Welcome a new member into your home, as a pet owner this is an exciting journey for you. Your puppies have a lot of things, such as adorable, and energetic. Like human babies, puppies have unique nutritional needs that are essential for growth and development. Choosing the best dry puppy food for 2024 can be a real challenge.
Sometimes pet owner gets confused that, what’s the best dry food for puppy.
There are two different types of dry food. One is designed for small-breed puppy food and another for large-breed puppy food. That’s why you must know which one is safe for your furry friend. Puppies weighing more than 50 pounds are considered large breed pups.
According to recent surveys, 80% of veterinarians believe that proper nutrition from the beginning of a dog’s life can improve their long-term health. In their diet during the first year of their lives, they should provide a balanced blend of nutrients, carbohydrates, fat, and calcium to encourage immune system strength, development, and optimal growth.
So, we have selected the best dry puppy food for 2024 considering the age, breed, nutrition, and test of your four-legged furry friends. Also, we have included grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes on the list below.
Vet-recommended Best Dry Puppy Food For 2024
Things to consider when it comes to choosing food for your little cute dog are their size (small breed or large breed) and age as well you also should consider a diet rich in quality protein, vitamins, antioxidants, fat, calcium, carbohydrates, and minerals. That’s why they can be healthy and strong.
So, we have selected high-quality premium pappy food that adheres to the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and follows non-profit organization guidance. In addition, they are international feed regulators to safeguard pet food.
Our Top Picks For 15 Dry Puppy Food
Here are the best dry puppy food for 2024. Give your pet the healthiest puppy food.
Redbarn Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – High-quality puppy dry food
| Main Ingredients | Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Ocean Fish Meal, Trout, Salmon Meal |
| Age Range | All Life Stages |
| Best for | All puppies including the growth of large breeds |
| Flavor | Seafood |
When it comes to food choices for your pup, we always want to choose the best. Redbarn Pet Products Grain-Free Ocean Recipe Dog Food contains animal protein, pumpkin probiotics, and miscanthus grass prebiotic fiber also helps your puppy’s digestive system. It is rich in Omega 6, 3 fatty acids in fish sunflower oil flaxseed that can promote healthy skin and a beautiful shiny coat. Although this dry food also helps your puppies’ heart health as well as vitamins A, and E protect your puppies’ healthy immune system.
So through analysis, it can be said that this dry puppy food for 2024 is different from other products and is at the top.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-protein formula | It has a limited flavor |
| Appropriate for all life-stage puppies | Quite expensive |
| Vitamin A and E support healthy immune system | Some dogs may have particular sensitivities or allergy issues |
| Specific use for heart care |
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice – Best food for puppies
| Main Ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal, Barley, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All puppies including medium breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken and Brown Rice |
Proper nutrition from the beginning of a puppy’s life can improve their long-term health.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice is a grain-inclusive dry food. Chicken is the first ingredient of animal protein. In addition to chicken, this high-quality, balanced recipe includes brown rice, vitamins, minerals, vegetables, fruits, and other nutrients. Which provides tasty food for puppies as well as nutritious food.
It also contains DHA and ARA – fatty acids found in mother’s milk – plus Choline, which helps in brain and eye development.
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s made with the finest natural ingredients | Doesn’t have any protein formula for allergy-prone pups |
| High-quality ingredients | It has a limited flavor |
| Easily digestible grain | Some dogs may have particular sensitivities or allergy issues |
| This formula has omega-6, 3 fatty acids |
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best food for puppies small breed
| Main Ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Barley |
| Age Range | Baby |
| Best for | Small Breed Puppy |
| Flavor | Chicken & Oatmeal |
Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Healthy Growth Formula is one of the best dry puppy food for 2024 if you want to serve up a dish free of poultry with high-quality and natural products, such as wheat, soy, or corn. As pet parents, you should feed your puppies a natural food that satisfies their hunger and keeps them healthy and growing.
It contains DHA and ARA – essential fatty acids in mother’s milk – to support cognitive function and eye health. Also, it has high-quality protein from real chicken to develop puppies healthy muscle. These dry foods all ingredients will help in the all-round healthy growth and energy of your small breed puppy
| Pros | Cons |
| All ingredients and flavors are natural | Comparatively expensive |
| Life source Bits for a healthy immune system | Don’t use it for large breeds |
| It supports active, eyes, teeth, coat, and weaning | Sometimes dogs may not enjoy the test of the chicken |
| High-quality digestible ingredients |
Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food – Dry food for puppy
| Main Ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Peas, Ground Brown Rice, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Food |
As a pet owner, it can be difficult for you to choose the right food for the growth and development of your furry friend. But as a solution, you can choose this Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dry Dog Puppy Food. This food is made entirely of natural and healthy ingredients that provide them with the nutrients they need for optimal health and development. For example – DHA levels from salmon oil support brain development, antioxidants added to food ingredients support strong immune systems, and its omega fatty acids ensure health benefits.
Furthermore, it’s always preferred as the ideal dog food free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and color.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality ingredients | DHA and ARA ingredients are apcent |
| Easily digestible grain | Sometimes puppy may not love the test of the salmon. |
| It supports brain development and coat | Only use large breed pups |
| It’s also good for sensitive stomachs |
Instinct Raw Boost Dry Puppy Food – Affordable puppy food
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, chicken meal, peas, egg product, turkey meal |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All breed puppies |
| Flavor | Chicken |
If you want an exceptional growth formula for your furry friends then Instinct Raw Boost Dry Puppy Food is the best for you. It contains high protein, grain-free kibble with all-natural ingredients of freeze-dried raw chicken. This formula also supports the puppy’s energy to grow, be active, and play.
Additionally, it has full-loaded calcium and phosphorus ensuring strong bones and teeth. Plus natural DHA improves eye and brain development during those critical early months. Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food is always affordable dry food for our four-legged friends’ bowl. This recipe is made in the USA using premium global ingredients.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality ingredients | Sometimes unfit for pups with allergies to chicken |
| DHA improves eye and brain development | It has a limited flavor |
| Specially made for puppies aged 1 month and up | Sometimes dogs may not enjoy the test of the chicken |
| Phosphorus and Calcium develop strong bones and teeth |
Blackwood Puppy Food Growth Diet – Best puppy food
| Main Ingredients | Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Millet, Ground Grain Sorghum |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken |
This Blackwood Puppy Food Growth Diet formula derives the majority of its meat protein from the chicken meal. And it’s made in the USA using premium global ingredients.
It is designed to complete and balanced growth diet for all life-stage puppies and is prepared by slow-cooked and handcrafted with high-quality chicken and brown rice. Blackwood Puppy Food’s slow-cooking preparation retains nutrients and flavors to create the great taste our four-legged friends crave.
Additionally, added prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion and happy tummies.
| Pros | Cons |
| All ingredients and flavors are natural | It has a limited flavor |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | Sometimes dogs may not enjoy the test of the chicken |
| Appropriate for all life-stage puppies | DHA and ARA ingredients are apcent |
| This formula is prepared by slow-cooked | Corn, wheat, and soy are absent |
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice- Best dry dog food for sensitive stomachs
| Main Ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oat Groats, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken |
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice is another best dry puppy food for 2024 on our list. Anyone can use this formula for all-stage healthy puppies. But it might be specially designed for the pup who has sensitive tummies. It contains vitamins and minerals for long-term eye, coat, skin, and brain development.
Wellness CORE Digestive Health recipe aims to improve digestive health, ensuring nothing irritating or allergy-inducing to your puppy’s system. The first ingredient Chicken is a great protein foundation in this recipe.
Instead of using boring grains, it adds barley brown rice and oat groats. Which helps in digestion especially in the puppy’s stomach resulting in firmer stools. DHA and EPA present in it help in optimal cognition and development. Again probiotics and prebiotics support their strong digestive system.
| Pros | Cons |
| Omega fatty acids increase the immune system, skin, and coat health | It has a limited flavor |
| DHA and ARA support optimal cognition and development | Sometimes dogs may not enjoy the test of the chicken |
| Prebiotics and Probiotics support a strong digestive system | Comparatively expensive |
| Appropriate for all life-stage puppies |
IAMS Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Fish Oil, Ground Whole Grain Corn |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken |
If you are looking for nutritious food for your furry friend on a budget then IAMS Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken should be at the top of your list. Because this standard formula is designed for all life-stage puppies. It contains 22 key nutrients, including omega-3 DHA for healthy antioxidants and brain development.
Additionally, real chicken is the first ingredient to promote strong muscles and build strong bones. It also helps your puppies develop a strong immune system and promote physical growth. Furthermore, it’s always preferred as the ideal dog food free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and color.
| Pros | Cons |
| Appropriate for all life-stage puppies | It has a limited flavor |
| All ingredients and flavors are natural | Sometimes dogs may not enjoy the test of the chicken |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | |
| develop a strong immune system and promote physical growth |
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food- Best puppy food
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-Product Meal |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken & Rice |
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dry Puppy Food is the perfect option for the pup if you looking for a nutritious meal to feed your active furry friend. This premium dry puppy food is specially designed to promote the healthy growth and development of your pet. With its high-quality protein ingredients, this formula is made to provide your pooch with all the nourishment they need to grow.
Such as – real chicken is the first ingredient in this recipe, but it also contains essential nutrients like DHA – omega-rich fish oil that nourishes eye and brain development. Also, antioxidants promote the immune system. Additionally, it has full-loaded calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals ensuring strong bones and teeth. This is a fantastic and handy way to ensure that your puppy receives the proper nourishment for their developing body.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | Comparatively expensive |
| All ingredients and flavors are natural | Doesn’t have any protein formula for allergy-prone pups |
| Phosphorus, Calcium, and other minerals support strong bones and teeth | Sometimes dogs may not enjoy the test of the chicken |
| DHA – omega-rich fish oil that nourishes eye and brain development |
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato – Best dry puppy food
| Main Ingredients | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Chicken Fat, Sweet Potato |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Turkey |
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato is a grain-free recipe and it contains unbeatable nutrition,75% animal-based protein, more amino acids, and better flavors with fewer carbs & low glycemic ingredients. Moreover, GanedenBC30 probiotics increase the highly digestible system and also promote metabolism and immune response.
This formula includes DHA to support brain and eye development. It also maintains your pupa’s balanced diet, healthy weight, and shiny coat. Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato are made in the USA using premium global ingredients.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | Corn, wheat, and soy are absent |
| It contains 75% animal-based proteins and DHA supports brain and eye development | Not for poultry sensitivities |
| Phosphorus and Calcium promote strong teeth and bones | |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids build healthy skin and coat |
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food- Affordable puppy food
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Corn |
| Age Range | Baby |
| Best for | Small breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken and Brown Rice |
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Formula is one of the best dry puppy food for 2024. If you want to serve up a dish free of poultry with high-quality and natural products, such as chicken, brown rice, wheat, soy, or corn. As pet parents, you should feed your puppies a natural food that satisfies their hunger and keeps them healthy and growing.
It contains DHA from fish oil to develop healthy eye and brain development. Also, it balanced set of minerals to build strong bones and teeth. These dry foods all ingredients will help in the all-round healthy growth and energy of your small breed puppy. Furthermore, it’s always preferred as the ideal dog food free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and color.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | Some dogs may have particular sensitivities or allergy issues |
| Made with natural ingredients | Only use small breed pups |
| Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are absent | |
| Specifically used for brain development, eye care, strong muscle, bone, teeth, and heart Care |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Puppy- Premium puppy food
| Main Ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Salmon Meal, Brown Rice |
| Age Range | Baby |
| Best for | All puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken plus Wholesome Grains |
If you’re looking for good food for large breed dogs, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Puppy food should be at the top of your list It will support your pup to lead a healthy life.
It contains real chicken including oatmeal, barley, and brown rice to ensure a completely balanced diet that meets your furry friend’s unique energy needs. In addition, its have antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to increase the immune system, all life stage needs, and build a healthy oxidative balance. This formula is formulated in such a way that it is easily digestible and well-organized for all-age puppies.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | Corn, wheat, and soy are absent |
| All ingredients and flavors are natural | It has a limited flavor |
| Specifically used for muscle care | ARA ingredient is apcent |
| Life source Bits for a healthy immune system |
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy – Best dog food for puppies
| Main Ingredients | Deboned chicken, Chicken meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Brown rice |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken |
Our other best overall vet-recommended food for puppies is Merrick Healthy Grains Premium Dry Dog Food because puppies could benefit from this recipe. It is suitable for everyday nutrition as your healthy puppy grows up.
It contains deboned chicken as the first ingredient including chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, and brown rice providing a protein-dense recipe lineup. In addition, it has more beneficial nutrients for growth. Such as glucosamine, chondroitin, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, quinoa, potatoes, peas, healthy carbs, and so on. This recipe growing and strong muscles, joints, and bones.
You can give this dry food to your puppies of all breed sizes for easy chewing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely balanced diet formula | Breed sizes are not specific |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | It has a limited flavor |
| All ingredients and flavors are natural | Not for poultry sensitivities |
| Build strong muscles and bones |
Wellness Core Dry Puppy Food – Premium puppy food
| Main Ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas, Turkey Meal |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | All Puppies including large breeds |
| Flavor | Chicken |
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a completely balanced healthiest puppy food, with guaranteed levels of nutrients your all-size breeds need to thrive. It contains DHA – Salmon Oil that nourishes eye and brain development. Also including phosphorus and calcium promote strong teeth and bones.
And artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are absent in this formula. This formula is made in the USA and it’s formulated in such a way that it is easily digestible and well-organized for all-age puppies.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | Breed sizes are not specific |
| DHA – omega-rich fish oil that nourishes eye and brain development | It has a limited flavor |
| Calcium and phosphorus promote strong teeth and bones | Corn, wheat, and soy are absent |
| Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are absent |
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach – Best dry dog food for sensitive stomach
| Main Ingredients | Salmon, Rice, Oat Meal, Barley, Fish Meal |
| Age Range | Puppy |
| Best for | Large breed puppies |
| Flavor | Large Breed Salmon & Rice |
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Large Breed Puppy Food is a premium puppy food for your little one. This completely well-balanced, digestion-friendly recipe is the best dry puppy food for the money.
Not all pups require sensitive stomach recipes, but it will avoid general upset, even with perfectly healthy dogs. In this formula’s first ingredient is Salmon. It supports appropriate growth. It contains sunflower oil – Vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat. DHA – omega-rich fish oil that nourishes eye and brain development, and antioxidants that help to create a healthy immune system.
If you’re looking for good sensitive skin and stomach-large breed puppy food for large breed dogs. Then this food should be at the top of your list. It will support your pup to lead a healthy life.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality digestible ingredients | It has a limited flavor |
| Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives are absent | Best for large breeds |
| Vitamin A and Omega-6 fatty acids help to nourish skin and coat | Corn, wheat, and soy are absent |
| DHA – omega-rich fish oil that nourishes eye and brain development |
How to Choose The Best Dog Food: A Complete Guide for Pet Owners –
Choosing the best dry puppy food for 2024 is a crucial aspect of being a responsible pet owner, laying the foundation for your little one’s health and development. So, we will provide valuable insights on choosing the right food and ensuring your new family member receives the complete diet they need for growth and development.
Giving The Right Nutritional They Need
Make sure to provide the most suitable food for your puppy, it is important to comprehend their actual nutritional requirements thoroughly. Puppies require a complete and balanced diet during their formative years that provides them with the nutrients they need for growth and development.
Protein
Protein is an important basic component of dog food that plays a special role in muscle tissue and their overall growth. Deboned chicken, Raw chicken is one of the high-quality proteins. High-quality proteins provide essential amino acids, and antioxidants for their physical development, which also help to boost their immune systems.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main energy source, fueling your puppies’ playful activities and providing the vital needs for their boundless energy. It contains whole grains and vegetables ensuring a steady and sustained release of energy. This sustained energy supports your pet’s lifestyle and contributes to their healthy health and growth.
Healthy Fats
Healthy and strong fats, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are the critical components for your puppies’ well-being. These fats contribute to eye and brain development, imparting cognitive benefits, and also added fish oil and flaxseed are instrumental in providing these fatty acids, development, and promoting healthy skin and coat in your furry companion.
Vitamins and Minerals
A growing puppy’s diet should include a variety of quality vitamins and minerals. Its essential nutrients contribute to the development of a strong immune system as well as play a special role in strengthening their immune system. which lays the foundation for a strong skeletal structure.
These steps are the main components of food that should always be kept in mind while selecting a balanced diet. We have selected this list of the best dry puppy food for 2024 with your pup’s balanced diet.
FAQ
What Is Best For Puppy, Wet or Dry Food?
Both wet and dry puppy food have advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you and your vet to consider which is the best option for your puppy:
Wet food keeps your puppy hydrated and tastes better than dry food. Its extra water content helps your pup feel full faster. As a result, moderate food intake does not lead to excess weight gain.
Dry food is more affordable, actively scrubs plague and tartar from a dog’s teeth as they chew, and kibble lasts considerably longer when it opens as opposed to wet food.
If you can’t decide which one is better, then you can mix dry and wet food. “This combination can be a good balanced diet for hydration and nutrition,” says Dr. Greenberg. Additionally, mixing can also add variety to your furry friends’ diet.
Which Dry Food Is Best Large Breed Puppy In 2024?
As a pet owner, you should choose the right food at the right time. Which will include a completely balanced diet and proper nutrition. Here is a list of some of our top listed dry foods for large breeds. Wellness Complete Health Food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Food, Purina Pro Plan Food, Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, and so on.
Should Different Puppy Breeds Eat Different Foods?
Puppy food should be selected in such a way, that it can meet the body needs of different breeds of puppies. For example – small-breed puppies are fed a high-calorie diet for good health and balanced growth. However large breeds are given a low-calorie diet to prevent them from growing too fast.
Some brands have dry puppy food in the market that is good for both breeds of dogs. So choose carefully while choosing food.
What Is The Healthiest Dry Dog Food For Small Dogs?
As a pet owner, you should choose the right food at the right time. Which will include a completely balanced diet and proper nutrition. Here is a list of some of our top-listed dry foods for small dogs. Instinct Original Dog Food, Nulo Freestyle Dog Food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Adult, and so on.
What Is The Healthiest Dry Dog Food For Small Dogs?
As a pet owner, you should choose the right food at the right time. Which will include a completely balanced diet and proper nutrition. Here is a list of some of our top-listed dry foods for small dogs. Instinct Original Dog Food, Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Adult, and so on.
What Food To Avoid For Dog With Skin Allergies?
The most prevalent dietary allergies in dogs are proteins. Particularly those derived from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, and wheat gluten. When a pet eats food containing these ingredients, the antibodies react with the antigens, causing symptoms.
How Often Should I Feed My Puppy?
When it’s time to introduce your puppy to solid food. It is ideal to feed them four times a day from ages 6 to 12 weeks. When your puppy is between 3 and 6 months old, cut back on meals to three times a day. Feed them twice a day from the age of 6 to 12 months.
Now It’s Time To Choose The Right Food For Your Pup
Nowadays there are complete nutritionally rich balanced foods available in the market for all breed dogs. All the ingredients are prepared according to the needs of the puppy’s body. Here are all the top listed brands that are the best dry puppy food for 2024. Also here is a detailed overview of each brand’s benefits and ingredients list. As a result, as a pet owner, you can easily select the right pet food. All these dry foods will help them grow and develop.
This is the right time to choose the best food for your pup. Because you know which one is best or which one is important to consider factors for them. For example – when you select the food you check out ingredients and nutritional value, allergies, sensitivities, as well as breed, and size-specific formulas. Additionally, choose an age-appropriate food for your furry friend that contains all the nutrients. You can also take your vet’s advice on choosing these foods to ensure a happy and healthy life. They can also help you choose the right food for your little one.