Getting a new puppy is an exciting time! While puppies are adorable bundles of joy, raising one properly requires dedication and effort from pet parents. An essential part of caring for a growing puppy is feeding them a nutritious diet formulated for their unique needs. But with so many puppy food options on the market, how do you know which ones are actually vet recommended and best for your pup’s health?
This comprehensive guide will highlight the top puppy food brands recommended by veterinarians and experts in 2023. We’ll provide an in-depth look at what makes these brands stand out, key ingredients to look for, pricing options, and pros and cons of each recommended puppy food brand. Read on to learn everything you need to choose the right puppy food to set your furry friend up for healthy growth and development.
Outline of Puppy Food Brands Recommended by Vets
To make it easier to compare top options, here is an outline of the puppy foods we’ll be covering in this guide:
Royal Canin
- Overview
- Key Benefits & Features
- Ingredient Analysis
- Pricing
- Pros & Cons
Hill’s Science Diet
- Overview
- Key Benefits & Features
- Ingredient Analysis
- Pricing
- Pros & Cons
Purina Pro Plan
- Overview
- Key Benefits & Features
- Ingredient Analysis
- Pricing
- Pros & Cons
Blue Buffalo
- Overview
- Key Benefits & Features
- Ingredient Analysis
- Pricing
- Pros & Cons
Wellness Core
- Overview
- Key Benefits & Features
- Ingredient Analysis
- Pricing
- Pros & Cons
Taste of the Wild
- Overview
- Key Benefits & Features
- Ingredient Analysis
- Pricing
- Pros & Cons
Nutro
- Overview
- Key Benefits & Features
- Ingredient Analysis
- Pricing
- Pros & Cons
Iams
- Overview
- Key Benefits & Features
- Ingredient Analysis
- Pricing
- Pros & Cons
FAQs About Puppy Food
- What should I look for in a puppy food?
- When should puppies switch from puppy food to adult food?
- How much should I feed my puppy?
- What are signs my puppy doesn’t like their food?
- Is grain-free puppy food better?
- Is it okay to change puppy foods frequently?
Conclusion & Final Recommendations
What Veterinarians Look for in Recommending Puppy Food
When making puppy food recommendations, veterinarians consider a few key factors:
- Age-appropriate nutrition: Puppy food is formulated to provide extra calories for growth and development, with optimal protein, fat, carbohydrate, and nutrient levels.
- High-quality ingredients: Vets look for natural, premium protein sources as the first ingredients, like chicken, lamb, or fish. Whole grains and veggies should also be included.
- Supports bone & joint health: Nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin help build strong bones and joints.
- Promotes brain development: DHA from fish oil, vitamins, and antioxidants support cognitive growth.
- Improves skin & coat: Fatty acids result in soft, shiny coats. Probiotics aid digestion for less tummy upsets.
- Reputable brand: Established companies with expert nutritionists and rigorous quality standards are recommended.
- Budget-friendly pricing: Vets consider affordability, knowing new puppy owners have many expenses.
Now that we’ve covered the criteria vets use for suggesting puppy foods, let’s dive into the top brands and products they recommend most.
1. Royal Canin Puppy Food
Royal Canin is a premium pet food brand founded in France in 1968 that has become well-respected by veterinarians for its science-backed nutrition. Their puppy food line offers specially formulated recipes by puppy size and age.
Key Benefits & Features
- Veterinary exclusive diets
- Size-specific nutrition
- Supports immune system health
- Aids digestive health
- Formulated for bone & joint development
- Helps maintain healthy skin & coat
- Includes antioxidants & DHA
Ingredient Analysis
- First ingredients: Chicken and chicken meal provide lean protein.
- Grains: Brewers rice and corn offer carbohydrates for energy.
- Fruits & veggies: Pea fiber, carrots, and apples add vitamins.
- Supplements: Dried fermentation products support digestive health.
Pricing
Royal Canin puppy food costs approximately $1.50 – $3 per pound.
Royal Canin Puppy Food Options:
- Royal Canin Puppy Dry Food – $47.99 for a 15 lb bag
- Royal Canin Puppy Wet Food – $1.79 per can or $27.99 for a case of 12
- Royal Canin Breed Specific Puppy Food – $52.99+ for a 15 lb bag
Pros
- Vet recommended and tailored to puppy’s size
- Supports healthy growth in all areas
- Trusted brand used by breeders
- Palatable taste most puppies love
- Durable kibble helps clean teeth
Cons
- Contains corn, wheat, and soy which some dogs are allergic to
- Higher price point than many competitors
- Some varieties have artificial colors/flavors
2. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food
Hill’s Science Diet is another veterinarian-recommended brand that formulates recipes based on scientific research about dog nutrition. Their puppy food promotes healthy development.
Key Benefits & Features
- Expert nutritionists and veterinarians on staff
- Natural ingredients and added vitamins
- DHA from fish oil for brain support
- Antioxidants for immune health
- Supports healthy skin and digestion
- Proprietary Science Diet recipes
Ingredient Analysis
- First ingredients: Chicken, lamb, salmon, or egg provide protein.
- Grains: Barley, rice and oats add whole grain carbs.
- Fruits & veggies: Carrots, apples, cranberries for vitamins.
- Supplements: Omega-6s and vitamin E support skin and coat health.
Pricing
Hill’s Science Diet puppy food costs about $1.50 – $2.50 per pound.
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food Options:
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food – $16.99 for a 4 lb bag
- Hill’s Science Diet Wet Puppy Food – $1.99 per can
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Puppy Food – $89.99 for a 17.5 lb bag
Pros
- Recommended by vets for quality nutrition
- Supports healthy growth & development
- Natural ingredients with added vitamins
- Unique proprietary recipes
- Provides energy for playful puppies
Cons
- Contains some controversial ingredients like corn
- More expensive than grocery store brands
- Some puppies don’t like the taste
3. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan is a pet food brand from the well-known Nestle Purina company. Their puppy formulas are designed to meet puppies’ nutritional needs.
Key Benefits & Features
- High protein formulas with real meat
- Probiotics to support digestion
- DHA for brain development
- Glucosamine for joint health
- Calcium & phosphorus for strong bones
- Antioxidants for immune support
- Breed size and age specific recipes
Ingredient Analysis
- First ingredients: Chicken, salmon, beef or egg provide lean protein.
- Grains: Rice, barley, and oat meal add carbs.
- Fruits & veggies: Dried peas, carrots and spinach for vitamins.
- Supplements: Dried fermentation products with probiotics aid digestion.
Pricing
Purina Pro Plan puppy food costs approximately $1.50 – $2.50 per pound.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food Options:
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Dry Dog Food – $48.48 for a 24 lb bag
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Wet Food – $2.08 per can
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Dry Food – $52.48 for a 24 lb bag
Pros
- Nutrition tailored for puppy size and age
- Affordably priced at mass retailers
- Company has long history and reputation
- Vet recommended for quality formulas
- Most puppies readily eat the food
Cons
- Contains corn, wheat and soy fillers
- Some artificial colors used
- May cause gas or loose stools in some pups
4. Blue Buffalo Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo is a newer premium brand that advertises use of only natural ingredients in their pet foods. Their puppy recipes aim to support growth and development.
Key Benefits & Features
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Contains NO chicken by-product meals
- NO corn, wheat or soy
- Has LifeSource Bits with vitamins
- Includes DHA and antioxidants
- Formula for large breed puppy health
Ingredient Analysis
- First ingredients: Deboned chicken, fish, lamb or turkey
- Carbs: Brown rice, barley, oatmeal supply energy
- Fruits & veggies: Blueberries, cranberries, kelp
- Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium for bone health
Pricing
Blue Buffalo puppy food costs approximately $2 – $3.50 per pound.
Blue Buffalo Puppy Food Options:
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Dry Dog Food – $48.98 for a 24 lb bag
- Blue Buffalo Puppy Wet Dog Food – $2.29 per 12.5 oz can
- Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Dry Food – $54.98 for a 24 lb bag
Pros
- Uses all-natural ingredients
- Real meat or fish is first ingredient
- Added vitamins, antioxidants, and DHA
- Most puppies love the taste
- Company not owned by a large conglomerate
Cons
- More expensive than mass-market brands
- Contains pea protein and potatoes which can cause allergies
- Some report digestion issues
5. Wellness Core Puppy Food
Wellness Core is a premium natural pet food that uses quality proteins and superfood ingredients tailored for puppies.
Key Benefits & Features
- High protein, grain-free recipes
- Contains probiotics & antioxidants
- Supports healthy growth & development
- NO meat by-products, fillers or additives
- Provides vitamins & nutrients puppies need
- Made in the USA facilities
Ingredient Analysis
- First ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken or salmon
- Carbs: Peas, lentils supply grain-free energy
- Fruits & veggies: Sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale
- Supplements: Flaxseed for skin & coat health
Pricing
Wellness Core puppy food costs approximately $2.50 – $3.50 per pound.
Wellness Core Puppy Food Options:
- Wellness Core Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food – $58.99 for a 26 lb bag
- Wellness Core Puppy Canned Wet Food – $2.75 per 12.5 oz can
- Wellness Core RawRev Puppy Food – $4.49 per lb
Pros
- All natural with premium ingredients
- Grain-free and high in meat-based proteins
- Chondroitin & glucosamine for joints
- Includes superfoods like kale & broccoli
- Most puppies enthusiastically gobble it up
Cons
- Expensive compared to traditional brands
- Some rare dogs reject the taste
- Can cause loose stool in sensitive pups
6. Taste of the Wild Puppy Food
Taste of the Wild creates grain-free recipes inspired by a dog’s ancestral wild diet. Their puppy formulas provide natural nutrition.
Key Benefits & Features
- Based on wild canine diets
- High protein from real meat
- Probiotics added for digestion
- NO grains, corn, wheat, fillers
- Includes fruits, veggies & antioxidants
- Supports lean muscle growth
- Made in the USA
Ingredient Analysis
- First ingredients: Real buffalo, salmon, bison or venison
- Carbs: Sweet potatoes, peas, lentils supply energy
- Fruits & veggies: Blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes
- Supplements: Chicory root for digestion
Pricing
Taste of the Wild puppy food costs approximately $1.50 – $2 per pound.
Taste of the Wild Puppy Food Options:
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Dry Dog Food – $48.99 for a 28 lb bag
- Taste of the Wild Wetlands Puppy Canned Food – $2.50 per 13 oz can
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula – $52.99 for a 28 lb bag
Pros
- Grain-free formulation
- Emphasizes real meats like buffalo & venison
- Affordably priced for premium brand
- Added fruits and vegetables
- Dogs love the taste
Cons
- Contains pea protein which can trigger allergies
- Some report digestion issues
- May be too high protein for some puppies
- Brand had past recall
7. Nutro Puppy Food
Nutro creates natural pet food with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They offer both grain-inclusive and grain-free puppy recipes.
Key Benefits & Features
- Formulas with farm-raised chicken
- Options with and without grain
- NO artificial additives
- Nutrient-dense recipes
- Tailored for puppy energy needs
- Also offer large breed puppy formulas
Ingredient Analysis
- First ingredients: Chicken, lamb, salmon provide lean protein
- Carbs: Brown rice, sweet potato, lentils supply carbs
- Fruits & veggies: Blueberries, kale, chia for nutrients
- Supplements: Dried chicory root nourishes gut health
Pricing
Nutro puppy food costs approximately $1.60 – $2.80 per pound.
Nutro Puppy Food Options:
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food – $42.48 for a 22 lb bag
- Nutro Grain Free Puppy Wet Food – $1.89 per 12.5 oz can
- Nutro Large Breed Puppy Formula – $47.48 for a 22 lb bag
Pros
- Non-GMO ingredients
- No artificial additives
- Has grain-free and grain-inclusive varieties
- Real meat or fish is first ingredient
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Had past recalls of concern
- Some puppies dislike the taste
- Can cause digestive upset in sensitive dogs
8. Iams Puppy Food
Iams is a veterinarian-recommended brand making nutritionally complete and balanced pet food since the 1940s. Their puppy formulas support development.
Key Benefits & Features
- Veterinarian recommended brand
- Tailored nutrition for puppies
- Probiotics for digestive health
- Strong muscles & bones
- Healthy brain development
- Shiny coats & skin
Ingredient Analysis
- First ingredients: Chicken, lamb or fish proteins
- Grains: Dried beet pulp and rice
- Fruits & veggies: Dried peas and carrots
- Supplements: Omega-6 fatty acids nourish skin
Pricing
Iams puppy food costs approximately $1 – $2 per pound.
Iams Puppy Food Options:
- Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food – $33.49 for a 20 lb bag
- Iams Proactive Health Puppy Wet Food – $1.20 per can
- Iams Large Breed Puppy Food – $36.49 for a 20 lb bag
Pros
- Veterinarian trusted brand
- Budget-friendly price point
- Good for sensitive digestive systems
- Provides complete puppy nutrition
- Readily available at retailers
Cons
- Contains corn, wheat and soy
- Dry food has artificial colors/flavors
- Some dogs don’t like the taste
- Had past recalls
FAQs About Puppy Food
What should I look for in a puppy food?
Focus on puppy food with meat proteins (chicken, beef, fish) as the first ingredient. Look for added vitamins, DHA, antioxidants, probiotics, and joint support. Avoid filler ingredients like corn, wheat, soy.
When should puppies switch from puppy food to adult food?
Puppies can start transitioning to adult food between 9-12 months old. Large and giant breed puppies should wait until 15-24 months old for joint health. Consult your vet.
Subscribe to our list
Don't worry, we don't spam
How much should I feed my puppy?
Follow the feeding guidelines on the puppy food package based on your puppy’s age and expected weight. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily. Adjust amounts as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
What are signs my puppy doesn’t like their food?
Your puppy might refuse to
eat, eat very slowly, or only eat when extremely hungry if they dislike their food. They may try to eat things other than their own food. Pay attention to stool consistency as well since digestive upset can indicate food issues.
Is grain-free puppy food better?
Not necessarily. Grain-free can be a good option, but grains like rice and oatmeal can provide needed carbs for energy. Focus more on meat-first ingredients and added nutrients vs. whether it is grain-free or not.
Is it okay to change puppy foods frequently?
It’s best to not change puppy foods too often unless needed. Sudden switches between brands can upset digestive systems. Make gradual transitions over 5-7 days if you do switch, and monitor stool health.
Conclusion & Final Recommendations
Raising a healthy, happy puppy starts with choosing the right food. Puppy hood passes quickly, so ensuring they get proper nutrition during this crucial developmental stage sets the foundation for their future. Based on expert veterinarian recommendations, these top-rated puppy food brands provide complete and balanced nutrition:
- Royal Canin – Science-backed nutrition specially formulated for puppy’s needs and size. Vet recommended brand that many puppies enjoy the taste of.
- Hill’s Science Diet – Made by nutritionists and veterinarians to provide the ideal nutrients to fuel playful puppy growth and development.
- Purina Pro Plan – Trusted brand with high-protein puppy recipes using real meat as the first ingredient. Budget-friendly pricing.
- Wellness Core – Premium all natural and grain-free ingredients with added vitamins, antioxidants and probiotics.
- Blue Buffalo – Contains only natural wholesome ingredients enhanced with vitamins, DHA and antioxidants. Real meat or fish is always the first ingredient.
While all top-rated brands, be sure to also consider your puppy’s unique needs, budget, and preferences. Gradual transitions between foods reduce digestive upset. Provide your furry friend with the nutrition they deserve to have an amazing start to life by choosing quality vet recommended puppy food brands.
