Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy
Best Puppy Food Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is a kibble designed for puppies under the age of 12 months and contains different feeding specifics for 1-3 months, 3-5 months, 5-7 months, and 7-12 months.
They have tried to produce a formula that will best enable your puppy to develop into a strong and healthy adult, and so have included a few extra vitamins and minerals that aren’t always seen in regular puppy kibbles.
Blue Buffalo have utilized flaxseed and menhaden fish meal in the formula to give it a large amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
This will help your puppy develop strong and healthy skin and coat. It has also been enriched with calcium and phosphorus to help strengthen the bones and teeth of your puppy. We really like the approach that Blue Buffalo has taken with this food in taking into consideration all the needs of a puppy.
The kibble has been made smaller than usual to help dogs with smaller jaws and aids in tartar removal. DHA and ARA have also been added to boost brain and eye development. These fatty acids are typically found in mother’s milk and so can help make up for an absence of this in your puppy’s diet.
At $50 for a 30-lb bag, this puppy food is definitely in the more expensive category of dry dog food. We believe it justifies this price through its abundance of vitamins and minerals.
Pros:
Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Food Formula
Guaranteed Analysis: Protein 28.0% min, Fat 17.0% min, Fiber 5.0% max, Moisture 10% max
Top 5 ingredients: 1. Buffalo, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Egg Product, 5. Pea Protein
This is the second Taste of The Wild puppy food on this list, and weve chosen it for the quality of ingredients. The High Prairie formula is great for dog owners who wish to feed their puppy natural and protein-rich foods.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Dog Food Reviewed
Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Pet Food is a dry kibble made with real chicken and brown rice. It is designed for puppies aged 7-12 weeks and is meant to provide them with all the nutrients they need to grow into healthy dogs. This food comes in a resealable bag, which is great for keeping the kibble fresh.
One of the main selling points of this food is that it is made without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is also GMO-free. The first thing youll notice when looking at the ingredients list is that there are several plant-based proteins listed. Peas are not usually something you would want to see in a dog food due to the potential for heart concerns which are still being investigated.
However, Rachael Ray does list salmon oil and sunflower oil as sources of omega fatty acids. These oils are beneficial for dogs skin and coat health. The food also contains choline chloride which is important for brain development in puppies.
One downside to this food is that it has been recalled twice in the past due to potential salmonella contamination. However, both recalls were issued due to incorrect labeling on the packaging and no actual cases of salmonella poisoning were reported.
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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.
How Much Dog Food Do Growing Puppies Need
New owners are often unsure how much dog food to give their new puppy at mealtime.
Do you fill up her bowl? Just let her eat as much as she wants?
Some owners even make the mistake of leaving a bowl of dog food available at all times .
In most cases, you should just follow the manufacturers instructions on the packaging.
These puppy feeding recommendations usually fall within the veterinary-recommended range, although they are occasionally so broad that they are useless.
For example, a given dog food may advise providing your dog with 2 to 4 ½ cups of food per day. As you can see, the high-end of this range provides more than double the calories of the low-end recommendation, so thats really not a helpful range.
Discuss your pups caloric needs with your veterinarian, but you can figure out a ballpark figure by applying a slightly complex formula, if you like.
It is usually advisable to provide your puppys food in three relatively small meals, spread throughout the day.
This will keep your little pups tummy full, prevent her from over-indulging at dinner time and also help her avoid intestinal troubles.
Try to feed your puppys meals at about the same time each day, and make sure that you discard any uneaten puppy food within 20 to 30 minutes. This will help prevent your pet from eating spoiled food.
Once your dog has reached about 80% to 90% of her adult size, you can cut back to twice-daily feedings .
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Homemade Dog Food Sources
- Meats: chicken, turkey, beef, bison, pork, lamb, venison
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, zucchini, summer squash, spinach, kale, collard greens, chard, thawed frozen peas
- Complex carbohydrates: brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, lentils, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, winter squash
Recommended Serving Amounts
- 2 pounds of food per day for a 100-pound dog
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of food per day for a 50-pound dog
- 1/2 to 3/4 pound of food per day for a 25-pound dog
- 5 to 6 1/2 ounces of food per day for a 10-pound dog
This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Every dogs dietary needs are different. Please consult with your veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your own dogs diet.
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.
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Earthborn Venture Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Rabbit Meal, Pumpkin, TapiocaType: Dry
Earthborn Holistics Venture line actually has a few different flavors.
You can choose the exotic Alaskan pollock, wild boar, or this rabbit and pumpkin food formula. Its formulated specifically for dogs with skin and digestive problems.
Its protein source would not trigger and make yeast issues worse, and your pet will surely enjoy it.
Pros:
- Doesnt contain any eggs, by-products, or potatoes, which may cause allergies in some dogs
- The natural ingredients are highly digestible and high in both vitamins and minerals
Cons:
Healthy Everyday Pets Puppy High Protein Aussie Puppy Food
Its great to see Australian dog foods rivalling some of the big worldwide brands. Healthy Everyday Pets are one such company, putting some of the other Australian brands to shame.
The company was created by Supermans personal trainer , who was baffled about how much grains and carbs were in most dog foods on the shelves. We all know how bad carbs are, right?
The great thing about Healthy Everyday Pets Puppy is the amount of protein from meat, and its grain free to boot. This puppy formula has the most protein at 35%, and 15% fat.
Its a little pricier than the other picks above, at the time of writing $1.11/100g for the 12kg bag. Thats on sale as well, so you may find it a bit more when you check the price.
Although Healthy Everyday Pets Puppy doesnt have the range of meats and fish like you do with ACANA and Taste of the Wild Puppy, it does have added egg, probiotics, and prebiotics , and the wonderful omega-rich green lipped mussels.
Benefits:
- 35% protein and 15% fat which makes it the most protein of all the recommended affordable puppy foods puppys need protein to grow!
Read the full Healthy Everyday Pets dog food review.
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Best For Large Breed Puppies: Purina Pro Plan Chicken And Rice Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
Purina
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Contains the correct nutrients to protect large breed puppy development
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Available in three bag sizes to accommodate your growing pups size
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Can be difficult to find some flavors
Large breeds, generally considered an adult weight of 50 pounds or more, can be more susceptible to excess calcium in their diets. This food is formulated especially for the big guys and gals, and its frequently vet and breeder recommended.
Available Flavors: Chicken, beef | Nutritional Specs: 28% protein, 13% fat, 12% moisture
What Were Looking For:
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: What to feed your puppy is a question I get almost every single day, says Dr. Karie Anne Johnson, a mobile veterinarian and co-founder of VIP Vet Visit. She and the other vets we spoke to all recommend choosing puppy food that has been thoroughly researched and tested for nutritional adequacy by the Association of American Feed Control Officials and meets AAFCOs nutritional standards. All of the puppy food recommended below meets or exceeds AAFCO standards.
High-quality ingredients: Zacharias also stresses that the ingredients should name the exact type of meat included and they should not contain white flour, preservatives such as BHA or BHT, propylene glycol, or rendered fat. If youre among the people who see their dog more as a member of their family than as a pet, you may want to give them minimally processed food that looks more like your own dinner than traditional kibble or wet food. Richardson says that a growing number of the pet owners she sees are interested in human-grade or fresh pet foods. As this is a relatively new concept in the pet-food world and definitions vary a bit by brand, but generally speaking, something labeled fresh pet food is minimally processed, does not use preservatives, and is gently cooked to retain nutrients and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria present in some raw diets. These foods usually come frozen and need to be thawed before each meal.
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Farmina N& d Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food
Image courtesy Farmina N& D
Farmina N& D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients, including chicken and pomegranate. It’s enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and it’s free of grain, corn, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
This food is also high in protein to help your puppy build lean muscle mass, and it’s made with ingredients that are easy to digest.
Which Type Of Dog Might Do Better With A Different Brand
While Muenster doesnt offer as wide of a variety as brands like Purina, they do have recipes that will work for most dogs. They do not have any prescription veterinary diets, which isnt unusual.
If you prefer your dogs main protein to be beef, turkey, waterfowl, or any protein source outside chicken, pork, salmon, or ocean fish, then you will need to check into other brands. While Muenster foods are considered puppy-appropriate, the brand does not have any puppy-specific recipes.
If you own a large breed puppy, you may want to gravitate toward a brand that meets the AAFCO nutrient profile for the growth and development of large breed puppies and consider switching to Muenster after your pup has reached adulthood.
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American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain
This high-protein dog food with real, deboned lamb is not only delicious for your pup but full of amino acids that help maintain lean muscle mass, plus salmon oil and flaxseed provide omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, including long-chain DHA, help support your dogs skin and coat health and brain and eye development, said Dr. Nelson.
There are an array of sizes to order, should you shop at Chewy. We love the option to bundle and save, with two four-pound packages or two 12-pound bags, shipped right to your door.
Wellness Core Digestive Health Age Advantage $20+
Designed specifically for the needs of senior dogs, Wellness CORE Digestive Health Age Advantage is a highly digestible, probiotic-coated kibble crafted with a unique blend of prebiotic fibers to support digestive health. This recipe is made with guaranteed levels of Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Calcium to support healthy joints and bones. So, every dog, at any age, can live their best life, said Dr. Bernal.
Digestive health is really important for any age, but senior dogs especially. Thats why this formula sold at Petco is made with small, easy-to-eat kibble bits.
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Anything Else To Consider
If youre thinking about making the switch to a new dog food, you should speak to your vet to get their advice on how to transition your Shih Tzu to their new food.
The dog food delivery companies that weve reviewed in this article all provide guidance on how to introduce their balanced and complete dog food into your Shih Tzus diet.
Editors note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. Our articles and the products featured in them are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems for you and/or your pet. Its always best to consult your vet regarding any health issues your pet may have.
The Difference Between Puppy Food And Adult Food
You may be wondering why your puppy needs a different food when they are young. Yes, you still want your adult dog to get great protein and the benefits of omegas, vitamins, and minerals. When they are younger, however, they need dog food that is formulated for their rapid growth. This is where puppy formulas excel.
Puppies also require more calories throughout the day than adult dogs. This is due to their high energy and constant growth. Once a dog reaches maturity, they slow down a bit and arent required as much food. This is when you will make the switch to adult food and veer away from the high-calorie content of puppy formulas.
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Best Food For Senior Shih Tzus
There is no doubt that the right nutrition keeps any pooch healthier, and therefore alive longer, sometimes significantly, so be sure to give your Shih Tzu the best senior food around. As they age, these pups need to dial back their caloric intake to ensure they dont put on unnecessary weight, so finding the right food is crucial.
There are a few great brands that make excellent formulas for small breed senior pups. Below are our favorite high-quality kibbles that cover your seniors nutritional needs, and as always, they are highly rated and tried and tested.
Key Differences Between The Worst And Best Dog Foods
- The best dog food will exceed the minimum nutritional requirements Whilst all commercially available foods will reach the minimum required nutritional levels, the minimum is not enough to make your dog fully thrive.
- Protein According to Kate Barrington at Petsumer.com, the best dog food will have over 25% protein. This should be ideally from all animal sources, without using vegetable protein.
- Fat The best foods will have at least 10% fat content.
- Enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
- The first five ingredients on the label should not contain any fillers, by-products, or additives.
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Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dry Food
Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food If youre wondering what are the healthiest foods, limited ingredient diets should be included on the list. These dog foods are made with a lower number of main ingredients which reduces the risk for triggering food allergies and sensitivities. Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Food offers exceptional quality with multiple recipes to choose from, all with 10 main ingredients or fewer. The entire line of products is grain-free and made with premium proteins like lamb, bison, salmon, duck, and wild boar, most of which are novel proteins which further reduce the risk for food allergies.
- Pros: Made with fewer than 10 main ingredients, premium animal proteins, grain-free recipes, many recipes to choose from, highly digestible, chelated minerals, probiotics for digestion
- Cons: Very expensive to purchase
Is Muenster Easy To Find In Stores
While Muenster products are readily available at a variety of local pet stores and feed stores across Texas, they are much sparser throughout the rest of the United States with some states having no locations that carry the food. No large corporations carry Muenster Milling Company products.
While it can be inconvenient to not have a local shop that carries your dogs food, if you are outside of Texas or a city that carries Muenster, it can easily be ordered online. You can check out the Where to Buy tab on their website to see if its available anywhere near you.
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