When it comes to our pets, we sure do like to spoil them. There's nothing better than getting a brand new puppy to add to the family but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming to know exactly what you need - especially what's good for their tummies. Fret no more, because we've found the best puppy food right here.
From puppy pads to chew toys and flea collars, there's a huge checklist you need to think about when looking after your new furry friend. You'll want to make sure puppy food is at the top of that list, as it helps our pooches grow into healthy adult dogs.
Make sure you've got the right grub for them by checking out our full list of the best puppy food below. Firstly though, let's think about what is really going into that puppy food and why it's so important.
What do puppies eat?
Just like us when we're babies, puppies need separate food that particularly supports their growth and development - so it's packed with tailored vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food is often too rich for puppies so you'll want to start them on food that's packed with diet-specific ingredients that make a balanced and complete puppy food.
Nutrients such as calcium and protein are included to keep your pup's stomach calm and happy to make sure they're fed well. Nobody wants their puppy to have an upset stomach!
You can even get puppy food that's aimed at sensitive stomachs, as well as choose from wet or dry food. Make sure you research what your dog's breed is most likely to benefit from, as this is going to help you choose the perfect puppy food for them.
How long should I feed puppy food for?
This all depends on what breed and size of dog you have. Most puppies should be fed puppy food up until about seven to 12 months. So keep feeding them effective puppy food until they're old enough to move on to the adult dog food. Once they're big enough and at full adult growth, then they'll be able to process and eat all the nutrients in adult dog food.
So, up until then what should we be feeding our pup? Check out our roundup of the best puppy food below.
The best puppy food UK 2022
Best puppy food deal
Description
Get 70 per cent off this puppy food from Pedigree on Amazon right now. Even better, it's completely supportive of your pup's growth with a variety of flavours for your puppy to munch on. Including beef, chicken, lamb and poultry all with rice, they'll be scoffing it up.
Best puppy food with high meat content
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Lily's Kitchenwww.lilyskitchen.co.uk
Description
Lily's Kitchen is known for its high-quality pet food with a lot of meat in it. Rather than using fillers and grains, they stock up on quality meat to feed our doggies. If you're looking for a complete recipe with no rendered meats, this is the one for you.
Best puppy food for smaller puppies
PetsAtHomeDescription
Royal Canin has a puppy food that's made with smaller puppies specifically in mind, so even those little pups can get the most of a complete recipe. If your dog will grow up to 10kg in size then this is the best puppy food for them, including vitamin E and antioxidants to support their growth.
Best puppy food with hypoallergenic recipe
PetsAtHomewww.petsathome.com
Description
If your pooch suffers from sensitive stomachs, this AVA Veterinary dry puppy food has easily digested protein that supports immunity. Dry food particularly helps pooches with sensitive stomachs and this bulk bag of 15kg will keep them fed for longer.
Best dry puppy food
PetsatHomewww.petsathome.com
Description
Some dogs don't agree with wet food, so if you're looking to start them off on a dry puppy diet, this James Wellbeloved is a good all-around puppy food option. In an average 2kg bag and naturally hypoallergenic, this is a great energy source for any puppy.
Best supermarket puppy food
Sainsbury'swww.sainsburys.co.uk
Description
Whether you're popping into the shops or looking to add to an online shop, the supermarkets are a great way to get good value puppy food. With multiple flavours that are specially developed for puppies, Sainsbury's wet puppy food is ticking all our boxes.
Best meat and rice dry puppy food
Harringtonswww.petsathome.com
Description
Harringtons is a classic family-owned dog food brand and their turkey and rice dry puppy food is complete and formulated for wholesome nutrition. If you're looking for allergens, this has no dairy, soya, wheat or artificial colours so it's definitely a win there.
Best value puppy food
AmazonDescription
Looking for something that's easily accessible and good value for money? You can grab this Dr John puppy food straight off Amazon in a 10kg bag, making it super easy to order. With 27 per cent protein and 15 per cent fat for puppy development, we love this for its value.
Best puppy 'superfood' food
Amazonwww.poochandmutt.co.uk
Description
Yep, you read that right - you can even get superfood for dogs now! This option from the new dog food brand Pooch & Mutt is grain-free, hypoallergenic and all-natural, making a healthy option for your pups. These ingredients boost your puppy's mood, behaviour and physical health all in one.