Do you want your puppy to be happy and healthy for life?
For your puppy to have a long and healthy life, eating the right food for adequate nutrition is essential. Since puppies are at a growing stage, it is necessary to feed them quality food while their bodies are developing and maturing. There are hundreds of dog foods for puppies, but the quality will vary substantially from one dog food company to the next.
Once again, it would be best to feed your dog the right amount of nutritious food, especially during puppyhood, because this is a crucial period in the dog’s development that will impact your dog’s life.
In this blog post, we will go through the top 10 best puppy food brands available overall. However, we also have top 10 lists covering:
- Best dog food for small breed puppy
- Best dog food medium breed puppy
- Best dog food for breed puppy
So, without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Covering the Basics: All About Puppy Food
The puppy food you find on the market is specifically designed to cater to the needs of the pups. Since puppies are proliferating, their requirements are twice as much as adult dogs! Your puppy’s muscles, bones, joints, immune system, and internal organs rapidly develop during this stage of life, so your furry friend must meet all his nutritional needs in this critical period.
Puppy food contains all the essential nutrients not added to adult dog foods. Puppies need food rich in protein and fat, which is not proscribed to dogs in the same proportions. Puppy dog food should also contain vitamins and minerals for all-around growth.
How Long Should I Feed My Dog Puppy Food?
Until they reach their adult size, dogs are considered pups. This means that you should feed your dog puppy food until he gets 80-90% of his average size. Ideally, you should provide your furry friend puppy food until he reaches age 1.
However, remember that your vet is the best judge of that. So consult a professional whenever you have a question about the best dog food for your puppy and breed. Sometimes, you may have to stop feeding your dog puppy food if your pup is developing too quickly or if your vet is concerned about your pup developing complications such as panosteitis, long bone disease, etc.
When in doubt, always follow your vet’s advice.
What Shouldvet’sok For in the Best Puppy Food?
There are four primary types of dog food available on the market:
- Raw dog food
- Home Cooked
- Canned/Moist
- Semi-moist kibble
- Dry kibble
Many people opt for dry food for small, medium, and large dog breeds among the five dog food categories. Some dog owners will argue that it is the best for puppies as it contains more protein and meat.
Not just that, dry kibble is also cost-effective, practical, keeps the pup’s teeth clean, and ispup’sly digestible. Moist puppy food is indeed easy to digest but has a shorter shelf life and is expensive. Sticky foods are usually high in water content as they contain 75 percent water on average and fewer nutrients.
Semi-moist puppy food is an excellent middle ground. The food is easily digestible and has measured packaging, among other practical uses. However, it is expensive and linked to hyperactivity and obesity in some dogs due to sugar, salt, and preservatives. So, giving your dog a mixture of dry and moist kibble is a good idea.
How Many Times Should I Feed My Puppy?
It would be best if you fed your puppy three to four times a day until he reaches the age of six months. Your vet should tell you everything you need to know about the frequency of your dog’s meals, as it depends on the dog’s breed and other factors. By the age of six months, you should feed your puppy two times a day—once in the morning and once in the evening.
A Quick Lesson on Macro and Micronutrients
There are two leading nutrient families: macro and micro.
Getting The Macros Right For Your Pup
Puppies grow tremendously during the first six months of their lives. This means your dog needs the right amount of nutrients at this stage of life to have a happy and healthy life.
So, your dog needs the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to develop correctly.
Did you know protein helps build half of the dry bone mass in pups? Your puppy needs protein from high-quality sources at this stage, so meat should be a vital part of your pup’s diet. Protein also produces amino acids that help develop your dog’s organs and muscles. dog’sng on…
Fats
Your puppy gets the most significant energy from the fat in his food. While some may think that fat only contributes to the mass of the pup, that’s hardly true—fat is as essential as protein and carbs, if not more.
Puppies break fat down into glucose to get energy. Fat is an excellent source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that’ll help your furry have a shiny and soft coat, a faster mind, and much more!
Carbs
Carbohydrates include starches, fibers, and sugars and help keep your doggy friend full and satisfied after a meal. Carbohydrates get converted into glucose as your pup digests them. This provides your puppy with lots and lots of energy to play around! Besides that, carbohydrates also contain fiber, which helps regulate your puppy’s bowel movements.
Puppy’s: Vitamins and Minerals!
Micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals are essential for your puppy’s development. Howepuppy’s tend to forget about them. Your puppy’s body creates only puppy vitamins and little to no minerals. This means your furry friend needs them to be in his food for all-round development. Your pup also needs the sun!
Only fifteen minutes in the sun can stimulate your pup’s body to make Vitamipup, which is fantastic. It would be best to look for puppy food containing chelated minerals or buy supplements.
Moving on…
Top 10 Best Puppy Food Brands
In this blog section, I’ll quickly overview the ten puppy foods available on the market. Later, I’ll cover each puppy. I’ll detail the following areas as I review them.
| Food Name | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Our Rating | Prices |
| Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Puppy | 32 | 17 | 43 | 4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| EUKANUBA Puppy Dry Dog Food | 28 | 18 | 46 | 4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Hill’s Science Diet LargeHill’s Dry Dog Food | 25 | 15 | 53 | 4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food | 28 | 12 | 52 | 4.4 Stars | Check Prices |
| Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Puppy | 31 | 13 | 48 | 4.3 Stars | Check Prices |
| Nature’s Recipe Grain-FreNature’sg Food | 31 | 18 | 43 | 4.5 Stars | Check Prices |
| Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Dry Dog Food | 29 | 16 | 48 | 4.4 Stars | Check Prices |
| Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food | 31 | 19 | 42 | 4.2 Stars | Check Prices |
| Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Dry Dog Food | 30 | 16 | 47 | 4.1 Stars | Check Prices |
| Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food | 38 | 16 | 38 | 4.1 Stars | Check Prices |
So, that is our top 10 puppy brands list. Now, it’s time to look closely at these top puppy foods!
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Puppy
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a good choice for puppies as it contains all the essential nutrients in just the correct quantity while being easily digestible. The kibble is made of roasted meat and contains added vitamins and minerals.
When we look at the quality of ingredients used to make Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Puppies, it is an average puppy food.
Now, let’s take into account the nutrients in this.
Here’s the deal. This fooHere’sains the following:
- 32% of protein, which is above average
- 17% of fat, which is above-average
- 43% of carbohydrates, which is below-average
This is excellent for puppies that are at the critical growth stage.
Let’s take a look at the Let’snt of meat, too.
After considering the protein-boosting effect of plant-based ingredients, we determined that Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains a moderate amount of meat.
Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains all the essential nutrients
● Made of real roasted meat ● Contains added vitamins and minerals ● Contains above-average protein |
● May make the puppy sick
● May contain above-average fat |
EUKANUBA Puppy Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba Puppy, dry dog food, contains DHA from fish oils that make your puppy more intelligent and highly trainable. The kibble contains ingredients that promote the absorption of nutrients as well as healthy digestion.
When we assess this kibble by the quality of ingredients used to make it, it comes out to be above average, which is a great thing, right?
Now, let’s take a peek at the let’s.
This food contains the following:
- 28% of protein, which is near-average
- 18% of fat, which is near-average
- 46% of carbohydrates, which is near-average
This is good for large-breed puppies that tend to gain weight if they aren’t active enough.
Letaren’tk at the meat. Let’s, shall we?
When we try to rule out the protein-boosting effects of plant-based foods, we conclude that this kibble contains only a moderate amount of meat.
Now, I’ll weigh the pros and cons.
Let’s take a look.
| Pros | CLet’s |
| It contains DHA from fish oils that make your puppy smarter
● Contains ingredients that promote the absorption of nutrients ● Aids digestion |
● Contains only a limited amount of meat
● Contains cheap carbs, which include brewer rice, corn meal, etc. |
Hill’s Science Diet Dry PHill’sood
The Hill’s Science Dog Food contains an optimum amount of calcium that helps control bone growth. This kibble also contains glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources that help strengthen the dog’s joints—the Vitamindog’sd E helps support the immune system.
It comes out to be above average when assessing this kibble based on the ingredients used to make it.
Let’s take a look at the Let’s, shall we?
This food contains the following:
- 25% of protein, which is below-average
- 15% of fat, which is below average
- 53% of carbohydrates, which is above-average
This kibble is suitable for dogs that are active and energetic.
When singling out the contribution to the protein content from plant-based ingredients, it was found that Hill’s Science Dog Food contains a modest amount of meat.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Optimum amount of calcium that helps in controlling bone growth
● Contains glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources ● Vitamins C and E help in supporting the immune system |
● Contains a limited amount of meat
● The fat and protein are below-average |
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy food provides complete nutrition for all puppy needs. The kibble puppy’s natural sources of DHA help support healthy brain function in pups.
When we judge this kibble by the quality of ingredients used to make it, it comes out to be above average.
Now, let’s take a peek at the Let’s.
This food contains the following:
- 28% of protein, which is near-average
- 12% of fat, which is near-average
- 52% of carbohydrates, which is near-average
Now, let’s look at the meat let’s, shall we?
By singling out the protein-boosting effect of plant-based ingredients in the kibble, we found that it contains a moderate amount of meat.
Let’s look at the pros let’s.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains natural sources of DHA
● Provides complete nutrition ● Contains real meat |
● Can cause an upset tummy |
Moving on.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Puppy
This puppy food from Royal Canin provides complete nutrition to a puppy until ten months. The food is specially developed to support the high-energy needs of the puppy. The kibble is also proven to help reduce the formation of tartar.
When assessing the Royal Canin Puppy food by only looking at the quality of ingredients to make it, it came out to be an average kibble.
Let’s take a look at the Let’s, shall we?
This food contains the following:
- 28% of protein, which is above average
- 12% of fat, which is near-average
- 52% of carbohydrates, which is below-average
This kibble also has a moderate amount of meat in it.
Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains chicken-by-product meal
● Specially developed to support the high energy needs ● Above-average protein |
● Not all-natural
● Extremely processed |
Nature’s Recipe Grain-FreNature’sg Food
This grain-free puppy food from Nature’s Recipe is one of nature’s available on the market. The dog food contains real chicken, rich in high-quality protein that helps support muscle development.
The kibble has added vitamins and minerals and is suitable for pups with grain allergies.
When assessing Nature’s Recipe Puppy, Nature’s looking at the quality of ingredients used to make it an average kibble.
Let’s take a look at the Let’s, shall we?
This food contains the following:
- 31% of protein, which is above-average
- 18% of fat, which is above-average
- 43% of carbohydrates, which is below-average
This kibble also contains a moderate amount of meat when we single out the protein-boosting effects of plant-based protein sources.
Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains real chicken
● Grain-free formula ● Doesn’t use ingredients due to food allergies |
● May cause an upset stomach
● May need to be slowly introduced to the dog’s diet |
Moving on.
Purdog’sro Plan Focus Puppy Dry Dog Food
The Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy food contains protein from high-quality sources, including real chicken. The kibble is rich in antioxidants, which help develop your pup’s immune system. The purpose also contains added micronutrients for all-round development.
When assessing the Royal Canin Puppy food by only looking at the quality of ingredients to make it, it came out to be an above-average kibble.
Let’s peek a look at the Let’s, shall we?
This food contains the following:
- 29% of protein, which is near-average
- 16% of fat, which is below average
- 48% of carbohydrates, which is above-average
Let’s take a peek at the Let’scontent.
This kibble contains a moderate amount of meat, which is excellent!
Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Rich in antioxidants
● Contains protein from high-quality sources ● Contains added micronutrients |
● Has a shorter shelf life
● May cause an upset stomach |
On to the next one.
Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food
The IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy food contains DHA that supports brain development and makes the puppy more trainable. The kibble contains real chicken and is fortified with minerals that help maintain strong bones.
The antioxidants in the kibble help strengthen the dog’s immune system.
Whendog’sssing this kibble based on the ingredients used to make the IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy food, it is above average.
Let’s take a look at the Let’s!
This food contains the following:
- 31% of protein, which is above-average
- 19% of fat, which is above-average
- 42% of carbohydrates, which is below-average
Let’s take a peek at the content, too!
This kibble also contains a notable amount of meat, which is excellent!
Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains real chicken
● Fortified with minerals ● Contains DHA that supports brain development |
● May cause side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting
● May not be suitable for some breeds |
Moving on.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Dry Dog Food
This dog food is made from farm-raised chicken and contains DHA that helps support brain functioning and develops healthy vision. The kibble is rich in antioxidants, which help build your puppy’s immune system.
Whpuppy’sook at the quality of ingredients used to make the Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Dry Dog Food, it is an average puppy food.
Let’s take a peek at the Let’s.
This food contains the following:
- 30% of protein, which is near-average
- 16% of fat, which is near-average
- 47% of carbohydrates, which is near-average
This puppy food contains a moderate amount of meat in it as well.
Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Rich in antioxidants, which helps in developing your puppy’s immune system
● puppy stains DHA that helps support brain functioning |
● Best for small breeds only
● May need to be introduced slowly |
On to the next one.
Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
The Merrick Grain-free puppy food is one of the best available on the market. The kibble is high in protein and contains Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support healthy skin and fur. This kibble also helps with the pup’s gastrointestinal help.
When assessing the Merrick Grain-free puppy food by only looking at the quality of ingredients to make it, it came out to be an above-average kibble.
Let’s take a look at the Let’s, shall we?
This food contains the following:
- 38% of protein, which is above average
- 16% of fat, which is near-average
- 38% of carbohydrates, which is below-average
This kibble also has a lot of meat, which is fantastic for pups!
Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Contains Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
● High in protein ● Helps with the pup’s gastrointestinal help |
● May create frequent bowel movements
● Has a shorter shelf life |
Summing Up: Top 10 Best Puppy Foods Available on the Market!
I hope this blog post helped you out!
Regarding dog food, several brands are available on the market, so it can be challenging to determine the best choice for your furry friend. While a brand may be good, your dog may not like it. So, it is always a good idea to buy a small pack before investing in a larger one to ensure that your pup likes the food and doesn’t have a reaction. Don’t consult your vet before changing your dog’s diet!
You can check out our Top 10 Best Dog Food review page for more information on who we feel offers the ‘best’ dog food!
Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments section, and I’ll reply as soon as possible.
