Best Puppy Food For 2023: Top 5 Brands Most Recommended By Experts

Ensuring our furry companions have a nutritious diet is crucial for their growth and development during puppyhood. The ideal puppy food should be carefully prepared to cater to the specific requirements of young dogs in order to prevent obesity and enhance immune system function. Adequate nutrition plays a vital role in every stage of a rapidly developing puppy’s life.

A recent study conducted on 4,000 young dogs revealed that the diet of a puppy can impact their chances of developing allergies and skin conditions. According to co-author Anna Hielm-Björkman from the University of Helsinki, puppies who were fed raw tripe, raw organ meats, and human meal leftovers during their early development exhibited fewer allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms in their adult life. Conversely, puppies that did not consume any raw foods, consumed primarily dry food such as kibble, were fed fruits, and consumed heat-dried animal parts experienced a higher incidence of allergy and atopy-related skin symptoms in adulthood.

The health and development of puppies, regardless of breed, are heavily influenced by genetics, nutrition, and the environment. Growth rates for puppies differ based on breed and involve a complex interplay between these factors. Good nutrition is crucial for puppies as it directly affects their immune system and body composition.

To determine the best puppy food for our furry friends, we studied 10 expert websites that provided recommendations on which products were most frequently suggested across these sites.

The List: Best Puppy Foods, According To Experts

1. Purina

Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy is an excellent option as the top choice for puppy food. It contains DHA, a crucial omega-3 fatty acid that promotes the development of a healthy brain and eyes. Additionally, it is enriched with high-quality protein to ensure your puppy grows strong and healthy.

According to Pet Keen, the version that contains farm-raised chicken and fruits and vegetables topped the list because it provides additional vitamins and contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, each cup of this formula is packed with 29 grams of protein.

In addition, Purina has a product called Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach, which is specifically formulated for puppies who have sensitive stomachs. This product also aids in the prevention of skin irritation that may be caused by different types of food.

The first ingredient in this food is real chicken, and it is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, according to Discover Magazine. It also contains a high amount of protein to aid in your puppy’s lean muscle mass development, and it is made with easily digestible ingredients.

2. Royal Canin

Royal Canin puppy food is formulated to provide all the necessary nutrients for healthy joints and development of medium-sized puppies, along with antioxidants and vitamins. Moreover, it includes L-carnitine, which aids in maintaining a healthy heart in dogs.

According to The Strategist, Royal Canin has developed a specialized formula for dogs based on both their size and specific breeds, including Chihuahuas and French bulldogs. Additionally, if the breed of your small dog is unknown, Royal Canin offers food options for small, medium, and large puppies that are not breed-specific.

In addition, Royal Canin offers puppy food that is specifically designed for different breeds. This means that if you have a purebred puppy, you can select a food that meets their breed’s unique requirements. This brand is an excellent choice as it contains top-notch ingredients and provides comprehensive nutrition for your puppy.

According to NBC News, this is referred to as the “Top Overall Dog Food” for adult dogs and puppies. The report highlights that Royal Canin provides a wide range of dog food choices, such as dry and wet food, catering to different dog sizes, breeds, and dietary needs. This includes addressing food sensitivities and gastrointestinal problems.

3. Hill’s Science Diet

Another excellent option for puppy food is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food. This puppy food is crafted with top-notch ingredients and does not include any fillers or by-products. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support proper growth and development in your pup.

The Strategist states that three experts, including veterinarian Dr. Jessica Kirk, recommend Hill’s Science Diet. Dr. Kirk appreciates that this pet food has undergone AAFCO feeding trials, is easily found at various pet-supply stores, and is affordable for the majority of puppy owners.

Hill’s Science Diet puppy food is made up of ingredients that are easily digested, which is important for the body to get essential nutrients and to support the digestive system of a growing puppy. Furthermore, it includes top-notch proteins and carbohydrates to meet the energy requirements of young puppies.

The Dog Lover’s Digest includes an addition about Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dog Food, stating that it offers a wide range of flavors and nutrients that are ideal for puppies of any size or breed. The primary ingredients consist of chicken meals, which contribute to muscle nourishment, and barley, which helps to keep your puppy energized and engaged.

4. Wellness

Following the approach of other reputable puppy brands, Wellness puppy food is crafted using only natural ingredients and lacks any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Moreover, it incorporates beneficial nutrients such as DHA and L-carnitine.

According to the Dog Food Advisory, Wellness Puppy obtains most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our analysis of the label on dry matter shows that the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat, and 40% estimated carbs. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 62%.

Wellness CORE puppy food is specifically designed without grains and is composed of thoughtfully chosen ingredients that aid in supporting a puppy’s growing immune system.

Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian for Wellness Pet Company, notes that CORE recipes are created with the belief that dogs flourish when they consume a natural diet primarily consisting of meat, in line with their primal ancestry. These recipes are enriched with high-quality protein, as well as superfoods and nutritional supplements, ensuring that your puppy has all the essential elements needed for optimal growth and development.

5. Blue Buffalo

Finally, Blue Buffalo puppy food is equipped with LifeSource Bits, an exclusive mixture of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Dog Food Advisory states that the primary source of meat protein in this Blue Buffalo puppy product is fresh chicken and chicken meal. According to our analysis of the dry matter label, the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat, and an estimated 44% carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 59%.

Blue Buffalo is a brand that contains crucial vitamins and minerals that aid in overall growth and development. Whether it is building strong muscles and bones or developing a healthy immune system, this brand provides the necessary nutrients to support every stage of puppyhood.

Pet Keen proclaims that the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula encompasses authentic meat, entire grains, vegetables, fruits, and fragments of antioxidant-rich substances. As a result of this combination, this food affords your puppy with precisely the adequate energy to develop their strength.

When selecting puppy food, it is important to take into account the specific requirements of your developing pup, as puppyhood is a critical period in a dog’s life. Conducting some research in advance will result in a future dog that is both healthy and content.

Best wet Puppy Food

Our experts define a complete and balanced pet food as one that contains all the essential nutrients necessary for a specific life stage, such as growth. The term “complete” refers to the inclusion of all the necessary nutrients for that stage, while “balanced” indicates that the proportions of these nutrients are appropriate.

According to Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, puppies require a greater amount of macronutrients such as protein and fat, as well as micronutrients like vitamins and minerals than adult dogs. These nutrients are necessary to provide them with sufficient energy to support their rapid growth and playful behavior. Dr. Luisana also highlights the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in puppy development, as they play a crucial role in the development of the eyes and brain.

Best dry

According to Welborn, puppies, being omnivores, are able to consume food that contains protein from both plants and animals. Welborn further explains that incorporating plant-based ingredients like soy, quinoa, chickpeas, barley, rice, and oats in puppy food contributes to its affordability and nutritional value.

When it comes to the best dry dog food, it is not necessarily healthier for dogs or puppies to choose grain-free recipes. There is concern regarding the potential connection between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Luisana suggests that pet owners should consult their veterinarian about their puppy’s diet if they are currently feeding a grain-free diet or considering switching to a grain-free option.

Dr. Julie Churchill, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of nutrition at University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, explains that choosing kibble from a reputable manufacturer that meets the criteria set by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and follows strict quality control standards gives you the confidence that the recipe fulfills all the nutritional needs of your puppy.

Best for large breed puppies

According to Welborn, it is essential to provide large breed puppies with a diet that is specifically designed to meet their needs. She explains that there are particular orthopedic diseases that can develop due to rapid growth, and therefore, large breed diets have a specific calcium to phosphorus ratio that helps prevent the occurrence of these diseases.

To avoid puppies from becoming overweight, large breed puppy food typically has reduced caloric density. Luisana emphasizes the importance of appropriate and ideal growth, rather than maximizing growth. Therefore, alongside feeding your gentle giant large breed puppy food, monitoring your puppy’s growth using breed-specific growth charts like those provided by Waltham Petcare Science Institute is recommended.

Best for small breed puppies

According to Welborn, the size of the kibble is important when considering the best dog food for small dogs. Large kibbles may be difficult for very small dogs to chew and small kibbles may pose issues for large breed dogs. Welborn also suggests that puppies should have meals three to four times a day, but this should be reduced to twice a day as they grow into adults.

According to Welborn, small breed puppies generally have a higher metabolism compared to their large breed counterparts. However, this does not imply that you should increase their food intake. Instead, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian about their optimal body size and lifestyle. Welborn adds that dogs typically spend 70% of their day sleeping, which means they don’t require excessive calorie intake.

Best for sensitive stomachs

According to Luisana, puppies can have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients or proteins when they are born. However, she mentions that these sensitivities and allergies are not as common as pet parents may think. If you think that your puppy is experiencing a reaction to food or any stomach issues, it is important to collaborate with your veterinarian to find out the underlying cause. Your veterinarian might suggest an elimination trial or a prescription diet, like the one recommended by Royal Canin.

According to Churchill, it is crucial to provide your pet with high-quality puppy food that accounts for 90% to 95% of their daily calorie intake. By doing so, you can ensure that your puppy receives all the essential nutrients and reduce the likelihood of experiencing digestive discomfort. The remaining 5% to 10% of their daily calories can be obtained from top-quality dog treats, which are ideal for using as rewards during puppy training.

Best fresh food

Fresh food options have recently been introduced to the pet food market, offering pet parents gently cooked recipe alternatives to processed food. These can be conveniently ordered through subscription plans or as and when required. Our recommendations for fresh food for puppies adhere to AAFCO standards for all life stages, and they are delivered directly to your doorstep by the respective brands.

Fresh dog food is generally more expensive due to its delivery in a fresh state, comprised of human-grade ingredients. Furthermore, it lacks preservatives, necessitating careful consideration of the storage and serving guidelines.

Luisana states that if your puppy consumes a high-quality diet, you will observe healthy skin, fur, and nails, along with normal bowel movements without vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, the puppy will maintain an ideal body condition score and possess a healthy muscle mass.

What to look for in dog food for puppies

When shopping for the best puppy food, it is important to consider the following criteria, as stated by our experts.

The AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth states that AAFCO, a nonprofit organization, suggests nutritional profiles according to the life stage of an animal. Although they do not endorse pet foods, choosing a puppy food designed for growth or for all life stages ensures that the food is comprehensive and well-balanced to fulfill the nutritional requirements of your puppy.

To ensure your puppy receives the necessary nutrients for growth, our experts suggest analyzing the quantity of protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals in puppy food. This information can be found in the guaranteed analysis displayed on the food packaging or can be obtained from the manufacturer. It is advised to consult with your veterinarian regarding the guaranteed analysis of the puppy food to ensure that the puppy consumes a minimum of 22.5% protein, 8.5% fat, and other vital vitamins and minerals that promote their development.

The ingredient list displays all the ingredients used in the recipe, organized by weight. If an ingredient is listed at the top, it means it contributes significantly to the overall weight of the food. Our experts advise that puppy foods do not have any particular ingredients that should be avoided, including byproducts and byproduct meals, which are considered healthy protein sources. However, our experts suggest avoiding grain-free diets for puppies (or any dogs) due to the possible link to DCM.

The top puppy foods contain additional ingredients that promote the healthy growth of the puppy, as well as proper skin and joint functioning. These added components may consist of antioxidants like vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and l-lysine and selenium, which aid in boosting the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, are crucial in puppy food as they contribute to the development of the brain and nervous system in young animals. You can identify most of these advantageous nutrients in the guaranteed analysis.

When it comes to determining the appropriate amount to feed your pet, pet foods usually provide feeding charts as a starting point. However, according to Welborn, your veterinarian is the most reliable source to determine the number of calories your puppy should consume per day. In order to support their rapid growth, puppies require high-calorie food. As your puppy gets closer to adulthood, Luisana emphasizes the importance of discussing your dog’s nutritional plan with your veterinarian. She explains that the most common reason to switch to adult food, once your puppy has fully developed muscles, is to prevent obesity that can result from consuming high-calorie puppy foods.

Our experts emphasize the importance of purchasing puppy food specifically designed for large breed puppies. This is necessary as these puppies need specific nutrient ratios and calories that prevent them from growing too rapidly. Quick growth can result in orthopedic problems that persist throughout their lives. Luisana warns that unless a diet explicitly states that it is intended for the growth of large breed puppies or has been tested for this purpose, it should be considered unsuitable for this particular group.

Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: Foods that have undergone feeding trials have been determined as safe and appealing after being given to a group of animals. Conversely, formulated foods were not subjected to nutritional testing involving animal consumption.

Welborn highlights the fact that conducting feeding trial tests can be costly, making it difficult for certain companies to afford testing all or some of their pet foods. She emphasizes the existence of numerous high-quality foods in the market, categorized as formulated diets, that have proven to offer exceptional nutrition over an extended period.

Churchill states that she only suggests products from manufacturers who meet WSAVA guidelines. In addition to fulfilling various quality-control standards, the brand hires a veterinary nutritionist who is board-certified along with, potentially, an animal nutritionist at the PhD level. The puppy food selections featured in this guide have been created with the guidance of an expert in animal nutrition.

Opting for puppy foods labeled as human-grade, organic, sustainably caught, or cage-free may result in higher meal expenses. While these ingredients are generally pricier and may not provide additional nutritional benefits for your puppy, selecting pet food containing next-level ingredients like farm-raised meats, cage-free eggs, and sustainably-caught fish demonstrates your support for a pet food company that values both animal welfare and sustainable practices.