The Best Puppy Food

The joys of having puppies around are endless. You get to watch as they explore their new environment and get accustomed to receiving cuddles and kisses from you. Your dopamine levels spike as you watch their little happy feet run around mischievously with wonder in their eyes. Aside from having new, vibrant energy in your home, you’re probably also stocking up on toys and dog beds. Of course, you’re also focused on purchasing the best puppy food you can find. This phase of newness includes a lot of changes. Sometimes, the information overload when it comes to caring for your puppy may feel overwhelming. Ensuring proper nutrition is one of the top priorities you have to consider when getting your pup used to living with you.

Dog food brands have been innovating their products to create veterinarian-approved kibbles and wet food that have all the nutrients your growing pup needs. Clever marketing might fool some people but you’re looking for a top-rated puppy food that substantiates its claims. Reading the words “all-natural” or “healthy” may sound appealing but what’s really lurking in the ingredients list? Having a keen eye for puppy formulas is necessary as you review brands to help you make a solid decision.

Choosing high-quality food with healthy ingredients is especially important for puppies to sustain growth rate, strengthen muscles and bones, and improve the immune system. It is a great idea to discuss the puppy diet and growth rate of the particular breed with a veterinarian in order to feed the right amount of the best food for your dog. Large breed puppies mature more slowly at 18 to 24 months of age versus 10 to 12 months of age for smaller breeds. The difference in growth rate means a difference in nutritional and caloric requirements over this time, so it is important to weigh puppies regularly to keep your canine on track to a healthy weight and age.

Short of doing all the research yourself, you can rely on our expertise. We put together a list of the best puppy foods, including recipes made specifically for large breeds and recipes specifically for small breeds. Also included in this list is a budget-friendly option in this list along with our top choices for wet puppy food and dry puppy food.

This list was created with your convenience and the health of your puppy in mind. We also provide you with pros and cons for the different types of puppy food. You can learn how to choose the best puppy food and what factors to consider when examining a specific brand and product. Finally, we answer some of your most frequently asked questions so you can walk away feeling good about the next choice you make for your pup. After all, your new furry buddy is counting on you for a long, healthy, and happy life.

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Puppy Food

#1 Best Overall: Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food

The best overall puppy food we found is the Wellness Complete Healthy Dry Puppy Food.

This “complete health” puppy food includes deboned chicken, oatmeal, and salmon for a tasty way to get well-rounded nutrition into your growing puppy’s body. It’s supported by a natural source of DHA to assist with brain development and is also supported by guaranteed levels of calcium and phosphorus for proper bone and muscle development. Your puppy’s health relies on his immune system, and this formula is fortified with vitamins and minerals to support his overall immunity.

This puppy food is appropriate for small breeds, medium breeds, and large breeds. The high-quality protein provides optimal energy so your puppy can run around, play, and develop that lean muscle mass he’ll need throughout his life. The blueberries and spinach in the formula are antioxidant-rich to support his immunity and flaxseed is included because it’s omega-rich for a shiny coat. Your dog is getting everything he needs from skin and coat protection to sustained energy to proper digestive health.

The guaranteed analysis confirms no less than 29% crude protein, no less than 18% crude fat, and no more than 4.5% of crude fiber. There’s no more than 10% of moisture and 1.2% of calcium along with several other vitamins, minerals, and taurine for well-being. It is also completely free from meat by-products and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Unfortunately, a small number of owners reported that it made their pups quite gassy, while others said their pups simply wouldn’t eat it.

Pros and Cons of the Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food

Best Overall

Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food

• Includes deboned chicken, oatmeal, and salmon
• Natural source of DHA to assist with brain development
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals
• No artificial preservatives

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2. Best on a Budget: Puppy Chow Complete with Real Chicken

For owners on a budget we have selected the Puppy Chow Complete with Real Chicken.

This “puppy chow” formula contains the building blocks of puppy nutrition so that your dog has the support they need for growing muscles, for a happy tummy, a sharp mind, and immune health. This recipe includes essential nutrients like those found in mother’s milk and is made with real, farm-raised chicken and rice. The pieces are bite-sized for your puppy’s little mouth, and the recipe contains 30% more protein than other brands to help keep up with your puppy’s everyday growth.

This puppy food is suitable for all breed sizes and is loaded with 100% of the essential nutrients your puppy needs to grow up big and strong. Your little furry friend is focused on adventures and to support him as he explores the world, he needs a tasty dog kibble that’s loaded with the right nutrients. DHA helps support your dog’s brain and vision development and antioxidants like vitamin C help to support his immune health. Calcium is another important nutrient added to this formula to promote healthy bones and teeth. This dry dog food is available in a 4.4-pound bag or a 32-pound bag and it’s priced affordably — more so than many other puppy food options available on the market. However, some pup parents have reported that sometimes the food crumbles into dust in the bottom of the bag.

Pros and Cons of the Puppy Chow Complete with Real Chicken

Best on a Budget

Puppy Chow Complete With Real Chicken Dry Dog Food

• Includes essential nutrients like those found in mother’s milk
• Made with real, farm-raised chicken and rice
• Pieces are bite-sized for your puppy’s little mouth
• Suitable for all breed sizes

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3. Best Wet Food: Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food

It’s no secret that puppies and adult dogs alike gravitate toward wet food, which is why we have selected the Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food.

This canned wet food is like the formula placed at the top of this list except it offers a different texture and has a few different ingredients. Nevertheless, it is packed with nutrient-rich food like chicken, chicken liver, and salmon for a high-quality protein that delivers all-day energy. To support your puppy’s healthy digestion, sweet potatoes are included because they deliver high dietary fiber. Your puppy will get antioxidants from carrots to support his immune health and omega fatty acids from flaxseed for healthy skin and coat.

Your pup needs support for his immune system, his digestive system, and he needs all the energy to run around and enjoy his puppyhood. With the ingredients included in this canned dog food, your pup is also getting support for his eyes, teeth, and gums as well as developing a healthy skin and coat, so he looks as good as he feels. The mouthwatering texture is appealing to even the pickiest of puppies and the savory taste makes sure that he’s gobbling down all the nutrients he needs to grow into his ideal size. This recipe was formulated by nutritionists, veterinarians, and animal lovers to keep your little guy thriving. Unfortunately, a small umber of pup parents have reported that their pets simply will not eat this food.

Pros and Cons of the Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food

Best Wet Puppy Food

Wellness Complete Health Just for Puppy Canned Dog Food

• Made specifically for growing puppies
• Packed with nutrient-rich food like chicken and chicken liver
• Include antioxidants from carrots
• Formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians

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4. Best Dry Food: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Food

Our selection as the best dry food is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & BrownRice Puppy Food.

Blue Buffalo has developed a “life protection” formula that includes “life source bits,” which are vital nutrients and antioxidants for your puppy’s health and wellness. This puppy formula is designed to promote cognitive development with DHA and ARA. It also supports muscle and bone development and is made with a unique small bite kibble so that your puppy doesn’t have to struggle during meals. High-quality chicken is the first ingredient in this formula, and it’s closely followed by real fruits and veggies plus healthy complex carbohydrates from brown rice and sweet potatoes for well-rounded nutrition. Blue Buffalo knows that your puppy is a family member and that’s why they put so much effort toward helping him live a long, happy, and healthy life.

With the use of some of the finest ingredients, you can trust that this formula is free from byproduct chicken meals, corn, wheat, and soy. It’s also free from artificial flavors and preservatives so that your puppy can get the best of the best in a puppy-friendly kibble. The antioxidant-rich “life source bits” are included as a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals selected by vets and animal nutritionists to help support your puppy’s immune system health, life stage requirements, and healthy oxidative balance. These bits are cold-formed to help maintain the potency of other ingredients and to minimize their exposure to heat during processing. Unfortunately, some owners have reported that it made their pups quite gassy.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Food

Best Dry Puppy Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

• Designed to promote cognitive development with DHA and ARA
• Supports muscle and bone development
• High-quality chicken is the first ingredient
• No byproduct chicken meals, corn, wheat, and soy

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5. Best Large Breed Puppy Food: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken and Rice Formula

If you are raising a large breed dog, you know that his nutritional requirements may be different from a small or toy breed which is why we suggest the Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken and Rice Formula.

Larger dogs tend to be prone to developing issues like hip dysplasia later in their adulthood and with proper nutrition from the very start, you can set the foundation your puppy needs for a higher quality of life well into his senior years. This large breed formula packed with DHA, antioxidants, glucosamine, and calcium. Chicken is the first high-quality protein included in this formula (as the first ingredient!) so that your large breed puppy is provided with the essential nutritional building blocks he needs when he weighs over 50 pounds at maturity. Every other high-quality ingredient in this dry large breed puppy food is chosen with care for a specific nutritional or functional purpose so that you can rest easy knowing that your large breed puppy is getting exactly what he needs to reach adulthood feeling great.

The kibble is crunchy and has an alluring flavor that puppies enjoy, so your growing pup can get all the right nutrients in to support his overall health. Glucosamine is a critical aspect of this recipe because it helps to support your puppy’s developing joints and cartilage. It’s a high-protein formula to give your dog the energy he needs and help him keep lean muscle mass as he grows through the puppy stage. These kibbles are also fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health and the DHA comes from mega-rich fish oil to nourish his brain and vision development. However, this dry puppy food does contain grains which makes it unsuitable for dogs with allergies or those needing a grain-free formula.

Pros and Cons of the Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken and Rice Formula

Best Overall

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken and Rice Formula Large Breed

• Made for large-breed dogs under two years old
• Main protein source: chicken
• Recommended by veterinarians
• Purina has few dog food recalls compared to other large brands

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6. Best for Small Breeds: Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

Small breeds make for even cuter puppies because of their tiny size and big personalities, but they often need food tailored to their petit size. That’s why we recommend the Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food.

This food has small-sized, tasty kibble that is designed for tiny teeth and picky eaters. If your puppy has an expected adult weight between nine and 22 pounds, this puppy dog food is ideal. It’s tailor-made for puppies up to 10 months old because it meets the high energy needs of a small breed dog during their short yet intense growth period. Your tiny pup will get the immune support he needs along with an exclusive blend of antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, this formula promotes healthy digestion through highly digestible proteins and probiotics. Your pup also gets to enjoy delicious flavors with this formula that’s easy on his digestive system.

Unfortunately, some owners reported that this food is not suitable for picky eaters as they will not eat it.

Pros and Cons of the Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

Best for Small Breeds

Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

• Supports nutritional needs of extra small, small, and toy breeds
• Small-sized, tasty kibbles
• Meets the high energy needs of a small breed dog
• Immune support

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Not all puppy foods are made with great care and attention to detail. However, even if you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are still formulas that incorporate all the nutrients a growing puppy needs to reach adulthood in a healthy way. Consider the following when deciding on the best puppy food for your developing pup.

Ingredients

Always look for a high-quality proteins source listed as the first ingredient in any puppy food formula. Make sure that the recipe is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants as well as other breed-specific ingredients, like glucosamine for large breed dogs.

Flavor

Most puppy food contains chicken, which is always a welcome flavor for pups. Others contain salmon, which some dogs may take to more than others. When trying out a new brand, you may want to start with a smaller bag to ensure that your puppy will enjoy the flavor of the new food.

Kibble Size

Kibble size is another important consideration, especially if you have a toy or small breed puppy. Their little jaws can only handle a certain size of kibble, so make sure that you’re purchasing a kibble size that’s appropriate for the type of puppy you’re raising. If the kibble size is too large, your little pup won’t be able to get all the nutrients he needs and may hurt himself trying to chew through large kibble bits.

Price

A budget forecast is vital, especially if you have not owned a puppy before. Your puppy will need several one-time purchases as well as several recurring purchases, like puppy food. Make sure you select a brand that fits into your budget so that you can take advantage of auto-ship and other subscription services, which usually include a discount on your total. Sign up whenever possible for details on special discounts and promotions, so you’re always getting the best deal on puppy food.

The Different Types of Puppy Food

Wet Puppy Food

Dry Puppy Food

Large Breed Puppy Food

Large breed food is specially formulated for dogs that reach over 50 pounds in adulthood.

Small Breed Puppy Food

Small breed food is specially formulated for toy breeds and small breeds.

Our Criteria: How We Choose The Best

Ingredients: Puppies need the best quality food available and that is one of the first things we look at when choosing a puppy food. We want to see high quality proteins such as real chicken, beef, or lamb combined with good sources of complex carbohydrates. Examples would be brown rice, barley, oats, or distillers mash. While this last may seem like a byproduct, it is in fact a highly digestible source of complex carbs. We also look for a good balance of vitamins and minerals to support the growth of healthy muscles and bones. We recommend that your pup’s food is certified by AAFCO to ensure the right balance of nutrients.

Kibble Size: When puppies are first being weaned from their mother, they need food that has been soaked to mush. This is much easier to do with small sized kibble. As they transition to solid food, those small bites are much easier for them to eat. This is especially true for the smaller breeds.

Value for Money: Raising a puppy is an expensive endeavor but it doesn’t have to break the bank. We look for foods that offer good quality at a reasonable price.

Up Next…

• When Do Puppies Lose Baby Teeth? — Do you know when your new puppy will get his adult teeth?
• The Best Royal Canin Puppy Foods — Take a deeper look at Royal Canin Puppy Foods.
• The Top Reviewed Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Foods — Want to try something not listed here? Try Hill’s Science Diet.