The Top 10 Best Puppy Food Brands for Your Furry Friend
Welcome to the wonderful world of pet ownership! Congratulations on your new puppy, a gorgeous addition to your family, and the first order of business is deciding on the best puppy food. With a multitude of brands in the market, it can be overwhelming. We’re here to help, making the process enjoyable, not daunting!
Understanding the Basics of Puppy Food
In helping your puppy grow into a healthy, happy adult dog, an essential step is providing the right kind of nutrition. But, what does that mean? Canned or dry food or perhaps a bit of both? For pups under eight weeks without their permanent teeth, canned food is gentler on their mouth. This moist food is also popular among dogs, helping to bulk up those that need a little extra weight.
The Verdict: Canned vs. Dry Puppy Food
- Young pups without adult teeth may find canned food easier to eat.
- Canned food tends to be more palatable and great for underweight puppies.
How to Choose the Best Puppy Food
It would be best to aim for puppy food that has a blend of high-quality protein and fats, and a nutritionally balanced diet. High-end brands are available at your local grocery store, pet shop, or even your vet’s office. Not to forget, some online retailers harbor a treasure trove of high-quality puppy food. Today, more top-tier foods are found at grocery stores than ever before, so you can get quality without necessarily going out of your way. Popular vendors like Wal-Mart also provide a range of puppy food.
Best Puppy Food Options on the Market
Food from brands such as Nutra-Max, Nature’s Recipe, and Iams is backed by extensive research and recommended by many veterinarians. Purina One and Purina Pro Plan are newcomers in the top-tier puppy food segment but have extensive research under their belt. Science Diet, though reputed, can cause sensitivities in some dogs.
What’s the Best Duration to Feed Puppy Food?
Puppy food should typically be given until your fur baby reaches their full size – around the one-year mark. Puppies require extra protein because they’re actively growing, which is why holding back on switching over to adult food is beneficial. Once they’re fully grown, you can transition to adult food gradually.
Remember, choose a food that your puppy loves and also gives good results in terms of their health and growth. And, once you find that perfect match, avoid frequent changes as it can result in an upset tummy. After all, a happy puppy means a happy you!
See Related: The Ultimate Guide to Handling an Aggressive Puppy: Effective Strategies and Training Tips