What’s the Best
But how could a one-size-fits-all dry dog food be “best” for every puppy?
After all…
There are 2 different TYPES of dry puppy food.
One designed for large breed puppies.
And another for smaller breeds.
Unfortunately…
Choosing the wrong food (one that contains too much calcium) could cause permanent bone damage to your pup.1 2 3
Including a crippling form of hip dysplasia.
Especially for larger breeds.
Which is why we urge you to choose a food that’s designed to be safe for YOUR dog’s breed size.
What’s Your Puppy’s
Breed Size?
Large breed puppies are those whose adult weight is expected to be more than 50 pounds.
Now…
Because larger breeds are at greater risk for hip dysplasia…
And since small and medium breeds can safely eat a wider selection of dry dog food…
The Dog Food Advisor has created a special list of foods that are best for EACH breed size.
On the list below, we’ve included both grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes to satisfy your personal feeding preferences.
Top 20 best dry puppy foods
Farmina N and D Ancestral Grain Puppy Medium and Maxi Dog Food
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Dry Puppy Formula
Rating:
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Puppy is one of 13 recipes included in our review of the Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain product line.
First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, dehydrated chicken, whole spelt, whole oats, chicken fat
Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
Profile: All life stages
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 15 available recipes
This Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 22% fat and 32% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
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Wellness Complete Health
Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food
Rating:
Wellness Complete Health Puppy is one of 13 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 (contains grain)
Profile: Growth
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 13 available recipes
This Wellness Complete Health formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
A top pick for controlled growth.
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Go Carnivore Dog Food for Puppies
Go! Carnivore Dry Puppy Food
Rating:
Go! Carnivore Puppy is one of 5 recipes included in our review of the Go! Carnivore product line.
First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Growth
Best For: Small and medium breed puppies
See all 5 available recipes
This Go! Carnivore product derives the bulk of its animal protein from poultry meal, salmon meal and deboned poultry. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 20% fat and 32% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
An above-average growth recipe.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice
Rating:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy is one of 21 recipes included 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 (contains grain)
Profile: Growth
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 21 available recipes
This Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
A superior growth formula.
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Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Orijen Puppy is one of 9 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
Profile: All life stages
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 9 available recipes
This Orijen all life stages product derives most of its meat protein from deboned poultry and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul
Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Chicken, Turkey and Brown Rice
Rating:
Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Chicken, Turkey and Brown Rice is one of 9 recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
Profile: All life stages
Best For: Small and medium breed puppies
See all 9 available recipes
This Chicken Soup for the Soul all life stages food derives the majority of its animal protein from poultry and poultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
A quality growth recipe.
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Adirondack Chicken Dry Dog Food
Adirondack 30% Protein High Fat Recipe Dry Dog Food
Rating:
Adirondack 30% Protein High Fat formula is one of 2 recipes included in our review of the Adirondack product line.
First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, ground grain sorghum
Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
Profile: All life stages
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 2 available recipes
This Adirondack 30% Protein High Fat all life stages formula derives most of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
A great choice.
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Instinct Raw Boost Puppy
Instinct Raw Boost Dry Puppy Food
Rating:
Instinct Raw Boost Puppy is one of 12 recipes included in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, egg product
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Growth
Best For: Small and medium breed puppies
See all 12 available recipes
This Instinct Raw Boost growth formula derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 24% fat and 31% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
An exceptional growth formula.
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Blackwood Puppy
Blackwood Puppy Food Growth Diet
Rating:
Blackwood Puppy Food Growth Diet is one of 5 recipes included in our review of the Blackwood Everyday Recipes product line.
First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, millet, chicken fat, ground grain sorghum
Type: Grain-inclusive
Profile: All life stages
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 5 available recipes
This Blackwood growth formula derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat and 43% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A superior all life stages recipe.
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Fromm Gold Dry Puppy
Rating:
Gold Puppy is one of 9 dry formulas included in our review of the Fromm Gold product line.
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, chicken broth, oat groats, pearled barley
Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
Profile: Growth
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 9 available recipes
Fromm Gold Puppy nets most of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a dry kibble recipe containing 30% protein, 20% fat and 42% estimated carbs… and resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
This fully balanced design is high in nutrient digestibility. The company uses third party pathogenic bacteria testing to verify the safety on every batch. We also note the inclusion of Fromm’s proprietary blend of probiotics for healthy digestion.
Highly recommended.
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Wellness Core for Puppies
Wellness Core Dry Puppy Food
Rating:
Wellness Core Puppy is one of 12 recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, peas
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Growth
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 12 available recipes
This Wellness Core growth formula derives most of its animal protein from chicken and poultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40% protein, 19% fat and 33% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 49%.
An excellent choice.
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AvoDerm Puppy Chicken Dry Dog Food
AvoDerm Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Puppy
Rating:
AvoDerm Puppy is one of 9 recipes included in our review of the AvoDerm product line.
First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, ground brown rice, ground white rice, chicken fat, oatmeal,
Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
Profile: Growth
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 9 available recipes
This AvoDerm Natural growth formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
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Read Our Full Brand Review
Nulo Freestyle Puppy
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato
Rating:
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato is one of 9 recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, chicken fat
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Growth
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 9 available recipes
This Nulo Freestyle growth formulation derives the majority of its meat protein from turkey, turkey meal and salmon meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 20% fat and 35% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
An exceptional food.
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Read Our Full Brand Review
Nutro Ultra Puppy
Nutro Ultra Dry Puppy Food
Rating:
Nutro Ultra Puppy is one of 9 recipes included in our review of the Nutro Ultra product line.
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, whole grain oats, whole grain brown rice
Type: Grain-inclusive (contains grain)
Profile: All Life Stages
Best For: Small and medium breed puppies
See all 9 available recipes
This Nutro Ultra growth product derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 19% fat and 42% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 61%.
An excellent growth formula.
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Read Our Full Brand Review
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy
Rating:
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy is one of 13 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 (contains grain)
Profile: All life stages
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 13 available recipes
This Merrick Classic product derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 43% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Highly recommended.
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Read Our Full Brand Review
Annamaet Ohana Grain Free
Annamaet Grain-Free Ohana Puppy Food
Rating:
Annamaet Ohana is one of 7 recipes included in our review of the Annamaet Grain-Free product line.
First 5 ingredients: Cod head, whitefish meal, coconut flour, lentils, whole dry eggs
Type: Grain-free
Profile: All life stages
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 7 available recipes
Annamaet Ohana derives most of its meat protein from fish and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 18% fat and 41% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
A top recipe for growing dogs.
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Read Our Full Brand Review
Holistic Select Grain Free Adult and Puppy Health
Holistic Select Grain Free Adult and Puppy Health
Rating:
Holistic Select Grain Free Adult and Puppy Health is one of 11 recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select Grain Free product line.
First 5 ingredients: Salmon, anchovy and sardine meal, potatoes, peas, menhaden fish meal
Type: Grain-free
Profile: All life stages
Best For: Small and medium breed puppies
See all 11 available recipes
This Holistic Select Grain Free all life stages product derives most of its meat protein from salmon and fish meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 16% fat and 44% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
A superior all life stages recipe.
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Read Our Full Brand Review
Victor Nutra Pro Active Dog and Puppy Kibble
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dry Kibble
Rating:
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro is one of 6 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
Profile: All life stages
Best For: All puppies including large breeds
See all 6 available recipes
Victor Purpose Nutra Pro derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken meal and blood meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 42% protein, 20% fat and 31% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
A quality all life stages recipe. Highly recommended.
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Read Our Full Brand Review
More Top Picks
To view more top puppy foods… choose the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Best Puppy Foods
Best Wet Puppy Food
Best Large Breed Puppy Food
Best Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Best Food for Australian Shepherds
Best Food for Boxers
Best Food for Chihuahuas
Best Food for Dachshunds
Best Food for French Bulldogs
Best Food for German Shepherds
Best Food for Golden Retrievers
Best Food for Goldendoodles
Best Food for Labrador Retrievers
Best Food for Pitbulls
Best Food for Shih Tzus
Best Food for Siberian Huskies
Best Food for Yorkies
A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor is privately owned. We do not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
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