The Top 10 Best Puppy Foods
What’s the Best Dog Food for Puppies?
Choosing the best food for your puppy is one of the most important decisions you can make.
That’s because feeding the wrong food can greatly increase your puppy’s RISK of developing a crippling form of hip dysplasia… especially for certain breeds.1
On this page… we’ll share The Dog Food Advisor’s safest and most recommended puppy foods… and we’ll answer the 5 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding puppies.
The Best Puppy Foods
August 2020
Here are The Advisor’s top 10 best puppy foods for August 2020.
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
Complete Health Puppy is one of 14 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
- Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, ground barley)
- Design: Growth
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
- Price: $$
Wellness Puppy gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
An exceptional formula. Contains just the right amount of calcium to make it safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I was looking for a new puppy food for my newest french bulldog litter and after much consideration, decided to give this food a try. The pups love it and they have nice shiny coats, tons of energy and stools are solid and minimal. Very pleased with the results and will continue to use and recommend this food to my customers.”
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy
Life Protection Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy is one of 23 dry recipes… including 4 puppy formulas… detailed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley)
- Design: Growth
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
- Price: $
This Blue Buffalo puppy product derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Blue Life Protection offers 4 puppy recipes. All are nutrient-balanced, affordable and easy to recommend.
Sample buyer review… “When we adopted our puppy from the shelter, she was a stray and we didn’t even know where to begin when it came to dog food. There were so many options that it was a flurry to make a decision. After reading reviews and getting recommendations from friends, we landed on Blue Buffalo. Our pup has loved it since day 1 and never had any problems. 100% recommend for new dog owners!”
Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy
Pro Plan Focus Puppy Chicken and Rice is one of 18 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Focus product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, brewer’s rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, corn, wheat)
- Design: All life stages (via feeding trials)
- Best for: Small and medium breed puppies
- Price: $
This Purina Pro Plan puppy product derives the bulk of its animal protein from from poultry by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Pro Plan is one of the brands most often mentioned when we interview veterinary professionals.
What’s more… every Pro Plan product meets the strict guidelines recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
A top choice. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “My puppies love this food and they are healthier because of it. Their fur is so beautiful and soft and it also came recommended by their veterinarian. At first I was going to get a grain-free brand, but my vet stated that puppies need grain to develop their bones, organs and brain. My pups are growing healthy and strong.”
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food
Wholesome Essentials Puppy is one of 23 dry recipes that can be found in our review of the Nutro Wholesome Essentials product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, whole brown rice, chicken meal, split peas, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, barley, brewers rice, rice bran)
- Design: Growth
- Best for: Small and medium breed puppies
- Price: $$
This Nutro puppy kibble gets nearly all its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials offers 5 different puppy foods, each optimized for a specific breed size. A budget-friendly product from one of the most trusted brands in the industry. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “Our new puppy, a Boston Terrier, loves this food. She has no digestive problems and her coat is shiny and eyes are bright. I love the fact that it is all natural and it saves me the time from making her food from scratch!”
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog and Puppy
Victor Nutra Pro is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Victor Purpose product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, blood meal, whole grain millet, chicken fat, yeast culture
- Type: Grain-inclusive (millet, sorghum)
- Design: All life stages
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
- Price: $
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro gets the largest portion of its animal protein from chicken meal and blood meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 42% protein, 20% fat and 31% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
An economical grain-inclusive option… ideal for those feeding either (or both) puppies and adults in the same home. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “We have been die hard Taste if the Wild purchasers, but when we got our new Rottweiler puppy the Breeder was feeding Victor. We did transition him to taste of the wild but Instantly saw a huge difference in his coat! So after looking with fingers crossed to see if chewy had it we ordered without hesitation!!!! It’s hands down the BEST dog food! And I have to say the price is AMAZING!!!! I will continue to purchase this dog food as long as I have dogs! Never going back to any other brand! You can really see the quality of the food! And one of our dogs is extremely picky and he LOVES this food! And I definitely see a decrease in dog poop! Hallelujah!!!!!!”
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy
Iams Smart Puppy is one of 15 dry recipes included in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, dried beet pulp
- Type: Grain-inclusive (whole grain corn, sorghum)
- Design: Growth
- Best for: Small and medium breed puppies
- Price: $
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy takes the dominant share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 19% fat and 40% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
A classic, grain-inclusive puppy option containing fish oil to help create a healthy coat and build strong joints. It’s easy on the wallet, too. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “My Basenji puppy, Whisper, has been eating Smart Puppy since she was weaned. She is doing great. Her coat has a good color and is in good weight. She is bright, alert, happy and runs with the big dogs. I started Whisper’s sire on Smart Puppy because he is a picky eater and only eats small amounts. He has put on weight and his coat is spectacular! I recommend it to all my puppy buyers.”
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food
Science Diet Chicken Meal and Barley is one of 5 dry puppy recipes detailed in our review of the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn
- Type: Grain-inclusive (wheat, barley, sorghum, corn, corn meal)
- Design: Growth
- Best for: Small and medium breed puppies
- Price: $
This Science Diet Puppy formula sources nearly all its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat and 43% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Hill’s Puppy is a classic growth formula recommended by both breeders and veterinary professionals alike… and its calcium content is safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “We recently had an 8 week old Australian Shepherd join our family and she loves this food! Our 6 year old lab has been on science diet since a pup and we get so many compliments on how shiny his coat is and how healthy he looks! Would recommend this food to anyone!”
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate
Puppy Plate is one of 11 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic canned product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken broth, duck, sweet potatoes, carrots
- Type: Grain-free
- Design: All life stages
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
- Price: $$
This Merrick formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 53% protein, 26% fat and 13% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
This Merrick puppy recipe makes a great wet alternative to a dry diet… and it makes a flavorful “topper” to help enhance the taste of almost any kibble. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “This puppy food is a hit in our home! It’s got good texture and is easily mixed in as a topper. It has a pleasant smell (for canned dog food) and you can see chunks of veggies throughout. The puppies are eager for meal times and clean their bowls. 5 stars!”
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes
- Type: Grain-free
- Design: All life stages
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
- Price: $
This Taste of the Wild puppy formula takes the majority of its animal protein from fresh salmon and ocean fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Pacific Stream Puppy Food is not only rich in omega fatty acids, it’s also nutrient-balanced… to support optimal health during a puppy’s period of maximum growth.
Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I feed my puppies Taste of the Wild. I love that it has pro-biotics in it and the kibble is small enough for them to eat easily after being weaned. This is the only puppy food that I highly recommend and I will continue using this product. The puppies enjoy the taste and the oils in the salmon puppy food help with their coats and make them shine.”
Orijen Puppy
Orijen Puppy is one of 8 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, Atlantic flounder, cage-free eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
- Type: Grain-free
- Design: All life stages
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
- Price: $$$
This Orijen formula takes the dominant part of its animal protein from fresh poultry (chicken and turkey) and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Orijen is a 5-star, all life stages recipe brimming with animal protein. A superior option for your growing puppy. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “After weaning off “junk food” breeder was using until finally feeding them 100% this new food, puppies had no more loose stools. Pups liked the taste immediately, made it easy to wean. Very happy and I feel the ingredients are the best of all of the products compared. Pricey, but not that much higher than other lower quality kibble, totally worth it. I have bought 3 times now, gonna look for bigger bag!”
4 More Top Picks Also
Recommended by Our Editors
Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Food
Chicken Soup Puppy is one of 7 dry recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice, oatmeal, millet)
- Design: All life stages
- Best for: Small and medium breed puppies
- Price: $
Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh poultry and poultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
This product makes an exceptional choice for both small and medium puppies. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “My puppy was constantly having soft and loose stools no matter what food we tried. Switched her to chicken soup for the soul puppy food and it fixed her digestive issues within a few days. She’s now very regular with perfect consistency. She also loves the food and gobbles it down! I will continue with this brand for the long haul!”
Eukanuba Puppy Large
Eukanuba Puppy Large is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Eukanuba product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, chicken fat
- Type: Grain-inclusive (corn, wheat, sorghum, rice)
- Design: Growth
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
- Price: $
Eukanuba Puppy Large derives the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
Don’t let the word “large” fool you. This classic, grain-inclusive food is also suitable for small and medium breed puppies, too.
Unlike most other puppy foods, this nutrient-balanced design has been formulated by actual experts… a team of board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Affordably priced. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “After having had a Rottweiler and raising her on this brand, it was a no-brainer to go back to Eukanuba large breed puppy when I got my next large breed puppy. I now have a Mastiff puppy (8 months/108 lbs.) and am raising her on this food. She loves it and I love giving it to her. Reasonably priced, excellent ingredients, slows growth, and best of all she loves it. High quality food for a kibble!”
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, barley, oatmeal)
- Design: All life stages
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
- Price: $$
This Merrick Classic Puppy formula derives the largest share of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 18% fat and 43% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Unlike Merrick’s grain-free product line, “Classic” is not only free of peas and lentils… it’s also contains zero potatoes.
A top-quality, moderately priced puppy food. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer review… “I have used Merrick for years. It is healthy and delicious. When we brought out new pup home from the breeder she was on another brand. When I started to add Merrick she would pick through and only eat the Merrick . We finally did a taste test , putting Merrick puppy in one corner and the other in another spot. It was hands down Merrick. She would not even eat the other. She is growing very well and has a healthy coat and skin. Thank you Merrick”
Once you’ve decided how much food your puppy needs each day…
Simply divide that amount into 3 to 4 equal servings. Then, feed those smaller meals to your puppy at regular intervals… throughout the day.
How much food should I feed my puppy?
Deciding how much to feed your puppy is a process… not a one-time choice.
Since a larger breed puppy requires more food each day than a smaller breed…
And because every brand of dog food contains a different number of calories per cup…
Start with the recommended feeding amount printed on the food’s package. Then, adjust that amount… up or down… to keep your dog at her ideal weight.
Which breeds are at greatest risk for hip dysplasia?
Even though hip dysplasia can sometimes afflict smaller dogs…
The condition is far more common in larger breeds.2
Which is why it’s SO important to choose a food that contains a safe amount of calcium… if you’re feeding a large breed puppy.
The pet food industry3 defines a large breed puppy as one whose adult weight is expected to be over 70 pounds.
However…
Since it’s impossible to know your puppy’s adult weight before she’s fully grown…
It’s safer to use a more conservative 50 pound definition advocated by others.4 5 6 7 8
So…
If you expect your dog to weigh over 50 pounds when she’s fully grown… then she’s considered a large breed puppy.
When should I switch my puppy to adult food?
It’s critical not to switch your puppy to adult food too soon.
That’s because adult dog food can contain too much calcium… which can make it unsafe for a growing puppy.
Truth is…
The best time to switch your puppy to adult food depends on your puppy’s breed type. The following table can help you determine when it’s safe to switch your puppy to adult food.9 10
If you’re not sure…
It’s always safer to keep your dog on puppy food too long… than it is to switch to adult food too soon.
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