Your Cart
Loading
high quality puppy food

High Quality Puppy Food: Best Nutrient-Rich Picks for Growth

What Is the Best High Quality Puppy Food? Plus, the Top 10 Picks in 2025


Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but it also comes with big responsibilities. One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right high quality puppy food. Puppies grow rapidly, and the food they eat during these early months has a major impact on their development, energy levels, and long-term health.

In this post, we’ll explain what makes puppy food “high quality,” and share the top 10 best high quality puppy foods in 2025—all carefully chosen for their ingredients, nutritional value, and reputation among vets and pet parents.


What Makes Puppy Food High Quality?

Unlike adult dogs, puppies need more calories, protein, and essential nutrients to support their growth. The best high quality puppy food includes:

  • High animal-based protein for muscle development
  • DHA (omega-3 fatty acid) for brain and vision development
  • Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones
  • No fillers or by-product meals
  • Balanced nutrition recommended by veterinarians

Top 10 High Quality Puppy Foods in 2025


1. Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Tailored for medium breed puppies, this food offers precise nutrition to support growth and immunity.

Key Features:

Antioxidants for immune support

Easy-to-digest proteins

DHA for cognitive development

Ideal For: Puppies 2–12 months old up to 55 lbs

Customer Review:

"My vet recommended this and my puppy’s coat and energy are amazing!" – Lisa J.

high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon



2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Made with real chicken and enriched with LifeSource Bits—a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Key Features:

No corn, wheat, or soy

High protein and DHA-rich

Calcium and phosphorus for bone health

Ideal For: All breed sizes

Customer Review:

"My golden retriever pup has been thriving on this!" – Megan S.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


3. Wellness CORE RawRev Puppy High-Protein


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

A protein-packed option with freeze-dried raw turkey for added nutrition.

Key Features:

38% protein

Grain-free and packed with meat

Includes probiotics and antioxidants

Ideal For: High-energy, active breeds

Customer Review:

"No upset stomach and tons of energy—what more can I ask for?" – Jordan M.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon




4. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Specifically formulated for large breed puppies to promote healthy joints and bone development.

Key Features:

Optimal calcium levels

Supports controlled growth

Made in the USA with vet input

Ideal For: Labradors, Goldens, German Shepherds, etc.

Customer Review:

"This is the only food I trust for my large-breed puppies." – Angela F.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


5. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Offers a balanced blend of protein and carbohydrates for steady growth and energy.

Key Features:

Contains DHA from fish oil

Rich in antioxidants

Great taste for picky pups

Ideal For: Small and medium breed puppies

Customer Review:

"His coat is shiny and digestion is perfect." – Vince T.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


6. Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Crafted with a trio of lean proteins: chicken, lamb, and salmon.

Key Features:

Contains superfoods like coconut and chia

No GMOs, corn, or soy

High protein and nutrient-dense

Ideal For: Nutritionally-focused pet parents

Customer Review:

"My pup finishes every bowl and is growing strong." – Claire W.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon



7. Orijen Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Mimics a natural diet with 85% quality animal ingredients and zero grains.

Key Features:

Whole-prey nutrition (organs, bone, meat)

Freeze-dried liver coating for flavor

No artificial additives

Ideal For: Owners looking for raw-inspired food

Customer Review:

"Expensive but premium quality. Worth every penny." – Travis B.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


8. Canidae PURE Puppy Limited Ingredient Formula


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Simple, hypoallergenic formula perfect for sensitive stomachs and allergies.

Key Features:

Salmon or lamb-based

8 main ingredients or less

Includes probiotics and omega-3s

Ideal For: Puppies with food sensitivities

Customer Review:

"Solved my pup’s diarrhea and skin issues." – Debra N.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


9. American Journey Grain-Free Puppy Formula


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Budget-friendly yet rich in DHA, protein, and vitamins.

Key Features:

Deboned chicken is #1 ingredient

Grain-free and legume-based carbs

DHA from salmon oil

Ideal For: Budget-conscious pet parents

Customer Review:

"Comparable to premium brands for half the price." – Alex R.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon



10. Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain-Free Recipe

high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Why It’s Great:

Combines high-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw bits for improved flavor and nutrition.

Key Features:

Cage-free chicken

Natural probiotics for digestion

DHA for mental development

Ideal For: Picky eaters and raw diet beginners

Customer Review:

"She devours it and has so much energy." – Brianna T.


high quality puppy food

🛒 Check Price on Amazon


Buying Guide: What to Look for in High Quality Puppy Food

When choosing high quality puppy food, consider these important factors:

  • Protein Source: Look for named meat like “chicken” or “beef” as the first ingredient.
  • DHA & Omega-3s: Critical for brain and eye development.
  • Natural Ingredients: Avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and fillers.
  • Proper Calcium Levels: Especially important for large breed puppies.
  • Grain-Free or Whole-Grain?: Choose based on your pup’s allergies or sensitivities.

Conclusion

Your puppy deserves the best start in life—and that begins with high quality puppy food. Whether you’re looking for grain-free, limited-ingredient, raw-enhanced, or breed-specific formulas, the options on this list offer balanced nutrition backed by happy pet parents and vets alike.


Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.