Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, filled with thoughts of playful dog toys, the benefits of crate training, and the perfect dog bed. But one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right food to fuel your puppy’s growth and development. As a pet expert with four years of experience in the field, I’ve consulted with veterinarians to bring you a comprehensive guide on What Is The Best Dog Food For Puppies. We’ll explore the key differences between puppy and adult dog food, essential ingredients, portion sizes, and expert-backed recommendations to help you make the best choice for your furry friend.
Choosing the Best Puppy Food: Expert Insights
Creating a consistent mealtime routine is essential for your new puppy. According to Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian and veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance, “Choose a schedule that is convenient for you and your family so that you can stick to the routine — if you create a routine, the puppies will follow.”
When selecting quality puppy food, consider the following factors:
- AAFCO Compliance: Ensures the food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
- Ingredients: Look for high-quality proteins, whole grains, and vegetables.
- Breed Size: Different breeds have unique nutritional needs, especially large and giant breeds.
- Palatability: Your puppy needs to enjoy the taste to ensure they eat enough.
Top Puppy Food Recommendations
Here are some veterinarian-recommended and staff-approved puppy food options, all meeting AAFCO nutritional requirements and formulated with high-quality ingredients:
Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
This puppy-specific formula from Hill’s Science Diet features small, easy-to-digest kibble. It contains natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to support brain and eye development, along with a blend of vitamin E and vitamin C for 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
Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food is a cost-effective option made with chicken and whole grain. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support mental and visual wellness.
- 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 Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food is a great option for puppies up to 100 pounds. It contains essential vitamins and minerals to support 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 Small Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed for dogs up to 22 pounds. The small kibble size makes it easy for small breeds to eat, and it contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E for 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 Large Breed Dry Puppy Food is formulated for dogs that will exceed 50 pounds at maturity. It 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
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed for giant breeds with an adult weight of 100 pounds or more. It has a specific ratio of nutrients and minerals to prevent overly rapid growth, which can lead to orthopedic problems.
- 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
The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service that delivers fresh, pre-portioned meals tailored to your puppy’s specific needs. Meals are developed and reviewed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
- 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 Puppy Variety Pack offers gently cooked, whole-food-based meals suitable for growing puppies. These meals include a feeding guide and can last up to 18 months in the freezer.
- 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 Puppy Dry Dog Food is a high-protein recipe that supports a healthy coat, skin, and bones. It helps puppies develop 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 Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food features a blend of fresh chicken, salmon, and pork to support healthy brain development, along with 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 Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus to support your puppy’s immune system health.
- 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
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food contains a proprietary blend of ingredients to help regulate gut bacteria and maintain regular bowel movements. A veterinarian’s approval is required 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
Puppy food is specially formulated to support rapid growth and development. It typically has:
- Higher fat and protein content.
- More calories per serving.
- Higher levels of essential nutrients like DHA, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Lower energy density to prevent overly rapid growth.
Large and giant breed puppies require formulas specifically designed for their needs, with slightly different mineral content and lower energy density to prevent orthopedic problems.
How to Choose the Right Puppy Food
When selecting the best dog food for puppies, consult your veterinarian, groomers, and dog trainers. Consider these factors:
- AAFCO Compliance: Look for the “complete and balanced” nutritional adequacy statement on the label.
- Ingredients: Choose foods with proteins, whole grains, and vegetables. Avoid excessive fillers, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Nutritional Balance and Portion Size: Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and consult your vet for specific recommendations.
- Breed Size and Weight: Select a formula appropriate for your puppy’s breed size and expected adult weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I feed my puppy?
- 6-12 weeks: At least three times per day.
- 4-6 months: Transition to twice a day.
- Large and giant breeds: Three meals per day until 6 months old.
- How much should I feed my puppy? Consult your veterinarian and follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging.
- When should I switch to adult dog food? Generally, anywhere from 6 months to 14 months, but large and giant breeds may need longer. Consult your veterinarian.
- Dry vs. Wet Food? Dry food is economical, while wet food has a higher water content. Combining both is a good option.
- Should I give my puppy supplements? Most puppies don’t need supplements if they’re on a balanced diet. Consider organic toppers like pumpkin, eggs, or blueberries in moderation.
- Should I feed my puppy a raw diet? Avoid raw diets due to the risk of bacterial contamination.
- Is grain-free food better for my puppy? Not unless your puppy has a gluten intolerance or your veterinarian recommends it.
- Can puppies have food allergies? Food allergies are rare in puppies.
Conclusion
Choosing what is the best dog food for puppies requires careful consideration of your puppy’s individual needs and breed. By consulting with your veterinarian, understanding the differences between puppy and adult food, and selecting a high-quality formula that meets AAFCO standards, you can ensure your puppy gets the nutrition they need to thrive.
