[Mike Sagman]

Hi Nancy,

There is no one “best” puppy food. After all, how could there be a one-size-fits-all dog food that would be right for every puppy?

Also, be sure to keep in mind that any food that we rate 5 stars might only be 3 stars to your particular puppy. Dogs are a lot like us humans. What’s good for one of us may be terrible for another.

For example, some 5 star foods might be too “rich” for some dogs. They may contain too much meat for some animals. Those pets would probably do better with a 3 or 4-star food that contains less meat based protein and fat and slightly more carbs than another.

My best advice: Use dietary biofeedback to answer your question.

Buy a small package of any of our Editor’s Choice recommended puppy foods. And transition gradually over to that product. Next, monitor your dog’s response to that food. Are her stools normal? Does she like it?

Then, if necessary, adjust your choice. There’s no need to force any food on any dog. If a 5-star dog food doesn’t work for her, then move on… just like you would for any member of your human family.

Hope that makes sense. Good luck on your choice.