You can read the ingredients list but don’t stress about it too much. “”Although many pet owners make their decision based largely on the ingredient panel, it is only one of many considerations,”” Swanson says. “”Without knowing the exact formula and percentage of each ingredient, it is not too useful. What is more important is that the dietary formula is complete and balanced.”” Given the wide variety of dog foods and the different health needs they cater to, there’s no one best dog food that is recommended by veterinarians.

This will help grind down those jagged little puppy teeth that are hurting their jaw and ultimately destroying the furniture. It’s not recommended to feed puppies grain-free diets because of their connection to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy . The issue may not simply be the lack of grains, but more so the ingredients added in place of the grains that may alter metabolism of nutrients necessary for proper heart development and function. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, raw food is not recommended for any dog, no matter what age.

These types of treats provide an extra source of nutrition and will help your pup to develop healthily. Older puppies may benefit from reduced amounts of protein and fat in their diet as well as increased amounts of calcium for strong bones. Additionally, puppies with sensitive stomachs or food allergies will require special ingredients such as hypoallergenic proteins or grain-free formulas. You will also need to consider whether wet or dry food is preferable. The best food for puppies on our list of top puppy foods is the unique meal plan you are able to build at We Feed Raw. Rather than offer pre-made standard dog food formulas, We Feed Raw instead allows you to create custom food plans for your dog, with the best possible nutrition and prearranged portions.

Beware of marketing buzzwords like “”natural”” and “”organic.”” “”While both terms were intended to highlight higher quality ingredients, they do not guarantee high quality,”” says Swanson. Quality is determined by the raw ingredients a company uses and their manufacturing processes. “”Like other ingredients that do not carry these terms, they are highly variable due to differences in soil quality , feed quality , ingredient storage, ingredient handling, etc.,”” he says.

Healthy extras like flaxseed and salmon oil provide omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. With 28% protein, 16% fat, 4% fiber, and 408 kcal per cup, we recommend this food for moderately active small breed dogs. Turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal are the main proteins in this food that has undergone feeding trials. The list of carbohydrates includes oatmeal, barley, brown rice, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples.

Healthy nutrition is a huge part of responsible pet ownership. This wet food is a high-protein treat for puppies that includes primo ingredients like cage-free chicken, beef liver, and salmon. Instinct prioritizes holistic recipes that avoid artificial additives, fillers, or grains. As for preservatives, it also skips the commonly-used additive called carrageenan, which has caused concern among some pet owners . Many pet owners like to reward their dogs with treats, but it’s best to limit them.

Royal Canin also offers its dry food formula for medium and large breeds, as well as a puppy formula. This food features deboned chicken and chicken meal as its main protein sources, along with carbohydrates like brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and quinoa. Healthy extras include salmon oil and glucosamine and chondroitin.