The Green Pet Community shares
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Dry Puppy Food
The dry puppy foods listed in this section were all chosen as possible foods we are aware of at this time that are above average foods. The ingredients, and the source of those ingredients, their quality, and the ratio of those ingredients to each other largely determine these choices. There are probably other foods also good and worthy. We just like these. Comments and reviews from the members on their experiences and thoughts about these foods are greatly encouraged. Discussions are also encouraged here because this is a community site.
That being said, there are a few basic things to think about when deciding what puppy food to feed your puppy. First is that the puppy when you get it has been on a puppy food from the breeder, or whomever you have gotten him from. Some breeders will use the best foods they know within their budget, like everyone else. For some people, budget is not as large an issue to them as buying what they feel is the best food possible. In either situation, it is best for the first week to keep using the food he is on. As the week progresses, if you wish to switch foods, start mixing in some of the new food into the familiar food, gradually making the new food the dominant food. At the end of a week, the puppy can be weaned entirely onto the dry puppy food you choose. To make a rapid change can upset a puppy’s stomach or cause diarrhea. If this happens add some cooked rice to his meals for a few days, and some bland chicken. A bit of pumpkin added to his food might also help if you don’t have the time to cook up some rice and bland chicken.
Ask whomever you get your puppy from, why they are using the food they are and why? Information is power and creates certainty for you. A good breeder will have knowledge of the foods, and at times what works well with their breed, and even their particular line of dogs. If you have an adorable mutt, follow the same guidelines, except rescues, and shelters foods will not normally be of the higher-level dog foods due to their budget limitations.
Large breeds and small breeds grow at different rates, and you will need to consider whether the puppy food has distinctions for large breed puppies and small breed puppies within their brands. A large breed puppy needs to develop at a slower, more gradual rate than a small breed puppy, as it has longer to go, and bone development needs to be steady and strong, and not overly rapid for what is best for the breed size. Some puppy foods do not distinguish this and might be fine for any size puppy, but if so, their protein levels will not be overly high for what is best for large breeds, but be an average, good amount.
There are distinctions between what is called “ natural” and “ organic” puppy foods, if you wish to go in that direction. Do not for any food you consider pick a food that is dominant in fibers. Dry foods without corn, wheat, gluten, dairy and soy are always better choices for your puppies. They are hard for dogs to digest, and allergies are not uncommon in dogs to these substances, sometimes creating lifelong problems with their digestion organs, or cause chronic skin conditions. Also, try to steer clear of foods with “ by products” if you can. Chicken meal, fishmeal is fine, however. The first ingredients on the label of your puppy food should be the protein sources used, and make sure if meat for instance is listed, it is listed as meat, and not meat by product.
You may decide you wish to always have your puppy on grain free food, which in dry foods was not an option ten or even five years ago really. Now, such foods are available.
Foods with too much calcium which you might think is good for a growing puppy is in fact not good for them. Avoid chemical preservatives. They can be toxic. BHA, BHT and ethoxoquin should be avoided.
AAFCO approval on the foods is good. This means the food complies to the standard for balanced, highly digestible ingredients, and many of these foods are good for both adults and puppies. This is true of some high quality foods approved for “ all stages of life.”
Understand that for pups; keep to a schedule with puppies, as you would with babies.
Do not overfeed your puppy. Being a bit on the lean side is better for your growing pet than having him be too fat. Too much weight will put stress on the bone structure as it grows.
Make sure you have plenty of clean water for your puppy, and keep his dish and utensils used for feeding him clean.
Dry Puppy Foods
Fromm Gold Nutritionals Puppy Food
Fromm Gold Nutritional Large Breed Puppy Food
Native Level 3 Puppy Now! Grain Free Puppy Food
Health Wise Puppy Food
Innova Puppy Food
Innova Large Breed Puppy Food
California Natural Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy Food
Solid Gold Hundchen Flocken (Small & Medium Breed Puppy)
Solid Gold Wolf Cub (Large Breed Puppy)
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul Puppy Food
Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul Large Breed Puppy Food
Eagle Holistic Select Small & Mini Breed Puppy Food
Eagle Holistic Select Large Breed Puppy Food
Merrick Puppy Plate
Wellness Puppy Food
Wellness Large Breed Puppy Food
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food
Premium Edge Puppy Food
Premium Edge Large Breed Puppy Food
Canine Caviar Puppy Food
Orijen Puppy
Orijen Large Puppy
Addiction Puppy
AvoDerm Natural Puppy Food
Advanced Pet Diets Select Choice Puppy
Artemis Small Breed Puppy Food
Artemis Medium/Large Breed Puppy
By Nature Puppy Food
Wenaewe Puppy
Professional Puppy Food
Professioal Large Breed Puppy Food
Drs. Foster & Smith Puppy Food
Natural Ultramix Puppy Formula
Organix Puppy Formula
Nutrisource Small & Medium Breed Puppy Food
Nutrisource Large Breed Puppy Food
LiveSmart Puppy Food
VeRus Puppy Advantage
VeRus Life Advanatage Adult & Large Breed Puppy
