sensitive stomachs.
• The probiotic support formula in this dog food helps with digestion and immunity, which is great for keeping your puppy healthy.
• The quality ingredients in this dog food provide nourishing protein, antioxidants, superfoods, vitamins, and minerals that support your puppy’s skin, coat, and immune system health.

Cons

• The smell of this dog food is a bit on the stronger side.
• The price of this dog food is a bit higher than some other options on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.

We recently tried Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food with our puppy and were impressed with the results. The kibble is small and easy for our puppy to chew, which is important for small dogs. We also noticed that our puppy’s coat looked shinier and healthier after eating this dog food for a few weeks.

One of the things we love about this dog food is the probiotic support formula. It’s great to know that we’re giving our puppy a food that supports his digestive health and immune system. We also appreciate that this dog food is made with quality ingredients that provide nourishment and support overall health.

While the smell of this dog food is a bit strong, it’s not a dealbreaker for us. We also understand that the price of this dog food may be a bit higher than some other options on the market, but we believe it’s worth it for the quality ingredients and probiotic support formula.

Overall, we highly recommend Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food for anyone looking for the best puppy dog food. It’s a great option for small dogs and those with sensitive stomachs, and the probiotic support formula is a big plus.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies

We highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies due to its high-quality ingredients and balanced formula that supports healthy growth and development of your puppy.

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 LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health and life stage needs.

Cons

• Packaging may vary.
• Formula adjustments may be made from time to time.
• Individual puppy’s requirements may vary due to age, breed, environment, and activity level.

Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Puppy Food is specially formulated for puppies, making it an excellent choice for your new best friend. The natural ingredients, such as deboned chicken, cranberries, and vegetables, provide a balanced diet to help build strong muscles. The inclusion of DHA and ARA supports cognitive function and retinal health, while the exclusive LifeSource Bits support immune system health and life stage needs.

We appreciate that Blue Buffalo’s formula does not contain chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy. However, the packaging may vary, and formula adjustments may be made from time to time. Additionally, individual puppy’s requirements may vary due to age, breed, environment, and activity level.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies to support the healthy growth and development of your puppy.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Premium Natural Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy dog food that will help your furry friend grow healthy and strong, then Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real chicken and brown rice
• Contains fruits rich in antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• A bit pricier than some other puppy dog food options
• The bag is not resealable, which can make storage a bit challenging

We recently tried this puppy dog food with our own furry friend and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real chicken and brown rice provide a great source of protein and fiber, while the added fruits and vegetables help to support a healthy immune system.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste of this particular puppy dog food. While our furry friend loved it, we have heard from other pet owners that their dogs were not as enthusiastic.

Another potential downside is that this puppy dog food is a bit pricier than some other options on the market. However, we think that the added quality and nutritional benefits make it worth the investment.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Premium Natural Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality puppy dog food that will help their furry friend thrive.

Buying Guide

When searching for the best puppy dog food, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you’re providing your furry friend with the proper nutrition they need to grow and thrive. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a puppy food:

Nutritional Content

The nutritional content of the food is one of the most important factors to consider. Look for a food that meets the nutritional requirements for puppies, which includes a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides guidelines for the minimum and maximum amounts of nutrients that should be included in puppy food.

Ingredient Quality

The quality of the ingredients in the food is also crucial. Look for a food that uses high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid foods that contain by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives, as these can be harmful to your puppy’s health.

Brand Reputation

When choosing a puppy food, it’s important to consider the reputation of the brand. Look for a brand that has a history of producing high-quality, nutritious food for puppies. You can also check online reviews and talk to other pet owners to get their recommendations.

Price

Price is also a consideration when choosing a puppy food. While it’s important to provide your puppy with high-quality nutrition, you don’t want to break the bank. Look for a food that fits within your budget while still meeting your puppy’s nutritional needs.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best puppy food for your furry friend and ensure they get the nutrition they need to grow and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended foods for puppies?

When it comes to the best puppy dog food, veterinarians recommend brands that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. Some of the top vet-recommended foods for puppies include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Blue Buffalo.

How can I choose the best food for my small breed puppy?

Small breed puppies have different nutritional needs than larger breeds. When selecting puppy food for small breeds, look for brands that are specifically formulated for small dogs. These foods should have higher protein and fat content to support their fast metabolism. Additionally, choose foods with smaller kibble sizes that are easier for small dogs to eat.

What are some healthy homemade food options for puppies?

While commercial puppy food is the best option for most puppies, some owners prefer to make their own food. If you choose to make homemade puppy food, make sure it includes a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Some healthy ingredients to include are chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and green beans.

Which puppy foods are considered the healthiest by experts?

The healthiest puppy foods are those that are made with high-quality ingredients and meet AAFCO standards. Some of the top-rated puppy foods by experts include Orijen Puppy, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy, and Wellness Complete Health Puppy.

What should I look for when selecting food for a large breed puppy?

Large breed puppies require a different balance of nutrients than smaller breeds. When selecting puppy food for large breeds, look for brands that have a lower calorie density to prevent overfeeding and support healthy growth. Additionally, choose foods with a controlled calcium and phosphorus ratio to prevent bone and joint issues.

How do I find high-quality puppy food that is also affordable?

High-quality puppy food can be expensive, but there are ways to find affordable options. Look for sales and discounts on high-quality brands, purchase in bulk, or consider store-brand options that meet AAFCO standards. Additionally, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your puppy’s specific needs.