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The Wet Dog Food To Keep Your Pup Healthy, Happy And Hydrated
If your pup turns up their nose at dry kibble or rarely visits their water bowl, wet dog food might be worth considering. Not only does this type of food appeal more to picky eaters, but it can be gentler on sensitive stomachs and provide extra moisture. After researching popular options, consulting veterinary experts and testing several brands ourselves, we confidently recommend Open Farm Surf & Turf Pâté as the best wet dog food overall. It's made with ethically sourced proteins and simple ingredients, and most importantly, dogs seem to love eating it. That said, the ideal choice depends heavily on your pup's lifestyle, health conditions and personal taste.
The best wet dog foods are healthy and hydrating, from trusted brands like Open Farm, Weruva and ... More Caru.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: RetailersKnowing what to prioritize can make choosing the right food easier. To start, take a close look at each food's ingredient list. "The best wet dog food includes clearly named protein sources, limited filler ingredients and whole-food elements like sweet potatoes or carrots," says Dr. Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel. "When checking food labels, look for real, recognizable ingredients." For example, a fresh dog food option like The Farmer's Dog delivers customized, human-grade meals made with incredibly high-quality ingredients. Ahead, we've rounded up the best wet dog foods available, including picks tailored specifically for puppies, senior dogs, prescription diets and more. And to give you further peace of mind, all of our recommendations adhere to nutritional guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), so you can feel confident you're choosing a complete and balanced food.
Open Farm
Open Farm Surf & Turf Paté Recipe
Type: PâtéLife stage: AdultAAFCO-compliant: YesSubscription required: No
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If you've ever read the label on a can of dog food and wondered where the ingredients actually came from, Open Farm makes it easy to find out. Its Surf & Turf Pâté is made with grass-fed beef, beef liver and sustainably caught whitefish—all ingredients you can trace online to see exactly how they were sourced. Every batch of the brand's canned food is tested for things like salmonella and heavy metals before it leaves the facility, and you can even review the lab results yourself. (To view sourcing and safety information about your specific batch, try the company's online transparency tool.)
The smooth pâté texture is easy for most dogs to eat, even those who tend to be picky, and the recipe doesn't include common irritants like soy, legumes or carrageenan. We especially like the Surf & Turf recipe because it combines beef and whitefish, both excellent sources of protein and nutrients dogs need, along with beef liver for extra vitamins and minerals. It's also free of chicken, which many dogs are sensitive to (often without their owners even realizing it).
If your dog prefers different proteins, Open Farm also has recipes with salmon, turkey and beef that are worth trying. I personally always keep a few cans in my pantry as backup in case my dog's usual food subscription gets delayed or we're going to be traveling. She loves the taste, and unlike dry kibble, it doesn't upset her digestion or cause changes to her stool.
Type: Fresh (frozen)Life stage: All life stagesAAFCO-compliant: YesSubscription required: Yes
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The Farmer's Dog is different from typical wet foods because it's fresh and arrives frozen, but it still has the softer texture and high moisture content that make wet food appealing to many pups. Forbes Vetted recently named it the best dog food delivery service in 2025, thanks largely to its personalized approach and high-quality ingredients. Recipes feature proteins like beef, chicken, turkey and pork, combined with vegetables and nutrient-rich ingredients such as chickpeas and salmon oil. The meals are cooked gently in a human-grade facility, then frozen and shipped directly to you.
When you sign up, you first have to answer a quick survey about your dog's age, breed, weight and activity, so the meals arrive already portioned out for your pup's specific needs. The packaging conveniently includes your pet's name, which is helpful if you board your dog or use daycare regularly. Just remember you need a decent amount of freezer space, and the packages can't be resealed once opened. That said, I regularly feed The Farmer's Dog to my pup and have never had an issue with storage. The packs of food lay flat in the freezer and they're easy to stack, and the brand sends you a convenient storage container to keep partially used packages fresh in the fridge.
Open Farm
Open Farm Puppy Chicken & Salmon Paté Recipe
Type: PâtéLife stage: PuppyAAFCO-compliant: YesSubscription required: No
What you'll love:
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Open Farm's puppy pâté uses the same high-quality ingredients and transparent sourcing as its adult recipes, but it's formulated specifically to meet the needs of growing puppies. The veterinarians we spoke to emphasized that young dogs require specific amounts of vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth—particularly larger breeds, which can have more demanding nutritional requirements. Rather than settle for a general "all life stages" food, they recommend choosing a dedicated puppy formula like this to ensure your pup gets the nutrients they need.
This recipe blends humanely raised chicken, wild-caught salmon, chicken liver and veggies like sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. And while this is the brand's only puppy-specific flavor available right now, most reviewers say their pups happily clean their bowls. My own 8-month-old pup regularly eats this canned food, which we mix in with her fresh meals from The Farmer's Dog (now that she's getting older). She loves the taste and it hasn't caused any digestion issues, which I can't say about every food we've tried.
MOST POPULAR
Type: CannedLife stage: AdultAAFCO-compliant: YesSubscription required: No
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Several veterinarians we spoke to recommended limited-ingredient diets for senior dogs, because simpler recipes are often easier on aging digestive systems. Weruva's Paw Lickin' Chicken recipe is a great example. Its main ingredient is cage-free chicken breast, and you can actually see the recognizable chunks of real meat as soon as you open the can. Plus, it's soft enough for older dogs to chew comfortably without being overly mushy.
Weruva also offers plenty of variety if your older pup is still excited about trying new flavors. There are over a dozen other recipes to choose from, including options featuring turkey, duck, tuna, pumpkin, carrots and more, all made to the same high-quality standards. So even if your senior dog's tastes change as they age—or they simply get picky—there are plenty of options to keep them interested in mealtime.
Type: StewLife stage: All life stagesAAFCO-compliant: YesSubscription required: No
What you'll love:
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If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you already know how tricky it can be to find food that keeps their digestive system happy. This Caru recipe features a simple ingredient list with human-grade turkey and salmon, two proteins generally gentle on sensitive stomachs, plus mild veggies like pumpkin, carrots and apples. The stew is slowly cooked in small batches, and it even looks (and smells) like something you might make yourself.
Reviewers frequently note this recipe significantly improved their dogs' digestive issues after switching from other brands, especially those containing potatoes or grains. Plus, Caru packages its stew in a convenient, resealable pouch rather than a traditional can, so it's easy to portion out exactly what your dog needs.
Type: Fresh (frozen and pantry-stable options)Life stage: AdultAAFCO-compliant: YesSubscription required: No (prescription required)
What you'll love:
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If your vet recommends a prescription diet to manage your dog's specific health issues, JustFoodForDogs has fresh recipes created by veterinarians and nutritionists. Unlike many prescription foods that use lower-quality ingredients, these recipes include recognizable, human-grade ingredients like wild-caught cod, lamb, turkey and fresh veggies.
The brand offers four specialized formulas to support a variety of concerns, such as kidney health, liver function, metabolism and appetite stimulation during critical care. Each recipe carefully controls nutrient levels based on specific health conditions, so you know your dog is getting exactly what their body needs. All four varieties come in frozen fresh formats, and two of the formulas also come in convenient shelf-stable "Pantry Fresh" versions.
Just keep in mind that you' need a prescription from your veterinarian to order these diets, though you don't have to commit to a subscription unless you want to. The meals are available directly from the company online, at JustFoodForDogs stores nationwide and at select Petco locations.
Why Trust Forbes VettedThe Forbes Vetted home team regularly researches and writes about pet products, from the best cat food to the best dog beds.
To find the best wet dog food, we combined personal testing, expert insights and thorough research, keeping our own dogs in mind every step of the way.
The 7 Best Dry Dog Foods, According To Veterinarians
The best dry dog foods strike a balance between premium ingredients and pour-in-the-bowl convenience. Compared to other feeding styles, kibble is typically more affordable, less messy and longer lasting. The challenge is deciphering nutrition labels and finding the truly high-quality options in a market crowded with subpar choices. After consulting trusted veterinarians, we determined that Open Farm, a sustainable pet food brand, makes the best formula overall. Because there's no one-size-fits-all option, though, we also assembled an expert-approved list of additional picks tailored to pups with various needs and preferences.
We named Open Farm the best dry food overall thanks to its sustainable, high-quality ingredients.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: CORY BALDWIN FOR FORBESDr. Tina Aiken, DVM, a holistic veterinarian in New York, emphasizes that a dog's nutritional requirements depend on multiple factors, including age, breed size and specific health conditions. Keeping that in mind, certain quality markers in dry dog food are universally important. Dr. Ray Spragley, DVM, an integrative veterinarian in New York, recommends first checking for the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement on the label, which indicates the kibble is nutritionally complete and balanced. Dr. Candice Akers, DVM, a holistic veterinarian in Colorado, highlights the importance of animal-based proteins and advises avoiding foods that rely primarily on grains like wheat and soy, or legumes for protein.
Additionally, Spragley advises steering clear of byproducts, artificial additives and chemical preservatives like BHA. Ultimately, consulting your veterinarian will help you find the ideal dry dog food tailored specifically to your pet's individual needs. Ahead, we've simplified your search with vet-approved and staff-tested options worth considering.
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Open Farm
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains
Rarely do the words "ethically sourced" and "dog food" appear in the same sentence, but Open Farm changes that. The Canadian-based company is committed to sourcing ethical, sustainable and traceable ingredients (including humanely raised meat, fish and poultry), which has two major benefits: It ensures that pups are getting the best nutrition and lessens negative impacts on the environment. Open Farm kibbles are also free of chemicals, artificial preservatives and cheap fillers. Akers also likes the brand's easy-to-digest carbohydrates, which she says are ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or who are senior. The brand also has grain-free recipes and a wholesome puppy formula for new four-legged additions.
What our editors say: Karen Tietjen, senior updates editor for Forbes Vetted, shares, "We've been feeding my dog Open Farm for years and we've stuck with this brand because company uses quality, traceable ingredients (and low-quality ingredients is a huge problem in the pet food industry). She is nine years old and quite healthy, and while we supplement her diet with real foods, I feel good knowing she's eating nutritious kibble—I always recommend it to friends, too! Overall, I think it's a great option for those who don't have the time or budget to feed their dogs raw."
Amazon
Merrick Limited Ingredient Recipe
Dr. Nick Horniman, MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon based in the U.K. And the founder of online pet pharmacy My Pet's Vet, explains, "A lot of pups are allergic or intolerant to poultry such as chicken and turkey." For this reason, he recommends Merrick's Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato recipe, adding, "It is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs." Real deboned salmon tops the natural ingredients list, which is also free from soy, corn, wheat, dairy, eggs and any artificial additives. Plus, it's suitable for adult dogs of all sizes, but make sure to consult the feeding chart for the best proportions.
Chewy
Stella & Chewy's Stella's Super Beef Dinner Patties
Both Aiken and Akers say that freeze-dried raw foods, which are much less processed than kibbles, can be very beneficial to a dog's diet. One of Akers' favorites is Stella & Chewy's Super Beef Dinner Patties. "This recipe includes multiple organ meats such as the liver, kidney, heart, tripe and bone. These are important nutrient-dense ingredients full of vitamin A, magnesium and the whole B-vitamin complex," she says. Plus, Akers says this pick is suitable for pups with food sensitivities: "The brand is also great at separating proteins. This means they don't mix chicken livers into their beef recipes and vice versa," she explains.
What our editors say: Brinda Ayer, Forbes Vetted's executive managing editor and mom to a boxer mix, shares, "I like to mix up our dog's dinner from time to time with the Stella & Chewy Super Beef Dinner Patties. I take about half of a patty and crumble it up over George's kibble and he goes absolutely wild. The first five ingredients of these medallions are pure beef meat and organs, then assorted produce like pumpkin, broccoli, beets and blueberries, so I know George is getting a full slate of nutrition without any weird stuff." Ayers also offers a helpful pro tip if you're traveling with your pup: The pucks, which are very lightweight, can be crumbled up to use as "higher-value" treats in between meals.
Chewy
Stella & Chewy's Raw-Coated Grain-Free Kibble
Combining the convenience of kibble with the taste of raw freeze-dried meat, Akers shares that Stella & Chewy's Raw Coated Kibble is one she recommends for her four-legged patients. This high-protein formula is packed with beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat. What's more, the brand only uses responsibly sourced ingredients and never adds harmful chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or anything artificial. The brand offers this kibble in both grain-inclusive and grain- and legume-free varieties, like this Red Meat Recipe. Akers adds, however, that you shouldn't transition to this pick immediately if your dog is used to a diet of corn- or rice-heavy kibble. "I have heard some instances of certain batches of food that had palatability issues. Pet parents may have a harder time transitioning from ''junk food' directly to 'more healthy food," she explains.
Chewy
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Grain-Free Recipe
Horniman recommends Nulo's puppy formula, which includes at least 80% animal-based protein from real salmon or turkey. "The formula includes fruits and vegetables such as carrots, blueberries and apples, which can make a huge difference when it comes to supporting your puppy's growth and development," he says. The formula also contains several key fatty acids that help support the development of your puppy's brain and eyes. In addition to being grain-free, the Freestyle Puppy formula is also free from poultry and egg in case your pup has sensitivities or allergies.
Open Farm
Open Farm Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food
"For senior dogs, I look for a kibble that is a bit easier to digest. Older dogs don't make as many digestive enzymes as younger dogs," Akers shares. One brand that fits her criteria is Open Farm, whose formulas (like this grain-free one formulated especially for seniors) contains easy-to-digest carbohydrates balanced with a variety of animal proteins. It's also full of two types of fatty acids that help with senior dogs' mobility and joint health, as well as several vitamins that support digestion.
Amazon
Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Akers offers Orijen brand as an example of high-quality kibble and specifically points to the small breed formula for pint-sized companions. To understand why, one only has to look at the ingredient list: "Here we see: lots of whole-prey animal proteins, dehydrated (not rendered) muscle meats, lots of nutrient-dense organ meats, a few whole legumes, superfoods, antioxidants and herbs," Akers explains. Plus, the formula, which contains a high percentage of animal-based protein (85%), is designed to both support the high-energy needs of small dogs as well as help them maintain a healthy weight, according to the brand.
Why Trust Forbes VettedOur team of remote editors and writers have spent years conducting lengthy research, interviewing experts and testing dozens of pet products to find the best ones—including the ones that help make sure our dogs are living healthy and happy lives. Our canine-related articles include the best dog beds, best dog leashes and best dog food delivery services.
How We Chose The Best Dry Dog FoodTo find the best dry dog food, we combined hands-on testing, professional insights and extensive research, prioritizing foods we'd feel confident feeding our own pets.
Shopping for dry dog food involves more than just grabbing the first bag off the shelf. Here are key factors veterinarians recommend considering to ensure your dog's nutritional needs are truly met.
High-Quality Animal ProteinGood dry dog food starts with high-quality animal-based protein sources. Vets stress that clearly named proteins—like beef, chicken and fish—are essential for your dog's overall health. Akers advises avoiding foods that rely heavily on grains, legumes or ambiguous "meat meals" as primary protein sources. Foods like Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains and Stella & Chewy's Super Beef Dinner Patties clearly list animal-based proteins first, giving your dog easily digestible nutrition from trusted sources.
AAFCO ComplianceLook for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statement on the food label. This label means the food is formulated to be complete and balanced according to industry standards. Spragley emphasizes this label ensures your dog is getting essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients required to thrive. All of the dry foods we've recommended, including top picks like Nulo Freestyle Puppy Recipe, clearly display AAFCO compliance statements on their packaging.
No Artificial Additives or FillersAvoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, fillers and additives, which can negatively affect your dog's overall health. Ingredients like BHA, BHT, dyes or overly processed byproducts should be red flags, according to Spragley. Opt instead for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and sourcing. Foods like Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food and Merrick Limited Ingredient Recipe specifically avoid these artificial additives, making them safer, cleaner options for your pet's diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)What Is The Most Vet-Recommended Dry Dog Food?
Veterinarians rarely agree on a single "best" dry food, but most recommend brands that use high-quality, transparent ingredients. The holistic vets we spoke with frequently mentioned Open Farm for its clear ingredient sourcing and ethical standards, as well as Stella & Chewy's for its freeze-dried and raw-coated kibbles. Still, your veterinarian knows your dog best—ask them for a personalized recommendation based on your pet's needs.
What Do Vets Say About Dry Dog Food?
Many vets believe dry dog food can be nutritious, convenient and budget-friendly—but they also emphasize that quality matters. Dr. Ray Spragley, an integrative veterinarian, recommends looking for the AAFCO statement on labels, which confirms the food meets nutritional standards. Vets also suggest prioritizing dry food with named animal proteins and minimal additives or fillers. Always discuss your dog's individual needs with your vet to find the right option.
What Is The Healthiest Food To Feed A Dog?
The healthiest food depends entirely on your dog's individual health, age and dietary needs. More and more vets are recommending fresh or human-grade foods, but quality dry foods like our top pick from Open Farm can also deliver excellent nutrition. Ultimately, the best diet is one tailored specifically to your dog, so it's always smart to check with your veterinarian before making a final choice.
The Best Puppy Food Of 2025, According To Veterinarians
A lot of things run through your mind when you get a new puppy: what kind of dog toys you should buy, how beneficial crate training actually is and if they really need their own bed, among other critical questions. Perhaps the most important consideration, and certainly the most timely, is the best dog food to feed your new puppy — and what you should avoid.
I've written about dog food and pet topics for the past four years. To help you whip up the best meals for your puppy, I spoke to veterinarians about the differences between puppy food and adult dog food (including ingredients and portion size to keep in mind), and how to determine which food has the best nutritional value for different kinds of dogs. I also got highly rated, expert-backed recommendations for the best puppy food and included options that NBC Select staff feed their own puppies.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best puppy foodBest puppy foodWhat's the difference between puppy food and adult dog food?How to shop for puppy foodWhy trust NBC Select?
Selected.Our top picks See 4 More
One of the most important things to do when you get a new puppy is to create a mealtime routine: "Choose a schedule that is convenient for you and your family so that you can stick to the routine — if you create a routine, the puppies will follow," says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian and veterinary advisor at Figo Pet Insurance.
When shopping for quality puppy food, experts recommend considering the following factors:
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Listed below are veterinarian-recommended dog food for puppies, as well as highly rated and NBC Select staff favorites that are in line with expert guidance. All of them satisfy AAFCO nutritional requirements, include feeding guidelines on their packaging and are equipped with a staff of veterinary nutritionists to regulate the use of high-quality ingredients.
Best overall: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food$19.99
$21.99
Amazon
$19.99
$21.99
Chewy
$19.99
Petco
What we like
Something to note
Hill's Science Diet is one of the top dog food brands among our experts for adult dogs and puppies. One of our favorite dog foods overall, this puppy-specific formula from the brand comes in small, easy-to-digest kibble, according to the brand. It has natural omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil that work to support healthy brain and eye development, and a blend of vitamin E and vitamin C to support a healthy immune system in puppies, according to Hill's. The food comes in a 4.5-pound or 12.5-pound bag. You can also get the canned version of this puppy food, which you can mix into your dog's kibble, experts say.
Food type: dryRecommended age: up to 1 year oldRecommended weight: up to 120 lbs (expected adult weight)Calorie content: 393 kcal per cupTop ingredients: chicken, brown rice, whole grain wheat
Best budget-friendly: IAMS Proactive Health Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food$29.98
Amazon
$29.98
$30.99
Chewy
What we like
Something to note
If you're on a budget, Iams' dry puppy food is a highly rated option, with a 4.7-star average rating from over 5,500 reviews on Amazon. Made with chicken and whole grain, this recipe is rich in omega-3 to support mental and visual wellness in puppies, according to the brand.
Food type: dryRecommended age: up to 1 year oldRecommended weight: up to 50 lbsCalorie content: 380 kcal per cupTop ingredients: chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain corn
Best wet food: Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Canned Dog Food$32.40
$35.78
Chewy
$32.40
$38.28
Petco
Purina Pro Plan is another one of our experts' favorites, and this canned chicken and rice formula is great for puppies with an expected adult weight of up to 100 pounds, according to the brand. It has essential vitamins and minerals to help keep your puppy's coat soft and immune system healthy. You can divide the can into three or more feedings for puppies up to 6 months and two feedings from 7-12 months, according to Purina.
Food type: wet/cannedRecommended age: up to 1 year oldRecommended weight: 2-100 lbs (expected adult weight)Calorie content: 475 kcal per canTop ingredients: chicken, liver, water, salmon, rice
Best for small breeds: Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog FoodWhat we like
Something to note
Royal Canin is a favorite among the veterinarians I spoke to, as well as NBC Select staff. I fed my now 6-year-old havanese and bichon frise mix, Bella, this formula when she was a puppy after it was recommended to me by her vet. I still feed her the adult small breed version of Royal Canin's dog food — it's the only kibble that she doesn't get bored of, and it's one I constantly come back to whenever I switch it up. Made for dogs up to 22 pounds, the crunchy kibble is bite-sized for small breed puppies and has omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E to support healthy growth and energy levels.
Food type: dryRecommended age: 2-10 monthsRecommended weight: 9-22 lbs (expected adult weight)Calorie content: 349 kcal per cupTop ingredients: chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, corn
Bella ate Royal Canin's puppy formula until she was a year old.Courtesy of Mili Godio Best for large breeds: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food $52.98
Amazon
$52.98
$55.49
Chewy
$52.98
Walmart
Purina Pro Plan is vet-recommended for its wide range of puppy-centered formulas that cater to specific needs, like those of toy breeds or dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. The large breed formula, made for dogs that'll reach over 50 pounds at maturity, helps maintain a healthy development rate, and contains fish oil for brain and visual development, according to the brand.
Food type: dryRecommended age: up to 2 years oldExpected adult weight: over 50 lbsCalorie content: 419 kcal per cupTop ingredients: chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
Best for giant breeds: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food$109.99
Amazon
$109.99
Chewy
$109.99
PetSmart
What we like
Something to note
Giant dog breeds, such as great danes or saint bernards, will have an adult weight of 100 pounds or over, according to our experts. They need a certain ratio of nutrients and minerals so they don't grow too quickly (if they do, it could lead to an array of orthopedic problems later in life, according to the vets I spoke to). Royal Canin's giant breed-specific puppy formula is made for extra-large breed puppies up to 8 months old — once they reach this age, you can switch to Royal Canin Giant Junior formula, which helps support your pup's muscle development up to 24 months old, according to the brand.
Food type: dryRecommended age: 2-8 monthsRecommended weight: over 100 lbs (expected adult weight)Calorie content: 338 kcal per cupTop ingredients: chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, wheat gluten
Best subscription: The Farmer's Dog Subscription Dog FoodWhat we like
Something to note
The Farmer's Dog is a subscription dog food service that delivers food for both growing puppies and adult dogs right to your door. Each prepared meal delivery comes with the exact portions your pup needs based on their age, weight breed, activity level and build — you simply fill out a questionnaire before placing your order, and the brand calculates the plan that fits your dog's calorie and nutritional needs.
NBC Select social commerce editor Sadhana Daruvuri has fed The Farmer's Dog to her 2-year-old maltipoo Bandit since he was 6 months old. "My dog Bandit has been a picky eater since the day I brought him home — he would sometimes struggle with the kibble I fed him," says Daruvuri. "As soon as we switched to Farmer's Dog, I saw a huge change; Bandit would get excited for mealtime and finish all his food in less than a minute."
All of The Farmer's Dog's ready-to-eat meals are developed and reviewed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists to be complete and balanced according to AAFCO standards, according to the brand. You can store the food in the fridge or freezer, and serve it directly from the fridge (or add a touch of hot water if your pup prefers warm food). Plans start at about $2 per day (with free shipping), and you'll get about one week to two months of food with each delivery.
Food type: freshRecommended age: n/a (based on questionnaire)Recommended weight: n/a (based on questionnaire)Calorie content: n/a (based on questionnaire)Top ingredients: human-grade (based on questionnaire)
Daruvuri's Bandit has been a picky eater since he was a puppy, and The Farmer's Dog was one of the only puppy foods that he actually wanted to eat, she says.Courtesy Sadhana Daruvuri Best fresh food: Just Food for Dogs Puppy Variety Pack $38.50
$76.99
JustFoodForDogs
What we like
Something to note
"Fresh, gently cooked diets that are nutritionally balanced are just as they sound — they are whole food based and gently cooked," says Ostermeier. Just Food for Dogs comes recommended by her for growing puppies (as well as pregnant and lactating dogs, according to the brand). The meals are made for all life stages, and they include a feeding guide on the packaging so you know how much to feed your puppy or adult dog. They last up to 18 months in the freezer, and thawed meals stay fresh when sealed in the original package for up to seven days, according to the brand. Once you open the pouch, the brand recommends using it within five days.
Food type: freshRecommended age: all life stagesRecommended weight: up to 60 lbsCalorie content: n/aTop ingredients: chicken thighs, long-grain white rice, spinach, carrots
Best no-frills: Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food$37.98
Amazon
$37.98
Petco
$37.98
$41.99
Chewy
What we like
Something to note
Nutro Natural Choice is a favorite of NBC Select editor Jordan Bowman's 2-year-old mixed pointer Obi. "This is the food he always ate, and it's helped him be more comfortable in a new home," he says. The high-protein recipe helps support a healthy coat, skin and bones, and it helps puppies develop a healthy digestion and immune system, according to the brand.
Food type: dryRecommended age: up to 1 year oldRecommended weight: up to 60 lbsCalorie content: 386 kcal per cupTop ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice, whole grain barley, whole grain brown rice
Best high-protein: Open Farm Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy FoodWhat we like
Open Farm comes recommended by Ostermeier for its fresh ingredients and high-protein formula. This option has a blend of fresh chicken, salmon and pork, which helps support healthy brain development, and ancient grains like steel-cut oats, millet, brown rice, quinoa and chia seeds, according to the brand. Open Farm's dog food meets AAFCO's nutritional standards and the brand has a team of veterinary nutritionists to formulate its dog food, according to Open Farm.
Food type: dryRecommended age: up to 1 year old (small breed puppies), up to 2 years old (large breed puppies)Recommended weight: up to 100 lbs (expected adult weight)Calorie content: n/aTop ingredients: chicken, whitefish meal, oats, salmon, millet, brown rice
Best tasting: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food$64.98
$71.99
Amazon
$72.98
$72.99
Petco
$64.98
$71.99
Chewy
What we like
Something to note
Daruvuri housed her sister's now 1-year-old cavapoo Joey for two months when he was a puppy, and fed him this Blue Buffalo kibble because her own dog Bandit used to eat it and never had any stomach issues. "Joey absolutely loved the taste of the kibble — it would always be gone about 10 seconds after I put down his bowl — so much so that I would also use it as an occasional training treat," she says. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals like calcium and phosphorus, this formula helps support your puppy's immune system health and comes in easy-to-eat puppy-sized kibble, according to the brand.
Food type: dryRecommended age: up to 1 year oldRecommended weight: up to 60 lbsCalorie content: 401 kcal per cupTop ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice
Best for sensitive stomachs: Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Dog Food$53.99
Amazon
$53.99
Petco
$53.99
Chewy
What we like
If your pup struggles with a sensitive stomach, this Hill's prescription diet has a proprietary blend of ingredients, which the brand calls ActiveBiome+, to help regulate gut bacteria , as well as a prebiotic blend to help maintain regular bowel movements, according to Hill's. It also has vitamin B and antioxidants to help replenish nutrients that were lost during their digestive issues, according to the brand. Keep in mind that you'll need your veterinarian's approval to purchase this food — you can request this prescription diet through Chewy's site by providing your pet and vet clinic's information.
Food type: dryRecommended age: all life stagesRecommended weight: up to 120 lbsCalorie content: 367 kcal per cupTop ingredients: brewers rice, whole grain corn, chicken meal, pea protein
Since younger dogs are still growing and developing, puppy-specific foods are specifically made for rapid growth. "Puppy food tends to have higher fat and protein content, which also means it is typically more calorie dense," says Ostermeier. Compared to adult dog food, puppy food also usually has higher levels of protein and essential nutrients like DHA, calcium and phosphorus, which all help their brain and physical development, according to our experts.
Another differentiator is that puppy food usually has a lower energy density (which is the amount of energy per unit weight of food) because if they get too much energy, they can grow too quickly and develop orthopedic problems, especially large and giant breed dogs, says Savageau.
Large and giant breed dogs should be on a formula that's labeled specifically for large and giant breed puppies because they have a slight difference in mineral content and lower energy density (which is the amount of energy per unit weight of food), says Savageau. "If they get an inappropriate amount of calcium or they grow too quickly, it could lead to orthopedic problems," she says. For giant breed puppies, it is best to consult your veterinarian about which food to choose and how long to feed it before switching to adult, says Ostermeier.
When shopping for the best puppy food, start by asking your vet for their top choices, then reach out to trusted groomers and dog trainers. Generally, there are a few factors to consider when shopping for the right food for your puppy, including your dog's size and breed, whether it meets AAFCO requirements, palatability and ingredients.
Meets AAFCO requirementsDog food for all ages should meet AAFCO nutritional standards, meaning the food is nutritionally complete. AAFCO is a voluntary membership association of feed control officials that develop standards, definitions and policies for the sale and distribution of pet food, among other animal feeds. You should always look for the nutritional adequacy statement on the back label, which should include in small font the phrase "complete and balanced" to ensure it's intended to make up your pup's sole diet, according to our experts.
Keep in mind that AAFCO doesn't regulate, test, approve or certify pet food, so there's no such thing as an "AAFCO approved" brand or product.
Ingredients and palatability"The food should be balanced for puppies (growth) or all life stages, which are foods that are considered supportive for puppyhood and adult maintenance," says Ostermeier. Essential ingredients to look for in puppy food include proteins (like chicken, beef or fish), whole grains and vegetables, which provide the necessary nutrients for a growing puppy, says Dr. Abel Gonzalez, a veterinarian and the clinical director at Dutch, a pet telehealth company.
You should always ensure the puppy food brand employs veterinary nutritionists that develop nutritionally balanced and complete meals and regulate the food's ingredients, according to our experts. (AAFCO has safety standards for ingredients used in pet food, and it goes in depth about common pet food labels.)
There are also a few ingredients to avoid: "Stay away from foods with excessive fillers (like corn and soy), artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which offer little nutritional value," says Gonzalez.
Nutritional balance and portion sizeMake sure to check the food's packaging for specific feeding guidelines and energy density, shown as kcal (calories) per
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