Top 20 Best Puppy Foods

What is the best puppy food?

A new puppy is a joy like no other. Maybe you are preparing to bring your new baby into your home, or maybe the pup is already there. And he’s hungry!

You have entered into a world of love and companionship, but there is a dizzying array of choices when it comes to what to feed your new friend.

Our Top Choice

To get started with our puppy food guide, we introduce our top choice for the best dry kibble and it is Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage. Premium protein sources, excellent digestibility and nutrition absorption, and precise blends of calcium and phosphorus are features of this food. It is also appropriate for all puppy sizes.

Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage Grain Free Dry Dog Food, 28 Lb.

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Pet parents report that Puppy Vantage is great for little ones with digestive and skin sensitivities. At 28% protein and 20% fat content, this kibble provides all the energy a growing, active puppy needs during the first year of her life.

Have a large breed pup? Check out our recommended choices for large breeds!

Feeding him with the best puppy food is vital in these first weeks because your puppy is growing 20x faster than a young adult dog! It is in these first months that healthy patterns are established that will prevent future health problems like allergies, obesity, and joint problems.

With high quality puppy food, your little buddy will have everything he needs for a long healthy life.

In the section below you can read the most important nutrition guidelines to consider. We’ve put together charts for you that compare some of the best products on the market. We’ll also review dry foods that are specific to breed size and the best available wet (canned) puppy foods. If you are looking for the best large breed puppy food, make sure to read this guide.

Choosing the best food for your puppy – nutrition guide

Why does it cost $47 for a 15-lb bag of top-rated puppy food when it’s only $11 for the same weight of the bargain brand? The difference lies in the quality of the ingredients and in the food’s overall nutrient density.

Downside of (most) cheap brands is use of fillers like wheat or meat by-products to add weight to their kibble without driving up the cost.

Having too much or too little protein, vitamins, or minerals can cause serious problems in a fast-growing puppy, like joint and bone issues.

A puppy food with balanced nutrition will fuel your buddy for steady, healthy growth. What’s more, a bag of good puppy food will last much longer than a bag of the cheapest stuff. Quality dog foods have high nutrient density, so your pup won’t have to pig out to get all its protein. With this in mind, here’s what to look for in your little dog’s food bag.

The Ingredients We Want

Whole animal products. The very first ingredient listed should be a simple whole animal product like chicken, lamb, or salmon. Your pup’s first nutritional priority is protein, and he’ll need a quality source of it.

Best-dry-puppy-food

Healthy grains. Your buddy does need his carbs, but lots of cheap carbs like corn or wheat are sometimes packed into a kibble to keep the price down. That’s nothing but a bunch of calories for your buddy. Look for grains like rice, maize, buckwheat, or oats at reasonable levels.

Natural fats and oils. Your puppy needs these for energy and overall health. A food with generous quantities of fats and oils from quality plant and animal sources will make his coat shine and his muscles strong.

Essential vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins A, C, E, B-complex, calcium, phosphorus, Omega 3, and Omega 6 fatty acids.

The Ingredients We Don’t Want

Meat and vegetable by-products. This is a very vague term that can include old meat or products that came from sick or disabled animals. Yikes! Don’t leave this stuff to the imagination. Buy puppy food with recognizable meat ingredients.

Cheap grain fillers. Watch out for puppy food that is big on corn and wheat. While not inherently harmful, some brands include more of these cheap carbs than any other ingredient. Your puppy is a carnivore; pass on the corn.

Corn syrup. Much more harmful than grain fillers, this type of sugar is often used as a sweetener in dog foods. Too much sugar over time will cause overweight, diabetes and hyperactivity.

Chemicals. If you have a hard time pronouncing it, your pup will have a hard time digesting it. Specifically, avoid all pesticides and growth hormones. Also be on the lookout for BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, Propylene Glycol (found in anti-freeze!), Hydrochloric Acid, synthetic Vitamin K, artificial flavors, artificial colors and preservatives. Bone meal, grain hulls, cellulose and sugar also have no place in your puppy’s bowl.

What is the best puppy food brand?

Before revealing the top 20 products, let’s examine top rated dog food brands and the reasons for including them in the list. There are many premium puppy foods that are advertised as the highest quality and safest option on the market, but not every fancy dog food can really be the best.

With so many choices, how do you know which one really is the right food for your puppy? To make this search easier, we’ve recommended some (in our opinion) of the best puppy food brands and compared the characteristics of their products. Our ratings are based on each food’s reputation and ingredient quality.

Earthborn Holistic

Earthborn Holistic

Earthborn Holistic is produced by Midwestern Pet Food, Inc., in Evansville, Indiana. Midwestern has been in the same family for four generations. Currently, their dry foods are made in company facilities in Monmouth, Illinois. All ingredients in their pet products are from U.S. producers, except flaxseed, which is sourced from Canada. Their product line includes ten dog diets – six grain-free kibbles and four stews with gravy. Earthborn emphasizes an environmentally friendly philosophy in all its marketing and manufacturing processes. This pet food producer has never had a recall of its products.

Shop for Earthborn Holistic on Amazon.com

Wellness

Wellness started as a small family company

Wellness started as a small family company in 1970. It has since grown into one of the truly great pet food brands on the market. Their uncompromising approach to quality ingredients results in healthy pets and noticeable reductions in allergies and other problems when changing from other foods.  Like many of the premium foods examined here, Wellness is one of the pricier brands on the market. That said, you really do get what you pay for with Wellness.

Shop for Wellness on Amazon.com

Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild

Grain free, uncommon protein sources, excellent ingredients overall. The company quickly resolved a salmonella problem in 2012. TotW has committed to provide dog food that fulfills the instinctual cravings of a wild dog. This brand also includes eggs for a thick, luxurious coat.
Shop for Taste of the Wild on Amazon.com

Holistic Select

Holistic puts great emphasis on digestibility with probiotics, natural fiber, and digestive enzymes. Holistic employs quality standards that exceed those set by government regulation. Each product features meat from a single source (chicken formula only has chicken in it) for animals who are allergic to specific meats.
Shop for Holistic Select on Amazon.com

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo

BB packs a lot of protein into their puppy food. They also include “life source bits” which are pieces of food that are “cold formed”, a process that forms the kibble without damaging the nutritional value of the food with the high temperatures of normal processing. They have some controversial ingredients like carrageenan and caramel coloring in certain varieties, but these are in very limited quantities. Overall a very high quality food.

Shop for Natural Balance on Amazon.com

Natural Balance

Founded by Dick Van Patten in 1989, Natural Balance was sold to food giant Del Monte Foods in 2013. Users seem to agree that quality has not been compromised by the sale, so Natural Balance remains one of the highest quality brands on the market, while being priced a bit lower than some specialty brands. Customers hail it as a great option for dogs prone to allergies and other food related sensitivities.
Shop for Natural Balance on Amazon.com  

Canidae

Canidae

Another excellent American made dog food. Critics have identified a slightly higher carb and lower protein quotient than in some other premium brands, but years worth of satisfied customers tout Canidae as the perfect food for their dog. Users report better digestion and even better breath when switching over from other brands.
Shop for Canidae on Amazon.com

Castor & Pollux

A trusted source of excellent pet nutrition for 14 years. Their food is certified organic and hundreds of customers confirm it is a food that grows happy and healthy pets. Castor & Pollux uses only ingredients grown in the USA.
Shop for Castor & Pollux on Amazon.com

Top 14 best dry puppy foods

Since there isn’t such thing as best food for puppies of all breeds and sizes, we divided the best dry foods into 3 groups: for small, medium and large breed puppies. Each breed size has different metabolic needs and the puppy food industry now produces food for breeds of every size. These products are available on the internet, but a specialty pet store can also be very helpful. A shop in your area will likely feature a wide selection of puppy foods and the proprietors will be more than happy to help you find the right food for your new baby.

Best puppy food for small breeds

Small breed puppies (those who will mature at under 20 lbs) metabolize food very quickly. As a result, they must be fed more frequently than larger breeds. Feed your little tyke three or four times daily during her puppyhood. Insufficient calories during this stage of development can result in all kinds of unpleasantness like weakness, seizures, and growth impairment. Make sure it features at least 15% fat to fuel the rapid growth of these first months. For even smaller dogs, the miniatures and teacups, dehydration can be an issue. An easy fix is to mix a little bit of quality canned food (providing a high moisture content) into the normal dry kibble.

Small breed puppy food comparison chart

ImageNameMain IngredientsProteinFatFiberPrice
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Puppy Food, Turkey, Salmon & Oatmeal, 12-Pound BagWellness Small Breed Complete Health PuppyDeboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal28.0%18.0%4.0%$$$$
Natural Balance Small Breed Bites L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food, Grain Free, Potato & Duck Formula, 12-PoundNatural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets® Potato & Duck Dry Dog FormulaPotatoes, Duck Meal, Duck21.0%10.0%3.0%$$$
Natural Balance Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food, Original Ultra Whole Body Health, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Duck Meal Formula, 12-Pound Natural Balance Whole Body Health Dry Dog FormulaChicken, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal23.0%13.0%3.0%$$$
Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food For Small Breed Puppies, Chicken And Oatmeal Recipe, 15-Pound BagBlue Buffalo Dry Dog Food for Small Breed Puppies, Chicken and Oatmeal RecipeDeboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal29.0%16.0%4.0%$$$$


Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Puppy Food, Turkey, Salmon & Oatmeal, 12-Pound Bag
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy

(Protein 28%, Fat 15%, Fiber 4%) Salmon meal (high in DHA) supports brain development. Lots of fruit and veggie sources for a natural source of vitamins, mineral, and antioxidants. Healthy, easily digested grains - oatmeal and barley. Nothing artificial; no GMO's; no meat by-products; no wheat, corn, or soy. Added natural Omega 3 and 6.

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Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food For Small Breed Puppies, Chicken And Oatmeal Recipe, 15-Pound Bag
Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food for Small Breed Puppies, Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe

(Protein 29%, Fat 16%, Fiber 4%) Quality chicken for flavor and amino acids. Oatmeal and barley are great gentle grains for puppies. Whole garlic, sweet potatoes, and carrots provide nutrients and fiber. Additional ingredients include blueberries, kelp, apples, alfalfa, and pumpkin making a nutritionally diverse and delicious puppy food.

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Natural Balance Small Breed Bites L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food, Grain Free, Potato & Duck Formula, 12-Pound
Natural Balance Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Limited Ingredient Diet Small Bites Duck and Potato

(Protein 21%, Fat, 10%, Fiber 3%) High quantities of more limited protein and carb sources for excellent nutrition while minimizing allergies and digestive problems. High quality duck is a protein source you don't see much in dog food. Canola and Salmon oils provide Omega 3 and 6 as well as DHA. Natural Balance makes a point of not throwing in tons of different ingredients, instead providing just the right amount of proven healthy nutrition sources.
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Natural Balance Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food, Original Ultra Whole Body Health, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Duck Meal Formula, 12-Pound
Natural Balance Whole Body Health Dry Dog Formula

(Protein 23%, Fat 13%, Fiber 3%) A very popular dog food that was made in a smaller kibble for the tinier puppies because of popular demand. This formula has been tested in many environments for its effect on digestion and overall health. Customers report that their pups give this one high marks for tastiness.

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Best puppy food for medium breeds

Medium breeds will grow up to be anywhere from 20 to 50 pounds. Their dietary needs aren’t as complex as for very large or very small dogs, but there are still important factors to note. Make sure you medium sized breed receives food with at least 22% protein and 10% fat.

Medium breed puppy food comparison chart

ImageNameMain IngredientsProteinFatFiberPrice
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food – Natural Dry Dog Food for Puppies – Chicken and Brown Rice – 30 lb. BagBlue Buffalo Dry Food for Puppies, Chicken and Rice RecipeDeboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice27.0%16.0%4.0%$$$$
Canidae All Life Stages Dog Dry Food Chicken, Turkey, Lamb & Fish Meals FormulaCANIDAE All Life Stages Formula For DogsChicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal24.0%14.5%4.0%$$
Organix Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food, 14.5-PoundCastor & Pollux Organix Puppy Dry FoodOrganic Chicken, Poultry Meal, Organic Peas28.0%15.0%3.7%$$$$
Taste Of The Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy - Venison & BisonTaste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Dry Dog FoodBison, lamb meal, sweet potatoes28.0%17.0%5.0%$$$
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food, Chicken, Salmon & Oatmeal, 30-Pound Bag
Wellness Complete Health Puppy RecipeDeboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal28.0%17.0%4.0%$$$$


Taste Of The Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Puppy - Venison & Bison
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Dog Food for Puppy

(Protein 28%, Fat 17%) Made with bison, lamb, and a variety of fish protein sources. This Taste of the Wild product features a diversity of natural fruit and vegetable sources as well as fermented products. Plenty of added vitamins and minerals round out the nutrition of a food that mimics the diverse diet of a wild animal.

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Canidae All Life Stages Dog Dry Food Chicken, Turkey, Lamb & Fish Meals Formula
Canidae Dry Dog Food for All Life Stages, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb and Fish

(Protein 24%, Fat 14.5%, Fiber 4%) This product uses such high quality ingredients that it is a good choice for dogs of all ages. Their ingredients even meet human grade quality standards. Beef and ocean fish are the lead protein sources. Canidae also includes more herbal ingredients than are normally found in dog foods, including rosemary and sage ingredients. Canidae takes great care in the preparation of each ingredient, including sun-cured, dried, and fermented ingredients in this excellent and reasonably priced kibble.

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Organix Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food, 14.5-Pound
Castor & Pollux Organix Puppy Dry Food

(Protein 28%, Fat 15%, Fiber 3.75%) Protein from organic, free-range chickens. Also high in organic flax seed and brown rice. This Castor and Pollux product is made with lots of attention given to natural and organic products. Tons of satisfied customers report happy, healthy pets. This product features more significant quantities of some vitamins and minerals than are commonly found.

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dog Food – Natural Dry Dog Food for Puppies – Chicken and Brown Rice – 30 lb. Bag
Blue Buffalo Dry Food for Puppies, Chicken and Rice Recipe

(Protein 27%, Fat 16%, Fiber 4%) Very similar to the Blue Buffalo small breed formula listed above, but with Rice instead of Oatmeal. This is an excellent puppy food with a large variety of ingredients like parsley, yucca, spinach, whole potatoes, and pomegranates. Blue Buffalo uses no by-products and places big emphasis on using whole food ingredients.

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Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food, Chicken, Salmon & Oatmeal, 30-Pound Bag
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Recipe

(Protein 28%, Fat 17%, Fiber 4%) With no by-products and nothing artificial, Wellness is a great puppy food. This product features a wide variety of fruits and vegetables with great attention given to antioxidant provision. Wellness also uses its own botanical and herb blend, featuring green tea extract, rosemary, and chicory among others. Excellent preparatory standards and natural ingredients like Mixed Tocopherols make this a product that lasts without any unnatural preservatives.

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Best puppy food for large breeds

Large breeds will grow bigger (sometimes MUCH bigger) than 50 pounds. The best large breed puppy foods should be a little less energy-dense than food formulated for smaller dogs. This composition supports slow, steady growth for these big babies to keep developmental problems like hip dysplasia from occurring. Your large breed puppy will grow for a longer period of time than smaller dogs. Investment in a high quality food for these big pups will pay off in a longer, healthier life. Large breed formulas have lower levels of calcium and phosphorus, 23-25% protein and 12-15% fat. The kibble will also be a bit larger than food produced for the little guys.

Large breed puppy food comparison chart

BrandNameMain IngredientsProteinFatFiberPrice
Eagle Pack Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food, Lamb, Chicken & Fish, 30-Pound Bag
Eagle Pack Natural Pet Food, Large and Giant Breed Puppy FormulaLamb Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice23.0%12.0%3.5%$$$
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large & Giant Breed Puppy Recipe, 30-Pound Bag

Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb and Oatmeal RecipeLamb Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice23.0%12.0%3.5%$$$$
Natural Balance Dry Dog Food Limited Ingredient Diet for Large Breeds, Lamb Meal and Rice, 28 Pound Bag

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Large Breed Puppy & AdultLamb Meal, Brown Rice, Ground White Rice21.0%12.0%4.0%$$$
Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food Pacific Stream Puppy - Salmon
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food for PuppySalmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes27.0%15.0%5.0%$$$$
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food, Chicken, Salmon & Rice, 30-Pound Bag
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy RecipeDeboned Chicken, Whitefish, Chicken Meal26.0%12.7%5.0%$$$$



Eagle Pack Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food, Lamb, Chicken & Fish, 30-Pound Bag
Eagle Pack Natural Pet Food, Large and Giant Breed Puppy Formula

(Protein 23%, Fat 12%, Fiber 3.5%) Made with three animal proteins: lamb, chicken, and fish. Wholesome grains in the form of brown rice and oatmeal. Eagle Pack includes glucosamine hydrochloride to promote joint health for breeds that are prone to problems in this area. Vegetable and added vitamin/mineral sources are optimized for large breed puppies to provide just the right kind of nutrition for gradual, steady growth. Calorie levels are similarly adjusted for large breeds so that your little guy doesn't get big too fast.

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Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food Pacific Stream Puppy - Salmon
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food for Puppy

(Protein 27%, Fat 15%) While not advertised specifically for large breeds, Taste of the Wild is excellent, grain-free nutrition for puppies of any breed. This product features protein from several preparations of salmon as well as a variety of ocean fish for a flavor that puppies love. Pacific Stream has a shorter ingredient list than some other options but provides each ingredient in greater quantities. This product also contains a higher than average amount of fermented products for digestion and promotion of high nutrient absorption rates. In addition to the fish protein, natural fish oils make this a very healthy and tasty puppy food.

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Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large & Giant Breed Puppy Recipe, 30-Pound Bag
Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb and Oatmeal Recipe

(Protein 23%, Fat 12%, Fiber 3.5%) In addition to quality protein sources and healthy grains, this product includes guaranteed levels of L-Carnitine to help maintain healthy weight for large breed prone to bulk. Additionally, glucosamine is added to prevent joint problems like hip dysplasia. Holistic gives great attention to digestion because a puppy that digests well is a healthy puppy. For this reason, they include an array of prebiotics and probiotics, high levels of natural fiber, digestive enzymes, and various herbs and botanicals. Owners experienced with large dogs report minimized growing pains during their buddies' times of rapidest growth.

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Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food, Chicken, Salmon & Rice, 30-Pound Bag
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Recipe

(Protein 26%, Fat between 12 and 13.5%, Fiber 5%) Controlled growth rate is such an important factor in caring for your large breed buddy. Wellness regulates calories and provides optimal calcium and phosphorus levels for steady bone development and gradual overall growth. High quality proteins included deboned chicken, whitefish, and chicken meal. Wellness guarantees high amounts of DHA for brain and eye development. Wellness is a very trusted brand. Owners of large breed puppies will want a reputable all-natural product like this for a puppy that could grow to 100x its birth weight!

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Natural Balance Dry Dog Food Limited Ingredient Diet for Large Breeds, Lamb Meal and Rice, 28 Pound Bag
Natural Balance Dry Dog Food Limited Ingredient Diet for Large Breeds, Lamb Meal and Rice

(Protein 21%, Fat 12%, Fiber 4%) This is a food formulated for allergy avoidance, digestive efficiency, and dental health. Many puppy foods include tons of different kinds of ingredients, but Natural Balance is of the opinion that less is more. The ingredient list on this bag is very short, but features very high quality products. Using the highest quality lamb, rice, rice brain, canola oil, tomato, and various vitamins and minerals, this food minimizes your large breed baby's chances of being sensitive to one ingredient. With a food that includes dozens of ingredients, the chances that your pup will be allergic to one of them is much higher. Customers agree that this plan seems to work.

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Related: 10 Dog Food Myths Every Pet Parent Needs To Know

Top 6 best wet puppy foods

Wet food is a tasty treat for dogs of all sizes and it does have its advantages. It is not uncommon for some dogs to have difficulty staying hydrated, so the additional water in wet food can help out, especially if your buddy has urinary tract problems. This added moisture will also make your pup feel full more quickly, while consuming fewer calories. It’s a great way to keep your dieting dog satisfied and happy. The best canned puppy foods are much higher in protein content than dry kibble, making them a great choice for young dogs who are building muscle and burning a lot of energy. On the other hand, wet dog food only keeps for a day or two in the refrigerator. If your dog isn’t able to eat it all in one meal or two, you may find yourself throwing leftovers away. Wet food also doesn’t have the benefits of tooth-cleaning and gum massage like dry kibble. If your pup eats mostly wet food, be extra careful with tooth care and brushing.

Wet puppy food comparison chart

ImageNameMain IngredientsProteinFatFiberPrice
Chicken Soup For The Puppy Lover'S Soul Canned Food, Chicken Formula (Pack Of 24, 13 Ounce Cans)
Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover's Soul Canned Food, Chicken FormulaChicken, turkey, chicken broth9.0%6.0%1.0%$$
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Duck Potato Canned Dog Food, Pack Of 12 Cans
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets® Canned Dog FormulaDuck, Duck Broth, Potatoes5.0%4.0%1.5%$$$
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Canned Dog Food, Chicken Formula, 13-Ounce (Pack Of 12)
Natural Balance Ultra Canned Dog FormulaChicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver8.0%5.0%1.5%$$$
Newman’S Own Organics Beef & Liver Dinner For Dogs, 12-Oz (Pack Of 12)
Newman's Own Organics Beef and Liver Grain-Free for DogsOrganic Chicken, Salmon, Ocean Whitefish8.0%6.0%1.0%$$$$
Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Real Meat Recipe Premium Wet Canned Stew Dog FoodTaste of the Wild Canned Dog Food for All LifestagesSalmon, fish broth, water, egg7.5%3.0%1.0%$$$$
Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Puppy Food, Chicken & Salmon, 12.5-Ounce Can (Pack Of 12)Wellness Canned Dog Food for PuppyChicken, Chicken Broth, Salmon9.0%7.0%1.0%$$$$




Natural Balance Ultra Premium Canned Dog Food, Chicken Formula, 13-Ounce (Pack Of 12)
Natural Balance Ultra Premium Chicken Canned Dog Formula

(Protein 8%, Fat 5%, Fiber 1.5%) Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrots, oat bran, brown rice, potatoes….sounds delicious. It's true, dogs love this food. High quality food and a few supplemental vitamin and mineral ingredients make this a truly excellent wet dog food perfect for mixing with the dry stuff or on its own for a treat. Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this stuff up (the author speaks from experience).
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Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Puppy Food, Chicken & Salmon, 12.5-Ounce Can (Pack Of 12)
Wellness Canned Dog Food for Puppy

(Protein 9%, Fat 7%, Fiber 1%) A chunky food, served in gravy, this canned food is 95% meat. Puppies love this stuff and Wellness has designed it to be a mixed or topping addition to dry food. This recipe features chicken and salmon with a dollop of veggies and added vitamins and minerals. It is a naturally preserved food.

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Chicken Soup For The Puppy Lover'S Soul Canned Food, Chicken Formula (Pack Of 24, 13 Ounce Cans)
Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover's Soul Canned Food, Chicken Formula

(Protein 8%, Fat 4%) Chicken, turkey, chicken broth, duck, salmon, and chicken liver. It's not hard to see why puppy's enjoy Chicken Soup. The usual run of extra fruits, veggies, and vitamins make this an excellent food, but at a lower cost than many comparable brands. Many customers find this one to be a deal.

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Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Real Meat Recipe Premium Wet Canned Stew Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Canned, Pacific Stream Canine with Smoked Salmon Formula

(Protein 7.5%, Fat 3%) This wet food contains both fresh and smoked salmon for irresistible flavor. It also features sweet potatoes, blueberries and raspberries for added antioxidant nutrition. Pacific Stream has a natural chunky texture that pups enjoy.
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Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Duck Potato Canned Dog Food, Pack Of 12 Cans
Natural Balance Duck and Potato Formula Dog Food

(Protein 6%, Fat 4%, Fiber 1.5%) This food is specifically made for dogs and puppies with allergies and digestive issues. This gentle recipe of potato and duck contains no grains or additives to provide delicious nutrition that is easy on the tummy. This formula is engineered to help restore the immune systems of food-sensitive puppies. Some puppies have a hard time with chicken, so the inclusion of duck is an excellent protein option for these little guys.
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Newman’S Own Organics Beef & Liver Dinner For Dogs, 12-Oz (Pack Of 12)
Newman's Own Organics Beef and Liver Grain-Free for Dogs

(Protein 10%, Fat 3%) Newman's is an excellent organic dog food provider. They use human grade meat in their products, including this beef and liver formula. While not marketed for puppies, this food makes an excellent dry food add-in for your picky eater. Newman's uses all natural ingredients for a dog food that is 95% organic and 100% grain free. Most puppies will find this very easy to digest and all will find it delicious.
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You puppy has a food allergy? Try one of these hypoallergenic dog foods.

The Best Grain Free Food for Puppies

Higher quality ingredients tend to equal a higher price tag. But sometimes, what’s not in the food is just as important as what is in the food.

Case in point: grains.

Grain free puppy food seems like all the rage these days—and yes, it’s a bit more expensive than the bargain brand selections. You may be wondering, is it really worth it spending a little extra dough on food for your puppy that doesn’t have grains in it?

The answer? Generally yes. Grain free puppy food is a great choice for your canine companion.

Why? Because grains can promote inflammation, gut biome disturbance, and an overactive immune system response when ingested by puppies. This is likely related to the fact that canines did not evolve eating grains. So, their digestive systems have not had time to adjust to the overwhelming amount of wheat, corn, and soy commonly found in most dog foods.

Fortunately, making the decision to go grain-free can help improve your dog’s health in a variety of ways:

  • Shinier, smoother, and healthier skin and coat
  • Increased energy
  • Less shedding
  • More regulated digestive system (better/smaller stools and less gas)
  • Better breath and oral health (because plaque-building bacteria love sugar)
  • May reduce food allergies

Grain free puppy food also tends to have other high quality ingredients, making it an even better buy for your sweet pup. Take

Nulo Puppy Dry Food

Not only is this food free of corn, soy, wheat, or white potatoes, but it also contains a proprietary blend of real animal protein (like turkey and salmon) complete with amino acids and essential fatty acids which are necessary for proper brain, bone, and organ development.

Nulo Puppy Dry Food also contains a patented probiotic blend which will help your little doggie stay healthy and strong as he grows up. It’s also low in carbs which will help your puppy develop a lean and healthy weight.

At nearly $63 for a 24 lb bag, it’s definitely pricier than some other grain free foods out there. But reviewers have commented that their dogs appear healthier and more energetic after eating it, plus the pups really seem to enjoy the taste.

The best puppy milk replacement

What if your puppy is very, very young? Most of us receive our fuzzy friends at six to eight weeks of age, already weaned. Your puppy’s mother’s milk is perfectly formulated to meet every nutritional need during this critical stage of intense development. If you have a younger dog, for whatever reason, best puppy food for him are milk replacers like Esbilac are available for unweaned puppies. They feature the critical balance of fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals that would be naturally present in a mother’s milk. Beyond the age of eight weeks, your buddy will be ready to move on to hard food. We hope that our puppy food reviews and buying guide help you find just the right food for your little doggie, and that he gobbles it up fast. Healthy food is a lifelong investment in your dog, and it is never more important than when he is a pup.

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 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.

    • 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

  7. 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!

    • 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.

  8. 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/

  9. 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

    • 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.

  10. 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.

    • 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.

    • 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!

  11. 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!

  12. 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.

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