Just like humans, dogs also need food for their growth and development. However, the food requirements will differ based on their age – puppy, adult, or senior. As puppies grow, they require a balanced meal plan to support their developing bodies. Be sure to choose foods that are specifically made for puppies. If you are unsure about any food options or brands, consult a vet for the right advice.

Royal Canin
This company has been a trusted brand since the 1960s. Initially, Royal Canin foods were created for small dogs, but today, they feed canines of all sizes, from puppies to seniors. Their small puppy dry dog food contains nutrients such as proteins, folic acid, choline chloride, calcium, and potassium chloride. The food helps meet the intense energy needs of growing puppies as it offers excellent health benefits such as:

• Vitamins and antioxidants to provide immune support
• Small-sized kibble to allow puppies to chew well
• Abundant in prebiotic ingredients for easy digestion

Victor Pet Foods
Victor Foods specializes in foods for puppies that promise a healthy foundation for your pet’s changing needs throughout their lives. Their foods are made with a scientifically-backed process using premium-quality food sources such as meat, plants, vegetables, and grains. Gluten-free foods contain essential nutrients, including healthy fats and amino acids.

Here are some excellent health benefits that Victor Foods offer:

• Ideal for high-energy and active dogs
• Promote a healthy immune system
• Support easy digestion

Natural Balance
Natural Balance has been around for more than thirty-three years, offering delicious and nutritious food for growing puppies. Their products are expertly crafted using research-backed formulas perfect for meeting the health and nutrition needs of dogs. Here are some reasons why Natural Balance ranks in this list of the best dog foods:

• Foods are free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
• Kibbles have a homemade food-like taste with added nutrition
• Supports muscle growth and smoothens digestion
• An expert team of animal nutritionists, master formulators, and veterinarians creates the food formulas

Merrick
This pet food company, established in 1988, is one of our favorites for offering wholesome and nutritious food to meet growing puppies’ health needs. All their recipes are created in-house and are closest to the natural food of dogs. Their pet food is:

• Made using the fresh, natural, and highest-quality ingredients
• Free of fillers, preservatives, and artificial colors
• Available in various flavors such as chicken, duck, grains, and sweet potato, among others
• Loaded with good-quality protein; it helps improve your pup’s muscles and energy levels
• Abundant in omega-3 fatty acids for your pup’s healthy skin and coat

Just Right
Another favorite on the list, Just Right, is one of the few dog food companies that personalize the food according to every dog’s preference and nutritional requirements. Once you provide key information about your dog, the company tailors the food. Some features of Just Right dog foods are as follows:

• Customize foods to suit every pet’s needs
• Incorporate all-natural ingredients without any preservatives or artificial ingredients
• Offer fortified food options (with vitamins and minerals)
• Curate food formulas by nutritionists, food safety supervisors, and pet experts

Nutro
Nutro does an exceptionally good job of offering high-quality dog food that is safely formulated and nutritionally balanced for all life stages. Its food options are affordable, and its ingredients are comparable to other major dog food brands. Nutro offers premium, complete, and balanced food options for growing dogs. The company:

• Uses wholesome and natural ingredients
• Curates dry and wet food with a handful of ingredients fortified with vitamins and minerals
• Offers a wide variety of flavors and ingredients such as beef, chicken, peas, eggs, barley, duck, bone broth, flax seed oil, and more.

Blue Buffalo
Since its launch in 2002, Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula has offered some of the best-quality puppy products. All their products undergo a rigorous six-point quality check and are prepared in state-of-art manufacturing facilities. Blue Buffalo offers pet food that:

• Contain easy-to-digest ingredients
• Exclude allergens like soy, wheat, and corn, which are perfect for puppies prone to allergies
• Include fortified foods with fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids to promote brain development, eye health, and a shiny coat

Purina
Purina is one of the longest-established pet food brands in the world. It was founded more than 125 years ago and is still strong today. That’s a testament to the quality of the food it produces. Purina foods are formulated to be complete and balanced for all life stages. It contains all the essential components for a healthy and balanced meal. The company:

• Offers varied dry and wet food options
• Provides foods that contain essentials like colostrum that improve the puppy’s immune response
• Combines key ingredients to support healthy joints and muscle buildup

Puppies need a variety of food to maintain healthy and shiny coats and bones. Look for food that is high in protein to ensure that they get enough of the nutrients to develop their bones. Avoid foods that contain ingredients your dog can’t handle, like gluten or dairy. Choose a food that is manufactured to meet AAFCO standards, like Purina One. It can be challenging to decipher much about the dog food from a nutritional label, so it helps to feed a sample to your pup and record its reaction.