Best Puppy Food: What to Feed Your New Furry Friend

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting and rewarding experience. As a new pet parent, you want to make sure your furry friend is getting the best possible nutrition to support their growth and development. Choosing the right dog food for your puppy can be overwhelming, with so many options available in the market today.

When it comes to puppy food, it’s essential to choose a product that meets their specific nutritional needs. Puppies require a higher concentration of protein, fat, and calories than adult dogs to support their rapid growth and development. Additionally, they need the right balance of vitamins and minerals to support their immune system and overall health.

When selecting the best dog food for a puppy, it’s crucial to pay attention to the ingredients list. Look for high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, as the primary ingredient. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products, as they may not provide the necessary nutrients your puppy needs.

We spent hours researching and testing various puppy food brands to identify the ones that meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies. In the following sections, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best dog food for your puppy.

Best Puppy Food

As new puppy owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best possible nutrition. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right food for your puppy. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various brands and formulas to bring you our top picks for the best puppy food. Our list includes options for different dietary needs and preferences, so you can find the perfect match for your pup.

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 puppy food that provides complete and balanced nutrition, Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula is a great choice. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this natural puppy food provides high protein for strong, growing muscles and a healthy heart. Plus, it contains DHA, a nutrient found in mother’s milk, to support vision and brain development. Here are the pros and cons of this product based on our experience:

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing high protein for strong, growing muscles.
• Contains DHA to support vision and brain development.
• Four antioxidant sources help promote a strong immune system.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.
• May cause digestive issues in some puppies.
• A bit more expensive than some other puppy food brands.

In our experience, Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula is a great choice for puppies who need complete and balanced nutrition. The real chicken provides high-quality protein for strong, growing muscles, and the added DHA helps support vision and brain development. We also appreciate that the formula contains four antioxidant sources to help promote a strong immune system.

One thing to keep in mind is that some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the kibble. Additionally, we have noticed that some puppies may experience digestive issues after eating this food. However, we believe that the benefits of this puppy food outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula for puppies who need complete and balanced nutrition. It may be a bit more expensive than some other puppy food brands, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the added benefits make it worth the investment.

Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for a high-quality puppy food that promotes healthy growth and development, Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for muscle development.
• Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive and retinal development.
• No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and no corn, wheat, or soy.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger breed puppies.
• More expensive than some other puppy foods on the market.

We recently tried Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food with our new puppy and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the overall nutritional value. The real chicken as the first ingredient provided our puppy with the high-quality protein she needed for healthy muscle development. We also appreciated that the food contains DHA and ARA, which are important for cognitive and retinal development in puppies.

One thing to note is that some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food. Our puppy took a few days to get used to it, but eventually started eating it without any issues. Additionally, the kibble size may be too small for larger breed puppies, so it’s important to consider your puppy’s breed and size when choosing a food.

Overall, we would recommend Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food for puppies who need a high-quality food with essential nutrients for healthy growth and development. While it may be more expensive than some other puppy foods on the market, the quality of the ingredients and the nutritional value make it worth the investment.

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

We highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food for those who want to provide their puppies with a complete and balanced diet made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility for higher quality and safety standards
• Enhanced protein supports muscular development, boosted DHA supports brain health, and double the probiotics support digestive system
• Made by mixing small batches of fresh ingredients, cold pressing them into bite-sized clusters, and then gently slow roasting and dehydrating them to maintain the nutrients, aroma, and taste of whole foods

Cons

• Some customers have reported that a quarter of the bag ends up being powder and tiny crumbs, making it hard to justify the cost
• May not be suitable for puppies with chicken allergies
• Some customers have reported that their puppies did not like the taste

We have personally used The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food for our puppies and have been impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the results. Our puppies have shown healthy growth and development, and we have not experienced any digestive issues.

The human-grade ingredients used in this product make it stand out from other puppy foods on the market. The enhanced protein and DHA content are great for supporting muscular and brain development, respectively, while the double probiotics support digestive health. We also appreciate that the clusters are minimally processed to maintain the nutrients, aroma, and taste of whole foods.

One downside to this product is that some customers have reported that a quarter of the bag ends up being powder and tiny crumbs, which can make it hard to justify the cost. Additionally, some puppies may not like the taste, and it may not be suitable for those with chicken allergies.

Overall, we highly recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Puppy Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food for those who want to provide their puppies with a high-quality, complete, and balanced diet made with human-grade ingredients.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s specifically formulated for small breed puppies, then the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Real meat is the first ingredient
• Contains DHA for cognitive development
• Exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for immune system support

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the chicken and oatmeal flavor
• A bit more expensive than some other brands
• The bag is only 5 lbs, so you’ll need to buy more frequently

We recently tried this dog food with our small breed puppy, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The fact that real chicken is the first ingredient is a big plus, and we could tell that our puppy enjoyed the taste. We also appreciated that the food contains DHA for cognitive development and exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for immune system support.

One thing to note is that some puppies may not like the chicken and oatmeal flavor, so it’s worth trying a small bag first to see if your puppy likes it. Additionally, this dog food is a bit more expensive than some other brands, so it may not be the best option if you’re on a tight budget. Finally, the bag is only 5 lbs, so you’ll need to buy more frequently than with larger bags.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that’s specifically formulated for small breed puppies.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you want a high-quality, balanced recipe for your puppy, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice. With real chicken as the first ingredient and a lineup of natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, this recipe is both delicious and healthy for your puppy.

Pros

• Real chicken as the first ingredient
• Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for immune system health

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste
• Some puppies may experience digestive issues
• Packaging may vary

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for our puppy, and we’re happy with the results. Our puppy loves the taste, and we appreciate that it contains real chicken as the first ingredient. We’ve noticed that our puppy’s coat is shinier and healthier since we switched to this food.

One of the great things about this food is that it contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk. These fatty acids support cognitive function and retinal health, which is especially important for puppies. We’re happy to know that our puppy is getting the nutrients she needs to grow and develop properly.

Another benefit of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is that it contains antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits. These bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance. We feel good knowing that we’re providing our puppy with a healthy diet that supports her overall health and well-being.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for anyone looking for a high-quality, balanced recipe for their puppy. It’s a natural dog food made with the finest ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals. If you want to give your puppy the best start in life, give Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula a try.

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 specifically formulated for puppies, then Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies is definitely worth considering. Here are the pros and cons of this product:

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient, making it a high-quality and balanced recipe that helps build strong muscles.
• Contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy.
• Specially formulated for puppies, with DHA and ARA to support cognitive function and retinal health.

Cons

• Some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The price point is slightly higher than some other brands.
• Packaging may vary, which can be confusing if you’re used to a specific look.

In our experience, Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies is a great choice for pet owners who want to give their puppies a healthy and balanced diet. The fact that real chicken is the first ingredient is a big plus, and we appreciate that it contains no fillers or by-products. We also like that it’s specifically formulated for puppies, with added nutrients to support their growth and development.

That being said, some puppies may not like the taste or texture of the food. We recommend trying a small bag first to see if your puppy enjoys it. Additionally, the price point is slightly higher than some other brands, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Finally, the packaging may vary, which can be confusing if you’re used to a specific look.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Dog Food for Puppies for pet owners who want to give their puppies the best possible start in life.

PEDIGREE Puppy Growth -amp; Protection Dry Dog Food Grilled Steak -amp; Vegetable Flavor, 3.5 lb. Bag Steak 3.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for an affordable and complete dry food formula for your growing puppy, PEDIGREE Puppy Growth -amp; Protection Dry Dog Food Grilled Steak -amp; Vegetable Flavor is worth considering.

Pros

• With DHA to help support brain development
• Packed with key nutrients similar to mother’s milk for puppies 6 weeks to 18 months old
• Made with high quality proteins to support your puppy’s muscle development

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May cause digestive issues in some dogs
• Contains fillers such as corn and wheat

We’ve been using PEDIGREE Puppy Growth -amp; Protection Dry Dog Food Grilled Steak -amp; Vegetable Flavor for our puppy for a few weeks now. The kibble size is perfect for our small breed dog and he seems to enjoy the taste. We appreciate that it contains DHA for brain development and is packed with key nutrients similar to mother’s milk for puppies.

However, we did notice that our puppy experienced some digestive issues after switching to this food. We also noticed that it contains fillers such as corn and wheat, which may not be ideal for some dogs.

Overall, we would recommend PEDIGREE Puppy Growth -amp; Protection Dry Dog Food Grilled Steak -amp; Vegetable Flavor for its affordability and well-rounded nutrition. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or is picky about their food, you may want to consider other options.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a natural dog food that’s specifically formulated for your puppy, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Real meat is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for healthy muscles
• Contains DHA and ARA to support cognitive function and retinal health in puppies
• Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs or sensitivities
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as bags arriving torn or damaged
• May be more expensive than other puppy food options

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for our puppy and have been very happy with the results. The real chicken provides a great source of protein, and we appreciate that there are no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives in the food. Our puppy seems to love the taste and finishes her servings every time.

We also like that this puppy food is formulated with DHA and ARA to support cognitive function and retinal health. As our puppy grows and develops, we want to make sure she’s getting the nutrients she needs for healthy development.

The LifeSource Bits in the food are also a great addition, providing a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance. We feel good knowing that we’re feeding our puppy a natural dog food that’s designed to support her overall health and well-being.

While the price point may be higher than other puppy food options, we feel that the quality of the ingredients and the specific formulation for puppies make it worth the investment. Overall, we would definitely recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food to other puppy owners looking for a high-quality, natural dog food option.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Premium Natural Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality puppy food that is both nutritious and tasty, Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Dry Dog Food might be the right choice for you and your furry friend.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, which helps support healthy organs and build lean muscle mass.
• Brown rice and peas are an excellent source of wholesome fiber, which helps support healthy digestion.
• Contains fruits rich in antioxidants, which help support a healthy immune system.

Cons

• Some dogs might not like the taste of this food.
• The kibble size might be too big for some puppies.
• The price might be higher than some other puppy foods.

We’ve been using Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Dry Dog Food for a few weeks now, and we’re happy with the results. Our puppy seems to love the taste of this food, and we’ve noticed that his coat looks shinier and healthier since we started using it. We also like the fact that this food doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, which gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re feeding our puppy only good, wholesome food.

One thing to keep in mind is that the kibble size might be too big for some puppies, so you might want to check if it’s suitable for your furry friend before purchasing it. Also, the price might be higher than some other puppy foods, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we would recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality puppy food that provides all the nutrition your furry friend needs to grow and thrive.

Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe

If you are looking for a natural and nutritious dog food for your puppy, Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Real chicken as the main ingredient supports healthy muscle development
• Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health
• LifeSource Bits blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supports a healthy immune system

Cons

• Formula adjustments may occur without notice
• Packaging may vary
• Some customers have experienced issues with the ziplock seal on the bag

We have been using Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for our puppy and have noticed positive changes in his coat and overall health. We appreciate that the food contains real chicken as the main ingredient and does not include any chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Our puppy loves the taste of this food and we feel good about feeding him a natural dog food that supports his growth and development. The addition of DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health is also a great benefit.

While the formula adjustments and packaging variations may be a slight inconvenience, we have not noticed any negative effects on our puppy’s health or digestion. Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food for any puppy owner looking for a high-quality and nutritious dog food option.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your puppy, it can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market. We understand that you want to provide your furry friend with the best nutrition possible, and we are here to help you make an informed decision.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best dog food for your puppy:

Nutritional Requirements

Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs. They require more protein, fat, and calories to support their growth and development. Look for dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies and meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.

Ingredients

The quality of ingredients used in dog food is crucial for your puppy’s health. Look for dog food that contains high-quality protein sources such as chicken, fish, or lamb. Avoid dog food that contains fillers such as corn, soy, and wheat as they provide little to no nutritional value.

Type of Dog Food

There are different types of dog food available in the market, including dry, wet, and semi-moist. Dry dog food is the most popular and convenient option, while wet dog food is more palatable and contains higher moisture content. Semi-moist dog food is a good option for training purposes but should not be the main source of nutrition.

Price

Price is an important factor to consider when choosing the best dog food for your puppy. However, it should not be the only factor. High-priced dog food does not necessarily mean it is the best quality. Look for dog food that provides good value for money and meets your puppy’s nutritional requirements.

Brand Reputation

Choose a reputable brand that has a good track record of producing high-quality dog food. Look for brands that have been in the market for a long time and have a good reputation for quality and safety.

In conclusion, choosing the best dog food for your puppy can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. Consider the nutritional requirements, ingredients, type of dog food, price, and brand reputation when selecting the best dog food for your puppy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended foods for puppies?

When it comes to choosing the best food for your puppy, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. They can recommend a brand that meets your puppy’s specific nutritional needs. Some of the top vet-recommended puppy food brands include Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan.

Which puppy food is best for small breeds?

Small breed puppies have unique nutritional requirements, such as a higher calorie intake and smaller kibble size. Some of the best puppy food options for small breeds include Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Puppy, Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy, and Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Puppy.

What are the highest-rated dry foods for puppies?

Dry food is a popular option for many puppy owners because it is convenient and can help maintain dental health. Some of the highest-rated dry puppy food brands include Orijen Puppy, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy, and Merrick Grain-Free Puppy.

How can I prepare homemade food that is healthy for my puppy?

If you’re interested in preparing homemade food for your puppy, it’s important to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the food meets all of your puppy’s nutritional needs. Some healthy ingredients to include in homemade puppy food recipes include lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains.

What is the most suitable dog food for large breed puppies?

Large breed puppies have specific nutritional needs, such as controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone growth. Some of the best dog food options for large breed puppies include Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy, Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Puppy, and Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy.

Which brands offer the best affordable nutrition for puppies?

Feeding your puppy high-quality food doesn’t have to break the bank. Some affordable puppy food brands that still offer great nutrition include Purina ONE SmartBlend Puppy, Iams ProActive Health Puppy, and Pedigree Puppy.