When welcoming a new puppy into your home, providing them with the right nutrition is crucial for their development and health. Puppy food is specifically formulated to meet the intense nutritional demands of young, growing dogs. Unlike regular dog food, puppy food contains higher levels of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals to support rapid growth and development. Here, we’ll dive into the 7 best puppy food options to help ensure your puppy grows into a healthy adult dog.
- Purina® Pro Plan® Puppy: Best Overall
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Wet Food: Best Wet
- Ollie Fresh Puppy Food: Best Refrigerated
- Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy: Best for Large Breeds
- Hill®’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites: Best for Small Breeds
- Open Farm Dry Puppy Food: Best for Sensitive Stomachs
- Purina® Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy: Best Budget
Purina® Pro Plan® Puppy: Best Overall
Purina® Pro Plan® Puppy Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics is an outstanding choice for the best overall puppy food. This product combines hard kibble with tender, shredded pieces for a taste and texture that puppies love. The primary ingredients are chicken, which provides high-quality protein for muscle growth, rice for a reliable energy source, and poultry by-product meal, which includes additional proteins and fats beneficial for development. Enriched with guaranteed live probiotics, this formula aids in digestive and immune health, ensuring your puppy gets the best start in life.
Price: $69 for a 34 lb bag
Primary Ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal
What We Like:
- Dual-texture blend appeals to puppies
- Rich in high-quality protein from real chicken
- Includes probiotics for enhanced digestive and immune health
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Wet Food: Best Wet
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Wet Food is an excellent choice for puppies who prefer wet food or need additional hydration. This formula is crafted with high-quality chicken as the primary ingredient, ensuring a robust source of protein that’s essential for muscle growth and overall health. Complementing the chicken, pork liver and barley are included to provide a well-rounded meal with a mix of vital nutrients. Pork liver is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin A, which are crucial for developing immune systems and vision. Barley adds a source of wholesome carbohydrates and fiber, supporting digestive health.
Price: $3 per can
Primary Ingredients: Chicken, pork liver, barley
What We Like:
- Premium chicken as the primary source of protein
- Formulated for easy digestion, suitable for young puppies
- Ideal for mixing with dry kibble to improve flavor and moisture content
Ollie Fresh Puppy Food: Best Refrigerated
Ollie Fresh Puppy Food provides a premium, refrigerated meal option that is crafted with wholesome, fresh ingredients. The top ingredients in Ollie’s formula include human-grade chicken, carrots, and peas, ensuring each meal is rich in natural vitamins and essential nutrients tailored for a growing puppy.
Price: $5 per meal
Primary Ingredients: Human-grade chicken, carrots, peas
What We Like:
- Made with fresh, human-grade ingredients
- Free from preservatives and artificial flavors
- Convenient, ready-to-serve packaging simplifies mealtime
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy: Best for Large Breeds
Iams ProActive Health Large Breed Puppy Food is expertly formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of large breed puppies. This food supports the development of strong bones and joints essential for larger frames. The primary ingredients include chicken, ground whole-grain corn, and ground whole-grain sorghum, which provide high-quality protein and necessary carbohydrates for optimal growth.
Price: $45 for a 30 lb bag
Primary Ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum
What We Like:
- Specifically designed for the growth demands of large-breed puppies
- Enriched with essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus to support bone health
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids to aid in brain development
Hill®’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites: Best for Small Breeds
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites is specifically formulated to cater to the nutritional needs of small-breed puppies. This diet ensures the kibble size is small enough for tiny jaws, making it easier for small puppies to eat and digest. The primary ingredients are chicken meal, whole-grain wheat, and whole-grain sorghum, providing high-quality protein and energy-packed carbohydrates that are essential for their fast-paced growth.
Price: $38.99 for a 12 lb bag
Primary Ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain sorghum
What We Like:
- Small kibble size ideal for small breed puppies
- Enhanced with natural sources of DHA for brain development
- Fortified with a balanced set of nutrients for optimal energy and healthy growth
Open Farm Dry Puppy Food: Best for Sensitive Stomachs
Open Farm Dry Puppy Food is a top-notch choice for puppies, particularly those with sensitive stomachs. This formula centers around humanely raised turkey and chicken, providing high-quality, easily digestible protein. It’s complemented by wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes and peas, which furnish essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for a balanced diet. This carefully crafted recipe supports your puppy’s growth and health from the inside out.
Price: $84 for a 22 lb bag
Primary Ingredients: Humanely raised turkey, ocean whitefish meal, sweet potatoes
What We Like:
- High-quality protein from humanely raised poultry
- Includes non-GMO fruits and vegetables for optimal health
- Free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, ensuring gentle digestion for sensitive puppies
Purina® Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy: Best Budget
Purina® Puppy Chow Tender & Crunchy is an excellent budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on nutritional quality for growing puppies. This formula features a dual-texture mix of soft and crunchy kibble that puppies find appealing. The primary ingredients include whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, and soybean meal, offering a solid foundation of protein and essential nutrients at an affordable price.
Price: $20 for a 15 lb bag
Primary Ingredients: Whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, soybean meal
What We Like:
- Affordable, providing great value for money
- Nutrient-dense to support healthy growth and development
- Tender and crunchy kibble mix that encourages puppies to eat
How We Picked The Best Puppy Food:
In selecting the best puppy food options, we considered several critical factors to ensure each recommendation meets the varied needs and promotes optimal growth and health for puppies:
- Nutritional Content: Ensuring a balance of protein, fats, and essential nutrients.
- Ingredient Quality: Prioritizing foods with high-quality sources of protein and natural ingredients.
- Puppy Preferences: Accounting for different textures and flavors preferred by puppies.
- Special Needs: Catering to the specific needs of large breeds, small breeds, and sensitive stomachs.
Things to Consider Before Buying:
When choosing puppy food, consider the benefits of wet versus dry food. Wet food can be more palatable and hydrating, while dry food is often more convenient and can help maintain dental health. Additionally, always look for the latest research and reviews on the best dog food options to ensure you are providing your puppy with top-tier products.
Choosing the Best Puppy Food for Your Dog:
Selecting the right puppy food is a pivotal decision that impacts your puppy’s health and growth. By considering your puppy’s specific needs, preferences, and the factors highlighted in our methodology, you can make an informed choice that ensures your puppy thrives. Remember, the best puppy food is one that meets the nutritional requirements of your growing dog while also fitting into your lifestyle and budget.
