Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, filled with important decisions. From selecting the right dog toys to considering crate training and cozy beds, one of the most crucial and immediate concerns is choosing the best dog food for your new furry friend. Knowing what to feed your puppy and what to avoid is essential for their health and development.
This guide dives into the world of puppy food, exploring the differences between puppy and adult dog food, key ingredients to look for, and expert-backed recommendations to help you make the best choice for your growing companion.
Selecting the Best Puppy Food: Key Considerations
Creating a consistent mealtime routine is vital for your puppy’s well-being. According to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian and veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance, establishing a schedule that suits your lifestyle will help your puppy adapt and thrive.
When choosing quality puppy food, consider these factors:
- AAFCO Nutritional Standards: Ensure the food meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for nutritional completeness.
- Ingredients: Look for high-quality proteins, whole grains, and vegetables.
- Breed Size: Select a formula specifically designed for your puppy’s breed size (small, medium, large, or giant).
- Palatability: Choose a food that your puppy enjoys and will eat consistently.
Top Puppy Food Recommendations
Below are veterinarian-recommended puppy foods, along with popular and staff-favorite options that align with expert guidance. These foods meet AAFCO nutritional requirements, provide clear feeding guidelines, and are formulated with high-quality ingredients under the supervision of veterinary nutritionists.
Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet is a top-rated brand recommended by experts for both adult dogs and puppies. This puppy-specific formula features small, easy-to-digest kibble, natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development, and a blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to support a healthy immune system.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: Up to 1 year old
- Recommended weight: Up to 120 lbs (expected adult weight)
- Calorie content: 393 kcal per cup
- Top ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, whole grain wheat
Best Budget-Friendly: IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food
For a cost-effective option, Iams’ dry puppy food is a popular choice with high ratings. Made with chicken and whole grain, this recipe is rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support mental and visual wellness in puppies.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: Up to 1 year old
- Recommended weight: Up to 50 lbs
- Calorie content: 380 kcal per cup
- Top ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain corn
Best Wet Food: Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan is a favorite among experts, and this canned chicken and rice formula is ideal for puppies with an expected adult weight of up to 100 pounds. It contains essential vitamins and minerals to promote a soft coat and a healthy immune system.
- Food type: Wet/canned
- Recommended age: Up to 1 year old
- Recommended weight: 2-100 lbs (expected adult weight)
- Calorie content: 475 kcal per can
- Top ingredients: Chicken, liver, water, salmon, rice
Best for Small Breeds: Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin is highly recommended by veterinarians and staff. This formula, designed for dogs up to 22 pounds, features bite-sized kibble and omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E to support healthy growth and energy levels.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: 2-10 months
- Recommended weight: 9-22 lbs (expected adult weight)
- Calorie content: 349 kcal per cup
- Top ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, corn
Best for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan offers a wide range of puppy-centered formulas catering to specific needs. The large breed formula, for dogs expected to exceed 50 pounds, helps maintain a healthy development rate and contains fish oil for brain and visual development.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: Up to 2 years old
- Expected adult weight: Over 50 lbs
- Calorie content: 419 kcal per cup
- Top ingredients: Chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
Best for Giant Breeds: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food
Giant breeds, like Great Danes, need a specific nutrient and mineral ratio to prevent rapid growth that can lead to orthopedic issues. Royal Canin’s giant breed-specific formula is designed for puppies up to 8 months old, supporting healthy development.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: 2-8 months
- Recommended weight: Over 100 lbs (expected adult weight)
- Calorie content: 338 kcal per cup
- Top ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, wheat gluten
Best Subscription: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog delivers fresh, prepared meals directly to your door, tailored to your puppy’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and build. Each meal is developed and reviewed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists to meet AAFCO standards.
- Food type: Fresh
- Recommended age: N/A (based on questionnaire)
- Recommended weight: N/A (based on questionnaire)
- Calorie content: N/A (based on questionnaire)
- Top ingredients: Human-grade (based on questionnaire)
Best Fresh Food: Just Food for Dogs Puppy Variety Pack
Just Food for Dogs offers fresh, gently cooked meals recommended by experts for growing puppies. These meals are made for all life stages and include a feeding guide on the packaging.
- Food type: Fresh
- Recommended age: All life stages
- Recommended weight: Up to 60 lbs
- Calorie content: N/A
- Top ingredients: Chicken thighs, long-grain white rice, spinach, carrots
Best No-Frills: Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food
Nutro Natural Choice provides a simple, effective formula with high-protein content to support a healthy coat, skin, and bones. It also aids in developing a healthy digestion and immune system.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: Up to 1 year old
- Recommended weight: Up to 60 lbs
- Calorie content: 386 kcal per cup
- Top ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice, whole grain barley, whole grain brown rice
Best High-Protein: Open Farm Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food
Open Farm offers a high-protein formula with fresh ingredients, including chicken, salmon, and pork, which supports healthy brain development. It also includes ancient grains like steel-cut oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: Up to 1 year old (small breed puppies), up to 2 years old (large breed puppies)
- Recommended weight: Up to 100 lbs (expected adult weight)
- Calorie content: N/A
- Top ingredients: Chicken, whitefish meal, oats, salmon, millet, brown rice
Best Tasting: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo’s kibble is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus to support your puppy’s immune system health. It comes in easy-to-eat puppy-sized kibble.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: Up to 1 year old
- Recommended weight: Up to 60 lbs
- Calorie content: 401 kcal per cup
- Top ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food
For puppies with sensitive stomachs, this Hill’s prescription diet contains a blend of ingredients to regulate gut bacteria and a prebiotic blend to maintain regular bowel movements. It also has vitamin B and antioxidants to help replenish lost nutrients. Note: You’ll need veterinarian approval to purchase this food.
- Food type: Dry
- Recommended age: All life stages
- Recommended weight: Up to 120 lbs
- Calorie content: 367 kcal per cup
- Top ingredients: Brewers rice, whole grain corn, chicken meal, pea protein
Puppy Food vs. Adult Dog Food: What’s the Difference?
Puppy food is specially formulated to support rapid growth and development. It typically has a higher fat and protein content, making it more calorie-dense. Compared to adult dog food, puppy food also generally has higher levels of protein and essential nutrients like DHA, calcium, and phosphorus.
Puppy food usually has a lower energy density to prevent excessively rapid growth, which can lead to orthopedic problems, especially in large and giant breeds. It is crucial to choose a formula specifically labeled for large and giant breed puppies to ensure the correct mineral content and lower energy density.
How to Shop for Puppy Food
When selecting puppy food, consult with your veterinarian for recommendations. Also, consider the following:
- AAFCO Requirements: Ensure the food meets AAFCO nutritional standards and includes a “complete and balanced” statement on the label.
- Ingredients and Palatability: Look for balanced food suitable for puppies or all life stages, with essential ingredients like proteins, whole grains, and vegetables.
- Nutritional Balance and Portion Size: Check the packaging for specific feeding guidelines and energy density (kcal per cup, can, or ounce).
- Breed Size and Weight: Choose a formula specifically made for puppies or all life stages, with breed- and size-specific options for large and giant breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my puppy?
During the early stages (6-12 weeks), feed your puppy at least three times per day to maintain energy levels and support their fast metabolism. Once they are 4-6 months old, you can transition to twice a day. Large and giant breed puppies should receive three meals per day until about 6 months old. If your puppy seems hungry after their allotted meal, it is okay to give them extra food or an extra meal.
How much should I feed my puppy?
Consult with your veterinarian for the exact feeding amount or calories per day. Follow the feeding guidelines recommended by the dog food company, typically found on the back label or brand website.
When should I switch from puppy food to adult dog food?
The appropriate time to switch to adult food is generally between 6 and 14 months, depending on your dog’s breed and size. Large to giant breeds usually transition later to avoid rapid growth. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance.
Is dry or wet food better for puppies?
Dry food is more economical and stable, while wet food has a higher water content. A combination diet that includes both dry and wet food can increase moisture intake and be beneficial for picky eaters.
Does my puppy need supplements?
Most puppies on a balanced diet do not need supplements. However, underweight puppies or those with health conditions might require them. Consider adding organic toppers like pumpkin, eggs, or blueberries, making up no more than 15% of the meal.
Is a raw diet safe for puppies?
Experts advise against feeding puppies a raw diet due to potential bacteria and nutritional imbalances.
Is grain-free food better for my puppy?
Unless your puppy has a gluten intolerance or your veterinarian recommends it, a grain-free diet is not necessary.
Can puppies have food allergies?
Food allergies are rare in puppies and typically develop over time. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your puppy has a food allergy.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog food for your puppy involves careful consideration of their individual needs, breed size, and potential sensitivities. By consulting with your veterinarian and understanding the key factors outlined in this guide, you can provide your puppy with the optimal nutrition for a healthy and happy start to life.
