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The Top 10 Best Puppy Foods

Best Puppy Foods

What’s the Best Dog Food for Puppies?

Choosing the best food for your puppy is one of the most important decisions you can make.

That’s because feeding the wrong food can greatly increase your puppy’s RISK of developing a crippling form of hip dysplasia… especially for certain breeds.1

On this page… we’ll share The Dog Food Advisor’s safest and most recommended puppy foods… and we’ll answer the 5 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding puppies.


Dog Food Advisor's Editor's Choice Logo for Best Puppy Food Page

The Best Puppy Foods
March 2024

Here are The Advisor’s top 10 best puppy foods for March 2024.



Ollie Chicken Fresh Dog Food

Ollie Fresh Dog Food

Rating:

Ollie Chicken is one of 5 fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Dog Food product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver
  • Type: Grain-Free
  • Design: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This particular Ollie formula derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 11% fat and 44% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of roughly 30%.

All Ollie recipes are human-grade and designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). A real plus. Each meal is suitable for all puppies, 12 weeks of age or older… including those of larger breeds.

An exceptional, grain-free option… perfect for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet. A diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get…. without all the time-consuming hard work.

Affordable. But not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.

Sample buyer review… “I absolutely love the fact they my puppy enjoys her food. She runs to the kitchen when she sees I’m grabbing her bowl to feed her. Once the bowl is down, she runs to it as a TV advertisement animals! It’s a joy to see her eat”

Review for this Ollie product posted at TrustPilot.

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Redbarn Sky Dry Dog Food

Redbarn Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Rating:

Redbarn Grain-Free Sky is one of 3 dry recipes studied in our review of the Redbarn dry product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

Redbarn Sky derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey and chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 31% protein, 17% fat and 7% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 10%.

A wholesome grain-free product. Recommended with confidence.

Actual buyer review… “I got this for my two dogs because I wanted a healthier option of food for them. I liked that the ingredients list is short and without unnecessary additives. My dogs LOVE the food. I’m so happy with my choice to get this food!”

Learn more at Redbarn.com

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Farmers Dog Fresh Food

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh

Rating:

Pork Recipe is one of 4 fresh formulas included in our review of the The Farmers Dog product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Design: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breed

Farmer’s Pork derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.

The entire product line is designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). Plus… each recipe is made with human-grade ingredients.

All Farmer’s Dog recipes are 100% complete and balanced and formulated for puppies of all breed sizes (including those of larger breeds).

A healthy feeding option for those able to afford the premium price. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “Brunno has never looked or felt so good. He no longer sheds and his breath is fresh and clean. His coat absolutely gleams with health. His eyes are bright and his energy level is through the roof! Thank you for making quality food at a good price point. If anyone is on the fence about trying this or making the switch, don’t be!”

Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com

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Nom Nom Beef Mash Fresh Wet Dog Food

Nom Nom Beef Mash Fresh Dog Food

Rating:

Beef Mash is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom Dog Food product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

Nom Nom Beef Mash gets most of its animal protein from fresh ground beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

An exceptional, grain-free option… ideal for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get. Not cheap. Highly recommended.

Actual buyer review… “I am soo happy I chose Nom Nom.. My dogs love it! The ingredients are all natural.. Heck, we could eat it! I have tried food for dogs and my dogs turned their noses with it. Comes packaged to keep food fresh, so if you’re not home for delivery, no problem, food will be fine until you arrive. Thanks Nom Nom for supplying the best ingredients.”

Learn more at NomNomNow.com

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Just Food for Dogs Turkey and Whole Wheat Mac fresh cooked then frozen dog food

Just Food for Dogs

Rating:

Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni is one of 6 fresh formulas included in our review of the Just Food for Dogs product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Turkey, whole wheat macaroni, broccoli, zucchini, carrots
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (whole wheat macaroni)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only
  • Other recipes: Chicken, beef, fish, lamb, and venison

This Just Food for Dogs example recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 32% protein, 13% fat and 47% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.

Contains no fillers, growth hormones, preservatives, BHA, BHT or artificial coloring agents. Plus it’s 100% free of feed-grade ingredients. JFFD is formulated by a team of veterinarians, including a board-certified nutritionist. Ships only on certain days of the week. A top fresh pick. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My three dogs LOVE the Turkey & Macaroni Recipe! They go absolutely nuts for it! Since being on this recipe, they look better, they have more energy, and their inconsistent poops are a thing of the past! I highly recommend this brand.”

Read more buyer reviews at JustFoodforDogs.com

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Open Farm Puppy Dry Dog Food

Open Farm Puppy Food

Rating:

Open Farm Grain-Free Puppy is one of 21 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Open Farm product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Humanely Raised Chicken, wild pacific salmon, ocean whitefish meal, sweet potato, field peas
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This Open Farm recipe derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken and salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.

A high in protein option made with fresh ingredients. Enthusiastically recommended.

Sample buyer review… “I originally found this brand of dog food off of TikTok, silly right? I looked into it and saw that the food is above and beyond for my puppies nutrition. After purchasing the food, my pup was very happy it! I would definitely recommend this brand, as it is fully worth the price.”

Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet.com

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Raised Right Fresh Human-Grade Dog Food Review

Raised Right Dog Food

Rating:

Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries
  • Type: Grain-free (carrots, cranberries)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Adult dogs only

Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.

One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus… especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.

Read Our Full Brand Review



Jinx Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

Jinx Dog Food

Rating:

Salmon is one of 4 dry recipes featured in our review of the Jinx product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Salmon, pearled barley, ground peas, turkey meal, brown rice
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice)
  • Profile: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This Jinx recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

A fully-balanced, grain-inclusive dog food. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My dog is a pretty picky eater and he loves this dog food!”

Read more buyer reviews at Thinkjinx.com

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Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy GF Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy

Rating:

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea flour
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Design: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This Taste of the Wild puppy formula takes the majority of its animal protein from fresh salmon and ocean fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

Pacific Stream Puppy Food is not only rich in omega fatty acids, it’s also nutrient-balanced… to support optimal health during a puppy’s period of maximum growth.

Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “I feed my puppies Taste of the Wild. I love that it has pro-biotics in it and the kibble is small enough for them to eat easily after being weaned. This is the only puppy food that I highly recommend and I will continue using this product. The puppies enjoy the taste and the oils in the salmon puppy food help with their coats and make them shine.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Orijen Puppy new bag Dry Dog Food

Orijen Puppy

Rating:

Orijen Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), flounder, whole mackerel
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Design: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This Orijen formula takes the dominant part of its animal protein from fresh poultry (chicken and turkey) and fish. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.

Orijen is a 5-star, all life stages recipe brimming with animal protein. A superior option for your growing puppy. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “This is one of the best brands I have bought, I have been feeding my puppy high quality food ever since I bought it but this one made a big improvement on my puppy he is more active and his coat looks better also he has very sensitive stomach but with this one he has been good now. He loves it so much that my GSD was stealing his food so I had to buy some for my GSD as well”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Merrick Classic Grain Free Puppy Plate Chicken Wet Dog Food

Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate

Rating:

Puppy Plate is one of 10 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic canned product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, chicken broth, deboned turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Design: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This Merrick formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 28% fat and 14% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

This Merrick puppy recipe makes a great wet alternative to a dry diet… and it makes a flavorful “topper” to help enhance the taste of almost any kibble. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “This puppy food is a hit in our home! It’s got good texture and is easily mixed in as a topper. It has a pleasant smell (for canned dog food) and you can see chunks of veggies throughout. The puppies are eager for meal times and clean their bowls. 5 stars!”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Wellness Complete Health

Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food

Rating:

Complete Health Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, ground barley)
  • Design: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

Wellness Puppy gets the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.

An exceptional formula. Contains just the right amount of calcium to make it safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “I was looking for a new puppy food for my newest french bulldog litter and after much consideration, decided to give this food a try. The pups love it and they have nice shiny coats, tons of energy and stools are solid and minimal. Very pleased with the results and will continue to use and recommend this food to my customers.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy

Rating:

Life Protection Chicken and Brown Rice Puppy is one of 21 dry recipes… including 4 puppy formulas… detailed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice, oatmeal, barley)
  • Design: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This Blue Buffalo puppy product derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.

Blue Life Protection offers 4 puppy recipes. All are nutrient-balanced, affordable and easy to recommend.

Sample buyer review… “When we adopted our puppy from the shelter, she was a stray and we didn’t even know where to begin when it came to dog food. There were so many options that it was a flurry to make a decision. After reading reviews and getting recommendations from friends, we landed on Blue Buffalo. Our pup has loved it since day 1 and never had any problems. 100% recommend for new dog owners!”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy

Rating:

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, barley, oatmeal)
  • Design: Growth
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This Merrick Classic Puppy formula derives the largest share of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.

Unlike Merrick’s grain-free product line, “Classic” is not only free of peas and lentils… it’s also contains zero potatoes.

A top-quality, moderately priced puppy food. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “I have used Merrick for years. It is healthy and delicious. When we brought out new pup home from the breeder she was on another brand. When I started to add Merrick she would pick through and only eat the Merrick . We finally did a taste test , putting Merrick puppy in one corner and the other in another spot. It was hands down Merrick. She would not even eat the other. She is growing very well and has a healthy coat and skin. Thank you Merrick”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Also Recommended by Our Editors

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken Puppy Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food

Rating:

Puppy Chicken and Rice is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan Puppy product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (rice, wheat)
  • Design: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

This Purina Pro Plan puppy product derives the bulk of its animal protein from poultry by-product meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 20% fat and 40% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.

Pro Plan is one of the brands most often mentioned when we interview veterinary professionals.

What’s more… every Pro Plan product meets the strict guidelines recommended by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.

A top choice. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My puppies love this food and they are healthier because of it. Their fur is so beautiful and soft and it also came recommended by their veterinarian. At first I was going to get a grain-free brand, but my vet stated that puppies need grain to develop their bones, organs and brain. My pups are growing healthy and strong.”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Hills Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food

Rating:

Science Diet Chicken Meal and Barley is one of 6 dry puppy recipes detailed in our review of the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (wheat, barley, sorghum, corn, corn meal)
  • Design: Growth
  • Best for: Small and medium breed puppies

This Science Diet Puppy formula sources nearly all its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 17% fat and 48% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.

Hill’s Puppy is a classic growth formula recommended by both breeders and veterinary professionals alike… and its calcium content is safe for all puppy breeds. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “We recently had an 8 week old Australian Shepherd join our family and she loves this food! Our 6 year old lab has been on science diet since a pup and we get so many compliments on how shiny his coat is and how healthy he looks! Would recommend this food to anyone!”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Dog Food

Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy Food

Rating:

Chicken Soup Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice, oatmeal, millet)
  • Design: All life stages
  • Best for: All puppies including large breeds

Chicken Soup for the Soul Puppy gets the majority of its meat protein from fresh poultry and poultry meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.

This product makes an exceptional choice for both small and medium puppies. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My puppy was constantly having soft and loose stools no matter what food we tried. Switched her to chicken soup for the soul puppy food and it fixed her digestive issues within a few days. She’s now very regular with perfect consistency. She also loves the food and gobbles it down! I will continue with this brand for the long haul!”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Food

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Food

Rating:

Natural Choice Puppy is one of 19 dry recipes that can be found in our review of the Nutro Natural Choice product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, brewers rice, whole grain brown rice
  • Type: Grain-inclusive (barley, rice)
  • Design: Growth
  • Best for: Small and medium breed puppies

This Nutro puppy kibble gets nearly all its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 18% fat and 43% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

Nutro Natural Choice offers 5 different puppy foods, each optimized for a specific breed size. A budget-friendly product from one of the most trusted brands in the industry. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “Our new puppy, a Boston Terrier, loves this food. She has no digestive problems and her coat is shiny and eyes are bright. I love the fact that it is all natural and it saves me the time from making her food from scratch!”

Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

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When and how often should I feed my puppy?

Once you’ve decided how much food your puppy needs each day…

Simply divide that amount into 3 to 4 equal servings. Then, feed those smaller meals to your puppy at regular intervals… throughout the day.

This short video explains how to create the best feeding schedule for your puppy.


How much food should I feed my puppy?

Deciding how much to feed your puppy is a processnot a one-time choice.

Since a larger breed puppy requires more food each day than a smaller breed…

And because every brand of dog food contains a different number of calories per cup…

Start with the recommended feeding amount printed on the food’s package. Then, adjust that amount… up or down… to keep your dog at her ideal weight.

Recommended Feeding Amount on Package


Which breeds are at greatest risk for hip dysplasia?

Even though hip dysplasia can sometimes afflict smaller dogs…

The condition is far more common in larger breeds.2

Which is why it’s SO important to choose a food that contains a safe amount of calcium… if you’re feeding a large breed puppy.


How do I know if my puppy is a large breed?

The pet food industry3 defines a large breed puppy as one whose adult weight is expected to be over 70 pounds.

However…

Since it’s impossible to know your puppy’s adult weight before she’s fully grown

It’s safer to use a more conservative 50 pound definition advocated by others.4 5 6 7 8

So…

If you expect your dog to weigh over 50 pounds when she’s fully grown… then she’s considered a large breed puppy.


When should I switch my puppy to adult food?

It’s critical not to switch your puppy to adult food too soon.

That’s because adult dog food can contain too much calcium… which can make it unsafe for a growing puppy.

Truth is…

The best time to switch your puppy to adult food depends on your puppy’s breed type. The following table can help you determine when it’s safe to switch your puppy to adult food.9 10

Breed Type Adult Wt Switch
Small breed Under 20 lbs 9 – 12 months
Med breed 20 – 50 lbs 12 – 14 months
Large breed 50 – 100 lbs 12 – 18 months
Giant breed Over 100 lbs 18 – 24 months

If you’re not sure…

It’s always safer to keep your dog on puppy food too long… than it is to switch to adult food too soon.


A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

References

  1. Richardson DC, The Role of Nutrition in Canine Hip Dysplasia, Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1992 May;22(3):529-40.
  2. Bartolome N et al, A Genetic Predictive Model for Canine Hip Dysplasia: Integration of Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) and Candidate Gene Approaches, Journal of the Public Library of Science, PLOS One, April 2015, p.2
  3. Association of American Feed Control Officials
  4. Lauten SD, Nutritional Risks to Large Breed Dogs: From Weaning to the Geriatric Years, Vet Clin Small Anim 36 (2006) 1345.
  5. IAMS, “How to Transition Your Puppy to Adult Food
  6. Purina, “When to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Dog Food
  7. Royal Canin, 56-pound definition for large breed adult dogs
  8. Yuill C, DVM, MSc, CVH, “Nutrition: General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs”, VCA Hospitals (November 2011)
  9. Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition (1999), Canine Life Stages and Lifestyles, The Waltham Course on Dog and Cat Nutrition, p. 4
  10. IAMS: Is Your Puppy Ready for Adult Dog Food?
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