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Choosing the best dry dog food for your puppy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new owner. A mother’s milk is the best food on the planet for a newborn mammal, but once they move to their new home, it’s your job to make sure they get the best nutrition possible to blossom into a healthy, happy adult dog, but that’s easier said than done these days!
Yes, there are more options than ever, but when they all claim to be the best, how do you know which ones to trust with your precious pup, especially if they have needs that go beyond needing a generally balanced diet? Here’s a bit of advice to get you started… Get out of the grocery store!
If we’re being honest, you’ll very rarely find high-quality puppy food in there, and the few premium brands that they do carry tend to be more expensive than they would be online, or even at a more budget-friendly store like PetSmart or Petco. So, how do you choose the perfect option online?
To help you out, we’ve done most of the heavy lifting for you. After testing several products with our own dogs, we’ve curated a list of our top ten best dry foods for puppies, catering to all kinds of needs, such as grain-free and fussy eaters, and starting with our top picks, Redbarn Puppy Food and Wysong Growth Healthy Dry Dog Food For Puppies. Let’s take a closer look at our top picks and the rest of our fabulous top ten!
FYI, this post includes affiliate links. If you buy anything through these links, DogVills earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
Top Picks at a Glance
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read the whole post, here’s a quick peek at our top 5 favorites.
- Best Overall – Redbarn Puppy Food
- Runner-Up – Wysong Growth Healthy Dry Dog Food For Puppies
- Best Budget Pick – Jinx Jr Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Natural Dry Puppy Food
- Best For Multiple Ages – Holistic Select Adult & Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Best For Fussy Eaters – Sundays For Dogs
Best Overall: Redbarn Grain-Free Ocean Recipe
Redbarn Puppy Food is the pinnacle of canine nutrition. The brand is committed to high-quality ingredients, with three options when it comes to the cooking process; soft rolled food, air-dried food, and slow-cooked food. All of which are made with taste and texture in mind, as well as health and optimal nutrition.
You can select the age range you want to buy food for on their website, and there are several options for 0-12 months, including whole-grain and grain-free, as well as beef, chicken, fish, lamb, poultry, salmon, and turkey, plus a range of bag sizes, including trial bags for the air-dried food if you just want to try it out.
Specifications:
- Range of flavors & bag sizes
- Air-dried, slow-cooked, rolled options
- At least 85% protein content per bag
- Rich flavor
- Wholegrain & grain-free options
- Nutritionally complete & balanced
- All-natural ingredients
- Non-GMO
- No fillers
- Includes superfoods like salmon oil & flaxseed
What makes it unique:
The best thing about the brand is the number of flavor options available, as well as grain-free and wholegrain for different dietary needs. It also has different types of food, such as slow-cooked and air-dried dry food and softer rolled food, which is still dry, but with a higher moisture content.
Each is meticulously cooked to maintain nutritional value while keeping optimal flavor. So, if your puppy gets bored easily and you want to switch up their flavors and textures, it’s an excellent choice.
What we like:
Redbarn’s foods are all nutritionally complete and balanced with natural, functional, and recognizable ingredients like real chicken and fish, as well as superfoods like salmon oil and flaxseed, which are rich in Omegas like DHA and EPA for healthy joints and cognitive development for optimum growth, sustained energy levels, and learning.
Their foods are also designed to support heart health, digestive health, and skin and coat health. Each formula has a protein content of at least 85% and is free from GMOs and filler ingredients. The brand also offers other products like treats and sells food bundles for puppies.
What to consider:
The different types of food are priced differently. Whilst the bags of slow-cooked food are pretty well-priced for their quality, the rolled and air-dried foods are quite expensive and come in smaller portions. However, the website says you can use it as a whole meal or mix it in with other food to make it last longer, and it is very high quality.
Where to Buy It
If you want to get this food for your pup, click here to shop on Redbarn or here to shop Amazon.
- Made for all life stages, including puppies
- At least 85% protein content per bag
- Non-GMO
- No Fillers
Runner-Up: Wysong Growth
Marketed as the “thinking persons’ pet food”, Wysong Growth Healthy Dry Dog Food For Puppies is another premium option to consider. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and holistic nutrition, this puppy formula aims to provide a well-rounded diet for the crucial stages of their development and comes in eco-friendly packaging.
Specifications:
- Contains real chicken & turkey
- A balanced blend of grains, fruits, & vegetables
- Nutrient-dense formulation
- High-quality ingredients
- No artificial additives
- Added probiotics and prebiotics for optimal gut health
- Omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, bone, and cognitive health
- Available in 5, 20, & 40 lb bags
- Family-owned & run company
What makes it unique:
Wysong Growth™ stands out as a top product with over 30 years of success, backed by veterinary recommendations and word of mouth. Its improved formulation utilizes advanced processing methods and incorporates nutritional advancements in epigenetics and nutrigenomics. It’s also reasonably priced with an auto-ship and save option on the brand’s website.
What we like:
This puppy food has 30% protein with high-quality meats and a rich array of micronutrients, including prebiotics, probiotics, omega-3s, and antioxidants for optimum digestive health, coat and coar health, skeletal development, learning, and more. The inclusion of colostrum, fruits, and vegetables enhances its nutritional profile, mimicking a prey-based ancestral diet.
What to consider:
There aren’t many downsides to this product. However, it does contain cheese, so it’s not suitable for lactose-intolerant dogs.
Where to buy:
Wysong is available on their website, on Amazon, and on Chewy.
- Nutrient-dense formulation
- High-quality ingredients
- Added probiotics and prebiotics for optimal gut health
- Omega-3 fatty acids for skin, coat, bone, and cognitive health
- Family-owned & run company
Best Budget Pick: Jinx Jr.
Jinx Jr Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Natural Dry Puppy Food is our top budget pick. It is very affordable without compromising on quality for your pup’s diet. Available in 4 lb bags and chicken flavor, its wholegrain formula is packed with protein and complete and balanced nutrition with all of the essential vitamins and minerals for whole body health and development.
Specifications:
- Available in 4 lb bag
- Chicken flavor
- Whole grain formula
- Supports healthy puppy growth
- Natural ingredients
- Balanced nutrition
- Complete & balanced nutrition
- Great taste
- No fillers or artificial additives
- Essential vitamins and minerals
- Promotes a shiny coat
- Digestive health support
- Developed for overall well-being
What makes it unique:
Jinx Jr distinguishes itself by offering premium, natural ingredients, and complete nutrition at an affordable price. It’s a standout choice for owners who prioritize their puppy’s health and well-being but don’t want to break the bank.
What we like:
Jinx Jr. Chicken Recipe boasts organic chicken as its top ingredient, promoting high protein for robust joints and muscles. With an enticing taste and free from fillers like corn and soy, it also includes calcium, phosphorus, and biotin for bone strength, skin health, and muscle generation.
Vitamin-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes, spinach, and blueberries also help to bolster the immune system and enhance coat and eye health, whilst DHA aids in brain development and contributes to a shinier coat, better digestion, and increased energy.
The whole grain rice formula also ensures a balanced carbohydrate source for sustained energy and supports delicate digestion. In fact, many reviews comment on the noticeable impact on their pup’s coat and digestion.
What to consider:
While Jinx Jr is a fantastic choice, some customer reviews have noted that the kibble size might be too big for smaller breeds, and it also only seems to be available in small bags, which may not be ideal for some owners, especially if they have multiple pups.
Where to Buy
Jinx Jr. is available on Chewy and on their website. If you shop through their website, you can save 10% on Subscriptions + Free shipping!
The Jinx Jr kibble recipe was created by experts to help your puppy build a strong foundation from the start — with a great taste that can only come from using real, high-quality ingredients. Made with organic chicken to enrich your puppy’s growing muscles, whole grains for sustained energy and healthy digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your puppy’s developing brain and heart function.
Save 10% on Subscriptions + get free shipping by shopping on the official Jinx website.
Best For Multiple Ages: Holistic Select
Holistic Select Adult & Puppy Grain-Free Salmon, Anchovy & Sardine Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food is a brilliant product that we’ve chosen to add to the list due to the brand’s holistic approach to your dog’s diet, but also its versatility. It’s suitable for small and medium-sized breeds and comes in 4 and 24-lb bags.
Specifications:
- Grain-free
- Fish flavor
- Real ingredients
- Suitable for small-medium puppies & adults
- Great for multi-dog households
- Includes essential vitamins & minerals
- Digestive health support
- Joint & mobility assistance
- No artificial additives
- Comes in 4 & 24 lb bags
- Made in the USA
What makes it unique: This dog food is crafted to provide a well-balanced diet tailored to both adult dogs and growing puppies, so it’s the perfect choice for owners of new puppies who already have adult dogs in the house and don’t want to pay for more than one type of food.
What we like: The high-quality proteins from salmon, anchovy, and sardine meal contribute to muscle development and overall health. It also includes a variety of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome ingredients to further enrich your dog’s diet, providing a well-rounded and nutritious meal for dogs of all ages.
What we don’t like: Whilst Holistic’s puppy and adult formula comes backed by glowing reviews, it’s very expensive, even when you buy it in small quantities, which won’t last long if you’re feeding more than one dog. However, it may add up to be cheaper than buying different food for multiple dogs if you’re doing so already.
Additionally, it provides a generally balanced diet but doesn’t cater to any specific dietary needs, so if you have large breeds, giant breeds, working dogs, or dogs with sensitivities, it won’t be for you. It also doesn’t cater to senior dogs.
Shop now: Grab Holistic dog food over on Amazon or Chewy.
- Great for multi-dog households
- Includes essential vitamins & minerals
- Digestive health support
- Made in the USA
Best For Fussy Eaters: Sundays For Dogs
Sundays For Dogs offers a premium dining experience for growing pups who are fussy with their food and it’s all made in the USA. Designed by vets to provide young puppies with the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development, it’s air-dried food that locks in freshness and flavor without losing nutritional value with human-grade ingredients for maximum tastiness – perfect for fussy pups. The food also comes in three flavor options, USDA beef, all-natural turkey, and all-natural chicken.
Specifications:
- Created by vets
- Fresh & air-dried
- Beef, turkey & chicken options
- Human grade ingredients
- 90% meat & 10% superfoods like blueberries & broccoli
- Made in the USA
- Free from fillers & additives
- Affordable
- Stress-free serving
- Picky-eater approved
- Noticeably improves health
- Available in 40, 72, 144 oz bags
What makes it unique: As mentioned above, the brand’s vet-approved formula contains 90% meat ingredients like real beef and chicken, as well as superfoods like strawberries and broccoli. All of their ingredients and natural and human grade and the food is air dried for freshness.
Air drying not only ensures a rich flavor but prevents loss of nutrients, unlike some other forms of cooking. It’s also free from fillers & additives and comes picky-eater approved following customer research, with dogs 40% more excited to eat with this food and winning a third-party taste test vs. traditional dog food 39-0.
What we like: This food doesn’t just come picky-eater approved, but the brand’s customer survey has found that regularly feeding dogs their food improves their overall health and well-being. It reports a 40% softer coat, 41% more energy, and 30% improved weight.
It’s also stress-free when it comes to serving, with no refrigeration or preparation necessary, and no mess. Sundays are affordable, too. In fact, the brand claims that it is 40% cheaper than other foods of similar quality, and they even offer customized buying plans tailored to you and your dogs.
What to consider: There is really nothing to complain about with this fabulous food, but some buyer reviews say that one bag doesn’t go very far for large and active breeds.
Shop now: Sundays for Dogs is only available through their website. Get 40% off your first Sundays order with coupon code MUTT40.
- Created by vets
- Fresh & air-dried
- Human grade ingredients
- 90% meat & 10% superfoods like blueberries & broccoli
Best For Active Pups: ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food is an excellent choice for pet owners with high-energy puppies, especially active breeds like Border Collies and those in training to work or perform. With an impressive 85% animal ingredients, this puppy food is well-equipped to meet the demands of high-energy, active pups, providing the essential nutrients needed for growth, strength, and stamina, as well as focus, sustained energy levels, and optimal performance.
Specifications:
- Contains fresh, whole meats & protein sources
- 85% animal ingredients
- 4.5, 13, 23.5 lb bag options
- Made in the USA
- High-quality, fresh, and raw meat ingredients
- Grain-free formula
- High protein content for puppy growth
- Nutrient-dense for overall health
- Biologically appropriate for better digestibility
- Complete & balanced nutrition
- Includes wholesome fruits and vegetables
- Free from artificial additives
- Tailored for puppy development
- Omega fatty acids for skin & coat health
What makes it unique: ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food sets itself apart with an emphasis on animal-based ingredients and whole prey diet formula, perfect for pups with high energy levels that need that extra protein kick to power their active lives and busy bodies and minds.
What we like: The formula contains a diverse range of fresh meats, including poultry and fish, as well as eggs for high-quality protein. The first five ingredients are freeze-dried dog food are fresh or raw chicken, turkey, turkey giblets, flounder, and whole mackerel. The grain-free formula also supports digestive health, making it suitable for puppies with gut sensitivities, and contains no soy, corn, tapioca, or wheat.
What we don’t like: Whilst it’s an excellent formula for active puppies, Orijen’s puppy food is very expensive and its bag size options don’t go as large as most of the other puppy food products on this list. So, you would have to spend quite a lot of money stocking up for your pup, and if they’re especially active, they probably eat more than most!
Shop now: Orijen is available on Amazon and Chewy.
- Contains fresh, whole meats & protein sources
- Made in the USA
- High-quality, fresh, and raw meat ingredients
- High protein content for puppy growth
Best Grain Free: Annamaet Grain-Free Ohana Puppy Formula
Annamaet Grain-Free Ohana Puppy Formula is the perfect choice for puppies who need to eat a grain-free diet. Crafted with precision and care, this formula from Annamaet is designed to meet the unique needs of growing puppies while avoiding the inclusion of grains that so many pets are sensitive to.
Specifications:
- Grain-free & gluten-free formula
- Premium protein sources
- DHA-rich fish oils
- Wholesome ingredients
- Prebiotics and probiotics for digestion
- Essential vitamins/minerals
- Antioxidant-rich fruits/veggies
- Omega-3 and omega-6
- Made in the USA
What makes it unique: Annamaet’s Puppy Formula is completely grain-free with added probiotics and probiotics to aid healthy digestion. Many dogs are sensitive to grains and wheat/gluten specifically is a common allergen, but it is used in many dog foods to bulk it out at a low cost. Consuming inflammatory foods can harm a dog’s health over time, causing poor digestion, low mood and energy levels, dull coat, dry skin, and more.
The brand has not made up for the lack of grain with more cheap ingredients, however. They are committed to high-quality formulas that are not only nutritionally complete but responsibly and sustainably sourced.
What we like: Made in the USA, Annamaet’s puppy kibble contains MSC-certified, sustainable wild, line-caught Alaskan cod, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA that contribute to vital cognitive development and promotes a glossy, beautiful coat.
Coconut oil, rich in medium-chain triglycerides, also supports a lustrous coat and heightened mental sharpness to help guide your pup through training. Marigold petal extract provides lutein, aiding the immune system, and prebiotics promote healthy gastrointestinal function.
What to consider: Whilst it’s our favorite grain-free formula for sensitive puppies, this product is quite expensive and its bag size options don’t go as large as most of the other puppy foods on this list.
Shop now: Grab this and other Annamaet dog foods on Amazon or Chewy.
- Grain-free & gluten-free formula
- DHA-rich fish oils
- Prebiotics and probiotics for digestion
- Antioxidant-rich fruits/veggies
Best For Sensitive Tummies: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Puppy
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Puppy is the perfect choice for owners of pups with sensitive tummies. There are many reasons why a puppy may have a sensitive stomach, but whatever the reason is, you’ll want to feed them something that doesn’t irritate it and keeps everything running smoothly. This puppy food formula prioritizes digestive health, with easy-to-digest ingredients and added prebiotics and probiotics for gut health.
Specifications:
- Chicken & brown rice flavor
- Fiber-rich ingredients
- 4 & 24 lb bags available
- Added prebiotics & probiotics
- High-quality protein sources
- Omega fatty acids including DHA
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Balanced nutrition
What makes it unique: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Puppy distinguishes itself by focusing on the unique dietary needs of puppies with sensitive stomachs. The fiber-rich formula is thoughtfully crafted to include ingredients that promote optimal digestion, such as pumpkin and papaya to ensure the body absorbs the nutrients whilst easing digestion.
What we like: Deboned chicken is the primary ingredient of the food. It provides a high-quality protein source for muscle development, as well as high-quality carbohydrates like brown rice, plus DHA and EPA for cognitive development and the development of joints, and healthy coat and skin. The brand also sells variations of the formula for different age groups, so if your dog likes it and their stomach reacts well to it, you can keep them on it as they grow and age.
What to consider: Although it’s a great formula, it’s only available in one flavor, so if your pup gets bored easily, you may need to look for a formula that offers more flavors. It also contains rice, which is a grain, so if your pup is sensitive to all grains, it may not be the product for you.
Shop now: Both Amazon and Chewy have a wide variety of Wellness dog foods, including this puppy formula.
- Fiber-rich ingredients
- Added prebiotics & probiotics
- Omega fatty acids including DHA
- Antioxidant-rich formula
Best Food With Raw Ingredients: Instinct Raw Boost Dry Puppy Food
Instinct Raw Boost Dry Puppy Food is a standout choice for owners seeking to include some raw ingredients in their pup’s food, whether you think it’s an important inclusion or you want to slowly transition them into a fully raw diet over time. It’s high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw bits for a boost of raw nutrition. It is made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world, and sold in resealable 4 lb & 10 lb bags and even has a separate option for large breed puppies.
Specifications:
- Contains farm-raised cage-free chicken
- Freeze-dried
- Raw ingredients
- Grain-free
- Rich in antioxidants and omegas
- Resealable bags
- Available in 4 & 10 lb bags
- No corn, wheat, soy, byproducts, potato
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- Promotes dental health
- Minimally processed
- Made in the USA
What makes it unique: What makes this kibble unique is the inclusion of nutrient-rich raw pieces. They’re freeze-dried to preserve the nutrients and taste, which is perfect for fussy eaters, and the crunchy texture is great for keeping teeth clean.
What we like: Chicken is the first ingredient in the kibble, and it’s cage-free, so it’s ideal for ethical consumers. It’s packed with protein with a balanced mix of poultry, fish, eggs, and meat to support high energy levels for growth and play, and it’s free from fillers like artificial additives and wheat, as well as soy, corn, meat byproducts, and potatoes.
The inclusion of wholesome fruits and vegetables further contributes to a well-rounded nutritional profile with all of the essential vitamins and minerals your pup needs on a daily basis, as well as probiotics for gut health. It also contains higher omegas and more antioxidants than other similar products on the market for healthy development and a strong immune system.
What to consider: Whilst Instinct’s products offer premium quality food, the price point definitely reflects that, so it might not be the one for you if you’re on a tighter budget.
Shop now: Grab Instinct’s Puppy food on Chewy or Amazon.
- Contains farm-raised cage-free chicken
- Freeze-dried raw ingredients
- Rich in antioxidants and omegas
- No corn, wheat, soy, byproducts, potato
Best For Allergies: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food is a fabulous choice for owners looking for hypoallergenic pet food for allergy-prone pups. Not only is it nutritionally rich for a complete and balanced diet, but it’s free from all common allergens, such as wheat, chicken, egg, and soy.
Specifications:
- Grain-free
- Allergen free
- 80% animal-based proteins
- DHA for brain and eye development
- Added calcium for strong bones
- Wholesome veggies and fruits for immunity
- Omega-3/6 for skin and coat
- Balanced calcium and phosphorus
- Ganedenb30 probiotics
- Low in carbs
- 14 recognizable ingredients
- Salmon and peas recipe
- Promotes healthy growth
- Appealing taste for puppies
- Available in 6 & 26 lb bags
What makes it unique: Nulo’s FreeStyle grain-free puppy formula is not only free from grains, it is totally free from all common allergens and has only fourteen recognizable ingredients, including turkey, chickpeas, blueberries, apples, and carrots. So, if you have a puppy that suffers from food allergies, this is our top pick for you! It is also a low glycemic index formula with added probiotics, so it’s excellent for general sensitivity, weight loss, and diabetic dogs.
What we like: Nulo FreeStyle’s grain-free puppy formula contains 80% animal-based proteins and has DHA for healthy brain and eye development, plus added calcium for strong bones and Ganedenbc30 probiotics for healthy digestion.
The low glycemic index ingredients, wholesome fruits, and omega-3/6 fatty acids also support optimal immune function and brilliant skin and coat.
What to consider: Whilst we cannot recommend this product’s formula highly enough, it does come at a price and the bag sizes aren’t that large, so you’ll need to bulk buy or restock regularly and it won’t be cheap, especially if you have a bigger breed or super active pup, but it’s worth it if your dog suffers from allergies and you want them to have the best quality dry food.
Shop now: Nulu is available on both Amazon and Chewy.
- Allergen free
- DHA for brain and eye development
- Added calcium for strong bones
- Ganedenb30 probiotics
What should I avoid in dry puppy food?
As well as knowing what to look for in your pup’s food, you should also know what to avoid. Many low-quality dog foods contain cheap, hard-to-digest filler ingredients that bulk out the food without adding any nutritional value and can even be harmful to your pet’s health over time, especially if they are sensitive or vulnerable.
You should avoid foods that contain:
- Artificial colors & dyes like nitrates
- Artificial flavors like propylene glycol & MSG
- Artificial preservatives like BHA & BHT
- GMOs
- Meat by-products
- Rendered fats
- Chemicals & synthetics like hormone-fed meat
- Added salt & sugar
- Corn syrup
FAQs
How much should I feed my puppy?
Every dog is different, but generally, young puppies should eat 1kg of food per 20kg of their body weight per day while they are growing. Once they are fully grown each dog will require a different amount of food depending on their size, breed, age, health, and energy levels. You can find information online about the right amount of food to feed your dog, and your vet will be able to give you the best advice for your dog.
How many times a day should you feed a puppy?
Young puppies should eat 4 meals per day from when they start eating solid foods up until around 4 months of age. At four months it should be reduced to 3 per day, and by 6 months, they can start eating two equally spaced out meals per day, which should continue into old age. Dogs need to eat smaller and more frequent meals when they’re young because of their small bodies and developing metabolisms.
Is dry food better than wet food for puppies?
Dry dog food is neither better nor worse than wet dog food, each type has their pros and cons. Soft and wet foods tend to be richer in taste and provide more hydration, as well as easier to chew and digest, which is good for fussy eaters, bad drinkers, and pups with dental and digestive issues. However, it’s also usually higher in fat.
Dry dog foods tend to have a lower fat content and although they can be tough for dogs with dental issues to chew, they’re actually better for dogs with healthy teeth, as the crunchy texture scrapes off plaque and prevents tartar build-up and gum disease, keeping them healthy. You can also add warm water to dry food to spice things up and make your pup’s dry food softer for some variety and release some more of the smell.
