{"id":2999,"date":"2020-03-12T22:27:51","date_gmt":"2020-03-12T22:27:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dogtime.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/?p=2999"},"modified":"2024-08-07T15:12:39","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T15:12:39","slug":"the-5-best-puppy-foods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/the-5-best-puppy-foods\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Puppy Foods"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Purina-Pro-Plan-Chicken-Formula\/dp\/B003R0LLA8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Purina-Pro-Plan-Chicken-Formula\/dp\/B003R0LLA8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food' alt='Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/418aGFpU8-L.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Purina-Pro-Plan-Chicken-Formula\/dp\/B003R0LLA8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Healthy and affordable<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">This perfectly balanced food comes at a great price and is loaded with all the nutrients that a growing pup needs.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Overall<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Purina-Pro-Plan-Chicken-Formula\/dp\/B003R0LLA8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food is specially formulated to meet all of your growing puppy&#8217;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&#8217;s immune system strong, and the correct levels of calcium and phosphorus for bone and joint health.<\/p>\n<p>This dry food comes in small bites so your puppy can easily eat and digest their meal. You don&#8217;t have to worry about choking or trouble with chewing. Overall, this puppy food is a great option for any breed.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The 34-pound bag provides a long-lasting supply for a bargain price, so you don&#8217;t have to restock very frequently.<\/li>\n<li>The chart on the back of the bag provides an easy way to determine the appropriate portion size.<\/li>\n<li>We haven&#8217;t tasted it ourselves, but most puppies go crazy for the flavor.<\/li>\n<li>Chicken, the main protein, is easy to digest and leaner than many other protein sources.<\/li>\n<li>The price is more affordable than many other high-end puppy foods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It may not be appropriate for the toy or giant breeds, although it is great for the average-sized breed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Puppy<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Wellness-Complete-Natural-Food-Oatmeal\/dp\/B0051ZCSF4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Wellness-Complete-Natural-Food-Oatmeal\/dp\/B0051ZCSF4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Puppy' alt='Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Puppy' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41k+p2bWBlL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Wellness-Complete-Natural-Food-Oatmeal\/dp\/B0051ZCSF4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Easy to eat and digest<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">These specially formulated small bites are designed for your small puppy.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best For Small-Sized Pups<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Wellness-Complete-Natural-Food-Oatmeal\/dp\/B0051ZCSF4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>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&#8217;s gut health.<\/li>\n<li>This food is calorie-controlled to prevent your small dog from becoming overweight.<\/li>\n<li>Tiny dogs have no problem chewing and swallowing the smaller-sized kibbles.<\/li>\n<li>It contains all of the vitamins and nutrients your puppy needs to have a healthy coat, teeth, bones, and joints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It costs more per pound than most other foods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Diamond-Naturals-Large-Recipe-Premium\/dp\/B000WFKDT6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Diamond-Naturals-Large-Recipe-Premium\/dp\/B000WFKDT6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food' alt='Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41UMhagd47L.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Diamond-Naturals-Large-Recipe-Premium\/dp\/B000WFKDT6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Specially formulated for big boys and girls<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">This option is formulated for your large breed puppy's fast-growing body.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best For Big Breeds<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Diamond-Naturals-Large-Recipe-Premium\/dp\/B000WFKDT6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bigger dogs eat bigger meals, so the affordable price-per-pound on this option is ideal for those with big breeds.<\/li>\n<li>It&#8217;s marketed for puppies, but we find that adult dogs go crazy for this dog food as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It can be a little tough for dogs with very sensitive stomachs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Blue-Buffalo-Protection-Formula-Puppy\/dp\/B0009YWKU0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Blue-Buffalo-Protection-Formula-Puppy\/dp\/B0009YWKU0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food' alt='Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/4112AgF5XqL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Blue-Buffalo-Protection-Formula-Puppy\/dp\/B0009YWKU0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Balanced and healthy<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">This option from Blue Buffalo helps supply your puppy with all of their nutritional needs while adding antioxidants for extra health.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Most Antioxidants<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Blue-Buffalo-Protection-Formula-Puppy\/dp\/B0009YWKU0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Blue Buffalo is based in Wilmington Connecticut and they manufacture their foods here in the USA. You don&#8217;t have to worry about quality control or shipping from abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dogs love the flavor of this and get very excited during mealtime. In fact, it&#8217;s so flavorful that you can use individual kibble bits as treats throughout the day for training.<\/li>\n<li>The kibble itself is cold-formed to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.<\/li>\n<li>The small bites are easy for puppies to swallow, so it&#8217;s ideal for those with dogs that scarf down their meals with very little chewing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It&#8217;s high in protein, so it can cause diarrhea for dogs that aren&#8217;t accustomed to it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Canned Wet Food<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Purina-Pro-Plan-Classic-Chicken\/dp\/B000HBAJ4O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Purina-Pro-Plan-Classic-Chicken\/dp\/B000HBAJ4O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Canned Wet Food' alt='Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Canned Wet Food' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51TvyCVpJnL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Purina-Pro-Plan-Classic-Chicken\/dp\/B000HBAJ4O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">For the picky pups<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">This wet food is a great choice when your picky puppy rejects crunchy kibble.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Wet Puppy Food<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Purina-Pro-Plan-Classic-Chicken\/dp\/B000HBAJ4O\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>This wet food comes in several flavor options. Each one uses high-quality ingredients and is perfectly formulated to meet all of your puppy&#8217;s growing nutritional needs.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<li>Purina Pro offers options for sensitive skin and tummies, weight management, and specialty breed and age-based formulas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Canned food costs more than the kibble equivalent.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What is CHF and why do you mention it often?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is AAFCO?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The AAFCO is the Association of American Feed Control Officials. They set out nutritional guidelines for pets, much like the FDA does for humans.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How much food should I feed my puppy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Puppy Food is specially formulated to meet all of your growing puppy&#8217;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&#8217;s immune system strong, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[],"featured_image":"https:\/\/images.pexels.com\/photos\/3198004\/pexels-photo-3198004.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=750&w=1260","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2999"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2999"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2999\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19337,"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2999\/revisions\/19337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dogtime.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}