Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, filled with questions about their care, from the best toys to crate training. But arguably the most crucial decision you’ll make early on is choosing the right food. This guide explores What Puppy Food Is Best, providing expert-backed recommendations and essential information to ensure your furry friend gets the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.
Understanding Puppy Food Needs
Puppies have unique nutritional requirements that differ significantly from adult dogs. Their bodies are growing rapidly, demanding higher levels of protein, fat, and essential nutrients. Choosing the right puppy food is crucial for supporting their development and setting them up for a lifetime of health.
Key Considerations When Choosing Puppy Food
When deciding what puppy food is best, keep these factors in mind:
AAFCO Statement
Look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the packaging. This ensures the food is “complete and balanced” for puppies, meaning it contains all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions.
Ingredients
High-quality puppy food should list real meat (like chicken, beef, or fish) as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with excessive fillers like corn and soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, as these offer little nutritional value.
Breed Size
Different breeds have different nutritional needs. Large and giant breeds require food specifically formulated to control their growth rate and prevent orthopedic problems.
Recommended Puppy Foods
Here are some highly-rated puppy food options, catering to various needs and preferences:
Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet is a top choice among vets for both adult dogs and puppies. This puppy-specific formula features small, easy-to-digest kibble and contains omega-3 fatty acids for healthy brain and eye development, along with vitamins E and C for immune system support.
Best Budget-Friendly: IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food
IAMS offers a budget-friendly dry puppy food that doesn’t compromise on quality. Made with chicken and whole grains, this recipe is rich in omega-3s to support mental and visual wellness in puppies.
Best Wet Food: Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan is another vet-recommended brand, and this canned chicken and rice formula is excellent for puppies. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals to keep your puppy’s coat soft and their immune system strong.
Best for Small Breeds: Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin is a favorite among veterinarians and small breed owners. The bite-sized kibble is easy for small puppies to eat and contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E to support healthy growth and energy levels.
Best for Large Breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
This formula is designed to help large breed puppies maintain a healthy development rate, with fish oil for brain and visual development.
Best for Giant Breeds: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food
Giant breeds need a specific ratio of nutrients and minerals to avoid growing too quickly. This formula is designed for puppies up to 8 months old, after which you can switch to Royal Canin Giant Junior formula.
Best Subscription: The Farmer’s Dog Subscription Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog delivers fresh, pre-portioned meals right to your door. Each meal is customized to your puppy’s age, weight, breed, activity level, and build, ensuring they get the precise nutrition they need.
Best Fresh Food: Just Food for Dogs Puppy Variety Pack
Just Food for Dogs offers fresh, gently cooked meals that are nutritionally balanced for growing puppies. These meals are made with whole food ingredients and can be stored in the freezer for up to 18 months.
Best No-Frills: Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food
Nutro Natural Choice is a reliable option that provides essential nutrients for healthy coat, skin, and bones.
Best High-Protein: Open Farm Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food
Open Farm’s high-protein formula features fresh chicken, salmon, and pork, along with ancient grains like steel-cut oats and quinoa, to support healthy brain development.
Best Tasting: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo is known for its palatable formulas, and this puppy food is no exception. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to support your puppy’s immune system.
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food
If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, this Hill’s prescription diet contains a proprietary blend of ingredients to help regulate gut bacteria and maintain regular bowel movements.
Puppy Feeding Guide
How often should you feed your puppy? During the early phase of puppyhood (6-12 weeks), feed them at least three times per day. Once they’re 4-6 months old, you can transition to twice a day. Large and giant breed puppies should get three meals per day until they’re about 6 months old.
It’s essential to check the food’s packaging for specific feeding guidelines based on your puppy’s weight and age.
Puppy Food vs. Adult Dog Food
Puppy food has higher fat and protein content, making it more calorie-dense to support rapid growth. It also contains higher levels of essential nutrients like DHA, calcium, and phosphorus, which aid in brain and physical development.
When to Switch to Adult Dog Food
The appropriate time to switch to adult dog food is generally between 6 and 14 months, depending on your dog’s breed and size. Large to giant breed dogs should typically transition later to avoid growing too quickly. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Wet vs. Dry Puppy Food
Dry food is more economical and stable, while wet food has a higher water content, which can be beneficial for hydration. Many experts recommend combining dry food with wet food for picky eaters or to provide an extra boost of hydration.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid feeding your puppy raw diets due to the risk of bacterial contamination. Also, unless your vet recommends it, grain-free diets are not necessarily better for your puppy and may even be associated with certain heart diseases.
Final Thoughts
Choosing what puppy food is best requires careful consideration of your puppy’s individual needs, breed size, and any specific health concerns. By consulting with your veterinarian and understanding the key factors outlined in this guide, you can confidently select a food that will support your puppy’s healthy growth and development.
