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What is the Best Puppy Food?
Choosing the best food for your puppy is one of the most important decisions you can make.
That’s because feeding the wrong food can greatly increase your puppy’s RISK of developing a crippling form of hip dysplasia… especially for certain breeds.1
On this page… we’ll share the Dog Food Advisor’s safest and most recommended puppy foods… and we’ll answer the 5 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding puppies.
The Best Puppy Foods October 2024
Here are The Advisor’s top 10 best puppy foods for October 2024.
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1. Best Overall Puppy Food: The Farmer's Dog Pork Recipe
Growing puppies need more calories, fat, protein and essential nutrients than adult dogs. The Farmer’s Dog Pork Recipe meets these requirements. It is formulated by board-certified nutritionists to be complete and balanced and support the development of a puppy’s muscle and bones.
Fresh food may be more expensive than other types, but it is a firm favorite with veterinarians and pet nutritionists including our very own Laura Ward.Â
This particular formula derives the bulk of its protein from fresh pork and pork liver, which are easily digestible and packed full of essential amino acids. It is also rich in omega-3 fish oil for optimal heart health and muscle growth. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 78%.
For more choices: See our Best Fresh Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Complete and balanced
- Fresh named meats
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breed Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"This healthier diet may cost a little more than the dried or canned food but it has saved me hundreds of dollars on vet bills"
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2. Best Premium Puppy Food: Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots
Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots is formulated by vets using human-grade ingredients and minimal processing. This complete and balanced recipe contains antioxidant-rich ingredients such as spinach, to support your puppy’s developing immune system.
Ollie fresh food is made with whole ingredients such as meat, fruit, vegetables cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and chicken liver, packed full of essential amino acids to support a puppy’s growth. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 31% protein, 12% fat and 50% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
We highly recommend this food and give it a 5-star rating. We especially like the fact Ollie offers customized meal plans tailored to meet the individual requirements of your puppy – after all every dog is different!
For more choices: See our Best Fresh Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Customized meal plans
- Human-grade ingredients
- Minimal processing
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver Texture Fresh Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Ollie.com"I absolutely love the fact they my puppy enjoys her food. She runs to the kitchen when she sees I'm grabbing her bowl to feed her. Once the bowl is down, she runs to it as a TV advertisement animals! It’s a joy to see her eat."
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3. Best Small Breed Puppy Food: Solid Gold Grain-Free Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry
Small breed puppies require high levels of easy digestible quality proteins. We highly recommend this grain and gluten free wet recipe by Solid Gold; a brand which takes a holistic approach to pet nutrition, aiming to support not just physical health but also the overall well-being of a puppy through natural, nutrient-dense ingredients.Â
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from lamb which contains omega 3 and 6 acids to support your puppy’s brain development. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.Â
Wet foods tend to be more palatable, due to their texture and flavor. This means they can entice even the pickiest eaters, which is particularly important for small breed puppies that can sometimes be finicky.
For more choices: See our Best Small Breed Puppy Foods page.
Read our review of the full Solid Gold Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here
Things we like
- Contains DHA
- Grain and gluten-free
- Quality proteins
Main Ingredients Water sufficient for processing, lamb, chicken liver, whitefish, sweet potatoes Texture Grain-Free Type Wet Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Growth & Maintenance Best For Small breed puppies and lactating female dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My mini Dachshund & Chihuahua puppies love Solid Gold Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry Food and give it 5 stars! "
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4. Best Large Breed Puppy Food: American Journey Grain Free Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Sweet Potato
Large breed puppies need specific levels of calcium and phosphorus to support proper bone development and prevent issues such as hip dysplasia. This American Journey dry food is formulated with the correct balance to promote healthy growth.
It also has a controlled calorie content to prevent weight gain, which is a common problem for large breed dogs.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, a lean, high-quality protein essential for muscle development. Dry matter label analysis reveals this formula contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 40%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Large Breed Puppy Foods page.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
- No corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meals
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal (a source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), turkey meal, peas & chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For Large breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy"My puppy is asking how many dinners can he have after trying this food? I love that it is made using real chicken as the cornerstone and not just a lot of fillers. Overall I feel this kibble is a wonderful balance of nutrition to grow my puppy's body and mind."
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5. Best Affordable Puppy Food: Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
We love the fact this grain-free formula uses alternative carbohydrate sources such as sweet potatoes and peas, which are easier on a puppy’s digestive system, reducing the risk of food sensitivities and allergies.
This puppy formula takes the majority of its animal protein from smoke-flavored salmon which can make the food more appealing for puppies that can sometimes be picky eaters. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
Pacific Stream Puppy Food is not only rich in omega fatty acids, it’s also nutrient-balanced… to support optimal health during a puppy’s period of maximum growth.
Highly recommended.
For more choices: See our Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods page
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Small kibble size
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Affordable
Main Ingredients Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I feed my puppies Taste of the Wild. I love that it has pro-biotics in it and the kibble is small enough for them to eat easily after being weaned. This is the only puppy food that I highly recommend and I will continue using this product. The puppies enjoy the taste and the oils in the salmon puppy food help with their coats and make them shine."
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6. Best Dry Puppy Food: Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Recipe
Redbarn’s new grain-free puppy recipe is packed full of proteins from five meat sources – beef, lamb, beef meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal.
Meat meals contain more than 300% more protein than fresh meats, which makes this food ideal for growing pups as it contains the essential nutrients to support their growth and muscle development.
We highly recommend this food and have awarded it our highest rating: 5-stars. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 58%.
For more choices: See our Best Dry Puppy Food page.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics
- Quality animal proteins
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin
Main Ingredients Beef, lamb, beef meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Redbarn.com"I got this for my two pups because I wanted a healthier option of food for them. I liked that the ingredients list is short and without unnecessary additives. My dogs LOVE the food. I'm so happy with my choice to get this food!"
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7. Best Sensitive Stomach Puppy Food: Stella & Chewy, Chewy’s Chicken Dinner
This limited ingredient dog food by Stella & Chewy means it is the perfect choice for puppies with a sensitive stomach.
Raw foods are often easier to digest because they are closer to a dog’s natural diet. The enzymes in raw meat can aid in digestion, making it gentler on a sensitive stomach. Because these patties are minimally processed, they retain more natural nutrients and are free from the additives and preservatives that can sometimes upset a puppy’s digestive system.
This particular recipe derives 100% of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 50% protein, 30% fat and 12% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 58%.Â
For more choices:Â Â See our Best Dog Food for a Sensitive Stomach page
Read our review of the full Stella and Chewy’s Dinners Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Things we like
- Limited ingredients
- Minimally processed
- No artificial colors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries Texture Raw Frozen Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies (especially those with a sensitive stomach) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy"We breed Yorkies and all of them absolutely LOVE Stella & Chewy! If you want to feed your sweethearts the best, choose Stella & Chewy. The food is so versatile, you can crumble it on top of anything."
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8. Best Wet Puppy Food: Open Farm Gently Cooked Puppy Recipe
Open Farm Gently Cooked Puppy food recipe gets our highest rating 5-stars. It is made from fresh, whole ingredients which are more nutritious and easier for puppies to digest.
The food is gently cooked at low temperatures to help retain the maximum amount of nutrients. This method preserves the natural vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are essential for a puppy’s growth.
This particular puppy recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 42% protein, 35% fat and 15% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 85%.
For more choices: See our Best Wet Puppy Foods page
Read our review of the full Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Contains prebiotics
- High-quality protein
Main Ingredients Humanely raised chicken, wild Pacific salmon, ocean whitefish meal, sweet potato, field peas Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 42% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet.com"I originally found this brand of dog food off of TikTok, silly right? I looked into it and saw that the food is above and beyond for my puppy's nutrition. After purchasing the food, my pup was very happy it! I would definitely recommend this brand, as it is fully worth the price."
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9. Best Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food: Merrick Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato
This grain-free dry food by Merrick is an excellent choice for puppies, particularly those with grain sensitivities. It offers a balanced, nutrient-dense formula that supports overall growth and development, while also promoting digestive health, joint support, and skin and coat health.Â
This puppy recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 44% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 54%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Grain-Free Dry Dog Foods page.
Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- No artificial preservatives, colors of flavors
- USDA certified
- Easily digestible
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy"My husband and I have tried many food brands for our fur babies and when we landed on Merrick, we haven’t looked back. Great food for our seven fur babies; even the ones with sensitive tummies. Plus, they love the flavors."
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10. Best Natural Puppy Food: Nom Nom Beef Mash
Nom Nom Beef Mash is an excellent natural food choice for puppies as it offers high-quality, human-grade ingredients in a balanced and easily digestible form.Â
The fresh, whole foods provide essential nutrients for growth and development, while the absence of artificial additives and fillers makes it a safe and healthy option for puppies. Not only this, Nom Nom’s personalized feeding plans ensure your puppy receives the right nutrition tailored to their specific needs.Â
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef, which provides high-quality protein essential for muscle development and overall growth in puppies. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 35% protein, 17% fat and estimated carbohydrates of 40%, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Natural Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Fresh and whole ingredients
- Tailored meal plans
- Delivered fresh
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"I am soo happy I chose Nom Nom.. My dogs love it! The ingredients are all natural.. Heck, we could eat it! I have tried food for dogs and my dogs turned their noses with it. Comes packaged to keep food fresh, so if you're not home for delivery, no problem, food will be fine until you arrive. Thanks Nom Nom for supplying the best ingredients."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and how often should I feed my puppy?
Once you’ve decided how much food your puppy needs each day…
Simply divide that amount into 3 to 4 equal servings. Then, feed those smaller meals to your puppy at regular intervals… throughout the day.
This short video explains how to create the best feeding schedule for your puppy.
How much food should I feed my puppy?
Deciding how much to feed your puppy is a process… not a one-time choice.
Since a larger breed puppy requires more food each day than a smaller breed…
And because every brand of dog food contains a different number of calories per cup…
Start with the recommended feeding amount printed on the food’s package. Then, adjust that amount… up or down… to keep your dog at her ideal weight.
Which breeds are at greatest risk for hip dysplasia?
Even though hip dysplasia can sometimes afflict smaller dogs…
The condition is far more common in larger breeds.2
Which is why it’s SO important to choose a food that contains a safe amount of calcium… if you’re feeding a large breed puppy.
More Choices:Â See Our Best Large Breed Puppy Foods Page
How do I know if my puppy is a large breed?
The pet food industry3 defines a large breed puppy as one whose adult weight is expected to be over 70 pounds.
However…
Since it’s impossible to know your puppy’s adult weight before she’s fully grown…
It’s safer to use a more conservative 50 pound definition advocated by others.4 5 6 7 8
So…
If you expect your dog to weigh over 50 pounds when she’s fully grown… then she’s considered a large breed puppy.
When should I switch my puppy to adult food?
It’s critical not to switch your puppy to adult food too soon.
That’s because adult dog food can contain too much calcium… which can make it unsafe for a growing puppy.
Truth is…
The best time to switch your puppy to adult food depends on your puppy’s breed type. The following table can help you determine when it’s safe to switch your puppy to adult food.9
| Breed Type | Adult Wt | Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Small breed | Under 20 lbs | 9 – 12 months |
| Med breed | 20 – 50 lbs | 12 – 14 months |
| Large breed | 50 – 100 lbs | 12 – 18 months |
| Giant breed | Over 100 lbs | 18 – 24 months |
If you’re not sure…
It’s always safer to keep your dog on puppy food too long… than it is to switch to adult food too soon.
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
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