Best Puppy Food: Top Picks for a Healthy Start

Puppies are adorable, but they require a lot of care, including proper nutrition. Choosing the best dog food for puppies is crucial for their growth and development. Puppies need a diet that is rich in protein, fat, and essential nutrients to support their rapid growth and development.

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for puppies, there are a few things you should consider. First, you want to make sure that the food you choose is specifically formulated for puppies. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and their food should reflect that.

Second, you want to look for a high-quality dog food that is made with real, whole ingredients. Avoid dog foods that contain fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. Look for dog foods that are made with high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, or fish, and whole grains like brown rice or barley.

Finally, you want to make sure that the dog food you choose is appropriate for your puppy’s breed and size. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs than small breed puppies, and their food should reflect that.

At We Know Dogs, we spent countless hours researching and testing various brands of dog food to identify the best dog food for puppies. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and explain why we think they’re the best choice for your furry friend.

Best Puppy Food

As dog lovers and owners ourselves, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best nutrition possible. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various puppy food options to bring you the top picks for your growing pup. Our list includes options for different dietary needs, preferences, and budgets. So whether you’re looking for grain-free, organic, or affordable options, we’ve got you covered. Check out our roundup of the best puppy food products below.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Premium Natural Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend the Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Premium Natural Dry Dog Food for puppies because of its wholesome ingredients and delicious taste.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, which helps support healthy organs and lean muscle mass.
• Brown rice and peas are an excellent source of wholesome fiber, which helps support healthy digestion.
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, making it a natural food for puppies with added vitamins and minerals.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the seafood flavor.
• The kibble size may be too large for some small breeds.
• The packaging may not be resealable, which may cause the food to go stale.

Our puppy loves the taste of this food, and we love that it’s made with real, wholesome ingredients. The combination of chicken, brown rice, and peas provides a balanced and nutritious meal for our growing pup. We appreciate that there are no artificial ingredients, so we know we’re feeding our puppy only the best.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the seafood flavor, so it’s important to introduce the food gradually and monitor your pup’s reaction. Additionally, the kibble size may be too large for some smaller breeds, so it’s important to check the size before purchasing. Finally, the packaging may not be resealable, which may cause the food to go stale if not stored properly.

Overall, we highly recommend the Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Premium Natural Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a wholesome and nutritious food for their growing pup.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies

We highly recommend Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies as it provides high-quality natural ingredients that promote healthy growth and development in puppies.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for strong muscles.
• Contains DHA and ARA to support cognitive function and retinal health.
• Exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support immune system health.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste.
• More expensive than some other brands.
• Packaging may vary.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies is a great option for pet owners looking for a premium-quality dog food. The use of real chicken as the first ingredient ensures that puppies receive high-quality protein for strong muscles. Additionally, the inclusion of DHA and ARA supports cognitive function and retinal health, which is important for puppies during their development.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits. These bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance. This is particularly important for puppies, as they are more susceptible to illness and disease.

While Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies is more expensive than some other brands on the market, the use of premium-quality natural ingredients justifies the higher price point. However, some puppies may not like the taste of this dog food, so it may not be the right choice for all pet owners.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality dog food that promotes healthy growth and development in puppies, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your puppy, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food.

Pros

• Real meat is the first ingredient, ensuring high-quality protein for healthy muscle development.
• 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 a healthy oxidative balance.

Cons

• May be more expensive than other puppy foods on the market.
• Some puppies may not enjoy the taste of the food.
• Packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some customers.

We recently tried Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for our new puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Real chicken is the first ingredient, which is a great source of high-quality protein for healthy muscle development. Additionally, the food contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health.

One thing we particularly liked about this food was the inclusion of exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, which are carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance.

While this food may be more expensive than other puppy foods on the market, we believe the quality of the ingredients is worth the extra cost. However, some puppies may not enjoy the taste of the food, so it may be worth trying a smaller bag before committing to a larger one. Additionally, packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some customers.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for any puppy owner looking for a high-quality, balanced diet to support the healthy growth and development of their furry friend.

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 nutritious and delicious puppy food, IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option for your furry friend.

Pros

• This puppy food is 100% complete and balanced with 0% fillers, ensuring that your puppy gets all the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong.
• With omega-3 DHA, this puppy food helps to support brain and cognitive development, making your puppy smarter and more trainable.
• This puppy food is made with high-quality protein to support growing muscles, helping your puppy to stay active and playful.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the bags could be bigger, meaning that you may need to purchase more frequently.
• While this puppy food is suitable for all breed sizes, it may not be the best option for puppies with specific dietary requirements or sensitivities.
• Some customers have reported that their puppies didn’t like the taste of this puppy food, so it may not be suitable for all taste preferences.

We recently tried IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for our new puppy, and we were impressed with the results. Our puppy loved the taste of the food and eagerly ate it up at every meal, and we noticed that he had more energy and was more playful after switching to this food.

We also appreciated that this puppy food is 100% complete and balanced with 0% fillers, meaning that our puppy was getting all the nutrients he needed to grow up healthy and strong. The addition of omega-3 DHA also helped to support his brain and cognitive development, which was important to us as we wanted to train him to be a well-behaved and obedient dog.

Overall, we would definitely recommend IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken to other puppy owners who are looking for a high-quality and nutritious puppy food.

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

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food that will help your furry friend grow into a healthy adult dog, then the IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken might be just what you need.

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 ingredients may not be to everyone’s liking
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May be more expensive than other brands

We’ve been using IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a big difference in our puppy’s overall health and wellbeing. The food is packed with flavor and rich with 22 key nutrients like those found in mother’s milk, which is important for a growing puppy.

One of the things we love about this puppy food is that it’s 100% complete -amp; balanced with 0% fillers. This means that our puppy is getting all the nutrients she needs without any unnecessary additives. The food also contains Omega-3 DHA for smarter, more trainable puppies, which is a big plus.

Another great thing about this puppy food is that it supports growing muscles with high-quality protein. Our puppy has been growing like a weed, and we’re confident that this food is helping her develop strong muscles and bones.

While we’ve been very happy with this puppy food, we do understand that it may not be to everyone’s liking. Some of the ingredients may not be what some people are looking for, and some dogs may not like the taste. Additionally, this brand may be more expensive than some other brands on the market.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken to anyone looking for a high-quality puppy food that will help their furry friend grow into a healthy adult dog.

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 complete and balanced puppy food with high-quality protein that supports growing muscles, then IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is a great option.

Pros

• Contains omega-3 DHA for smarter, more trainable puppies
• Enriched with antioxidants to support immune system development
• 100% complete -amp; balanced puppy food with 0% fillers

Cons

• Some ingredients may not be suitable for all puppies
• May not be suitable for puppies with specific dietary requirements
• Bag size may be too large for some owners

We’ve been using IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for our puppy and have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and wellbeing. The omega-3 DHA has definitely helped with her training and she seems to be more alert and focused.

The fact that the food is 100% complete and balanced with 0% fillers is also reassuring, as we know that our puppy is getting all the key nutrients she needs to grow and develop. The added antioxidants have also helped to support her immune system, which is especially important during the puppy stage.

However, we did notice that some of the ingredients in the food may not be suitable for all puppies, so it’s important to check the ingredients list before purchasing. Additionally, if your puppy has specific dietary requirements, this food may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Food Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken for any puppy owner looking for a high-quality, complete and balanced food that supports growth and development.

Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food

If you’re looking for a wet dog food option for your small breed puppy, Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• The soft texture of the food makes it easy for small breed puppies to eat.
• The formula is designed to support the immune system and promote digestive health.
• The pouch packaging is convenient for feeding and storing.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than some other wet dog food options.
• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The product is only suitable for puppies up to 10 months old.

We recently tried Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food for our small breed puppy and were impressed with the results. The soft texture of the food made it easy for our puppy to eat, and we noticed an improvement in his digestive health after switching to this formula.

One of the standout features of this dog food is the immune support it provides through clinically proven antioxidants like vitamins E and C. We also appreciated the inclusion of prebiotics and highly digestible proteins to support digestive health and optimal stool quality.

The pouch packaging is a convenient option for feeding and storing, and we found it easy to mix with Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Food for a complete and balanced meal. However, the price point may be higher than some other wet dog food options on the market.

Overall, we would recommend Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food for small breed puppies up to 10 months old who need immune support and digestive health benefits.

Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food for large breed puppies. This dog food is made with wholesome ingredients that dogs love, at a price that you’ll love too.

Pros

• The number one ingredient is real salmon, which is a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
• Fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin helps support healthy digestion and immune system health.
• This natural dog food contains added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, with no poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, and no added corn, wheat, or soy.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the food looks and smells different from previous orders.
• The food is a bit expensive compared to other brands.
• Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of the food.

Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a nutritious food that can help support the overall health of your large breed puppy. The natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin help support healthy joints, while the fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin helps support healthy digestion. Additionally, the omega-6 fatty acids from chicken and chicken fat help support skin and coat health, and the antioxidants zinc and vitamin E help support a healthy immune system.

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s made with wholesome ingredients, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a great choice. It’s a bit expensive, but the added cost is worth it for the quality of the ingredients. Overall, we highly recommend this product for large breed puppies.

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’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your puppy, Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice. This puppy food is made with natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support healthy growth and play.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient to support healthy muscle development.
• Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health.
• LifeSource Bits provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your puppy’s healthy immune system.

Cons

• Formula adjustments may occur from time to time, which may require a transition period.
• Packaging may vary from what is shown.
• May not be suitable for puppies with specific dietary needs.

Our experience with Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula has been great. Our puppy loves the taste and has had no issues with digestion. We appreciate that this puppy food is made with natural ingredients and contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

The real chicken and brown rice recipe provides high-quality protein and wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit. We also appreciate that this puppy food contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk that support cognitive function and retinal health.

The LifeSource Bits provide a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support our puppy’s healthy immune system. We also like that this puppy food comes in a convenient 4-lb bag, which is perfect for small breed puppies.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality dog food for their puppy.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food that’s made with human-grade ingredients and free from fillers, The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility for higher quality and safety standards
• Enhanced protein to support muscular development and boosted DHA for brain health in puppies
• Contains live probiotics for digestive system support and no fillers, meat meals, or artificial ingredients

Cons

• Some customers have reported that the food can be crumbly and turn into powder, making it difficult to feed
• May be more expensive than other puppy foods on the market
• The small bag size may not be suitable for larger breeds or those with bigger appetites

We recently tried The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food for our new puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The food is made with human-grade muscle meat and liver, low glycemic carbs, and beneficial fats, and contains no fillers, meat meals, or artificial ingredients. We appreciated that the food is produced in a human food facility for higher quality and safety standards.

Our puppy seemed to enjoy the taste of the food and had no issues with digestion. We also liked that the food contains live probiotics for digestive system support. However, we did notice that the food can be crumbly and turn into powder, which made it difficult to feed at times.

Overall, we would recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food for those looking for a high-quality puppy food that’s made with human-grade ingredients and free from fillers. While it may be more expensive than other puppy foods on the market, we believe that the quality of the ingredients is worth the investment.

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 the right product:

Nutritional Content

Puppies require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs for growth and development. Look for dog foods that contain high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives that can be harmful to your puppy’s health.

Ingredient Quality

The quality of ingredients used in dog food is essential for your puppy’s overall health. Look for products that use whole food ingredients, such as real meat, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid products that contain by-products, meat meals, and other low-quality ingredients.

Brand Reputation

Choose a dog food brand with a good reputation for producing high-quality products. Look for brands that have a history of producing nutritious and safe dog food. You can also consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on the best brands for your puppy.

Price

The price of dog food can vary greatly, and it’s important to choose a product that fits your budget. However, don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price. Look for products that offer good value for money and provide your puppy with the nutrition they need.

Feeding Schedule

Consult with your veterinarian on the appropriate feeding schedule for your puppy. Generally, puppies require more frequent meals than adult dogs. Look for dog foods that provide feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best dog food for your puppy’s needs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your puppy’s diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended foods for puppies?

When it comes to the best dog food for puppies, vets usually recommend brands that contain high-quality protein sources and are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Some of the top vet-recommended brands for puppies include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan.

Which puppy food is best for small breeds?

Small breed puppies have different nutritional needs than larger breeds, so it’s important to choose a food that’s specifically formulated for their needs. Some of the best puppy food options for small breeds include Blue Buffalo Life Protection, Wellness Complete Health, and Nutro Wholesome Essentials.

What is considered the healthiest dry food for puppies?

The healthiest dry food for puppies is one that contains high-quality protein sources, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Some of the top options for healthy dry puppy food include Orijen Puppy, Acana Puppy -amp; Junior, and Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy.

How can I prepare homemade food that’s safe and nutritious for my puppy?

Preparing homemade food for your puppy can be a great way to ensure they’re getting a healthy, balanced diet. However, it’s important to consult with your vet and a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the food you’re preparing is safe and nutritionally balanced. Some ingredients that can be included in homemade puppy food include lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains.

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

Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds, so it’s important to choose a food that’s specifically formulated for their needs. Some of the top recommended dog food options for large breed puppies include Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy, Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy, and Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy.

Which high-quality puppy foods are also budget-friendly?

While high-quality puppy food can be expensive, there are some budget-friendly options that still provide the necessary nutrition for your puppy. Some of the best budget-friendly puppy food options include Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy, Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy, and Iams Proactive Health Puppy.