Choosing the best food for puppies: selection rules, best brands

The owner’s main task is to provide the puppy with the most balanced nutrition possible. While the baby is growing, he needs a diet that will provide the growing body with vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates. It is at this age that the foundation of health is laid, with which the dog will live its entire life. Nutritional flaws during this period will definitely make themselves felt at a conscious age. From the article you will learn how to choose the right food, what to look for when choosing dry food, what are the feeding rules and much more.

Puppy Nutrition Basics

From the age of two months, the puppy begins to feed on its own; during this period, the diet should contain an increased percentage of proteins and fats. When feeding your puppy food, you must follow the following rules:

• serving size - do not overfeed the dog to avoid unnecessary stress on the internal organs and prevent early obesity. The portion is calculated based on the weight of the puppy - for each kilogram take 20 grams of dry food. If in doubt, you should check the table that each manufacturer places on the food packaging;
• An additional measure that helps to avoid obesity is that the food bowl is put out at the same time and removed immediately after the dog loses interest in food. In addition, it helps to develop a routine;
• soaking dry granules. It is permissible to soak them with water. Do not use fermented milk products or milk. This can cause gastrointestinal upset and lead to dehydration of the dog;
• Mixing with wet food is effective during the period when the puppy is changing teeth. Dry food becomes softer and does not injure the baby’s inflamed gums;
• change of feed. If the puppy was fed a specific brand at the breeder's house, it is necessary to provide him with similar nutrition. If you plan to change food, introduce it gradually - mixing part of the new food with a portion of the old one;
• number of feedings - up to 5 months, portions of dry food are given to the puppy up to 5 times a day, from six months they are switched to three meals a day. From the age of one year, the dog is fed twice a day;
• access to water. Clean, fresh water is a must when feeding your dog dry food.

Important: do not leave a bag of dry food in a place where a baby, or even an adult dog, can reach it and eat on their own. For babies, the granules are made very small; if inhaled, they can suffocate.

NOW Natural

The top three best foods include only holistic foods. NOW Natural line of products for cats belongs to . The main ingredient of the food is natural, boneless meat. NOW Natural does not contain by-products or grains, as the latter can cause allergies. The product contains a balanced amount of vegetables and fruits with gentle processing to preserve all the beneficial substances and deliver them to the pet. Like all holistic products, NOW Natural contains prebiotics for better absorption of nutrients. Veterinarians recommend holistic food of proven quality for proper and complete nutrition. These include NOW Natural. This line is not available in all pet stores, but it can be ordered online.

Classification of dry food

All dry food on the market is usually divided into classes. The classification is not based on the cost of the feed, but depends on the quality of the ingredients used in the production of the feed and production technology.

Important: this division is conditional. There are no legally established norms and rules that define the requirements for a particular category. The division was proposed by veterinary specialists and breeders who know from their own experience what effect certain components have on the dog’s health.

Economy

From the name it becomes clear that this food is low in cost. It is due to the low cost of the ingredients used by the manufacturer. When choosing this type of food, you need to understand that it is absolutely not suitable for feeding a young dog.

A special feature of economy feeds is the presence of allergenic cheap ingredients: corn, soy, by-products. This type of food contains practically no meat; flavor enhancers are used, which are quickly addictive. In addition, the nutritional value of economy feed is very low, which will require a large consumption of pellets.

Premium

The composition of food for puppies with o is not much different from economy class. But you can already find higher quality ingredients in them. Distinctive features:

• more detailed composition;
• most often cereals come first, but meat components can also be found;
• artificial colors and preservatives are used;
• often found on the shelves of large supermarkets.

We can say that premium puppy food consists of only 30% meat (most of which is by-products, that is, production waste). About 65% is carbohydrates, and less than 10% is minerals and vitamins. This class is not suitable for young dogs.

Super premium

Distinctive features of the feed class are:

• presence on the packaging of a mark about the age, condition of the animal, breed;
• the packaging contains explanations of how this or that ingredient works and what effect it has on the dog’s health;
• detailed formula;
• up to 35% meat, a small proportion of offal;
• Fish is often found containing beneficial ingredients necessary for the puppy’s health;
• there are specialized useful additives that have a narrowly targeted effect - chondoprotectors, increased calcium content, etc.;
• only natural preservatives;
• no artificial colors or flavor enhancers are used;
• a variety of vitamin supplements.

Super premium food is suitable for feeding a young dog. Most often they are sold through a network of specialized pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.

Holistic

The holistic approach to medicine aims to prevent rather than cure disease. Dog food manufacturers have adopted this philosophy, believing that a balanced diet with the maximum amount of natural ingredients from different groups will help raise a healthy and strong puppy. This health will remain with him for the rest of his life.

Peculiarities:

• use of specific formulas;
• a lot of meat;
• use of phyto-components;
• natural preservatives.

These dog foods are quite expensive.

"Biological Compliance"

A class of dog food that has appeared relatively recently. The “biologically appropriate” label means that the manufacturer adheres to the point of view that the dog’s DNA is almost 99% identical to the DNA of the wolf. Even the smallest puppy's diet should contain meat, not grain and waste. In such food, the manufacturer tries to replicate the diet that a dog could get in the wild.

Similarities between manufacturers

Both companies are interested in producing quality products. They have similarities, which is why they sometimes don’t see the difference between them:

• Both manufacturers began by developing medicinal food to maintain the health of dogs, but over time they reoriented and began to produce products for healthy ones.
• They produce wet and dry food.
• Both have established themselves as producers of medicinal feeds and are recommended by veterinarians.
• Both contain vitamin and mineral complexes.
• Hill's and Royal Canin have suppliers in Russia, which makes delivery easier and the ability to find it in a pet store or veterinary pharmacy.
• There is a slight difference in cost.

Rating of the best dry food for puppies

The rating presents the best food for young dogs, according to veterinary experts and owners. Despite the fact that economy class food is not suitable for constant feeding of a puppy, we suggest considering ready-made diets for young dogs in this category.

Food for small breed puppies

Puppies of small decorative breeds grow faster than their relatives, who grow into giants. You should definitely choose food that has a mark on it - for puppies of small breeds. In addition, some manufacturers offer puppy diets divided by breed. For example, there are diets for Yorkshire terriers, French bulldogs, etc.

Bosch

The food belongs to the super-premium segment. The diet is based on chicken meat (about 26%). Rice and millet are the most gentle ingredients for the puppy’s stomach as a source of carbohydrates. The food granules are adapted to the size of the baby's mouth, and the special (not too dry) structure does not injure the delicate mucous membrane.

The food formula contains an increased percentage of fatty acids, which have a positive effect not only on the appearance, but also on the intellectual development of the dog.

The disadvantage of the food is the presence of components that can cause allergies.

ROYAL CANIN Size Mini Starter

Royal Canin Starter food is suitable not only for small breed puppies, but also for pregnant (nursing) bitches. A special feature of the ready-made diet is that it is intended for the little ones - you can start feeding the puppy with it from the moment it is weaned from its mother. The food formula is supplemented with special nutrients that will not cause harm to the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. The granules are easily soaked in water and have an attractive taste. They help the baby’s gastrointestinal tract painlessly transition from milk to porridge, and then granules.

Royal Canin dog food – reviews and analysis of the line

TRAINER Fitness (duck, rice)

Italian food intended for feeding dogs aged 3 months to one year. It is a complete monoprotein nutrition. The composition is based on: freeze-dried duck meat (20%) and rice (35%). Suitable for dogs prone to food allergies. Contains a special mix of herbs, roots and the patented Echinacea complex to protect the dog's growing body and activate immune processes.

Hill's Science Plan Puppy Small & Mini (chicken)

Special small granules contain:

• docosahexaenoic acid - for the development of the dog's brain;
• high-quality protein for muscle development;
• minerals for bone strength;
• a mixture of natural antioxidants.

Hill's dog food - complete review of the line

Food for medium breed puppies

Food for dogs that grow up to weigh 25-27 kg. These include Labrador, German Shepherd, Bull Terrier, English Bulldog, Husky, etc.

Monge (Puppy and junior)

Italian food Monge is suitable for puppies and young dogs. Suitable for animals from 2 months to 1 year. There are three flavors in the line for your pet to choose from: chicken, salmon, and lamb. Advantages:

• first place for meat ingredients - about 30% dehydrated meat and about 12% fresh;
• carbohydrates are represented by rice, beets and oats;
• rich vitamin supplement.

Cons : contains corn.

Monge food for dogs - reviews from veterinarians and a detailed analysis of the line

Eukanuba medium breed

The food is produced in the USA, Russia, and Holland. The composition practically does not change depending on whether the puppy is a small, medium or large breed. The choice of flavors includes chicken, rice and lamb. Carbohydrates are represented by corn, rice, and wheat. Rich vitamin component. The meat content reaches 35%. One of the disadvantages of the composition is the presence of corn, which can cause allergies in the baby.

Eukanuba dog food - reviews and composition analysis

SIRIUS for puppies and young dogs

The product from the Russian company is suitable for any puppies and young dogs under 12 months. Sirius brand food contains: pectin complex, chamomile, echinacea, dried cranberries, Yucca Schidigera. Only natural antioxidants are used. Ingredients: dehydrated meat 29% poultry and 8% lamb, rice, wheat, corn, dietary fiber, dry yeast, salmon fat, special ProStor Bio Care complex.

Sirius dog food – advantages and disadvantages, reviews from veterinarians

Brit Care Puppy (grain-free)

Grain-free food for puppies of all breeds with salmon and potatoes. The product does not contain chemical ingredients, GMOs or hormones. A daily portion of food satisfies all the needs of a young dog for vitamins and minerals. The pleasant aroma of salmon oil attracts even the most demanding animals with its natural aroma. The absence of grains allows the food to be quickly absorbed and does not cause bloating and flatulence. In addition, the product is suitable for puppies prone to allergies.

Brit dog food - expert reviews and detailed analysis of the composition

Food for large breed puppies

Food for puppies of such giants as Cane Corso, St. Bernard, Alabai, etc.

Grandorf

Holistic from Belgium is presented in two versions: from 3 weeks of age and from 4 months. It is based on lamb and rice, turkey. The meat component reaches 60%, because protein is so important for large dogs during the period of active growth. The carbohydrate component is rice and a complex of dried fruits. There are no synthetic additives or GMOs in the composition.

Grandorf dog food - full review of the line and reviews from experts

Acana Puppy and Junior

Akana dog food from Canada is suitable for puppies of all breeds. Contains 30% dehydrated meat (this can be turkey, chicken, lamb) and 10% bone meal. The peculiarity of Akana is its complex of dried vegetables, fruits and berries. In addition, it contains whole eggs, herring and flounder.

Akana dog food - full review of the line

Go

Gou is another holistic practitioner from Canada. The product is suitable for both puppies and adult dogs. The special feature is an interesting composition, including 4 types of meat, poultry, oatmeal flakes, and salmon. In addition, it contains dried vegetables, fruits and berries. The protein component reaches 60%.

Dog food GO!: analysis of ingredients, reviews from owners and veterinary specialists

Pedigree

Economy food from an American manufacturer. The puppy line starts at 6 months of age. It is from six months that the baby will be able to digest the amount of fiber that is named in the composition - more than 50%. And only 15% is protein. Nevertheless, the manufacturer is constantly among the sales leaders, since its food is available in any supermarket.

Dog food Pedigri - analysis of the recipe, reviews from owners and veterinarians

Differences

Still, there is a difference between them, which can be key when choosing the right manufacturer:

1. Hill's entered the consumer market earlier and is distributed outside of Europe.
2. Royal Canin has a wider range of feeds, which makes it easier to individually match the animal's diet.
3. However, Hill's, having a more modest selection than its competitor, produces several varieties that do not contain grains, which is better suited for pets with sensitive digestion or prone to obesity.
4. It is noted that there are still more meat components in Hill's in percentage terms.
5. However, Hill's contains less healthy fiber.
6. Royal Canin, according to reviews from breeders, lost a little in quality when it began to be produced in Russia, so some prefer to order it in European countries.
7. He also has dry milk formulas for babies up to 2 months.
8. Hill's most often can cause an allergic reaction.
9. Royal Canin is very popular and available on sale.

How much food to give a puppy

The table shows approximate serving sizes depending on the weight and age of the puppy. The feed portion is indicated in grams/day.

Important: It is recommended to check the table on the food packaging or consult a veterinarian.

The amount of food may vary depending on the health or activity of the dog (these tables are based on the recommendations of the ProPlan food manufacturer).

Capricious creatures

Royal Canin can boast of conquering another important niche - food for picky children:

• Royal Canin is picky about FRAGRANCE;
• Royal Canin is picky about TASTE;
• Royal Canin is picky about its ingredients.

Owners of capricious cats will definitely appreciate the necessity of these diets. After all, no one knows better than them how painful it can be to choose food for a demanding pet. We hope that this line will help you solve your current problem.

Reviews from dog owners

Oleg R. We buy Dog Chow food for dachshund puppies. We often have a foster puppy living in our house, which is given to us after mating. If the baby is very small, then we cancel Dog Chow and give ABBA wet food for a while.

Irina K. We have been buying Akana or Brit food for a long time. It is not always possible to find Acana in our stores. It is important for the breeder that the puppy is healthy, its fur is shiny and there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract. There were no problems with these feeds.

Diseases

They say that animals are worse than children. And, if they are sick, then caring owners physically feel the pain of their cats. It’s better, of course, not to suffer from any diseases, but if this happens, then we can please you - the Hills developers have a whole range of treatments:

• Hills Diet R/D (for obesity);
• Hills Diet I/D (gastrointestinal disorders);
• Hills Diet K/D (kidney and heart disease);
• Hills Diet Z/D (for allergies);
• Hills Diet L/D (liver disease).

We sincerely wish health to your lovely pets. And let the therapeutic effect produced by these foods be maximum and bring noticeable relief to furry family members - they will feel much better.

Briefly about the main thing

1. To feed a puppy you need to select a special diet.
2. The choice is made from super premium and higher lines.
3. Recommended portion sizes must be followed.
4. The dog should always have water available to him.

We recommend choosing food from any of the manufacturers listed in the article that your puppy or young dog will like. What kind of food do our readers feed or did feed their pets when they were little? Share your opinion, please.

What and when to choose

Of course, the main factor is whether the pet will eat the food purchased by the owner. When choosing, you need to consider several factors:

• Financial opportunities (after all, Hill's will cost a little more).
• Consult your veterinarian for any medical conditions or any contraindications to food ingredients.
• Hill's has a smaller line of medicated foods, so Royal Canin is more often prescribed. Sometimes it is suggested to alternate between both manufacturers.
• If you have to choose Royal Canin, then it is better to buy it in one place to avoid buying a fake (consumers often complain about this).

It often happens that the animal refuses the imposed treat or begins to experience health problems, which prompts household members to change the manufacturer. Some even refuse ready-made foods, preferring to give their animals home-cooked food.

Hill's and Royal Canin are very high-quality premium and super-premium foods and fully correspond to the qualities declared by the manufacturers. Pet owners just have to choose the right product line. A veterinarian can help with this by assessing the animal’s health.

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