The Best Puppy Foods September 2022
Here are The Advisor’s top 10 best puppy foods for September 2022.
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Complete Health Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
Wellness Puppy gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
An exceptional formula. Contains just the right amount of calcium to make it safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.
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Ollie Chicken is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Dog Food product line.
This particular Ollie formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 14% fat and 42% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of roughly 40%.
All Ollie recipes are human-grade and designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). A real plus. Each meal is suitable for all puppies, 12 weeks of age or older… including those of larger breeds.
An exceptional, grain-free option… perfect for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet. A diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get…. without all the time-consuming hard work.
Affordable. But not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
Review for this Ollie product posted at TrustPilot.
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Life Protection Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy is one of 21 dry recipes… including 4 puppy formulas… detailed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
This Blue Buffalo puppy product derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Blue Life Protection offers 4 puppy recipes. All are nutrient-balanced, affordable and easy to recommend.
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Pork Recipe is one of 4 fresh formulas included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.
Farmer’s Pork derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
The entire product line is designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Plus… each recipe is made with human-grade ingredients.
All Farmer’s Dog recipes are 100% complete and balanced and formulated for puppies of all breed sizes (including those of larger breeds).
A healthy feeding option for those able to afford the premium price. Highly recommended.
For More Choices: See our Best Fresh-Cooked Dog Food page
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Puppy Chicken and Rice is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.
This Purina Pro Plan puppy product derives the bulk of its animal protein from from poultry by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Pro Plan is one of the brands most often mentioned when we interview veterinary professionals.
What’s more… every Pro Plan product meets the strict guidelines recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
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Victor Nutra Pro is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Victor Purpose product line.
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro gets the largest portion of its animal protein from chicken meal and blood meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 42% protein, 20% fat and 31% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
An economical grain-inclusive option… ideal for those feeding either (or both) puppies and adults in the same home. Highly recommended.
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Science Diet Chicken Meal and Barley is one of 6 dry puppy recipes detailed in our review of the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy product line.
This Science Diet Puppy formula sources nearly all its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat and 43% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
Hill’s Puppy is a classic growth formula recommended by both breeders and veterinary professionals alike… and its calcium content is safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.
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Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
This Taste of the Wild puppy formula takes the majority of its animal protein from fresh salmon and ocean fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Pacific Stream Puppy Food is not only rich in omega fatty acids, it’s also nutrient-balanced… to support optimal health during a puppy’s period of maximum growth.
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Orijen Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
This Orijen formula takes the dominant part of its animal protein from fresh poultry (chicken and turkey) and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Orijen is a 5-star, all life stages recipe brimming with animal protein. A superior option for your growing puppy. Highly recommended.
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Chicken Soup Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh poultry and poultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
This product makes an exceptional choice for both small and medium puppies. Highly recommended.
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Natural Choice Puppy is one of 19 dry recipes that can be found in our review of the Nutro Natural Choice product line.
This Nutro puppy kibble gets nearly all its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Nutro Natural Choice offers 5 different puppy foods, each optimized for a specific breed size. A budget-friendly product from one of the most trusted brands in the industry. Highly recommended.
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Iams Smart Puppy is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy takes the dominant share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 19% fat and 40% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
A classic, grain-inclusive puppy option containing fish oil to help create a healthy coat and build strong joints. It’s easy on the wallet, too. Highly recommended.
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Puppy Plate is one of 10 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic canned product line.
This Merrick formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 28% fat and 14% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This Merrick puppy recipe makes a great wet alternative to a dry diet… and it makes a flavorful “topper” to help enhance the taste of almost any kibble. Highly recommended.
More Choices: Visit Our Best Wet Puppy Foods Page
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Eukanuba Puppy Large is one of 14 dry recipes included in our review of the Eukanuba product line.
Eukanuba Puppy Large derives the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
Don’t let the word “large” fool you. This classic, grain-inclusive food is also suitable for small and medium breed puppies, too.
Unlike most other puppy foods, this nutrient-balanced design has been formulated by actual experts… a team of board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
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Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
This Merrick Classic Puppy formula derives the largest share of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 18% fat and 43% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Unlike Merrick’s grain-free product line, “Classic” is not only free of peas and lentils… it’s also contains zero potatoes.
A top-quality, moderately priced puppy food. Highly recommended.
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Go! Carnivore Puppy is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Go! Carnivore product line.
Carnivore Puppy derives most all its animal protein from poultry meal and salmon meal as well as fresh, de-boned poultry. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 20% fat and 32% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
An exceptional canine growth formula. And unlike other brands, Go! Carnivore contains no genetically modified cereal grains. Highly recommended.
To view more top puppy foods… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Which breeds are at greatest risk for hip dysplasia?
Even though hip dysplasia can sometimes afflict smaller dogs…
The condition is far more common in larger breeds.
Which is why it’s SO important to choose a food that contains a safe amount of calcium… if you’re feeding a large breed puppy.
More Choices: See Our Best Large Breed Puppy Foods Page
What we’re looking for
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: “What to feed your puppy is a question I get almost every single day,” says Dr. Karie Anne Johnson, a mobile veterinarian and co-founder of VIP Vet Visit. She and the other vets we spoke to all recommend choosing puppy food that has been thoroughly researched and tested for nutritional adequacy by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and meets AAFCO’s nutritional standards. All of the puppy food recommended below meets or exceeds AAFCO standards.
Formulated for growing puppies: If you have other dogs at home, you might assume it’s okay to feed your adult dogs and your puppy the same food. But according to Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary in NYC, “Puppies have different dietary requirements compared to adult dogs.” They need higher levels of protein and certain vitamins and minerals. Because of this, Richardson recommends feeding them a formulation that is specific to puppies until they are skeletally mature — around one year for small- and medium-breed dogs or between 14 and 18 months in large- and giant-breed dogs. Still, even among the foods specifically made for puppies, there are hundreds of brands to choose from. Richardson suggests confirming that whatever food you buy says that the diet “meets the nutritional profiles for growth or all life stages.” And veterinarian Dr. Shelly Zacharias, vice-president of medical affairs for Gallant, adds that all good puppy foods should contain some sort of grain, because grain-free diets have been linked to an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (a kind of heart disease), especially in large-breed dogs. All of the dog foods on this list have been recommended by veterinarians with growing puppies in mind.
High-quality ingredients: Zacharias also stresses that the ingredients should name the exact type of meat included (instead of “meat” or “meat by-products”) and they should not contain white flour, preservatives such as BHA or BHT, propylene glycol, or rendered fat. If you’re among the people who see their dog more as a member of their family than as a pet, you may want to give them minimally processed food that looks more like your own dinner than traditional kibble or wet food. Richardson says that a growing number of the pet owners she sees are interested in human-grade or fresh pet foods. As this is a relatively new concept in the pet-food world and definitions vary a bit by brand, but generally speaking, something labeled “fresh pet food” is minimally processed, does not use preservatives, and is gently cooked to retain nutrients and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria present in some raw diets. These foods usually come frozen and need to be thawed before each meal.
Breed size: Large- and giant-breed puppies like malamutes, Great Danes, German shepherds, and Saint Bernards have different dietary needs than, say, a Yorkshire terrier or dachshund puppy. Veterinarian Dr. Leslie Brooks, an adviser at Betterpet, says large-breed puppies should eat food that is specifically labeled for “large-breed puppies.” According to Brooks, the mineral and calorie content in those foods is tailored to prevent large-breed puppies from growing too fast and developing bone or joint abnormalities as they grow.
When it comes to small and toy dog breeds, the main difference in their food, Richardson says, is that it’s made in smaller chunks. Because little dogs have smaller mouths and teeth, you want to give them something that’s easy for them to bite and chew. But that’s not the only reason to get food made specifically for small-breed puppies. According to Zacharias, small-breed puppy food also has nutrient differences that are important for small dogs.
Wet versus dry food: For some dog owners, the decision to feed their puppy a wet-food diet rather than a dry-food diet is one of convenience and personal preference. But if you have a puppy who’s reluctant to drink enough water, serving them wet food can be a sneaky way to help them stay hydrated. In addition to puppy foods that come in a can, fresh and human-grade dog foods can be considered wet food since they are lightly cooked to retain the food’s original moisture.
FAQ
What should a puppy eat daily?
- Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food. …
- Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food. …
- Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog Food. …
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large-Breed Formula Dry Dog Food. …
- Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food.