Last Updated on October 9, 2021 by Woody Pet
Contents hideJust like our babies, puppies need to be well fed and taken care of to accommodate their growing bodies. Read on to find out how to choose dog food for your puppy!
The 8 Best Puppy Food
There are many dog food brands promoting just as many types of dog food out there that it’s become increasingly difficult for dog parents to choose the right diet for their pups. One of which is a puppy food. But what is considered as one?
Puppy food contains twice the daily nutritional requirements that older dogs need. With the same logic as with our babies, puppies need twice as much to accommodate every developmental change they are experiencing – bones, muscles, joints, internal organs, and immune systems to name a few. Not every dog food has the necessary nutrients that puppies need, which is exactly why there are dog foods that are designed specifically for the young and growing ones.
What You Need to Know About Puppy Food
The amount of food that you should feed your puppy depends on their breed and nutritional needs. Although there are guides written on some puppy food packaging, the amount is still dependent on how much you think is enough to satisfy your puppy, or how much she needs for growth and development. For example, large and high energy dog breeds require more calories in their diet as compared to smaller, laid back and low energy breeds. Always check on your dogs and take account of every change to avoid the risk of overfeeding. Overweight puppies, and dogs in general, are susceptible to many illnesses and physical incapabilities.
Dogs are still considered puppies until they reach their expected adult size. Given that, you would still have to feed them puppy food until they reach 80% of their expected adult size, which is about a year old for most dogs. However, there are some instances when you might need to switch their diet from puppy food to mature dog food. In these cases, puppies may be developing a little too quickly and complications might be bound to happen. Consult with your veterinarian to figure out what type of diet you should put your dog in.
To know which brands of puppy food are good for your pup, look at the ingredients and check if their guidelines follow the standard of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the National Research Council.
Here are the 8 Best Puppy Food you can add to your puppy’s diet:
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
This puppy food contains a naturally lean source of high-quality protein and fatty acids. Chicken is the first ingredient and delivers the taste dogs love. It also contains blueberries, which are rich in Vitamin A & C, Potassium, FIber, and various carotenoids which are valuable antioxidants. Rich in fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed, another component of this dog food, is an important ingredient to help support healthy digestion and a shiny coat. It also contains spinach, which is exceptionally rich in magnesium, manganese, beta-carotene, and lutein. Spinach also contains quercetin, a phytochemical with antioxidant properties.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy
Specially formulated for puppies, BLUE Life Protection Formula Puppy Food contains DHA and ARA, which are important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health. This puppy food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It contains no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food
Each recipe is crafted with a high-quality protein source like beef, chicken, lamb, salmon, or venison meal as the number one ingredient your puppy will love. It’s also crafted with real, recognizable ingredients: no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog and Puppy
VICTOR Nutra Pro is an excellent choice for dogs with moderate to high levels of daily activity. This high-protein, the nutrient-dense recipe is specially formulated for growing puppies, pregnant and lactating females, and dogs with high physical demands. Nutra Pro has higher protein and lowers carbohydrate levels compared to other VICTOR multigrain formulas. It’s also formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages, including the growth of large size dogs.
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy
IAMS contains a high-quality animal protein that is used in all IAMS dog food formulas. It’s made with no artificial preservatives or flavors and 0% fillers, for complete and balanced nutrition. This high-quality, premium recipe gives dogs the nutrition they need with real, wholesome ingredients. From cuddly small dogs to lovable large breeds, these tailored formulas based on your dog’s size provide a perfect fit for their nutritional needs.
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food
This dry puppy food supports the developmental needs of puppies in a small kibble and delicious chicken flavor. It also provides DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development. Moreover, this puppy food provides your growing little dog with high-quality protein for building lean muscle. This recipe uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones and teeth.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate
Merrick has long been known for its high quality, innovative and humanized canned dog food recipes. Each grain-free wet recipe is brought to life with real deboned meat, fish or poultry as the first ingredient, plus a balance of quality fruits and vegetables crafted one batch at a time for wholesome, balanced nutrition.
Orijen Puppy Food
Orijen Puppy Food delivers a diet rich and varied in fresh, whole animal ingredients from free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. With 85% quality animal ingredients, Orijen nourishes dogs according to their natural, biological needs. Specifically designed to nourish your puppy’s growing body, this grain-free dog food is brimming with fresh ingredients.
