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10 Best Puppy Dog Foods 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9  score

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula - 34 lb. Bag

Nutritional Content: DHA, antioxidants, calcium, phosphorus
Ingredients: Chicken, Rice
Life Stage: Puppy
Breed-Specific Formulas: All Breed Sizes
Wet vs. Dry Food: Dry
Special Dietary Needs: Immune Support, Bone Health

Chosen by 1479 this week

Hill's Science Diet Puppy, Puppy Premium Nutrition, Small Kibble, Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice, 12.5 lb Bag

Nutritional Content: DHA, quality protein, balanced minerals
Ingredients: Chicken, brown rice
Kibble Size: Small kibble
Life Stage: Puppy
Breed-Specific Formulas: Small, medium, large breed puppies
Wet vs. Dry Food: Dry Food
Special Dietary Needs: Allergen-free, no special restrictions

Hill's Science Diet Puppy, Large Breed Puppy Premium Nutrition, Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice, 30 lb Bag

Nutritional Content: DHA from fish oil, lamb protein, balanced minerals
Ingredients: Lamb & Brown Rice
Kibble Size: For large breed puppies
Life Stage: Puppy
Breed-Specific Formulas: Large Breed
Wet vs. Dry Food: Dry Food
Special Dietary Needs: Supports brain, eye, bones, teeth

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Breed Dry Puppy Food, Supports Brain Development, Immune Support, and Digestive Health, 14 lb Bag

Nutritional Content: antioxidants, prebiotics, quality proteins
Kibble Size: crunchy texture
Life Stage: Puppy
Breed-Specific Formulas: Small Breeds
Wet vs. Dry Food: Dry
Special Dietary Needs: immune support, brain development, digestive health

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula - 34 lb. Bag

Nutritional Content: High protein, glucosamine, Vitamin A, omega-6
Ingredients: Chicken, rice, fish oil
Kibble Size: Large breed puppies
Life Stage: Puppy
Breed-Specific Formulas: Large breeds
Wet vs. Dry Food: Dry
Special Dietary Needs: No artificial colors, flavors

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food Puppy Salmon and Rice Formula - 24 lb. Bag

Nutritional Content: High in protein, includes fish oil
Ingredients: Salmon, rice, fish oil
Life Stage: Puppy
Breed-Specific Formulas: All Breed Sizes
Wet vs. Dry Food: Dry
Special Dietary Needs: Sensitive skin, sensitive stomach
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula - 34 lb. Bag

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,479
Nutritional Content
Life Stage
Special Dietary Needs

Most important from
16207 reviews

Nutritional Content
This food was recommended by my vet, who mentioned Purina spends a lot on research to ensure it meets nutritional needs.
Life Stage
My Alaskan Malamute puppy loved this. As a very active puppy, it kept him full and happy.
Special Dietary Needs
My dogs absolutely love this food, and it doesn't upset their stomachs or cause allergic reactions like licking paws.

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula, is designed to cater to the needs of growing puppies. It features DHA from omega-rich fish oil, which is beneficial for brain and vision development. The primary ingredient is high-quality chicken, providing ample protein for building lean muscles.

Additionally, the formula includes antioxidants to support the developing immune system and minerals like calcium and phosphorus to ensure strong bones and teeth. The food's highly digestible nature ensures optimal nutrient absorption, which is vital for puppies' growth. Despite minor drawbacks, this 34 lb. bag of kibble is a robust option for ensuring the health and development of your puppy.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,479
Nutritional Content
Life Stage
Special Dietary Needs

Most important from
16207 reviews

Nutritional Content
This food was recommended by my vet, who mentioned Purina spends a lot on research to ensure it meets nutritional needs.
Life Stage
My Alaskan Malamute puppy loved this. As a very active puppy, it kept him full and happy.
Special Dietary Needs
My dogs absolutely love this food, and it doesn't upset their stomachs or cause allergic reactions like licking paws.
#2

Hill's Science Diet Puppy, Puppy Premium Nutrition, Small Kibble, Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice, 12.5 lb Bag

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Premium Nutrition is designed especially for puppies, featuring small kibble size that’s easy for little mouths to chew. It includes DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development, which is important for growing puppies. The food contains high-quality protein to build muscles and balanced minerals to strengthen bones and teeth.

Made in the USA with trusted ingredients, this dry dog food is a popular choice among vets and puppy owners, with high customer satisfaction. It is formulated primarily for small breeds but is also suitable for medium and large breed puppies, offering some flexibility. The main flavor, chicken and brown rice, is common and generally well-accepted by puppies.

As a dry food, it may not be ideal if you prefer wet food or a mix on its own. Although the blend is allergen-free, it does not specifically cater to special dietary restrictions beyond that. For puppies requiring specialized diets or with unique sensitivities, consulting a vet is advisable. For general puppy nutrition, especially in small breeds, this product provides a reliable, well-rounded option with quality ingredients and a trusted brand backing it.

#3

Hill's Science Diet Puppy, Large Breed Puppy Premium Nutrition, Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice, 30 lb Bag

Rating
9.7
Life Stage
Breed-Specific Formulas

Most important from
2898 reviews

Life Stage
Great science diet food for puppy, and the convenience of Amazon delivery beats going to the pet store.
Breed-Specific Formulas
Good dog food that my German Shepherd loves.

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb & Brown Rice is a dry dog food specifically designed for large breed puppies. It features DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development, which is crucial during the puppy stage. The high-quality protein from lamb helps fuel growing muscles and active play, making it a good choice for energetic puppies.

Additionally, balanced minerals support the development of strong bones and teeth, which is essential for large breeds prone to bone issues. The product is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, and it’s the #1 veterinarian recommended brand, giving it a strong credibility in terms of quality and safety. The kibble size is appropriate for large breed puppies, ensuring it’s easy for them to chew and digest.

It caters specifically to the life stage and dietary needs of large breed puppies, making it a targeted option rather than a generalized one. One potential drawback is that it’s a dry food, so it might not be suitable for puppies that prefer or require wet food due to dental issues or other reasons. Additionally, while lamb and brown rice are generally well-tolerated, some puppies with specific dietary sensitivities might require a different formula. However, for most large breed puppies, Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb & Brown Rice offers a well-rounded, nutritious option that supports growth and development.

Rating
9.7
Life Stage
Breed-Specific Formulas

Most important from
2898 reviews

Life Stage
Great science diet food for puppy, and the convenience of Amazon delivery beats going to the pet store.
Breed-Specific Formulas
Good dog food that my German Shepherd loves.

Buying Guide for the Best Puppy Dog Foods

Choosing the right puppy dog food is crucial for the healthy growth and development of your furry friend. Puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs, so it's important to select a food that meets those specific requirements. When picking the best puppy food, consider factors such as the breed, size, and any specific health concerns your puppy may have. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Nutritional ContentNutritional content refers to the balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the dog food. This is important because puppies need a higher amount of protein and fat to support their rapid growth and development. Look for foods that have a high protein content (around 22-32%) and fat content (around 10-25%). If your puppy is very active or a larger breed, they may need more protein and fat. Always check the label for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure the food meets the nutritional requirements for growth.
IngredientsThe ingredients list tells you what is actually in the dog food. High-quality puppy foods will list meat as the first ingredient, as it is a primary source of protein. Avoid foods with fillers like corn, soy, and wheat, as these can be harder for puppies to digest and may cause allergies. Look for whole foods and natural ingredients, such as real meat, vegetables, and fruits. If your puppy has specific dietary needs or allergies, choose a food that caters to those requirements.
Kibble SizeKibble size refers to the size of the dry dog food pieces. This is important because puppies, especially small breeds, have smaller mouths and may struggle with larger kibble. Choose a food with smaller kibble pieces for small breed puppies to make it easier for them to chew and digest. Larger breed puppies can handle bigger kibble, but it should still be appropriately sized for their age and mouth size.
Life StageLife stage indicates whether the food is formulated for puppies, adults, or senior dogs. Puppy food is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing dogs. It contains higher levels of protein, fat, and certain vitamins and minerals compared to adult dog food. Always choose a food labeled for puppies or 'all life stages' to ensure your puppy gets the right nutrients for their growth.
Breed-Specific FormulasBreed-specific formulas are dog foods tailored to the unique needs of certain breeds. These formulas take into account the typical size, activity level, and common health issues of the breed. For example, large breed puppies may benefit from a formula that supports joint health, while small breed puppies may need a higher calorie content. If your puppy is a purebred, consider a breed-specific formula to address their specific needs.
Wet vs. Dry FoodWet food is canned food that contains higher moisture content, while dry food is kibble. Wet food can be easier for puppies to chew and can help keep them hydrated, but it can be more expensive and less convenient to store. Dry food is more convenient, helps keep teeth clean, and is generally more affordable. Some pet owners choose to mix wet and dry food to provide a balance of benefits. Consider your puppy's preferences, dental health, and your convenience when choosing between wet and dry food.
Special Dietary NeedsSpecial dietary needs refer to any specific health concerns or dietary restrictions your puppy may have, such as food allergies, sensitivities, or medical conditions. If your puppy has any of these issues, look for foods that are formulated to address them, such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, or limited ingredient diets. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your puppy's special dietary needs.

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