The best puppy food gives your puppy energy, healthy joints, and a balanced stomach, allowing them to grow calmly and securely. The first months of a puppy's life are crucial for their future health, growth, and well-being. When choosing food, the quality of the protein, the fat content, and the raw ingredients are especially important for long-term health. Also consider activity level, size, and expected adult weight to ensure your puppy gets the right support throughout the growth period.
At Bestla, we have curated a selection of puppy foods specifically formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of puppies in their first year of life.
What characterizes good and nutritious puppy food?
Good puppy food has a high content of animal protein from meat, a balanced fat percentage, and vitamins and minerals adapted for growth. This helps the body build muscles, bones, and a strong immune system. Avoid food with unnecessary fillers and overly long ingredient lists where it's difficult to see what your puppy is actually getting.
Puppies need more energy than adult dogs, but their stomachs are sensitive initially. Therefore, it makes sense to choose food that is easily digestible and made from raw ingredients that could also be used in human food. Lighter carbohydrate sources such as rice or potato can be beneficial, especially if the puppy tends to have gas or an upset stomach.
Many people experience better coats, stools, and stomachs when switching from standard food to a more naturally composed puppy food with a focus on meat, quality, and transparency.
Premium puppy food with a focus on meat and gentle preparation
If you're looking for extra high quality, it's ideal to consider food with a high meat content and gentle production methods. Many are fond of Platinum dog food, which is known for its very high content of fresh meat and gentle preparation that preserves taste and nutrients. This often brings joy to even picky puppies and provides a good feeling of satiety.
Another popular choice is Chicopee dog food, which focuses on balanced recipes and good digestibility for both puppies and adult dogs. When you choose this type of premium puppy food, you are paying more for ingredients and quality rather than marketing and fillers. This can be seen and felt in your puppy's energy, coat, and overall well-being in everyday life.
- High content of meat from quality ingredients that the puppy can utilize efficiently
- Gentle preparation that preserves natural nutrients and taste
- Good fatty acids for the brain, coat, and skin during the important growth period
- Clear ingredient lists so you know what your puppy is getting in their bowl
Grain-free or not?
Grain-free puppy food is not necessarily better, but it can be a good choice for puppies with sensitive stomachs, itching, or a lot of gas. In these cases, recipes based on potato, rice, or other mild carbohydrates can provide more stable digestion. The most important thing is that the protein source is clear and that the food is easy for the body to utilize. See our selection of grain-free dog food to find what suits your puppy.
Nutrients for bones, joints, and healthy development
During the growth period, puppies need a carefully balanced ratio of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals. Too much or too little can strain the body, especially in large breeds that grow quickly. A well-formulated complete puppy food ensures the correct balance, so you don't need to supplement with extra additives.
Good fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 support the skin, coat, brain, and immune system – all areas that develop rapidly in the first months.
How to safely switch to new puppy food
When switching to a new puppy food, it should be done gradually so that the stomach can adjust. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old over a few days. Then, slowly increase the amount of the new food while monitoring stool, appetite, and energy level, to make the transition as smooth as possible for your puppy.
Many find that 7 to 10 days is a good pace for a food change. If your puppy gets an upset stomach, you can reduce the amount of new food slightly and extend the transition by a few extra days. Also remember fixed feeding times and a calm environment around the food bowl so the puppy can concentrate on eating. A stable routine makes it easier to assess whether the food is suitable or if adjustments are needed.
How much and how often should puppies be fed?
Puppies should be given smaller portions multiple times a day because their stomachs are small and their energy consumption is high. As a general rule, most puppies eat 3 to 4 meals a day, with the amount evenly distributed. Use the feeding chart on the bag as a starting point and adjust up or down depending on your puppy's body shape and activity level.
If you see prominent ribs and hips, it may be a sign that your puppy needs a little more food. Conversely, if they quickly become heavy over the back and shoulders, you should consider reducing the amount slightly. It's a good idea to weigh your puppy regularly to monitor their development, especially during periods of rapid growth. If you have concerns about growth or feeding amounts, it's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian or a professional trainer.
When should the puppy switch to adult food?
The timing of the switch from puppy food to adult food primarily depends on the breed's size. Small breeds are typically fully grown around 10–12 months, while large and extra-large breeds may need puppy food for up to 18–24 months. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and choose a good adult dog food that matches your dog's size and activity level when they are ready to switch.
Explore our selection of delicious puppy food and find the variant that gives your puppy a good start in life – fill your basket with favorites and make the feeding routine both easier and tastier at home.
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