The Best Puppy Foods
Getting a new puppy is so much fun. You get to find your new best friend and bring them home. There is so much to plan for. Training, toys, beds, and of course, food. The food you feed your pooch is one of the most important decisions you will make. You need to consider breed, health needs, and calorie restrictions. All of these things can be tough to figure out, so we decided to whittle down the options. Here, we present our list of the best of the best in puppy foods.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food
Healthy and affordable
Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food is specially formulated to meet all of your growing puppy’s nutritional needs. Unlike boutique diets, Purina is balanced and does not cause CHF. It has DHA and for brain and vision health, antioxidants to keep your puppy’s immune system strong, and the correct levels of calcium and phosphorus for bone and joint health.
This dry food comes in small bites so your puppy can easily eat and digest their meal. You don’t have to worry about choking or trouble with chewing. Overall, this puppy food is a great option for any breed.
Pros:
- The 34-pound bag provides a long-lasting supply for a bargain price, so you don’t have to restock very frequently.
- The chart on the back of the bag provides an easy way to determine the appropriate portion size.
- We haven’t tasted it ourselves, but most puppies go crazy for the flavor.
- Chicken, the main protein, is easy to digest and leaner than many other protein sources.
- The price is more affordable than many other high-end puppy foods.
Cons:
- It may not be appropriate for the toy or giant breeds, although it is great for the average-sized breed.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Puppy
Easy to eat and digest
If you have a toy breed puppy, you know how tiny they are. You also know that they have small mouths and teeth, and they are more at risk of having narrow tracheas. That is why it is best to have a small breed-specific food for your little companion. Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Puppy Food is one of the best you can get.
Wellness has included nothing but natural and healthy ingredients in this food while ensuring that it is balanced and not a CHF risk. It includes everything your tiny pup needs without the by-products and fillers.
Pros:
- If your dog is having irregular bowel movements, go with this option. It has prebiotics and probiotics, so it can play an important role in your puppy’s gut health.
- This food is calorie-controlled to prevent your small dog from becoming overweight.
- Tiny dogs have no problem chewing and swallowing the smaller-sized kibbles.
- It contains all of the vitamins and nutrients your puppy needs to have a healthy coat, teeth, bones, and joints.
Cons:
- It costs more per pound than most other foods.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food
Specially formulated for big boys and girls
Just as toy breeds have special diet requirements, so do larger breeds. They need different calcium and phosphorous ratio or their joints and bones grow much too fast and they end up in pain or even disabled. Because of this, it is important to get a large breed-specific puppy food. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food is an excellent choice.
This puppy food is made with high-quality pasture-raised lamb, rice, and produce. Along with having balanced calcium and phosphorous levels, it has Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint and bone health, too.
Pros:
- Bigger dogs eat bigger meals, so the affordable price-per-pound on this option is ideal for those with big breeds.
- It’s marketed for puppies, but we find that adult dogs go crazy for this dog food as well.
Cons:
- It can be a little tough for dogs with very sensitive stomachs.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food
Balanced and healthy
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food is a balanced and healthy food for your growing pup. It has DHA and ARA for brain and vision development and high-quality antioxidants in their blue life bits. In addition, the calcium and phosphorous ratios have been perfectly met for appropriate bone and muscle development.
Blue Buffalo is based in Wilmington Connecticut and they manufacture their foods here in the USA. You don’t have to worry about quality control or shipping from abroad.
Pros:
- Dogs love the flavor of this and get very excited during mealtime. In fact, it’s so flavorful that you can use individual kibble bits as treats throughout the day for training.
- The kibble itself is cold-formed to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
- The small bites are easy for puppies to swallow, so it’s ideal for those with dogs that scarf down their meals with very little chewing.
Cons:
- It’s high in protein, so it can cause diarrhea for dogs that aren’t accustomed to it.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Canned Wet Food
For the picky pups
Some people choose to feed their four-legged friends wet food instead of dry kibble. It is less processed and contains more moisture for your puppy. This is great for pups with sensitive tummies. It also smells and tastes better for your furry friend. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Canned Wet Food is a great option for wet puppy food.
This wet food comes in several flavor options. Each one uses high-quality ingredients and is perfectly formulated to meet all of your puppy’s growing nutritional needs.
Pros:
- If your dog has a sensitive stomach, try this option. The premium nutrients and wet food may help with digestion and puppies seem to love it.
- Purina Pro offers options for sensitive skin and tummies, weight management, and specialty breed and age-based formulas
Cons:
- Canned food costs more than the kibble equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CHF and why do you mention it often?
CHF stands for congestive heart failure, and it has been an ongoing issue in the pet community. Boutique foods, usually those that are grain-free, tend to use lentils and peas as primary ingredients. Some studies have suggested that peas may contribute to congestive heart failure in dogs. Some vets are now saying you should avoid these boutique diets unless your dog has been medically confirmed to have a grain allergy. However, you should always do your own research and confer with your doctor to decide the best course of action.
What is AAFCO?
The AAFCO is the Association of American Feed Control Officials. They set out nutritional guidelines for pets, much like the FDA does for humans.
How much food should I feed my puppy?
Each brand and type of food will include feeding instructions on their packaging. If you need clarification, you can usually find more feeding information on their websites.
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