One of the first questions a new dog owner usually asks themselves when bringing home a puppy, is what brand food will I feed them? The next question is what’s the best food for puppies? There are several things to consider, not to mention personal preference may come into play. By that I mean is the absolute healthiest food your first priority or is price or even availability your main focus. I can’t help with your personal preferences but below are many things to consider. As puppies are growing they have somewhat different nutritional needs than adult dogs and most, if not all of these needs can be met with most puppy food.
Large or Small Breed
Many of the major brands such as Blue Buffalo, Iams, Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin (among others) offer a puppy food formula for both large and small breed dogs. One of the main differences between the two is the size of the kibble, but many brands will change up the nutrient content for different size dogs due to the fact that generally larger breed dogs are more susceptible to joint issues than smaller breed dogs and smaller breed dogs can be more energetic than larger breeds, just to name a few. Some brands offer breed specific dog and puppy food, but through our research we have found that choosing puppy food based on the size of your new friend rather than breed specific is adequate for your puppie’s nutritional needs. It is always best to go over the choices and requirements for your dog’s specific needs with your veterinarian.
Ingredients
As you know the choices for adult dog and puppy food are seemingly endless. Although there is no specific ingredient list to follow, there are things you can look for in puppy food. All the major brands we researched used high quality ingredients for their protein source such as chicken, turkey, beef or lamb and were listed at the top of the ingredient list, which is something to look for. Most quality puppy foods will have a proper blend of protein, calcium, phosphorous, copper, fat, carbs and amino acids in their formula. It is best for all dogs, especially puppies, that food does not contain fillers such as corn, soy and artificial additives. Grain free food is another option which is sometimes suggested by a veterinarian when food allergy or digestion problem is discovered. If you believe either of these are the case in your puppy, consult your veterinarian ASAP. When shopping for any dog food at all it is important to read labels and compare to choose the right food for your new four legged addition to the family.
Puppy Food versus Adult Food 
The main differences between puppy food and adult dog food, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), are puppy food should be higher in protein, calcium, fat and phosphorous which helps promote lean muscle and bone growth and aids in puppies development of breathing, digestion as well as supporting the high activity levels that they have.
When to Switch to Adult Food
Generally speaking, switching from puppy food to adult food should take place when they reach approximately 80% of their adult size. But aside from the size of your pup, considering whether they are spayed or neutered should also be a factor in your decision. Switching too early can cause a nutritional deficiency, which may lead to growth issues as well as bone, joint and eye issues. Switching too late can contribute to obesity, and all associated with it, due to the fact that puppy food is higher in fats and carbs for their higher energy levels. But as always, consulting your veterinarian on the time to change is best.
Which is Best?
In the world of dog and puppy food, the choices are endless! If you can’t choose the perfect brand food for your furry friend, maybe a home made food is what you choose. As for home made dog food, the sky is the limit, as there are hundreds of recipes all over the web for consideration. But it is our opinion that a specifically designed puppy food from a reputable company is the better way to go, this way your new family member will get all the healthy stuff they need to grow and thrive. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or constructive criticism.