As puppies grow and develop, so does their tolerance for certain foods. Puppies need special diets to support their muscles, bones and teeth. However, it is common for puppies to develop allergies to certain food, and it is crucial for owners to be aware of the signs of an intolerance.
Our guide will explore the best puppy food for muscle growth and teething, as well as the best choices to make for allergies and sensitive stomachs. We will also identify what to look out for when choosing the healthiest food for your pup.
- What Puppy Food is Best for Muscle Growth?
Explore our top choices here at Fetch
- Puppy Food for Teething
Teething puppies can be irritable – get ahead and choose the best puppy food
- Puppy Food for Allergies
Choose these puppy food options to help reduce symptoms of common allergies
- Choosing Puppy Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Go easy on your pup’s stomach with our top food choices
- Healthy Puppy Food Options
Here’s what to look out for when choosing healthy puppy food options
What Puppy Food is Best for Muscle Growth?
Dogs grow the most during their puppy months, so they require more protein to support their muscles. The key ingredient to feed a puppy is an animal-based protein, such as chicken or beef. This ingredient must be clearly named on the packaging to avoid filler ingredients and meat by-products. Healthy fats, such as omega-3s and fish oil, and carbs like sweet potato should also be included in a pup’s diet. At Fetch, we recommend Naked Pup Chicken for a healthy, complete raw puppy food option.
Puppies need around 22-32% of protein to support their growing muscles. However, they need a good balance to prevent unhealthy growth. Getting the right balance can be tricky, so don’t hesitate to consult a canine nutrition specialist. Raw, wet and dry puppy food options all have their merits, but the perfect option for your pup depends on their needs. For instance, raw puppy food is the best for digestibility, whereas wet puppy food is prime for hydration, and dry puppy food is much more convenient.
As well as protein, pups need a good balance of B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, iron and magnesium to contribute to muscle growth and function. At Fetch, we recommend the following brands for puppy muscle growth:
Puppy Food for Teething
When teething, puppies will need food that isn’t too hard on their gums, so raw, wet and cold pressed puppy foods are the better options. Wet puppy food is soft and palatable, meaning it is much easier to chew and won't cause your puppy too much distress. It also provides extra hydration that may be lost if your puppy is drooling. Raw puppy food is also a good choice if you have already started your pup on raw food and don’t want to move; however, it must be free from bone, as these can cause gum and digestive issues.
If your puppy has gone off their food when teething, don’t be alarmed, as this is completely normal. Alongside softer food, consider putting ice cubes in their water or offering a damp washcloth to chew on. If they have stopped eating their food completely, consider speaking to a vet or specialist.
You should avoid dry food when a puppy is teething; cold-pressed dog food is a nice alternative, packing in the nutrients your pup needs whilst being kind to the teeth and gums. At Fetch, we recommend:
- DARF cold pressed puppy food
- Ydolo semi moist cold pressed puppy food
- Alpha Spirit semi moist cold pressed puppy food
Alongside soft food, treats and toys, such as this Nylabone puppy pacifier, can also help with any discomfort as well as provide a tasty snack. Other snacks include:
- Cucumber
- Banana
- Watermelon
- Carrot
- Lick mats
You can find out more about puppy food for teething in our previous guide here.
Puppy Food for Allergies
It is quite common for puppies of all breeds to have allergies. They usually develop them after six months; common allergies in puppies include:
- Meat such as chicken and beef
- Dairy products like milk and cheese
- Wheat
- Soy
- Eggs
Before swapping your puppy’s food for something more hypoallergenic, get to the bottom of your puppy’s allergy by booking an appointment with a canine nutrition specialist.
Common signs your puppy may need hypoallergenic food include:
- Constant itching
- Skin that is red, inflamed or broken
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Ear infections that keep recurring
Hypoallergenic food is a great option for puppies with allergies, as they include ingredients that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. They contain novel proteins such as turkey or fish, and easy-to-digest carbohydrates, such as sweet potato. At Fetch, we recommend Ydolo wet puppy food, a 100% hypoallergenic option with no grain perfect for pups with sensitivities.
You can find out more about puppy food for dogs with allergies in our previous guide here.
Choosing Puppy Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Sensitive stomachs are common in puppies, especially as their immune systems grow. Common signs of sensitive stomachs in puppies include:
- Loose, watery stool, or diarrhoea
- Excessive gas
- Vomiting
- Reluctance to eat or slow eating
- Abdominal pain (evident if you touch their tummy and they flinch or they have a hunched posture)
- Lethargy
- Skin issues, if it’s an allergy
When choosing food for a puppy with a sensitive stomach, you should consider options that are easy to digest, free from common allergens such as grain, and include novel proteins such as turkey. We recommend cold-pressed puppy food, such as Alpha Spirit, which ticks these boxes; Alpha Spirit is minimally processed and contains 85% fresh meat alongside 15% fruits and vegetables, perfect for a balanced diet.
Avoid feeding your puppy food with common red flags on the label, such as common food allergens (dairy, eggs, yeast), low-quality carbohydrates (wheat, soy, corn), and artificial colours and preservatives. Options we recommend include:
- Raw puppy food, such as Naked Pup
- DARF cold pressed puppy food
- Ydolo semi moist cold pressed puppy food
Healthy Puppy Food Options
Many brands of puppy food claim to be “healthy,” so it is important to look deeper at the label to make sure your pup is getting everything they need. Signs to look out for include:
- Named protein sources – avoid vague terms such as “meat meal”
- Minimum fat content – around 8.5% is acceptable
- High quantities of filler – too much wheat and soy can be hard to digest, and doesn’t provide much nutritional value
- Puppy-specific formulas – regular dog food won’t nutritionally support puppies
- “Complete” diets – ensure the food is balanced
You can view our full collection of balanced puppy food here.
Look out for ingredients such as named proteins (beef, chicken, fish), omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics and calcium to ensure your puppy is fully supported, from their heads to their little toes! To save yourself from looking through the aisles for the perfect puppy food, our canine nutrition specialists recommend the following options for all breeds:
- DARF cold pressed puppy food
- Nourish Rite puppy food – with formulas specialised to both large and small breeds
- Ydolo puppy food
- Naked Pup – a complete raw option
Alongside healthy food, there are plenty of options for treats that can contribute to growth and development. Natural treats include:
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Natural chews, such as jerky
- Boiled chicken
- Eggs (scrambled or hard-boiled)
You can find out more about healthy puppy food options in our previous guide here.