- Flavors: Chicken and brown rice.
- Type: Dry.
- Calorie content: 393 calories per 8-ounce cup.
- Price on publish: $38.99.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Updated June 30, 2024
Getting a new puppy can be both rewarding and overwhelming. You’re potty training the pooch while also trying to figure out how to provide proper support and nutrition, in addition to sorting through all the puppy products on the market. I consulted with Dr. Teresa Manucy, a veterinarian at Chewy, to get advice on options for the best dog food for puppies, to help take one thing off your plate.
What to consider when buying dog food for puppies
When shopping for the best dog food for your puppy, keep in mind the needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs, your dog’s breed (if the breed has specific dietary needs) and the overall nutrition needs of all dogs.
For growth or for puppies
Make sure you look at the formula before buying food for your puppy. “When buying dog food for puppies, it is important to determine whether it is formulated for growth or labeled for puppies. These are nutritionally balanced for still-developing digestive tracts and provide adequate amounts of needed nutrients,” says Manucy.
Breed
Breed is an important factor when looking at what nutrients they need. “The puppy’s breed and expected adult size may help determine which puppy diet to choose,” says Manucy.
Specific diets
Be sure to factor in any dietary needs for your puppy before purchasing food. “Diets may differ in kibble size for better chewing. They may also offer appropriate calories and nutrients based on the puppies’ needs, to regulate skeletal growth, muscle growth, coat health and heart health,” says Manucy.
Our top picks for best dog food for puppies
Best dog food for small breed puppies: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
The Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is full of essential ingredients to help small breed puppies grow. It’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, prebiotic fibers and other ingredients meant to help boost digestion and build strong bones.
Specifications
What we like:
- Great price.
- Quality ingredients, minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients.
What we don't Like:
- The kibble is a bit tiny and some dogs might not enjoy this.
The AP Buyline takeaway
To promote growth in small breeds, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food puppy food is ideal and loaded with quality ingredients.
Get here: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Best dog food for large breed puppies: Purina ONE +Plus Natural Large Breed Formula Dry Puppy Food
Purina ONE +Plus Natural Large Breed Formula Dry Puppy Food
The Purina ONE +Plus Natural Large Breed Formula Dry Puppy Food is great for large breed puppies. It helps promote a healthy heart, supports brain development and good vision and has ingredients for a shiny coat and good skin. The protein in this food from the chicken will help your puppy grow strong, healthy muscles.
Specifications
- Flavors: Chicken and rice.
- Type: Dry.
- Calorie content: 3,759 calories per kilogram (361 calories per cup).
- Price on publish: $49.98.
What we like:
- Good price.
- Promotes brain development, shiny coat and skin health.
What we don't Like:
- Some reviews mention that sometimes the food comes crumbly and broken.
The AP Buyline takeaway
For large breeds, this Purina ONE +Plus Natural Large Breed Formula Dry Puppy Food is a great option.
Get here: Purina ONE +Plus Natural Large Breed Formula Dry Puppy Food
Best dry dog food for puppies: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
When buying dry dog food, keep the ingredients in mind. This Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Dry Dog Food blend helps promote healthy brain development and growth, providing your puppy with plenty of energy. There are probiotics and proteins meant to support the digestive health of your pooch.
Specifications
- Flavors: Chicken and rice.
- Type: Dry.
- Calorie content: 3,832 calories of metabolizable energy (ME) per kilogram. (349 kilocalories ME per cup).
- Price on publish: $55.99.
What we like:
- Quality dry food filled with nutrients.
- Promotes digestive health.
What we don't Like:
- Smell isn't pleasant.
The AP Buyline takeaway
For good dry food for puppies that contains plenty of ingredients to promote healthy growth, go with the Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Dry Dog Food.
Get here: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
Best wet dog food for puppies: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Canned Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Canned Dog Food
If your puppy prefers wet food, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Canned Dog Food assists with nutrient absorption and is gentle on the stomach. In addition to being good for digestive health and full of vitamins and fatty acids, it’s also good for your pup’s skin and coat.
Specifications
- Flavors: Beef and chicken.
- Type: Wet.
- Calorie content: 1,360 calories per kilogram.
- Price on publish: $58.80 (24 count).
What we like:
- Quality ingredients, including beef and barley.
- Good price for a 24-can package.
What we don't Like:
- Some reviews mention their dog doesn’t like the food.
The AP Buyline takeaway
If your puppy prefers the texture of wet food — or likes wet food mixed with dry food — the Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Canned Dog Food is a delicious option, with plenty of nutrients for a growing puppy.
Get here: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée Canned Dog Food
Best dog food for puppies with sensitive stomachs: Sundays Food for Dogs
Sundays Food for Dogs
If you’re looking for dog food for sensitive stomachs that will be gentle on a puppy’s tummy, Sundays Food for Dogs is a great option. The company was founded by veterinarians and uses human-grade ingredients. The food is air-dried to maintain its flavor and nutrients. While the food is customizable, it comes with a base of beef, chicken or turkey, plus prime ingredients such as beef bone, beef heart and liver, veggies, fruits and spices, including parsley and ginger, among others.
Specifications
- Flavors: Beef, chicken and turkey.
- Type: Customizable plan.
- Calorie content: Varies.
- Price on publish: Varies (for a 40-ounce bag, you can expect to pay around $75).
What we like:
- Customizable.
- Fresh produce and quality protein.
What we don't Like:
- A little pricey.
The AP Buyline takeaway
If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, splurging on this high-quality food from Sundays is worth it.
Get here: Sundays Food for Dogs
Best budget dry dog food for puppies: Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a balanced, full blend with plenty of omega-3 antioxidants and protein from quality ingredients, including chicken. For under $50, your puppy gets a delicious meal filled with nutrients, plus a formula that supports growth and strength.
Specifications
- Flavors: Chicken.
- Type: Dry.
- Calorie content: 3,633 calories ME per kilogram, 378 calories ME per cup.
- Price on publish: $46.98.
What we like:
- Under $50.
- Quality protein and antioxidants.
What we don't Like:
- Some reviews say it’s difficult to read the packaging.
The AP Buyline takeaway
For under $50, the Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food option promotes a balanced diet for your puppy on a budget.
Get here: Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
Best pouch puppy food: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Chunks in Gravy Dog Food Pouch
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Chunks in Gravy Dog Food Pouch
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Chunks in Gravy Dog Food Pouch is a great option for individual-pouch puppy food. It contains vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and other ingredients for healthy digestion and growth. The pieces are coated in gravy so they are soft and moist — it’s not only good for your puppy, it’s enticing.
Specifications
- Flavors: Includes chicken and pork.
- Type: Wet.
- Calorie content: 909 calories per kilogram (77 calories per pouch).
- Price on publish: $33.48.
What we like:
- Great texture for puppies.
- Filled with vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
What we don't Like:
- Some reviews say that if your puppy likes to chew, it might be best to stick with dry food.
The AP Buyline takeaway
For a pouch food you can rely on for your puppy’s growth and overall health, go with the Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Chunks in Gravy Dog Food Pouch.
Get here: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Puppy Chunks in Gravy Dog Food Pouch
Best raw puppy food: Maev Raw Food
Maev Raw Food
Although not always the cheapest option, a raw food diet can be beneficial for your dog. Maev takes pride in its puppy food, which is veterinarian-formulated and made from chicken breast, beef and fresh produce. It’s also low in carbohydrates.
Specifications
- Flavors: Chicken and beef.
- Type: Raw.
- Calorie content: 3,500 calories per kilogram (7,938 calories per bag).
- Price on publish: $143.
What we like:
- Raw food with prime protein.
What we don't Like:
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway
If you want your dog to have a raw diet, Maev Raw Food is a reliable company with Ph.D. vet-formulated recipes.
Get here: Maev Raw Food
Best fresh puppy food: The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog has a great reputation for a good reason. They’re known for their formulas, which provide a balanced, fresh diet for your puppy or your adult dog. Their recipes are simple, made from human-grade ingredients and contain plenty of produce and high-protein meats. You can create a custom plan and try it out for two weeks to see if your puppy likes it.
Specifications
- Flavors: Turkey, beef and more customizable plans.
- Type: Customizable.
- Calorie content: Customizable.
- Price on publish: Customizable (approximately $40 to $500 per month).
What we like:
- Customizable to your puppy.
- Multiple base flavors are available, including turkey and beef.
What we don't Like:
- Can get expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway
If you’re looking for fresh food for your puppy to try, The Farmer’s Dog has a great reputation for a reason — it contains human-grade ingredients, including fresh meat and produce.
Get here: The Farmer’s Dog
Best high-protein puppy food: Eukanuba Premium Performance Pro Puppy Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba Premium Performance Pro Puppy Dry Dog Food
If you’re looking for a high-protein option, there are great choices out there, including Eukanuba Premium Performance Pro Puppy Dry Dog Food. This formula contains ingredients to promote brain development, digestive health, joint health and healthy growth.
Specifications
- Flavors: Chicken.
- Type: Dry.
- Calorie content: 3,832 calories per kilogram (360 calories per cup).
- Price on publish: $85.99.
What we like:
- 28% minimum crude protein.
- Promotes digestive health, brain development and joint health.
What we don't Like:
- Some reviews mention it causes bad breath.
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway
For a high-protein, healthy option for your puppy, try Eukanuba Premium Performance Pro Puppy Dry Dog Food — it contains 28% crude protein.
Get here: Eukanuba Premium Performance Pro Puppy Dry Dog Food
How we selected the best dog food for puppies
When selecting the products to feature in this article, I kept a few factors in mind:
Bone health and calcium
Looking closely at the formula is essential. “A good amount of calcium in the diet, and a proper calcium to phosphorus ratio, are essential for ensuring that your pup does not absorb too much calcium from their diet and cause overly rapid bone growth,” says Manucy. “Maintaining an appropriate rate of bone growth in large breed puppies protects the joints from strain during puppyhood and later in life. Some very active puppies may need joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin to help protect joint health during the growth phase, but it’s best to consult with a veterinarian before starting this. Any of the large breed puppy formulas, from brands such as Purina, Iams, Hill’s, Royal Canin and Eukanuba, will contain the right balance of nutrients for most pups.”
Is it for puppies or for growth?
The formula needs to be nutritionally balanced for digestive tracks that are still developing. Your puppy needs healthy food to grow to their full potential.
Expert opinion
Loving dogs doesn’t make me a doctor, so speaking to a professional and getting their advice was important when figuring out how to best take care of your puppy. I spoke with Dr. Teresa Manucy, a veterinarian at Chewy, to gain her expertise on the subject.
What are the signs of food allergies in puppies?
In addition to learning things like how to leash a puppy and how to crate train a puppy, it’s important to look for the signs that your puppy has food allergies. “Food allergies in puppies often result in itchiness in the skin and ears. Frequent ear infections, chronic itchiness and self-trauma may be seen,” says Manucy.
“These symptoms may develop over time and are often related to the protein ingredient in the diet,” she continues. “This can happen after a new food is introduced or over time with the same diet being offered. The only effective way to treat a food allergy in dogs is to change their diet to a novel or hydrolyzed protein diet for six to 12 weeks and observe for improvement. A test involving feeding them the former food again may also be recommended to confirm a diagnosis when the symptoms begin to flare again.”
What’s the difference between puppy food and adult dog food?
It’s important to buy food specifically for puppies because there is, in fact, a difference, and pay attention to the label when it comes to how much to feed a puppy. “The nutritional needs of puppies and adult dogs will differ due to their size, metabolism, developing digestive tract and different requirements for growth,” says Manucy. “An adequate amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, copper and amino acids must be provided to ensure growth is optimal, without excess or deficiency.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What do vets recommend for puppy food?
Make sure you look at the label and carefully select the right food for your puppy. “It’s recommended to select a diet specifically labeled for puppies or formulated for growth, to ensure your dog gets the proper nutrients. Large and giant breed puppies will benefit from a diet labeled for large breeds (over 50 pounds),” says Manucy. “These will provide appropriate calories and nutrients to avoid causing rapid growth with skeletal abnormalities, which may impact their ability to walk and exercise later in life. Certain breeds may also need a diet to provide a specific nutrient profile, or a particular kibble size, to fit their needs.”
Which dog food do vets not recommend?
According to the experts, you’ll want to avoid feeding your puppy a grain-free diet. “Veterinarians do not recommend exclusively feeding a grain-free diet due to a connection with some dogs developing a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM. Research is ongoing, but for now, it’s best to avoid grain-free diets in growing puppies,” says Manucy. “Most veterinarians recommend feeding a diet formulated by a veterinary nutritionist that meets nutritional standards and has undergone feeding trials. The diets labeled with the AAFCO certification will meet these standards. Always discuss your puppy’s food choice with your veterinarian.”
How long should I feed puppy food to my dog?
Puppies have quite a bit of growing to do before switching over to adult dog food. “In general, puppies will be ready to switch to an adult diet when they reach 80% of their adult size. Other factors to consider are whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories,” says Manucy. “Small breeds (under 25 pounds when fully grown) will be ready at nine to 10 months. Medium-sized breeds weighing 25 to 50 pounds as adults will be ready between 12 and 14 months. Large breeds (over 50 pounds when grown) will be ready between 14 and 24 months, depending on when they reach mature size and weight.”
“Active dogs may need to stay on puppy food longer to support muscle growth and maintain energy levels. When spayed before they reach 80% of their adult size, puppies may have a reduction in the amount of food needed, by up to 30% after surgery. Be careful to avoid early spay or neuter in large breed dogs because this may affect the growth plates, resulting in a reduction of their adult height.”
Can I mix wet and dry dog food for puppies?
For the most part, experts say that it’s OK to mix. “Yes, mixing wet and dry puppy food is acceptable as long as the nutrition of the formulas is similar for portion comparison. This mixture may make transitioning to solid food easier for puppies that are weaning,” says Manucy.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.