Best 5-Star Wet Puppy Foods

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The following is a list of 5-star dog food brands… each containing at least one wet puppy food.
Yorkie Puppy Waits for Food
To qualify, every puppy food must meet AAFCO nutritional profiles for either growth or all life stages.

Or it must be recommended for puppies by the manufacturer.

If you know of a puppy food you believe we should have included on this list, please feel free to share your own suggestions in the Comments section below.

Or if you’re looking for some suggestions yourself, be sure to check out that same Comments area to find more recommendations.

Links to More Good Puppy Foods

To find even more ideas, you may wish to visit one of our other puppy food lists or articles…

How to Find the Best 5-Star
Wet Puppy Foods

The following is a list of 5-star wet dog food brands that are known to contain at least one puppy food. Within each brand, search for products that include the word “puppy” in their names.

In addition, many other products are designed for all life stages… a group that also includes puppies.

Best 5-Star Wet Puppy Foods

  • Pattyvaughn

    Which food are you talking about? Your post isn’t attached to a particular post.

  • DeeDoo

    with all the negatives below about the side effects of this food, how is it 5 stars?

  • Stacey

    I’m amazed at all that you know . Would you please help me with my 4mth old puppy, he’s 3 lbs. He’s not happy with raw, somewhat likes Solid gold and Orijen…but it’s a battle. I have no problem alternating foods and buying a few different types, but I’m at a loss as to where to begin.

  • CoCo Chanel

    meat tenderizer! My beagle eats everything including her and our other dogs do doos try meat tenderizer though

  • lee

    got a vizsla puppy with a beautiful coat, mixing dry with a protein meat in the a.m., dry at lunch, and dry with a canned topper in the evening with some water:) works well! Love Wellness and Castor and Pollux!!

  • Hound Dog Mom

    As long as he’s eating a complete and balanced canned food he’ll be getting all the nutrients he needs. Canned food is actually much healthier than dry food, so if you can afford to feed canned go for it. You may also want to check out Tripett – it’s NOT complete and balanced (meaning you’ll have to mix it with a complete and balanced canned or dry food), it’s just plain canned green tripe. Dogs go nuts for it. Maybe if you mix a bit into his food he’ll eat more.

  • RidgebackOwner

    My puppy is 3 months old now and still doesn’t want to take dry dog food. I have been mixing it for a month now. Lately I started realizing he eats less and less. Today I decided to separate it and he ate all of his canned dog food and didn’t even touch the dry. Can him only eating canned dog food supply the nutrients that he needs to develop?

  • SanDnMila

    Thanks, that’s good to know. I’ve never been to Petsmart :(
    Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

  • Paula

    I know it’s been awhile but in the future if you buy your dog food from Pet Smart they will take it back for any reason.

  • Pattyvaughn

    They can start now. Wet the food with goats milk and water until it a gruel and let them have it.  As they get older they won’t need it so wet.

  • Elizabeth

    my puppies are one  month old today when can they eat puppy food

  • SandyDuarte

    Thanks! She’s ok now I think I had just transitioned her food too fast (9 days) from the Iams puppy she came with into the Canidae Single Grain I had her on. I’m transitioning her again since she didn’t like it into Earthborn GF but this time taking it slow (3 weeks) and she seems to be fine. I did pick up some canned pumpkin that i’ll use only when she needs it.

  • judy

    My collie puppy had the runs, the vet had me give him a teaspoon of canned pumpkin.  No added spices or anything, pure canned pumpkin.  worked like a charm.

  • Lcunningham

    My Mini Schnauzer puppy already has bladder crystals so I need a puppy food low in magnesium and a bit more acidic.  Any suggestions?  Now on Earthborn Puppy.

  • SandyDuarte

    So far yes, she’ll eat a few bites. Haven’t tried the Tripett yet. I’m hoping she’ll like it, it’s a shame to keep wasting food. Just want to keep trying til she finds something she likes. Should I try the BG Tripe alone without the kibble or add something else to it?

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    I can’t say that they like one over the other.  None of my dogs are picky!  Even the foster dog ate it (Tripett) right away when I gave it to him. Do you just use it as a topper for kibble?

  • SandyDuarte

    She’s not really liking the BG Tripe too much, do you think she’ll like the Tripett? I got a can of the original formula today so she can try. I know you said your dogs have had both, do they seem to enjoy one more than the other?

  • SandyDuarte

    I was actually surprised she doesn’t eat as often as I thought or would like, 1/2 a cup of dry (Iams puppy and Canidae Single-Grain) twice a day mixed with a little canned (She tried Canidae Pure Land and Sea and now BG Gripe and Newmans Own Organic Beef). She’s finally off the Iams today and I’ve tried a few canned just to see what she likes best. I don’t feel like i’ve over-fed her. But I will try the yogurt or pumpkin if I see that it continues. Thanks

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    Puppies also eat more than adults so they have more output. It’s also difficult to tell how much to feed a puppy sometimes. You could cut back just a hair or add in some canned pumpkin puree or a spoon of yogurt. If my adults over eat they would get soft/runny poop as well. Do you give her a little bit of raw food with bones? All the dogs at my house that get raw/bones have solid stool. They come in convenient little one ounce medalions too from the pet store.

  • monkey

    What are you currently feeding her?

  • SandyDuarte

    I’ve had her for a little over a week now :) , and her poop has started to get runny the past few days, what would be the best thing for that? Is that just her system getting used to different foods??

  • Johnandchristo

    Hey Melissa….

    Your pretty cool, and have helped me ever since I came on this site.

  • melissa

    Johnandchristo-

    I am laughing because I have a dog that does the same thing. Some flavors of food he loves, others he just turns up his nose at. He will eat fish dry food, but don’t think of giving him canned-or beef/chicken combos-but straight beef or chicken is okay..very strange!

  • Johnandchristo

    Hi SandyDuarte……

    I think you should. Its a really good food. Organic beef , Organic beef broth, Organic guar gum, and vitamins, and minerals. that it. Awesome! its about $2 a can, but I think its worth it. Newmans grain free organics is the only food I would buy at the supermarket. but I got to admit it is easy. Mike S gave it a five star review, he said it was very close to the diet of a wolf.
    (in the protein fat ) 

  • SandyDuarte

    I saw Newmans at the supermarket, i’m glad to know that your dog likes it, maybe we’ll try it.

  • Johnandchristo

    HI SandyDuarte…..

    My dog has had all three, he likes the lamb, and venison, but not the beef. I dont know why. He will
    eat Newmans own organic beef, but the beef and liver, or the liver, he wont. He was always picky he loves the lamb a lot. after 4 or 5 days I give him salmon.(bumble bee) He wont eat the duck and salmon 
    beef tripett. I never had a dog like this. HaHa, thank God he loves his Brother’s kibble. 

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    I like the original beef tripe, then the lamb tripe, and then the tripe with duck and salmon.  The beef tripe is the really green one.

  • SandyDuarte

    I found Tripett in a local pet store, yay!! They don’t have much variety just the beef tripe and venison tripe. Have you tried both, which would you prefer if you have?? :)

  • Johnandchristo

    Hi Pugsonraw……

    A lab is a  great running buddy. Also I hear that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great long distance runners.
    I’ve also heard that Vizsla’s to are great runner’s.

  • Pugsonraw

    I’ve actually been wanting a big dog- one that I can take running with me. Maybe a lab.

  • http://BrothersComplete.com/ Richard Darlington

    Sandy

    Jake is adorable. His eyes are so clear and his fur is lustrous  - you can see he’s a healthy boy.

  • Johnandchristo

    Hi Sandy…

    I think your right, one of those adorable pugs could 
    certainly find their way into my life!

  • Johnandchristo

    Hi Pugsonraw….

    Thank you so much for the pics . to adorable . I can see how you ” pug lovers” get started now. That dog is amazing.

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    Ha-ha!  Only 2/3 cup of kibble a day, less with  toppers and such. You’ll either get one that’s the bestest boy ever and won’t want any other, or you’ll become a pugaholic.

  • Pugsonraw

    Hi John!

    The avatar picture is of Jake – my almost 4 year old brindle pug. I snapped this picture of him when he was a little grumpy.  It makes me laugh…

    Here are some more of him….. He gets a lot of attention due to his lovely coloring.

  • Johnandchristo

    Hey Sandy….

    I have to get a dog like that, it would not cost to much to feed him. I bet he could live on what falls out of Christo’s mouth lol :)

  • Johnandchristo

    Hi Pugsonraw…..

    I agree sandy dogs are so cute it makes me want to get one. Can I also say the dog in your avatar is  
    the most adorable little face, I have seen in some time.

    maybe you could post some pic of him/her so we could see . 

  • Mike P

    What a handsome little boy!!!I wanna take a snooze with him…

  • Pugsonraw

    He is so sweet and looks so peaceful sleeping.  I’ve got one pug that sounds like your little guy.   He is my shadow… Will follow me around the house, sits under my feet and when I sit down, he curls up on my chest and falls asleep.  I will catch him watching my face for some kind of reaction or acknowledgment and I try not to laugh….

    Sandy, kudos to you for fostering so many pugs.  I know I would get attached and want to keep them all..

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    Here’s my boy that has to be near me all the time…sleeping under my vanity in the bathroom while I’m on my laptop on the counter…doesn’t go to the 2 big memory foam dog beds in the room or up on the big Temperpedic…just lays under the vanity waiting for me to get off the computer. And then when I go to bed he gets under the blanket with me – we spoon :)

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    Thanks.  I was updating my foster album and there have been 125 fosters so far!

  • Pugsonraw

    Sandy,
    Your pugs are so darn cute!  Great pics….

  • melissa

     I agree with Addie as well. Some people only feed canned and their dogs do wonderfully. I switch around like Addie does-somedays its dry only, some days its a tablespoon or two, other days(if the canned is very low fat its more canned then anything)  Alternating with fresh toppers, and the dogs always look forward to their meals : )

  • Mary Lou

    Addie ~ I agree with this!  : )

  • Addie

    On the Brothers thread, I saw Richard advised you to not go over 20% with canned because they lack pro/prebiotics and all that. I just wanted to let you know I disagree, a dog can only benefit from having more moisture in their diet. I do think dogs benefit immensely from pre/probiotics, but they can easily be added separately. With my dog, some days I’ll use the canned as toppers, other days he’ll get a whole can with very little kibble, and other days I’ll mix in raw with the kibble or canned. It’s all about what your budget can allow. If your budget can only allow a couple tablespoons of wet a day, then great, but if you can afford more, go for it.  
    http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/canned-or-dry-dog-food/

  • SandyDuarte

    You have been so helpful, thank you

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    And I’m trying a new product on the gang…Answers Raw Goat Milk. A dollop on top of their kibble.  Some folks use yogurt. Maybe this will help your puppy transition? Be sure to go their FAQ page, too.

    http://www.answerspetfood.com/additional.html

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    SandyDuarte,

    Well…here is what Tripett Original Beef Green Tripe canned and Merrick Before Grain 95% Tripe looks like.  The Tripett is just tripe and nice and green and stinky.  The Before Grain was not so green, has egg product and other ingredients in it and did not smell like it had much (green) tripe in it, nor did it smell as bad as I think green tripe should smell like!  But the dogs ate it all the same and licked their bowls of kibble with Before Grain on top clean.

    So…take it how you want it.  I don’t think there is enough garlic in there to do harm.  Garlic in EXCESS is harmful. Plus the garlic in the canned food (and kibble) is cooked, not fresh, which would be more potent.

    I do believe the Tripett tripe with duck and salmon is also not so green but I can’t remember for sure.  I used that a few weeks ago.

    Also, some people not only rotate kibbles but also use VARIOUS canned toppers so you can try feeding all brands to give variety.

    I use several different canned foods. But my new fave is Tripett for the added benefits of tripe to my dogs’ diet, not just adding in more chicken or beef or salmon, etc…

    http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-stink-on-tripe/

  • SandyDuarte

    Tripett green lamb tripe has garlic as an ingredient on this website, would that cause any problems?

  • SandyDuarte

    The Solid Gold green tripe is adult maintenance, would that still be ok for a pup? I was looking at the BG beef tripe online last night, let us know how it goes with that :)

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    Tripett is for supplemental feeding.  I like it because it has minimal ingredients.  It does not have added vits/minerals.  I use it to top kibble. There are a couple other brands of canned tripe like Solid Gold and Merrick Before Grain Tripe.  I picked up two cans of Before Grain Tripe today to try out.  I shook the can and it sounded a bit soupy. I’m going to try it in the morning.  I’ll report back!  I’m definitely a Tripett fan.  Actually I like the raw tripe best.

  • SandyDuarte

    Don’t really have Tripett in the area, would have to buy it online. And those are good as toppers or better alone to give variety?

  • SandyDuarte

    Thanks, Sandy :)

  • http://www.dfwpugs.com/ sandy

    SandraDuarte,

    The addition of some canned foods and even some fresh foods and some raw food will benefit your pup. I like Merrick and use several varieties along with Tripett canned. Merrick comes in different textures as well – stew-like, porridge-like, but no pate.  Probiotics and digestive enzymes will help with transitioning and gut health and gas issues.  The Tripett is also a favorite of mine more so than the Merrick.  It has health benefits as well. Look up “green tripe”.  I would attach an article, but I’m at work.  I can do it tomorrow sometime.

    http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/karen-becker-best-worst-dog-food/

  • http://www.facebook.com/sduarte2 Sandy Duarte

    I think this website is so helpful and amazing. I will be getting a puppy (blue/fawn pit) soon in the next week or two, I’m so excited!! I went to the pet store and asked about Evo (because that is what the mother eats) and it was suggested to me Canidae Single-Grain Protein Plus. I saw that on the 5 star list for dry food so I’m very pleased. I was told I wouldn’t need a wet food, but my question is what would you suggest for a canned food just to give the dog variety once in awhile so she’s not always eating the same thing and getting bored with it. Should I stick with Canidae for a alternative or try one of the other brands you have listed above. What should I look for? Merrick looks very good but I wasn’t sure if I should go with a stew-type or just like an Evo 95% Beef?? She’s been eating Iams puppy dry and i will be slowly transitioning her to the Canidae, would wet food help that process? I appreciate any help, thank you.

  • Kimmiejimmie1

    I had a puppy that did the same thing. I was told to put something disgusting on her stool: castor oil, lemon juice, lime juice, etc. It worked for me.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com/ Mike Sagman

    Hi Janice and Wanda,

    The habit of a dog eating his own feces is a condition known as coprophagia.

    This is a fairly common problem amongst dog owners and I believe this video by Dr. Karen Becker called “Coprophagia in Pets” does an admirable job of explaining the problem.

    You can access this video by clicking the following link.

    http://youtu.be/_UUc5-WhGF8

    Hope this helps.

  • Janice

    Sorry, no answer to this disgusting problem.  I am still struggling with my puppy.  Basically now I am just trying to get it before she does.  I tried the clicker training which worked in the beginning to get her away from it, but she has now caught on to that and ignores the clicker until after she eats her poop.  Now I stand over her and grab her before she gets a chance to eat it.  I am hoping that eventually she will get over this.  Of course when I am not home there is nothing I can do.  I can’t tell you how much this upsets me.  There are a lot of dogs who do this and you would think that someone would have come up with an answer that actually works.  I am about ready to feed her a cheap puppy food because years ago before I became educated on dog food, that is what I used.  I NEVER had a dog eat their poop then.

  • wanda

    This is exactly the same as my puppy. What was the answer?

  • Janice

    Can you tell me which brand is a very high quality canned protein rich puppy food that does not contain any soy, corn, dairy, wheat or other gluten grains. 

  • Janice

    I have a new puppy, 2.5 lbs at 4 months, eating Wellness puppy canned and dry.  I did not see what rating the canned puppy has and was wondering if this is a good dog food.  Also, is it okay to feed a puppy grain free food?  And which is better, canned or dry or a combination of both?  One last question which has nothing to do with food but I am hoping someone here can give me an answer.  My new puppy loves to eat her stool.  It is driving me crazy!!!  I have tried pineapple and Puppy Mouth neither worked.  Any suggestions?

  • sandy

    Nomm nommm nommm…

    http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/products.aspx Here is the link. It includes recipes for cooked and raw feeding.

  • Anonymous

    Thanks to all for the information, very much retired Shawna, besides I was one of the good guys. Anyway, will keep all the constructive criticism in mind with my next batch, I do give them dry food as well. I will keep in mind the info re chicken broth commercially made I am assuming, would never have thought it could be harmful but those “additives” seem to get us every time. Thnaks again

  • sandy

    And Dr Becke also recommends not feeding veggies in the broccoli family everyday. Cruciferous group??

  • Shawna

    PS — chicken broth is commonly a source of hidden excitotoxic free glutamic and aspartic acids.  They are used as “flavor enhancers”.  Dogs (and people) generally really do like these flavor enhancers but they can be damaging to the health — can cause brain damage or depression or multiple sclerosis as examples.  I have posted research articles stating the very above here before :) ..  That is not just my opinion.

  • Shawna

    Prosecutor1 ~~ not sure I want to give you any negative feedback after reading your moniker :) hee hee hee :)
     
    There are a few things that concern me about your recipe — however, often when I start picking apart a diet I learn it wasn’t really the entire diet so keeping that in mind.  The biggest thing I see is the lack of calcium.  It is VITAL that home prepared diets (I’m a raw feeder) have the appropriate ratio of calcium to phosphorus.  Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 calcium to 1 part phos.  However acceptable guidelines are 1:1 to 2:1 per AAFCO.
     
    The general guidelines for raw diets is as follows — 60 to 70% of the diet is from lean muscle meat, 5 % from liver and 5% from other organs (there organs are where most of the vitties are).  Vegetables should make up 10 to 20% and fruit 5%.
     
    Based on these common guidelines, if you are feeding 1.5 pounds of meat (or 24 ounces of meat) you should only include no more then 4.8 ounces (not a lot) of veggies.  I’m not AT ALL fond of grains in the diet for many reasons. 
     
    The other consideration is variety.  Beef is high in saturated fat but not a big source of omega 6 fatty acids.  Granted the brown rice does have some but chicken is a better (protein) source.  The amino acid compostition of different proteins vary too so feeding a wider range of proteins means more amino acid diversity.  Ex — chicken and turkey are higher in tryptophan (which the body uses to make seratonin – the “feel good” hormone).

    If interested, Dr. Karen Becker and Beth Taylor have an excellent recipe book that gives guidelines for a raw or cooked diet.  The recipe plan meets and exceeds AAFCO guidelines making the diet “complete and balanced”.

  • Anonymous

    Hi, I make my own wet food in a slow cooker, 1.5 pounds of beef burger, 1 large yam, 1 cup of brown rice, I head of brocoli and 5 or 6 carrots, 5 cups of liquid, chicken broth if in the fridge, dogs really seem to enjoy it, any comments

  • Mrsjojo82

    well a puppy IS supposed to be active.  most vets don’t know much about nutrition. they get their “education” from hills. that says a lot.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Mary Lisa… Actually, Puppy Vantage is a part of the Earthborn Holistic product line which already appears on my Best 4-star Dry Puppy Foods list. Thanks for the tip.

  • MaryLisa

    Earthborn Puppy Vantage or TOTW

  • Mary

    You need to read this on nutrition. You are on the site, read the reviews!

  • Mary Lisa

    Earthborn Puppy Vantage

  • http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/best-puppy-foods/best-canned-puppy-foods-5-star/ kevin

    hello, i have a Mini Goldendoodle puppy. about 3 months old now. What do you suggest the best brand puppy food for it?

  • sandy

    Jessica,

    Try Amicus Puppy. The food is low glycemic and very small kibble. http://www.horizonpetfood.com/amicus/why.html
    Your dog should not get a sugar high from this food.

  • http://jessicacatapano@yahoo.com jessica catapano

    It was the fruit that gave her the sugar high. is there anything aout there you would recommend without fruit.

  • http://jessicacatapano@yahoo.com jessica catapano

    The breeder had my little maltese on purina puppy food wet and drey. I slowly changed it to wellness puppy wet and dry. She begame wild and rand around barking and biting. The vet said the fruit in it porobably gave her a sugar high. Soon as I stopped it she got much better. I changed it to Natural coice puppy food, but she is a good eater but doesnt like it. What wouyld you suggest which is like wellness without fruit.

  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja Dog Food Ninja

    So on dry matter basis, that’s 36% protein, 18% fat, and approx. 39% carbs. Average numbers for a canned food, but with so much of that protein attributed to the soybean meal, and the inclusion of generic animal liver, and the almost 40% carbs, this is probably only a 1-1/2 to 2 star canned food.

  • Dave W

    @ dog food ninja and Shawna – Thanks for your replies.

    Here is the GA – crude protein 8 percent, crude fat 4 percent, crude fiber 1.5 percent, moisture 78 percent

  • Shawna

    While we’re waiting for Mike’s review I have some thoughts..

    1. Soybean meal is an inexpensive source of lower quality protein. Many feel that the phytoestrogens in soy products (not properly prepared by fermentation) can contribute to multiple issues including breast cancer, low testosterone in males etc. How this applies to dogs?? Not sure but I personally would avoid.. Dr. Mercola, Dr. Josh Axe, many Certified Clinical Nutritionists etc recommend the avoidance of non-fermented soy products. Soy also contains more anti-nutrient phytates, so I’ve read, then other legumes/grains.

    2. Barely contains the same protein source as wheat. A common allergen.

    3. The corn in the food is likely genetically modified. Many feel genetic modification is highly risky and causes a whole host of issues possibly including cancer. Corn is also a common allergen. Both barley and corn are believed to be foods that can lead to maldigestion by damaging the tiny hairs (called villi) in the digestive tract and preventing nutrients from being absorbed.

    4. animal liver — the liver is from an un-named source “animal” and therefore could be any animal.

  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninja Dog Food Ninja

    Dave, the soybean meal, corn, and nondescript “animal liver” are not good ingredients at all. What’s the GA look like?

  • Dave W

    Thanks for your prompt reply. It’s Kroger Value dog food distributed by the Kroger Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. No website that I can see. thanks.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Dave W… Unfortunately, these reports take me hours to prepare. And with over 10,000 visitors (or more) each day, I simply cannot provide customized reviews and product comparisons for each reader.

    If the product has a name and a public website, I can add it to my To Do list for a future review.

    For more help, please visit my FAQ page. Look for the topic, “Help Me Choose a Dog Food”. Or check back for a possible response from one of our other readers. Wish I could be more help.

  • Dave W

    Ok, I have a question. I see these 5 star canned foods being raved about, but I have been using a value dog food from Kroge. It’s in a white, no-frills, looking can. I was using it because it leaves out all the fatty gravy that Pedigree and various others likes to put in their cans. My question concerns the ingredients. I don’t think there is anything of grave harm to in them and I would like some confirmation: sufficient water for processing, chicken, soybean meal, barley, ground corn, beef, animal liver, guar gum, salt, choline chloride (??), vitamins (E A B12 supplements, thiamine riboflavin) and minerals (ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, copper proteinate, manganous sulfate, iron oxide). What do you think??

  • Gordon

    Claire Wilson – Do you have access to ZiwiPeak dog food. I would recommend their canned product if you wanted to go wet. It’s got to be amongst the best in canned, if not the best, for all life stages, IMO.

    Also, why not thaw any blocks/patties in the fridge 24 hours prior to feeding a raw commercial product, instead of defrosting same in a microwave, if I’m understanding your dilemma, properly?

  • Claire Wilson

    Firstly I want to say this is a great site and I have managed to lose 2 afternoons when I should have been working – reading!!
    I have an 11 week old bull mastiff cross staff who when we collected him looks like he is showing early signs of sensitive skin/allergies. We were thinking of putting him on food rotation diet. We have initially chosen the Oreijan Puppy Kibble, Stella and Chewy or Barf raw meat blocks (as easily available in the UK). Where I am struggling is on the provision of a wet food. Does anyone have any experience with a very natural wet food?
    The puppy seller (accidental breeder) told us to use “whatever we liked” as she changes the food brand depending on what offer was in the supermarket at the time.
    My last dog was a staff x who was on the “Nature Diet” with grain free kibble. This worked well but there is an ever increasing number of the nature diet seals on the tubs blowing and spoiling the food. This makes it pretty unreliable and expensive. Any advice welcome! thanks

  • sandy

    Jessica,

    Does your dog have hyperinsulinemia? Is she on medication for it? Just wondering since there is medication for it for humans and wondered if there is for dogs.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Jessica… Unfortunately, because your dog is a puppy as well as hypoglycemic and since I’m not a veterinarian, it would be inappropriate for me to provide specific health advice or product recommendations. This is an issue you should probably discuss with your puppy’s doc. Or check back for a possible response from one of our other readers. Wish I could be more help.

  • Jessica

    Oh and the teacup puppy is hypoglycemic.

  • Jessica

    Hello. In your FAQ you talk about diabetic dogs, I have a teacup puppy. I was wondering if you have any recommendations for him? Preferably a wet food.

  • Michael

    Thanks for the help :)

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Michael… The feeding method you describe is a technique known as “topping”. Mixing a good canned food with a kibble is an excellent way to improve the palatability as well as the nutrient value of most any dry food. Topping works great with diet rotation.

  • Michael

    Hi Mike… I was reading your article on diet rotation for dogs and I was wondering if it was okay to mix a wet food made by one manufacturer with a different manufacturer dry food. For example.. innova canned food with wellness dry food or the honest kitchen with orijen.

    Even though you might not be able to answer this question I appreciate everything that you had done and continue to do. Thank you =)

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Ann… It’s probably not the food itself but how much food you’re feeding him. Every dog food recipe has its own caloric “fingerprint”. Whenever you change dog foods, you have to adjust the serving size to allow for this important difference. Your dog is most likely gaining weight because you’re feeding too many calories. Adjust the serving size downward until your dog begins to lose weight and approach his ideal wight. Hope this helps.

  • Ann

    I switched my 2 year old Irish Jack Russell to Lotus Dry Dog Food about four months ago. He used to look like a string bean and now he looks huge. Could it be the food??

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Jane… There’s a link on this page to my list of 5-star dry puppy foods. As to whether or not to switch your puppy to TOTW, that would have to be your call.

  • http://Dogfoodadvisor.com Jane Dawson

    My puppy is 7 months old and is a boxer. She is on Wellness puppy food. Should I switch her to Taste of the Wild. It is a 5 Star dog food? Is there a 5 Star dry puppy food.

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Deborah… Please visit our FAQ page. Look for the topic, “Diet Rotation for Dogs”. Hope this helps.

  • Deborah

    My 16 week old Golden Mountain Dog is eating Lotus brand dry and canned dog food along with a little sweet potato or pumpkin added. I would like to know the suggested paramaters of mixing different foods for flavor variation. Right now he gobbles it right up but would like to give him some variety. Should I wait til he’s full grown and mix within the same brand or can I mix different brands?

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Morgan… The leading cause of skeletal disorders (like hip dysplasia) in large breed dogs is overfeeding while your dog is a growing puppy. So, no matter what you decide to do, be sure not to find yourself guilty of this common (and damaging) practice. Be sure you’re feeding your dog a food meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles for puppies (growth or all life stages). And before you decide your dog is underweight, be sure to check with your vet to see if he/she agrees.

    By the way, just like with humans, weight gain and loss is directly related to calories per meal. Be sure you’re feeding a quality food and feeding the recommended amount. Hope this helps.

  • morgan

    I adopted a beautiful Lab/German Shepard mix puppy about a month ago and I am still trying to put some weight on him. He is five months old (approx) He was very skinny when I got him and is getting a bit taller now but you can still see a lot of his bones and ribs. Any brand of dog food you can recommend that would help get him to where he should be?

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Alina… In many ways, dogs are a lot like us humans. Each responds to a particular food (or ingredient) in its own unique way. So, it would be impossible for me (or anyone) to assure you feeding a specific product would XXX or provide the results you’re looking for. Unfortunately, choosing the right dog food still involves at least some trial and error.

    In any case, you may want to visit our article on “Best Puppy Foods” and see if you can find one that is hypoallergenic, too. Hope this helps.

  • alina

    can anyone tell me what would be the best food for my 9 months german shepherd , he started to have skin allergies

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Jessica… Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a good choice. But for some more good ideas, you may wish to visit my article, “Best Puppy Foods“. It contains links to all the different puppy foods we like the best (ncluding the ones in the post you’re now reading. I know it can be a little overwhelming. But there’s no way I (or anyone) can possibly assure you a specific dog food will work best for your particular pet. I’ve narrowed the hundreds of puppy foods down to these lists. You’re the only one to know what your dog might like best. Hope this helps.

  • Jessica Harvey

    I have a very picky Blue Heeler puppy, 10 weeks, she is a very picky eater. What is a good dog food I was just looking on this site and am thinking I am going to try Blue Buffalo Wilderness puppy either the longevity or life protection. What is other ideas?

  • http://DogFoodAdvisor.com Mike Sagman

    Hi Linda… Actually, the Wellness Super 5 Mix Dry Dog Food contains the two dry puppy foods and is rated 4-stars. Hope this helps.

  • Linda

    I see you rate Wellness canned puppy food with 5 stars. Does that include the Wellness Puppy dry food too?