According to Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, it is recommended to feed puppies three to four meals a day. This is because welcoming a puppy into your home involves a busy affair, including selecting the best puppy food and keeping up with their energetic growth and exploration.
According to Welborn, it is possible to give your puppy a healthy beginning to life by offering a combination of wet food and dry kibbles, as long as the food is designed or tested in feeding trials to meet the nutritional guidelines established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for growth. In other words, the formula fulfills your puppy’s necessary protein, fat, and other nutrient requirements, such as DHA and EPA fatty acids, to promote their growth.
We have put in the effort to search for the top-rated dog food and puppy toys, allowing you to save time and focus on building a bond with your new pup. Our research included studying pet food standards, labels, and ingredients, as well as consulting with veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists. While the experts did not provide specific food or brand recommendations, they did provide guidance on choosing high-quality foods and reliable companies.
Best wet
Our experts explain that for a specific life stage, such as growth, a complete and balanced pet food is one that provides all the necessary nutrients. When we say “complete,” it means that the food includes all the essential nutrients needed for that specific life stage. On the other hand, “balanced” indicates that the nutrients are present in suitable proportions.
Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, asserts that puppies require a higher intake of macronutrients such as protein and fat, as well as micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, compared to adult dogs. These nutrients are vital in providing sufficient energy for their rapid growth and lively behavior. According to Luisana, Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in puppy development by supporting the development of their eyes and brain.
In order to choose the best wet puppy food, make sure that the recipes meet or surpass the AAFCO’s recommended nutrient profiles for puppies, which consist of 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat on a “dry matter basis”. This refers to the nutrient content of food when the moisture content is eliminated. To calculate the dry matter basis, you can adhere to the instructions offered by the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, get in touch with the food manufacturer directly, or seek guidance from your veterinarian.
Best dry
Puppies, being omnivores, have the ability to consume both plant and animal protein-based foods, according to Welborn. Welborn further adds that incorporating plant-based ingredients like soy, quinoa, chickpeas, barley, rice, and oats in puppy food aids in providing nutrition and affordability.
Therefore, if you are considering the best dry dog food, it is important to note that grain-free recipes may not be healthier for dogs or puppies. Currently, there is a continuing concern regarding the potential connection between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Luisana suggests that pet owners should consult their veterinarian to discuss their puppy’s diet if they are currently feeding them a grain-free diet or if they are considering transitioning to a grain-free option.
According to Dr. Julie Churchill, a veterinary nutritionist and professor of nutrition at University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, choosing kibble from a reputable manufacturer that meets the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) criteria and follows strict quality control standards can provide confidence that the recipe meets all of your puppy’s nutritional needs. Our recommendations for the top puppy food brands include those with excellent quality control standards, as well as recipe supervision by veterinary nutritionists on their staff.
Best for large breed puppies
Welborn emphasizes the importance of providing specialized nutrition to large breed puppies. She highlights that specific orthopedic diseases may develop due to their rapid growth. Thus, large breed diets are meticulously designed with a precise calcium to phosphorus ratio to mitigate the chances of these diseases occurring.
Large breed puppy food is formulated with lower caloric density in order to prevent puppies from becoming overweight. Luisana emphasizes that the objective is to achieve appropriate and ideal growth, rather than maximum growth. Therefore, along with feeding your large breed puppy this type of food, it is advisable to track your puppy’s growth using breed-specific growth charts provided by Waltham Petcare Science Institute.
Our selections cater to the needs of a large breed puppy by including beneficial additions such as glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health.
Best for small breed puppies
According to Welborn, the size of kibble is important when considering the best dog food for small dogs. Large kibbles can be difficult for very small dogs to chew, while very small kibbles can cause problems for large breed dogs. Welborn also suggests that puppies should be fed three to four times a day, gradually reducing this to twice a day as they grow into adults.
According to Welborn, small breed puppies generally possess a higher metabolism in comparison to large breed puppies. However, this doesn’t mean that you should increase their food intake. It is advisable to consult your veterinarian regarding their ideal body size and lifestyle. Welborn states that dogs typically spend around 70% of their day sleeping, and therefore, they do not require excessive calories.
Our dry options include kibbles that are small enough for your tiny puppy to manage, ensuring that our recommendations for the best puppy food for small breeds meet the energy needs of small dogs.
Best for sensitive stomachs
Luisana states that puppies can have sensitivities to ingredients or allergies to specific proteins. Nonetheless, she emphasizes that these sensitivities and food allergies are not as widespread as pet parents commonly think. If you think your puppy is experiencing a food-related reaction or any gastrointestinal disturbance, it is imperative to collaborate with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Your veterinarian might suggest an elimination trial or a prescription diet, like our choice from Royal Canin.
Churchill advises that it is crucial to provide your pet with top-notch puppy food, which should account for 90% to 95% of their daily calorie intake. This guarantees that your puppy obtains all the required nutrients and reduces the chances of experiencing digestive disturbances. The remaining 5% to 10% of their daily caloric intake can be sourced from the finest dog treats, ideally used as incentives during puppy training.
Our recommendations were formulated by veterinary nutritionists, who ensure that each recipe meets the needs of growing puppies. Additionally, our choices for gut health include sources of soluble and insoluble fiber, as well as probiotics that assist in digestion.
