The foundation of a puppy’s health begins with what’s in their bowl. Choosing the right food is more than a routine decision—it’s a commitment to their growth, vitality, and well-being. With shelves overflowing with options claiming to be the “best,” how do you sift through the noise to find what truly matters? From scientifically formulated dry kibble to nutrient-packed raw diets, the choices can be as overwhelming as they are crucial. In this article, we cut through the marketing jargon, evaluate the options, and provide expertly curated recommendations to set your puppy on a thriving, healthy life.
How to Pick the Best Puppy Food
Assess the Food’s Nutritional ProfileExamine the guaranteed analysis on the food packaging to ensure it meets your puppy’s nutritional needs. High-quality puppy food should contain at least 22% protein and 8% fat to support healthy growth. Additionally, balanced calcium and phosphorus levels promote bone development without overloading your puppy’s system.
Prioritize High-Quality IngredientsPay close attention to the ingredient list. High-quality puppy food should include real animal protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish, as the first ingredient. Protein is crucial for building and maintaining muscles during this rapid growth phase. Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are also essential for brain development and a shiny coat. Complex carbohydrates like brown rice, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes provide sustained energy while avoiding fillers like corn or wheat, which ensures better digestion and overall health.
Choose a Trusted BrandSelect puppy food from a reputable quality control and ingredient transparency brand. Trusted brands often disclose their ingredient sources and manufacturing practices, giving you confidence that the food is safe and nutritionally complete.
Understand Special Dietary NeedsSome puppies have unique dietary requirements due to sensitivities or health conditions. When choosing their next formula, consider their needs.
Consider Your Puppy’s Breed and SizeYour puppy’s breed and size significantly influence their dietary needs. Small breeds require calorie-dense food with a smaller kibble that is easier for their tiny mouths to chew and digest. Large breeds, on the other hand, need formulas with controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to support proper joint and bone development without encouraging rapid growth, which could lead to long-term orthopedic issues.
Look for AAFCO Certification The first step in selecting high-quality puppy food is ensuring it meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. The label on the packaging should clearly state that the formula is “complete and balanced” for puppies or “all life stages.” This certification guarantees that the food contains the essential nutrients to support your puppy’s growth and development.
Best Puppy Food Reviews
Below, we present our top-tested recommendations for puppy food, carefully selected to meet the unique needs of puppies across various categories. Each option has been thoroughly evaluated to ensure it aligns with expert guidance, meets AAFCO nutritional standards, and provides clear feeding guidelines. Additionally, all the featured brands employ teams of veterinary nutritionists to oversee ingredient quality and ensure optimal health benefits for growing puppies.
Best Food For Puppies
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Owners who want to provide the most optimal nutrition for proper puppy development and growth.
Why we recommended it: The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for puppies. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Rottweiler puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root. It also supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production and promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.
Why we recommended it: The Honest Kitchen is the pioneer brand of human-grade dog food, which was born to help as many pets as possible get on the road to good health. The Honest Kitchen whole food cluster recipes are roasted and dehydrated to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. The Honest Kitchen Cluster For Puppies is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.
What sets it apart from competitors: Their preparation methods and facilities meet safety standards 7x those of feed-grade. Their food is made in a facility that produces human food.
Key Features
Vet recommended. Their human-grade dog food kibble is recommended by Leilani Alvarez, DVM, DACVSMR Director of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine, Animal Medical Center, NY, recommends their human-grade dog food kibble.
Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring pre and probiotics to help regulate the dog microbiome.
FDA human-grade. First pet food company to obtain approval from the FDA to use the term “human grade” on its products.
The Video
The video below reviews the adult cluster formula, but the puppy blend clusters offer the same high-quality ingredients, enhanced with additional nutrients specifically formulated to meet puppies’ nutritional needs.
Pros
Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits
Exceeds industry standards
No artificial flavors, preservatives, or by-products
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
Cons
Higher price point compared to standard kibble.
Best Highest Protein Puppy Food
4.6
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: This is perfect for active and energetic puppies or breeds that require higher protein levels for muscle development and sustained energy.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food is an excellent puppy for choice because it delivers a rich protein content using responsibly sourced animal proteins. It supports healthy growth, strong muscles, and energy needs without sacrificing ingredient quality or transparency.
What sets it apart from competitors: The brand’s traceability feature allows pet parents to see exactly where the ingredients come from.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with oats, quinoa, pumpkin and other wholesome ingredients.
Pros
Made with non-GMO fruits and veggies
No potatoes, rendered poultry or meals
Cons
Higher price point compared to standard puppy food.
Best Food For Weaning Puppies
4.8
★★★★★
Royal Canin
Who It’s For: Specifically designed for weaning puppies (under 2 months) and lactating or nursing mothers.
Why we recommended it: The Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Starter Mother & Babydog Food is an expertly crafted formula and is highly rated as the top choice for small breed puppies transitioning from milk to solid food and for mothers needing extra nutrition during this stage. It supports a puppy’s early development and delicate digestive system while also being suitable for mothers during late pregnancy and nursing. Additionally, it can be mixed with water to create a nourishing gruel.
What sets it apart from competitors: The kibble softens easily with water, making it ideal for introducing solid food while maintaining complete nutrition. Rehydratable kibble can be turned into a porridge-like consistency that is palatable for the mother and her weaning puppies.
Key Features
Antioxidants. It contains a blend of antioxidants and vitamins E and C, which help support the healthy development of puppies’ immune systems.
Balanced microbiome. Combining prebiotics and highly digestible proteins promotes a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria, supporting healthy digestion and optimal stool quality.
Pros
Its dual-purpose design benefits both weaning puppies and their mothers, which is unique in this category
Cons
Not for puppies over 2 months of age
Not suitable for larger breed puppies
Best Affordable Puppy Food
4.5
★★★★★
Blue Buffalo
Who It’s For: Ideal for growing puppies who need a balanced diet to support their development at an affordable price.
Why we recommended it:Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is our pick for the cheapest puppy food because it provides premium ingredients, including real chicken and wholesome grains, at a budget-friendly price. It’s enriched with DHA and ARA, essential nutrients in mother’s milk, to support brain and eye development.
What sets it apart from competitors: Blue Buffalo stands out for its high-quality ingredients and lack of fillers or by-products, which are often found in budget options. Additionally, its LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, provide added nutritional support for puppies.
Key Features
Wholesome grains: Brown rice and oatmeal for sustained energy.
Developmental support. Supports brain development, visual health, eye care, muscle care, bone health, dental care, skin and coat health, immune support, and muscle care.
Pros
Good price point
Real meat is the first ingredients
Cons
Some picky eaters may not prefer the flavor.
Contains grains, which may not suit puppies with sensitivities
Best Wet Dog Food For Puppies
4.8
★★★★★
JustFoodForDogs
Who It’s For: Particularly suitable for picky eaters or puppies needing a soft texture that’s easy to digest.
Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Chicken & White Rice recipe is our favorite wet food for puppies. This food is a convenient and healthy option for puppy owners who want to feed their puppies soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, JustFoodForDogs uses only ingredients that are fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality of nutrition.
What sets it apart from competitors: It uses a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulate every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
Pros
USDA-certified meats
Organ meats
A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Best Grain-Free Food For Puppies
4.5
★★★★★
Redbarn
Who It’s For: Ideal option for puppies with grain sensitivities or owners who prefer a grain-free diet.
Why we recommended it:Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Recipe provides balanced nutrition using high-quality proteins, vegetables, and fruits instead of grains. Its nutrient-dense formula ensures puppies get the energy and nutrients they need for healthy growth while avoiding common allergens in grains.
What sets it apart from competitors: The first five ingredients are animal proteins (beef, lamb, beef meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal) followed by functional ingredients to support cognitive functions, joint health, digestion, and muscle mastery.
Key Features
Superfoods. Include foods like pumpkin and flaxseed to support digestion and overall health.
Pros
Rich in high-quality proteins for muscle development
Added glucosamine and chondroitin
Fortified with DHA for cognitive and visual development
Cons
Limited availability in smaller stores
Best Food For Puppies With Sensitive Stomachs
4.5
★★★★★
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care
Who It’s For: Formulated for puppies with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. It’s an excellent option for puppies experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Why we recommended it: We recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care because it’s clinically proven to support digestive health. Its small kibble makes it easier for puppies to eat and digest, while its specialized formula soothes the stomach, promotes nutrient absorption, and helps puppies need gentle, easily digestible nutrition.
What sets it apart from competitors: Hill’s Prescription Diet features a proprietary blend of ingredients known as ActiveBiome+, designed to regulate gut bacteria. Additionally, it includes a prebiotic blend to support regular bowel movements. According to the brand, it is also enriched with vitamin B and antioxidants to help replenish nutrients lost during digestive issues.
Key Features
Prebiotic fiber: Promotes healthy gut bacteria and improves stool quality.
Easily Digestible Ingredients: Designed for optimal nutrient absorption.
Pros
Regulates gut bacteria, digestive issues and bowl movements
Small kibble size makes it easy for puppies to chew and digest
Why we recommended it: As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for puppies, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% wholesome non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Rottweiler a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What sets it apart from competitors: Raw puppy food may benefit your dog with a shinier coat and skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, smaller stools and more. Instinct Raw states that raw puppy nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
Pros
Helps with allergies and weight management
Ingredients are frozen to maintain the highest nutritional profile
Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food.
It’s slightly more expensive than traditional kibble, but you can buy raw food budget
Best Freeze-Dried Food For Puppies
4.8
★★★★★
Open Farm Freeze-Dried Puppy
Who It’s For: Perfect for puppy owners seeking the nutritional benefits of raw food with the convenience of freeze-dried preparation. It’s ideal for puppies needing a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet free from artificial additives.
Why we recommended it: We recommend Open Farm Puppy Chicken & Salmon Freeze Dried Raw Recipe because, unlike traditional dog food, freeze-drying preserves most of the original nutrients in raw ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins, by removing moisture without heat. This results in a nutrient-dense diet that resembles a dog’s natural food. It’s also lightweight, shelf-stable, and doesn’t require freezing, making it convenient to store and ideal for travel.
What sets it apart from competitors: Combines the rich nutrition of raw food with the convenience of a shelf-stable product. . The recipe uses humanely raised chicken, wild-caught salmon, and organic vegetables to support healthy growth and development.
Key Features
Natural flavor. Freeze-dried food often appeals to picky eaters. It can also be used as a topper to enhance the taste of other foods.
Easily Digestible Ingredients: Designed for optimal nutrient absorption.
Pros
Free from fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.
Supports healthy digestion with probiotics.
Cons
Requires hydration before feeding, which can add prep time
Premium price point compared to traditional puppy foods
Other Best Dog Foods For Puppies
Best puppy food for large breeds: The American Journey Protein & Grains Large Breed Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe is the best for large breed puppies because it provides a balanced formula tailored to their unique growth needs. It features controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to support proper bone development and prevent overgrowth, which is crucial for large breeds. The high-quality chicken protein promotes strong muscles, while wholesome grains and vegetables provide sustained energy for active pups. Additionally, it includes omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, making it a complete and well-rounded choice.
Best puppy food for giant breeds: The Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food is the best choice for giant breed puppies because it supports their unique growth patterns and massive size. Its precise calcium and phosphorus levels help promote strong bones and joints while preventing rapid growth that could lead to skeletal issues. The formula also includes high-quality proteins for muscle development and antioxidants to strengthen their developing immune system. With tailored nutrition for giant breeds, this food ensures a healthy start for these gentle giants.
The Bottom Line
Providing your puppy with the right food is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure its health and happiness. With countless options on the market, choosing a diet that meets its unique nutritional needs, supports its growth, and aligns with your lifestyle is essential. Whether you are caring for a small breed, a giant breed, or a puppy with special dietary needs, the right food lays the foundation for a lifetime of well-being.
The options highlighted in this guide have been carefully evaluated to help you make an informed decision, giving your puppy the best possible start. For personalized advice, consult your veterinarian to tailor a diet that suits your puppy’s requirements. Remember, a well-fed puppy is a happy, healthy puppy—and nothing brings more joy than watching them thrive.
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Sources
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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