20 Best Dry Puppy Foods Compared & Reviewed

 

Top Rated Dry Food for Puppies List in 2023 + Buying Guide

 

Are you looking for the best dry puppy food, but you don’t know where to start? Do you want to treat your beloved furry friend with both tasty and healthy food? We decided to gather all the information you need in order to help you make the right choices. In this article, you will find some of the highest-rated products that promise to offer outstanding results. Our first recommendation is the Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free. Its number 1 ingredient is real meat, mainly chicken, which will help in the development of your pet’s strong muscles. Also, it is rich in vitamins and minerals which will help strengthen his/her immune system. And, it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. In case you are not able to find this type of dry puppy food for sale, you should consider the Royal Canin Puppy Medium as it is known to have very similar benefits.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

20 Best Dry Puppy Foods (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

The best dry dog food for puppies is not something that can be easily found. You need to do extensive research in order to find the one that is suitable for all your puppy’s needs. Our team managed to put together some of the products that have received amazing reviews from many dog owners.

We recommend you read our dry puppy food reviews because they will help you understand which one is better for your beloved furry friend. Below, you will find a diversity of both cheap dry puppy food and more expensive ones; you are the one who gets to decide which is more suitable for your pet.

 

 

1. Blue Buffalo Freedom Puppy Chicken Recipe

 

This product contains high-quality protein from deboned chicken which will help your puppy develop strong muscles. Also, the DHA fatty acids will contribute to healthy development of cognitive learning and retinal function. You will love to see your furry friend become healthy, strong, and beautiful as he/she eats it.

This tasty formula is gluten-free which is a perfect choice for puppies that don’t do well with grain-based products. We know how many negative impacts gluten can have on your pet if he/she is allergic to it. Among the health problems it can create, we can remember bowel discomfort, gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, or skin irritation.  

Highly appreciated for its balanced blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, this good dry puppy food is everything your pet needs for healthy normal growth. Another important characteristic is that it only contains natural ingredients so that your puppy can enjoy the best results.

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2. Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food

 

During their short growth period, puppies need important nutrients, and this product has proved to have them all. Also, if you notice that your medium puppy is very energetic, you should know that this type of food will help him/her keep that energy. The rich mineral blend is everything your furry friend needs for healthy bones and joints.

Your puppy’s immune system has never been stronger thanks to its balanced content of vitamins and antioxidants. Also, digestion issues are a thing of the past because this product contains highly digestible proteins and prebiotics. All of these extremely important ingredients will improve the quality of your pet’s stool and he/she will have optimal and consistent stools.

Also, the calcium and phosphorus content will ensure that your puppy will maintain healthy skeletal development. We know how important nutrition is if you want your friend to remain strong, beautiful, and full of energy.  

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3. Merrick 1 Count Classic Puppy Recipe

 

This is a product that is very popular among dog owners thanks to its natural ingredients and high content of real deboned chicken. Your puppy will enjoy a delicious fresh taste of the freeze-dried real raw poultry pieces. Both tasty and healthy, this type of food is your pet’s best friend. You will be happy to notice the normal growth and development of your furry friend.

Small or large breeds, they will all benefit from this balanced formula which has proved to offer amazing results. Also, your puppy will not experience any digestive issues thanks to this product which is mostly protein-based. We all know how carbohydrates can create some stomach discomfort because they can be difficult to break down.  

Knowing that it is cooked in the USA, it will give you the peace of mind that all the ingredients used are high-quality and that all the hygiene requirements are met.

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4. Pro Pac Ultimates Puppy Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

 

We all want what is best for our puppy, especially for his/her first year of growth. We know how important it is for him/her to get all the health benefits of a balanced diet. This product has proved to offer your furry friend optimum nutrition. The chicken meat and brown rice formula is everything your puppy needs for healthy and normal growth.

Also, this type of food contains a rich source of DHA which will support the healthy brain development of all its consumers. We know that puppies need key ingredients, and we also know that they need a lot of them. Puppies need two times more nutrients than an adult dog. And if you were concerned about the package, you should know that it is BPA-free.

If you include enough nutrients in your puppy’s diet you will definitely notice the amazing benefits. And to satisfy even the most sensitive customers, this formula is made without corn, wheat, or soy.

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5. Nutro Max Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food With Farm Raised Chicken

 

This is a product that contains farm-raised chicken which supports the healthy development of your growing puppy. It is a perfect choice for puppies that are 1 to 12 months-old. Also, this type of food features whole grains so that your furry friend can benefit a nutritious source of fiber.

It is both great-tasting and made with high-quality ingredients, so you can feel confident that your puppy will enjoy a healthy and delicious diet. It is all natural; no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives are present in this product.

And another important aspect is that this food was made in the USA, so you can have the peace of mind that it meets all the hygiene and quality requirements. Certain grains can cause your puppy some sensitivities, and if your pet has one of them you should know that this product doesn’t contain any corn, wheat or soy protein.  

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6. Halo Spot’s Stew Wholesome Chicken Puppy Formula Natural Dry Dog Food

 

This product will help your growing puppy get all the nutrients he/she needs. It is made with real whole chicken that was not raised with antibiotics. It also contains important ingredients like chicken liver, grains, and non-GMO vegetables and fruits. Your beloved furry friend will experience the amazing benefits of premium protein that is found in this product.

He/she will develop strong muscles, and thanks to the high-quality fats, your puppy will be full of energy. Also, the fatty acids will help your puppy’s skin become healthier. The balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will help your dog develop a strong immune system.

Halo is known to use only natural ingredients. This company has a unique approach to the wellbeing of all animals. It believes that the way animals are fed and raised should be improved. That is why it only makes food that is all natural, with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

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7. Hill’s Science Plan Canine Puppy Chicken Medium Breed Dry Mix

 

This is a recipe that contains chicken meal and oats that is recommended for breeds that are on the larger side. Also, for best results, your puppy should not be older than 1 year. Your large breed dog will enjoy controlled bone growth thanks to the optimal levels of calcium this type of food contains.

Also, this product contains natural sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin that will help your puppy develop strong muscles and joints. Your beloved furry friend will not only enjoy a nutritious meal, but he/she will love the taste and flavors. All the ingredients found in this product have proved to be natural, high-quality, and highly digestible.

And let’s not forget about the healthy blend of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support a healthy immune system. Also, your puppy will experience a shiny coat and healthy skin thanks to the presence of the omega-6 acids and Vitamin E.

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8. Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Dog Food for Large Dogs

 

Veterinarians recommend this product because it is made with real ingredients. You want your puppy to enjoy a healthy and nutritious diet, and this product will help you achieve that. It is made with farm-raised chicken, wholesome grains, and veggies. Your furry friend will get all the important nutrients needed for normal growth and healthy development.

The number one ingredient is real chicken, and it is suitable for large puppies that are 50-120 lb at maturity. We know that proteins can have amazing effects on your puppy. That is why this product has a high content of quality proteins which will help your puppy develop healthy and strong joints and muscles.

Also, many dog owners highly appreciate this recipe because it includes 22 key nutrients that are found in a mother’s milk. Omega-3 DHA is one of them, and it will help your puppy become smarter and more trainable.

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9. Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken Sweet Potato

 

This bag of dry dog food is a puppy’s best friend. It contains a high amount of real chicken – this is actually its number one ingredient. In addition to this healthy and tasty component, this product also contains sweet potatoes and pumpkin. It is a perfect source of carbohydrates for sustained energy for sensitive puppies who are allergic to gluten.

Your puppy is at that stage in life when she/he needs key ingredients. This product was made with those active puppies in mind and it contains a natural and balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and many other important nutrients.

It has a delicious flavor and it doesn’t have any negative effects on your puppy’s stomach, being very easy to digest. Also, your puppy will experience healthy skin and a shiny coat thanks to the presence of omega fatty acids. Thanks to this incredible formula, your beloved furry friend will manage to stay healthy, happy, and active.

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10. Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones Real Chicken & Veggies

 

This product is made from U.S. farm-raised chicken. In fact, the real chicken is the number one ingredient. The high-quality protein from this real meat will help support muscle development and a healthy heart. Also, thanks to the high content of fruits rich in antioxidants, your puppy will develop a strong and healthy immune system.

Your puppy will love this tasty formula which will help him/her maintain healthy organs and lean muscles. Brown rice, carrots, and peas are excellent carbohydrate sources, which will offer your puppy all the energy he/she needs. These real vegetables are a great source of essential B vitamins and wholesome fiber.

It is all natural, with no artificial flavors, colors or artificial preservatives. Also, the fatty acids will help support brain development and healthy vision. Your puppy will stay happy, beautiful and full of energy thanks to these important vitamins and minerals.

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11. Hill’s Science Diet Small

 

This product is a perfect example of healthy and tasty dry dog food for puppies up to 1-year-old that weigh up to 25 pounds when fully grown. It is suitable for both small and toy breed puppies and it is highly appreciated for all the natural ingredients it contains. Your puppy will enjoy a balanced and delicious diet full of healthy components.

It contains high-quality fish oil which will offer your furry friend multiple benefits like healthy brain and eye development and increased learning ability. Your puppy will become more trainable, so you can both enjoy the time you spend together. Your friends will be surprised to see your dog learning so fast and they will admire the strong connection between you two.

This balanced formula of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids will strengthen your puppy’s immune system. Also, this product is made in the USA from the finest ingredients.

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12. Taste Of The Wild Prairie

 

Did you know that modern science proves that your puppy shares DNA with the wolf? Based on this assumption, the manufacturer decided to create a formula which has a taste of the wild. It is time your dog tasted something new! It is made with roasted bison and venison, and you should know that this is all real meat and it is the number one ingredient.

It was designed with growing puppies in mind, and that is why this dry food was made in small kibbles. The high-quality protein from this unique recipe will help your puppy develop strong and healthy muscles. Also, it is grain-free so that you can feel confident to feed it to your puppy without worrying that he/she might experience negative effects.

For a healthy lifestyle, this product was made with vegetables and fruits that deliver natural antioxidants which will help your puppy develop a strong immune system.

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13. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Protein

 

This product features real chicken as the number one ingredient. Like humans, there are puppies who are allergic to gluten and they can experience bad consequences if you don’t pay maximum attention to the ingredients of their food. With the Blue Buffalo Wilderness, you no longer need to worry about this aspect, because this recipe doesn’t contain grains.

Many dog owners appreciate this dry food because it is made in the USA. This makes them feel more confident about the high-quality ingredients that were used. The real meat provides your puppy with excellent protein which will help him/her develop strong and lean muscles. Also, the fatty acids found in the mother’s milk are present in this formula, too.

They will support the healthy development of cognitive learning and retinal function. Also, it features a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants much needed for your puppy’s normal growth and healthy development.

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14. Merrick Grain Free

 

Your puppy has never felt healthier and happier! With this dry food, he/she will enjoy healthy and normal growth with all the benefits of a gluten-free diet. This grain-free recipe will make your puppy’s life easier without any digestive issues. Also, the number one ingredient is real deboned chicken which will provide your puppy with high-quality protein.

Also, it contains fatty acids for healthy brain development. All puppies, including large and small breeds, will enjoy the essential benefits of a nutritional and well-balanced diet. And, another important aspect is that it is cooked in the USA. This will offer you the certainty that only high-quality ingredients were used and that all health standards were met.

Your puppy will develop healthy hips and joints thanks to the power levels of glucosamine and chondroitin. In addition to the superior protein, this formula contains farm-fresh fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries and more.

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15. Eukanuba Puppy Dry

 

This dry puppy food will help your furry friend become smarter and more trainable because it contains fatty acids from natural fish oil. Also, it features a specialized fiber system made from natural beet pulp and prebiotic FOSs that will improve your puppy’s nutrient absorption and his/her digestion.

Also, thanks to the high content of high-quality, animal-based proteins, your puppy will develop strong and lean muscles. The presence of the Omega-6 and -3 fatty acids provide your puppy with essential benefits like healthy skin and a shiny coat. Real chicken is the number one ingredient which makes this type of food very tasty.

Also, it provides your puppy with optimal levels of calcium for strong bones. Another important aspect is that this product contains a rich blend of antioxidants and fibers that will help strengthen your puppy’s immune system and he/she will also experience healthy digestion.

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16. Wellness Complete Health

 

If you want to support your dog’s healthy weight, you should pay maximum attention to his/her everyday nutrition. A complete and balanced diet will help your furry friend stay happy and full of energy and it will ensure his/her normal growth and development. A reduced calorie diet is something you should take into account if you want to keep your furry friend healthy.

With this product, your dog will feel full faster, and he/she will not end up overeating. The delicious deboned chicken and peas will help your dog maintain a healthy diet. Also, it only contains natural ingredients. Wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives will not be found in this product.

It is made in the USA from the finest natural ingredients at quality standards. It has a delicious taste that your dog will love. The balanced blend of vitamins and minerals will support your pet’s overall health and vitality.

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17. Castor & Pollux Organix

 

This product is considered one of America’s top organic pet food. Its number one ingredient is organic, free-range chicken. In addition to this amazing component, this type of food contains a balanced blend of organic superfoods like flaxseed, blueberries, and coconut oil. And for your peace of mind, you should know this food was cooked in an organically certified USA kitchen.

Famous among dog owners for its organic high-quality ingredients, this product features a very nutritious recipe for your dog. We know how much you care about your dog’s wellbeing. You want your furry companion to enjoy the food and to get all the nutrients he/she needs at the same time. That is why this formula guarantees to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Among the benefits an organic diet can have on your pet’s health we can remember the most important, among which are a reduction of allergies and itchy skin and reduced digestion problems.

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18. Solid Gold Holistic Superfoods

 

You want your puppy to grow healthy and strong and this formula will help him/her with that. It is made with natural chicken and 20 key superfoods which will help your puppy enjoy a balanced nutritional diet. No need to worry that your puppy will experience digestion problems because this type of food is made with ingredients that are very easy to digest.

It doesn’t contain corn, wheat, or gluten. We know how important this is for your pet’s welfare. Also, the omega-3 fatty acids and natural proteins will support your furry friend’s healthy cognitive development. Thanks to the balanced blend of vitamins and minerals, like calcium and phosphorus, your puppy will have healthy bones and joints.

You will love to see your puppy become strong and happy as he/she eats this rich formula. His/her immune system will get stronger and he/she will develop strong and lean muscles.

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19. Victor Super Premium Active

 

This formula is made with high-quality ingredients and it is great for dogs of all life stages. It contains 33% total protein; 75% of the protein comes from a combination of USA-sourced beef, chicken, pork and fish. Another important characteristic of this amazing product is that it was cooked in Texas with quality ingredients to meet the highest standards.

The carbohydrates come from USA peas and sweet potatoes which will supply your pet with enough energy for his/her day-to-day activities. Also, your puppy will have optimal digestion and a strong immune system thanks to the numerous additives that are found in this product.

We know how important is the fact that this recipe doesn’t contain gluten. Now any dog can enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without worrying about allergies. Both active dogs and growing puppies will benefit from this well-balanced formula, providing them with optimal nutritional values.

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20. Holistic Select Natural Dry

 

This grain-free formula is everything your adult dog needs for complete and balanced nutrition. It features high-quality ingredients that will help your furry friend with his/her everyday needs. It is both nutritious and delicious so that your pet can enjoy all the benefits of a healthy diet together with a highly pleasing taste.

It contains premium proteins from real salmon, anchovy, and sardines which will help your pet develop strong and lean muscles. Your dog’s digestive health is extremely important. That is why this product contains only the finest natural ingredients like fruits and veggies that are known to support healthy digestion.

Also, we should mention the other important components of this amazing formula. Pre- and probiotics, natural fiber, digestive enzymes, and digestive botanicals are the ones that will promote your dog’s overall health. This food will not only help your dogs break down food, but it will also help them absorb and transport nutrients.

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Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

There are so many different opinions and confusions when it comes to choosing the best dry puppy food. You may wonder how much dry food to feed a puppy or sometimes dog owners ask themselves a very important question, and that is “when can puppies eat dry food?”.

In order to make things easier for you, we gathered the most important aspects you should take into account when looking for dry puppy food.

Dry kibble vs. canned food

It is impossible to say which one is better because as we know, both dry kibble and canned food have plenty of advantages. Many dog owners prefer dry food for their dogs because they believe it to have multiple benefits for oral health. A reduction in plaque and tartar is one of the results your furry friend will experience.

He/she will have to chew in order to break down the kibble in small pieces and this will lead to cleaner teeth. Since canned food has a soft texture, not too much chewing is involved, hence the increased risk of developing plaque or tartar. Also, kibbles are considered to be cheaper than canned food.

But when it comes to its high moisture content, we are safe to say that canned food is the winner. Thanks to this important characteristic your pet will stay hydrated for a longer period. Also, canned food has a high content of protein and fat that makes it easier for your dog to digest.

Another important aspect of dry food is that you don’t need to put it in the refrigerator after you open it. This is not the case with canned food, which is perishable and after it is opened you have to make sure that it stays in the refrigerator.   

 

Health benefits

Our dogs rely on us to make the best food choices for them. That is why it is very important to pay attention to all the health benefits different types of food can have on your pet. Balanced and complete nutrition is essential for your dog’s normal growth and healthy development.

You need to offer your furry friend all the nutrients and energy he/she needs for everyday activities. Dry food, for example, is a perfect choice when your puppy is teething; your pup will really appreciate something to chew on at this important stage in his/her life. Also, dry food can be used as treats when training your dog.

Dry food doesn’t have a strong smell and it is very diverse in order to meet any dog’s needs according to his/her age, activity levels, or breed. Also, if your pet has any type of sensitivities, like digestive problems, you will be able to choose from a multitude of grain-free and organic formulas. Your dog will get to enjoy his/her life without any unwanted health issues.

Make sure you choose the correct kibble size for your puppy. There are kibbles who are meant to fit the smaller mouth of your puppy, and they are also softer and easier to chew. The same goes for the larger dogs, as there are kibbles that are bigger specifically meant to be properly chewed instead of being gulped down quickly.

 

 

Correct portion sizes for your furry friend

It is very important your dog receives the correct amount of food every day because you don’t want him/her to gain too much weight. You know that obesity has very bad consequences on your pet’s health, and sometimes it can even lead to death. Pay maximum attention to how much dry food you feed your furry friend and prevent health issues.

Dry food is less difficult to measure. You just need a plastic measuring cup to scoop some kibble out and then put it in your pet’s bowl. When finished feeding your dog, just put the cup back in the bag or container, and you are done. Measuring cups can be easily found in pet shops or online, and sometimes they are even given away in large bags of food.

By doing this, you will ensure your pet is getting the right amount of food all the time. And most important, your dog will remain healthy and he/she will enjoy life to the fullest.