Buying New Food for Puppies? Here Are 7 Things to Look Out For
Taking care of a puppy comes with a lot of responsibilities. In addition to regular walks, playtime and lots of snuggles, feeding your pup a healthy diet is an essential part of providing them with the best start in life.
But it’s not always easy to know where to start when it comes to buying food for your puppy. After all, there’s so much to think about in terms of nutrition, ingredients, formula, and more. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of seven things to look out for when buying food for your puppy. Make sure to give this one a read if you’re buying new food for puppies this year!
Growth-Focused Options
First, it’s important to understand that puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. They need a food that focuses on promoting healthy growth and development, which is why you’ll want to look out for formulas specifically created for puppies.
The best puppy dog foods will feature high-quality ingredients such as fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains. You should also keep an eye out for food options that offer the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to support your pup’s optimal health and development.
The best food for puppy growth will usually include added vitamins and minerals, as well as important fatty acids like DHA and EPA to ensure that your puppy reaches their full potential. It’s not uncommon for puppies to start out life underweight, so you may want to look for food options that are specifically designed to help your pup gain weight.
If you think your pup needs to gain a few extra pounds, make sure to speak to your vet before you start searching for a new food. They will be able to confirm if your puppy needs a special formula, and can even help you choose the best dog food for puppies to gain weight.
It’s also a good idea to do some research and choose the tastiest puppy food you can find. If your pup enjoys their food, it’ll make it much easier to ensure they’re eating the right amount and getting all of the nutrition they need.
Grain Free Options
Grain free dry puppy food or wet formulas can be a good option for puppies with allergies, as grains are one of the most common triggers for food-related sensitivities. If your pup has a history of allergies, or you suspect they may have some food sensitivities, then you may want to consider trying a grain free formula.
Remember, however, that while eliminating grains from your pup’s diet can help alleviate allergy symptoms, it isn’t always the best food for puppies as some grain free foods don’t contain enough carbohydrates and other essential nutrients needed for growth and development. This is why it’s important to speak with your vet before making any changes to your pup’s diet.
If your vet does recommend a grain free diet, make sure to choose a top grain free puppy food that’s made with high-quality ingredients and includes all the essential nutrients for healthy growth. You can also look for foods specifically formulated for puppies with allergies or sensitive tummies.
The best grain free dog food for puppies should contain plenty of protein to support muscle and tissue growth, healthy fats for energy and development, and carbohydrates to provide them with lots of energy. Added vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are also important for puppies, so make sure to look out for these as well.
High Protein Options
Proteins are essential for puppies, as they form the building blocks of their cells and help drive healthy growth and development. With this in mind, it’s important to look out for good high protein dog food options for puppies that contain plenty of high-quality animal-based proteins.
High protein dog food is especially important for large breed puppies as they need higher amounts of protein to support their larger frame size and faster rate of growth. High protein puppy food for large breeds can be found in both dry and wet varieties, so you can choose whichever one your pup prefers – or try a combination of both!
When choosing the best high protein food for puppies, make sure to read the ingredient list closely. Look out for fresh meats like chicken, beef, and fish as these are excellent sources of protein that offer lots of essential amino acids.
You’ll also want to steer clear of foods that contain by-products, fillers, and artificial additives. These ingredients have little or no nutritional value, and can even be harmful to your pup’s health. As always, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian before switching foods to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your pup.
Limited Ingredient Options
Many puppies suffer from food allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances. For pups with these conditions, it’s important to choose limited ingredient dog food options that are free of common allergens like grains and dairy products.
Limited ingredient foods contain fewer ingredients than traditional formulas, making them easier for your puppy to digest and less likely to trigger an allergic reaction or tummy upset. Some limited ingredient foods also feature unique proteins like duck, rabbit, or salmon that may be better tolerated by pups that are sensitive to more common meats like chicken and beef.
When shopping for the best limited ingredient puppy food, make sure to read the labels carefully and check the ingredients list for any potential allergens. And remember, any healthy food for puppies should contain plenty of nutrients and be free of any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Whether you’re looking for a limited ingredient large breed puppy food or a limited ingredient formula for a small pup, your vet can help you choose the right food for puppy’s unique needs. This way, you can be sure your pup is getting all the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.
Nutrient-Focused Options
As we’ve mentioned above, puppies need plenty of nutrients to support their growth and development. So, healthy puppy foods should contain all the essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients your pup needs to stay strong and healthy. This applies to any type of puppy food, from dry kibble to wet foods and specialized formulas.
When searching for a nutrient dense dog food, check labels and pay particular attention to the guaranteed analysis (GA). By law, pet food companies must list the minimum amount of crude protein and fat, as well as the maximum amount of fiber and moisture in their products. Some companies also list other nutrients, which makes it easy to compare different formulas and find the best one for your pup.
Your veterinarian is the best source of information when it comes to choosing the best nutritional puppy food, and the right formula for your pup’s specific needs. With their help, you can ensure your puppy is getting all the nutrients they need to live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Wet Options
Wet food offers a number of advantages that make it a great choice for your pup. Here are a few of the key benefits of wet food for puppies:
- Easier to digest and absorb nutrients. Wet food is easier to eat and digest than dry kibble, making it an excellent choice for puppies with delicate digestive systems. And since it’s easier to digest, it helps puppies to absorb the important nutrients in their food.
- Hydrating. Wet foods are higher in moisture than dry kibble, making them a great choice for puppies that don’t drink enough water. The extra moisture helps keep your pup healthy and well-hydrated, plus it may reduce the risk of developing health issues like urinary tract infections.
- More palatable. Many dogs prefer the taste and texture of wet food over dry kibble, so it’s a great choice for picky eaters. Wet foods also come in a variety of flavors and textures, which makes them more enjoyable for your pup.
As with the other types of puppy foods we’ve looked at, the best wet puppy food should contain all the essential nutrients to support your pup’s growth and development. It should also be made with healthy, high-quality ingredients such as real meats, vegetables, and fruits. Be sure to read the labels carefully and check for any potential allergens or artificial ingredients.
If your puppy is especially fussy, it’s important to look for the best wet food for picky dogs that you can find. Wet food really shines here, as there are plenty of options available that come in different flavors and textures. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect wet food for your pup and make mealtimes something to look forward to!
Dry Options
Kibble is the most popular type of puppy food, and it comes with several benefits. Here are some of the key advantages of dry food for puppies:
- Convenience. Dry kibble can be served directly from the bag, making it an incredibly convenient option for busy pet parents. And since most dry foods come in resealable bags, you can easily store any leftovers without worrying about them going bad quickly.
- Cost-effective. Dry foods are typically more cost-effective than wet foods, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking to save money on your pup’s meals. Plus, kibble lasts longer than wet food, so you won’t have to buy as often.
- Nutrient-dense. Dry kibble is typically denser in nutrients than wet foods, so it’s an excellent choice for growing puppies in need of extra nutrition. Be sure to look for a nutritionally complete and balanced formula that contains high-quality ingredients and all the essential nutrients for your pup’s age and size.
Aside from the quality of the ingredients and the nutrient content, good kibble for puppies should have small pieces that are easy for your pup to chew and swallow. And of course, the best dry kibble for puppies should be specially formulated for young puppies. A premium dry food like Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch ticks all these boxes – and it’s tasty too!
These formulas contain all the nutrients your pup needs to stay healthy and meet their growth and development milestones. Again, it’s important to check the labels carefully and make sure you’re choosing a high-quality food with no artificial ingredients or low-quality fillers.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve discussed throughout this post, a good puppy food should be made with healthy, high-quality ingredients and contain all the essential nutrients to support your pup’s growth and development. And no matter which type of food you choose, it’s important to look for a formula specifically designed for puppies. That way, you can be sure your pup is getting all the nutrients they need to thrive.
If you need help choosing the right formula for your puppy, talk to your veterinarian or a qualified animal nutritionist. They will be able to advise you on the best foods for your pup’s specific needs based on factors such as their age, size, and activity level.
In addition, be sure to provide your puppy with plenty of fresh water throughout the day. This will help keep them hydrated and ensure they get all the nutrients they need from their meals. With a little bit of research and some guidance from your vet, you’ll be able to choose the perfect food for your pup and help them grow up happy and healthy!
