Choosing the Best Puppy Food Science Diet Options
How to Find the Best Puppy Food for Your Dog
There's nothing you want more than to keep your puppy healthy during the important formative months of his energetic life. But to set the stage for a long, happy adulthood, it's important to choose the best puppy food for his development. You want nutritious meals that are specially formulated for young dogs. And if you consider what you're feeding your dog now, you can avoid health issues like obesity, weak muscle and bone development, or poor immune response in the future.
Here's what to keep in mind as you search for the right product for your pup.
Research
The best puppy food is committed to high-quality ingredients formulated with a precise balance of nutrients that meet the needs of a growing pup. And the food brand you choose should care what goes into your dog's food at this critical early stage of development. Look for puppy food products created by experts like veterinarians, PhD nutritionists, and/or food scientists to help create puppy food that's nutritionally balanced so that your beloved dog lives a long and healthy life. The nutritional information on each puppy food label should always be the next step in your search.
Ingredients and Nutrition
Puppies require food that provides them with all the nutrients that growing puppies need, including calcium and protein. Puppy food with the right amount of calcium helps controlbonecontrol bone growth, ensuring his bones, muscles, and joints develop properly into adulthood. Protein also helps with strong growth in the development of lean muscle, so look for foods with proteins like chicken, lamb, salmon, corn, wheat or barley on the label to ensure he's getting what he needs. You'll often see Vitamins C and E on puppy food labels, as well, which help build a strong immune system, while fiber sources like flaxseed and whole grain and folic acid help him digest these important nutrients.
Size Matters
Maybe you brought home a dachshund puppy, whose tiny legs are only as long as your pinky finger. Or, perhaps you chose a golden retriever pup whose large (and sometimes clumsy) paws are an indication of the girth to come. Clearly the size of your dog needs your consideration when making a food choice. That's why most puppy foods, including Hill's Science Diet, have different options for large and smallbreeds. Not only do these foods meet the needs of each mouth, but are formulated to ensure proper bone growth, muscle mass, and energy output according to the size of your dog.
Feeding time
You might be tempted to leave food out for your growing and high-energy dog so that he can eat whenever he wants. But don't. Doing that can lead to bad habits, like overeating, and accompanying health problems like obesity and bone development. As a general rule, a young puppy should be fed three times a day to keep up with his high-energy lifestyle. By the time your dog reaches six months of age, you can reduce the number of times a day you feed your dog to two.
What to Avoid
Although some unwelcome ingredients might give your dog a stomach ache, other ingredients can be downright dangerous for your pup. Avoid giving your new puppy table scrap; foods that are part of your own everyday snacks and meals, like onions and grapes, and foods that contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can be dangerous to him. If you have any questions about what to feed your pup, ask your veterinarian for advice. You love your sweet puppy dog, and he knows it. After all, you prove it every time you play with him, shower him with affection, and feed him the high-quality kibbles that will help keep him become healthy now and stay fit in the years ahead.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
When youre trying to decide on the best food for your pup, its easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options you see on your shelves. While this article should give you some tools to help make the decision process easier, remember that your veterinarian is a reliable and trustworthy source of information on the food options available for your pet. Your puppys first appointment with their vet is a great opportunity to start a discussion about nutrition and get your pup on the right track from day one.
Contributor Bio
Kara Murphy
Kara Murphy is a freelance writer in Erie, Pa.
The best puppy foods of 2024
What to look for in dog food for puppies
Our experts say the following criteria are important to consider when shopping for the best puppy food:
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth: AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional profiles based on an animal's life stage. While they don't approve pet foods, selecting a puppy food formulated for growth or all life stages means the food is completed and balanced to meet your puppy's nutritional needs.
Guaranteed analysis: Our experts recommend examining the amount of nutrients, such as protein, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, in a puppy food. You'll find these values in the guaranteed analysis on the can or bag of food, or the manufacturer can provide the guaranteed analysis. Welborn says to discuss the guaranteed analysis of puppy food with your veterinarian who can ensure your puppy is eating a minimum of 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat, along with other essential vitamins and minerals that support their growth.
Ingredient list: This shows all the ingredients used in the recipe, arranged in order of weight. If an ingredient appears at the top of the list, it makes up a significant portion of the food's overall weight. Our experts say puppy foods have no specific ingredients to avoid, including healthy protein sources such as byproducts and byproduct meals. However, our experts recommended against feeding puppies (or any dogs) grain-free diets due to their potential connection to DCM.
Healthy extras: The best puppy foods have extra ingredients for healthy development, skin, and joints. For example, Welborn says food may include antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and l-lysine and selenium to support the immune system. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, help with the development of the brain and nervous system in young animals and are essential in dog food for puppies. You'll find most of these beneficial nutrients listed in the guaranteed analysis.
Calorie content: Pet foods typically provide feeding charts as a starting point to determine the appropriate amount to feed your pet. However, Welborn says your veterinarian is the best resource for determining how many calories your puppy should eat daily. Puppies need high-calorie food to fuel their rapid growth. As your puppy nears adulthood, Luisana says it's crucial to discuss your dog's nutritional plan with your veterinarian. The most common reason to consider a switch to adult food once your puppy has reached muscular maturity is to avoid obesity that can be associated with high-calorie puppy foods, she says.
Breed-size formulation: According to our experts, if you have a large breed puppy, buying puppy food specifically formulated for them is crucial. This is because large breed puppies require specific nutrient ratios and calories to prevent them from growing too quickly, which can cause lifelong orthopedic issues. "Unless a diet specifically says it is labeled or tested for 'growth of large breed puppies,' it should be assumed it is not appropriate for this subset," Luisana says.
Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: If a food's label says it has gone through feeding trials, it has been deemed safe and palatable by feeding it to a group of animals. On the other hand, foods labeled as formulated were not fed to animals during nutritional testing.
Welborn points out that feeding trial testing is expensive, and not all companies can afford to conduct the tests on all or some of their pet foods. "There are many excellent foods in the market that are listed as a formulated diet," she says. "These foods have been available for a long time and have been shown to provide excellent nutrition."
Expert formulations: Churchill says she only recommends products from manufacturers that fulfill WSAVA guidelines. Among other quality-control standards, the brand employs a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist and perhaps a PhD-level animal nutritionist. The best puppy food picks in this guide have been formulated under the guidance of an animal nutrition expert.
Next-level ingredients. Purchasing puppy foods marketed as human-grade, organic, sustainably caught, or cage-free might mean paying more per meal. Although these ingredients typically cost more and may not offer extra nutrition to your puppy, choosing pet food with next-level ingredients such as farm-raised meats, cage-free eggs, and sustainably caught fish means you're supporting a pet food company that prioritizes both animal welfare and sustainable practices.
The 8 Best Puppy Foods Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
The 8 Best Puppy Foods Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written ByVedrana Nikolic| Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.Edited & Fact Checked ByRenae Soppe| Double B.A Journalism & Science.Last Updated: 7th January 2024
Choosing the best dog food is never easy, choosing the best puppy food is even harder.
After all, choosing food that doesn't have the right nutritional profile could have serious consequences for the health of a young puppy. Thats why we created our best puppy food Australia list. We teamed up with veterinarians, canine nutritionists, and puppuy parents alike to research the best and brightest options.
It took months of testing and several dozen varieties, but we finally agreed on this comprehensive list of the best puppy food Australia offers. Choose any of these options and you can rest assured you are making the right decision for your growing pup!
Our Number 1 Pick -Petzyo Dog Food
- Ethically sourced single meat protein (Australian chicken or Salmon)
- Three Omega 3 and 6 rich oils with a well balanced 11% fat content
- Superfoods such as blueberries, turmeric, and a flavoursome mix of herbs
- Australian owned with hundreds of 5 Star Reviews
- Priced better than major food brands
- Lightning fast free shipping
Runner Up -Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food
- Air-dry technology preserves raw ingredients
- Can be used as a treat, food topper and a complete meal
- Different flavours
- Suitable for dogs and cats of all ages
Third Choice -Eureka Wild Boar & Chicken
- High protein and low carb formula
- Gently air-dried
- Omega fatty acids for brain and vision support
- Suitable for all life stages
- Carbon-neutral sourcing and processing techniques
Australia's Best Puppy Food Options Reviewed
What are the top puppy food options? The picks on this list represent the best of whats available on the Australian market that our expert team decided on after months of testing many, many varieties. Look through them and youll surely find something that suits both your puppys needs and your budget!
What sets this product apart from the rest?
- Ethically sourced single meat protein (Australian chicken or Salmon)
- Three Omega 3 and 6 rich oils with a well balanced 11% fat content
- Superfoods such as blueberries, turmeric, and a flavoursome mix of herbs
- Australian owned with hundreds of 5 Star Reviews
- Priced better than major food brands
- Lightning fast free shipping
Petzyo - 5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Sustainable Kangaroo, Sweet Potato, Peas, Lentils, Carrots, Broccolli & Broccoli Stem, Tomato, Spinach, Kelp, Blueberries, Rosemary, Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Turmeric, Chicken Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Fish Oil, Vitamin and Minerals (Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B11, B12, D, E, K, Taurine, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Choline, Pantonthenic Acid, Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iodine and Cobalt).
- Named Protein First:Yes
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive
- Recipe Range: Kangaroo, Sweet Potato & Superfood Extras or Salmon, Ocean Fish & Green Lipped Muscles or Chicken, Turkey & Superfood Extras or Petzyo Raw Food Range.
- Suitable For: Petzyo's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes
Gentle Dog Trainers Expert Reviewer
"I think Petzyo is perfect option for puppies. Their ingredient lists are always top-notch which is incredibly important for growing dogs. Kibble size is important and they have that right, which will help support the maintenance of their teeth and gums. Highly recommend!"
If you want to give only the best of the best to your puppy, you can't look any further than Petzyo's puppy food range. The ingredient content contains ethically sourced Chicken or Salmon and comes loaded with superfoods such as blueberries, broccoli, turmeric, and a flavoursome mix of herbs.
According to the experts on our research panel, the kibble size is perfect for puppies and will help support the healthy maintenance of their teeth and gums. We also rate it number one for large breed puppy kibble.
Everything thats included in this recipe is either meat, a vegetable, or a superfood supplement. Everything is human-grade, there are no mystery ingredients, and no suspicious additives that are sometimes added to low-quality kibble. No grains or gluten either.
The Petzyo Puppy Food being tested by our independent expert team.
One of the great things about this food is the subscription option, meaning you'll never be caught short feeding your precious pup. Another bonus will be the easy transition to Petzyo's adult dog food range, no upset tummy's from a sudden change in diet.
Among other things, we also love how this puppy food from Petzyo also contains turmeric for anti-inflammatory action, as well as linseed oil and fish oil that is super rich in healthy fatty acids. In short, this is an ethically made kibble, similar to our number two choice. But it's also well-balanced and has a taste that all puppies seem to love.
Check out their chicken flavour too - Petzyo Puppy Food - Chicken
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- Air-dry technology preserves raw ingredients
- Can be used as a treat, food topper and a complete meal
- Different flavours
- Suitable for dogs all ages
Ziwi Peak - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Heart, Beef Tripe, Beef Bone, Beef Lung, New Zealand Green Mussel, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Sea Salt, Parsley, Minerals (Potassium Bicarbonate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Complex), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B1 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement). Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols.
- Named Protein First:Yes
- Dog Food Type: Grain free
- Recipe Range:Chicken or Mackerel & Lamb or Beef + more.
- Suitable For: Ziwi Peaks recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost:$$$$$
- Australian Owned: No (but NZ owned)
What we especially like about Ziwi food is the fact that its air-dried. Apart from our second option, this differentiates it from most other dry dog food, which is usually cooked at high temperatures. Ziwi uses Z-TWINTECH air-drying technology, which maintains all the benefits of raw ingredients while removing all the pathogenic bacteria out of meat.
I also love how this dog food is free from artificial preservatives, including glycerin. Instead, all the preservatives Ziwi uses are natural - this means the shelf life of this food is 21 months from the date of manufacturing, and once opened, it should be used within eight weeks.
The Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review.
You can use Ziwi air-dried food as a treat for your puppy, a food topper or a complete meal. It comes in different flavours, so you have plenty of options to choose from. If you plan on transitioning your pooch from one flavour to another, wed recommend you do that over a few days. In case your pups stomach is very sensitive, then take up to a week to slowly transition them to a different kind.
All the meat used for making this dog food is ethically raised, without the use of hormones or growth promotants. Our panel of independent experts note that its important to know where the meat your pup is eating is coming from, and this ticks that box beautifully.
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- High protein and low carb formula
- Gently air-dried
- Omega fatty acids for brain and vision support
- Suitable for all life stages
- Carbon-neutral sourcing and processing techniques
Every dog needs a well-balanced diet, but thats especially true for growing puppies. Formulated to meet the AAFCO requirements for all life stages, we discovered that this recipe from Eureka is a great choice for any energetic young pup.
What we loved about this dog food is that you know exactly what your puppy is eating. Instead of just saying meat by-product, the ingredient list states exactly which organ parts are included, all of which are very nutritious for your pooch. Whats even better is that 100% of the protein is Australian-sourced and sustainably harvested, as well as most other included ingredients.
Eureka Pet Food being tested by our independent expert team
Moreover, given its air-dried, this dog food combines the best of both a cooked and raw diet. The air-drying method preserves most of the nutrients in the meat, yet it also kills all the pathogens as cooking would. This is similar to our number three choice, which also incorporates air-drying.
Related:Eureka Pet Food Review.
Now, this does shorten the shelf life a bit, as an opened bag should be used within 8 weeks. But thats why Eureka makes dog food in small batches, meaning your dog is always eating fresh food.
If your puppy is a picky eater like mine, this dog food will surely be a hit. The jerky-like texture simply entices chewing, which also makes it a great choice for all those pooches that typically swallow their food.
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- Affordable yet high-quality
- Good choice of flavours
- No artificial flavours, colours or additives
Science Diet - 3 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Pork Liver, Brown Rice, Wheat Flour, Carrots, Modified Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dried Beet Pulp, Pork Plasma, Potatoes, Dextrose, Green Peas, Tricalcium Phosphate, Chicken Liver Flavor, Spinach, Soybean Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide), L-Lysine, Taurine, Caramel colour.
- Named Protein First:No
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive & Grain Free
- Recipe Range:Chicken, Rice & Barley or Chicken Meal & Oats or Chicken + More.
- Suitable For: Science Diet's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost:$$
- Australian Owned: No
Not all dog food has to cost a pretty penny, and Hills Science Diet Puppy proves this statement is true. This is definitely one of the better cheap dog food options that will also give your puppy a well-balanced diet.
Hills is a dog food manufacturer based in the USA which makes a couple of different wet and dry formulas geared specifically towards puppies (check the list below). Their formulas always contain a good mixture of protein and other nutrients which are important for the development of strong bones and muscles in puppies. They also add fish oil which is important for eye and brain development in young pups.
The Hills Science Diet Puppy Dog Food Line being tested by our independent expert team.
Related: Science Diet Dog Food Review.
Since this is a budget pick, we cant expect to have all these ingredients on the top of the list, but theyre all included. Whats also important is that Hills doesnt use any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives in their dog food, like our number three option. The food features brown rice, which can be helpful with stomach problems.
This food from Hills is quite caloric which makes it a great option for developing pups. You have plenty of flavour options, whether youre looking for dry or wet dog food. Theres also a dry food option without corn, soy or wheat, and we all know those are ingredients our pups dont need.
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- Small kibbles great for pups of all sizes
- No grain or artificial preservatives
- Rich in omega fatty acids and natural prebiotics
- Made in Australia
Ivory Coat - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), ground flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Coconut Oil, Pea fibre, salmon oil, sweet potatoes, Carrots, kale, broccoli, spinach, parsley, apples, blueberries, vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, D3, E, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium pantothenate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Natural Prebiotic, Rosemary Extract & Green Tea Extract. This is a naturally preserved product.
- Named Protein First:No (but chicken meal is OK)
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive
- Recipe Range: Chicken with Coconut Oil or Lamb & Sardine or Lamb & Kangaroo or Turkey & Brown Rice or Ocean Fish + More.
- Suitable For: Ivory Coat's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$
- Australian Owned: Yes
Grain-free dog food is something that almost always catches the eye. We all know our dogs dont benefit from most grains that are typically used in conventional dog food. So this food from Ivory Coat looks like it has everything a puppy needs.
Related: Best Grain Free Dog Food Australia.
This Australian-made dry dog food provides growing pups with all the necessary nutrients. The main ingredient is chicken - and what pup doesnt like chicken? Its full of proteins that will help your pooch grow into a big, healthy dog.
I also appreciate how this dog food also features lots of natural prebiotic fibre, which helps with your pups digestion. The formula is enriched with salmon oil, which is full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and help in maintaining a healthy coat and skin. My dog has both a sensitive tummy and sensitive skin/coat, so foods that tackle both of these issues is extremely important in our household.
The Ivory Coat Grain Free Dry Puppy Food Chicken being tested by our independent expert team.
Dry dog food from Ivory coat doesnt contain any artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or other nasties you dont want to feed your pup with. Our team of independent experts also like that this food is naturally preserved instead, which makes it a bit sensitive to moisture and temperature changes. Therefore, make sure you keep it stored in a dry and cool place.
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- Formulated specifically for large breeds
- High protein content
- Enriched with emu oil for skin & coat health
Black Hawk - 3.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground Oats, Chicken Fat, Beet Pulp, Vegetable Oil, Chicken Flavour, Fish Meal, Egg Powder, Emu Oil, Linseed, Carrots, Blueberries, Peppermint, Rosemary and Vitamin D3. List of contents is not exhaustive, if you have concerns about allergies, contact the manufacturer.
- Named Protein First:No (but chicken meal is OK)
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive & Grain Free
- Recipe Range: Chicken or Australian Lamb or Tasmanian Salmon or Kangaroo or Ocean Fish + More.
- Suitable For: Black Hawk's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes
All large breed owners have the same problem - finding a high-quality dog food that comes in large bags. No one likes going to the pet store for more food every 2 days, not to mention that large bags always offer better value for money. This food from Black Hawk comes in two sizes - 10 kg and 20 kg, which we discovered means a single package will always last quite a while.
But thats obviously not the only reason why we like this food. As our experts wish to note, large breeds need special treatment. They grow so fast - one day theyre tiny babies, the next day they cant fit on your lap. Theres a lot of pressure on their bones and they need the food enriched with all the important ingredients for growth.
The Black Hawk Large Breed Chicken & Rice Puppy Food being tested by our independent expert team.
This formula is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin which help with joint health. Theres also added emu oil, which is great for skin and coat, as well as joints. This adds up to perfect large breed puppy food. The meat of choice is chicken, which is one of the best protein sources for growing puppies.
This food is highly caloric, so even the largest of pups dont require more than half a kilo a day. Thanks to the quality ingredients used, it will give your puppy enough energy to power through the day and provide all that he or she needs to grow into a strong and healthy adult dog.
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- Small kibble for tiny mouths
- High protein content
- Grain-free
- Lots of plant-based fibre and nutrients
- Contains live yoghurt cultures
Holistic - 3 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Anchovy and Sardine Meal, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Molasses Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Pumpkin, Salmon Oil, Cranberries, Apples, Brewers Dried Yeast, Salt, Papayas, Choline Chloride, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Vitamin E Supplement, Inulin, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Ground Cinnamon, Ground Fennel, Ground Peppermint, Copper Sulfate + More.
- Named Protein First:No (but anchovy and sardine meal is OK)
- Dog Food Type: Grain Inclusive & Grain Free
- Recipe Range: Salmon, Anchovy & Sardine or Lamb & Chicken or Turkey & Lentils or Duck + More.
- Suitable For: Holistic's recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$
- Australian Owned: Yes
This formula from Holistic Select is one of the only available recipes for puppies that are formulated specifically for small breeds. But what does that mean? Well, first of all, the kibble pieces are extra small to ensure the tiny puppies will not have too much trouble chewing on them!
In addition to this, Holistic Select understood that mini-breed puppies can be prone to food sensitivities, so they made a formula that caters to that. This recipe is super rich in prebiotic fibre and even contains live yoghurt cultures to keep the stomach of your puppy calm. It's one of the few foods my little guy ate that didn't seem to adversely affect his sensitive stomach.
The Holistic Select Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food Small & Mini Breed being tested by our independent expert team.
Another great thing about this formula is that its rich in protein - it contains a minimum of 35%. The main sources of protein are listed as Anchovy and Sardine Meal and Chicken Meal. And according to our experts, thats great - the fish meal is not only rich in protein, but also in essential fatty acids that support the healthy development of your pups joints as well as skin and coat health.
That being said, when the protein is listed as meal, similar to our number five and six options. That means its not the most quality source you can get. Meat is certainly better, but this one works too.
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- Extremely effective
- Huge loyal customer base
- Excellent quality materials
- Several sizes available
- Can eliminate up to 90% of dog fur
Ziwi Peak Wet Food - 4.5 Star Rating
- Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Chick Peas, New Zealand Green Mussel, Chicken Bone, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Complex), Dried Kelp, Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin B5 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
- Named Protein First:Yes
- Dog Food Type: Grain Free
- Recipe Range: Beef or Lamb or Tripe & Lamb or Mackerel & Lamb or Chicken + More.
- Suitable For: Ziwi Peak Wet Food recipe range can be suitable for puppy, adult and senior dogs depending on the recipe.
- Cost: $$$$$
- Australian Owned: No (but NZ owned)
Yes, we already had one entry from Ziwi Peak in this list, but we simply must include their canned food too as it is our number one choice in wet dog food. With their carefully chosen and locally-sourced ingredients, its hard not to love all of their recipes! And, truth be told, our research team simply didnt find any better wet food for puppies than this one.
Just like with the air-dried food from Ziwi Peak, they dont offer specialised recipes for puppies. Instead, each of their formulas is certified for all life stages. While that might sound confusing - we think thats a good sign. Any dog food thats made from straightforward highest-quality ingredients should be suitable for both puppies and adults, and thats what Ziwi Peak dog food is.
The canned food formulas from Ziwi Peak are exactly the same as their air-dried formulas, only in their original form. The main ingredient is always high quality protein from sustainable sources. You can choose between beef, lamb, chicken, venison, and more, or alternate different cans to add some variety to your pups diet. Their cans also come in 170 g and 390 g versions, so if your pup is small you can go with the smaller one to avoid having an open can hanging around your fridge.
- All-natural treats
- No artificial fillers or preservatives
- Comes in 2 sizes
- Made in Australia with locally sourced ingredients
So far, we have talked about the best food for puppies. But our panel of independent experts share that its always nice to have a snack to offer from time to time besides the standard kibble formula or canned food.
The Kong Snacks were designed to fit inside the Kong rubber toy to provide your puppy with some entertainment while they try to get the biscuit out of the toy. However, they work perfectly fine as a treat in any situation - the toy is not necessary.
These biscuits come in two sizes - small and big so you can choose one that suits your needs best. They can also be easily broken off in pieces if the whole biscuit is too much. After all, you dont want to go overboard with treats, although its often tempting.
Since these are biscuits, it shouldnt surprise you that they do contain grains. However, its not just processed white flour - its actually only flour from oats, rye, and sorghum, which are the healthier and more nutritious alternatives. These treats also contain chicken, salmon as well as blueberries and turmeric, similar to our number one puppy food choice by Petzyo - which are both great health boosters.
The only preservatives used in these biscuits are mixed tocopherols. Even though the word tocopherols might sound a bit scary, these are just natural forms of vitamin E. They are considered safe for both humans and canines, while also extending the shelf life of the biscuits (5).
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Puppy Feeding Guide
First 6 to 8 Weeks
During the first couple of weeks of their lives, puppies get all the nutrients they need from their mothers milk. In fact, its basically the only thing they do: they eat, they keep warm, and they cuddle with their mum and their puppy brothers and sisters.
Related:What To Feed Puppies In Their First 6 Weeks?Related:What To Feed A Puppy At 8 Weeks Old?
At around 3 or 4 weeks of age, puppies can start to gradually switch to the solid food they are going to be eating during the first months of their life. If feeding dry food, make sure to moisten it, at least in the beginning, to make it more appealing to the puppy.
For the first few feedings, pups may need encouragement to eat. For example, puppies may be allowed to lick gruel from a finger dipped into the pan. Most puppies will quickly learn to feed from the bowl. -Fetch by WebMD
Around 6 to 8 weeks of age, puppies should already start getting used to eating solid food. Thats also the earliest time when most veterinarians and breeders recommend separating a puppy from the mother and introducing them to their new home (2).
What to Feed a Puppy at 8 Weeks?
At 8 weeks, puppies should be ready to start eating puppy food. Eight-week-old puppies look super tiny, so you might feel they need extra special food, but in fact, they can eat the same feed they will eat until they grow up: a formula created specifically for puppies.
A puppys digestive tract is still maturing, so a good puppy food should also be highly digestible to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort or upset. -Dr Amanda Ardente for PetMD
But what exactly is appropriate food for puppies? In Australia, the industry is largely unregulated, and manufacturers dont have to adhere to any regulation. One indication of well-balanced food is the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) certification, but again, not every quality food has this in Australia.
Related:What is AAFCO? The Association of American Feed Control OfficialsRelated:What Is the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA)?Related:AAFCO vs PFIAA: Dog Food Standards Comparison Australia
However, our team of independent experts share that you can tell a lot about any food by reading the ingredient list. If all of the ingredients are easy for you to identify as wholesome foods, the food should be a good choice. Puppies can eat both wet food and dry kibble.
Related:The Best Meat for Dogs.
During the first 3-4 months of their life, puppies should eat small portions of food 4 times a day. Over time, youll need to gradually decrease the number of daily meals (4). The exact timeline will depend on the individual puppy as well as the breed, so its best to consult with your vet for clear instructions.
Related:When To Switch Your Puppy To Adult Dog Food?
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the best dog food for puppies was not an easy task for our independent expert panel, but it was also a bit of fun. Once you find the food that is both healthy and appealing to your puppy, youll surely enjoy watching the little one gobble it down with joy.
Related:The Difference Between Puppy & Adult Dog Food.
In terms of our recommendations that resulted from our tests, the Petzyo formula is one of the best recipes formulated specifically for puppies. It comes in 3 great flavours, so there is plenty of variety. We also highly recommend the formulas offered by Ziwi Peak which come in air-dried versions.
Can 8-week old puppies eat dry food?
Yes, dry kibble is absolutely fine for puppies However, puppies who are just getting used to eating solid food might have a hard time chewing dry kibble. This problem is easy to overcome: just mix the kibble with some warm water and wait a little bit so it softens up before feeding it to your puppy.
Is grain-free food better for puppies?
Contrary to popular belief, grains are not bad for dogs by default. While some dogs can have food sensitivities or be downright allergic to grains, most adult dogs as well as puppies can eat grains and get some useful nutrients from them too. However, good puppy food should not contain too many grains. Puppies need lots of protein, and this they wont get from grains, but from meat.
When should I stop feeding puppy food to my dog?
In general, puppies should keep eating specialised puppy formulas for as long as their bodies are growing. The growth period of canines usually lasts at least one year, but the exact timeline will depend on the size and breed of your dog. While some small breeds stop growing at around 12 months, larger ones can keep growing until 2 years of age.
References
- "Weaning Puppies: What to Do. March 8, 2023. Fetch by WebMD. Retrieved April 4, 2023. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/weaning-puppies-what-do#1
- Meyers, H. February 19, 2021. What Is the Best Age Bring Your New Puppy Home?. AKC. Retrieved April 4, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/best-age-bring-puppy-home/
- Ardente, A. January 17, 2023. How to Choose the Right Food for Your Puppy". PetMD. Retrieved April 4, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/best-puppy-food
- Mansourian, E. August 15, 2021. Puppy Feeding Fundamentals. AKC. Retrieved April 4, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-feeding-fundamentals/
- Tomassi G, Silano V. 1986. "An assessment of the safety of tocopherols as food additives". Food Chem Toxicol. 1986;24(10-11):1051-1061. Retrieved April 4, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3542757/
