Best Dry Puppy Foods
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When choosing the best dry food for your puppy it is vitally important to find one suitable for your puppy’s breed size.
Unfortunately, choosing the wrong food (one that contains too much calcium) could cause permanent bone damage to your pup1 2 3 including a crippling form of hip dysplasia.
This is especially relevant for larger breeds.
To help, our team, headed by pet nutritionist Laura Ward, has shared recommendations of the best dry puppy food specifically for large and small breeds.
Our list also includes the best dry foods for puppies with specific health issues such as a sensitive stomach or allergies. There are grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes options to satisfy your personal feeding preferences, as well as premium and affordable choices to suit your budget.
Best Dry Puppy Foods February 2026
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dry puppy foods for February 2026.
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Best Overall Dry Puppy Food
Redbarn Grain-Free Puppy Recipe
Redbarn has recently introduced some puppy foods into its ranges – we love this grain-free puppy recipe as it is particularly high in protein.
The first five ingredients are animal proteins including beef and lamb, followed by functional ingredients to support brain development, joint health, digestion, and muscle growth.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 58%.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics
- Quality animal proteins
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin
Main Ingredients Beef, lamb, beef meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Redbarn"I’ve been giving Redbarn products to my dogs for 40 years. Always dependable, always quality products. The new dog foods are excellent, as is the puppy formula. "
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Best Premium Dry Puppy Food
Open Farm Puppy Chicken & Salmon Grain-Free
Open Farm Puppy Chicken & Salmon Recipe is a grain-free dry food formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO for All Life Stages, including the growth of large breed puppies.
Made from humanely-raised chicken and pork and wild-caught salmon, we love this nutrient-dense kibble as it includes prebiotic fibers to support health digestion and is free from antibiotics, hormones and steroids.
Our dry matter analysis reveals a protein reading of 36%, a fat level of 18% and estimated carbohydrates of about 39% with a fat to protein ratio of 50%.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Freshly Crafted Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- High in fiber
- Free from antibiotics
- Humanely-raised meats
Main Ingredients Chicken, salmon, ocean whitefish meal, sweet potato, peas Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Open Farm.com"Our puppy loves this food. It smells wonderful and now his poops are more consistent. We have really liked this kibble very much. "
We also highly recommend
The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Grain Free Chicken Puppy Blend
This recipe is baked and dehydrated to retain nutrition, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for your puppy.
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Best Budget-Friendly Dry Puppy Food
Country Vet Naturals Growing Puppies
Country Vet Naturals Growing Puppies is a dry food formulated with chicken meal, a meat concentrate which contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. This is particularly important for puppies as they are in a critical stage of growth and need high-quality protein to support muscle development and organ function.
We rate this protein-packed food highly as it contains prebiotic and probiotic cultures with highly-digestible ingredients to support digestive health. And at just $11.99 for a 5lb bag, it won’ break the bank either.
Dry matter analysis reveals a protein reading of 31%, a fat level of 20% and estimated carbohydrates of about 41% with a fat to protein ratio of 64%.
For more choices: See our Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods page.
Read our review of the full Country Vet Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Pre- and probiotic cultures
- Complete and balanced
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, brewer’s rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), pork meal Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Absolutely recommend this puppy food! My Corgi puppy loves it and her coat is so soft and shiny with this brand. Only thing she’ll eat!"
We also highly recommend
Wellness Complete Health Puppy
Wellness, created by pet nutritionists, offers affordable protein and vegetable-rich food to support puppy growth.
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Best Small Breed Dry Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal
This 5-star rated dry puppy food by Blue Buffalo supports your small breed puppy’s cognitive development with DHA, and includes plenty of protein for energy, growth and play.
Made with wholesome ingredients, this chicken & oatmeal recipe includes Blue Buffalo’s exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to aid a healthy immune system.
The bulk of the protein is from chicken which promotes healthy muscle development and strong bones and teeth. Dry matter analysis reveals a protein reading of 32%, a fat level of 19% and estimated carbohydrates of about 41%, with a fat to protein ratio of 59%.
For more choices: See our Best Small Breed Puppy Foods page.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Chelated minerals
- High in fiber
- Antioxidants
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, brown rice Type Grain-inclusive (contains grain) Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies and lactating female dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We are growing a healthy puppy and this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a major part of it. Our girl likes this food so much that we can use it as a training reward. "
We also highly recommend
Now Fresh Grain Free Small Breed Puppy
Crafted by pet nutritionists, this recipe is a balanced, minimally processed option for small breed puppies.
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Best Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Brown Rice
Large breed puppies have specific nutritional requirements, particularly related to joint health and controlled growth to prevent issues such as hip dysplasia. This Nutro Natural Choice formula gets our approval because it’s designed to provide balanced nutrition to support these needs.
Made in the U.S., the formula is designed to promote a healthy skin and coat, digestion, and immunity. The number one ingredient is lamb, a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for large breed puppies to support their rapid development.
Dry matter analysis reveals this Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Brown Rice recipe has a protein level of 29%, a fat reading of 16% and estimated carbs of about 48%. The fat to protein ratio is 54%.
For more choices: See our Best Large Breed Puppy page.
Read our review of the full Nutro Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Made in the U.S.
- Formulated for large breeds
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Deboned lamb, chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), brewer’s rice and split peas Type Grain-inclusive (contains grain) Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Large and giant breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy"I have an 8 month old puppy who's growing rapidly. I wanted to give him a different puppy food and this one is filling for him. "
We also highly recommend
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula
A balanced nutrient recipe, with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics to support and fuel larger growing pups.
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Best Dry Puppy Food for a Sensitive Stomach
Go! Solutions Carnivore Puppy Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey & Duck
This grain-free puppy food gets the thumbs up from us as it is ideal for pups with a sensitive stomach thanks to added digestive enzymes, probiotics and prebiotic fiber from dried chicory root to support gut bacteria and healthy digestion.
The first six ingredients are quality meat and fish proteins, rich in essential amino acids to support healthy growth in puppies.
Dry matter analysis reveals Go! Solutions Carnivore Puppy Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey & Duck has a protein level of 40%, a fat reading of 20% and estimated carbohydrate content of 32% with a fat to protein ratio of 50%.
For more choices: See our Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach page.
Read our review of the full Go! Solutions Carnivore Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Added digestive enzymes
- Meat and fish protein sources
- Pre- and probiotic fiber
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, de-boned chicken, de-boned turkey Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 40% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy"Great food for our Boston puppy. He loves his food. Stools are firm. No more gas. We are elated to have found a diet for him that agrees with his system. "
We also highly recommend
Wellness Core Digestive Health Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice
For puppies under one year old, this food includes digestive enzymes, prebiotic fibers, and probiotics to promote gut health.
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Best Grain-Inclusive Dry Puppy Food: Jinx Jr Whole Grain Chicken, Brown Rice, Sweet Potato Recipe
Jinx Jr Whole Grain Chicken, Brown Rice, Sweet Potato Recipe is a 5-star rated food packed with all the nutrients a growing puppy needs to thrive.
The bulk of the protein comes from organic chicken and whole grain brown rice offers a balanced source of carbohydrates and fiber to sustain energy and aid digestion. The recipe also includes vitamin-rich sweet potatoes, pumpkin and blueberries to support a puppy’s immune system.
Dry matter analysis reveals a protein level of 33%, fat 16% and an estimated carbohydrate content of 43%. The fat to protein ratio is 47%.
For more choices: See our Best Dog Food with Grain page.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Organic chicken
- Vitamin-rich sweet potato
- High in fiber
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, chicken meal, ground peas, pearled barley, brown rice Type Grain-inclusive (contains grain) Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Jinx"This Jinx Puppy recipe is a hit with my little one! Packed with real chicken and whole grains, it provides the perfect balance of nutrition for growing pups. Plus, I appreciate that it's made with natural ingredients, giving me peace of mind. Highly recommend for any puppy parent looking to give their furry friend a healthy start! "
We also highly recommend
Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic Puppy
A 5-star product in this range, which contains brown rice, a nutritious grain rich in vits D and B, calcium, iron, and riboflavin.
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Best Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato
This grain-free recipe by Merrick is specially formulated to meet your growing puppy’s unique dietary needs and the small-sized kibble is easy for tiny teeth and mouths to chew.
Real, deboned chicken is the first ingredient in this recipe, which features a holistic blend of protein and healthy fats to help maintain lean muscle mass plus DHA to promote brain development.
We particularly like this puppy food as it contains plenty of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to nourish the skin and coat, along with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it has a protein level of 32%, fat of 17%, estimated carbohydrate content of 44% and a fat to protein ratio of 54%.
For more choices: See our Best Grain-Free Dry Dog Foods page.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Healthy fats
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Rich in amino acids
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs and puppies, especially small breeds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy"My small breeds love this food, as they are finicky. It’s easy for them to chew size wise too. "
We also highly recommend
Annamaet Grain Free Ohana Puppy
A grain-free formula, includes sustainable wild-caught Alaskan cod, rich in DHA for puppy brain development, healthy skin and coat.
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Best Dry Puppy Food for Allergies
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Salmon & Peas Recipe
This Nulo Freestyle Puppy recipe is great for puppies with allergies as the bulk of the protein comes from salmon which is also high in omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids can help with inflammation and skin and coat problems, like itching, dandruff, as well as joint aches and pains. Nulo’s guaranteed calcium levels also promote strong teeth & bones.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it has a protein level of 33%, fat of 19%, estimated carbohydrate content of 40% and a fat to protein ratio of 57%.
For more choices: Read our Best Dog Food for Allergies page.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Fish meat
- Low glycemic index
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, whole peas, chicken fat Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy"My blue bully puppy had digestive and skin issues and has always ingested high quality dog food. Unfortunately, his stools were always runny and his coat was dull even though he has a beautiful color. After switching his dog food to Nulo, Salmon & Pea Grain free, everything has changed. His stools can now easy be picked up, no more dreading picking up loose poop and his coat no longer lacks luster. I'm grateful."
We also highly recommend
Jinx Atlantic Salmon, Brown Rice and Sweet Potato Recipe
A gluten-free option, featuring a single animal protein. Low in allergens; perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.
How we review dog foods
We read the label.
This may sound simple, but there are thousands of dog foods on the market, and the label is the only source of reliable, standardized and government-regulated data available on every one of them. This includes the AAFCO nutrient profile, the Guaranteed Analysis and the ingredients.
We use our algorithm.
We take the data and enter it into our unique algorithm to produce a different set of figures, including the Dry Matter Analysis (the nutrient levels after water has been removed). This algorithm gives us a base score range on our five-star rating system.
We refine the score.
We take into account other factors, such as the quality of ingredients and the nature of the first few ingredients on the list (and therefore the most prevalent in the food), and narrow the score. The key ingredients are explained in-depth in the review.
Our expert nutritionist takes over.
At this point, our expert pet nutritionist, Laura Ward, goes through the review to check and approve it. She has the authority to make small discretionary changes to the star-rating based on her judgment of a food. We now have our final star-rating.
What other information do we include for dog parents?
Each dog food review includes sample consumer reviews and links to other reviews. It also includes the brand’s recall history. Our Best Dog Food pages also include consumer reviews.
Why we don’t just feed foods to our dogs.
Despite what other dog food review sites claim, simply giving a food to a dog and seeing if they eat it is completely unscientific and has little value as a review method. If you give a kid candy, they’ll happily eat it, but it doesn’t mean it’s good for them. And no one food suits every dog.
It’s also dangerous for dogs. We rate every dog food, good and bad. Why would we deliberately feed a dog bad dog food?
That said, we understand that personal experience of a food is important to dog parents and include consumer reviews on our pages.
What about lab-testing dog food?
Lab-testing dog food can provide useful, in-depth information, but as mentioned, there are thousands of dog foods on the market. We’d love to test them all, but there isn’t a facility in the country that could. Therefore, it’s impossible to have a fair universal rating system using lab tests.
It’s worth noting that dog food brands carry out their own testing. This ensures compliance with AAFCO and FDA pet food standards, as well as checking for pathogens.
Why you should trust our dog food reviews
Dog Food Advisor has been impartially reviewing dog food since 2008. We are the most trusted dog food review site in the United States, with a 4.9-star TrustPilot rating.
Here's why:
We do not accept money, gifts, samples or any other incentives in exchange for special consideration in writing our reviews.
We rate every dog food in the same way, using the only information we believe is equally available for all foods, reliable and therefore fair: what’s on the label. It’s the only way for any review site to rate every dog food on the market.
We focus on ingredients, nutrient profiles and recipes. We look at the ingredients used, including their quality, and review the nutritional analysis and macronutrient balance. We take into account any controversial or harmful ingredients.
Every review is expertly checked and approved by our highly qualified in-house animal nutritionist, Laura Ward.
We report all dog food and dog treat recalls through our Dog Food Recall Alert service, no matter the brand.
For more information, read our How We Rate Dog Food and Disclaimer and Disclosure pages.
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Final word
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