Best Puppy Food: Top Picks for Your Growing Pup

Puppies are adorable and playful, but they require a lot of attention and care. One of the most important aspects of raising a healthy puppy is feeding them the right food. Choosing the best dog food for a puppy can be overwhelming, with so many options available in the market. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the right food for your furry friend.

Puppy food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing dogs. It contains higher levels of protein, fat, and calories than adult dog food. The right balance of nutrients is crucial for puppies to develop strong bones, muscles, and organs. Feeding your puppy a well-balanced diet will not only help them grow healthy, but it will also prevent health problems in the future.

When choosing the best dog food for a puppy, it’s important to consider their breed, size, and age. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs than small breed puppies. Similarly, puppies under six months of age require more frequent feeding than older puppies. It’s also important to avoid feeding your puppy human food, as it can be harmful to their health.

The most critical thing to consider when selecting puppy food is the ingredients. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, lamb, or fish. Avoid dog food that contains fillers such as corn, soy, and wheat. These ingredients are difficult for puppies to digest and can cause allergies and digestive problems. We spent hours researching and testing various puppy food brands to identify the ones that provide the right balance of nutrients for growing puppies.

Best Puppy Food

As puppy owners, we know that providing the best nutrition for our furry friends is crucial for their health and growth. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right food for your puppy. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various brands to bring you our top picks for the best puppy food on the market. Whether you’re looking for the healthiest ingredients, the most affordable options, or the best overall value, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the perfect food for your new best friend.

Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Flavor, Puppy Dry Dog Food, 15 lb Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality dry dog food that’s specially formulated for puppies, then Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein that’s essential for building strong muscles and supporting healthy growth and development.
• Made with premium natural ingredients and free from chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy, this dog food is both delicious and nutritious.
• Contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, as well as choline, which supports brain and eye development.

Cons

• Packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some pet owners.
• Formula adjustments are made from time to time, which could be a concern for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
• The price point may be higher than other puppy foods on the market.

We’ve been feeding our puppy Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food for a few weeks now, and we’re very pleased with the results. Our puppy seems to love the taste, and we’ve noticed that she has more energy and seems to be growing and developing at a healthy rate.

One of the things we love about this puppy food is that real chicken is the first ingredient. We feel good about feeding our puppy a high-quality source of protein that’s essential for building strong muscles and supporting healthy growth and development. Plus, the fact that this dog food is made with premium natural ingredients and is free from chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy makes us feel even better.

Another great thing about this puppy food is that it contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, as well as choline, which supports brain and eye development. We want to give our puppy the best start in life, and we feel like this dog food is helping us do just that.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food to other pet owners who are looking for a high-quality puppy food that’s both delicious and nutritious. While the price point may be higher than other puppy foods on the market, we feel like the benefits are worth it.

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

We highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for small breed puppies. This dog food contains natural ingredients that support the developmental needs of puppies, helping them grow into mature small dogs.

Pros

• The small kibble size is perfect for small breed puppies and the delicious chicken flavor makes it easy to feed to your furry friend.
• This dog food provides DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development, which is essential for puppies as they grow and learn.
• Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food contains high-quality protein for building lean muscle, which is important for your puppy’s growth and development.

Cons

• Some customers may find the price point to be higher than other dog food brands.
• The bag size may be too small for some customers who have larger breed puppies or multiple dogs.
• While the natural ingredients are great for puppies, some dogs may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

We have personally used Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for our small breed puppy and have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and development. The kibble size is perfect for her small mouth and the chicken flavor keeps her interested in mealtime. We also appreciate that this dog food is made with natural ingredients and provides essential nutrients for our puppy’s growth and development. Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for small 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 natural dog food for your puppy, then Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is the way to go. Our experience with this product has been great so far, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a healthy and nutritious food for their furry friend.

Pros

• The real chicken first ingredient provides high-quality protein to support healthy muscle development.
• Contains DHA and ARA to support cognitive function and retinal health.
• LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your puppy’s healthy immune system.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste of the food.
• The packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some customers.
• The feeding instructions may not be accurate for all puppies, so you may need to adjust the amount of food you give your puppy.

Our puppy loves the Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food. The first ingredient is real chicken, which provides high-quality protein to support healthy muscle development. The food also contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health. We also love that the food contains LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support our puppy’s healthy immune system.

One downside to the food is that some puppies may not like the taste of it. However, we have not experienced this issue with our puppy. Another potential issue is that the packaging may vary, which could be confusing for some customers. Finally, the feeding instructions may not be accurate for all puppies, so you may need to adjust the amount of food you give your puppy based on their individual needs.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a natural dog food for their puppy. It contains high-quality ingredients and provides the nutrition your puppy needs to grow and thrive.

NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon

If you’re looking for a nutrient-rich and flavorful dry dog food for your puppy, NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb and Salmon might be the right choice for you and your furry friend.

Pros

• The recipe features a trio of high-quality protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon, with real chicken as the #1 ingredient.
• The blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries supports coat health and healthy skin.
• The dry kibble is easy to chew and provides complete and balanced nutrition for puppies.

Cons

• The product may contain trace amounts of genetically modified material due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The price point may be higher compared to other puppy food brands.

We’ve been feeding our puppy NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food for a few weeks now, and we’re happy with the results. Our puppy seems to enjoy the taste of the kibble, and we love the fact that the recipe features a trio of high-quality protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon, with real chicken as the #1 ingredient. We’ve also noticed that our puppy’s coat looks shinier and healthier since we started feeding him this food, which we attribute to the blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries.

One thing to keep in mind is that the product may contain trace amounts of genetically modified material due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing, which may be a concern for some pet owners. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the food, so it’s important to introduce the food gradually and monitor your puppy’s reaction. Finally, the price point may be higher compared to other puppy food brands, but we think it’s worth it for the quality ingredients and complete and balanced nutrition that NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food provides.

In summary, if you’re looking for a high-quality dry dog food for your puppy that features a trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon and a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods, NUTRO ULTRA Puppy Dry Dog Food might be a great choice for you.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Wholesome Grains Puppy Prairie Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Wholesome Grains Puppy Prairie Recipe is a great choice.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: Each bite is coated in delicious and nutritious freeze-dried raw meat, offering the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve.
• 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.
• Supports Whole Body Health: Fortified with vitamins, minerals and amino acids, our Raw Coated formula helps improve your dog’s entire well-being, with fiber and probiotics for digestive support and taurine for heart health.

Cons

• Price: This food is a bit pricey compared to other puppy foods on the market.
• Limited Flavors: This food is only available in one flavor, so if your puppy doesn’t like it, you’ll have to find another brand.
• May Cause Gas: Some customers have reported that this food caused their puppy to have gas and an upset stomach.

We’ve been using Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Wholesome Grains Puppy Prairie Recipe for a few weeks now, and we’re very happy with it. Our puppy loves the taste and the smaller bites are perfect for her small mouth. We’ve noticed that she has more energy and her coat looks shinier and healthier since we switched to this food.

One thing to keep in mind is that this food is a bit pricey compared to other puppy foods on the market. However, we think it’s worth the extra cost for the high-quality ingredients and the benefits it provides for our puppy’s health and well-being.

Another potential downside is that this food is only available in one flavor. While our puppy loves it, some dogs may not like the taste. Additionally, some customers have reported that this food caused their puppy to have gas and an upset stomach, so it may not be the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Wholesome Grains Puppy Prairie Recipe for anyone looking for a high-quality puppy food that supports their puppy’s health and well-being.

Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food

If you’re looking for a natural dry dog food for your small puppy, adult, or senior dog, Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food could be a good option for you. This grain and gluten-free kibble is designed for small mouths to help small canine pets chew with ease. It’s also a great healthy food for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

• Supports gut, immune, and coat health for your small puppy, adult, or senior dog.
• Features 90 million probiotics per pound for digestive health, balanced gut flora, and immune support.
• Provides nourishing protein, antioxidants, superfood with vitamins and minerals, and omega fatty acids to support skin, coat, and immune system health.

Cons

• The smell is a bit on the stronger side.
• Some dogs might not like the taste.
• It’s a bit pricey compared to other dog foods.

We tried Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food for our small breed dog and we were happy with the results. Our dog loved the taste and the small kibble size made it easy for him to eat and digest. We also noticed an improvement in his coat and overall health. However, the smell was a bit strong for our liking and the price is a bit higher than other dog foods we’ve tried.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that supports gut, immune, and coat health for your small puppy, adult, or senior dog, Solid Gold Nutrientboost Mighty Mini Small Breed Dog Food could be a good choice for you.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free and Limited Ingredient with Superfoods (Chicken, 1.0 lb)

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food that is both nutritious and delicious, then ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is an excellent choice. We highly recommend this product for its high protein content, limited ingredients, and ethical sourcing of ingredients.

Pros

• The air-drying process naturally preserves all ingredients, retaining nutrients and maximizing flavor.
• Made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as powerhouse superfoods including green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe.
• 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

• More expensive than some other puppy foods on the market.
• May not be suitable for puppies with specific dietary requirements.
• Some puppies may not enjoy the taste of this food.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a great choice for puppies who are picky eaters or have sensitive stomachs. The air-drying process used in making this food naturally preserves all ingredients, ensuring that your puppy gets the maximum amount of nutrients and flavor. Additionally, the limited ingredients used in this food make it an excellent choice for puppies with specific dietary requirements.

The high protein content of ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is another reason why we highly recommend this product. Made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as powerhouse superfoods including green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe, this food is packed full of essential nutrients that your puppy needs to grow and thrive.

Finally, we love that ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is 100% ethically and sustainably sourced. All meats and seafoods used in this food come from New Zealand’s free-range farms and pristine blue waters, and there are no added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants. This means that you can feel good about feeding your puppy this food, knowing that it is both nutritious and ethical.

I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is free of fillers and grains, I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Meat is the #1 Ingredient – This kibble is packed with delicious, crunchy bites of pasture-raised lamb and bison, which are both excellent sources of protein.
• Protein-Rich – With 30% protein, this dog food has 25% more protein than BLUE Buffalo Life Protection Adult, which helps boost energy and maintain lean muscle mass.
• Pre -amp; Probiotics for Easy Digestion – This recipe contains natural prebiotics and probiotics that help support your dog’s gut health and promote smooth digestion.

Cons

• Price – This dog food is a bit pricey compared to some other brands, but it’s worth the investment for the high-quality ingredients.
• Strong Smell – Some users have reported that this dog food has a strong smell, which may be a turnoff for some dogs.
• Not Suitable for All Dogs – While this dog food is suitable for most dogs, some may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients.

We recently tried I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food for our puppy, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The kibble is packed with delicious, crunchy bites of pasture-raised lamb and bison, which our puppy loved. We also appreciated that this dog food is free of fillers and grains, which can contribute to obesity and lethargy in dogs.

One of the best things about this dog food is that it contains 30% protein, which is 25% more than BLUE Buffalo Life Protection Adult. This extra protein helps boost energy and maintain lean muscle mass, which is important for active puppies like ours.

We also liked that this recipe contains natural prebiotics and probiotics that help support our puppy’s gut health and promote smooth digestion. This is especially important for puppies, who can be prone to digestive issues.

Overall, we would highly recommend I and Love and You Naked Essentials Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that is free of fillers and grains. While it may be a bit pricey compared to some other brands, we believe that the high-quality ingredients and protein content make it worth the investment.

ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food for its wholesome and nutritious ingredients that support your puppy’s growth and development.

Pros

• Packed with essential nutrients and minerals for optimal nutrition
• Made with 85% fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients for high-quality protein
• Grain-free formula that is easy to digest and suitable for sensitive stomachs

Cons

• Expensive compared to other puppy food options
• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food
• Contains some controversial ingredients like peas and lentils

We were impressed by the high-quality ingredients in ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food, including fresh or raw chicken, turkey, turkey giblets, flounder, and whole mackerel. The grain-free formula is easy to digest and provides a rich source of minerals that your puppy’s body can easily absorb. We also appreciate that the food is made in the USA with quality ingredients from around the world and does not contain any soy, corn, tapioca, or wheat ingredients.

Our puppies loved the taste of the food and we noticed an improvement in their coat and overall health. However, the price of the food is quite high compared to other puppy food options, and some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food. Additionally, the food contains some controversial ingredients like peas and lentils that some pet owners may want to avoid.

Overall, we believe that ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice for pet owners who want to provide their puppies with wholesome and nutritious food that supports their growth and development.

Pedigree Puppy Growth -amp; Protection Dry Dog Food Grilled Steak -amp; Vegetable Flavor, 14 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a complete and balanced meal for your growing puppy, we recommend Pedigree Puppy Growth -amp; Protection Dry Dog Food. With DHA for healthy brain development, calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones, and no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or added sugar, this formula is packed with key nutrients similar to mother’s milk for puppies 6 weeks to 18 months old.

Pros

• Supports brain development with DHA
• Packed with key nutrients for growing puppies
• No high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or added sugar

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Some puppies may not like the flavor
• Bag size may not be suitable for larger breeds

We’ve been using Pedigree Puppy Growth -amp; Protection for our own puppy and have been impressed with the results. Our puppy loves the taste and we love that it provides complete and balanced nutrition. The kibble is the perfect size for our puppy’s small mouth and we’ve noticed an improvement in her coat and energy levels since starting her on this food.

One thing to note is that this formula may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, so be sure to check with your veterinarian before making the switch. Additionally, while our puppy loves the flavor, some puppies may not be as enthusiastic. Finally, the 14 lb. bag size may not be suitable for larger breeds or those with bigger appetites.

Overall, we highly recommend Pedigree Puppy Growth -amp; Protection Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable option for their growing puppy.

Buying Guide

When it comes to finding the best dog food for your puppy, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when choosing a high-quality puppy food:

Ingredients

The ingredients in your puppy’s food are crucial to their overall health and well-being. Look for a puppy food that contains high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, lamb, or fish. Avoid foods that contain by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives. It’s also important to choose a food that is appropriate for your puppy’s breed size and age.

Nutritional Value

Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it’s important to choose a food that is specifically formulated for puppies. Look for a food that contains the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support your puppy’s growth and development. You may also want to consider a food that contains added vitamins and minerals to support your puppy’s immune system.

Brand Reputation

When it comes to choosing a puppy food, it’s important to choose a brand that you can trust. Look for a brand that has a good reputation for quality and safety. You may also want to consider a brand that has been recommended by your veterinarian or other pet professionals.

Feeding Schedule

Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs, so it’s important to choose a food that is appropriate for their feeding schedule. Look for a food that is designed for puppies and follow the feeding guidelines on the package. You may also want to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule for your puppy.

By considering these key factors, you can choose a high-quality puppy food that will support your puppy’s growth and development. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your puppy’s diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended foods for puppies?

The top vet-recommended foods for puppies include brands like Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands offer complete and balanced nutrition for puppies and are formulated to meet their unique dietary needs.

Which puppy food is best for small breeds?

For small breeds, we recommend choosing a puppy food that is specially formulated for their size. Some of the best options include Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Puppy Food, and Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Food.

What are the highest-rated dry foods for puppies?

The highest-rated dry foods for puppies include brands like Orijen Puppy, Acana Puppy -amp; Junior, and Taste of the Wild Puppy. These brands offer high-quality protein sources, essential vitamins and minerals, and are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

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 are getting high-quality, nutritious meals. However, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure the meals are balanced and meet your puppy’s specific dietary needs. Some safe and nutritious ingredients to include in homemade puppy food include lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

What’s the best puppy food for large breed dogs?

For large breed puppies, we recommend choosing a puppy food that is specially formulated to support their growth and development. Some of the best options include Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Food, and Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Puppy Food.

What are some affordable but high-quality puppy food options?

Some affordable but high-quality puppy food options include brands like Purina Pro Plan Puppy, Pedigree Puppy, and Iams ProActive Health Puppy. These brands offer complete and balanced nutrition for puppies at an affordable price point. However, it’s important to always read the ingredient list and ensure the food meets your puppy’s specific dietary needs.