We know welcoming a new puppy into your family is exciting but can also be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help take some of the guesswork out of puppy nutrition! Welcoming a furry friend into your home is an amazing experience that comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities is choosing the best puppy food for your little ball of fluff.
Every puppy is different, so there isn’t a one-size fits all option. As a new puppy parent, you should consider things like size, breed, age, energy level and lifestyle when selecting a food for your growing pup. When it comes to puppy food, there are tons of great options to choose from. This blog identifies the best foods for all breed sizes and explores a variety of key ingredients to consider.
What to Look For When Choosing a Puppy Food
First things first, let's talk about why choosing the right food is so important. Puppies grow and develop at a rapid pace, and they need a diet that supports their nutritional needs. Feeding them the wrong food can lead to health issues down the line, including obesity, allergies, and digestive problems. So, what should you look for when choosing puppy food? We’ll break it down for you!Ingredients
The first thing you should check is the ingredients list. Look for protein sources that are listed as the first ingredient, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. Avoid by-products or unnamed sources of protein, as these are often lower quality and less digestible. Whole grains and vegetables are also quality additions to ensure your puppy is getting a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Look for foods that contain ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and blueberries. Additionally, you should always look for healthy fats. Fats are an important source of energy for your puppy and also help with brain and eye development. Look for sources of healthy fats like chicken fat or salmon oil. It's also important to avoid certain ingredients that can be harmful or difficult for your puppy to digest. These include but are not limited to:- Fillers: These are ingredients that provide little nutritional value and are used to bulk up the food. Look for foods that don't contain fillers like corn or wheat gluten.
- Artificial preservatives, colors, and flavours: These ingredients can be difficult for your puppy to digest and may also be linked to health problems.
- High levels of carbohydrates: While carbohydrates can provide energy, too much can be harmful to your puppy's health. Look for foods that contain moderate levels of carbohydrates and focus on protein and healthy fats.
Nutritional balance
Puppies require a specific balance of nutrients, including protein, fat, and carbohydrates, to support their growth and development. Puppies need a diet that is rich in high-quality protein to build and repair tissues, healthy fats to support brain and eye development, and carbohydrates for energy. They also need vitamins and minerals to support their immune system and overall health. Feeding a puppy the wrong food or an imbalanced diet can lead to health problems down the line, such as obesity, allergies, and digestive issues. Puppies that don't get the right nutrition may also experience stunted growth or delayed development, which can affect their overall quality of life. Proper nutrition is especially important in the early stages of a puppy's life, as their bodies are rapidly developing and they need all the help they can get. By providing your puppy with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs, you can help ensure they grow up to be happy, healthy dogs.Size-specific
Puppies come in all shapes and sizes, and their food should reflect that. Smaller breeds have different nutritional needs than larger breeds, so choose a food that is specifically formulated for your pup's size. Large breed puppies, for example, have a slower growth rate and need fewer calories than smaller breed puppies, but they need more calcium to support their developing bones. When choosing a puppy food, look for options that are specifically formulated for your puppy's breed size. These foods will have the appropriate levels of nutrients to support your puppy's growth and development, without putting them at risk for health problems. Now that you know what to look for, let's talk about some of the top puppy food brands on the market. Of course, every pup is different, so what works for one might not work for another. But, these brands are a good place to start your search.Best Small Breed Puppy Food
Small breed puppy food and regular puppy food differ in several ways. Firstly, small breed puppy food is designed specifically for the nutritional needs of small breed puppies, whereas regular puppy food is formulated for the general nutritional needs of puppies of all breeds and sizes. Secondly, small breed puppy food typically has smaller kibble sizes to accommodate the smaller mouths of small breed puppies, whereas regular puppy food has larger kibble sizes. Additionally, small breed puppy food often contains higher levels of protein and fat to support the growth and development of small breed puppies, who have faster metabolic rates than larger breed puppies. Lastly, small breed puppy food may also have different calorie content, as small breed puppies require more calories per pound of body weight than larger breed puppies.Acana Small Breed Puppy Food
This food is a high-quality, grain-free dog food designed specifically for small breed puppies. This is a premium food made by the Canadian pet food company, Champion Petfoods. Acana Small Breed Puppy food is high in protein. Sixty percent of the total ingredients are animal protein sources like chicken, turkey, and fish. This high protein helps support the growth and development of small breed puppies. This dog food is grain-free, meaning it does not contain any wheat, corn, or soy. Instead, it uses alternative sources of carbohydrates like peas and lentils, which are easier for dogs to digest. Acana Small Breed Puppy food is nutrient-dense, meaning it contains a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that are important for a puppy's growth and development. The kibble size is designed to be small and easy for small breed puppies to chew and swallow. Acana Small Breed Puppy food is made with fresh, regional ingredients that are sourced from farmers and ranchers in Canada. The food does not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Overall, we stand behind this food as the best option for small breed puppies.Best Large Breed Puppy Food
Orijen Large Breed Puppy food is a high-quality, biologically appropriate dog food designed specifically for large breed puppies. It is made by the Canadian pet food company, Champion Petfoods, and is considered a premium dog food brand. Orijen Large Breed Puppy food is high in protein, with at least 85% of the total ingredients coming from animal sources like free-run chicken, turkey, and fish. This protein helps support the growth and development of large breed puppies. This dog food is grain-free, meaning it does not contain any wheat, corn, or soy. Instead, it uses alternative sources of carbohydrates like chickpeas and lentils, which are easier for dogs to digest. Orijen Large Breed Puppy food is nutrient-dense, meaning it contains a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that are important for a puppy's growth and development. The kibble size is designed to be larger and encourage slower eating, which can help prevent bloating and other digestive issues that are common in large breed puppies. Orijen Large Breed Puppy food is made with fresh, regional ingredients that are sourced from farmers and ranchers in Canada. The food contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health in large breed puppies. Overall, Orijen Large Breed Puppy food is a high-quality dog food that is designed specifically for large breed puppies. It is nutrient-dense, high in protein, and made with fresh, regional ingredients. The grain-free formula, large kibble size, and joint support make it an excellent choice for large breed puppies. However, as with any dog food, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if it is the right choice for your puppy's specific needs.Best Grain-Free Puppy Food
Made by the trusted Canadian pet food company, Petcurean, Go! Solutions Puppy Kibble is a premium grain-free dog food designed to give your puppy the optimal nutrition they need for healthy growth and development. What makes Go! Solutions Puppy Kibble a top choice for pet parents is its grain-free formula. Grain-free puppy food has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of choosing grain-free puppy food like Go! Solutions:- Easier Digestion: Grain-free puppy food is easier for your pup's digestive system to handle. This is because dogs, like their wolf ancestors, are naturally carnivores and are not equipped to digest excessive grains. By eliminating grains from your puppy's diet, their body can more efficiently absorb the nutrients they need.
- Reduced Allergies: Grains, especially corn, wheat, and soy, are common allergens in dogs. Choosing a grain-free puppy food like Go! Solutions can help reduce the risk of your puppy developing allergies or intolerances to their food.
- Higher Quality Ingredients: Grain-free puppy foods like Go! Solutions often contain higher quality ingredients like protein-rich meats, fruits, and vegetables, as opposed to fillers like corn and wheat. This ensures that your puppy is getting the best possible nutrition to support their growth and development.
Why Go! Solutions?
But what sets Go! Solutions Puppy Kibble apart from other grain-free puppy foods on the market? Here are some of the features that make it stand out:- Premium Protein: Go! Solutions Puppy Kibble is made with premium-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, and salmon. These protein sources provide the essential amino acids your puppy needs for healthy growth and development.
- Nutrient-Rich Fruits and Vegetables: Go! Solutions Puppy Kibble is loaded with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, apples, and blueberries. These ingredients provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your puppy's immune system and overall health.
- Probiotics: Go! Solutions Puppy Kibble contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help support a healthy digestive system. This is especially important for puppies, as their digestive systems are still developing.
- No Artificial Preservatives: Go! Solutions Puppy Kibble is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. This means you can feel good about feeding your puppy a natural, high-quality diet.
Best Freeze-Dried Puppy Food
Introducing Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Healthy Growth Food for Puppies! This top-quality puppy food is specifically formulated to provide your furry little friend with all the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong. What makes Dr. Marty Nature's Healthy Growth for Puppies such a great choice for new pet parents? For starters, it is freeze-dried, which means that it retains all of the nutrients and flavor of fresh food, while also being incredibly convenient and easy to store. When you choose Dr. Marty Puppy Food, you are getting a high-quality product that is made with only the best ingredients. This food is packed with wholesome, natural ingredients like chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, and duck, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables. One of the biggest benefits of freeze-dried puppy food is that it is incredibly easy to prepare. All you need to do is add a little bit of water to the food. With some hydration, it will quickly rehydrate into a delicious, nutrient-packed meal that your puppy will love. This makes it a great option for busy pet parents who don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.Top-Notch Nutrition
But convenience isn't the only reason why you should consider feeding your puppy Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Healthy Growth food. This food is also incredibly nutritious, with a balanced blend of protein, fat, and fiber that will help your puppy grow up strong and healthy. In fact, this food is specifically formulated to support healthy growth in puppies, with the right balance of nutrients to help your furry friend develop strong bones, muscles, and organs. It also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your puppy's overall health and wellbeing. So if you're a new pet parent looking for a high-quality puppy food that is easy to prepare, nutritious, and delicious, then look no further than Dr. Marty Nature's Blend Freeze-Dried Raw Healthy Growth food for Puppies. Your furry little friend will thank you for it!Best Grain-Friendly Puppy Food
Made with the finest ingredients and carefully crafted to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies, Fromm Family Foods Puppy Kibble is an excellent choice for pet parents who want to give their furry friends the best possible start in life. What makes Fromm Family Foods Puppy Kibble a top choice for pet parents is its grain-friendly formula. Grain-friendly puppy food, unlike grain-free options, include a balanced amount of grains that are easy for puppies to digest. Here are some of the benefits of choosing grain-friendly puppy food like Fromm Family Foods:- A Balanced Diet: Grain-friendly puppy food provides a balanced diet that includes a variety of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This is especially important for growing puppies, as they need all the nutrients they can get to support healthy growth and development.
- A Cost-Effective Option: Grain-friendly puppy food is often more cost-effective than grain-free options. This means that you can give your puppy a high-quality, balanced diet without breaking the bank.
Why Fromm Family?
But what sets Fromm Family Foods Puppy Kibble apart from other grain-friendly puppy foods on the market? Here are some of the features that make it stand out:- Premium Protein: Fromm Family Foods Puppy Kibble is made with premium-quality protein sources like duck, chicken, and lamb. These protein sources provide the essential amino acids your puppy needs for healthy growth and development.
- Wholesome Grains: Fromm Family Foods Puppy Kibble includes a variety of wholesome grains like barley, oatmeal, and brown rice. These grains are easy for your puppy to digest and provide essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- No Artificial Preservatives: Fromm Family Foods Puppy Kibble is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. This means you can feel good about feeding your puppy a natural, high-quality diet.
- Variety of Options: Fromm Family Foods Puppy Kibble comes in both standard and large breed size food options.
- Family-Owned and Operated: Fromm Family Foods is a family-owned and operated company that has been making high-quality pet food since 1904. This means that you can trust that your puppy is getting the best possible nutrition from a company that truly cares about their well-being.
Best Red Meat Puppy Food
Sometimes, when puppies have sensitivities to poultry or other proteins, a red meat diet is the perfect fit. Lamb, Pork or Beef tend to be easy on sensitive bellies and offer a premium source of protein. Check out our selection for the best Red Meat receipe, below. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Recipe with Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison This puppy kibble is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies. It is made with high-quality ingredients and is free from grains, which makes it a great choice for puppies with grain sensitivities. Some of the key ingredients in Taste of the Wild High Prairie formula include bison, roasted venison, and beef. These provide a rich source of protein to support muscle growth and development. The food also contains peas, sweet potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. Vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health. Its high protein content and diverse blend of real meats make it a great choice for active puppies. Additionally, its grain-free formula makes it an excellent option for puppies with food sensitivities.Best Value Puppy Food
Our pick for best value puppy food has to be the FirstMate Puppy recipe. This top-quality, Canadian puppy food is specifically formulated to provide your growing pup with all the nutrients they need to thrive. One of the biggest benefits of FirstMate Puppy food is that it is an excellent value for the price. It is made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, and is priced competitively compared to other premium puppy foods. This makes it an affordable option for pet parents who want to provide their furry friends with top-quality nutrition without breaking the bank. But don't let the great price fool you - FirstMate Puppy food is packed with beneficial ingredients that will help your puppy grow up strong and healthy. For starters, this food is made with high-quality protein sources like free-range chicken and wild-caught fish, which are essential for supporting muscle and tissue development in growing puppies. In addition to protein, FirstMate Puppy food also contains a variety of fruits and vegetables, which provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for your puppy's overall health and wellbeing. These ingredients include sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries, which are all excellent sources of fiber and other essential nutrients. Another key ingredient in FirstMate Puppy food is DHA, which is an important omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for brain development in growing puppies. This ingredient can help your puppy develop strong cognitive function and a healthy nervous system, which will help them learn and adapt to their environment more effectively.The FirstMate Brand
But what really sets FirstMate Puppy food apart is the company's commitment to quality and transparency. All of their ingredients are carefully sourced and traceable back to their origin, so you can feel confident that you are feeding your puppy only the best ingredients. They also use a limited-ingredient formula, which means that there are no unnecessary fillers or additives that could harm your puppy's health. Overall, FirstMate Puppy food is an excellent choice for new pet parents. If you want to provide their furry little friend with top-quality nutrition without breaking the bank, choose FirstMate. With its carefully sourced ingredients, balanced nutrient profile, and commitment to quality and transparency, this diet is sure to help your puppy grow up healthy and strong.Best Puppy Food for Sensitive Tummies
Sensitive tummies and bad gut health are extremely daunting for a new pet parent. Finding the right diet to match your puppy's sensitive tummy can be a challenge. That’s where our pick for best puppy food for sensitive tummies comes in! Farmina N and D Pumpkin, Lamb and Blueberry – Medium and Maxi Puppy One of the key benefits of Farmina Lamb Puppy food is that it is made with high-quality ingredients. These are carefully selected to support your puppy's growth and development. This food is made with real meat, as the first ingredient, and is free from any artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. This means that your puppy will be getting only the best, most nutritious ingredients in every bite. Another benefit of Farmina Puppy food is that it is designed specifically for sensitive tummies. Young dogs can be prone to digestive issues. And, this food is formulated to be gentle on your puppy's stomach. This makes it a great choice for pet parents who want to ensure that their puppy is getting the best possible nutrition without upsetting their delicate digestive system.Nutrient Profile
But what really sets Farmina Puppy food apart is its carefully crafted nutrient profile. This food is packed with all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your puppy needs. For example, it contains a balanced blend of protein, fat, and fiber. These are essential for supporting your puppy's muscle and tissue development, energy levels, and overall health. In addition to these essential nutrients, Farmina Puppy food also contains a variety of superfoods, such as cranberries, blueberries, and pumpkin. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients that can help support your puppy's immune system, digestive health, and overall well being. Another key ingredient in Farmina Puppy food is the inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics. These beneficial bacteria are essential for promoting healthy digestion and supporting your puppy's immune system. They can also help reduce the risk of digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating, which can be especially important for growing puppies. Overall, a Farmina diet is an excellent choice for pet parents. With its high-quality ingredients, carefully crafted nutrient profile, and focus on digestive health, this diet is a top pick. It's sure to help your puppy grow up healthy and strong. So why wait? Give your furry little friend the gift of top-quality nutrition with Farmina Puppy food today!Final Thoughts
Before you go, here are a few quick tips for making mealtime a fun and enjoyable experience for your pet:- Use puzzle toys and slow feeders: These toys are designed to make your pup work for their food, which can be a great way to stimulate their brain and prevent boredom.
- Add some variety: Just like humans, dogs can get bored with the same food day in and day out. Mix it up with different flavors or brands to keep things interesting.
- Don't overdo it with treats: Treats are an important part of training and bonding with your pup, but make sure to limit their intake to prevent weight gain.