When it comes to taking care of a new puppy, there are many decisions to be made, and one of the most crucial choices is deciding on a food that meets your pet’s nutritional needs. Puppies have their own specific requirements, which include a combination of protein, fat, and calcium to promote a strong immune system, proper skeletal development, and optimal growth.
According to Megan Shepherd, DVM, PhD, DACVN, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Veterinary Clinical Nutrition, puppy food is more nutrient-dense than adult maintenance food. This is to support a puppy’s growing nutrient requirements.
Using recommendations from Shepherd and other veterinary sources, we have identified the top puppy foods which include dry, wet, and snack options, as well as food specifically designed for large breeds. It is recommended to consult your veterinarian before introducing a new diet to your puppy, especially if they have existing digestive problems. However, our suggested foods offer comprehensive nutrition for your puppy’s first year.
These puppy foods are the best.
Best Overall Dry
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food
Puppies experience rapid growth and therefore require a diet with a higher protein content, ranging from 22-32 percent of their food intake. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula takes this into consideration and offers a higher proportion of protein as well as an appropriate amount of fats in their puppy food. This is one example of how a formula specifically designed for puppies meets their distinct requirements, helping to prevent orthopedic diseases or obesity.
The Purina Pro Plan Puppy formula contains top-notch protein, mainly sourced from chicken, which helps with muscle development. It also includes bone health elements such as calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals. Additionally, the formula incorporates probiotics to promote digestive health, omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil, and a comprehensive range of vitamins.
The bag of Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula comes with a useful chart that offers guidance on serving sizes for each month, taking into account the anticipated adult weight of your puppy. You can purchase this formula in 6-, 18-, and 34-pound bags. Purina also offers different variations of their standard puppy food formula, including ones made specifically for large breeds, toy breeds, and dogs between the ages of one and two.
Best Overall Wet
Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food
Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food is designed specifically for puppies and meets the nutritional requirements for growth as set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It contains protein and fatty acids sourced from various ingredients such as chicken, pork, chicken liver, and salmon. The food also includes a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals, as well as beet pulp and fish oil to support digestion.
Royal Canin produces its food in facilities that adhere to stringent safety standards and hold ISO 22000 Food Safety certificates. Their puppy formula contains a minimal amount of preservatives and includes tocopherols (a type of vitamin E), citric acid, and rosemary extract.
The pâté-style dog food is suitable for small breed puppies within their first 10 months of life or large breed puppies within their first 15 months. Despite being nutritionally complete, Royal Canin’s canned dog food for puppies can also be used in combination with dry food as a food topper.
Best for Small Breeds
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Puppy dry food is designed to meet the nutritional requirements of small and toy breed dogs as they grow. The size of the kibbles is also smaller to accommodate the mouths of small-breed puppies, as regular-sized kibbles can be too large and challenging to digest for them.
The Hill’s Science Diet puppy food includes the complete nutritional profile of our other recommended foods, including DHA from fish oil and an enhanced antioxidant blend for immune support, with chicken meal as its protein source.
Small Paws Puppy food, which is suitable for puppies up to 1 year old and pregnant or nursing dogs, is produced in the United States.
Best for Large Breed Puppies
Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
Large breeds, which are generally defined as weighing 70 pounds or more when fully grown, are more prone to experiencing excessive calcium intake in their diets. This particular food is specifically designed for these big dogs and is often suggested by both veterinarians and breeders.
Large Breed Pro Plan is a high-protein formula with glucosamine that is available in Chicken & Rice or Beef & Rice options. It is designed to support the joint health of your growing puppy and is offered in larger packaging sizes such as 18, 34, and 47-pound bags.
Best for Allergies
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy
Even though grain-free dog foods are popular, they are not recommended for dogs due to their association with dilated cardiomyopathy, a potentially fatal condition. The cause is currently being investigated by the Federal Drug Administration. You can find additional information on why we discourage the use of grain-free dog foods here. However, some puppies have specific allergies, such as wheat or protein allergies, that necessitate a specialized diet. In such cases, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Puppy No Corn, Wheat, Soy.
Instead of being entirely grain-free, the Hill’s Science Diet formula includes chicken, brown rice, whole grain oats, and pearled barley as alternatives to common allergens. This formula is suggested for puppies up to one year old and provides a complete nutritional profile, including DHA from fish oil, well-balanced minerals, and additional taurine. These components contribute to the promotion of healthy growth and development.
What to Look for in Puppy Food
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy Statement
The Association of American Feed Control Officials, known as AAFCO, utilizes the latest research in pet nutrition to advise on nutrient profiles for pet foods. It is important to note that AAFCO does not carry out inspections, approvals, certifications, or regulations of pet foods. Instead, it establishes a standard that each state’s feed laws should adhere to. However, for pet foods to be marketed as “complete and balanced,” they must meet AAFCO’s minimum nutritional standards.
Complete and Balanced
The label should be formulated for puppies and state that the food is complete and balanced for dogs at the listed life stages.
Dry Versus Wet
Dry foods typically have a moisture content ranging from 10 to 12 percent, whereas wet foods have a significantly higher moisture content of about 75 to 78 percent. However, although wet food can effectively hydrate your dog, there is a downside to it as it has the potential to contribute to tartar accumulation on your dog’s teeth. To avail the advantages of both options, alternatively feeding your dog with wet and dry food can be a viable approach.
Best Dry Puppy Foods
For August 2023, here is the list of The Dog Food Advisor’s best dry puppy foods, consisting of the top 20.
Redbarn Grain Free Dry Dog Food
In our review of the Redbarn dry product line, we examined three dry recipes, and one of them is the Redbarn Grain-Free Sky.
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
The majority of the meat protein in Redbarn Sky comes from freshly sourced turkey and chicken. The analysis of the dry matter label shows that the recipe, when wet, contains 31% protein, 17% fat, and 7% estimated carbohydrates. The fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 10%.
A product that is both grain-free and wholesome, highly recommended with confidence.
Jinx Dry Dog Food
Our review of the Jinx product line includes four dry recipes, with one of them being the Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe.
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice
- Type: Grain-inclusive (pearled barley, brown rice)
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
The main source of animal protein in this Jinx recipe comes from fresh salmon. When the recipe is analyzed for its dry matter content, it is found to have 30% protein, 16% fat, and an estimated 46% carbs. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 52%.
It comes highly recommended, a dog food that is fully balanced and includes grains.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice
Our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line includes a total of 21 recipes, and among them is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley,
- Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
- Profile: Growth
The majority of the animal protein in this Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula comes from chicken. Our analysis of the label on a dry matter basis shows that the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat, and 44% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 59%.
A formula for superior growth.
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Puppy Formula
Our review of the Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain product line includes 13 recipes, one of which is Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Puppy.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, dehydrated chicken, whole spelt, whole oats, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
- Profile: All life stages
- Best For: All puppies including large breeds
The primary source of animal protein in the Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain formula is chicken. After examining the dry matter label analysis, we have determined that the recipe consists of 38% protein, 22% fat, and an estimated 32% carbohydrates. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is around 57%.
It is strongly advised.
Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food
In our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line, Wellness Complete Health Puppy is one of the 13 recipes that we have included.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
- Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
- Profile: Growth
- Best For: All puppies including large breeds
The majority of the meat protein in this Wellness Complete Health formula comes from deboned chicken and chicken meal. Based on our analysis of the dry matter label, the recipe consists of 32% protein, 20% fat, and an estimated 40% carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 62%.
A highly recommended option for regulated expansion.
Go! Carnivore Dry Puppy Food
In our review of the Go! Carnivore product line, one of the recipes included is Carnivore Puppy.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Growth
- Best For: Small and medium breed puppies
With the majority of its animal protein coming from poultry meal, salmon meal, and deboned poultry, the Go! Carnivore product’s dry matter label analysis shows that it consists of 40% protein, 20% fat, and approximately 32% estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of around 50%.
A recipe for growth that is higher than average.
Orijen Dry Puppy Food
Our review of the Orijen product line includes 9 recipes, one of which is Orijen Puppy.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), flounder, whole mackerel
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best For: All puppies including large breeds
The Orijen all life stages product gets its main source of meat protein from deboned poultry and fish. When we analyze the label on a dry matter basis, we find that the recipe has a protein content of 43%, a fat content of 23%, and an estimated carbohydrate content of 26%… this results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 53%.
Highly recommended with enthusiasm.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Chicken, Turkey and Brown Rice
Our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line includes 11 recipes, with Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Chicken, Turkey and Brown Rice being one of them.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
- Profile: All life stages
The Chicken Soup for the Soul food for all life stages is primarily made up of poultry and poultry meal for its animal protein. After analyzing the label information on a dry matter basis, we found that the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat, and an estimated 39% carbohydrates. This leads to a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 60%.
A recipe for achieving high-quality growth.
Instinct Raw Boost Dry Puppy Food
Our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line includes a total of 12 recipes, and one of them is the Instinct Raw Boost Puppy.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, egg product
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Growth
- Best For: Small and medium breed puppies
The majority of animal protein in this Instinct Raw Boost growth formula comes from chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. When analyzing the dry matter label, we found that the recipe contains 37% protein, 24% fat, and 31% estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 63%.
A formula for growth that is extraordinary.
Blackwood Puppy Food Growth Diet
Our review of the Blackwood Everyday Recipes product line includes five recipes, one of which is the Blackwood Puppy Food Growth Diet.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, millet, chicken fat, ground grain sorghum
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: All life stages
- Best For: All puppies including large breeds
The majority of the meat protein in this Blackwood growth formula is obtained from chicken meal. Our analysis of the label for dry matter shows that the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat, and approximately 43% estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of around 63%.
A recipe suitable for all life stages that is superior.
Fromm Gold Dry Puppy
In our review of the Fromm Gold product line, one of the nine dry formulas included is Gold Puppy.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, chicken broth, oat groats, pearled barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
- Profile: Growth
- Best For: All puppies including large breeds
Most of the meat protein in Fromm Gold Puppy comes from fresh chicken. When analyzing the dry matter label, it is found that the dry kibble recipe consists of 30% protein, 20% fat, and approximately 42% estimated carbs. Consequently, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 67%.
This design is completely balanced and offers a high level of nutrient digestibility. The safety of every batch is confirmed through the utilization of third party testing for pathogenic bacteria. Additionally, we mention the incorporation of Fromm’s exclusive combination of probiotics, which aids in promoting healthy digestion.
It is strongly advised.
Wellness Core Dry Puppy Food
Our review of the Wellness Core product line includes twelve recipes, one of which is Wellness Core Puppy.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, peas
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Growth
- Best For: All puppies including large breeds
Our dry matter label analysis shows that the Wellness Core growth formula draws its animal protein primarily from chicken and poultry meal. The analysis also indicates that the recipe consists of 40% protein, 19% fat, and 33% estimated carbs. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 49%.
It is a very good option.
AvoDerm Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Puppy
Our review of the AvoDerm product line includes 9 recipes, among which is AvoDerm Puppy.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, ground brown rice, ground white rice, chicken fat, oatmeal,
- Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
- Profile: Growth
- Best For: All puppies including large breeds
The main source of animal protein in the AvoDerm Natural growth formula is chicken meal. According to our analysis of the label information on a dry matter basis, the formula consists of 29% protein, 18% fat, and approximately 45% estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 62%.
I highly recommend it with enthusiasm.
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato
Our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line includes 9 recipes, one of which is the Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Growth
- Best For: All puppies including large breeds
The majority of the meat protein in the Nulo Freestyle growth formulation comes from turkey, turkey meal, and salmon meal. When we analyze the dry matter label, we find that the recipe has 37% protein, 20% fat, and an estimated 35% carbohydrates. As a result, the fat-to-protein ratio is approximately 55%.
A food of exceptional quality.
