All you need to know about the best puppy dog food
The diet you feed your dog right from puppyhood can influence its general well-being even in adulthood.
Thus, choosing any puppy dog food you find in the market because it’s labeled as good puppy food won’t cut it! Due diligence is needed!
VIDEO: How to choose the best puppy food
Table of Contents
Best Dog Food for Puppies
With the vast array of brands and information available now, purchasing the best food for puppies can be challenging for new puppy owners, and even experts too!
If you are in such a position, this blog has detailed all you need to know about puppy food that will provide complete and balanced nutrition for your new pup!
Choosing the best food is not a decision you should make alone or make haphazardly. One important person you need to consult is your vet.
If your pet has an acute or chronic medical issue, the vet may recommend a specialized puppy food different from one a healthy pup will need.
For example, a puppy with liver disease will be placed on vet-recommended puppy food that will support the regeneration of the liver. Also a dog with urinary tract infection or kidney disease will be placed on specialised diets.
That said, I’m sure your new pup will be healthy and full of vitality, so here are some factors will help you choose good puppy food.
High Protein Puppy Food
You can feed your dog high-protein puppy food. These proteins provide building blocks for healthy muscles.
However, there is a catch. It’s not the quantity of proteins that matters. It’s the quality!
Good puppy food will have quality proteins that reflect the diet of your dog’s ancestors in the wild.
Even though plant proteins are good, they are not biologically appropriate.
Instead, focus on animal proteins. Fresh organ meat will see your puppy grow into a healthy and happy dog.
However, like everything else, too much of anything is harmful. Protein is a calorie-dense nutrient. And too much of it can trigger weight build-up, which is not good for your pup’s health.
Healthy Food for Puppies
When you are eating dinner, does your puppy always beg for food, but you are unsure what is best for him? There’s no need to worry! The following are some good human foods for puppies.
- Cooked chicken or beef -with no salt or spices
- Carrots
- Vegetables
- Cooked eggs
- Salmon
- Pumpkin
- Bananas
- Sugarless yogurt
- Blueberries
The Best Dog Food for Puppies Should Adhere To All AAFCO Guidelines
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a private regulatory body that creates and revises pet food nutrient profiles.
In the United States, dog food cannot be complete and balanced if it doesn’t follow all these guidelines.
According to AAFCO, puppy dog food should have 22.5 percent of calories sourced from protein on a dry matter basis. Fats should be 8 percent & 1% and 0.8 % for calcium and phosphorus, respectively.
Each bag of food you decide to purchase for your pup should have the AAFCO logo. If it doesn’t, the food you give your puppy will not have met all the nutritional requirements.
The First Ingredient on the List Should Be a Protein
The best puppy food for large or small breeds should have animal protein as the first ingredient.
It’s very important that the protein source is specified. Avoid giving your pup food with the first ingredient labeled as a meat meal – the manufacturer needs to be specific about it’s origin. Is it a chicken meal, beef meal, or rabbit meal?
Be Keen on That Ingredient List!
Don’t buy puppy dog food since it’s rumored to be the best. You may be surprised to know that many branded names have sub-standard ingredients in them! By analyzing the ingredient list, you can tell whether your puppy will eat healthy and nutritious food.
Avoid food brands that include feed grade or artificial ingredients. Instead, look for a puppy food that has organic or human-grade ingredients.
Like a human baby, your dog will need to start on healthy ingredients to solidify its foundation and avoiding certain chronic health conditions later on.
Quality, Quality, Quality!
Ideally, you want to see a NAMED meat/protein 1st on the label and preferably 2nd and 3rd on the label too! If it’s meat 1st and 2nd 3rd and 4th are grains (barley, oats, grain) then you are primarily feeding your dog a grain-based food!
Look for nutrient-dense veggies and fruits (carrots, peas, kelp, blueberries, or pumpkin) as well as natural colors and preservatives (rosemary, vitamin C [ascorbic acid], vitamin E [mixed tocopherols]).
While these natural preservatives do not have as long shelf life as chemical ones, they are far safer and better for your dog.
For more info on this and how to read a dog food label, check out our blog on Toxins in Dog Food!
How Much Should I Feed My Puppy?
Age, weight, medical issues, metabolism, and weight, will determine the quantity of food your puppy needs.
For example, a boisterous puppy might need more calories than a puppy who spends most of the time on the couch.
Many pet owners believe that their dog requires more food than it really does, thus dogs are typically overfed, with more than 50% of all dogs on earth being overweight or obese.
Obesity is associated with a variety of serious diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as an increased risk of mortality.
Dogs that are overweight might live up to 2.5 years fewer than dogs at a proper weight whilst underfeeding also causes nutritional deficiencies.
However, you can consult a canine nutritionist or vet to get the correct information about the calories your puppy needs.
Alternatively, some brands will include a feeding chart on the bag. This feeding chart will be a great reference when feeding your puppy.
Follow all these tips, and the chances of overfeeding or underfeeding your Fido will be blown away.
Breed-Specific Food
To niche down, some brands manufacture puppy food for specific breeds. For example, in your local pet food store, you might find French bulldog puppy food, German shepherd puppy food, or golden retriever puppy food.
These are breed-specific dog foods tailored to meet the nutritional requirement of the specific breeds.
There is no harm if you opt for such foods for your pup, so long as they have been labeled as complete and balanced nutrition.
How Often Should I Feed My Puppy?
The nutritional requirements of small and large-breed puppies will differ. And it’s all because of their growth nature.
Small breeds have an accelerated growth as compared to large breeds. Small breeds require a high-calorie diet to provide the calories needed for this accelerated growth.
Large breed puppies have a slow growth rate. Thus their puppy food is quite different.
When choosing the best puppy food for large breeds, here is what you ought to consider.
- Low calories. Good puppy food for large breeds needs to have low calories. Why low calories? Low calories ensure decelerated growth, which is integral in developing a healthy skeletal system. (If you place your large breed puppy on a high-calorie diet, it might become overweight, leading to bone and joint problems)
- Low in calcium and phosphorus- large breed puppy food should have a low quantity of these elements. (Consumption of these elements in excess is a precursor of bone deformation or joint issues in large breeds).
Is Grain-Free Puppy Food Fit For My Puppy?
Should you feed your puppy grain-free puppy food or grain-inclusive dog food? Well, we have that answer you hate— it depends!
Grain-free puppy food does not source carbohydrates from grains like sorghum, wheat, barley, or oat. Instead, the source of carbohydrates is potatoes, peas, sweet potatoes, quinoa, and lentils.
The decision to feed your puppy a grain-free diet will be dependent on your dog’s reaction. If your dog reacts to these grains we have named, consult the vet whether it’s time to turn to a grain-free diet.
However, if your pet chows down grains like crazy with no reaction, there is no need to place your pup on a grain-free diet. Remember, these grains are a source of fibers that will help with stool formation and a smooth digestive system.
Wet Food vs. Dry Dog Food
Puppies can eat wet or dry dog food.
It all depends on their preference. However, it’s good you familiarize the pup with each diet so that you don’t get a picky eater in the future!
After weaning off your puppy from its mother’s milk, you can start it on puppy wet food.
This food is palatable and easy to chew for those tiny teeth. As a key highlight, the best-wet dog food for puppies should provide the necessary nutrients needed for their growth.
Besides that, wet puppy dog food is a good hydration source for puppies you rarely find near the water bowl.
Dry dog food is another great option. As compared to wet puppy food, this diet is economical. You will often find a puppy needing a few servings to meet the required calories compared to when on wet food. And that will go a long way in helping you save money.
Moreover, dry dog food’s abrasive nature is great for the teeth’s health.
Can I Give My Puppy Food For Sensitive Stomachs?
Not all puppies will have stable stomachs. Some will develop sensitive tummies that will require special puppy food.
Here are some telltale signs of a puppy with a sensitive stomach.
- Signs of abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Scratching
If you suspect your dog is reacting to a certain diet, a vet should be the first person to consult.
From there, the vet might put your puppy on either of these two diets;
- Limited ingredient diet – A limited ingredient diet is one of the best puppy food for sensitive stomachs. This type of diet has few ingredients than other dog foods. This diet contains a novel protein source like kangaroo, bison, or rabbit undetectable by the pup’s immune system.
- Prescription dog food- this type of diet is tailored for dogs with sensitive cases that ordinary food might not be able to handle.
Whichever you get, this puppy food for sensitive stomach will ensure your puppy gets the essential nutrients without having any negative effects on the tummy.
12 Best Puppy Dog Foods Reviewed
We have searched the market to find the best puppy food that will keep your puppy healthy and happy so without further ado, The Dog Food Specialist’s best puppy food review!
Best Dog Food for Puppies
JustFoodForDogs Chicken & White Rice Recipe Fresh Frozen Dog Food
JustFoodForDogs is the #1 Vet Recommended Fresh Whole-Food.
These recipes promote proper immune system health.
This recipe is the perfect combination of fresh chicken, long-grain white rice, spinach, carrots and apples.
It’s high in calcium and phosphorus, making it perfect for growing puppies, and is nutritionally balanced for the long-term feeding of both puppies and adult dogs.
Chicken thigh meat is an excellent source of protein, vitamins B5 and B6, iron, phosphorus, zinc, selenium and niacin.
It is often overlooked that chicken thigh meat delivers more vitamins and minerals than its white meat counterparts.
About this item
- Real food for dogs – 100% USDA Certified Chicken with White Rice, Fresh Spinach, Carrots, Apples, Cod Liver Oil, & JFFD’s vet-developed Nutrient Blend
- Whole-food ingredients – Every single ingredient is fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality, whole fresh food for dogs to help them look and feel their best.
- Zero preservatives – and zero rendered meats, zero artificial coloring, and zero scary acronyms like BHA, BHT, or LFBT.
- #1 vet recommended fresh food brand – “I learned about JustFoodForDogs and decided to put Daisy on the food. I can honestly say I have never seen such a dramatic and instant response from changing a food. Within weeks I saw a substantial improvement in her skin, coat, interest in food and vitality. I am so happy to have finally found something I can feel good about feeding her.” – Dr. Jennifer Pizzo, DVM
Grain Free Puppy Food
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Formulated with novel proteins including buffalo and bison.
This grain-free recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes that deliver the highly-digestible energy your growing puppy needs, along with natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion.
Essential minerals are chelated with amino acids to optimize their absorption and ensure maximum benefit, for complete and balanced nutrition.
Key Benefits
- This roasted bison and roasted venison dry puppy food is crafted with real meat as the #1 ingredient and is high in protein (28%) to help support bones, joints and lean muscles.
- Crafted with vitamins and minerals from real fruits and superfoods, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and nutrients for the energy your furry friend needs thrive!
- Contains species-specific K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, along with antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system health and overall health and wellness.
- Made without grains, corn, wheat, artificial flavors or artificial colors.
Best Wet Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Classic Turkey Entree Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Real turkey is the first ingredient in the Classic Turkey Entree wet puppy food, helping your growing puppy get the high-quality protein he needs to build lean muscles as he explores his world.
Plus, DHA is included for brain and vision development, and this Purina Pro Plan puppy food helps support his healthy immune system and is rich in omega-6 fatty acids to nourish his skin and coat.
Key Benefits
- Purina Pro Plan for puppies is specially made for puppies up to 1 year old and loaded with DHA for brain and vision development, supporting your little guy as he learns and grows.
- Bursting with wholesome yum, this wet dog food for puppies starts with real turkey as the first ingredient and is packed with the high-quality protein he needs to build lean muscles
- The canned puppy food helps support your pal’s healthy immune system and nourishes his skin and coat.
- This high protein puppy food delivers 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for puppies and is made with no corn, wheat or soy and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Best French Bulldog Puppy Food
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food, 3-lb bag
This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your medium breed puppy, with the specific nutrients to help mid size dogs thrive.
The curved-shaped specialized kibble is designed for your Frenchie’s short muzzle and underbite, making it easy for little dogs to pick up and chew.
An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E promotes healthy development of his immune system to keep his body growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for skin support.
And this French Bulldog dog food contains a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources to support healthy digestion and to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors.
Key Benefits
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred French Bulldogs 8 weeks to 12 months old.
- Specialized kibble helps a French Bulldog easily pick up and chew his food.
- Helps protect puppy development of his immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E.
- Aids in skin care by reinforcing the skin barrier with essential nutrients to support healthy skin and coat.
- Helps reduce your Frenchie’s gas and stool odor with highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content.
Best Large Breed Puppy Food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal & Oat Recipe Dry Dog Food
Made with wholesome ingredients such as savory chicken meal and oats, this nourishing recipe is balanced to meet your pet’s needs and control bone growth.
Manufactured in the United States, every ingredient meets strict requirements for purity and nutrient content which exceed industry standards.
Formulated for puppies up to 1 year of age who will be over 55 lbs when they’re an adult, this Hill’s Science Diet provides your pooch with the nutrition he needs for a lifetime of health and happiness.
Key Benefits
- Controlled levels of calcium support optimal bone growth for your large breed puppy.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin help support strong muscles and joint health.
- Antioxidant and vitamin E and C blend work together to help support a healthy immune system.
- Made from natural, high-quality ingredients without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
- Made in the USA, this is a complete and balanced diet recommended for puppies up to 1 year of age.
Best Food for Labrador Puppy
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your puppy pure breed.
Whether you have a Yellow Lab, Chocolate Lab, or Black Lab, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your large breed puppy with specific nutrients to help puppies thrive.
The donut-shaped specialized kibble is designed to help your fast eater slow down and actually chew.
An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports his developing immune system and keeps his large dog bodies growing strong.
Calcium and phosphorus provide bone and joint support, while a balanced energy content helps him maintain an ideal weight.
And to support your puppy’s digestive system, this Labrador dog food contains high-quality proteins and prebiotics to help promote optimal stool quality.
Key Benefits
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Labrador Retriever puppies 8 weeks to 15 months old.
- Specialized kibble designed to help quick eaters chew food slowly.
- Helps protect puppy development of immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E.
- Supports bone and joint health and a healthy weight with precise mineral content and a balanced energy intake.
- Aids digestion with high-quality proteins and prebiotics to promote optimal stool quality.
Best Vet Recommended Puppy Food
Renal Support Low Protein
#1 Vet Recommended Fresh Whole-Food
A full line of prescription dog food for: Hepatic Support, Joint & Skin Support, Metabolic Support Low Fat, and Critical Care Support are also available.
Renal support:
Formulated to support your dog’s kidney health, this pet food is crafted with carefully controlled levels of protein, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, and an increased amount of B vitamins.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there, because it’s also made with real, human-grade ingredients that you can see!
With ground lamb, sushi rice, long-grain brown rice, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, and blueberries, your dog will get to experience the benefits of a whole food diet.
Every batch is hand-prepared in open kitchens and lightly cooked—this ensures that each ingredient is helping to deliver the outstanding nutrition that your dog deserves.
Key Benefits
- Crafted with fresh, human-grade ingredients, including ground lamb, sushi rice, long-grain brown rice, cauliflower, carrots, spinach and blueberries.
- Great for kidney health—the controlled levels of protein, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, and the increased amount of B vitamins support your dog’s kidney health!
- Nothing artificial, nothing but goodness, this supplement is made without fillers, preservatives, growth hormones, BHA, BHT or artificial coloring.
- Ready-to-serve nutrition formulated by vets, this full-meal recipe is supported by science and independent research conducted at leading universities, and all within AAFCO protocols. You can feel confident knowing that this supplement was formulated by a diverse team of veterinarians, including a board-certified nutritionist, toxicologist and dermatologist.
Best Food for German Shepherd Puppy
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd Puppy Dry Dog Food
The specialized kibble shape and texture are designed for your large dog’s long, strong muzzle and teeth, encouraging him to chew.
An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports healthy development of puppies’ immune system and keeps his body growing strong.
Highly digestible proteins and specific fibers maintain digestive health since this breed has a tendency to have poor stool quality.
And glucosamine and chondroitin support bone and joint health and cartilage as your puppy grows to be a big dog.
Key Benefits
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred German Shepherd puppies 8 weeks to 15 months old.
- Specialized kibble shape is designed for a German Shepherd’s long, strong muzzle to encourage chewing.
- Helps protect puppy development of immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E.
- Aids digestion with highly digestible proteins and specific fibers to promote optimal stool quality.
- Maintains bone and joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin to support large breed bodies.
High Protein Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Puppy Food
High-quality protein sources, including chicken as the first ingredient, help your puppy develop healthy muscles so he can maintain his playful lifestyle.
DHA from omega-rich fish oil in this puppy formula nourishes his brain and vision development, and calcium, phosphorus and other minerals build strong teeth and bones.
This super-premium dog food has no artificial colors or flavors and will keep your puppy happy at mealtime.
Key Benefits
- DHA from omega-rich fish oil nourishes brain and vision development.
- High quality protein builds lean muscles, with chicken as the first ingredient.
- Antioxidants support a puppy’s developing immune system.
- Highly digestible formula for optimal nutrient delivery.
- Calcium, phosphorus and other minerals build strong bones and teeth.
Best Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies and fruit, plus added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients.
This Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken.
And because puppyhood is such an important stage, it features ingredients that support healthy growth and development.
Key Benefits
- Calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth and special “puppy-sized” kibble for smaller jaws that promote tartar removal
- DHA and ARA for healthy brain and eye development and high-quality protein for healthy muscle growth
- Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants for immune system health
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- No corn, wheat, soy or chicken (or poultry) by-product meals
Best Food for Dachshund Puppy
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dachshund Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag
The small, specialized kibble is designed for your small breed’s pointed muzzle and tiny jaw, making it easy for little dogs to pick up and chew.
An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports healthy development of a young dog’s immune system and keeps his body growing strong.
An appropriate combination of calcium and phosphorus gives your puppy bone and joint support.
And this Dachshund dog food contains highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content to promote healthy digestion, optimal stool quality, and reduction of unpleasant stool odors.
Mix in or complement this dry food with Royal Canin Puppy Wet Dog Food.
Key Benefits:
- Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Dachshunds 8 weeks to 10 months old.
- Specialized kibble to help Dachshund puppies pick up and chew their food.
- Promotes puppy development of the immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E.
- Provides joint and bone support with appropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus to help support small dogs with tiny limbs and a long backbone.
- Supports digestive health and promotes optimal stool quality with highly digestible proteins and precise fiber.
Healthy Food for Puppies - Final Thoughts
Notably, there are various aspects that you need to consider when you go to purchase the best dog food for puppies.
I know it might be confusing. However, it will be simpler when armed with the right information and a vet’s advice. As a key highlight, choose the best for your puppy to ensure it grows into a healthy and happy dog with no health issues.
Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health? A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is essential for your dog’s immune system and overall health-read our blog on: The best Probiotic for Dogs
