What is the best meal to fuel your new puppy’s boundless energy and rapid growth? Welcoming a puppy into your home is exciting, but choosing the right food can quickly feel overwhelming. You want the very best for your furry friend, but the pet store aisles are packed with bags promising health and vitality. Many brands use confusing labels or questionable fillers that don’t truly support a growing body.
It is easy to feel lost trying to sort through ingredients like “meat by-products” versus “whole chicken.” You worry if you are giving them the right nutrients for strong bones and a shiny coat. This confusion often leads to second-guessing your important decisions.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will clearly explain what “natural” truly means in puppy food. You will learn exactly which ingredients build a healthy foundation for your dog’s entire life. Keep reading to discover the secrets to picking a truly nutritious, natural diet that will keep your puppy happy and thriving.
Top Natural Dog Food For Puppies Recommendations
- Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice dry dog food; REAL CAGE-FREE CHICKEN is the #1 ingredient; small kibble size and specially formulated to support the needs of SMALL & MEDIUM BREED PUPPIES and nursing adult dogs
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Chicken is the #1 ingredient in this High-Protein Blue Buffalo puppy food
- ESSENTIAL NUTRITION FOR PUPPIES: This puppy dog food supports cognitive development with DHA, and it provides energy for growth and play
- IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: High protein dry dog food that contains exclusive, antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
- HEALTHY, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: This Blue Buffalo dog food is made with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and no corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains: One (1) 4-lb bag of Baby BLUE Healthy Growth Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: This Blue Buffalo dry dog food is made with real, high quality chicken as the #1 ingredient
- HIGH QUALITY NATURAL FOOD: BLUE's natural dry dog food is made with premium ingredients and contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat or soy
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR PUPPIES: BLUE Life Protection Formula Puppy Food contains DHA and ARA (important fatty acids found in mother’s milk) to support cognitive function and retinal health
- CONTAINS IMMUNITY-BOOSTING LIFESOURCE BITS: LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
- Contains: One (1) 5-lb trial-size bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Chicken is the #1 ingredient in this Blue Buffalo puppy food
- ESSENTIAL NUTRITION FOR PUPPIES: This dry puppy food supports cognitive development with DHA, and it provides energy for growth and play
- IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: Blue Buffalo dry dog food contains exclusive, antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
- HEALTHY, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: This dry puppy food is made with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and no corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains: One (1) 4-lb bag of Baby BLUE Healthy Growth Dry Puppy Food, Chicken Recipe
- #1 INGREDIENT IS REAL CHICKEN: Real chicken is always the first ingredient in our dry dog food with chicken to provide a good source of highly digestible protein.
- 6-IN-1 HEALTH BENEFITS: Brain Development, Digestive Health, Skin & Coat, Heart Support, Bones & Teeth and Immune System. With multiple health focuses, Natural Balance Health Protection offers whole body health puppy food.
- EASY ON DIGESTION: Each bite contains natural prebiotic fiber & is coated in probiotics to support puppy digestive wellness & a healthy microbiome. Gentle ingredients like brown rice & pumpkin for dogs provide healthy fiber for puppy food easy on digestion.
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Our healthy puppy food is made with natural ingredients and added vitamins and minerals to provide whole health dog food. Recipes are made without corn, soy, wheat, or animal by-product meal ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors.
- VITAMINS, MINERALS, AND NUTRIENTS: Rich in Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin & shiny coat and Vitamin E to support a healthy immune system. Naturally occurring Glucosamine and Chondroitin support healthy joints. Calcium and Phosphorus support strong bones and teeth in this chicken dog food.
- PUPPY DOG FOOD: Contains one (1) 4-pound bag of Nature's Recipe grain free dry dog food for puppies
- CHICKEN DOG FOOD: #1 ingredient is real chicken, a quality protein source that helps develop strong muscles
- HEALTHY DIGESTION: Dog food with fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin helps support digestion and immune system health
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients — no poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, and no added corn, wheat or soy
- EYE & BRAIN DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT: DHA from menhaden fish oil helps support eye and brain development for dogs
- Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb and Rice dry dog food; REAL PASTURE-RAISED LAMB is the #1 ingredient; specially formulated with carefully determined protein and mineral content to support the needs of LARGE BREED PUPPIES
- Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb and Rice dry dog food; REAL PASTURE-RAISED LAMB is the #1 ingredient; specially formulated with carefully determined protein and mineral content to support the needs of LARGE BREED PUPPIES
Choosing the Best Natural Dog Food for Your Growing Puppy
Bringing a new puppy home is exciting! You want to give them the best start in life. Good nutrition is key to that start. Natural dog food offers many benefits for growing pups. This guide helps you pick the perfect bag for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For in Natural Puppy Food
Not all puppy foods are the same. Look for these important features:
- AAFCO Statement: Always check the bag. It must say the food meets the nutritional levels set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for “Growth” or “All Life Stages.” This ensures balanced nutrition for development.
- Guaranteed Analysis: Puppies need more protein and fat than adult dogs. Look for high protein percentages (often 25% or more) and healthy fat levels.
- DHA/EPA: These Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial. They help develop a sharp brain and clear eyesight.
- Appropriate Kibble Size: The pieces should be small enough for tiny puppy mouths to chew easily.
Important Ingredients and Materials
Natural food focuses on whole, recognizable ingredients. What goes into the bowl truly matters for your puppy’s long-term health.
Protein Sources
The first ingredient should always be a named, high-quality animal protein. Avoid generic terms like “meat byproduct.”
- Excellent Choices: Chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, or lamb.
- Good Fillers (in moderation): Eggs or fish meal (if high quality).
Carbohydrates and Grains
Carbohydrates provide energy for all that puppy playing. Choose complex carbs that digest slowly.
- Healthy Options: Brown rice, oats, sweet potatoes, or peas.
- Ingredients to Limit: Excessive corn or wheat, as some dogs have sensitivities.
Fats and Supplements
Healthy fats support energy and skin health.
- Look For: Chicken fat, flaxseed, or fish oil (which provides the crucial DHA mentioned earlier).
- Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure the food includes added calcium and phosphorus, but in the correct ratio for bone growth.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Quality
The manufacturing process and ingredient sourcing significantly impact the food’s quality.
Quality Boosters:
- Whole Food Inclusion: Foods that include actual fruits and vegetables (like carrots or blueberries) offer natural antioxidants.
- Named Ingredients: When an ingredient is clearly named (e.g., “Deboned Chicken” instead of just “Meat”), quality is usually higher.
- Minimal Processing: Look for foods that use gentle cooking methods to preserve nutrient integrity.
Quality Reducers:
- Artificial Additives: Colors, artificial flavors, or chemical preservatives (like BHA or BHT) reduce the “natural” quality.
- Generic Meals: Vague terms like “Meat Meal” or “Animal Digest” usually mean lower-quality parts were used.
- High Ash Content: Too many minerals (often found in low-quality bone meals) can strain developing kidneys.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does the food perform in real life? Owners often report noticeable differences when switching to quality natural food.
Positive Experiences:
Owners frequently see puppies maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day. Their coats often become shinier, and stools are typically firmer and smaller because the puppy digests more of the food.
Use Cases:
- High-Energy Breeds: Active breeds like Retrievers or Border Collies thrive on the sustained energy provided by quality protein and fat.
- Sensitive Stomachs: Puppies with mild digestive issues often do better with limited, whole ingredients found in natural formulas.
- Transitioning: When switching foods, do it slowly over 7–10 days to prevent stomach upset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Puppy Food
Q: How much natural puppy food should I feed my puppy?
A: Always follow the feeding chart on the bag first. This chart uses the puppy’s current weight and expected adult weight. You might need to adjust based on your puppy’s activity level.
Q: Can I feed my puppy adult dog food?
A: No, you should not. Puppy food contains higher levels of protein, fat, and specific minerals like calcium needed for rapid growth. Adult food lacks these essential building blocks.
Q: What is the difference between “natural” and “organic”?
A: “Natural” means the food contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. “Organic” means the ingredients were grown or raised without synthetic pesticides or hormones, which is a stricter standard.
Q: How long should I feed my puppy food?
A: Most small and medium breeds transition to adult food around 10 to 12 months. Large breeds should stay on puppy food longer, sometimes up to 18 months, to ensure slow, steady bone development.
Q: Are grains bad in natural puppy food?
A: Grains are not inherently bad. Whole grains like brown rice offer good energy. If your vet suspects a grain allergy (which is rare), then a grain-free option might be necessary.
Q: How can I tell if my puppy is thriving on the food?
A: A thriving puppy has bright eyes, a shiny coat, good energy, and firm, regular stools. If you notice excessive itching or diarrhea, the food might not agree with them.
Q: Does natural food cost more?
A: Yes, high-quality natural food often costs more upfront because the ingredients are more expensive to source and process.
Q: Should I add supplements to this food?
A: Generally, no. A complete and balanced natural puppy food already has the necessary vitamins and minerals. Adding extras can cause an overdose, especially with calcium.
Q: What if my puppy refuses to eat the new natural food?
A: Try warming the food slightly or mixing in a tiny bit of low-sodium chicken broth. If refusal continues for more than a day, consult your veterinarian.
Q: Should I feed wet or dry natural food?
A: Dry kibble is excellent for dental health and convenience. Many owners mix a small amount of high-quality wet food into the kibble to increase palatability and hydration.