Becoming a new dog parent is one of the best feelings in the world, but with that surge of love and happiness also comes a great deal of responsibility. One of the most important decisions that you’ll have to make at the beginning of this journey is finding the best puppy food for your fur baby — one that helps them grow and stay healthy.
The market is filled with options — there’s wet food, dry food, grain-free formulas, protein-rich formulas, and a whole lot more. We understand that this can be very confusing for you; we’ve all been there at some point.
That’s why our team has taken the time to put together a list of the best puppy food that they can find on the market — there’s something for every breed. Along with the list, you’ll also find other handy information that will help you make the perfect choice for your pet.
How to Choose the Right Dog Food for Your Puppy
There are four important things you can do to ensure that you’re choosing the right food for your new pup:
Do Your Homework
First things first, before you bring your puppy home, you must be aware of their preferences and what they like to eat. Choosing a new food out of the blue can lead to their stomach getting upset. So to begin with, it could be safe to feed your new dog the food that they’ve been consuming. Gradually, you can switch to a different food by mixing it with the new food until they become familiar with it.
Opt for Puppy Food
Though it’s obvious, we must mention that the food you choose must be specially formulated for puppies. Typically, puppy food may contain a higher amount of calories per serving — this is because it needs to meet the requirements of a growing puppy.
Check the Size of the Food
Before putting out a new food for your puppy to eat, you must inspect the size of the kibble or the chunks to ensure that they are small enough or a safe size to consume. For example, it would be hard for a toy-sized dog to eat the same food as a larger breed.
Consider Special Formulations
If your puppy has a food allergy, sensitivity, or any other health concerns, your vet may recommend that they consume a specially formulated puppy food that’s safe for them. Some examples would be grain-free, gluten-free, or high-protein diets.
Best Dog Food for Puppies in 2025
“You are what you eat” — this saying doesn’t just pertain to humans; we believe that it rings especially true for our four-legged friends, too. Similar to how human babies require a diet that’s balanced with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals, your fur baby is in need of the same. Rest assured, you’ll be able to find a suitable option for your fur baby on our list below. Keep reading to find out more!
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Free from added sugar
Contains no high fructose corn syrup
100% natural flavors
Supports muscle development
Crunchy kibble cleans the teeth
Made in the USA
But…
May not be suitable for sensitive stomachs
Featuring a lip-smacking grilled steak and vegetable flavor, this dry food by Pedigree contains DHA that aids in brain development for your growing puppy. The formula is loaded with key nutrients similar to those present in mother’s milk, making it ideal for pups aged 6 weeks to 18 months old. Furthermore, it supports the growth of strong teeth and bones in your little four-legged companion.
Additionally, this puppy food offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition — it contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for dogs of all sizes. A review on Amazon reads, “We fed our dogs this puppy formula for the first 9 months or so, and they always loved it. It helped them maintain a good weight and provided them with everything they needed”.
Best Natural Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Supports bone development
Contains whole grains, fruits, and veggies
Promotes tartar removal
Aids healthy digestion
Maintains skin and coat health
Trial-sized bag
But…
Packaging isn’t great
With real deboned chicken as the first ingredient in this puppy food, you can rest assured that your baby is getting high-quality protein that will help build their muscles. Specially formulated for puppies, it contains DHA and ARA, both of which are fatty acids that are present in their mother’s milk and known to support cognitive function and retinal health. To add to the goodness, it features a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that have been meticulously picked out by vets and animal nutritionists to support a healthy immune system.
Apart from that, it’s made with natural ingredients and contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Plus, the unique “Small Bite” kibble is perfect for puppies with smaller jaws.
Best High-protein Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Offers hip and joint support
Made in U.S. facilities
Nourishes the skin
Conditions the coat
Contains no artificial colors or flavors
Delicious flavor
But…
Size of the kibble isn’t uniform
Formulated with DHA from omega-rich fish oil, Purina Pro Plan’s puppy food helps promote good vision and brain development. It contains high-quality protein that helps build lean muscles in dogs — chicken is the first ingredient in the recipe! Furthermore, the dry food is loaded with antioxidants that aid in developing your pet’s immune system.
The formula is also highly digestible for optimal nutrient delivery — it’s highly likely that your pup will not face stomach issues. Plus, calcium, phosphorus, and the other minerals present will help give your furry friend strong teeth and bones.
Best Vet-recommended Puppy Food
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Good for the heart
No artificial preservatives
Free from added flavors and colors
Promotes healthy digestion
Made in the USA
No chicken by-product meal
But…
May not be safe for pets with nut allergies
This vet-recommended puppy food comes in the form of small-sized kibble and has an appetizing chicken flavor. Ideal for small-breed pups, it effectively supports their developmental needs while also providing DHA from fish oil to promote the healthy functioning of their eyes and brain. The best part about this dry food from Hill’s is that it delivers high-quality protein that plays a major role in the building of lean muscle.
Furthermore, it contains a balanced combination of minerals that strengthen the bones and teeth — this is important at the growing stage. It’s also made with natural ingredients, promising to be a safe option for your little friend.
Best Premium Puppy Food
Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Food
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Supports a healthy heart
Contains no fillers
Contains wholesome fiber
Promotes healthy skin and coat
Contains calcium
Appropriately sized kibble
But…
Packaging rips easily
If you’re looking for premium puppy food to treat your tiny four-legged companion to, then the Bright Puppy formula from Rachael Ray is worth a try! Once your puppy gets their paws on this tasty recipe, there will be no going back. The dry food is crafted with the special needs of a growing puppy in mind; however, it’s suitable for dogs of all life stages. The primary ingredient is real chicken, and it helps support the development of healthy organs and lean muscle mass.
Additionally, it contains EPA and DHA that aid brain development and healthy vision. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, so you don’t have to worry about your dog consuming any harsh or unsafe chemicals.
Best Wet Puppy Food
Pedigree Puppy Chopped Ground Dinner With Chicken & Beef
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in a pack of 12
Value for money
Suitable for picky eaters
Efficient packaging
Smells great
Keeps puppies healthy
But…
Some chunks may need to be broken
This wet food features a balanced and nutritious recipe for puppies — you can serve it by itself, mix it with dry food, or use it as a topper. It’s crafted with real chicken and beef, delivering a flavor that is absolutely irresistible. The recipe contains no added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavors, just wholesome goodness.
To add on, the formula supports healthy brain development and strong teeth and bones, providing your puppy with some much-needed DHA and calcium. Plus, it’s made in the USA with the finest ingredients sourced from across the globe in facilities committed to zero waste and landfills.
Best for Small-breed Puppies
Royal Canin Puppy Food
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Low calorie
Naturally preserved
No artificial flavors or colors
Microbiome support
Satisfying texture
Tempting aroma
But…
More on the expensive side
Crafted specifically for small-breed puppies, this dry food from Royal Canin contains clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, that help promote the healthy development of your pet’s immune system. The kibble is designed for fussy eaters and pups with small jaws — it meets the high-energy needs of small breed dogs during their brief growth stage. Furthermore, the food is enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development in puppies.
Additionally, since it contains a blend of prebiotics and highly digestible proteins, it promotes a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria and optimal stool quality. A customer on Amazon says, I raised my puppy on this food as of now, there are no issues. I have a healthy and energetic puppy, per the Veterinarian”.
Best Single-serve Puppy Food
Cesar Puppy Chicken & Beef Recipe Classic Loaf in Sauce
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Adequate portion size
Value for money
Value for money
Low calorie
24 convenient trays
Delicious flavor
But…
Contains meat by-products
Crafted using real chicken as the first ingredient, this classic loaf in sauce wet food can be a standalone alone or used to enhance the taste and texture of dry food. Made in the USA, it contains some of the finest ingredients from across the globe — you don’t have to worry about this puppy food containing fillers, artificial flavors, and grains. However, you must note that trace amounts of these ingredients may be present due to cross-contact manufacturing.
What’s so great about this puppy food is that it’s pre-portioned — each pack is a single serving of a complete and balanced meal. Plus, the packaging has a peel-away seal that makes it convenient.
Best for Large-breed Puppies
IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Large Breed
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Supports brain health
Promotes healthy digestion
Made with real chicken
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Recommended by vets
Strengthens the bones and joints
But…
May cause bloating in some puppies
Providing your pet with 100% complete and balanced nutrition, this puppy food is the optimal choice for large breeds. It is formulated with absolutely no fillers and contains omega-3 DHA that makes your puppies smarter and easier to train. And since it contains high-quality protein, you can rest assured that your puppy gets adequate nutrition for their growing muscles.
The formula is also enriched with antioxidants that support the development of a strong immune system, keeping your puppy healthy. To top it all off, this dry puppy food features 22 key nutrients similar to those found in mother’s milk.
BEST NON-GMO PUPPY FOOD
Nutro Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made with non-GMO ingredients
Aids brain and eye development
Strengthens the bones and joints
Contains essential antioxidants
Contains natural fiber
Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat
But…
May contain trace amounts of allergens due to cross-contact during manufacturing
Complete, balanced, natural, and protein-rich — what more could you ask for in the best puppy food? This product from Nutro is made with real chicken — a great source of high-quality protein that will support your puppy’s growth. It’s also formulated without any chicken by-product meal, artificial flavors or colors, artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, or soy!
The brand believes that by harnessing the goodness of nature, it can provide your pets with nutritious food that will keep them healthy in the long run. Moreover, this dry puppy food is loaded with delicious flavor — even if your pup is a picky eater, they’ll have no trouble getting through their meals.
We Also Recommend
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Strengthens the teeth
Made with high-quality ingredients
Made with natural ingredients
Promotes healthy skin and a silky coat
Supports muscle growth
No artificial flavors
But…
Some puppies might find the kibble too hard
Yet another high-protein puppy food option on the list, this dry food from Blue Buffalo uses real chicken as the primary ingredient in their recipe. It delivers essential nutrition to your pet, supports cognitive development with DHA, and provides energy for your growing puppy to play. Additionally, it contains antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits that offer support to the immune system.
All of the ingredients are healthy and wholesome — the formula is devoid of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. Here’s what a customer on Amazon has to say — “Our 5-month-old puppy is a fussy eater, but he absolutely loves these treats. Quality ingredients for a healthy puppy”.
We Also Recommend
Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain Free Protein-Rich Nutrition
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Stimulates appetite
Offers hip and joint support
Delicious turkey flavor
Made with real meat
No artificial flavors
Contains salmon oil
But…
Manufactured in a facility that also processes grains
This premium grain-free and protein-rich puppy food is made with responsibly sourced turkey and is perfectly balanced with nutrient-rich superfoods — it will provide your puppies with all the nutrients that they require. The adequate levels of DHA present support the development of the brain, while antioxidants help fortify the immune system. Furthermore, it contains probiotics to promote healthy digestion, and calcium and phosphorus play a role in supporting bone and muscle growth.
The formula is devoid of poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives and is made with premium, all-natural ingredients. Also, it’s expertly crafted in the USA with the finest ingredients sourced from across the globe.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Royal Canin Puppy Chunks in Gravy
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Safe for the stomach
Safe for the stomach
Tailored chunk size
Offers microbiome support
Made with high-quality ingredients
Delicious flavor
But…
High price point
Formulated with small breed puppies in mind, who are 2 to 10 months old, this wet dog food consists of chunks in gravy that have a soft texture — this makes it easy for puppies with baby teeth to chew. It contains clinically proven antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, both of which promote the healthy development of your pet’s immune system. Additionally, the prebiotics and highly digestible proteins present aid in promoting a balance of intestinal bacteria, which betters overall digestive health.
Enriched with DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, it also supports the development of your puppy’s brain. An Amazon review reads, “This pouch package is very convenient to use. Especially for travel, it’s easy to pack and save space. My fur baby loves to eat”.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
Purina ONE +Plus Healthy Puppy Lamb & Long Grain Rice Entree
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Comes in a pack of 12
No artificial colors or flavors
Free from artificial preservatives
Promotes whole body health
Enticing aroma
Value for money
But…
May not be great for puppies with sensitive stomachs
If you’re on the lookout for a puppy food with a natural formula, then this one makes a great contender — it contains vitamins for puppies, along with essential minerals and nutrients, and is free from poultry by-products. Since it contains real lamb, your furry friend will have no problem relishing the taste and texture. Moreover, it contains 0% fillers — every ingredient present in the recipe serves a purpose for your pup.
Furthermore, Purina ONE is a brand that’s recommended by veterinarians, and this wet puppy food offers 100% complete and balanced nutrition. Plus, the high levels of protein present support the growth of your puppy’s muscles, and antioxidants help fortify their immune system.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND
NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Made in the USA
Supports cognitive health
Promotes better gut health
Conditions the coat
Support healthy skin
Superior palatability
But…
Packaging rips easily
As a part of the brand’s inclusive series of dog foods, this dry food is formulated to meet AAFCO guidelines for small and medium puppies. The recipe delivers complete nutrition, and the prebiotics and probiotics present help promote a healthy gut. Furthermore, it also contains balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with L-carnitine, taurine, choline chloride, and DL-methionine supplementation, all of which promote a healthy heart.
Additionally, since the kibble is smaller in size, it’s easier for puppies with small jaws to eat. Here’s what a customer on Amazon has to say — “I have 2 French Bulldog pups, and the size of this kibble is PERFECT for them and their little teeth. They always gobble it right up”.
How We Chose the Best Puppy Food?
When curating this list of the best dog food for puppies, our team took the time to conduct extensive research. Over the process, we came across a wide variety of brands offering great products, each using specific ingredients of their choice. One of the main things we looked at in the ingredient list was ensuring that real meat was being used as the primary ingredient. Apart from that, our team also checked to see that the ingredients used were of good quality and had nutritious value at the same time.
We also spoke to veterinarians, pet nutritionists, and pet parents, gaining deeper insight and real-world knowledge on the most preferred puppy foods and how they perform. Our findings showed us that natural formulas devoid of artificial additives were preferred. Additionally, we saw that balanced recipes that offer complete nutrition have proven to be great picks for puppies.
FAQ
What is the best dog food for puppies?
The best dog food for puppies is one that’s formulated to completely meet all of their nutritional needs. It would typically contain ingredients such as meat, grains, and vegetables.
How much to feed a puppy?
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on factors such as size, breed, and activity level. So, we suggest that you follow the instructions that come with the puppy food or consult a veterinarian for tailored advice.
What is the best dry dog food for puppies?
A few highly-rated dog foods for puppies include brands such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Pedigree, and Purina Pro Plan.
What is the best dog food for large-breed puppies?
One of the best dry dog food for large puppies is the Proactive Health Puppy Large Breed from IAMS.
What is the best wet dog food for puppies?
Pedigree’s Puppy Chopped Ground Dinner With Chicken & Beef is one of the best wet dog food for puppies.
