As soon as puppies are able to wean from their mothers and eat puppy food, they deserve the best options that are going to support their delicate immune systems and rapid growth. Knowing what to look for when choosing healthy puppy food is essential to their development, and more importantly, knowing what to avoid can prevent health issues down the line.
Our guide below will explore how you can choose healthy puppy food, what treats to look for to complement their diet, and the best brands available.
- How Can You Tell Puppy Food is “Healthy”?
Here’s how you can identify healthy puppy food
- What Ingredients Should I Look Out for in Healthy Puppy Food?
These ingredients can indicate healthy puppy food
- What are the Healthiest Puppy Food Brands Available?
We recommend the following brands to give your puppy the best start in life
- What Treats are Healthiest for a Puppy?
Alongside their main meals, there are healthy treats that can also support your pup’s growth
- Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some common queries
How Can You Tell Puppy Food is “Healthy”?
Key signs to look out for when choosing healthy puppy food include:
- Named protein source: the very first ingredient mentioned should be the meat source, such as chicken or beef, and it should be high quality and clear to see, avoiding vague terms like “meat meal.”
- Minimum fat content: puppy food in particular should contain a low percentage of fat (around 8.5%).
- Avoid high quantities of filler: excessive filler ingredients, such as wheat and soy, can be hard to digest and don’t provide much nutritional value. Carbohydrates such as sweet potato are much better alternatives, as they are high in fibre, immunity and antioxidants.
- Puppy-specific formulas: puppies need different diets to support their rapid bone and muscle growth; regular dog food won’t support them nutritionally.
- “Complete” diets: puppy food labelled as “complete” is balanced to ensure full nutrition for your puppy.
At Fetch, we only stock reliable brands that can ensure your puppy gets the best diet that supports their specific needs and growth. You can view our full collection of puppy food here.
What Ingredients Should I Look Out for in Healthy Puppy Food?
When choosing healthy puppy food, consider the following ingredients:
- Named proteins such as chicken, beef and fish: puppy food packed full of protein can give puppies a great start in life. However, meats such as chicken and beef are common allergens, so if your puppy is showing signs of intolerance, it may be time to switch to a novel protein, such as turkey or duck. Always consult a vet or canine nutrition specialist before changing your puppy’s diet.
- Omega-3 fatty acid: crucial for cognitive development and brain health.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: these essential components promote a healthy digestive system. Ydolo puppy food contains prebiotic herbs for “sensible digestion” and gut health.
- Calcium: puppies need support for their growing bones, which is where calcium plays a vital role.
To see how you can support your puppy, our canine nutrition specialists can help you craft a diet that supports your puppy’s needs as well as your lifestyle.
What are the Healthiest Puppy Food Brands Available?
Choosing the right brand can set your puppy up for a healthy life. Some cheaper brands, such as supermarket own brands, will use filler ingredients and low-quality meat that will sustain your pup, but won't be nutritionally balanced. At Fetch, we recommend:
- Cobbydog Cold-Pressed Puppy Food: cold-pressed puppy food mimics a raw diet, providing your pup with the nutrients they need for a healthy start. Cobbydog puppy food is made from smaller kibble, making it easier for your dog to chew and digest. Rich in prebiotic fibre, 100% natural, Cobbydog is a great choice for all puppies.
- Nourish Rite Puppy Food: this grain-free option is perfect for pups with sensitivities, and they can transition from Nourish Rite puppy food to adult food when they are ready. Nourish Rite provides puppy food for both large and small breeds in a range of flavours, packed full of vitamins and minerals that support efficient puppy growth.
- Ydolo Puppy Food: providing both wet puppy food and cold-pressed puppy food, Ydolo boasts a special formula with balanced nutrition with 0% meat meal. The wet puppy food option comes with 90% fresh meat that supports and maintains joints.
- Naked Pup: for a raw puppy food option, Naked Pup provides popular flavours such as rabbit and chicken. It is easily digestible and rich in minerals and vitamins, perfect for supporting a shiny coat, healthy skin and cognitive function.
What Treats are Healthiest for a Puppy?
There are plenty of natural treat options ideal for puppies that aren’t unhealthy, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Natural chews, such as jerky for dental health
- Boiled chicken, especially good if your pup has an upset stomach
- Eggs, scrambled or hard-boiled
- Frozen fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries
At Fetch, we stock healthy puppy treats such as:
- Nourish Rite grain free fish treats
- Fish 4 Dogs skin and coat mackerel morsels
- Carnilove venison and turkey freeze-dried dog treats
- Zoe Licky Snack – pumpkin and salmon
You can view our full collection of puppy treats here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dry or Wet Foods Better for a Growing Puppy’s Health?
Both wet and dry puppy food options are recommended for puppies, as long as they come from reputable brands and puppy-specific formulas. You should also consider your puppy’s needs; if they’re teething, dry food may not be the best option for them.
How Do I Choose the Right Puppy Food for My Puppy’s Breed and Size?
Look for dry puppy food formulas that are tailored to large and small breeds, such as Nourish Rite.
How Can I Transition My Puppy to New Food Safely?
Often, you can just switch your puppy straight to a new diet, especially if they haven't been eating the food for very long. If they are coming towards the end of their puppyhood, consider gradually mixing their current food with their new food over two weeks, starting with 25% new food and 75% old food.
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid Feeding My Puppy?
Avoid typical foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, garlic, grapes, nuts and raisins. A full list of toxic food for puppies and dogs can be found on the Battersea website.
How Much Should I Feed My Puppy and How Often?
How much to feed your puppy, and how often, can depend on their breed and weight. All puppies are different, so take a look at our puppy food calculator below to work out how much you should be feeding your puppy.