Puppy foods are an important requirement for any household with little furry ones. Being a puppy parent is no easy task. When in their growing age, canines need a lot more nutrition as compared to adult dogs. They need the protein and carbs to build tissues, develop immunity and grow healthier bones.
However, the pet food market is a booming one, and finding the perfect diet can prove to be a challenging task. Protein-rich diets have their own flavors, including chicken, salmon, beef, and lamb, etc. You can also find organic and all-natural labels.
Our team of experts has spent hours creating a list of the top best puppy foods UK. These have been chosen based on vet recommendations, customer reviews, food labels, FDA approval, nutritional content, and flavors.
1. Our Top Pick – Lily’s Kitchen Puppy Food
Natural blend for nutrient, hypoallergenic, healthy digestion, boost the immune system, rich aroma, maintain a healthy coat and prevent skin irritation.
Lily’s Kitchen gives your puppy the privilege to enjoy nutritious diet at all times. This complete dry food is Our Top Pick and, it contains all essential ingredients to help your little pup grow healthy. The treat contains natural blends that can keep your pet full for long.
The main ingredients is fresh meat and offal that serve as a source of protein for building the body system. The combination of natural vegetables and fruits generates fibers to make the meal gentle and easy to digest.
The blends of different botanical herbs supply extra nutrients and maintain good health. The formula is grain-free and hypoallergenic. Thus, it a fantastic option for pets showing signs of sensitivity.
It features salmon oil which is an ingredient rich in Omega 3 fatty acid to maintain a healthy coat and keep the skin free from irritation.
The oil keeps the heart and brain in healthy working conditions. Added chondroitin and glucosamine serves as a great support to the bone and joint.
The ingredients are carefully and naturally selected to boost the immune system. Added prebiotics aids healthy digestion and healthy tummy.
Chickweed, alfalfa, and dandelion root are a great source of minerals and antibiotics to fight germs and diseases. The formula is vet-approved and proven to meet the requirement for your little pup’s growth.
Likewise, the lentil seeds contain vitamin B that acts as an energy booster for daily activities. The kibbles are made soft to suit tiny teeth and any breed of puppy. The rich aroma will make him wag his tail and eat instantly.
Key Features:
- Formulated with fruits, vegetable, and botanical herbs
- No fillers, derivatives, and preservatives
- Improves healthy joint and boosts the immune system
- Salmon oil for healthy brain and coat
- Added prebiotic for healthy digestion
2. Runner Up – James Wellbeloved Complete Puppy Food
Perfect for delicate gut, supports bones and joints, prevent smelling stool, aid digestion, maintain glowing skin, build the immune system and increases beneficial bacteria
The balanced formula for your growing little pet is called James Wellbloved Complete Puppy Food. This product comes as the Runner Up for healthy development. It is a perfect option for a puppy with delicate stomach and skin irritation.
It contains calcium and phosphorous to support healthy bones and joints. Most importantly, the product is formulated with rice which serves as a carbohydrate for energy. This balanced energy supply gives room for steady growth.
It features lamb meat as a source of protein and essential minerals for a successful and healthy transition into adulthood. It has a sufficient amount of prebiotic fiber to aid the digestive system and maintain a healthy stomach.
It is a hypoallergenic food for dogs, meaning it is free from wheat, pork, beef, and dairy that might be harmful. It consists of yucca extract to speed up digestion and prevent a dog’s stool from having an offensive odor.
This kibble features linseed as a source of fatty acid that helps maintain a bright and glowing coat. Similarly, the omega 3 oil supplement will act as an anti-inflammatory property during an allergic situation.
Seaweed and Alfalfa are rich in vitamins for overall wellbeing and cell function. It contains anti-oxidant to build a reliable immune system that repels diseases in the body system.
Added chicory extract increases beneficial intestinal bacteria and helps dog absorb maximum nutrients from the food. The product is made with natural ingredients. It has no artificial coloring or preservatives.
Key Features:
- Prebiotic fiber to aid digestion
- No unhealthy additives
- Contains linseed for glossy skin and coat
- Antioxidant to build the immune system
- Yucca extract reduces offensive odor in stool
3. Best Budget – Autarky Puppy Food
Lower the risk of allergies, high-quality protein, easy to digest, balanced carbohydrate, knock out diseases, maintain healthy heart condition and strong bone development
The puppy food called Autarky is the Best Budget for pet owners looking for nutritious treats at mid-price. It is soya, wheat, and gluten-free which results in a lower risk of food allergies in dogs with a sensitive gut.
This product is a suitable diet for pets to grow healthy into adulthood. Autarky formula is made with a chicken recipe to generate a high-quality protein that is easy to digest.
The protein content also helps maintain muscle cells and regenerate worn-out tissue. It has balanced carbohydrates to supply energy for activeness and steady growth.
There are prebiotic fibers in this formula to keep healthy bowels and increase beneficial bacteria in the stomach. Likewise, the antioxidant boosts the immune system and helps knock out diseases while increasing your pup’s lifespan.
The nutritional content of the food enables strong bone development and flexible joints. The treat contains fatty acid to improve the brain and keep the skin free from itchiness or dryness. It features blends of herbs for complete wellbeing and body function.
In the same vein, taurine is a natural source of amino acid for a healthy heart condition. The kibble is shaped into a smaller size for puppies to chew without hassle.
In short, the treat contains vitamin E that supports cell function and neural development. The formula is free from artificial flavor, preservatives, or filler.
Key Features:
- Balanced carbohydrate for energy supply
- Features amino acid for a healthy heart condition
- Free from artificial filler and preservatives
- Antioxidant to boost the immune system
- Fatty acid for healthy skin and vibrant coat
4. Best Dry Puppy Food – Harringtons Turkey
One of the dry foods from 8 weeks upward is Harringtons Turkey. It is a perfect choice for healthy growth and goes well for all breeds. The vitamin A and E content with extracted antioxidants from citrus help keep the immune system healthy.
A balanced percentage of omega-six and omega-three fatty acids enhance a shiny coat and healthy skin. The formula consists of 100% natural ingredients with turkey as the main source of protein to repair worn-out tissues.
It contains rice and maize that serve as a rich source of carbohydrates for energy supply. The prebiotic helps sustain a healthy digestive system making it a reliable option for a pup with a sensitive stomach.
Also, the seaweeds support the body system and build healthy joints. Yucca extract is another fantastic feature in dry food to prevent stool from having an offensive odor.
The yeast supports the digestive tract and aids a healthy digestive process. Added kelp consists of vital vitamins and minerals to support the overall wellbeing and progressive growth of your little pup.
This food is genuinely hypoallergenic for pet’s safe consumption and a way of eliminating irritants. It is a grain-free formula with no added wheat or filler. The natural color and aroma work like a charm that attracts dogs to eat till satisfaction.
Key Features:
- Rich in carbohydrate for energy supply
- Balance ratio of omega 3&6 for healthy skin and coat
- Prebiotic help sustain a healthy digestive system
- Citrus extract builds the immune system
- Genuinely hypoallergenic
5. Best Wet Puppy Food – Naturediet
Your pet is what he eats; this is why Naturediet is the Best Wet Puppy Food. This product is grain-free which makes it suitable for sensitive stomachs. It is easily digestible and has enough moisture to keep pets hydrated.
The food is steam cooked and has high-calorie with natural blends to improve healthy growth. The formula consists of 60% chicken meat which is a natural source of protein. It builds and repairs the body tissue.
The added dried egg supplies additional protein for better nutrition. Rice is a complete form of energy-giving food to keep your pup energetic and active all day long.
The carrot extract provides the essential nutrient for balanced growth. It has added vitamins and minerals like selenium, iron, zinc, and manganese.
The coming together of these ingredients contributes to boosting the immune system. The absence of artificial flavors or colors makes it safe for consumption. Once your pets start consuming this product, they are sure to get enough nutrients.
The formula contains vitamins A, E, and D3 to improve the brain and keeps the body healthy. The essential oils help keep the skin healthy and coat radiant.
Key Features:
- Free from preservatives and artificial ingredients
- Easily digested and nutritious
- Contain hypoallergenic ingredients
- Features high protein and calorie
- Essential vitamins for general growth
6. Best Dog Food for Puppies – Burgess
Healthy food makes a healthy puppy. Burgess Sensitive is the best food for puppies whose tummy gets easily upset. It is formulated to support the digestive system and to prevent constipation and allergies. The formula contains calcium to support healthy bones and joints.
It has vital nutrients to develop strong teeth in growing puppies. Burgess product comes in rice and turkey flavor as a perfect combination of needed carbohydrates for energy and protein to promote growth.
It features yucca extract for odor-free stool and increases in beneficial intestinal bacteria to reduce the digestive problem. This treat features taurine that contains amino acids to develop and keep the heart healthy.
The fish oils with omega 3s help improve eyesight and keep the coat vibrant. Likewise, added linseed is another source of fatty acid for good health and prevents itchy or dry skin.
Added salmon oil contributes to a healthy brain and joints. It consists of a purely natural product with no artificial coloring or preservatives. This formula is suitable for pets with sensitive stomachs due to the easily digestible protein content.
The prebiotic enhances food to break down and digestion which results in solid stools. It features essential minerals and antioxidants to boost the immune system and supports healthy body development.
Key Features:
- Contains calcium to promote healthy bones and joints
- Antioxidant boosts the immune system
- Nutrients for strong teeth development
- Prebiotic for easy digestion and solid stool
- It has essential oils for vibrate coat, healthy skin, and brain
7. Best Grain Free Puppy Food – Barking Heads
Barking Heads is the best grain-free puppy food with no allergies. It has a slow release of carbohydrates to keep your pup full and prevent him from eating in-between mealtime.
The natural aroma makes your pooch wag his tail even when his appetite is low. It is a grain-free formula for a dog with a sensitive stomach.
The chicken is from a free-run chicken which is a yummy source of rich protein. It contains eggs for added protein to aid tissue repair.
Glucosamine and chondroitin supply nutrients for strong bone development and healthy joints. The pre and probiotics promote a healthy stomach and solid poop for easy pick-up during cleaning.
This formula is a perfect option for an energetic dog that likes to play around all day long. It has high-quality animal fat together with omega 3&6 for a vibrant coat, healthy heart, and prevents skin irritation.
It is rich in calcium to promote stronger bones and healthy teeth development. The balanced mix of herbs coupled with vegetables serves as quality fiber for easy digestion and pooping.
By the way, the kibbles are considerably sized to help little pup chew without struggle. It contains antioxidant properties to improve the immune system.
Key Features:
- Grain-free formula
- Multi-protein recipe for healthy growth and development
- Formulated with veggies and antioxidant-rich fruit
- Rich in fatty acid for healthy skin and coat
- Boost the immune system
8. Best Puppy Food for Small Breeds – Eukanuba
Eukanuba is the best food for small breeds. It has an appealing flavor from brewer’s yeast that works like magic for the picky pup. The product is tailored to suit different breeds and to provide limitless energy.
Added DHA helps puppy’s cognitive skills with the potential to train and learn fast. This formula contains high-grade animal protein which is derived from dried chicken and turkey for healthy growth.
The inclusion of omega 6 fatty acid prevents skin discomfort and maintains a shining coat. It contains a good percentage of calcium, phosphorus, and vital minerals to encourage healthy bone and joint development.
It has Vitamin E to boost the immune system and, the natural fiber serves as prebiotics for a healthy gut. This recipe features Denta-Defence to maintain healthy gums, strong teeth and give a refreshing breath.
It does not contain artificial flavor, color, or preservative. The entire recipe is natural and of a high standard for puppies to grow healthy into adulthood. Other recipe includes maize, wheat, and rice.
These serve as a source of carbohydrates to keep your pet energetic and eliminate easy fatigue. The kibbles are shaped in small hexagon sizes for small breed puppies.
Key Features:
- Suitable for picky eaters
- Contains high protein for repair and growth
- Contains Denta-Defence to maintain dental health
- Improved formula for easy digestion
- Omega 6-fatty acid reduce skin discomfort
9. Best Puppy Food for Medium Breeds – IAMS
We present to you IAMS as the best food for medium breeds. The crunchy and delicious taste will make your pet want more. It has an appetizing flavor to stimulate low appetite and rich in energy to keep pets active.
Omega-6 fatty acid enhances coat brightness and eliminates dry skin. The formula consists of 85% protein from animals which helps build and repair the body tissue. It contains healthy grains rich in carbohydrates to supply energy for daily activities and vegetables as fiber for easy digestion.
Probiotics help improve intestinal health by restoring beneficial bacteria in the gut. It features no artificial flavor or preservatives and has no plant protein.
It has no fillers or meat byproducts which could pose as allergies. The food features vitamin E and antioxidants to support the immune system and improve mental health.
Antioxidants help fight against diseases and increases your pet’s life span. Moreover, the formula has a balanced nutrient and calcium to maintain healthy joints and stronger bones.
Therefore, your pet looks agile from puppyhood to adulthood. The kibbles are inconsiderate in size and shape to enhance chewing and dental wellbeing.
Key Features:
- Does not contain preservatives or filler
- Probiotics help intestinal health
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Promote healthy bone and joint
- Antioxidant helps fight bacteria and support the immune system
10. Best Large Breed Puppy Food – Eukanuba Fresh Chicken
This formula is tailored towards giving your pet the best nutrients. Eukanuba Fresh Chicken is the Best Large Breed Puppy Food that has no preservatives and fillers. It contains calcium for healthy bone and teeth development.
This product features DentaDefence to maintain healthy gum, fresh breath, and spotless teeth. Eukanuba features fresh chicken as the number one ingredient coupled with dried turkey and chicken.
It is a source of easily digestible protein to help secure complete wellness. The added recipes are maize, wheat, and sorghum which are sources of carbohydrates and energy for puppies. Glucosamine and chondroitin enhance strong bone development and support the joints.
Without a doubt, the inclusion of essential vitamins helps support growth, good vision, and cell function. It also improves general development and muscular function.
Again, the antioxidant keeps the immune system strong against all forms of diseases. The formula contains DHA to make your furry friend trainable and apt to learning new things.
The food features a natural source of omega 6&3 fatty acid to supports brain development and keeps the skin moisturized. Added prebiotics restores beneficial bacterial and maintains a healthy stomach. The kibbles are shaped in a palatable way for dogs to chew.
Key Features:
- Essential vitamin for growth and cell function
- Prebiotic restores beneficial bacteria
- Fatty acid supports brain development and healthy skin
- Contain calcium for stronger bone and teeth
- Feature antioxidant build immunity
Things to Consider Before Choosing Puppy Foods UK
During this period, your pooch needs extra care; therefore, you need to select ingredients for this growth and daily activities carefully. The ideal dog food depends on your pet’s age and breed. Following is a list of things to keep in mind before making the final purchase.
Protein Source
Most dogs complete their physical development in their first year. This can be different for some other breeds, which grow for around three years before reaching adult size.
This Early years are when then protein is a crucial component. In dog foods, you’ll be surprised to find that there are very few formulas with proper protein sources mentioned. This is because many recipes use by-products or fillers like cartilage.
You should look for a novel or pure source of proteins. Puppies need around 22% protein in their daily meals. You can find chicken, lamb, fish, beef, and other natural protein sources that support healthy growth.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are important for proper bone growth and a healthy coat. Dogs grow 20 times faster in their first year. This is also the year where they develop bones and immunity.
A good combination of omega fatty acids, vitamins, phosphorous, and calcium is necessary. While these nutrients are required in minute amounts, their lack can lead to certain health problems and deficiencies in later stages of life.
Labels
Food labels can tell you a lot about the type of ingredients used. These can also be used to confirm whether a certain brand is approved by the FDA or not.
To find the correct puppy food, you need to know what this means. If the package claims that the item is all-natural, it does not mean it is the same as organic dog food.
Vegan, vegetarian, and limited-ingredient dog foods are also different. If you are unsure about the choice, consider buying simple or limited-ingredient foods with omega-3 fatty acids and necessary vitamins.
Grain-free
Grains are a tricky addition to a dog’s diet. While your canine may be unable to digest all sorts of grains, you can find ones that are easier on your pooch’s stomach.
Grains are a healthy source of carbohydrates and ensure a balanced diet. Oats, rice, and buckwheat are a few grains that your pooch will be able to consume safely.
Fats and Oils
For puppies to develop a stronger immune system and have healthy coats, they need the appropriate fats in food as well. When making the purchase, make sure both fats and oils are in their respective ratios. Ideally, 8% of puppy food should be composed of fats.
Avoid Unknown Ingredients
Some dog foods contain unnecessary chemicals and additives for preserving flavor and freshness. These contain zero nutrients themselves and can be toxic if taken in larger amounts. It is recommended to leave puppy foods that contain ingredients you do not understand.
Recalls
Food quality restrictions are becoming more and more strict by the day. Most dog food brands, therefore, are authentic, safe, and FDA-approved.
If this is your first-time purchasing puppy food, it is recommended to do a background check and make sure that particular dog food has not had any recalls in the past.
Easy to Store
After finding the right one, it is also important to keep it fresh and healthy. Young puppies usually do not have a very strong immune system. Many brands provide dog food that is resealable, easy-to-store packaging.
Wet food is more prone to spoilage as compared to dry puppy food. It is also a good practice to check the package for storing instructions. Most dog foods can be stored in air-tight jars; however, some may require cooler temperatures.
Pricing
Dog foods have a wide price range, and the most expensive items may not be the ones with exceptional quality. It is therefore important to focus on the ingredients. Ideally, you should find a balance between the price and quality.
Warranty
Last but not least, looking for puppy food with a warranty is a good idea. While it does not affect the quality or quantity of the pet food, it gives you a risk-free purchase and shows that it is trustworthy.
Dog Food vs. Puppy Food
The first and most important difference is knowing whether the dog food is meant for puppies or not. Young puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional requirements due to the differences in their physical structure.
Healthy adult canines require daily nutrition to maintain their body weight and perform their daily activities. Growing pups, on the other hand, also need extra nutrition to build tissues and grow.
They also have sensitive stomachs; therefore, adult dog food is not only insufficient for puppies, but your canine may also be unable to digest it properly.
This is why it is crucial to take your pet’s age into account. Based on nutritional requirements, dog foods are divided into two categories. The first category is named “adult maintenance,” The included foods are intended for your pet’s ongoing daily activities.
The other type is called “growth and reproduction.” It contains extra nutrition for growing puppies or adult dogs who are pregnant, nursing, or lactating.
The same formula may also be suitable for an underweight, sick dog. It is therefore also a good practice to keep your pet’s health in mind.
Some Important Tips
- Look for puppy food that meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition.
- Consider your puppy’s breed and size when choosing a food.
- Read the ingredients list and choose high-quality proteins and whole grains.
- Avoid puppy foods with fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.
- Gradually transition your puppy to a new food over a period of 7-10 days to avoid digestive upset.
- Follow feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer or your veterinarian.
- Monitor your puppy’s weight and adjust feeding amounts accordingly.
- Provide fresh, clean water at all times.
- Avoid feeding table scraps or human food that may be harmful to your puppy.
Conclusion
Adult dogs and pups have different physical requirements. Their foods are designed differently as well. To make sure your pooch gets his daily nutrition, look for balanced puppy foods.
Puppies should get at least 20% protein, 8% fats, and less than 1% of minerals in every meal. These requirements change over time, age is an important factor here.
You can customize the pet food and combine it with small treats to make it a complete diet. Adult dog food is not dangerous for puppies.
It lacks certain minerals and has lesser protein as compared to puppy foods. This lack can lead to poor organ development and increases the risk of digestive problems. Ideal to look for puppy food that your pooch will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I feed my 8-week old puppies?
During the first eight weeks, puppies depend on their mother’s milk. After that, you can start introducing soft, solid foods. It is not recommended to start with hard, dry foods.
Begin using wet foods like canned pet foods. After your pet is around nine weeks or older, you can consider giving him dry food.
How do I choose high-quality puppy food?
It is simple. Make sure the food is free from any unknown chemical ingredients and contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in their required quantities. Ideally, puppies should get 22% protein, 8% fats, 20% carbohydrates, and 1% minerals.
How and why do puppies’ nutritional needs differ from adult dogs?
It is because of their physical differences. Puppies need the nutrition and energy to grow and to perform their daily activities.
Adult dogs only require food for maintaining their body weight. A puppy’s requirements come under the “growth and reproduction” category.
When should a puppy start eating solid food?
When your canine is 9 – 10 weeks old, you can start giving him solid food. It should be too hard as pets require their time getting used to the new type of food. It is ideal to begin with, soft food and then later use both wet and dry food.