# The Best Puppy Foods for 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
Puppy owners, we understand that choosing the right food for your furry friend is a crucial decision. The nutrition your puppy receives during their early stages can significantly impact their growth, health, and overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, Best Puppy Foods. we present the top 10 best puppy foods for 2023, carefully selected to meet the highest standards of quality and nutrition. These recommendations come from The Dog Food Advisor, known for its independent, unbiased reviews without influence from pet food companies.
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Ollie Fresh Dog Food
**Rating:**
Ollie Chicken is one of 5 fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Dog Food product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver
**Type:** Grain-Free
**Design:** All Life Stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Ollie Fresh Dog Food is an exceptional choice for puppy owners. It derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken, ensuring a protein-rich diet for your young pup. A detailed dry matter label analysis reveals that the recipe contains 37% protein, 11% fat, and 44% estimated carbs, with a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of roughly 30%. What makes Ollie stand out is that all their recipes are human-grade and designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. This means that each meal is suitable for all puppies, 12 weeks of age or older, including larger breeds. The grain-free formula offers a scientifically balanced diet that closely resembles homemade food without the hassle. It's an affordable yet top-quality option for puppy nutrition.
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh
**Rating:**
Pork Recipe is one of 4 fresh formulas included in our review of The Farmer’s Dog product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower
**Type:** Grain-free
**Design:** All Life Stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breed
The Farmer's Dog Fresh food is an excellent choice for those who want to provide their puppies with fresh, high-quality nutrition. The recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork, and a dry matter label analysis shows that it contains 36% protein, 28% fat, and 28% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%. What sets The Farmer's Dog apart is that all their recipes are designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and are made with human-grade ingredients. They are 100% complete and balanced, making them suitable for puppies of all breed sizes, including larger breeds. While it may come at a premium price, it's a healthy feeding option for those who can afford it, and it's highly recommended.
Nom Nom Beef Mash Fresh Dog Food
**Rating:**
Beef Mash is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom Dog Food product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
**Type:** Grain-free
**Profile:** All Life Stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Nom Beef Mash Fresh Dog Food is an exceptional, grain-free option for puppy nutrition. It's ideal for those who want to provide their puppies with a scientifically balanced diet that's as close to homemade as you can get. The recipe derives most of its animal protein from fresh ground beef, and a dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 35% protein, 17% fat, and 40% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%. While it may not be the cheapest option, it's highly recommended for puppy owners who want to ensure their furry friends get the best nutrition. One actual buyer review even mentioned that the ingredients are so natural that you could eat it yourself, showing the quality of this dog food.
Redbarn Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
**Rating:**
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky is one of 3 dry recipes studied in our review of the Redbarn dry product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal
**Type:** Grain-free
**Profile:** All Life Stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Redbarn Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a wholesome and grain-free product that's highly recommended for puppy nutrition. It derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh turkey and chicken, and a dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 31% protein, 17% fat, and 7% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 10%. This is a great choice for puppy owners who want to provide their dogs with high-quality nutrition without unnecessary additives. As one actual buyer review states, this food is a healthier option for your dogs, and they will love it.
Raised Right Dog Food
**Rating:**
Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries
**Type:** Grain-free (carrots, cranberries)
**Profile:** Maintenance
**Best for:** Adult dogs only
Raised Right Dog Food is a top-quality, fresh, and human-grade dog food suitable for adult dogs. It derives the lion's share of its animal protein from fresh beef, resulting in a dry matter label analysis showing the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat, and 8% estimated carbs, delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%. What makes Raised Right stand out is its unusually wide recipe selection, which can be a major plus, especially for picky eaters. This brand is highly recommended for those looking for the best fresh, human-grade dog food on the market.
Jinx Dog Food
**Rating:** Salmon is one of 4 dry recipes featured in our review of the Jinx product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice
**Type:** Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice)
**Profile:** All life stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Jinx Dog Food is a fully balanced, grain-inclusive option that's highly recommended for all life stages, making it a great choice for puppies. This Jinx recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon, and a dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat, and 46% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%. It's a fantastic option for those who prefer grain-inclusive diets for their puppies, and it's suitable for all breeds. One sample buyer review highlights that even a picky eater enjoys this dog food.
Open Farm Puppy Food
**Rating:**
Open Farm Grain-Free Puppy is one of 21 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Open Farm product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Humanely Raised Chicken, wild Pacific salmon, ocean whitefish meal, sweet potato, field peas
**Type:** Grain-free
**Profile:** All life stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Open Farm Puppy Food is a high-protein option made with fresh ingredients. It derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken and salmon, resulting in a dry matter label analysis that shows the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat, and 38% estimated carbs, yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%. This brand offers a nutritious diet that's highly recommended for puppies of all breeds. One actual buyer review mentions that the food is above and beyond in terms of nutrition.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy
**Rating:**
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.
**First 5 ingredients:** Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour
**Type:** Grain-free
**Design:** All life stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is a puppy formula that takes the majority of its animal protein from fresh salmon and ocean fish meal. A 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%. This formula is rich in omega fatty acids and nutrient-balanced, supporting optimal health during a puppy's period of maximum growth. It's highly recommended by many buyers who praise the food for its impact on their puppies' coats and overall health.
Orijen Puppy
**Rating:**
Orijen Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), flounder, whole mackerel
**Type:** Grain-free
**Design:** All life stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Orijen Puppy Food is a 5-star, all-life stages recipe brimming with animal protein. It 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 superior option for your growing puppy, and it's highly recommended by many buyers who have noticed significant improvements in their puppies' health and coat condition.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate
**Rating:**
Puppy Plate is one of 10 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic canned product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Deboned Chicken, chicken broth, deboned turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots
**Type:** Grain-free
**Design:** Growth
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate is a great wet alternative to a dry diet for puppies. It makes a flavorful "topper" to enhance the taste of almost any kibble. The recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken, resulting in a dry matter label analysis that shows the recipe contains 50% protein, 28% fat, and 14% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%. Highly recommended by buyers, this puppy food is a hit in many households, with puppies eagerly devouring their meals.
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
**Rating:**
Complete Health Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
**Type:** Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, ground barley)
**Design:** Growth
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food is an exceptional formula that contains just the right amount of calcium to make it safe for all puppy breeds. A dry matter label analysis reveals that the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat, and 40% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%. This balanced formula is highly recommended for puppies, and it has received positive reviews from buyers who have noticed improvements in their puppies' coats, energy levels, and overall health.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy
**Rating:**
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.
**First 5 ingredients:** Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
**Type:** Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley)
**Design:** Growth
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy food offers a variety of puppy formulas. All are nutrient-balanced, affordable, and easy to recommend. A dry matter label analysis shows that the puppy formula contains 30% protein, 18% fat, and 44% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%. Many buyers recommend this food, especially for new puppy owners who want a reliable brand that their puppies enjoy and thrive on.
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy
**Rating:**
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
**Type:** Grain-inclusive (rice, barley, oatmeal)
**Design:** Growth
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy food is a top-quality, moderately priced puppy food that's highly recommended. The recipe derives the largest share of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal, resulting in a dry matter label analysis that shows the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat, and 44% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%. Unlike Merrick's grain-free product line, "Classic" is not only free of peas and lentils, but it also contains zero potatoes, making it a safe and nutritious choice for your puppy.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food
**Rating:**
Puppy Chicken and Rice is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat
**Type:** Grain-inclusive (rice, wheat)
**Design:** All life stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food is one of the most often mentioned brands by veterinary professionals. A dry matter label analysis reveals that the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat, and 40% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%. What's more, every Pro Plan product meets the strict guidelines recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. It's a top choice that's highly recommended by many buyers, and it's noted for the positive impact it has on puppies' health and development.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Food
**Rating:**
Science Diet Chicken Meal and Barley is one of 6 dry puppy recipes detailed in our review of Hill's Science Diet Puppy product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn
**Type:** Grain-inclusive (wheat, barley, sorghum, corn, corn meal)
**Design:** Growth
**Best for** Small and medium breed puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Food is a classic growth formula recommended by breeders and veterinary professionals. Its calcium content is safe for all puppy breeds. A dry matter label analysis reveals that the recipe contains 28% protein, 17% fat, and 48% estimated carbs, yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%. Many buyers have reported that their puppies love this food, and it has contributed to healthy coats and overall wellness.
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog and Puppy
**Rating:**
Victor Nutra Pro is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Victor Purpose product line.
**First 5 ingredients:** Chicken meal, blood meal, whole grain millet, chicken fat, yeast culture
**Type:** Grain-inclusive (millet, sorghum)
**Design:** All life stages
**Best for:** All puppies including large breeds
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog and Puppy food are an economical grain-inclusive option ideal for households with both puppies and adult dogs. A dry matter label analysis reveals that the recipe contains 42% protein, 20% fat, and 30% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%. Buyers have praised this food for its quality and affordability, and many have noticed positive changes in their dogs' coats, energy levels, and overall health.
In conclusion,
choosing the best food for your puppy is a crucial decision that can significantly impact their health and well-being. Each of the top 10 best puppy foods for 2023 mentioned above offers unique benefits and features to cater to your puppy's specific needs. Consider your puppy's breed, size, and individual preferences when making your choice, and don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations. Feeding your puppy a high-quality, balanced diet is an investment in their future health and happiness.
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