What Dog Food Is Best For Puppies

Best For Grain Allergies: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

Courtesy of Amazon

Key Ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, menhaden fish meal | Flavors: Salmon | Packaging Size: 4.5, 11, 20, or 24 pound bag

• Sweet potatoes are a source of healthy carbs

• Grain-free diets may not be best for every dog

Its always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dogs allergies. They may recommend changes to their diet that remove foods that could flare up their allergies, like grains or poultry. But being grain-free doesnt mean that this recipe is all protein either, it also features sweet potatoes and peas to help give your active doggy that extra boost of energy. Blue Buffalo also offers similar grain-free recipes for all life stages, including puppies, adult, and senior dogs.

About Chicken Soup For The Soul Large

Formulated with safe levels of calcium for growing large breed puppies, this dry food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for large puppys joint health.

Chicken Soups classic recipe contains chicken and turkey as its top two ingredients. Made in the U.S., this recipe contains zero corn, soy, or wheat.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food

This chicken-forward dry dog food is supplemented with brown rice and sweet potato.

Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Small Breed Healthy Growth Formula

Image courtesy Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Small Breed Healthy Growth Formula Puppy Food is made with real meat and fish, and it’s enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

This food also has a high protein content to help your puppy build lean muscle mass, and it’s made with ingredients that are easy to digest.

Recommended Reading: Is Freeze Dried Dog Food Healthy

Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain

Image courtesy Taste of the Wild

Roasted bison and roasted venison are combined in this delicious meal to provide highly digestible energy for your growing puppy. The tastes of roasted meats, vegetables, legumes, and fruits in a tiny kibble form make it simple for pups to get all of the nutrients they need for overall health.

This recipe is ideal for pregnant or nursing women, as well as other adult dogs, due to the guaranteed levels of DHA and proper nutrition.

When People Find Out We Make Our Own Dog Food At Home They Always Ask Us What About A Raw Diet So Let’s Get That Out Of The Way First

There are LOTS of thoughts and theories on feeding your dog a raw diet especially a dog that is living with kidney disease. Our vet however, was personally opposed to feeding a raw diet due to the fact that dogs, just like us, are very susceptible to food poisoning. Besides that, a raw diet can be tricky to get just right! You run the risk of giving your dog a horrible belly ache by mixing a raw diet with cooked treats, so if you decided to go raw it is important to have both raw meals and raw treats planned for your pup at all times. NO MIXING the two! Since raw and cooked foods digest at different rates any combination of the two can wreak serious havoc on your pup’s gut which can lead to some pretty unpleasant situations for you – if you get my drift.

Also Check: How To Switch Dog To New Food

Best Puppy Food For Small Breeds: Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

Small breeds make for even cuter puppies because of their tiny size and big personalities. To support the nutritional needs of extra small, small, and toy breeds, you need a formula that features all the proteins, minerals, and vitamins needed to support them as they grow. These small-sized, tasty kibbles are designed for tiny teeth and picky eaters. If your puppy has an expected adult weight between nine and 22 pounds, this puppy dog food is ideal. Its tailor-made for puppies up to 10 months old because it meets the high energy needs of a small breed dog during their short yet intense growth period. Your tiny pup will get the immune support he needs along with an exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, this formula promotes healthy digestion through highly digestible proteins and probiotics. Your pup gets to enjoy delicious flavors with this formula thats easy on his digestive system.

Do I Need To Feed A Special Diet To My Large Breed Pup

Large breed puppies are more likely to develop joint and skeletal problems, which can worsen due to overfeeding. These dogs require controlled growth and thrive on food with higher calcium, fiber, and phosphorous levels. A large breed puppy should only be feed controlled calories and a balanced diet.

Recommended Reading: How Much Is Freshpet Dog Food

Fromm Family Puppy Gold Dog Food

Image courtesy Fromm Family

Fromm Family Foods is a fifth-generation family-owned company that makes dog and cat foods in Wisconsin. Since 1904, the family has upheld a culture of quiet innovation dedicated to the health and nutrition of animals. They created the first canine distemper vaccination in the 1930s. By 1949, they had developed the technique of cooking flesh and grain together to create dry kibble food, which is still popular today.

About Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Puppy Recipe

Free of peas, lentils, and potatoes, Merricks Puppy Recipe leads with deboned chicken, but also includes a blend of whole and ancient grains for all-around puppy nutrition.

Packed with omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, this formula is free of the things you dont want in your puppys food such as gluten, preservatives, wheat, and soy.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Dry Food

Free of byproducts, this formula features turkey and chicken, plus brown rice and healthy grains.

Read Also: Does Petsmart Carry Acana Dog Food

How Much To Feed A Large Breed Dog

There is no easy answer to the question: how much to feed a large breed dog? Every dogs caloric needs are unique. The nutrition label on your dogs food provides guidelines for owners, but you may need to tailor them to your dog.

A good way to figure out how much food to feed your dog is to talk to your veterinarian about your dogs weight. Veterinarians judge the weight of a dog based on something called the body condition score. This helps them determine if your dog is at an ideal weight or if he is overweight or underweight, and how you should adjust his food.

Best Overall Wet: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Food

Amazon

Key Ingredients: Chicken broth, turkey, carrots, pork liver, rice | Flavors: Turkey and rice, salmon and vegetable, chicken and vegetable | Package Size: 12.5 ounce can

• Contains both grains and proteins

• Supplemented with key nutrients

• Still has some chicken ingredients

Most dogs love wet food, and you can buy it either as a dense paté or as a thick stew. This recipe from Hills Science Diet comes as a rich stew that can be given alone for dinner or deliciously poured over dry food. This highly-palatable recipe is designed specifically with sensitive tummies in mind. Turkey is the lead protein instead of chicken, but there are still some chicken ingredients. It’s also supplemented with a number of key nutrients, including vitamin E, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3.

Don’t Miss: What Kind Of Dog Food Is Best For Sensitive Stomachs

Most Affordable Option: Iams Puppy Dry Dog Food

Product Ratings

What We Didnt Like:

• Not good for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Contains chicken byproduct
• Also contains preservatives

Iams is one of the most well-known dog food varieties, the nutrient profiles in their recipes are pretty good. Theyre known for their affordable options and their brand is recommended by vets all over the U.S.

This product was one that we heard a lot about and it had some great reviews so we were very interested to give it a try.

Whats in the Food?

The first ingredient of this food is real, farm-raised chicken followed by whole grain corn. This recipe is made with 22 key nutrients found like those in mothers milk.

We also found:

• Ground Whole Grain Sorghum

As you can see, this dog food variety doesnt have many ingredients in it compared to the other options on this list, but it still has the necessary protein and nutrients to help your puppy on its journey to becoming an adult.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

We loved to see fish oil in this ingredient list because it can provide healthy eye development for a growing puppy. The omega-3 DHA in fish oil also promotes neural growth and healthy cognition, leading to smarter, more trainable puppies.

Theres plenty of chicken within this recipe to help supply your dog with the protein it needs. This food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of all dog breed types.

How Our Dogs Reacted to It

What Other Customers Had to Say

Is Wet Or Dry Dog Food Better For Puppies

When it comes to the best dog food for puppies, wet puppy food is often considered better.

However, this is a debatable topic that depends on the personal preference of your pup. While wet food has lesser carbs which are often difficult for dogs to digest, they do have more water content.

On the other hand, dry foods are relatively easy to digest but contain little water. Additionally, dry foods also promote chewing so that it is easy on your dogs digestive system.

To choose which option is best for your pup, consult a vet to figure out the perfect nutrition plan for your growing puppy.

Recommended Reading: Can You Mix Wet And Dry Dog Food

What Type Of Diet And Daily Routine Do Puppies Need

Puppies need a diet that is high in protein and easy to digest. They also need a lot of exercise. Puppies should be taken on two or three walks a day, and they should have plenty of time to run and play.

Finally, puppies need a lot of love and attention. They need to be cuddled and played with often. If you provide all of these things for your puppy, they will grow up to be a happy and healthy dog.

Is Wet Food Better Than Dry

Wet and dry foods are both good choices for dogs, and each has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages depending on your pets nutritional requirements, and unique dietary restrictions or needs.

Wet foods usually have more meat protein than kibbles, which is needed in the healthy development of lean muscles. However, they have fewer carbohydrates, which is important in providing your pet with enough energy for the day, and it making him feel full and satisfied with his meal.

Wet dog foods are also more aromatic and flavorful, which is a huge advantage, especially when dealing with picky eaters, as well as with sick dogs who have significantly reduced appetite.

Older dogs with dental problems are also more inclined to munch on a bowl of wet food than dry dog food, not just because its more appetizing, but more so because its softer and easier to chew.

Additionally, wet food has a higher moisture content, which can help in keeping your pup hydrated. This is especially helpful for dogs who are not fond of drinking, or those with a medical condition that could benefit from having proper hydration .

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR BEST WET PUPPY FOODS

Read Also: Can You Switch Dog Food Flavors Of Same Brand

Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs

Senior dogs, usually considered 7+, vary in their individual nutritional needs. Younger senior dogs may struggle with being overweight and older senior dogs may struggle with being underweight, which is why there is such a variety.

Choosing the best senior dog food may come down to what your dog finds palatable. Many older dogs prefer wet food while others may need their food warmed up to enhance the aromas. Ultimately, your vet can help choose the best dog food for an older pet.

Carbohydrates In Dog Food

One of the most important reasons for carbohydrates in a dogs diet is to supply energy.

Carbohydrates are needed in a dogs daily diet as they provide energy in the form of glucose and are a main source of dietary fiber. The body craves glucose, and if it is not available with carbohydrates, then it will take amino acids away from other processes in the body.

Carbohydrates also:

• Generate heat in the body

• Form the base for other nutrients

• Can be converted into fat

Growing animals and dogs that have high-energy needs should be fed a diet with at least 20% carbohydrates.

Read Also: Gravy Train Dog Food Reviews

Best Recipe For The Money: Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food

Product Ratings

• Supports growth and immune system

What We Didnt Like:

• More filler than we would have liked
• More expensive than other options
• The bag that the food comes in isnt robust so it tears easily

Hills Pet Nutrition is a popular veterinarian-recommended brand known for its nutrient-dense recipes and high-quality ingredients. This is a dog food that you can trust in and confidently purchase, knowing that all your dogs nutritional needs will be met.

Whats in the Food?

The ingredient combination of this recipe is one of the main reasons this dog food is so highly-recommended.

Some of the main ingredients include:

High-quality protein serves as the core essence of this recipe. This dog food has clinically proven antioxidants to help promote a strong and healthy immune system. There are also apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, and green peas included as well.

Hills Pet values the transition puppies go through as they grow into adulthood, and it shows in the quality of their recipes. The bags of this food that we bought from our local pet store were always fresh and in excellent condition, which was very helpful.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

This recipe was designed with precise nutrition to support your puppys shiny coat and healthy skin. The fish oil in this recipe contains DHA, an essential component and a crucial role in developing a puppys central nervous system.

How Our Dogs Reacted to it

What Other Customers Had to Say

Final Thoughts On 25 Best Puppy Dog Foods In 2022

Now that you know the best puppy foods on the market, it’s time to make a decision for your furry friend. Keep in mind that puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it’s important to find a food that is specifically tailored for their growing bodies.

If you’re still not sure which food is right for your puppy, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you choose a food that will meet your pup’s unique needs.

Recommended Reading: Is Iams Dog Food Good For Dogs

Best For Large Breed Dogs: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Product Ratings

What We DidntLike:

• Occasional issues with consistency
• For large breed puppies only
• Not all puppies like it

Every dog has unique dietary needs, especially large breed dogs. For this essential requirement, we looked to Purina, an established and beloved dog food brand that has been on the market for more than 80 years.

Whats in the Food?

This recipe features a dry chicken and rice formula, the main source of protein in this dog food.

Theres also plenty of:

Each serving of this food contains 26% protein and 12% fat, which will most certainly support an appropriate growth rate in your puppy. We also liked the addition of live probiotics in this recipe, which is always great to see in dog food recipes.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

The ingredients in this list are great together and individually, making this dog food stand out. This product is fortified with minerals like calcium and phosphorus to help your dog develop strong bones and teeth.

This dog food is high in protein, with chicken being the first ingredient. There is also glucosamine added which supports your pups developing joints. The live probiotics and antioxidants in this recipe promote digestive and immune health.

How Our Dogs Reacted to It

Our puppies really enjoyed this food and didnt have any issues getting used to it. By the end of the month, we noticed their coats became quite soft and that they were thriving. They were active, happy, full of energy, and had no stomach issues either.

Vegetables Dogs Cant Eat:

Asparagus: When raw, its too tough for dogs to eat and could become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage

Mushrooms: While many mushrooms are fine for dogs to eat, some mushrooms that grow outside are toxic. To be safe, dont let your dog eat wild mushrooms growing outside.

Onions, Leeks and Chives: These come from the Allium plant family, which are all not good for dogs

Recommended Reading: Best Puppy Food For Rottweiler

Top 15 Best Dry Puppy Foods

Dogs are often categorized by their size — small, medium, and large — and each size has its own nutritional needs.

Thats why most manufacturers produce foods that cater to the different physical and metabolic needs required by each dog size.

So in our guide, we have divided the top dry foods by these three sizes to help you find the most appropriate food for your growing pup.