Best Puppy Dog Foods: Top Picks for Your Furry Friend

Puppies are adorable, playful, and full of energy. As a new puppy owner, you want to make sure your furry friend is getting the best nutrition possible. That’s why choosing the right puppy food is crucial for their growth and development.

When it comes to puppy food, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. They require more protein, fat, and calories to support their growing bodies. Second, not all puppy foods are created equal. Some brands use low-quality ingredients or fillers that can be harmful to your puppy’s health.

To help you find the best puppy food for your furry friend, we’ve researched and tested ten of the top brands on the market. We looked at factors such as ingredient quality, nutritional value, and taste to determine which puppy foods are worth your investment.

One critical thing to pay attention to when choosing a puppy food is the ingredient list. Look for brands that use high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid brands that use by-products or fillers such as corn or wheat, which can be difficult for your puppy to digest.

After hours of research and testing, we’ve identified the top ten best puppy foods on the market. Whether you’re looking for a grain-free option or a brand that uses all-natural ingredients, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect puppy food for your furry friend.

Best Puppy Dog Foods

As puppy owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best possible nutrition to support their growth and development. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right food for your puppy. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best puppy dog foods that are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients to keep your puppy healthy and happy. From grain-free options to limited ingredient diets, our roundup has something for every puppy.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies

If you’re looking for a premium quality dog food for your puppy, Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy dry dog food is a great option. This recipe is specially formulated to support healthy growth and development of your puppy, with real chicken as the primary ingredient.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Contains DHA and ARA to support cognitive function and retinal health
• Includes LifeSource Bits for immune system health

Cons

• Packaging may vary
• Formula adjustments may occur
• A bit pricey compared to other brands

We’ve been using this product for a few months now and our puppy loves it. The kibble size is perfect for small breed puppies and the chicken and brown rice flavor is a hit with our furry friend. We appreciate that it’s made with premium natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy.

One of the things we love about this formula is that it contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk. This helps support cognitive function and retinal health in puppies. Additionally, the inclusion of LifeSource Bits is a nice touch. These bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

While this is a great product, it’s important to note that the packaging may vary, so don’t be alarmed if you receive a different bag than what is pictured. Additionally, formula adjustments may occur from time to time, but these adjustments do not impact the guaranteed analysis nor introduce new allergens.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy dry dog food for anyone looking for a premium quality puppy food that supports 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 your young small breed dog. This dry puppy food is specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of puppies, providing them with the best start in life and helping them grow to their full potential.

Pros

• The small kibble size and delicious chicken flavor make it easy for puppies to enjoy and digest.
• DHA from fish oil promotes healthy brain and eye development in growing puppies.
• The balanced set of minerals helps promote strong bones and teeth.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.
• The price point may be higher than other puppy food brands.
• The packaging may not be convenient for some pet owners.

We have personally used Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for our own puppies and have seen great results. Our puppies loved the taste and had no trouble digesting the small kibble size. We also noticed that their coats were shiny and their weight gain was healthy.

This dry puppy food is made with natural ingredients and contains real chicken protein as the first ingredient, providing your growing little dog with high-quality protein for building lean muscle. Hill’s Science Diet also uses clinically proven antioxidant benefits to promote overall health and wellness in puppies.

We appreciate that Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s only accepts ingredients from suppliers whose facilities meet stringent quality standards and who are approved by Hill’s. Plus, with every purchase of Science Diet, you help feed over 100,000 homeless pets every day, 365 days a year through their Food, Shelter -amp; Love program.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality dry puppy food that is specially formulated for small breed puppies, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food.

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

We highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality and nutritious puppy food. This puppy food is made with natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to provide your furry friend with the wholesome nutrition needed for healthy growth and play.

Pros

• The puppy food features high-quality protein from real chicken to support healthy muscle development.
• It contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits.
• Contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste of this particular recipe.
• The packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some pet owners.
• The formula may need to be adjusted from time to time, which could be inconvenient for some pet owners.

We have been using this puppy food for a few weeks now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in our puppy’s overall health and energy levels. The high-quality protein from real chicken has helped to support healthy muscle development, while the wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits have provided our puppy with the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth and play.

One of the unique features of this puppy food is the inclusion of DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, which have helped to support our puppy’s cognitive function and retinal health. We appreciate that the puppy food is made with natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and does not contain any chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

While some puppies may not like the taste of this particular recipe, we have not experienced any issues with our puppy not eating the food. However, the packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some pet owners, and the formula may need to be adjusted from time to time, which could be inconvenient for some pet owners.

In conclusion, we highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality and nutritious puppy food. It has helped to support our puppy’s overall health and energy levels, and we appreciate that it is made with natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food, Real Beef, Pea, -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 40 Pound Bag

We highly recommend purchasing the Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food for your furry friend. This product offers a variety of benefits for your puppy, including healthy ingredients and added vitamins and minerals.

Pros

• Real beef is the number one ingredient, which supports healthy organs and maintains lean muscle mass.
• Fiber sources including peas and brown rice help support healthy digestion.
• Whole Health Blend, which includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, antioxidants, and whole grains, helps support a healthy mind, body, and energy level.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The kibble size may be too large for smaller breeds.
• The price may be higher compared to other puppy dog food options.

This dry dog food is an excellent choice for adult dogs and is gluten-free. The added vitamins, minerals, and taurine help support your puppy’s overall health. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product is donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need.

The real beef, pea, and brown rice recipe is a nutritious and delicious option for your puppy. The Whole Health Blend helps support an active mind, antioxidants help support a healthy body, and whole grains help maintain balanced energy levels.

In conclusion, the Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food is a great option for your puppy’s health and well-being. The added benefits and high-quality ingredients make this product a must-try for all puppy owners.

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

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food that’s packed with protein and easy to digest, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: Our Raw Coated puppy 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 Pup’s Wild Side! Our Prairie Recipe includes six animal protein sources that your pup will sure love: cage-free chicken and turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose and duck.
• Perfect for Pups: Made of smaller bites, our nutritious recipe includes an extra boost of DHA from salmon oil to support developing brain and eyes, as well as higher protein, fat and calorie content to support the energy and growth needs of puppies.

Cons

• Higher Price: Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food is more expensive than some other puppy foods on the market.
• Strong Smell: Some customers have reported that this puppy food has a strong odor, which may be off-putting to some pet owners.
• Small Bag Size: The 3.5 lb. bag may not last as long as larger bags of puppy food.

We’ve been using Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food for our new puppy, and we’ve been very happy with the results. Our puppy loves the taste of the food, and we appreciate that it’s made with high-quality ingredients and free from fillers and artificial colors and flavors.

One of the things we like best about this puppy food is that it’s made with multiple sources of animal-based protein, including cage-free chicken and turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck. This ensures that our puppy is getting the nutrients she needs to grow and thrive.

We also appreciate that this puppy food is made with wholesome grains like barley and oatmeal, which are easy for dogs of all life stages to digest. And with added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food supports our puppy’s overall well-being.

While the price of this puppy food is higher than some other brands, we feel that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits to our puppy’s health are well worth the investment. The only downside we’ve noticed is that the 3.5 lb. bag size may not last as long as larger bags of puppy food, so we find ourselves needing to reorder more frequently.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Coated Puppy Food for pet owners who want to provide their puppies with a high-quality, protein-rich diet that supports their overall health and well-being.

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

If you’re looking for a grain-free dog food that’s packed with nutrients, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a great choice. We’ve been using this product for a while, and we’re impressed with its quality and effectiveness.

Pros

• Real salmon is the number one ingredient, making it a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
• Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin, instead of added corn or wheat.
• Contains antioxidants zinc and vitamin E, which help support a healthy immune system.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the food looks and smells different than previous batches.
• It’s a bit more expensive than some other dog foods on the market.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger breeds.

We appreciate that Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is made with natural ingredients and is free from grains, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest. The added vitamins and minerals help keep our dog healthy and happy, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his coat and skin health since switching to this product.

The kibble is a bit smaller than some other brands, which may be a downside for larger breeds, but it’s perfect for our medium-sized dog. We also appreciate that the food is made in the USA and is formulated by expert pet nutritionists.

Overall, we highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe for anyone looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food that’s packed with nutrients. It’s a bit more expensive than some other brands, but we believe the quality is worth the price.

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 premium dog food that’s nutrient-rich and full of flavor, NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice. Made with a trio of high-quality proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon, this recipe is specially formulated for puppies (except for growth of large size dogs 70lbs or more as an adult).

Pros

• Contains a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries that support coat health and healthy skin.
• Made with high-quality, real ingredients that provide complete and balanced nutrition for puppies in every bowl.
• No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Trace amounts of genetically modified material may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing.
• The kibble may be too hard for some puppies to chew.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.

We’ve tried NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food with our own puppies and we’ve been impressed with the quality of the ingredients. We love that it’s made with a trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon, which provides a variety of nutrients for our growing pups. The blend of 15 superfoods is also a great addition, as it helps support our puppies’ coat health and healthy skin.

One thing to keep in mind is that trace amounts of genetically modified material may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing. While this is not a huge concern for us, it may be something to consider if you’re looking for a completely non-GMO dog food.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a premium dog food that’s made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for puppies.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a premium dog food that’s both delicious and nutritious, then Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken -amp; Veggies Recipe dry dog food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, providing a good source of protein that helps support healthy organs and maintain lean muscle mass.
• Fiber sources including peas and brown rice help support healthy digestion, while also providing your dog with a source of energy.
• No poultry by-product meal, fillers, or added wheat or wheat gluten ingredients, and no artificial flavors or artificial preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor your dog’s reaction.
• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller dogs, so you may need to break it up or choose a different food.
• While the packaging is convenient, it can be difficult to reseal the bag and keep the food fresh.

We recently tried this food with our own puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value. Our puppy seemed to enjoy the taste and had no trouble digesting it, which is always a good sign.

One thing to keep in mind is that this food may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with certain dietary restrictions or food sensitivities. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we would recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken -amp; Veggies Recipe dry dog food to anyone looking for a high-quality, nutritious food for their puppy. Plus, the fact that a portion of the proceeds goes to help animals in need makes it even more appealing.

ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy dog food that provides your furry friend with the essential nutrients they need to thrive, ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with 85% fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients to support peak development
• Grain-free kibble tailored to provide the protein-powered nutrition your growing puppy needs
• Includes ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like nourishing organs to mimic what your puppy’s ancestors consumed in the wild

Cons

• Pricey compared to other puppy dog foods on the market
• May not be suitable for puppies with certain food sensitivities or allergies
• Some customers have reported that their dogs didn’t enjoy the taste of this dog food

We’ve been using ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food for a few months now and have been impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the nutritional benefits it provides to our puppy. The high protein content has helped our puppy develop strong muscles, and the grain-free formula has prevented any digestive issues.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food is on the pricier side, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. Additionally, while our puppy has had no issues with this food, some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality puppy dog food that provides your furry friend with the essential nutrients they need to thrive, ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag Chicken 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food that’s both nutritious and delicious, IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option to consider.

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

• Small Bag: The 15 lb. bag may not last very long if you have a larger puppy
• Strong Smell: Some customers have reported that the food has a strong odor
• Expensive: This product may be pricier than some other puppy foods on the market

We’ve been using this puppy food for a while now, and we’ve been impressed with the results. The ingredients seem high-quality, and our puppy seems to enjoy the taste. We’ve noticed positive changes in his energy levels and coat condition since switching to this food.

One of the things we appreciate about this food is that it’s 100% complete and balanced, with no fillers. We feel confident that our puppy is getting all of the nutrients he needs to grow and thrive.

We also like that this food contains omega-3 DHA, which is important for brain development and trainability. We’ve noticed that our puppy seems to be picking up new commands more quickly since we started feeding him this food.

The high-quality protein in this food is also a plus. It’s helping our puppy to build strong, lean muscles as he grows.

One potential downside of this product is that the 15 lb. bag may not last very long if you have a larger puppy. Additionally, some customers have reported that the food has a strong smell, which may be off-putting to some people.

Finally, it’s worth noting that this product may be pricier than some other puppy foods on the market. However, we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we would definitely recommend IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken to anyone looking for a high-quality, nutritious puppy food.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best puppy dog food, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some factors to consider before making a purchase:

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of the food is one of the most important factors to consider. Look for products that contain high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or beef, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Check the ingredient list to ensure that the food does not contain any harmful additives or fillers.

Age and Breed

Different breeds and ages of puppies have unique nutritional needs, so it’s important to choose a food that is tailored to your puppy’s specific requirements. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your puppy based on their breed and age.

Price

While it’s important to choose a high-quality food for your puppy, it’s also important to consider your budget. Compare prices of different brands and types of puppy food to find a product that fits your budget while still providing the necessary nutritional value.

Packaging

Packaging is another important factor to consider when choosing puppy food. Look for products that come in airtight, resealable bags to keep the food fresh for longer. Additionally, consider the size of the bag and how much food you will need to feed your puppy on a regular basis.

By considering these factors, you can confidently choose the best puppy dog food for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended foods for puppies?

When it comes to selecting the best food for your puppy, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian. They can recommend the best food options for your puppy based on their breed, size, and nutritional needs. Some of the top vet-recommended puppy foods include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan.

Which dog food brands should I steer clear of for my puppy?

It is important to be cautious of dog food brands that have had recalls or contain harmful ingredients. Some brands to avoid include Diamond Pet Foods, Ol’ Roy, and Kibbles ‘n Bits. Always read the ingredients list and research the brand before purchasing any dog food.

What is the healthiest dry dog food for puppies?

The healthiest dry dog food for puppies should contain high-quality protein, whole grains, and essential vitamins and minerals. Some of the best dry dog food options for puppies include Blue Buffalo Life Protection, Wellness Complete Health, and Nutro Wholesome Essentials.

What are the best dog food options for small breed puppies?

Small breed puppies have different nutritional needs than larger breeds. They require food with higher levels of protein and fat to support their high metabolism. Some of the best dog food options for small breed puppies include Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed, Wellness Complete Health Small Breed, and Merrick Lil’ Plates.

How do I choose the best dry food for my puppy’s nutritional needs?

When selecting dry food for your puppy, it is important to consider their breed, size, and specific nutritional needs. Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains, and essential vitamins and minerals. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your puppy’s diet.

What homemade puppy food recipes provide balanced nutrition?

Homemade puppy food can be a great option for pet owners who want to control the ingredients their puppy consumes. However, it is important to ensure that the homemade food provides balanced nutrition. Some homemade puppy food recipes that provide balanced nutrition include boiled chicken and rice, ground turkey and sweet potato, and salmon and quinoa. Always consult with your veterinarian before feeding your puppy homemade food.