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10 Best Puppy Foods 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini, Adult 1-6, Small & Mini Breeds Premium Nutrition, Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice, 15.5 lb Bag

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,429
Nutritional Content
Kibble Size
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
30237 reviews

Nutritional Content
Muffin gets SO excited when it's time to feed her this Hill's Science dry food. She loves the flavor and we love the nutrition!
Kibble Size
My Chihuahuas love this! The tiny bites are perfect for them and they eat it eagerly.
Ingredients Quality
This food was recommended by a friend, and it's been a hit. The ingredient list is impressive and my dog loves it.

Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini, Adult 1-6, Small & Mini Breeds Premium Nutrition, Dry Dog Food is designed with small and mini breeds in mind, particularly for adult dogs between the ages of 1 to 6 years. It is made with highly digestible ingredients such as chicken and brown rice, making it gentle on your pet's stomach. The quality protein in this food is aimed at maintaining lean muscle mass, which is crucial for active small dogs.

Additionally, the inclusion of omega-6s and vitamin E supports healthy skin and a shiny coat, which is a nice plus for owners who want their pets to look their best. The kibble size is appropriately small, making it easy for small breeds to chew and digest. Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, it offers a level of quality and safety that many pet owners appreciate. However, it's important to note that this product is specifically targeted at small and mini breeds and may not be suitable for larger dogs or puppies. Also, while it includes high-quality ingredients, it may not be suitable for dogs with specific allergies or sensitivities, so it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian before making a switch.

This dog food seems well-suited for small breed adult dogs who require nutritious and easily digestible food.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,429
Nutritional Content
Kibble Size
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
30237 reviews

Nutritional Content
Muffin gets SO excited when it's time to feed her this Hill's Science dry food. She loves the flavor and we love the nutrition!
Kibble Size
My Chihuahuas love this! The tiny bites are perfect for them and they eat it eagerly.
Ingredients Quality
This food was recommended by a friend, and it's been a hit. The ingredient list is impressive and my dog loves it.
#2

Hill's Science Diet Puppy, Puppy Premium Nutrition, Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice, 15.5 lb Bag

Rating
9.4
Nutritional Content
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
5409 reviews

Nutritional Content
Balanced nutrition packed with essentials for growth, including high-quality protein for lean muscle development.
Ingredients Quality
Gentle on your puppy’s stomach and easy to digest with real chicken and brown rice.

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Premium Nutrition Dry Dog Food with Chicken & Brown Rice is designed specifically for puppies, providing essential nutrients to support their growth and development. One of its standout features is the inclusion of DHA from fish oil, which aids in brain and eye development. High-quality protein helps fuel growing muscles, and the balanced minerals support healthy bone and teeth formation. This makes it a strong choice for puppies' nutritional requirements.

The product is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, which offers some reassurance about quality standards. Additionally, it is highly recommended by veterinarians, suggesting trust within the professional community. The kibble size is designed for puppies, making it easier for them to chew and digest. However, it may not be suitable for puppies with certain allergies or sensitivities due to the inclusion of common allergens like chicken and grains.

The lack of breed-specific formulas might be a drawback for those looking for highly tailored nutrition. But it does cater to all breed sizes, which adds versatility. This dog food is a good option for general puppy nutrition but may require consideration for specific dietary needs or allergies.

Rating
9.4
Nutritional Content
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
5409 reviews

Nutritional Content
Balanced nutrition packed with essentials for growth, including high-quality protein for lean muscle development.
Ingredients Quality
Gentle on your puppy’s stomach and easy to digest with real chicken and brown rice.
#3

Hill's Science Diet Puppy, Large Breed Puppy Premium Nutrition, Dry Dog Food, Lamb & Brown Rice, 30 lb Bag

Rating
9.2
Nutritional Content
Breed-Specific Formulas

Most important from
2933 reviews

Nutritional Content
My Weimaraner puppy loves this food. He has a lot of energy and his coat looks great! Good value, great taste, Will keep buying!
Breed-Specific Formulas
Good dog food. My german shepherd loves it.

Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food is designed specifically for large breed puppies, making it highly suitable for this life stage. The nutritional content is commendable, with DHA from fish oil to support brain and eye development, high-quality protein for muscle growth, and balanced minerals for bone and teeth health. These features ensure the food supports the rapid growth phase of large breed puppies effectively. Additionally, it's made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, which might appeal to those concerned with ingredient quality and origin.

The lamb and brown rice flavor can be a good option for puppies that might be sensitive to more common protein sources like chicken. However, it's always important to monitor any signs of allergies or sensitivities when introducing new food. While the kibble size is designed for large breeds, it might be too big for smaller puppies or breeds not specified for this formula. The product is highly recommended by veterinarians, which adds a level of trust and credibility.

One limitation is that it lacks breed-specific formulas beyond the large breed category, which might be a drawback for those looking for more tailored nutrition. The 30-pound bag size can be practical for large breed puppy owners as it ensures a longer supply, though the heavy bag might be cumbersome to handle for some.

Rating
9.2
Nutritional Content
Breed-Specific Formulas

Most important from
2933 reviews

Nutritional Content
My Weimaraner puppy loves this food. He has a lot of energy and his coat looks great! Good value, great taste, Will keep buying!
Breed-Specific Formulas
Good dog food. My german shepherd loves it.

Buying Guide for the Best Puppy Foods

Choosing the right puppy food is crucial for the healthy growth and development of your furry friend. Puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs, so it's important to select a food that meets those specific requirements. When picking puppy food, consider factors such as the breed, size, and any specific health concerns your puppy may have. Always consult with your veterinarian to ensure you're making the best choice for your puppy's unique needs.
Nutritional ContentNutritional content refers to the balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the puppy food. This is important because puppies need a higher amount of protein and fat to support their rapid growth and development. Look for foods that list high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or lamb, as the first ingredient. Ensure the food meets the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for growth. If your puppy is very active or a larger breed, they may need more calories and nutrients compared to smaller or less active breeds.
Kibble SizeKibble size refers to the size of the dry food pieces. This is important because smaller breeds may struggle with larger kibble, while larger breeds may not be satisfied with smaller pieces. For small breed puppies, choose a food with smaller kibble that is easier for them to chew and digest. For large breed puppies, look for larger kibble that can help prevent them from eating too quickly and potentially causing digestive issues.
Life Stage AppropriatenessLife stage appropriateness means that the food is specifically formulated for puppies. This is important because puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult or senior dogs. Always choose a food that is labeled for puppies or for 'all life stages' to ensure it provides the right balance of nutrients for growth. Avoid foods labeled for adult dogs, as they may not provide the necessary nutrients for a growing puppy.
Breed-Specific FormulasBreed-specific formulas are foods that are tailored to the unique needs of certain breeds. This is important because different breeds can have different nutritional requirements, growth rates, and potential health issues. If your puppy is a purebred, consider looking for a breed-specific formula that addresses their specific needs. For mixed breeds, choose a formula that matches their size and activity level.
Ingredients QualityIngredients quality refers to the source and type of ingredients used in the puppy food. This is important because high-quality ingredients are more digestible and provide better nutrition. Look for foods that use whole, named meat sources (like 'chicken' or 'beef') rather than vague terms like 'meat meal.' Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, which can be harder for puppies to digest.
Allergies and SensitivitiesAllergies and sensitivities refer to any adverse reactions your puppy may have to certain ingredients. This is important because some puppies may develop food allergies or sensitivities that can cause digestive issues, skin problems, or other health concerns. If your puppy shows signs of allergies, such as itching, vomiting, or diarrhea, consider a hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diet. These foods are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions by using novel protein sources and fewer ingredients.

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