Top 20 Best Puppy Foods

36 thoughts on “Top 20 Best Puppy Foods”

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4. When I first got my dogs, I spent a lot of time reading every nutritional label in the pet store. I knew I didn’t want by products and I wanted a protein listed as the first item, but I also wanted to be frugal and the most expensive food is not necessarily the best. I ended up going with Nutro. I can see the difference in both their coats and in their poo. While I do feed both wet and dry, a money issue change that.Here i got more tips thanks for sharing.

   • Same here Petsmart recommended it(btw, I live in Canada). Now I take what they say with a grain of salt at times but the one who recommended it was a puppy/dog trainer in store so I listened and also read the ingredients before purchase. My little big pup(massive sized Labradoodle) loved it and it wasn’t the most expensive bag of food either, wasn’t the cheapest but there’s a financial sacrifice for your dogs health and I figured this was a good balance without serving his food from a golden doggie dish. With that said I’m noticing my dog is a hoover sometimes and a picky eater in other times. We switched the big buttheads(I say that with love because he is a clutsy dog who wants sooo much attention but you can’t stay made at the face when he does something bad) food from Nutro Lamb to Nutro Chicken and whole grain(because we couldnt find the Lamb). He seems to HATE the chicken and whole grain and he devoured his Nutro lamb….although my dog is very picky at times as he will NOT eat peanut butter(tried it in his KONG with a treat to make it last longer) eventually i had to just clean it out and pack it with more treats or occasional honey to keep my buddy occupied since it just sat on the floor for the day with no desire. To make a short story long if you try Nutro chicken and whole grain 1st and you don’t succeed try try again with Nutro Lamb for large breed I bet your buddy will love it

5. I agree with Jay, (his above comment), and was surprised to not see Nutro listed in this article. Our Pit/Border Collie mix is now 7 months old, we adopted him from a local rescue that somehow gets by on a shoestring budget, but they take exceptional care of their fur babies. The feed them Nutro, and showed me the comparison charts they had made, of about 30 different foods. I bought a bag of their puppy food then, and again, then tried a different “high-end” brand. Even using the gradual blending to ease the transition, he had horrible gastric issues for a couple weeks. And he would not “chow down” on it like the Nutro. Switched back, and he did take 1-2 days to adjust, (soft stools). 3 bags later, tried Purina One Smart Blend for puppies. Results almost as bad as the previous experiment, but I had bought a 44# bag, so we stuck with it. His appetite decreased steadily, he would never finish his morning or evening bowl, became somewhat lethargic (not normal for a young energetic breed), and actually lost 2 lbs. Switched back to Nutro 5 days ago, and he has already gained back the lost weight, plus another pound. And has more energy.
   It is just a bit pricy, close to the Canidae, much better value than the ridiculous megabucks foods. I do believe in changing things up now and then, to make sure dogs are getting all the nutrients they might need, as each brand or variety is different. Thinking I will try this Canidae next, but maybe just mix it with Nutro and see how things go. Will update at that time. Anyone else tried Nutro? I can’t remember who it is made by, but I get it at Petco. Can’t find it at Walmart or the grocery store.

   • Victor dog food is better with better ingredients than any found here. Also priced better than any of these. How can anyone say taste of the wild (diamond products) the diamond company has more recalls than just about any company on the market.

     • I just adopted a large breed 3 month old puppy. What brand do you recommend?

   • I like Nutro brand food. I have my 10 year old beagle chihuahua mix on the senior formula. I will be putting my pup on it as I take her off of the feed the rescue was feeding her. She is always trying to get his food.

6. When I first got my dogs, I spent a lot of time reading every nutritional label in the pet store. I knew I didn’t want by products and I wanted a protein listed as the first item, but I also wanted to be frugal and the most expensive food is not necessarily the best. I ended up going with Nutro. I can see the difference in both their coats and in their poo. While I do feed both wet and dry, a money issue change that.Here i got more tips thanks for sharing.

7. What about Merrick? I feed both my puppy & cats Merrick dry & canned food. Any Opinions?

   • No to Merrick. My Basenji Chihuahua mix was very itchy on it. Had to get Costco brand as that was what the rescue fed her. Mixing it with better brands until it is gone.

     • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Merrick is a well-known and reputable dog food brand that has received great reviews.That said,there is no “best diet.” Dogs are individuals. A diet that works for one dog may not be the best for another. Age, energy level and individual medical concerns play a large role for each patient.If you are switching diets due to dog food allergies, there can be a lot of cross antigen reactions between duck and chicken, and venison and beef. Be careful of clever marketing. There is no medical reason that your dog should have duck over chicken, unless they have some allergy. In this case, feed a diet that isn’t fowl based anyway, especially if the brand does meet AAFCO standards. Providing your dog with the most appropriate diet that is healthy and beneficial to his life stage will help give your pet a long and healthy life. Consult with your veterinarian about grain-free dog food for skin allergies. There are diseases which are heavily impacted by a dog’s diet, such as atopic allergies or inflammatory bowel disease. Here you will need more stringent requirements than the average dog.Dogs must be on a diet appropriate to their problems in order to control that specific problem. They may need a restricted diet, such as a grain-free diet, or one that is high in soluble fiber, or both. Hope this helps!

   • I have been feeding my puppy Merrick wet puppy food, but lately the quality has been awful. One can was like soup, another was half full and dried out. I called them about it and other than wanting to send me coupons, they could have cared less. Time for a change for my puppy!

     • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Merrick is a well-known, reputable company. Contact them with any questions of concern.Here is their link:

       https://www.merrickpetcare.com/why-merrick/guaranteed-best-ever

       “At Merrick, we don’t just make the best food ever. We stand behind it. And we’re confident your pet will not only love the taste of Merrick, they’ll be better for eating it, too. We promise your dog will be happier and healthier, with a wag in their tail and a spring in their step. And if you (or your dog) are not 100%, absolutely, totally, completely satisfied with Merrick, return it for your money back.” Hope this helps!

   • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
     Merrick is very popular with great 5 star reviews from pet parents. Zuke’s Pet Nutrition and Merrick Pet Care have joined together. They are both part of Nestle Purina Pet Care, and are dedicated to providing the very best, highest- quality pet foods and treats.

     If you have any concerns aabout recalls, visit:
     https://www.fda.gov/animalVeterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.htm

8. Victor is a great line of dog food, I agree with Greg, I spent sometime researching dog food brands and their ingredients. When I bought an American Pitbull terrier, I asked the owners what they had been feeding thier dogs, she told me Victor and explained the quality of the food. The people that make Victor have a story worth checking out with the process/nutrients that go into making a healthy dog food. I recommend any of the different variety’s Victor dog foods make. Victor belongs right in the top of dog food brands!

9. I have a shorkie and I also use Nutro chicken and rice for small breeds. I haven’t had any problems with it.

10. Great post. Very informative about dog foods! There are very clear ingredients that good and bad for dogs.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.

      The best dog food should have the following:

      •Healthy ingredients
      •Fresh meat
      •Vegetables and fruit
      •No controversial ingredients
      •No added hormones and steroids
      •No unnamed meat sources
      •Right ratio of macronutrients
      •By-products in dog food are fine when they are organ meats
      •Dog food should not be overly processed
      •Flaxseed – This is one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-fatty fatty acids. Flaxseed is rich in soluble fiber when it’s been grounded into a meal.
      •Chelated minerals – When minerals have been chemically attached to a protein which occurs during the chelation process, they become easier to digest.
      That said,puppies should only eat a puppy food formula, and should always be fed a puppy formula.
      Large breed pups like the Great Dane or German Shepherd need to be on a large breed puppy diet to ensure correct growth, and no growth abnormalities.

11. It’s a little suspect not to find Orijen products anywhere on your lists. Ingredient list on their products are pretty much unparalleled, albeit it’s expensive.

    Makes me wonder what kind of bias may present in the list of products you do present.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section. Orijen is a high-quality dog food with 5 star ratings.Orijen has a new Fit & Trim formula. It won the 2017 Eco-Excellence Pet Food Award, the 2017 Global Market Awards, as well as numerous other awards. The ingredient list on all their products is unmatched. This is definitely a high-quality dog food, and one of the best out there.

      Here’s the link:
      https://www.orijen.ca/us/awards/

12. Check the food advisor.com they list foods ingredients and rate it by stars. I’m changing from blue buffalo to Merrick for my yorkie puppy rates 5 stars and isn’t more money than blue.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      Both are really good dog food brands. The most important is feeding puppies puppy food, and to be sure to feed a large breed puppy a large breed puppy diet. Most of us understand the importance of eating healthily, but many don’t fully understand that this applies to our furry friends, too. Vitamins and amino acids should not be synthetic, and organic should mean that all of the ingredients are organic, including vitamins and minerals, and not just a few. A well-balanced dog food should use real meat as its first ingredient. It should also not use harmful preservatives, flavors or artificial colors.General ingredients that include whole meats, fruits or vegetables in their top 5 ingredients are considered good foods. Those that also incorporate antioxidants like blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates and pumpkin are also becoming popular. With that said, organic, natural and preservative- free with no artificial ingredients, are also key to a well- balanced, and high quality dog food. With puppy food, opt for one that your pup does well on. Consulting with your veterinarian helps too. Always check for FDA pet food recalls by visiting their website. https://www.fda.gov/animalVeterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.htm

13. I feel my dogs food from taste of the wild, glad to see it on the list!

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.They are a well-known, reputable dog food manufacturer with great reviews.Each brand of dog food should be chosen with a dog’s unique and specific health needs in mind. Just as we choose different diets to suit our own lifestyles and life stages, the same should be done for our dogs.

14. I feed my 5 month old collie mix puppy Primal Raw Freeze Dried Nuggets. It’s very pricey and highly recommended as a top food similar to Stella & Chewys. How could neither be on this list?

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Dogs easily digest and absorb nutrients when fed a raw diet. All the ingredients in the Primal Raw Freeze Dried Nuggets are outstanding. (sunflower seeds, chicken, blueberries…) The link to Primal:https://primalpetfoods.com/products/raw-frozen-canine-chicken-formula#variant=35868512146

      There is no best diet, since all dogs have different dietary needs, so it’s always smart to find the best dog food to match each individual dog. That said, consult with your veterinarian for advice when changing Fido’s diet.

15. Do you think I am feeding my animals right? I have 5 Chihuahuas and 1 Pomeranian they share about 5 cups of dry dog food and I refill the big bowl when it gets empty. I have 1 cat and I feed her 1/4 cup of dry food and I mix it with about a fourth of wet cat food twice a day. I feed my Green cheek a salad every morning and birdseed at noon.I have 2 beta fish,1 gets 3
    http://petuslove.com/can-hamsters-eat-mango-amazing-guide-mangoes/

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.The recommended guidelines on dog food bags often contain more calories than dogs need. Unless it is a very energetic dog,it’s sometimes best to feed the lower end of the recommendation. Feed a complete and balanced food for the appropriate life stage of the dog. As usual, consult with your veterinarian for the best nutritional advice. You should always take in to account your dog’s individual medical concerns and energy level. Every dog is different, with some having different nutritional needs. Hope this helps! Keep in touch.

16. Hi
    Thanks for sharing this article.
    Not all dog foods are good and to determine what kind of dog food is good and what is bad, one should not only have the knowledge regarding the traits of the best dog food but have knowledge regarding the traits and features of a bad or worst dog food is also crucial, therefore given below is the list of 20 worst dog food : https://top10bestdogfoods.com/20-worst-dog-food-20-top-dog-food-brands-2017

    REPLY

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      All dog food formulas must meet the AAFCO profiles for all life stages, and must meet the minimum nutrient levels for growth and adult maintenance in dogs.Dog food formulas should also contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives such as propylene glycol.Diets should also include whole foods instead of processed foods.They should also use real meat instead of meat meal.A high-quality dog food formula will have no added hormones and steroids, and no unnamed meat sources. It should also have the right ratio of macronutrients. Look out for by-products, which are fine when they are organ meats. None of the ingredients should be China sourced.Hope this helps!

17. Is Farmina products out of favor? Are these products not good for puppy aged 28 weeks?

    I had read about your review on Farmina products but this article does not mention it at all.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      Farmina is great for pups. They have several puppy formulas.

      Some of these include the following:

      Farmina Lamb and Blueberry,Grain-Free for medium and large breeds
      Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken/Ancestral Low- Grain Puppy Formula for small, medium, and large breeds

      Hope this helps! Keep us updated!

18. The Wellness small breed puppy food you recommend has green tea extract from China. This seems to be controversial and if it had been mentioned in your review I would not have purchased this food. I will be returning and just wanted to let others know so they can have all the facts.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.