Elevate Your Puppy s Diet Discovering the Benefits of Ava Dog Food
How to Choose the Right Food for Your Puppy
Bringing a new puppy into your home involves more than just a warm welcome. From puppy-proofing your space to initiating crate training and potty training, theres a lot to consider.
Choosing the right puppy food is a crucial aspect of ensuring your furry friends growth and overall health. While it may seem daunting, selecting the perfect diet for your puppy isnt as difficult as you might think, provided you keep a few essential factors in mind.
This article will discuss the different types of diets you might be considering and some advice to keep in mind when choosing puppy food.
What diet should I start my puppy on?
Welcoming a new puppy into your home can be overwhelming for them. Having recently transitioned from their mothers milk to solid food, and with their digestive systems and microbiome still in the developmental stage, their little tummies are often quite sensitive.
They have also entered an entirely new home, leaving their mother and siblings behind so they are likely to be anxious. Therefore, its advisable to try to stick to one food and not switch between lots of different kinds.
Do some research before getting your puppy and select a complete and balanced diet tailored to their age and breed, providing the stability needed during this transitional period.
However, if youve tried a specific food for a month or so and its not suiting the puppy, a change can be made just do it gradually to avoid any potential upset tummy issues.
What type of diet is suitable for a puppy?
Generally, every type of diet can be suitable for puppies so long as they are formulated to be complete and balanced to meet the standards of AAFCO and have all life stages or growth nutritional profiles.
Is a raw diet food for a puppy?
Raw diets can be suitable for puppies but its best to opt for a professionally formulated food as opposed to homemade. Puppies have very specific nutritional requirements and need to meet these requirements so following the 80:10:10 method is not recommended at this stage.
You will also need to be careful of Salmonella and other bacteria with a raw diet, but also any other type of dog food as puppies are more susceptible to illness from these types of bacteria than adult dogs.
Is a kibble diet good for a puppy?
Kibble can be a great choice as its usually commercially prepared to be completed and balanced. However, depending on their age and development, you might need to soak the kibble in warm water to protect their developing teeth.
Is a fresh diet good for a puppy?
Much like the raw diet, a fresh diet is a good option as long as it meets the standards of AAFCO. Its best to get one formulated by a professional rather than making the food yourself to ensure your puppy is getting the essential nutrients.
Is a wet food diet good for a puppy?
Puppies often gobble up wet food because its easy to chew and it includes lots of moisture, so its hydrating.
The foods can be fed slightly warm as a comfort and to increase the scents and palatability.
Overall, it can come down to what suits the owners lifestyle, the puppys preferences, or any health concerns your puppy might have. If you are unsure about choosing the correct diet, your vet will be happy to discuss which is best for your new puppy.
Why puppy food?
Its essential to choose a puppy-specific food. Since your puppy is growing, they need more nutrients and calories than an adult dog. This is why puppy foods have a higher level of protein and fat to support growth, as well as nutrients like DHA, an omega fatty acid found in mothers milk.
Once your puppy reaches adulthood, they dont need as many calories. So when they are around 10-12 months for small breeds, 12-18 months for medium/large breeds, and around 18-24 months for giant breeds, its time to change over to adult food.
What to look for in puppy food
Complete and balanced
If you are buying commercially made dog food, check if the label reads: complete and balanced for Growth or All Life Stages. This means the food meets the standards of the AAFCO and is recommended for healthy puppies without existing veterinary conditions or particular nutritional needs.
Expected Adult Size
If your puppy is a large or giant breed (those expected to weigh over 50 pounds as an adult), consider using a puppy food formulated especially for large or giant-breed dogs.
Large and giant breeds also reach their adult size later than small and medium breeds.
Large breeds usually reach their adult size at 18 months and for giant breeds, at two years.
Using a large breed of puppy food for the later stages of growth rather than adult food will save your dog from receiving too much calcium which compromises skeletal development in large breeds.
You can read more about this in our article on large-breed puppies here: https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/best-large-breed-puppy-food/
Breed
Numerous dog foods are labeled as breed-specific, while they may not be essential for your growing puppy, they can offer benefits. These diets often provide kibble sizes tailored to your puppys preferences and a nutrient profile designed for your dogs breed.
While many breeds share similar nutritional needs, breed-specific foods may offer features that cater to specific breed predispositions and characteristics.
Ingredient list
There are no specific ingredients to look for when choosing the best puppy food, but pet parents must ensure the food is made by a reputable company and contains high-quality ingredients.
Does your puppy have any dietary needs?
Although only a small percentage of allergies are diet-related, if you do think your puppy is having an allergic reaction, check with your vet and they will be able to advise.
What are the best treats for my puppy?
Rewarding your puppy with a treat is a great way of rewarding good behavior and is one of the best tools you have when it comes to puppy training. If your new puppy is a food lover (and most are) you can easily show them the benefits of behaving well, both inside and outside the home.
But as is the case with mealtimes, its important to make sure youre not overfeeding them and that youre giving them treats that are nutritious and part of a balanced diet. Treat intake should not surpass 10% of your dogs daily calories.
Choosing appropriate treats can play a big part in keeping your puppy both happy and healthy. Here are some things to look out for when buying your puppy treats:
- Treats specifically for puppies
- Tiny pieces
- Healthy ingredients.
Despite the overwhelming choice in the pet store, choosing a puppy food doesnt have to be a daunting task. Whether you opt for a raw, kibble, fresh, or wet food diet, the key is to choose a complete and balanced option tailored to your puppys age and breed.
Best Puppy Foods
Ollie Chicken is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Dog Food product line.
This particular Ollie formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 11% fat and 44% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of roughly 30%.
All Ollie recipes are human-grade and designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). A real plus. Each meal is suitable for all puppies, 12 weeks of age or older including those of larger breeds.
An exceptional, grain-free option perfect for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet. A diet thats as close to homemade as you can get. without all the time-consuming hard work.
Affordable. But not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Trustpilot"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! Its a joy to see her eat"
Pork Recipe is one of 4 fresh formulas included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
Farmers Pork derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
The entire product line is designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Plus each recipe is made with human-grade ingredients.
All Farmers Dog recipes are 100% complete and balanced and formulated for puppies of all breed sizes (including those of larger breeds).
A healthy feeding option for those able to afford the premium price. Highly recommended.
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower 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"Brunno has never looked or felt so good. He no longer sheds and his breath is fresh and clean. His coat absolutely gleams with health. His eyes are bright and his energy level is through the roof! Thank you for making quality food at a good price point. If anyone is on the fence about trying this or making the switch, dont be!"
Beef Mash is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom Dog Food product line.
Nom Nom Beef Mash gets most of its animal protein from fresh ground beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
An exceptional, grain-free option ideal for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet thats as close to homemade as you can get. Not cheap. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas 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."
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky is one of 3 dry recipes studied in our review of the Redbarn dry product line.
Redbarn Sky derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 31% protein, 17% fat and 7% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 10%.
A wholesome grain-free product. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal 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 Redbarn.com"I got this for my two dogs 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!"
Raised Right Beef is one of11 fresh recipesincluded inour reviewof the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein fromfresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All puppies including large breed Salmon is one of4 dry recipesfeatured inour reviewof the Jinx product line.
This Jinx recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein fromfresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
A fully-balanced, grain-inclusive dog food. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice Type Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Open Farm Grain-Free Puppy is one of21 dry recipesanalyzed inour reviewof the Open Farm product line.
This Open Farm recipe derives the majority of its animal protein fromchicken and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
A high in protein option made with fresh ingredients. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Humanely Raised Chicken, wild pacific salmon, ocean whitefish meal, sweet potato, field peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% 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 puppies nutrition. After purchasing the food, my pup was very happy it! I would definitely recommend this brand, as it is fully worth the price."
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is one of9 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Taste of the Wildproduct line.
This Taste of the Wild puppy formula takes the majority of its animal protein fromfresh salmonandocean fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Pacific Stream Puppy Food is not only rich in omega fatty acids, its also nutrient-balanced to support optimal health during a puppys period of maximum growth.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour 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."
Orijen Puppy is one of9 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Orijenproduct line.
This Orijen formula takes the dominant part of its animal protein fromfresh poultry(chicken and turkey) andfish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Orijen is a 5-star, all life stages recipe brimming with animal protein. A superior option for your growing puppy. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), flounder, whole mackerel Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is one of the best brands I have bought, I have been feeding my puppy high quality food ever since I bought it but this one made a big improvement on my puppy he is more active and his coat looks better also he has very sensitive stomach but with this one he has been good now. He loves it so much that my GSD was stealing his food so I had to buy some for my GSD as well"
Puppy Plate is one of10 wet recipesincluded in ourreview of the Merrick Classic cannedproduct line.
This Merrick formula derives the bulk of its meat protein fromfresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 28% fat and 14% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This Merrick puppy recipe makes a great wet alternative to a dry diet and it makes a flavorful topper to help enhance the taste of almost any kibble. Highly recommended.
More Choices:Visit Our Best Wet Puppy Foods Page
Read our review of the full Merrick Classic Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, chicken broth, deboned turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This puppy food is a hit in our home! Its got good texture and is easily mixed in as a topper. It has a pleasant smell (for canned dog food) and you can see chunks of veggies throughout. The puppies are eager for meal times and clean their bowls. 5 stars!"
Complete Health Puppy is one of13 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Wellness Complete Healthproduct line.
Wellness Puppy gets the bulk of its animal protein fromfresh chickenandchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
An exceptional formula. Contains just the right amount of calcium to make it safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.
Wellness Complete Health
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas Type Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, ground barley) Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I was looking for a new puppy food for my newest french bulldog litter and after much consideration, decided to give this food a try. The pups love it and they have nice shiny coats, tons of energy and stools are solid and minimal. Very pleased with the results and will continue to use and recommend this food to my customers."
Life Protection Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy is one of21 dry recipes including4 puppy formulas detailed in ourreview of the Blue Buffalo Life Protectionproduct line.
This Blue Buffalo puppy product derives the majority of its meat protein fromfresh chickenandchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Blue Life Protection offers4 puppy recipes. All are nutrient-balanced, affordable and easy to recommend.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Type Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley) AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"When we adopted our puppy from the shelter, she was a stray and we didnt even know where to begin when it came to dog food. There were so many options that it was a flurry to make a decision. After reading reviews and getting recommendations from friends, we landed on Blue Buffalo. Our pup has loved it since day 1 and never had any problems. 100% recommend for new dog owners!"
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy is one of13 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Merrick Classicproduct line.
This Merrick Classic Puppy formula derives the largest share of its animal protein fromfresh chickenandchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Unlike Merricks grain-free product line, Classic is not only free of peas and lentils its also contains zero potatoes.
A top-quality, moderately priced puppy food. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal Type Grain-inclusive (rice, barley, oatmeal) Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have used Merrick for years. It is healthy and delicious. When we brought out new pup home from the breeder she was on another brand. When I started to add Merrick she would pick through and only eat the Merrick . We finally did a taste test , putting Merrick puppy in one corner and the other in another spot. It was hands down Merrick. She would not even eat the other. She is growing very well and has a healthy coat and skin. Thank you Merrick"
Puppy Chicken and Rice is one of10 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Purina Pro Plan Puppyproduct line.
This Purina Pro Plan puppy product derives the bulk of its animal protein from frompoultry by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Pro Plan is one of the brands most often mentioned when we interview veterinary professionals.
Whats more every Pro Plan product meets thestrict guidelinesrecommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
A top choice. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat Type Grain-inclusive (rice, wheat) Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My puppies love this food and they are healthier because of it. Their fur is so beautiful and soft and it also came recommended by their veterinarian. At first I was going to get a grain-free brand, but my vet stated that puppies need grain to develop their bones, organs and brain. My pups are growing healthy and strong."
Science Diet Chicken Meal and Barley is one of6 dry puppy recipesdetailed in ourreview of the Hills Science Diet Puppyproduct line.
This Science Diet Puppy formula sources nearly all its animal protein fromchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 17% fat and 48% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Hills Puppy is a classic growth formula recommended by both breeders and veterinary professionals alike and its calcium content is safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Hills Science Diet Puppy Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn Type Grain-inclusive (wheat, barley, sorghum, corn, corn meal) Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small and medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We recently had an 8 week old Australian Shepherd join our family and she loves this food! Our 6 year old lab has been on science diet since a pup and we get so many compliments on how shiny his coat is and how healthy he looks! Would recommend this food to anyone!"
Chicken Soup Puppy is one of11 dry recipesincluded in ourreview of the Chicken Soup for the Soulproduct line.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy gets the majority of its meat protein fromfresh poultryandpoultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
This product makes an exceptional choice for both small and medium puppies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley Type Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice, oatmeal, millet) AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All puppies including large breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My puppy was constantly having soft and loose stools no matter what food we tried. Switched her to chicken soup for the soul puppy food and it fixed her digestive issues within a few days. Shes now very regular with perfect consistency. She also loves the food and gobbles it down! I will continue with this brand for the long haul!"
Natural Choice Puppy is one of19 dry recipesthat can be found in ourreview of the Nutro Natural Choiceproduct line.
This Nutro puppy kibble gets nearly all its animal protein fromfresh chickenandchicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 43% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Nutro Natural Choice offers5 different puppy foods, each optimized for a specific breed size. A budget-friendly product from one of the most trusted brands in the industry. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, brewers rice, whole grain brown rice Type Grain-inclusive (barley, rice) Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small and medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our new puppy, a Boston Terrier, loves this food. She has no digestive problems and her coat is shiny and eyes are bright. I love the fact that it is all natural and it saves me the time from making her food from scratch!"
