If you’ve welcomed a new puppy into your home, you’ve just begun an exciting journey. While bonding with a pet can be an extremely rewarding experience, it also comes with a lot of hard work that you have to be prepared for. One of your biggest responsibilities as a new dog parent is finding the best dog food for puppies that properly suits your pet’s needs.

There are countless types of dog foods to choose from, and the options can seem overwhelming. Whether your pet is an energetic border collie or a low-maintenance chihuahua, finding the right food for your puppy allows them to grow up to be a healthy and strong dog.

This list of the best dog foods for puppies can help guide you towards making the best decision for your pet. No matter what their needs are or what food they prefer, your new puppy is sure to love at least one of these delicious and nutrient-packed options.

Wellness Complete Health puppy food, the best dog food for puppies on this list, is a high-quality food product that helps your dog stay healthy, energetic, and happy. With a formula that strictly consists of premium, all-natural elements, you can safely let your puppy enjoy this food while knowing that they're treating themselves to some of the best ingredients.

The first ingredient in this dog food for puppies is chicken, which means that your pet will get straight to the protein they need when consuming this product. This formula is also rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are vital nutrients that help to support bone and muscle development. Your puppy can benefit from proper brain development as well, thanks to the DHA from salmon oil that is included in this dog food.

In addition to containing wholesome ingredients, this dog food for puppies is completely free of harmful elements. There is no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, or artificial flavors included in this puppy food formula. However, what truly sets apart this product is its powerful combination of vegetables and legumes. Your dog will receive a healthy dose of peas, tomatoes, spinach, lentils, potatoes, and flaxseed when they chow down on this dog food for puppies. As a result, your pup can enjoy increased energy as well as a healthier coat and skin.

Because this is such a high-quality product, some buyers may find it to be too expensive. However, Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Dry Puppy Dog Food is worth the extra cost if you want to provide your pet with optimal care.

Key Features
  • DHA from salmon oil supports brain development
  • Calcium & phosphorus support bone & muscle development
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Contains only premium, all-natural ingredients
  • No wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, or artificial flavors
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, peas, lentils, salmon meal, potatoes, flaxseed, tomatoes, spinach
  • Package Size: 24 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 1
  • Brand: Wellness Natural Pet Food
Pros
  • Grain-free
  • Gives dog energy
  • Supports healthy skin & coat
Cons
  • Expensive

This high-quality product is carefully crafted to provide your puppy with all of the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. With a potent combination of chicken, brown rice, blueberries, peas and carrots, flaxseed, cranberries, and sweet potatoes, your pet will get their fill of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein. This dog food for puppies even comes in two different flavors to suit your dog’s tastes: chicken and brown rice or lamb and oatmeal.

In Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food, real deboned chicken is the first ingredient. There are no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives included in this dog food for puppies. Thanks to the protein that comes from the real chicken in this product, your dog can build and maintain healthy muscles and grow stronger every day.

One of the most distinctive features of this dog food for puppies is Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits. These bits consist of a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists. By incorporating LifeSource Bits into your puppy’s diet, you can help to support their immune system and reduce cell damage. In addition, this dog food for puppies contains DHA and ARA to support your dog’s cognitive function and retinal health. Because Blue Buffalo’s kibble is the ideal size for smaller jaws, it is perfectly catered to your pup’s needs.

In some cases, Blue Buffalo puppy food may cause your dog to suffer from loose stools or excessive gas. This dog food for puppies is overall an effective and healthy option for most pets.

Key Features
  • Comes in 2 flavors: chicken & brown rice, lamb & oatmeal
  • Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient
  • Contains DHA & ARA to support cognitive function & retinal health
  • No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
  • Contains Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, blueberries, peas & carrots, flaxseed, cranberries, sweet potatoes
  • Package Size: 6-30 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 2
  • Brand: Blue Buffalo
Pros
  • High-quality protein from real chicken helps dog build & maintain healthy muscles
  • Antioxidant-rich ingredients
  • Contains essential vitamins & minerals
  • Ideal kibble size for smaller jaws
Cons
  • May cause loose stools or excessive gas

This dog food for puppies packs a powerful punch. Its combination of high-protein, grain-free kibble and natural freeze-dried raw chicken allows your puppy to get their fill of protein and essential vitamins. With cage-free chicken as the first ingredient, you can know that you’re providing your dog with meat that is 100% healthy and cruelty-free.

Instinct natural dog food contains a number of vital nutrients to keep your developing puppy healthy and vibrant. The calcium and phosphorus in this formula supports strong bones and teeth, while DHA helps to promote brain and eye development. Other notable ingredients in this dog food for puppies include turkey meal, peas, egg product, chickpeas, and salmon oil. With the help of this nutritious mix, your puppy can get the energy he or she needs to grow and play freely.

When you choose this dog food for puppies, you can be sure that you’re keeping your dog protected from harm. There is absolutely no grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, or artificial preservatives included in this formula. Another major benefit of Instinct Grain-Free dog food is that it is minimally processed. Feeding your dog this wholesome product ensures that they're only getting the best ingredients without any artificial manufacturing that could damage their health.

One particular inconsistency to keep in mind is that the ratio of kibble to raw pieces varies dramatically by bag. Additionally, this dog food for puppies may lead to certain digestive issues among some dogs. Instinct Grain-Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food is overall a wholesome and protein-rich product that offers the necessary support as your puppy develops and grows.

Key Features
  • Combines high-protein, grain-free kibble with natural freeze-dried raw chicken
  • Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient
  • Calcium & phosphorus support strong bones & teeth
  • DHA supports brain & eye development
  • No grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, or artificial preservatives
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, egg product, chickpeas, salmon oil
  • Package Size: 4-20 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 1
  • Brand: Instinct
Pros
  • Gives dog energy to grow & play
  • High-protein
  • Minimally processed
Cons
  • Ratio of kibble to raw pieces varies greatly by bag
  • May cause digestive issues

This dog food for puppies from Royal Canin is the perfect diet for small puppies. It is specifically designed for puppies up to 10 months old who weigh 9-22 pounds. By enjoying this trusted food product, your pup can get all the nourishment they need to grow and develop into a strong and healthy dog.

This dog food for puppies ensures that your pet can enjoy their meal without any trouble. The kibble is deliberately small in order to accommodate puppies who have small jaws, and the formula is rich in protein to help your puppy develop properly. With the help of the antioxidants and vitamins that are infused in this dog food for puppies, your pet can benefit from a strengthened immune system.

Not only is Royal Canin puppy food a healthy and tasty option for your dog, but it is also created with the specific needs of puppies in mind. The product contains a powerful combination of proteins and prebiotics, which promote healthy digestion in your pet. Additionally, the ingredients in this formula meet the high-energy needs of small puppies, helping to support their growth and to ensure that they stay vibrant and energetic.

If your dog is allergic to grain, keep in mind that this dog food for puppies has grain in its formula. It may also lead to loose or wet stools in some dogs. Overall, this dog food for puppies is an effective choice for developing puppies who need a reliable energy source and easily digestible food.

Key Features
  • Made for puppies up to 10 months old & 9-22 pounds
  • Small kibble size designed for puppies with small jaws
  • Antioxidants & vitamins support developing immune systems
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, corn, fish oil
  • Package Size: 2.5-13 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 1
  • Brand: Royal Canin
Pros
  • Promotes healthy digestion through highly digestible proteins & prebiotics
  • Meets high-energy needs of small puppies
  • Protein-rich
Cons
  • May lead to loose/wet stools
  • Contains grain

Designed specifically for large breed puppies, Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food is a nutritious and protein-packed option for your dog. The first ingredient is real chicken, allowing your dog to experience the various benefits of protein. You can also choose between two tasty flavors: chicken or lamb and rice.

The formula of this dog food for puppies is both delicious and healthy. It contains tender, meaty morsels combined with crunchy kibble to create the ideal texture for your puppy. This powerful combination of ingredients is also fortified with natural sources of glucosamine, which supports growing joints and reduces inflammation. As a result, your pup can enjoy increased mobility as well as greater strength in their daily life.

In addition to promoting strength and better bone health, Purina ONE puppy food helps to support proper heart and brain development. This is crucial for puppies who are growing every day and need the proper nutrients to develop to their fullest potential. This dog food for puppies is also easily digestible, which helps to prevent your pup from experiencing gastric discomfort after mealtime.

While this dog food for puppies is rich in many essential nutrients, it’s important to note that it contains grain. The product may therefore be unsafe for dogs who have a grain allergy. Additionally, this dog food product might lead to bad breath in some puppies. However, Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food is an effective option for most developing puppies that need healthy food to support their growth.

Key Features
  • Formulated for large breed puppies
  • Comes in two flavors: chicken and lamb & rice
  • Contains tender, meaty morsels combined with crunchy kibble
  • Real chicken is the first ingredient
  • Contains natural sources of glucosamine, which supports growing joints
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken, rice flour, soybean meal, chicken by-product meal, whole grain corn, fish oil
  • Package Size: 31.1 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 2
  • Brand: Purina ONE
Pros
  • High-protein
  • Easily digestible
  • Supports strong muscles, heart, & brain development
Cons
  • Contains grain
  • May make dog’s breath smell

No matter what type of puppy you have, your dog can benefit from Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food. This dog food for puppies is available for small and medium breed puppies as well as large breed pups. Free from artificial preservatives or flavors and devoid of filler, this is the best dog food for puppies if you’re looking for a healthy option for your pet.

The very first ingredient in this product is real, farm-raised chicken. You can therefore be assured that your puppy is getting their fill of genuine protein and essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus. In addition, this formula contains 22 key nutrients that are found in mother’s milk. This is especially helpful for young puppies who have recently completed the weaning process and need vital nutrients to develop properly.

This dog food for puppies keeps your pet strong in every way. With the help of dried beet pulp and ground whole grain corn, your puppy can benefit from an enhanced immune system and stronger muscles. The set of 22 nutrients in this product also play a big role in supporting healthy bones and joints. Another essential component of Iams puppy food is omega-3 DHA, which helps to promote healthy cognition in your pet. As a bonus, this dog food for puppies is easily digestible, allowing your dog to be free of digestive discomfort.

If your puppy has a grain allergy, note that this dog food for puppies contains grain. The product may also cause some dogs to experience loose stools. However, if you’re looking for all of the nutrients your puppy needs during their development, this may be the best dog food for puppies to suit your needs.

Key Features
  • Real, farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
  • Includes 22 key nutrients that are found in mother’s milk
  • Omega-3 DHA promotes healthy cognition
  • No artificial preservatives or flavors & 0% filler
  • Formulated for large breed puppies (also available for small & medium breeds)
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Farm-raised chicken, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, dried beet pulp, fish oil
  • Package Size: 30.6 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 1
  • Brand: Iams
Pros
  • Nutrients promote healthy bones & joints
  • Supports immune system & strong muscles
  • Easily digestible
Cons
  • May cause loose stool
  • Contains grain

If you’re in need of a grain-free dog food product that provides your puppy with vital nutrients, Nature’s Recipe puppy food may be the best dog food for puppies to bring home to your pet. This product, which lists real chicken as the first ingredient, gives your pup all of the support they need to grow and develop into a strong and healthy dog.

Each ingredient in this dog food for puppies aims to support your pet’s health and development. The formula is rich in nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources such as sweet potato and pumpkin. In addition, the product contains a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep your puppy strong and healthy. The DHA in this dog food for puppies supports your dog’s brain and eye development, while calcium, copper, and manganese enhance joint function and mobility.

Not only is this dog food for puppies fortified with plenty of healthy ingredients, but it is also free of corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, and artificial colors and flavors. Additionally, this product is very easy for any puppy to digest, since it doesn’t contain any harmful elements. If your puppy is allergic to grain, this may be the best dog food for puppies to add to their diet. There is absolutely no grain in this dog food, which helps to keep your furry friend healthy.

In some cases, this dog food for puppies may cause your dog to have loose stools. Overall, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Puppy Dog Food is a reliable product that helps your puppy grow and thrive in every way.

Key Features
  • Real chicken is the first ingredient
  • Contains added vitamins, minerals, & nutrients
  • Has nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato & pumpkin
  • DHA supports brain & eye development
  • Calcium, copper, & manganese support joint function & mobility
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, dried garbanzo beans, peas, dried sweet potatoes, apples, pumpkin, fish oil
  • Package Size: 4-12 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 1
  • Brand: Nature’s Recipe
Pros
  • Grain-free
  • No corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, or artificial colors & flavors
  • Easy to digest
  • Helps dog stay active & healthy
Cons
  • May cause loose stool

If your puppy is pregnant, this is the best dog food for puppies that can cater to her specific needs. Victor Grain-Free Dog Food is ideal for growing puppies and pregnant females, as it provides them with the nutrients they need to develop properly. You’ll find a generous amount of vitamins and minerals in this product that can strengthen your pet physically and mentally.

This formula, which is rich in essential nutrients, contains premium quality beef, pork, and fish meals. This dog food for puppies is also made with peas, sweet potato, and garbanzo beans. With the help of this powerful combination of ingredients, your puppy can benefit from a strengthened immune system, enhanced vision, and better heart health. Victor puppy food can even support your dog’s digestive system, as it is formulated with scientifically advanced Victor Core ingredients that promote immunity and enhanced digestive health.

In addition, this dog food for puppies is fortified with a number of vital nutrients to support your pup’s development. Some of the most notable elements include vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins, and amino acids. This powerful mixture provides the necessary energy that puppies need on a daily basis, especially particularly active dogs. Your pet can also enjoy a shinier and healthier coat after consuming this dog food for puppies.

When serving this food to your dog, you may notice that it has an unpleasant smell. Aside from this drawback, Victor Grain-Free Beef Meal and Sweet Potato Dog Food is a wholesome and nutritious option for developing pups and pregnant dogs.

Key Features
  • Nutrient-dense recipe made with premium quality beef, pork, & fish meals
  • Ideal for growing puppies & pregnant females
  • Fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins, & amino acids
  • Formulated with scientifically advanced Victor Core ingredients that promote immune & digestive systems
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Beef meal, peas, sweet potato, chicken fat, Menhaden fish meal, blood meal, garbanzo beans, pork meal
  • Package Size: 30 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 1
  • Brand: Victor Super Premium Pet Food
Pros
  • Provides energy for active dogs
  • Grain-free
  • Promotes shiny coat
Cons
  • Unpleasant smell

If you have a large breed puppy, this is the best dog food for puppies that caters to your pet’s needs. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food contains a rich and nutritious mixture of some of the best ingredients for puppies. With farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient and no GMOs included, you can be assured that you’re providing your pup with top-quality food.

In addition to containing only natural ingredients, this dog food for puppies is fortified with calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Calcium helps to keep your puppy’s bones strong, while omega-3 fatty acids promote the proper development of the brain, central nervous system, and vision. This product is also completely free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and doesn’t contain any chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein.

Besides farm-raised chicken, Nutro Wholesome puppy food contains brewers rice, split peas, whole grain sorghum, lamb meal, dried sweet potato, and fish oil. This powerful combination of ingredients delivers a great taste and keeps your pup healthy by strengthening their immune system. In addition, this dog food for puppies promotes healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat to help your dog look and feel their best.

While this nutritious, high-protein dog food product is an effective choice for many puppies, it’s important to note that some dogs might have a difficult time digesting it. However, Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food may be the best dog food for puppies to bring home to your pet if you’re looking for a trusted and healthy food product.

Key Features
  • Formulated for large breed puppies
  • Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
  • Made with calcium & omega-3 fatty acids, and non-GMO ingredients
  • No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Farm-raised chicken, brewers rice, split peas, whole grain sorghum, lamb meal, dried sweet potato, fish oil
  • Package Size: 30 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 1
  • Brand: Nutro Wholesome Essentials
Pros
  • Ingredients deliver great taste and support strong muscles, bones, & immune system
  • Promotes healthy skin & a soft, shiny coat
  • High-protein
Cons
  • May be difficult for some puppies to digest

If you’re looking for a product that has multiple sources of protein for your growing puppy, Nutro Ultra is the best dog food for puppies that can cater to their needs. This formula contains a trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon to keep your puppy strong and full of energy. With chicken listed as the first ingredient, this dog food makes protein a priority for your canine.

In addition to being a reliable source of protein, this dog food for puppies is made with high-quality ingredients to provide your pet with the optimal experience. It contains a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods, which include coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries. This powerful mixture of ingredients supplies your puppy with a healthy dose of antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to their proper growth and development. In addition, this dog food for puppies solely consists of non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that your dog isn’t exposed to any harmful elements.

Not only can this product keep your puppy strong physically, but it can also benefit them mentally. The ingredients in Nutro Ultra puppy food help to promote brain development as your puppy grows up. Additionally, this dog food for puppies is completely free of potentially harmful ingredients. There is no corn, wheat, or soy protein in its formula, making it safe for dogs who may be sensitive to these ingredients.

This dog food contains grain, so be sure to confirm that your puppy doesn’t have a grain allergy before purchasing the product. Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food is overall a trusted choice for your puppy no matter what type of breed you have.

Key Features
  • Contains a trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, & salmon
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Made with high-quality ingredients
  • Contains blend of 15 vibrant superfoods such as coconut, chia, kale, & blueberries
  • Made with non-GMO ingredients
Specifications
  • Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, brewers rice, rice bran, chicken fat
  • Package Size: 15-30 lbs
  • Number of Flavors: 1
  • Brand: Nutro Ultra
Pros
  • Promotes brain development
  • High-protein
  • No corn, wheat, or soy protein
Cons
  • Contains grain

Puppies are constantly undergoing significant changes in their growth and development. At just eight weeks old, they become fully weaned and are able to transition to solid puppy food. During this period in their lives, puppies are beginning to adjust to their new environments and are continuously learning new things about the world around them. As a pet owner, this is an exciting time to get to know your new furry friend!

To ensure that your puppy develops properly, one of the most important things you can do is provide them with the best dog food for puppies. Your pup’s diet will play an essential role in their growth as they slowly mature into a full-grown adult dog. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the food you’re feeding them contains all the ingredients that they need to thrive.

The best dog food for puppies that you choose for your pet depends on a variety of factors. Be sure to consider your dog’s breed, age, size, and lifestyle before choosing a product that suits them perfectly. Not all dog food is created equally, so it’s crucial to know your own puppy in order to determine what will work best. If you aren’t sure what type of dog food for puppies you should be feeding your pet, talk to your vet and have him or her evaluate your pet’s needs.

While all dogs are different, there are several key elements to look for in the best dog food for puppies regardless of the type of pet you own. Developing puppies need high levels of protein to support various areas of their growth. Because they are at such a critical point in their development, puppies rely on protein for strong bones, healthy hair and skin, tissue repair, and protection against disease. When searching for the best dog food for puppies, always make protein one of your top priorities.

In addition, be sure to look out for other benefits such as antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and carbohydrates. Many dog food brands also list chicken as the first ingredient, which is a vital source of protein for growing puppies. Along with keeping your pup healthy, the proper nutrients will help to meet their energy requirements and ensure that they're getting the exercise they need.

Finding the best dog food for puppies is a process that requires careful thought and consideration. Above all, it’s important to know your specific puppy’s needs and to choose the product that caters to them perfectly.

Resources— Hill’s Pet, FidoSavvy, PetGuide.com

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