Best Dog Food for Healthy Puppy Growth

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Many thoughts race through your mind when you find out. a new puppy : what kind of dog toys You ought to consider how advantageous crate training really is. If they truly require their own bed , along with many other crucial queries. However, arguably the most significant factor, and undoubtedly the most relevant at present, is the best dog food To nourish your new puppy – and what you should steer clear of.

Over the last four years, my writing has focused on canine nutrition and various pet-related subjects. In order to assist you in preparing optimal meals for your young pup, I consulted with veterinary professionals regarding the distinctions between puppy food and adult dog food—considering factors like ingredients and serving sizes—and learned how to identify the most nutritious choices for diverse breeds. Additionally, I compiled top-rated, vet-approved suggestions for ideal puppy foods and added some picks favored by members of the NBC Select team for their own pups.

SKIP AHEAD The Way I Chose the Finest Puppy Food | Best puppy food | How does puppy food differ from adult dog food? | How to purchase dog food for your puppy | Why trust NBC Select?

The Way I Chose the Finest Puppy Food

When welcoming a new puppy into your home, establishing a feeding schedule is crucial: "Pick a timetable that works well for both you and your household members to ensure consistency—once established, the puppies will adapt," advises the source. Dr. Nell Ostermeier a veterinarian and veterinary consultant for Figo Pet Insurance.

When purchasing premium dog food for puppies, specialists suggest taking into account the following aspects:

AAFCO nutritional standards: When purchasing puppy food, the primary factor to consider is whether it adheres to the nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Look for a statement on the packaging indicating that the product is "complete and balanced," signifying that it complies with or surpasses these established standards as per AAFCO requirements. World Small Animal Veterinary Association .
Ingredients: The components in your puppy's food can be an excellent indicator of taste appeal and enjoyment level. The listing of these elements follows a descending order based on their weight, with those at the top being particularly significant as per AAFCO guidelines. Each brand recommended here employs a specialized group of veterinary nutritionists who ensure the inclusion of premium quality ingredients (as stipulated by AAFCO). safety standards for ingredients Used in pet food, this delves into commonly seen pet food labels).
Breed and size: You ought to nourish your young dog with food specially marked for puppies up until they attain their full adult weight (generally around 1-1.5 years old, as advised by our specialists). Certain puppy foods cater to various sizes of breeds such as small, large, and giant dogs. This ensures that the kibble pieces are appropriately sized for easy consumption and includes formulas tailored to meet each breed's specific energy requirements during this growth phase. The selections provided here all offer calorie-dense choices suitable for growing pups.
Portion size: Seek out brands that include a feeding guide on their packaging to assist you in determining the right portion sizes for your puppy according to its weight and dimensions. As Dr. Nicole Savageau, a board-certified veterinarian states, "It doesn’t matter which puppy food one selects; guidelines for feeding based on the pup's weight can always be found directly on the package." The Vets , a roaming vet care provider.

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Top dog food for puppies in 2025

Here, I've gathered some recommended dog foods for puppies from veterinarians along with top picks chosen by NBC Select staff members that align with professional advice. These puppy foods meet the AAFCO nutritional standards, come with serving instructions on their labels, and feature a team of veterinary nutritionists who ensure the use of premium quality components.

Best overall: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food $19.99 Amazon
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food $19.99 Chewy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food $19.99 Petco

Hill's Science Diet is among the leading choices preferred by our experts when it comes to dog food for both adult dogs and puppies. It's a brand we particularly like. dog foods overall This specialized puppy formula from the brand features bite-sized, easily digestible kibble, as claimed by the company. It includes natural omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil, which aid in promoting healthy brain and eye growth. Additionally, it contains a mix of vitamins E and C aimed at bolstering the immune system in puppies, per Hill’s. This pet food is available in either a 4.5-pound bag or 12.5-pound bag . You can also obtain the canned version Of this puppy food, which you can blend with your dog's kibble, experts recommend.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: up to 12 months old | Recommended weight: up to 120 lbs (anticipated final weight) | Calorie content: 393 calories per cup | Top ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, whole grain wheat

Best budget-friendly: IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food

IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food

IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food costs $29.98 Amazon
IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food costs $29.98. Chewy

For those watching their budgets, Iams' dry puppy food is a top choice, boasting a impressive 4.7-star average rating based on more than 5,500 customer reviews on Amazon. This formula features chicken and whole grains, enriched with omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy brain development and good eyesight in young pups, as claimed by the manufacturer.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: up to 12 months old | Recommended weight: up to 50 pounds | Calorie content: 380 calories per cup | Top ingredients: Chicken, grounded chicken with remaining parts, crushed whole grain corn

Best wet food: Purina Pro Plan Growth PuppyChicken & Rice Canned Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan High-Protein Puppy Food Pâté with Chicken and Brown Rice

Purina Pro Plan High-Protein Puppy Food Pâté with Chicken and Brown Rice costs $32.40. Chewy
Purina Pro Plan High-Protein Puppy Food Pâté with Chicken and Brown Rice costs $32.40. Petco

Purina Pro Plan is also favored by our panel of experts, particularly their canned chicken and rice recipe suitable for puppies anticipated to reach up to 100 pounds as adults, based on the brand's claims. This food includes vital vitamins and minerals aimed at maintaining your puppy’s silky coat and robust immunity. For pups under six months old, you may split the contents of a single can across three or more meals per day, advises Purina; whereas those aged seven to twelve months should have it divided between two daily servings.

Food type: wet/canned | Recommended age: up to 12 months of age | Recommended weight: 2-100 lbs (anticipated adult weight) | Calorie content: 475 calories per can | Top ingredients: Chicken, liver, water, salmon, rice

Best for small breeds: Royal Canin Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Small Breed Puppy Premium Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food $23.99 Petco

Many veterinarians and members of the NBC Select team favor Royal Canin. After receiving a recommendation from Bella's veterinarian—a Havanesse and Bichon Frisé mix who is now six years old—I started feeding her this specific formulation during her puppy stage. To this day, I continue to provide her with the adult variant designed for small breeds; it remains the sole type of kibble she never tires of, becoming an essential choice every time I consider alternatives. Tailored for canines weighing under 22 pounds, these little bites offer not just a convenient size but also include omega-3 fatty acids along with vitamins C and E aimed at promoting robust development and vitality in young pups.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: 2-10 months | Recommended weight: 9-22 pounds (anticipated final weight) | Calorie content: 349 calories per cup | Top ingredients: chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, corn

Best for large breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Food

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Food

Purina Pro Plan for Large Breeds Dry Puppy Food costs $52.98. Amazon
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dog Food $52.98 Chewy
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dog Food $52.98 Walmart

Purina Pro Plan is recommended by veterinarians due to its extensive variety of puppy-focused formulations designed to address particular requirements, such as those needed by toy breeds or dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. The formulation designed specifically for larger breeds, intended for canines expected to weigh more than 50 pounds when fully grown, aids in sustaining a proper growth pace. It includes fish oil, which promotes cognitive and ocular development as claimed by the manufacturer.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: up to 24 months old | Expected adult weight: over 50 lbs | Calorie content: 419 calories per cup | Top ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn

Best for giant breeds: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food costs $109.99 Amazon
Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food costs $109.99 at Chewy
Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food costs $109.99 at PetSmart

Large dog breeds like Great Danes or Saint Bernards typically weigh at least 100 pounds when fully grown, based on what our specialists say. It's crucial for them to receive a specific balance of nutrients and minerals; otherwise, rapid growth might result in various joint issues down the line, as per my conversations with veterinarians. The special puppy food from Royal Canin designed for large breeds under eight months old should be used until then, after which you may transition to their regular diet. Royal Canin Giant Junior a formula designed to aid in your puppy’s muscle growth until they reach 24 months of age, as claimed by the company.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: 2-8 months | Recommended weight: more than 100 lbs (anticipated adult weight) | Calorie content: 338 calories per cup | Top ingredients: chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, wheat gluten

Best subscription: The Farmer’s DogSubscription Service for Dog Food

The Farmer's Dog

The Farmer's Dog costs $21.26 The Farmer's Dog

The Farmer’s Dog offers a subscription-based dog food service that brings meals tailored for both young pups and grown-up dogs directly to your doorstep. After completing a detailed survey about your pet’s specifics such as age, size, breed, energy levels, and body type, they will send customized portion-controlled servings designed to meet your canine companion's dietary requirements. No need to worry about measuring; just place your order after filling out the form provided.

Sadhana Daruvuri, who works as a social commerce editor at NBC Select, started feeding The Farmer’s Dog to her 2-year-old Maltipoo named Bandit when he was just six months old. "Bandit has always had quite selective eating habits ever since I first got him—he often found my previous dry food challenging," explains Daruvuri. "But once we made the switch to The Farmer’s Dog, things improved dramatically; Bandit now eagerly anticipates mealtimes and finishes everything within half a minute."

Each meal prepared by The Farmer’s Dog is crafted and overseen by certified veterinary nutritionists to meet all nutritional needs as per AAFCO guidelines, claims the company. These dishes can be kept in either the refrigerator or freezer; they may be served cold right out of the fridge, or slightly warmed up with some hot water based on your dog's preference. Subscription plans begin around $2 daily (including complimentary shipping) and provide enough provisions for approximately one week to two months with every shipment.

Food type: fresh | Recommended age: (n/a based on the survey) | Recommended weight: Not applicable (based on questionnaire) | Calorie content: (n/a based on the survey) | Top ingredients: human-grade (based on questionnaire)

Best fresh food: Simply Foods For Pups Puppy Variety Pack

Simply Foods For Pups Puppy Variety Pack

Just Food for Dogs Puppy Variety Pack $38.50 at JustFoodForDogs

"Nutritionally balanced diets prepared from fresh ingredients that are lightly cooked exactly match their description—they consist of wholesome foods that have been mildly cooked," explains Ostermeier. She endorses Just Food for Dogs for developing puppies, along with expectant and nursing canines, per the company’s recommendation. These meals cater to every stage of a dog's life, featuring serving suggestions right on the label indicating appropriate portion sizes for both young pups and mature adults. According to the manufacturer, these meals remain good in the freezer for about 18 months and retain freshness post-thaw when kept sealed in their initial container for up to one week. After opening, however, it is advised to use them within five days.

Food type: fresh | Recommended age: all life stages | Recommended weight: up to 60 pounds | Calorie content: n/a | Top ingredients: chicken legs, jasmine rice, spinach leaves, carrots

Best no-frills: Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice PuppyDry Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food costs $37.98 Amazon
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food costs $37.98 Petco
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food costs $37.98 Chewy

The NBC Select editor loves Nutro Natural Choice. Jordan Bowman His 2-year-old mixed breed dog named Obi. "He has been eating this food since he was young, and it has made him feel more at ease in his new environment," he explains. This diet, which is rich in proteins, aids in maintaining a healthy coat, skin, and bone structure. Additionally, it supports proper digestive health and strengthens the immune system in puppies, as claimed by the brand.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: up to 1 year old | Recommended weight: up to 60 pounds | Calorie content: 386 calories per cup | Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Brown Rice

Best high-protein: Open Farm Ancient Grains High-Protein Dog Food for Puppies

Open Farm Ancient Grains High-Protein Dog Food for Puppies

Open Farm Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food $86.99 Open Farm

Recommended by Ostermeier for its use of fresh ingredients and high-protein formulation, Open Farm stands out. The product features a mix of fresh chicken, salmon, and pork, aiding in healthy brain growth as per the brand. It also includes ancient grains such as steel-cut oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa, and chia seeds. According to Open Farm, their dog food complies with AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines, thanks to a team of veterinary nutritionists who develop their recipes.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: up to 1 year of age for small breed puppies, up to 2 years of age for large breed puppies | Recommended weight: up to 100 lbs (anticipated mature weight) | Calorie content: n/a | Top ingredients: chicken, whitefish meal, oats, salmon, millet, brown rice

Best tasting: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food costs $64.98. Amazon
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food costs $72.98. Petco
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food costs $64.98. Chewy

When Daruvuri temporarily cared for her sister’s 1-year-old Cavapoo named Joey for two months during his puppy phase, she decided to feed him Blue Buffalo kibble. She chose this particular food because her own dog, Bandit, consumed it without ever experiencing any digestive problems. "Joey adored the flavor of the kibbles; they were usually gobbled up within approximately ten seconds once placed in his dish," she recounts. So enthusiastically did Joey enjoy them that she even utilized these kibbles occasionally as a form of reward during training sessions.
According to the manufacturer, this formulation includes essential nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals including calcium and phosphorus. These elements contribute positively towards supporting your puppy's overall immune function. Additionally, the product boasts appropriately sized pieces designed specifically for puppies’ convenience.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: up to the age of 12 months | Recommended weight: up to 60 pounds | Calorie content: 401 calories per cup | Top ingredients: chicken without bones, chicken flour, whole grain brown rice

Best for sensitive stomachs: Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food for Adults and Puppies

Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Adult & Puppy Dog Food $53.99 at Amazon
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food for Adults and Puppies $53.99 Petco
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food for Adults and Puppies $53.99 Chewy

For dogs with delicate tummies, Hill’s Prescription Diet includes a special mix called ActiveBiome+ aimed at balancing intestinal flora. Additionally, it features a prebiotic complex designed to support consistent digestion, claims the manufacturer. The formula also contains vitamins B and antioxidants intended to restore essential nutrients depleted due to gastrointestinal problems, notes the company. Remember, though, obtaining this food requires authorization from your vet; you may ask for this prescribed meal via Chewy's platform after submitting details about both your pet and your veterinary clinic.

Food type: dry | Recommended age: all life stages | Recommended weight: up to 120 pounds | Calorie content: 367 calories per cup | Top ingredients: brown rice, corn kernels, poultry meal, plant-based proteins

How does puppy food differ from adult dog food?

As young puppies are still growing and maturing, their specialized diet focuses on supporting this fast-paced development. "Puppy food generally contains increased amounts of fats and proteins, making it richer in calories," explains Ostermeier. In comparison to regular adult dog food, puppy food often includes elevated levels of vital components such as protein, along with crucial nutrients like DHA, calcium, and phosphorus, which aid both mental and bodily growth, say our specialists.

A distinguishing factor is that puppy food typically contains less energy density (the measure of energy per unit weight of food). This is because excessive energy intake could lead to rapid growth, causing orthopedic issues—especially in larger and giant breeds of dogs, as noted by Savageau.

Large and giant breed dogs require specialized formulas designed explicitly for large and giant breed puppies due to minor differences in their mineral levels and reduced calorie density, according to Savageau. She explains that incorrect amounts of calcium intake or rapid growth can result in skeletal issues. As for giant breed puppies, Ostermeier recommends consulting with a vet regarding the appropriate diet selection and duration before transitioning them to adult dog food.

How to purchase dog food for your puppy

While looking for the ideal puppy food, begin by consulting your veterinarian for their recommended options; subsequently contact reputable pet groomers and canine trainers. Typically, several elements should be taken into account when selecting appropriate nourishment for your puppy, such as considering your dog’s size and breed, ensuring it adheres to AAFCO standards, assessing taste preference, and examining ingredient composition.

Meets AAFCO requirements

Pet food suitable for dogs at every life stage must adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines, ensuring it provides comprehensive nourishment. The AAFCO refers to an optional group made up of state feed regulators who establish benchmarks, terms, and rules concerning the marketing and dissemination of pet food as well as various animal feeds. Always ensure you check for this when selecting dog food. nutritional adequacy statement On the rear label, it should feature in tiny print the term "complete and balanced" to confirm it's designed as your dog's only food source, as advised by our specialists.

Remember that AAFCO does not oversee, examine, authorize, or guarantee pet food, which means there isn’t anything like an "AAFCO certified" brand or item.

Ingredients and palatability

"The diet must be appropriate for puppies during their growth phase or suitable for all life stages, as these types of food support both puppy development and adult health," explains Ostermeier. When selecting puppy food, key components to consider include proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish, along with whole grains and vegetables, which supply essential nutrients needed for a developing puppy, according to Dr. Abel Gonzalez, a veterinarian and the clinical director. Dutch , a company focused on telehealth services for pets.

According to our experts, you should always make sure that the puppy food brand uses veterinary nutritionists who create nutritionally balanced and complete meals and oversee the food’s ingredients. This guideline aligns with AAFCO recommendations. safety standards for ingredients Used in pet food, and it delves deeply into typical labeling practices of pet foods.)

Additionally, there are several components you should steer clear of: "Avoid foods containing too many additives such as corn and soy, along with synthetic dyes, flavorings, or preservatives, since they provide minimal nutritional benefits," advises Gonzalez.

Nutrient equilibrium and serving quantity

Ensure you review the packaging of the dog food for precise feeding instructions and energy content, indicated as kcal (calories) per cup, can, or ounce, much like the nutrition labels found on human foods. This helps guarantee that you're providing your puppy with the right amount of nutrients and servings needed for their growth and well-being, as recommended by our specialists.

Each brand will have slight variations regarding calorie content and the recommended food portions for puppies," explains Savageau. "Regardless of whether you feed your puppy three times daily or reduce it to two meals as they grow older, ensure that the overall quantity aligns with their required daily caloric intake according to the specific package instructions.

Breed size and weight

Ensure that the food's label explicitly indicates it is formulated specifically for puppies or suitable for all life stages, as advised by our specialists. Formulas tailored to breed and size are particularly beneficial for larger and giant breeds since these dogs require a precise balance of nutrients and minerals to avoid rapid growth, explains Savageau. (For further details on the advantages of using puppy-specific formulations and recommendations for feeding large and giant breeds, please see my explanation below).

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we collaborate with specialists possessing significant expertise and credibility derived from pertinent education and/or practical experience. Additionally, we implement measures to guarantee that all expert guidance and suggestions are provided autonomously and free from hidden monetary conflicts of interest.

Dr. Nell Ostermeier serves as a veterinarian and veterinary consultant for Figo Pet Insurance.
Dr. Nicole Savageau is a veterinarian with board certification The Vets , a roaming vet care provider.
Dr. Abel Gonzalez serves as both a veterinarian and the clinical director at Dutch a pet telehealth business.

Why trust NBC Select?

I am an updates editor At NBC Select, which focuses on an array of subjects related to pets, including dog food , beds , treats and toys For this piece, I consulted with three vets regarding top-notch dog food brands suitable for puppies and gathered insights into key factors to keep in mind during your search. Additionally, I aggregated their suggestions for ideal puppy foods along with an extensive review of numerous available choices, all guided by professional advice.

Stay updated with NBC Select’s comprehensive coverage. tech and tools , wellness And more, be sure to follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to remain current.

This piece was initially published on Pawonation.com