What to Look for in Best Dry Dog Food for Puppies

When you adopt a puppy, you’re committing to keeping that lovable ball of fur healthy, active, and living their best dog life. As a new pup parent, you’re most likely wondering how to choose the best dry puppy food.

From the very moment your pup is born, proper nutrition is vital as it supports their growth, strengthens their immune system, and sets the foundation for long-term health and vitality throughout their lives. In fact studies have shown that the diet of puppies can significantly affect their response to allergies and gastrointestinal issues later in life, so it is important to get it right from the very start!

If you’ve scoured the internet and learned that most companies care more about sales than the health of your pup, we understand. Choosing your dog’s food can be tricky when there’s so much information out there. This is why we’ve written this article, dedicated to understanding the ins and outs of puppy food.

Understanding the Difference Between Puppy Large Breed, Adult and All Life-Stage Food

There is no denying that puppies do require a higher amount of proteins, fats and minerals to support their growth and development. Though, this does not always mean that they require a “puppy specific” diet as long as the diet is formulated to meet all life stages by containing higher inclusions of essential nutrients!

• Puppy Specific Food is formulated with higher calories, protein, and nutrients to support rapid growth and development.
• Large Breed Puppy Food has controlled calories and balanced calcium to prevent joint and skeletal issues from too-fast growth.
• Adult Food is designed to maintain the health of an adult, with moderate protein and fat levels to maintain an average lifestyle. This diet is often the most affordable due to the minimal amounts of essential nutrients such as protein and fats.
• All Life Stages Food is similar to what they would eat in their natural environment, and is meticulously designed and balanced, with a higher inclusion of all essential nutrients required for dogs to thrive and ensure optimal nutrition. Although this does often come at a higher cost due to the advanced science behind it and additional nutrients, this diet ensures that your dog receives the best possible care and nutrition throughout their entire life!  

What’s the Difference Between Dry Dog Food for Puppies and Adults?

Some new pup parents are surprised to learn that puppies have different nutritional needs to adults. Shouldn’t dogs and puppies have the same general nutritional needs? Well, when your puppy is growing into an adult dog, they require higher levels of certain elements such as protein, fat and minerals!

It's important to remember that the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines represent the minimum and maximum levels of nutrients required for a dog to remain healthy. This does not necessarily mean these are the optimal levels for a dog to thrive. High-quality pet foods often exceed these basic standards to promote better overall health and well-being. 

Here’s a breakdown between the different requirements set by (AAFCO) for minimum nutrients in a food to be labelled as either a “puppy” dry food formula versus adult dry dog food and how Petzyo exceeds all their minimum levels! 

As you can see, there’s quite a shift in your dog’s needs as they reach adulthood, which is why you should never feed a puppy, adult specific food. This is because your puppy is growing, and requires high nutritional elements, such as protein, for the creation of new cells. 

What Should You Look for in the Best Dry Dog Food for Puppies?

In addition to essential nutrient requirements, There are also some important factors to consider when choosing the best dry dog food for puppies:

1. Quality Protein Source:

Look for a named animal protein source (like chicken, beef or salmon) as the first ingredient. This ensures your puppy gets high-quality protein for muscle development and overall growth. Avoid anything that mentions the word “animal by product”. 

• Muscle Development: Protein is the building block of muscles. Growing puppies require a higher amount of protein to support the development of strong muscles and tissues.
• Energy: Protein provides energy for puppies' active lifestyles. It helps maintain their energy levels throughout the day and supports their playful behaviour.
• Immune Function: Proteins play a vital role in the immune system, helping puppies fight off infections and stay healthy.
• Healthy Skin and Coat: Proteins are necessary for the production of keratin, which is essential for healthy skin, coat, and paw pads.
• Digestive Health: Quality protein sources are easier for puppies to digest, reducing the risk of digestive upset and promoting nutrient absorption.

2. DHA and EPA:

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are omega-3 fatty acids that play crucial roles in the development and health of puppies 

• Brain and Eye Development: DHA is particularly important for puppies' brain development and cognitive function. It supports the growth of neural tissues and helps in forming connections within the brain. EPA also contributes to neurological health and function.
• Healthy Vision: DHA is essential for the development of the retina and visual cortex, promoting good vision in puppies.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Both DHA and EPA have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in puppies' joints and tissues, potentially benefiting overall mobility and comfort, especially in large breed puppies prone to joint issues.
• Immune System Support: Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA support the immune system by enhancing the function of immune cells, helping puppies resist infections and maintain overall health.
• Skin and Coat Health: DHA and EPA contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat by maintaining the skin's barrier function and reducing inflammation associated with skin conditions.

Look for foods that specifically mention DHA and EPA on the label and include ingredients such as: 

•  Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines
•  Fish Oil
•  Flaxseed
•  Algae

3. Calorie and Nutrient Density:

Puppy food should be nutrient-dense to support their rapid growth and high energy levels. Check the calorie content to ensure it matches your puppy’s needs based on their size and activity level, typically around 350-400 kilocalories (kcal) per cup of food! 

Growing big, strong, and smart requires a lot of energy. This is why your puppy needs a calorie-dense diet. In fact, puppies need twice the calories per kilogram per day as adult dogs to maintain healthy growth. Half the calories your puppy consumes are used to create new tissue.

4. Balanced Calcium and Phosphorus

Balanced calcium and phosphorus levels are crucial for the health and development of puppies, particularly in their skeletal growth and overall well-being:

• Bone Development: Calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals that work together to form and strengthen bones. Adequate levels ensure proper bone mineralization, supporting strong skeletal structure and reducing the risk of developmental bone disorders like osteochondrosis and skeletal deformities.
• Teeth Health: Calcium is vital for dental health, contributing to the formation of strong teeth and supporting dental structure in growing puppies.
• Muscle Function: Both calcium and phosphorus play roles in muscle function and contraction, aiding in movement and physical activity.
• Nerve Function: These minerals are essential for nerve transmission and communication throughout the body, supporting proper nervous system function in puppies.
• Heart Health: Balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus are important for maintaining heart function and rhythm, ensuring cardiovascular health in growing puppies.

Look for foods that provide the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus, especially in large breed puppies to avoid developmental issues.

• Small - Medium Breed : 1.2:1 - 1.4:1

• Large Breed : 1.1:1 to 1.8:1

5. Digestibility

Highly digestible food is essential for puppies due to several key reasons:

• Nutrient Absorption: Puppies require a diet that allows for efficient absorption of essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Highly digestible food ensures that these nutrients are broken down and absorbed effectively in the gastrointestinal tract, supporting proper growth and development.

• Gentle on Digestive System: Puppies have developing digestive systems that may be sensitive to certain ingredients or formulations. Highly digestible food is easier for their digestive systems to process, reducing the risk of digestive upset, gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
• Energy Utilization: Digestible food provides readily available energy sources that puppies can utilize efficiently for their active lifestyles and growth requirements. This supports their overall energy levels, stamina, and vitality.
• Stool Quality: Foods that are highly digestible result in firmer, smaller, and less odorous stools. This indicates that more of the nutrients are being absorbed by the puppy's body, rather than passing through undigested.
• Health and Well-being: Optimal digestion contributes to overall health and well-being in puppies. When their digestive system functions well, puppies are more likely to maintain a healthy weight, have a shiny coat, and exhibit good energy levels and behaviour.

Look for ingredients such as: 

• Pre and Probiotics (Chicory root extract or inulin is commonly used as a source of FOS due to its effectiveness as a prebiotic).
• Ancient or Whole Grains (Quinoa, Brown Rice)
• Fruits, and Vegetables  (Sweet Potato, Peas, Pumpkin)
• Natural Fats (Chicken Oil, Fish Oil)

6. Superfoods:

Superfoods are highly nutritious ingredients that offer a range of health benefits due to their dense concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Including superfoods in puppy food can enhance the overall nutritional profile and support the specific needs of growing puppies.

• Blueberries (Rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and K.)
• Spinach (Contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and antioxidants.)
• Pumpkin (High in fibre and beta-carotene, which supports digestive health and immune function.)
• Sweet Potatoes (Provide complex carbohydrates, vitamins A and C, and fibre
• Salmon (A source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and mineral)

7. Natural Ingredients and No Fillers:

Avoid foods with artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Opt for formulas that use natural ingredients and always avoid fillers like corn, wheat, white rice, and soy which can be harder for puppies to digest.

8. Made by a Reputable Brand:

Select food from brands known for their commitment to quality and safety. Look for products that have undergone rigorous testing, are made in Australia and meet AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.

What If I Don't feed a Diet that is Appropriate to their Size

The risk of not feeding breed-specific diets, particularly for large and small breeds, lies primarily in the potential for nutritional imbalances that can impact their health and development. This is why it is important to check the label to ensure that it is either appropriate for all life stages , or you are feeding based on the packaging recommendations. 

1. Large Breed Dogs:

If large breed puppies are not fed a diet specifically formulated for their growth needs, they may receive excessive levels of nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. This imbalance can lead to rapid growth rates, which in turn may increase the risk of: 

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Osteochondrosis
• Arthritis
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular Problems
• Gastrointestinal Disorders

2. Small Breed Dogs:

Small breed puppies have higher energy requirements relative to their size and metabolism. If they are not fed a diet tailored to meet these needs, they may not receive sufficient calories, protein, and essential nutrients. This can result in stunted growth, delayed development, and potential health issues related to inadequate nutrition.

• Obesity
• Hypoglycaemia
• Bone and Joint Disorders
• Skin and Coat Problems
• Digestive Disorders

When to Transition my Puppy to Adult Food

If you have chosen to feed a puppy specific diet, you will need to transition to an adult or all life stage diet once they reach adulthood. You can transition to an all life stage diet at any time, however you should only ever transition to an adult specific diet once they have reached adulthood, usually between 12-18 months!

If you’re still unsure of your puppy’s nutritional needs, consult your vet. 

Why we Recommend Feeding Petzyo

Choosing Petzyo for your dog, regardless of their age, ensures they receive optimal nutrition that exceeds the minimum recommendations set by AAFCO. Our formulas are specifically crafted to meet the unique nutritional requirements of dogs at different life stages, from puppies to adults and seniors. We pride ourselves on using purposeful ingredients and incorporating superfoods known for their health benefits, ensuring your pup enjoys not only a balanced diet but also enhanced overall well-being. With Petzyo dog food, you can be confident that your furry companion is supported in their journey to a healthy and happy life.