Great pet owners know that puppy health starts with a healthy diet, which only the best dog food for puppies can offer. Nutritionally balanced and complete kibble fuel the mind and body of your puppy, helping it to develop lean muscles, a healthy brain, a good vision, and a shiny coat. The best dog food also provides your puppy with the energy it needs to grow happy and strong.
When looking for the best dog food for puppies, you should look for quality. You should make sure that the food contains ingredients that are similar to what you use in your kitchen.
There are also certain ingredients you should avoid feeding your puppy. In this guide, we have reviewed some of the best wet and dry dog foods for puppies, both large and small breeds. We will also walk you through a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best dog food for your little fella.
Table of Contents
The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for puppies. This dog food is formulated with real roasted meat and it contains other great protein sources. It also contains plenty of fruits and vegetables to provide your puppy with natural antioxidants to live a healthy lifestyle.
This food is completely free from grains, and it does not contain any filler, wheat, corn, or soy. It is also free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, which could cause harm to the stomach of your puppy. The major ingredient of this food is beef, and it provides optimal protein and amino acid to help your puppy build strong muscles.
This food features smaller kibble, which puppies find very easy to pick and chew. This high-quality protein formula is effective for growing puppies and it contains DHA to help them develop proper brain structure. It also contains peas, which is a great carb source. Peas are also very rich in protein and natural fiber.
This food also offers outstanding nutrition and digestible energy. When it comes to taste, this formula boast of a taste that dogs cannot resist. It also supports a healthy immune system, thanks to the fresh veggies and fruits in it.
This grain-free formula also contains optimal amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to leave your puppy with healthy skin and a shiny coat. The protein content of this food is 28 percent, while the crude fat content is 17 percent. The maximum crude fiber is 5 percent while the calorie content is 370 kilocalories per cup.
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This dry dog food from Wellness is one of the best dog food for large breed puppies. The Wellness Large BreedComplete Health delivers a delicious chicken, salmon, and rice recipe that almost every large breed puppy loves.
The major ingredients of the food include chicken meal, deboned chicken, ground brown rice, salmon meal, and peas. The food contains everything a large breed puppy needs to grow strong and remain healthy and energetic.
This food will help your puppy grow sharp brains, strong bones, healthy eyes, and a shiny coat. According to the analysis of the food, it contains 29 percent crude protein, which is great for developing puppies.
The crude fiber level in the food is 5 percent while the crude fat content is 13 percent. It also comes with a balanced calcium and phosphorus ratio level of 1.3 percent to 0.9 percent. Each cup of this food contains up to 367 calories.
The Complete Health formula from Wellness features a complete and balanced everyday nutrition for your large breed puppy. It features smaller kibble sizes that are made out of all-natural and premium ingredients. This food does not contain wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and flaxseed.
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Your puppy needs high protein dog food and the Wellness Core Natural Grain Free dry dog food is a good option to try. The ingredients in this dog food are healthy and required for the proper development of the puppy. Some of the notable ingredients include turkey meal, deboned chicken, potato protein, chicken meal, peas and chicken fat.
This dog food is a top choice for your puppy because it provides balanced nutrition for your puppy. The formula doesn't contain any wheat, corn, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors that can irritate your puppy's stomach. It's ingredient list is top notch with only natural ingredients.
Wellness core was developed as a complete grain formula and this helps reduce allergies in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Some of its ingredients also contribute to a stronger immune system to help your puppy fight diseases and infections. They include vitamins, minerals derived from bananas, spinach, broccoli, and carrots.
The premium dog food also contains 36% crude protein which is a recommended level by vets. Also, it has 5% crude fiber, 1.2% phosphorus, 17.5% crude fat and 1.5% calcium. Each serving is 417 calories to give your puppy more than enough energy to burn while growing.
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This is another great dog food for puppies. It is one of the best dry dog food for puppies in the market. Instinct made this highly nutritious dry food for puppies and it contains all the right nutrients and ingredients they need. This food boasts of high animal protein with freeze-dried bites for real chicken. The major ingredient of this food is cage-free chicken.
The formula is completely grain-free, which is great for the well-being of your puppy. It also boasts of a great combination of fish, poultry, and meat proteins for healthy exposure. The formula also contains DHA from chicken eggs, which plays a major role in the eye and brain development of puppies.
This food contains 33 percent crude protein, which is adequate for the growth and development of your pup. The crude fiber content is 4.5 percent while the fat content is 15.5 percent. The phosphorus and calcium contents are exactly where they should be, at 1 percent and 1.2 percent respectively. The phosphorus and calcium content also promotes strong, healthy teeth and bones.
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This All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food from CANIDAE is another great choice for puppies. This food comes with premium ingredients such as fat, protein, and fiber. The primary sources of protein in this food are beef and ocean fish. It also contains some other ingredients such as rosemary, sage, and herbal to boost the nutritional level.
In addition to the great ingredients used to make this food, it is completely free from artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors, which means this food would not upset the tummy of your puppy. It is also free of corn, soy, and wheat. The formula of this food is ideal for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. The first five ingredients of this food are chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, and white rice.
Chicken is very rich in protein and it is also a great source of phosphorus and vitamin B6. The second ingredient, which is turkey, is a great source of phosphorus and riboflavin, and it supplies 70% of protein as concentrated form. The lamb meal is a great source of vitamin B12, vitamin B6, iron, copper, selenium, and zinc, and it supplies 60 percent protein.
This food also contains brown rice, which is super rich in fiber. It also contains white rice to help dogs recover from gastrointestinal issues or from surgery. This food also includes HealthPLUS solutions, a trio of antioxidants, probiotics, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. The protein content of this food is 24 percent while the fat content is 14.5 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent and the calorie content is 468 kilocalories per cup.
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Small dog breeds have unique nutritional needs, especially during their infant stage. This small breed formula from Wellness offers small dog breeds the complete and balanced nutrition that they need.
It offers a perfect balance of vitamins, protein, and minerals to help your dog live a healthy and happy life. This food is made with the finest natural ingredients to provide your puppy with a delicious and healthy diet.
This food also helps in the development of your pup’s bone and teeth strength, healthy muscles, healthy brain structure, liveliness, optimal energy, and overall health. It contains plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples, and sweet potatoes.
The number one ingredient of this food is chicken. The food also contains chicken meal, with almost 300 percent more protein than fresh chicken.
It also contains barley, ground brown rice, and peas, which are all great sources of carbs. Barley is also very rich in fiber and other vital nutrients. In addition to being a great carb source, peas also contain about 25 percent protein.
It also contains antioxidant-rich veggies & fruits and minerals & vitamins to support healthy growth. This food is also very rich in calories, as it contains an impressive 480 kilocalories per cup.
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If you are looking for the best budget dog food for puppies, then this is one of the best options you have. This food is formulated by Chef Rachael Ray and it is manufactured by Ainsworth Pet Nutrition.
This food contains real chicken and brown rice with other natural ingredients such as chelated minerals and vitamins. Chicken is the number one ingredient, and it contains veggies and wholesome grains that are selected wisely to meet the nutritional demands of growing puppies.
This food also contains DHA, which helps in strong bone structure and brain development. The tasty, high-quality chicken provides your puppy with all the essential nutrients it needs to develop lean muscle and maintain healthy organs. It also contains great sources of carbs such as carrots, brown rice, and peas, providing your puppy with sufficient vitamin B and wholesome fiber.
Cranberries are also included in the recipe, and they are rich in antioxidants to provide your pet with a healthy immune system. It also contains omega fatty acids, which support a healthy coat and skin. The protein content of this food is 28 percent, while the crude fat content is 16 percent. It contains a maximum fiber content of 5 percent with a calorie content of 390 kcal/cup.
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The next on our list is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Lamb and & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food. This food is formulated for adequate health development and to boost the overall well-being of your puppy. This dog food is tasty and nutritious, as it is made with delicious, protein-rich deboned lamb, fruit and garden vegetables. If you are looking for the best dog food for puppies, then this is one option you should consider.
This recipe does not contain corn, chicken, soy, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It also features a precise blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to provide your puppy with a healthy immune system. It also contains ARA and DHA for healthy eye and brain development. To give your puppy strong teeth and bones, this food contains phosphorus, calcium, and other essential vitamins.
It is also rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. The protein content of this food is 26 percent while the crude fat content is 16 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber content of 5 percent with a calorie content of 407 kilocalories per cup.
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The Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for large breed puppies in the market. This puppy food is formulated for active dogs. It also comes with the right amount of protein and fat for growing puppies.
This company used trusted ingredients from around the world to make this food. The food is made in the USA and it is completely safe for your pooch friend. This food also caters to the coat of your puppy, as it comes with an exclusive blend of Omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny and healthy coat.
The top ingredient in this food is lamb meal (not byproduct meal), and it also contains a great amount of egg for protein, which is a total of 29 percent. It contains 16 percent of pork fat, which falls within the recommended fat level for growing puppies. The formula is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It also contains enough calcium to help your puppy grow substantial, sturdy bones.
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The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Puppy Canned food is one of the best wet dog food for puppies, thanks to its high protein blend and grain-free formula. This food supports healthy digestion, as it contains oatmeal and potatoes. It also contains omega fatty acids to promote the coat and skin health of your dog, as well as immune system health.
This wet puppy food is completely grain-free and it does not contain any by-product meals, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This food is an excellent choice for puppies with sensitive stomachs and allergies, thanks to its tummy-friendly formula. It is a little bit more expensive than kibble for puppies, but the price is justified by the ingredients it contains.
The first ingredient of this food is delicious deboned turkey, which promotes healthy muscle growth. It also contains DHA, which contributes to the development of cognitive learning and retinal function in puppies.
Included in this food is a B12 supplement to enhance gastrointestinal function and flaxseed to boost the immune system of your dog. The protein content of this food is 10.5 percent while the crude fat is 9 percent. The maximum crude fiber is 1.5 percent, and the calorie content is 425 kilocalories per cup.
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This puppy canned dog food from Wellness is another great wet dog food for puppies. This food is formulated for puppies, to provide them with all the nutrition and vitamins they need. The major ingredients of this wet dog diet are chicken, chicken broth, salmon (which is a natural source of DHA), sweet potatoes, carrots, ground flaxseed, ground barley, and canola oil.
This formula is also nutritionally balanced with veggies, fruits, minerals, and vitamins. It also contains great sources of fats and proteins. Wellness uses high-quality, real ingredients, so you know your puppy is getting the best diet possible. The food also supports the development of strong bones, muscles, teeth, and organs.
It also contains DHA, which aids cognitive development. The flaxseed and fish in this food also supply omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to leave your puppy with healthy skin and a shiny coat. The protein content of this food is 9 percent while the crude fat is 6 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 1 percent with a calorie content of 515 kcal/12.5-ounce.
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The CANIDAE All Life Stages Formula Canned Dog Food is one of the best wet dog food for puppies. This food contains rich and natural ingredients. The major ingredients of this food are chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, brown rice, pearled barley, guar gum, sunflower oil (which is a major source of omega 6 fatty acids) and eggs.
This formula is nutritionally dense to keep your puppy feeling full and satisfied for a very long time. CANIDAE prides itself on making dog food with quality, whole ingredients. This food is also free from corn, wheat, and chicken by-product meals. It is very tasty and many puppies find it hard to resist, as it is simmered in a broth for an irresistible flavor that dogs love.
This recipe is also great for puppies with sensitive stomachs and allergies, as it contains only two protein sources – chicken and chicken liver. For great tasting nutrition, this food contains loads of minerals and vitamins.
It is also great for all breeds, sizes, and ages. The protein content of this food is 9 percent while the crude fat content is 6 percent. It contains a maximum crude fat of 1.5 percent with a calorie content of 473 kilocalories per can.
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The last wet dog food on our list is the Natural Balance Ultra Premium Beef Formula Canned Dog Food, and it is nutritionally complete and balanced for puppies. The major ingredients of this wet dog food are beef, beef broth, beef liver, oat bran, carrots, potatoes, brown rice, canola oil, and dehydrated potatoes.
This brand prides itself on wholesome ingredients to enhance the growth and overall body health of your puppy. The formula is highly digestible and it is not artificially flavored, colored, or preserved. It also provides your pup with the energy and nutrition it needs while growing up, thanks to the blend of grains, beef, and vegetables.
It also contains adequate levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to leave the skin and coat of your pet healthy and smooth. This formula is perfect for all dog breeds, ages, and sizes.
It also contains vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin B12 to support a healthy immune system. The Yucca Schidigera extract in this food reduces odor in stool and aids gastrointestinal. This food has a protein content of 8 percent while the fat content is 5 percent. The calorie content per 13-oz is 440 kilocalories.
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There are varieties of dog foods in the market to choose from. How do you know which to settle for? Which brands do you rely on when it comes to dog food for puppies?
Many brands out there claim to be making high-quality dog foods at the best price. Nevertheless, not all dog foods are equal, and not all brands are the same.
Based on our findings, here are some of the best dog food brands for puppies:
Wellness was founded back in 1970, and it has become a renowned brand in the pet food industry. Wellness is a pioneer in holistic nutrition and the firm is focused on pet foods that are adequately balanced in protein, fats, and carbs.
This brand is also known for avoiding filler ingredients that can be harmful to the health of your pet. The products from this brand are not the cheapest, but you are definitely paying for quality.
The Bailey family founded Blue Buffalo to make dog foods that were nutritious and safe for all dogs.
The Baileys made the Life Protection Formula and backed their all-natural dog food features with real lamb, chicken, and fish.
Taste of the Wild is one of the top brands in highly digestible, nutritionally balanced & complete, and grain-free dog food. This brand offers several types of food to meet the specific health needs of a dog.
They are also known for a wide range of natural sources of protein, including eggs to provide your pet with healthy skin and coat. Taste of the Wild also adds vital antioxidants in all of its food offerings.
CANIDAE is a family-owned brand, and it has been around since 1996. This brand manufactures dog food in their Ethos Pet Nutrition lab in Texas.
They are aimed at creating the safest and healthiest dog foods. CANIDAE produces grain-free pure dog foods with nutritionally dense meats and plenty of veggies and fruits.
Hill’s Science is another top brand in the dog food producing market. This brand focuses on producing high-quality dog food with natural ingredients.
They strive to create healthy and tasty food for dogs, and their foods cater to the nutritional needs of puppy, adult, and senior dogs. They are also known for making some of the best wet foods for dogs.
Puppies need complete and adequate levels of nutrition in their diet to support proper growth. The best dog foods for puppies are those with sufficient amounts of nutrition.
Good quality dog food helps to keep your puppy active, healthy, and happy. However, there are certain things you need to put into consideration in order to settle for the best food for your puppy.
Large dog breeds can develop certain health problems if you feed them regularly with insufficient food items. In a similar manner, feeding your small breed puppy with dog food meant for large dog breeds can result in digestive issues or dysplasia, or even worse. As such, you need to consider the size of your dog before making a choice.
However, there are some dog foods that are ideal for all dog breeds, ages, and sizes, and they are good for dogs of all breeds and sizes. We have some of them on our list.
We also have some great options for small breeds and large breeds. You can also follow the suggestion of your Vet on this purpose.
Many pet owners are often faced with the challenge of choosing between canned wet food and dry kibble food for their puppies. They are often stuck in-between, with only one question in their mind “which one is the best for puppies?”
According to veterinarians and many dog owners, dry dog foods are the best food for puppies, especially as a regular meal. Dry dog food helps your puppy to maintain strong teeth and a healthy body. Dry dog foods are much healthier than wet dog foods, but some dog owners do feed their puppies with wet foods for special reasons.
Normally, puppies are adventurous, enthusiastic, and very active. As such, you need to make sure that you take proper care of their health and growth. This is why you need to choose the best dog food that caters for the health of your puppy.
Puppies do have clear and soft eyes, shiny coats, and a wet nose. If you notice that your pup is not looking well, you can change the dog food brand to another. In a situation like this, you can contact your veterinarian for proper suggestions.
Some dog foods cater to the digestive health of your puppy, while some of them enhance the immune system of your pet.
The ingredients used to make the food is another important factor you need to consider when buying dog food for a young dog. The market is loaded with different dog foods from different brands and they also contain various ingredients known to be harmful or toxic to puppies.
Some of these foods may contain garlic or avocado meal, which should be totally avoided. Hence, you need to opt for dog food that contains quality protein, real ingredients, and vitamin & mineral sources.
The dog food you choose for your puppy should contain identifiable meat protein sources such as lamb, beef, chicken, and fish. Those are great sources of proteins, and they are essential to execute the critical body functions of your puppy.
You should avoid dog food with unidentifiable meat sources, as some of them may contain meat by-products, which is not really healthy for your pup.
Whole grains help to provide your puppy with energy, easily digestible fiber, and complex carbs. Whole grains are very important and healthy, and they should be part of your pup’s diet.
Veggies and fruits provide your puppy with all the necessary antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins it needs. They help to enhance all aspects of your dog’s physical function and also prevent your pup from certain severe health conditions such as cancer. As such, you should make sure that the food contains plenty of healthy vegetables and fruits.
Fat is another vital part of a dog’s diet. However, you should opt for only dog foods with high-quality, healthy fat sources. Fat provides your pup with fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6, which help to support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
One of the ingredients you should avoid in the diet of your puppy is corn. Dogs find it very difficult to digest corn, and they can trigger allergies. Some brands use corn as low-cost fillers in pet foods. Corns are a low-quality dog food ingredients and they do not contribute nutritionally to your puppy.
Gluten is the waste of wheat grains. Some brands use gluten as a meat substitute. Glutens have less nutritional value than even meat-based proteins used in low-quality foods. As such, you should make sure that the dog food you want to buy for your puppy does not contain gluten. All the puppy dog foods on our list are gluten-free.
You should avoid foods with by-products, as they contain animal waste materials such as bones, hooves, kidneys, intestines, and heads. It also goes by names such as meat meal, meat bone-meal, or by-product meal.
These ingredients have been cooked to remove their water content and they add very little or nothing to your dog’s diet nutritionally. Hence, you should completely stay away from dog foods that contain meat meal or by-product meals. All the products reviewed in this article are free from by-product meals.
Again, artificial preservatives are a big “NO” in the diet of a dog. One of the most popular types of preservatives used in dog food is Ethoxyquin.
There are also more toxic ingredients you should avoid when picking dog food for your puppy. Some of those ingredients include rendered fat, structural carbs, food dyes, propylene glycol, BHA, hydrochloric acid, synthetic vitamin K3, and so on.
Yes! There are huge differences between adult dog food and puppy dog food. Puppy foods tend to contain more protein and they are higher in fat, providing pups with the energy they need to grow.
Puppy food also contains plenty of minerals and vitamins that they need to be healthy. On average, puppy foods contain twice the daily nutritional requirements of adult dogs.
It is not okay to feed your puppy with regular dog food. You need to feed your pup with dog foods that are specifically formulated for puppies in order for them to grow healthy and strong. Your puppy might develop some severe health issues if you feed it with food meant for adult dogs.
Yes, your puppy can eat wet food. However, you need to make sure that the wet food is formulated specifically for puppies. However, dry dog foods for puppies are more beneficial to your pup.
Picking the best dog food for puppies can sometimes be a daunting task even for experienced dog owners. We hope we have taken away the hassle of excessive research by reviewing some of the best dog foods for puppies (wet and dry) for both large and small breeds.
From the reviewed products, our top pick is the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula because it is completely grain-free and contains plenty of veggies and fruits. It is ideal for all breed sizes and it supports healthy brain development.
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