Best Dog Food for Puppies of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Dog food for puppies is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing pups. These products are typically higher in protein and fat than adult dog food, as puppies require more of these nutrients to support their development. Some brands also include added vitamins and minerals to support healthy bone growth and immune function. It's important to choose a high-quality puppy food that is appropriate for your pup's breed and size, and to follow feeding guidelines carefully to ensure your puppy gets the nutrition they need without overeating.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pedigree Puppy Food, Grilled Steak Flavor Cover #TOP 1
Pedigree Puppy Food, Grilled Steak Flavor
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Blue Buffalo Puppy Dry Dog Food Cover #TOP 2
Blue Buffalo Puppy Dry Dog Food
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food Cover #TOP 3
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Dog Food for Puppies

#TOP 1

Pedigree Puppy Food, Grilled Steak Flavor

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Pedigree Puppy Food, Grilled Steak Flavor Cover
Pedigree Puppy Dry Puppy Food, Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor, 3.5 lb. Bag

Pedigree Puppy Food offers high-quality protein to support your puppy's muscle growth, ensuring they develop strong and healthy. Packed with 36 essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, this food provides the nutrition necessary for your puppy's overall vitality. Additionally, it is fortified with vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy immune system, helping your furry friend stay active and protected. Designed specifically for puppies, this complete and balanced meal guarantees that your pet receives all the nutrients they need for a happy, healthy life.

What We Like
High-quality protein source
Rich in essential vitamins
Supports immune health
Complete and balanced nutrition
#TOP 2

Blue Buffalo Puppy Dry Dog Food

803947
Brown
5 Pound (Pack of 1)
Blue Buffalo Puppy Dry Dog Food Cover
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dry Dog Food with DHA and ARA, Made with Natural Ingredients, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, 5-lb Bag

Blue Buffalo Puppy Dry Dog Food, also known as Blue Puppy Dog Food, is specially formulated for puppies. It features real chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to help your dog build and maintain healthy muscles. The food also contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit. It contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother's milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health. The food is made with the finest natural ingredients, enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It does not contain chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Blue Puppy Dog Food also includes antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance. Give your puppy the benefits of the True BLUE Effect with Blue Buffalo Puppy Dry Dog Food.

What We Like
Real meat as first ingredient
Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health
Wholesome ingredients with no artificial additives
#TOP 3

Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

802801
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food Cover
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Natural Dry Food for Puppies, Healthy Growth Formula with DHA, Savory Chicken Recipe, 4-lb. Bag

The Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great choice for pet parents who want to provide their puppies with high-quality, natural ingredients. This dry dog food features real chicken as the first ingredient, which supports healthy muscle development. It also includes wholesome grains, garden veggies, and fruit, making it a nutritious meal for your furry friend. The formula is enriched with DHA and ARA, which supports cognitive function and retinal health. Additionally, it contains LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that supports your puppy's immune system. This natural dog food contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.

What We Like
Real chicken as the first ingredient supports healthy muscle development
Enriched with DHA and ARA, which supports cognitive function and retinal health
Contains LifeSource Bits that support your puppy's immune system
Wholesome grains, garden veggies, and fruit provide a nutritious meal for your puppy
Contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
#TOP 4

Purina ONE Natural High-Protein Dry Puppy Food

14935
Purina ONE Natural High-Protein Dry Puppy Food Cover
Purina ONE Plus Healthy Puppy Formula High Protein Natural Dry Puppy Food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients - 16.5 lb. Bag

Keep your puppy healthy and happy with Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Healthy Puppy Formula dry puppy food. Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient, this high-protein puppy food supports strong muscles and a healthy heart. It also includes DHA for vision and brain development, calcium and phosphorus for growing bones, and an antioxidant blend for a strong immune system. The easily digestible formula contains a SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients, plus omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for a shiny coat and healthy skin. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, this formula is 100% nutrition and 0% fillers.

What We Like
Real chicken as the #1 ingredient
DHA for vision and brain development
Antioxidant blend for a strong immune system
SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for a shiny coat and healthy skin
No artificial flavors or preservatives

Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Dry Food

Hill's
9094
White
Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Dry Food Cover
Hill's Science Diet Puppy, Puppy, Small & Mini Breeds Puppy Premium Nutrition, Dry Dog Food, Chicken, Brown Rice, & Barley, 4.5 lb Bag

Give your small breed puppy a healthy start with Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Dry Food. This premium pet food uses natural ingredients to support your pup's brain and eye development, build lean muscles, and promote strong bones and teeth. A proprietary antioxidant blend also provides lifelong immune support for toy and miniature dogs, while a convenient single-serve tray option allows for mealtime variety. Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, this dry puppy food is veterinarian recommended and tailored to the developmental needs of small breed dogs 1 year and younger.

What We Like
Promotes healthy brain and eye development with DHA from fish oil
High-quality protein supports building lean, strong muscles
Balance of minerals promotes strong bones and healthy teeth
Antioxidant blend provides lifelong immune support for toy and miniature dogs
Convenient single-serve tray option allows for mealtime variety
#TOP 6

Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Healthy Growth Formula Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

802804
4 Pound (Pack of 1)
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Healthy Growth Formula Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food Cover
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Healthy Growth Formula with DHA, Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe, 4-lb. Bag

This puppy food features high-quality protein from real chicken to support healthy muscle development, DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health, and LifeSource Bits to support a healthy immune system. It contains wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit and is formulated to meet the unique energy needs of small breeds. It is made from natural ingredients and contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

What We Like
High-quality protein from real chicken
Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function and retinal health
LifeSource Bits to support a healthy immune system
Wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit
Made from natural ingredients and contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
#TOP 7

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Small-Breed Puppies

7139
White
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Small-Breed Puppies Cover
Hill's Science Diet Puppy, Puppy Premium Nutrition, Small Kibble, Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice, 4.5 lb Bag

This dry puppy food is specially designed for small-breed puppies to support their developmental needs with a delicious chicken flavor. The food contains DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development and high-quality protein for building lean muscle. A balanced set of minerals promotes strong bones and teeth. Made with natural ingredients, this dry dog food is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients you can trust. It is also the #1 Veterinarian Recommended puppy food.

What We Like
Specially designed for small-breed puppies
Supports healthy brain and eye development
High-quality protein for building lean muscle
Uses a balanced set of minerals for strong bones and teeth
Made with natural ingredients
#TOP 8

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula

00038100113634
6 Pound (Pack of 1)
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula Cover
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula - 6 lb. Bag

This dry puppy food is made with chicken as the first ingredient, providing high quality protein that helps build lean muscles. Its highly digestible formula delivers optimal nutrients to support a puppy's developing immune system. DHA from omega-rich fish oil nourishes brain and vision development, while antioxidants further support the immune system.

What We Like
Contains chicken as the first ingredient for high quality protein to build lean muscles
DHA from omega-rich fish oil nourishes brain and vision development
Antioxidants support a puppy's developing immune system
Highly digestible formula for optimal nutrient delivery
#TOP 9

Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Large Breed Puppy Food - 34 lb.

00038100132635
Other
Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Large Breed Puppy Food - 34 lb. Cover
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula - 34 lb. Bag

Give your large breed puppy the best start in life with Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Large Breed Puppy Food. Made with high-quality protein sources, including real chicken, this kibble supports your puppy's muscle development and growing bones. The formula contains glucosamine to support developing joints and cartilage, and DHA from omega-rich fish oil to nourish brain and vision development. Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids help to nourish skin and coat. This super-premium puppy kibble is 100% complete and balanced, with no artificial colors or flavors, so you can feel confident that your puppy is getting the best nutrition for his early stage of development.

What We Like
Real chicken is the first ingredient
Contains glucosamine for developing joints and cartilage
DHA from omega-rich fish oil nourishes brain and vision development
Contains vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat
100% complete and balanced nutrition with no artificial colors or flavors
#TOP 10

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food

38100132703
Other
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food Cover
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food, Chicken and Rice Formula - 34 lb. Bag

Purina Puppy Food is designed to support your puppy's growth and development. It includes DHA from omega-rich fish oil, which is essential for nurturing brain and vision health. The high-quality protein, with chicken as the primary ingredient, helps to build strong, lean muscles, ensuring your puppy stays active and healthy. Additionally, the formula is packed with antioxidants that bolster your puppy's immune system, giving you peace of mind as they grow. Its highly digestible nature ensures that your puppy gets the most out of every meal, making feeding time a breeze.

What We Like
Supports brain and vision health
Builds strong, lean muscles
Boosts immune system
Highly digestible formula
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting the Best Dog Food for Puppies for Your Pets

Introduction

Choosing the right dog food for your puppy is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on their health and well-being. With so many different options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we will go over some key factors to consider when choosing dog food for your puppy, as well as some tips for making the best decision for your furry friend.

Factors to Consider

When choosing dog food for your puppy, there are a few key factors that you should take into account. These include:

  • The age of your puppy: Puppies have different nutritional needs at different stages of their development, so it's important to choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies. Look for a label that indicates the food is appropriate for puppies, and check the package for information on the recommended age range.

  • The size of your puppy: Puppies also have different nutritional needs depending on their size. Small breed puppies have higher energy requirements and may benefit from a dog food that is higher in calories, while large breed puppies may need a diet that is lower in calories to prevent them from growing too quickly.

  • The ingredients: The ingredients in dog food can have a big impact on your puppy's health. Look for a dog food that is made with high-quality, whole ingredients, such as real meat, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid dog foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and artificial colors or flavors.

  • The brand: The brand of dog food you choose can also make a difference. Look for a reputable brand that has a good track record and is known for using high-quality ingredients. You can also check online reviews and ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Food

Now that you know what to look for in a dog food, here are some tips to help you make the best decision for your puppy:

  • Start with a puppy-specific formula: As mentioned above, it's important to choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies. This will provide the right balance of nutrients to support your puppy's growth and development.

  • Gradually transition to a new food: If you are switching your puppy to a new dog food, it's important to do it gradually to prevent digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with their old food, and gradually increase the amount of new food over the course of a few days.

  • Pay attention to the feeding instructions: The feeding instructions on the dog food package are there for a reason, so make sure to follow them. The amount of food that your puppy needs will depend on their age, size, and activity level, so it's important to feed them the right amount to prevent over- or under-feeding.

  • Monitor your puppy's health: Keep an eye on your puppy's health and pay attention to any changes in their behavior or appearance. If you notice any problems, such as excessive weight gain or loss, diarrhea, or vomiting, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there is a problem with the dog food you are feeding your puppy and recommend a different option if necessary.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog food for your puppy is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on their health and well-being. By considering factors such as your puppy's age, size, and the ingredients in the dog food, and by following the tips above, you can make the best decision for your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I feed my 8 week old puppy?

Once your puppy has been weaned off of their mother's milk (around 8 weeks), you can start feeding them soft foods like canned or dehydrated dog foods (if you aren't sure what that is, read our complete guide here ). You won't want to start feeding your pup any hard foods until they are at least 9-10 weeks old.

2. What do u feed a 4 week old puppy?

"At four weeks, all of the puppies should be able to walk, run, and play." Puppies should begin eating solid food about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 weeks of age. Initially, make gruel by mixing a milk replacer in puppy food soaked in water and place this mixture in a flat saucer.

3. What can I feed my 2 month old puppy?

Types of People Food Treats for Your PuppyPurina ONE Natural Dry Dog FoodEukanuba Dry Dog FoodMini Puppy Royal CaninNUTRO ULTRA Breed Dry Dog FoodRetriever Puppy Skin & Coat Chicken Blend Recipe Dry Dog FoodPurina Puppy Chow High Protein Dry Puppy FoodVictor Grain Free Active Dog & Puppy Dry Dog FoodRoyal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog FoodACANA PUPPYMerrick Classic Puppy Recipe Dry Dog FoodGo! Solutions Carnivore Grain Free Chicken TurkeyWholehearted Grain Free Chicken and Pea Recipe Dry Puppy Food, 14 lbs.Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Rice RecipeNutriSource Breed Puppy Chicken Rice Dog FoodOpen Farm Recipe Dry Dog FoodDiamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy FoodMerrick Grain Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food, 22 lbsWellness Complete Health Puppy FoodVictor Nutra Pro Dry Dog Food. Lean meat: Small amounts of turkey, chicken, and lean beef are good, but avoid ham as it may be too rich for a puppy's digestion. ... Vegetables: Cooked or raw veggies such as broccoli, carrots, and asparagus can be great treats.

Editor's Notes

During our dog food for puppies research, we found 24 dog food for puppies products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 374,073 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dog food for puppies list. We found that most customers choose dog food for puppies with an average price of $24.86.

The dog food for puppies are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dog food for puppies, including Pedigree, Blue Buffalo, Purina ONE, Hill's, Hill's Science Diet. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.