If you are a new puppy owner, you might be surprised to know that puppies require different kind of food than the adult dogs. Just like in humans, adult food are likely to upset your pup’s tummy making her uncomfortable and unstable. Although this is unlikely to cause serious health issues, the nutritional needs of puppies are specific and differ largely from those of adults.
The largest part of a dog’s growth occurs during the first year of life although many breeds continue to grow until they are about 3 years of age. Puppies in the growing stage require high resources even more than adult dogs.
They require, among other things, more proteins, fat, calcium, phosphorus and amino acids than the adults do. Another difference between adult dog and puppy food is that proteins should provide at least 22% of a puppy food’s calories while only 18% of the calories come from proteins in an adult dog’s food. For this reason, most common puppy foods are manufactured to draw about 30% of their calories from proteins.
Best Puppy Food
The herein mentioned puppy foods are our top pics from amazon. The best high-quality puppy foods are fortified with additional vitamins and minerals.
Some are made with immune-boosting antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids to promote good brain development for your puppy. They contain whole meat, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and good fats.
When buying food for your pup, avoid products that include meat meal, synthetic vitamins, wheat gluten and harmful chemicals such as propylene glycol, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Puppy Dry Dog Food, All Breed Sizes
NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS puppy food is high-quality food made from large breed farm-raised chicken, brown rice and sweet potatoes. It is ideal for small, medium size and large breed puppies with great tasting, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient and additional high-quality nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. This NUTRO dog food contains calcium that helps build strong bones and joints, and omega 3 fatty acids such as DHA that support the growth and development of your large breed puppy.
NUTRO puppy food is made with non-GMO ingredients and has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Features
- Farm-raised chicken is the number 1 ingredient for strong muscle development
- It contains Calcium for your pup’s bone and joint development
- Contains essential Antioxidants like Vitamin E that promote an healthy immune system
- Non-GMO Ingredients
- Formulated with omega-3 fatty acids and carbohydrates
Pros
- The great taste of the recipe promotes feeding in puppies.
- The food promotes high energy levels and healthy, shiny coat.
Bottom line– it is manufactured for puppies of any age and size. The lack of preservatives and GMO ingredients make the recipe safe for your pup’s health.
Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
This Purina Pro puppy food includes chicken as the number 1 ingredient to deliver the necessary nutrients for your puppy’s active body. This nutrient-rich recipe is ideal for puppies that weigh over 50 pounds at maturity. Each of the high-quality ingredients in this puppy food is carefully chosen for a specific nutritional or functional purpose.
It contains DHA from fish oil that promotes your pup’s brain and vision development, vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat. The crunchy kibble and delicious flavor easily lures your puppy to feed while antioxidants support their developing immune system. Calcium, phosphorous and other present minerals help in development of strong bones and teeth while Omega 6, fatty acids and minerals help in nourishment of the skin and coat.
Features
- High protein formula with chicken as number 1 ingredient
- Contains Glucosamine which supports developing joints and cartilage
- Ideal for large breed puppies
- It is fortified with live probiotics for digestive and immune health
- Contains DHA and fish oils for brain and vision development
- Antioxidants promote a healthy immune system
- Weight: 34lb. / 1bag
Bottom line– the crunchy kibble and tender chicken combination create a delicious taste and texture that keeps your puppy active and also promotes easy digestion.
Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food, 35% Protein, No Added Grains
Wag Dry Dog Food is a grain-free recipe formulated with veterinarian help to provide your puppy with the perfect blend of proteins and fat. Each serving of this formula contains 36% protein for an active and strong lifestyle of your pup. The food is blended and tested to ensure it meets the right quality standards.
Wag dog food also incorporates nutritious vegetables such as lentils and peas that provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients as well as salmon oil and flax seed for omega-3 fatty acids.
Features
- Real American chicken is the number 1 ingredient
- Has no added grain, corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors or chemical preservatives
- 36% protein
- Rich in vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids
- Made in California, USA
Bottom line– Wag dry dog food for puppies provides your puppy with the optimal blend of protein and fat with no added grains. The product made in the USA by a family owned company helps keep your puppy strong, active and healthy.
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food
Purina ONE SmartBlend puppy food contains real chicken as the number 1 ingredient together with rice and oatmeal to give your growing puppy the nutrition he requires. The dry puppy food contains DHA, a nutrient found in mother’s milk, to help in your puppy’s vision and brain development. It also contains an antioxidant blend that helps promote a strong immune system.
This Purina puppy formula is easily digestible and contains natural sources of glucosamine that help in the development of healthy joints.
Features
- Real chicken is the number 1 ingredient
- Formulated with 100% nutrition and 0% fillers
- Contains easily digestible rice and oatmeal
- Dual defense antioxidant blend promotes a strong immune system
- Weight: 16 pounds
Bottom line– this puppy formula is made using zero fillers to ensure that each high quality ingredient used has a purpose. It provides your puppy with 100% complete and balanced nutrition for a healthy growth.
Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy
Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein puppy Food is a grain-free nutritionally balanced kibble that is available in two flavors: High Prairie contains bison and venison and Pacific stream contains a variety of fish species. It provides a digestible recipe and great nutrition for your furry friend. The real roasted meat and blend of protein ingredients give it a taste that your puppy will enjoy more than any other thing.
It contains vegetables and fruits that deliver antioxidants to help support and maintain good health of your puppy.
Features
- Made with no grain, corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Real meat is the number 1 ingredient and is protein rich for lean, strong muscles.
- DHA promotes good brain and vision development
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins and minerals
- Optimal Amino Acids
- Made in USA
Pros
- This recipe is nutrient-rich and highly digestible with guaranteed probiotics
- It promotes shiny and smooth coat and skin
Bottom line-This grain-free formula made with real roasted meat and a blend of protein provides your puppy with a wild taste sensation that they crave.
Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken, All Breed Sizes
Iams puppy dry food is made with farm raised chicken and together with wholesome grains and veggies. It is specially formulated for small puppies of 20 lb. or less at maturity. It is made of quality, easily digestible ingredients that help your puppy develop a strong immune system, healthy skin and coat, and strong bones. It also has Omega 3 DHA that helps with brain development making your puppy even smarter.
Iams Proactive dog food is made without any added artificial preservatives, flavors or fillers for a complete and balanced nutrition. The formula is enriched with antioxidants that strengthen your puppy’s immune system while the richness of proteins in this formula helps your pup develop strong and healthy muscles.
Features
- Made of high-quality animal proteins- real chicken is used as the first ingredient
- Contains Omega 3 DHA to help with brain development
- It is recommended by veterinarians
- Rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
- Includes 22 key nutrients that are also found in a mother’s milk
- 100% Complete & Balanced Nutrition
- It is made in the USA with the world’s finest and wholesome ingredients
- It is ideal for small breed puppy’s specific wellness and nutritional needs
Bottom line– Iams brings out the best of your puppy by providing them with a healthy start. It is also a source of great nutrition for mature dogs.
Pedigree Complete Nutrition Puppy Dry Dog Food
This nutrition food is made to give your furry friend a head start. PEDIGREE Puppy dry food is formulated with chicken and vegetable flavor to give your pup the nutrients it requires in order to keep up with the big dogs. The puppy formula is made with DHA to promote healthy brain development, and calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones. This Pedigree Puppy Food provides an easy solution of a delicious kibble that provides your growing puppy with a complete and balanced meal.
This Pedigree puppy formula is made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients that provide a perfect balance to get your puppy’s tail wagging. With no high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors, and no added sugars, the dry food ensures that your puppy grows to keep up with the big dogs
Features
- 100% complete and balanced nutrition
- Grilled steak and vegetable flavor
- Has DHA that helps with your pup’s brain development
- Packed with key nutrients similar to mother’s milk for puppies aged 6 weeks to 18 months
- Made with high-quality proteins to support with muscle development of your puppy
- Helps with development of strong teeth and bones
- Contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals suitable for small, medium and large breed puppies
- Made in USA
Bottom line– Pedigree dog food is made with high-quality ingredients and enriched with omega-6 fatty acids and zinc to help nourish and smoothen the skin and coat.
Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas Dry Dog Food
Made with ingredients of exceptional quality, Diamond Naturals provides complete and holistic nutrition for your puppy. It is formulated to deliver the ideal balance of protein, fat and calories to boost your puppy’s growing body. The food formula is made with high-quality ingredients, including lamb and rice, as well as phosphorus and calcium that help with bone and joint development and DHA for brain and vision development. It also contains L-carnitine to help convert fat to energy thus nurturing a lean body with strong bones.
Each Diamond Naturals dry formula is enriched with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics that provide good nutrition and digestive support. This food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies.
Features
- Contains ideal levels of protein and mineral content
- Made with omega fatty acids and antioxidants for growth and development
- L-Carnitine helps to convert protein and fat into energy
- Two flavor options: Large breed lamb and rice and small breed chicken
- Enriched with DHA for healthy skin and coat
Bottom line– this formula provides the ideal protein and mineral content as well as omega fatty acids and antioxidants to support your large breed puppy’s growth and development.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Large Breed, Chicken Meal & Oats Recipe
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is made with a delicious chicken flavor and an optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth. It is meant to provide your pup with precise nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. Made with wholesome ingredients such as savory chicken meal and oats, this dog food is balanced to control bone growth while catering for the unique developmental needs of large breed puppies. . It is therefore ideal for puppies up to 1 year of age who weigh over 55 lbs. as adults. All the ingredients used meet strict requirements for purity and nutrient content which exceed industry standards
Offering your puppy the best start makes them grow to their full potential with balanced minerals for strong bones and teeth. This natural-ingredients-made dog food has DHA from fish oil to help with your large puppies’ eye development and brain function. The proteins also helps your large dog build and maintain healthy, strong muscles.
Features
- Has controlled levels of calcium for optimal bone growth
- Glucosamine and chondroitin help create strong muscles and joint health.
- Antioxidant and vitamin E and C help with a healthy immune system
- Great balance of minerals for strong teeth and bones
- Caloric content: 3970 kcal/kilogram (394 kcal/cup)
- 1 veterinarian recommended
- Made in the USA
Bottom line– this large breed puppy food is specially made with levels of calcium for controlled bone growth.
Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed
Large breed puppies have endless energy and determination. Eukanuba puppy food offers 100% complete and balanced diet for such and other growing dogs. It is made with high-quality animal proteins and optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus to help maintain muscle growth and bone health. Natural fiber and prebiotic blend aids gentle digestion.
The puppy dry food contains guaranteed levels of the antioxidant vitamin E that helps support your dog’s developing immune system.
Features
- High-quality chicken is the number 1 ingredient
- 4 flavors available: Chicken, Chicken-large breed, Chicken-small breed and Lamb & Rice
- it is a complete and balanced nutrition for large breed puppies up to 15 months old with a weight of over 55 pounds when adults
- Animal protein and high levels of calcium and phosphorous support muscle and bone development
- The clinically proven levels of DHA support healthy brain development of your puppy
Bottom line– the animal-based proteins offer concentrated energy from fat and carbohydrate levels that are beneficial for your growing pup.
Things to Avoid When Buying Puppy Food
Overcooked ingredients– overcooking or processing reduces the nutritional value of food by denaturing proteins.
Rendered fat– it contains low or no nutrients hence not beneficial to your puppy. It may contain harmful microorganisms that can result to health problems such as pancreatitis.
Preservatives- if you have to use preservatives, always opt for natural ones like vitamin E and C. artificial/chemical preservatives such as BHA, Propylene Glycol and BHT are toxic and should be avoided.
Conclusion
It is advisable to consult a vet or pet professional before introducing new food to your pet. This will help you determine any allergies or conditions that can affect the feeding of your dog. They will also give recommendations on the kind of nutrients that you should make sure are in your puppy’s food.
We have selected ten of the best puppy food options that contain the best nutrient components. They contain proteins as the main ingredient to help with the development of your pup. We hope your furry friend enjoys their meal.
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Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.
