Ensuring your puppy gets the right nutrition in their first year is crucial for their healthy development. Just like human babies, puppies have specific dietary needs to support their rapid growth. The best puppy dog food is specially formulated to provide a balanced blend of essential nutrients, including protein, fats, carbohydrates, and calcium. This precise balance promotes a strong immune system, healthy skeletal development, and overall optimal growth, setting the foundation for a long and vibrant life.
According to Dr. Megan Shepherd, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, “Puppy food is more nutrient-dense than adult dog food because puppies require higher levels of nutrients to fuel their growth.” Choosing the right food, therefore, is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your new furry family member.
When selecting the Top Puppy Dog Food, several factors come into play. Consider your puppy’s breed size – will they be a small, medium, or large breed as an adult? Their size significantly impacts their nutritional needs. To help you navigate the overwhelming world of puppy food options, we’ve conducted thorough research, consulting with veterinarians like Dr. Shepherd and gathering feedback from hundreds of dog parents. Our goal is to provide you with a curated list of the best puppy dog food brands available, catering to various needs and preferences.
This guide will walk you through our top recommendations, covering different categories such as best overall, best wet food, best budget option, and more. We’ll also delve into what to look for when choosing puppy food and share insights from our research methodology. Remember, it’s always wise to consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new diet to your puppy, especially if they have any known digestive sensitivities. However, rest assured that our recommendations come from reputable manufacturers committed to providing complete and balanced nutrition for your puppy’s crucial first year.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food
Best Wet: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Wet Food
Best Budget: Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula
Best for Allergies: Blue Buffalo Skin & Stomach Care Puppy Food
Best for Large Breeds: Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy
Best Refrigerated: Freshpet Vital Puppy Food
Best for Small Breeds: Hill’s Science Diet Small Puppy Food
Best Subscription: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
Best Sustainable: Open Farm Puppy Dry Dog Food
Best Overall
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food on Amazon
What We Like
- Formulated for various health needs and breed sizes, making it a versatile top puppy dog food.
- No artificial colors or flavors, appealing to owners seeking natural options.
- Features real meat or fish as the first ingredient, ensuring high-quality protein source.
- Enriched with DHA to support healthy vision and brain development in puppies.
What We Don’t Like
- Some recipes contain corn gluten meal, protein by-product meal, and/or pea protein, which may concern some owners.
Puppies require a diet rich in protein to support their rapid growth and high energy levels, especially for muscle and bone development. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula delivers on this need, providing a high-protein formula packed with essential nutrients like fat, calcium, and phosphorus. This makes it a top puppy dog food choice recommended by veterinarians.
Our survey revealed that over 50 dog parents rely on Purina Pro Plan, often based on their veterinarian’s recommendation, highlighting its trusted reputation. All Purina Pro Plan Puppy Formula recipes include probiotics for digestive health, omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil, and a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals, contributing to its ranking as a top puppy dog food.
Real animal-derived protein is the cornerstone of Purina Pro Plan puppy food, always listed as the first ingredient. The dry food comes in Healthy Puppy and Healthy Puppy Large Breed options, catering to different growth trajectories. Flavor varieties include Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice, Salmon & Rice, and Lamb & Oatmeal, with sensitive skin and stomach formulas available.
Purina Pro Plan also offers wet puppy food in Classic, Grain-Free, and High Protein formulations, featuring beef, chicken, and turkey. You can even combine the wet and dry food for added palatability. While some recipes include by-product meals, corn gluten meal, or pea protein, the latter is mainly used in sensitive formulas in small quantities.
The packaging provides month-to-month feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s anticipated adult weight, making portion control easier. For a balanced and veterinarian-recommended top puppy dog food, Purina Pro Plan is an excellent choice.
Food Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Shredded blend chicken & rice, chicken & rice, lamb & rice, salmon & rice (sensitive skin & stomach), lamb & oatmeal (sensitive skin & stomach), beef & rice (wet), chicken & brown rice (wet), turkey entree (wet), chicken entree (wet)
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Best Wet
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Wet Food
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Wet Food on Amazon
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What We Like
- Offers formulas tailored for breed size and specific health needs, making it a specialized top puppy dog food.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, appealing to health-conscious pet owners.
- Available in various convenient packaging options: 13-ounce and 5.8-ounce cans, and 3.5-ounce trays.
What We Don’t Like
- Larger 13-ounce cans lack a pull tab, which can be less convenient.
- Can be a more expensive option for large breed puppies due to portion sizes.
For puppy owners seeking a moisture-rich diet, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food stands out as the best wet puppy dog food. It provides a palatable meaty flavor along with essential vitamins and minerals vital for growth. Hill’s Science Diet is overwhelmingly favored by dog parents and recommended by veterinarians, as confirmed by our extensive survey. Its convenience and reasonable pricing further solidify its position as a top puppy dog food brand.
All four puppy recipes are crafted with high-quality protein (chicken or beef) to support muscle development, phosphate and calcium for strong bones, DHA omega-3 from fish oil for brain development, and a blend of antioxidants and vitamins for immune support. Prebiotic fiber is also included to promote a balanced digestive system, making it a well-rounded top puppy dog food.
For small breed puppies, a 13-ounce can can last for multiple meals. The 5.8-ounce cans with pull tabs and 3.5-ounce foil trays offer even more convenience. While exclusively feeding wet food to large breed puppies can become costly due to their larger appetites, you can easily mix Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Wet Food with their dry kibble counterpart, such as Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food, for a cost-effective and balanced approach.
Type: Wet | Flavors: Chicken & rice stew, chicken & barley, chicken & vegetables, beef & barley
Best Budget
Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula
Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula on Amazon
What We Like
- High in protein to support puppy growth and development, a key feature of top puppy dog food.
- Includes a formula specifically for large breed puppies, addressing their unique needs.
- Recipes are made without fillers, ensuring nutrient-dense meals.
- Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients like DHA, calcium, and phosphate.
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks a specific formula tailored for small breed puppies.
- Contains by-product meals in the ingredient list.
For budget-conscious dog owners, Purina ONE +Plus Healthy Puppy Formula is our top recommendation for the best budget puppy dog food. Purina offers a wide range of affordable yet nutritious options for every stage of a dog’s life. This formula provides excellent nutrition without breaking the bank.
The kibble features chicken as the primary ingredient and has a palatable mix of crunchy bites and tender morsels. The canned wet food option uses ground lamb as the main protein source along with long grain rice, offering a tasty and easily digestible meal for puppies.
Purina ONE +Plus Healthy Puppy Formula comes from the same trusted parent company as our Best Overall pick, Purina Pro Plan, and shares many nutritional benefits. It’s enriched with DHA for brain and vision development, calcium and glucosamine for strong bones and joints, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, Purina ONE products, including their puppy food, are more readily available and more affordable than Purina Pro Plan, making it accessible to more owners looking for top puppy dog food on a budget.
The Purina ONE Healthy Puppy line includes kibble, wet food, and a dry food formula specifically designed for large breeds. The large breed formula has a slightly adjusted protein, fat, and fiber ratio to meet the unique needs of rapidly growing large breed puppies.
Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Chicken, lamb & long grain rice (wet)
Best for Allergies
Blue Buffalo Skin & Stomach Care Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Skin & Stomach Care Puppy Food on Amazon
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What We Like
- Formulated without common allergens like chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs, making it a top puppy dog food for sensitive pups.
- Free of artificial flavors and preservatives, prioritizing natural ingredients.
- Designed to be gentle on a puppy’s digestive system, reducing stomach upset.
What We Don’t Like
- Only available in one flavor option, limiting variety for picky eaters.
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Puppy Food is specifically designed for puppies with sensitivities, making it the best puppy dog food for allergies. Its gentle formula is easy on a puppy’s digestive system. Turkey is the single animal protein source, combined with easily digestible ingredients like potatoes, peas, and pumpkin.
This high-protein kibble is fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy growth. It also includes omega fatty acids DHA and ARA to promote cognitive and retinal development, crucial for young puppies.
If your puppy exhibits symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, excessive itching, or hives after eating, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian to determine if allergies or food sensitivities are the cause. Identifying and eliminating the offending ingredients is key to helping your puppy thrive.
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Puppy Food excludes chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs, which are common canine allergens. Furthermore, like all Blue Buffalo dog foods, it’s free from poultry by-product meals, artificial flavors, and preservatives, reinforcing its position as a top puppy dog food for sensitive systems.
Type: Dry | Flavors: Turkey and potato recipe
Best for Large Breeds
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy on Amazon
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What We Like
- Real chicken is the first ingredient, ensuring a high-quality protein source in this top puppy dog food.
- Affordably priced, making it accessible for owners of large breed puppies.
- Specifically formulated for rapidly growing puppies that will become large dogs.
- No artificial preservatives or flavors, prioritizing natural ingredients.
What We Don’t Like
- Recipes contain fillers, which may be a concern for some owners.
Large breed puppies have substantial appetites, and Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy Food is our recommendation for the best puppy dog food for large breeds. It provides balanced nutrition tailored to their needs at a reasonable price point.
The kibble is made with real chicken as the primary ingredient, along with eggs, delivering a high serving of protein in each meal. The formula also includes omega-3 DHA, calcium, and antioxidants to support healthy growth and development as puppies mature into large dogs.
Iams Proactive Health Puppy Food also offers dry food options for small and medium breeds, as well as canned wet food for puppies of all sizes, all made with the same commitment to quality ingredients.
Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Chicken
Best Refrigerated
Freshpet Vital Puppy Food
Freshpet Vital Puppy Food at Petco
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What We Like
- High in protein to support the rapid growth of puppies, a key aspect of top puppy dog food.
- Each serving is enriched with calcium, omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- Made with non-GMO ingredients, appealing to owners seeking natural options.
- Free from preservatives and by-product meals, prioritizing fresh, wholesome ingredients.
What We Don’t Like
- Can be a more expensive option for large breed puppies due to portion sizes.
Freshpet Vital Grain Free Puppy Food is our pick for the best refrigerated puppy dog food, offering a fresh, preservative-free option high in protein for growing puppies.
Each serving contains a blend of non-GMO ingredients, including chicken, beef, salmon, and eggs for protein and essential nutrients, alongside antioxidant-rich spinach and sweet potatoes. The recipe provides building block vitamins and minerals similar to those found in mother’s milk, such as calcium for bone strength, DHA for brain development, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Freshpet dog food received high praise from our panel of over 400 dog parents who prefer fresh food options. The puppy formula is grain-free (without wheat, barley, oats, quinoa, rye, or rice), which may not be necessary for all puppies unless they have allergies. However, it’s fortified with taurine, an essential amino acid, ensuring complete puppy nutrition.
It’s worth noting that the FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs since 2018. While the FDA states in 2022 that there isn’t enough data to confirm a direct connection, they continue to monitor the research. Always consult your veterinarian about the best dietary choices for your puppy.
Type: Refrigerated | Flavors: Chicken, beef, salmon, & egg
Best for Small Breeds
Hill’s Science Diet Small Puppy Food
Hill’s Science Diet Small Puppy Food on Amazon
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What We Like
- Features small kibble size, perfect for the mouths of small breed puppies, making it a top puppy dog food for little dogs.
- Enriched with DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development.
- Available in both wet and dry food recipes, providing versatile feeding options.
- Suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs, offering nutritional support during these life stages.
What We Don’t Like
- Some wet food flavors can be harder to find in stock.
Hill’s Science Diet Small & Mini Puppy Food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of small breed puppies (up to 25 pounds as adults), making it the best puppy dog food for small breeds. With natural chicken or beef as the primary protein source, it delivers complete and balanced nutrition.
Key ingredients include DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development and an antioxidant blend for immune system support. The kibble size is smaller than regular kibble, making it easier for small mouths to eat and digest.
Hill’s Science Diet Small & Mini puppy food is also available in wet form in smaller cans (5.8 ounces) and trays (3.5 ounces), minimizing food waste for small appetites. All recipes are manufactured in the USA and are suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs, highlighting its comprehensive nutritional profile and making it a top puppy dog food choice.
Type: Dry, wet | Flavors: Chicken & brown rice, chicken & barley entree (wet), chicken & vegetables (wet), beef & barley entree (wet)
Best Subscription
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Website
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What We Like
- Made with human-grade ingredients, ensuring top-quality food for your puppy.
- Facilitates easier transition for puppies from milk to solid food due to its gentle cooking.
- Provides high-quality, gentle nutrition tailored for puppy development.
- Customizable meal plans to fit the individual needs of each growing puppy.
What We Don’t Like
- Can become expensive for large breeds as they grow into adulthood and require larger portions.
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food is our top pick for the best subscription puppy dog food. It excels as a dog food delivery service, focusing on fresh, human-grade ingredients, customizable meal plans, and free shipping. Given the specific nutritional demands of puppies, The Farmer’s Dog ensures their food is formulated by board-certified nutritionists to be complete and balanced for growth.
The gently cooked food is easily digestible, making it ideal for transitioning puppies from milk to solid food, minimizing stomach issues. The brand recommends starting puppies on a “gruel” of food and warm water around 3-4 weeks old, gradually transitioning to solid food by 5-6 weeks.
Customizable meal plans allow you to adjust portions as your puppy grows and their appetite changes. While starting at a reasonable price of around $2 per day, costs can increase for larger breed puppies as they mature. For owners prioritizing fresh, human-grade top puppy dog food delivered to their door, The Farmer’s Dog is an excellent choice.
Type: Frozen | Flavors: Turkey, chicken, beef, pork
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Best Sustainable
Open Farm Puppy Dry Dog Food
Open Farm Puppy Dry Dog Food on Amazon
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What We Like
- Made with humanely raised primal cuts of meat and wild-caught salmon, emphasizing ethical sourcing for this top puppy dog food.
- Free from legumes, peas, potato, corn, wheat, or soy, catering to owners seeking grain-free alternatives.
- Uses gluten-free ancient grains like steel-cut oat, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds for healthy carbohydrates.
- No antibiotics, GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, prioritizing natural and wholesome ingredients.
What We Don’t Like
- The taste and smell may not appeal to all puppies, potentially requiring a transition period.
Open Farm’s Ancient Grain High-Protein Puppy Food is our choice for the best sustainable puppy dog food. It features humanely raised chicken and pork, and wild-caught salmon, contributing to allergy prevention in puppies. Instead of common fillers, this formula uses gluten-free ancient grains like steel-cut oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamins, and fiber. Superfoods like pumpkin, chicory root, and coconut oil further enhance the nutritional profile.
Open Farm is committed to 100% transparency in sourcing, packaging, and carbon footprint. You can even trace the origin of ingredients in your puppy’s food. It’s free of antibiotics, GMOs, artificial additives, and appeals to owners seeking ethically and sustainably produced top puppy dog food.
While the high-protein formula aligns with canine natural cravings, some puppies may need time to adjust to the taste and smell of the dry kibble.
Type: Dry | Flavors: Chicken, pork, wild-caught salmon
Final Verdict
For most puppies, Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food is our top recommendation. Its formulation supports healthy growth and development with a palatable texture and flavor. For wet puppy food, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food stands out with its breed-size specific recipes and tailored health benefits, both solidifying their places among the top puppy dog food options.
What to Look for in Puppy Food
Complete and Balanced
When choosing top puppy dog food, ensure the label clearly states “complete and balanced nutrition” for puppies, in accordance with AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines. AAFCO sets nutritional standards for pet foods, though they don’t regulate or approve them. To be labeled “complete and balanced,” puppy food must meet AAFCO’s minimum nutritional requirements, guaranteeing it provides all the necessary nutrients for healthy puppy development.
Dry Versus Wet
Dry puppy dog food typically contains 10-12% moisture, while wet food has a much higher moisture content, around 75-78%. Wet food can help keep your puppy hydrated, but it may also contribute to tartar buildup on their teeth. Many owners find a balance by alternating between wet and dry food, leveraging the benefits of both types in their puppy’s diet to ensure they are getting the top puppy dog food nutrition and hydration they need.
How We Found The Best Puppy Foods
Our recommendations for the top puppy dog food are based on a comprehensive research process. We surveyed dog owners to understand their priorities when choosing puppy food, focusing on factors like veterinarian recommendations and ingredient quality. We also considered budget-friendly options and brand availability.
Gathering information on dog size, breed, age, and history allowed us to tailor our picks to a wide range of puppies. The best puppy dog food for a small breed like a Papillon will differ from the ideal food for a large breed like a Saint Bernard.
In total, 407 dog owners shared their experiences and opinions on puppy foods they currently or previously fed. Their feedback, combined with numerical scores and detailed comments, informed our selections, ensuring we recommend only the top puppy dog food brands.
FAQ
How long should I feed my dog puppy food?
Veterinary nutritionist Dr. Megan Shepherd advises feeding puppy food for a full 12 months as a general guideline, though breed size and individual needs can vary. Small breeds typically finish growing within a year, while larger breeds may continue to grow beyond that. Dr. Shepherd emphasizes that it’s generally safer to keep a puppy on puppy food slightly longer than switching too soon, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients from top puppy dog food.
When do I switch from puppy food to adult food?
While 12 months is a good average, it’s best to transition to adult food when your puppy reaches their adult body weight and has a healthy body condition score (BCS). Assess your puppy’s BCS by checking for a visible “waistline” from above and an “abdominal tuck” from the side. You should be able to feel their ribs with light pressure. Once your puppy reaches their expected adult weight and has a healthy BCS, you can gradually switch to adult food, ensuring a smooth transition from top puppy dog food to adult formulas.
Do large breed puppies need a specific puppy food?
Yes. Large breed puppy food is formulated to be less calorie-dense and has a different calcium-to-phosphorus ratio compared to adult food. This is because excessive calcium intake can negatively impact the healthy growth of large breeds. Choosing top puppy dog food specifically designed for large breeds is crucial for their proper development.
Can adult dogs eat puppy food?
Healthy adult dogs can eat puppy food, especially active working or sporting dogs who burn significant calories. However, monitor their body condition score to prevent them from becoming overweight. Obesity can negatively affect a dog’s health and lifespan. While puppy food isn’t harmful in moderation for active adults, it’s not formulated for their long-term needs and shouldn’t replace top puppy dog food or adult formulas for the appropriate life stage.
Is it okay to feed your puppy a raw food diet?
The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Nutrition do not recommend raw food diets for any dogs, including puppies. Despite anecdotal claims of benefits, scientific evidence does not support that raw pet food is superior to other types. Raw food carries a high risk of containing pathogens like listeria and salmonella, which can harm both pets and humans. Nutritional imbalances are also a concern with raw diets. For optimal safety and balanced nutrition, consider sticking with commercially prepared, vet-recommended top puppy dog food instead.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
This guide to top puppy dog food was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets with extensive experience in pet product research and reviews. Her insights are informed by a passion for pet care and a commitment to helping owners find the best products for their animals.
Our recommendations also incorporate findings from a comprehensive survey of 407 dog owners, providing real-world feedback on puppy food preferences and experiences.
A previous version of this article was written by Arricca SanSone, a lifelong dog lover, based on research and interviews with experts like Dr. Megan Shepherd, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. We rely on high-quality sources and expert consultations to ensure our content is accurate, reliable, and trustworthy, guiding you to make informed decisions about the top puppy dog food for your furry friend.
