Best Food for Puppies

By PetEssentialist Team · Updated July 2026 · How we review

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is Purina Pro Plan Pro Plan Sport Active 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula — best for High-energy puppies. Why it wins: High-calorie density to support rapid growth.

Puppies grow at an astonishing rate, with some breeds increasing their birth weight by up to 20 times in the first year alone. This rapid growth puts immense pressure on their developing joints, teeth, and digestive system. As a result, puppies require a diet that is specifically formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. A well-balanced puppy food should provide the necessary calories, proteins, and micronutrients to support healthy growth and development. It's also crucial to consider the puppy's breed size, energy level, and potential health issues when selecting a food. For example, large breed puppies require a food that is formulated to support joint health and prevent excessive growth, while small breed puppies need a food that is high in calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth and high energy levels.

What to look for

Breed Size

Puppies come in a wide range of sizes, from the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Great Dane. When selecting a food, it's essential to consider the puppy's breed size and choose a food that is specifically formulated to meet their needs. Large breed puppies require a food that is lower in calories and higher in joint support, while small breed puppies need a food that is higher in calories and nutrients.

Energy Level

Puppies are naturally high-energy animals, but some breeds are more energetic than others. When selecting a food, it's essential to consider the puppy's energy level and choose a food that provides the necessary calories and nutrients to support their activity level.

Joint Health

Puppies are prone to joint issues, particularly in large and giant breeds. When selecting a food, it's essential to choose a food that contains joint-supporting ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

Digestive Health

Puppies can be prone to digestive issues, particularly in breeds with sensitive stomachs. When selecting a food, it's essential to choose a food that is easy to digest and contains ingredients that support digestive health such as prebiotics and probiotics.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Purina Pro Plan Pro Plan Sport Active 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula	High-energy puppies
2	Hill's Science Diet Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley	Puppies with sensitive stomachs
3	Royal Canin Breed-Specific Dry Dog Food	Puppies of specific breeds
4	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice	Puppies that require a holistic diet
5	ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food	Puppies that require a grain-free diet

Purina Pro Plan Pro Plan Sport Active 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula

Best for High-energy puppies

This food is specifically formulated to meet the needs of high-energy puppies, with 30% protein and 20% fat to support sustained energy. It also contains glucosamine and EPA for joint support, making it an excellent choice for puppies that are prone to joint issues.

✓ High-calorie density to support rapid growth
✓ Joint-supporting ingredients to prevent issues
✓ Real chicken as the first ingredient for excellent protein quality

✕ May be too high in calories for less active puppies

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Hill's Science Diet Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Barley

Best for Puppies with sensitive stomachs

This food is specifically formulated to meet the needs of puppies with sensitive stomachs, with easily digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber to support digestive health. It also contains vitamin E and omega-6 for skin and coat health.

✓ Easy to digest for puppies with sensitive stomachs
✓ Prebiotic fiber to support digestive health
✓ Vitamin E and omega-6 for skin and coat health

✕ May not be suitable for puppies with food allergies

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Royal Canin Breed-Specific Dry Dog Food

Best for Puppies of specific breeds

This food is specifically formulated to meet the needs of puppies of specific breeds, with tailored macronutrient ratios and targeted health support. It's an excellent choice for puppies that require a breed-specific diet.

✓ Tailored macronutrient ratios for specific breeds
✓ Targeted health support for breed-specific issues
✓ Breed-specific kibble shape and size

✕ May be more expensive than other options

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice

Best for Puppies that require a holistic diet

This food is specifically formulated to meet the needs of puppies that require a holistic diet, with real chicken as the first ingredient and LifeSource Bits with antioxidants. It's an excellent choice for puppies that require a natural and wholesome diet.

✓ Real chicken as the first ingredient for excellent protein quality
✓ LifeSource Bits with antioxidants for overall health
✓ No poultry by-product meals

✕ May not be suitable for puppies with food allergies

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ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best for Puppies that require a grain-free diet

This food is specifically formulated to meet the needs of puppies that require a grain-free diet, with 85% poultry, fish, and egg ingredients and 15% fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. It's an excellent choice for puppies that require a biologically appropriate diet.

✓ Grain-free formula to reduce the risk of allergies
✓ High-protein ingredients for excellent muscle growth
✓ Biologically appropriate formula to mimic the puppy's natural diet

✕ May be more expensive than other options

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best food for my puppy?

The best food for your puppy depends on their breed size, energy level, and potential health issues. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your puppy.

How often should I feed my puppy?

Puppies require frequent feeding to support their rapid growth and development. Feed your puppy 3-4 times a day until they are about six months old, then you can gradually switch to twice a day.

Can I give my puppy table scraps?

It's best to avoid giving your puppy table scraps, as they can be high in calories and low in nutrients. Instead, stick to a balanced and complete puppy food that is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs.

How do I know if my puppy is getting enough nutrients?

Consult with your veterinarian to determine if your puppy is getting enough nutrients. They can assess your puppy's overall health and provide recommendations for their diet.

Can I switch my puppy's food suddenly?

It's best to avoid switching your puppy's food suddenly, as it can cause digestive upset. Instead, gradually introduce the new food over a period of 7-10 days to allow your puppy's digestive system to adjust.

When it comes to choosing the best food for your puppy, it's essential to consider their breed size, energy level, and potential health issues. By selecting a food that is specifically formulated to meet their needs, you can help support their growth and development and set them up for a lifetime of health and happiness. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your puppy and to ensure they are receiving the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development.

Best Dry Food for other breeds

The same category, matched to a different breed.