The Best Starter Foods for Growing Puppies — Shop Smart!

Introduction

I was so excited to finally bring my puppy Bella home for the first time—I was also a little overwhelmed. I wanted to be the best puppy parent I could be, and I quickly learned that part of that was all about nutrition. You see, when puppies are that young, they grow up so fast! So I also realized that if I wanted the best for my puppy, then a proper starter food for her lifestyle as a puppy would help her avoid poor nutrition. Whether you are asking yourself what is good puppy food or you are asking yourself the best puppy food for puppies, the options can go on and on without end. In this blog I am going to try to share what I learned about selecting high quality food for puppy growth which covers everything from their nutritional needs, to where I purchased good puppy food at a reasonably fair rate at sites like RoyalPetMart. Let’s set your pup up for a lifetime of health together!

Understanding Puppy Nutritional Needs

I remember asking my vet what Bella would require to grow strong and I was surprised to learn just how different a puppy's diet is from an adult dog. Puppies have higher calorie and protein requirements because they are growing so fast, sometimes doubling their weight in two or three weeks! I learned that good puppy food needs to be rich in protein for muscle development, paying even closer attention to active breeds like my little Pitbull mix. 

There are also key nutrients puppies must have. For example, young puppies must have DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, that helps with their brain and eye development. In fact, I actually noticed Bella's eyes seemed brighter after switching to a puppy food with DHA. Calcium is also critical for bone development but it must be made sure to be in proper ratios as well since too much can be harmful. I had to make sure when I started looking for top rated puppy foods and that the calcium values were appropriate for Bella. Other vitamins and minerals help with everything from immunity to energy and that is why I started looking for the highest quality puppy food to make sure Bella had everything she needed to succeed.

Wet vs. Dry Puppy Food: Which Is Better?

A major early decision was to choose between wet and dry, so I figured the best puppy food for puppies was probably both, and proceeded to experiment with both methods. Wet puppy food (the canned variety available through RoyalPetMart), has some pros. It is high in moisture, and keeps Bella hydrated while also being something that she actually liked (even if she is picky). Plus, wet food was easier on her small teeth initially, as she was just starting on solids. However, I noticed wet food can be a bit pricey, and I had to be careful not to feed her too much so that she wouldn't consume an excessive amount of calories.

On the flip side, dry food had a convenience factor that I found well worth it. I could leave a dry bowl out for her to eat throughout the day, without worrying about spoilage-like wet food, and if she ate too much, she could stop whenever she was done. I read that chewing on dry foods like kibble will help with dental health by reducing plaque-and that was a nice boost to my consciousness. However, dry food has less moisture than wet food, which is why I always made sure that Bella had fresh, clean water nearby. Dry food is also cheaper, which helps my wallet!

In the end, I decided to use a combination approach. I mix wet and dry food to give Bella the benefits of both—hydration and taste from wet, and dental health and convenience from dry. It’s been a great balance, and I found plenty of options for this puppies food combo on RoyalPetMart.

What to Look for in a Quality Puppy Food

When I started shopping for good quality puppy food, I realized not all brands are created equal.I became somewhat of a dog food label sleuth, researching to make informed decisions for proper puppy nourishment. For example, I always look for a dog food with an ingredient list that displays a clear, identifiable meat source as the first ingredient. Such as chicken or lamb. Puppies grow best with proper protein intake. I avoid cereals and fillers, including corn syrup and artificial flavors, as they don't provide a lot of nutrition.

I also look for AAFCO approval for puppy growth/maintenance, which signifies that the dog food meets nutritional requirements appropriate for that growth stage. My vet explained that this is a must for good puppy dog food brands, so I always check for that label. Added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are a bonus—I picked a food with probiotics once, and Bella’s tummy seemed so much happier. I steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, since I want the highest quality puppy food for her, and RoyalPetMart has plenty of clean, natural options that fit the bill.

Best Starter Food Recommendations

After trying a few different foods, I’ve found some favorites that I think are the top puppy foods out there. For dry food, I love Royal Canin Puppy—it’s tailored for growing puppies with the right balance of calcium and DHA, and Bella goes crazy for the taste. Another great option is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy, which I found on RoyalPetMart. It’s packed with antioxidants for immunity, perfect for keeping my little one healthy.

For wet food, I’ve had great luck with Pedigree Puppy Wet Food. It’s affordable, high in moisture, and Bella licks her bowl clean every time. I also like Wellness CORE Puppy Wet Food, which I picked up from RoyalPetMart—it’s grain-free and full of protein, which is great for her energy levels. Speaking of grain-free, if your pup has a sensitive stomach, there are specialty options like Taste of the Wild Puppy Formula, which uses non grain foods like sweet potatoes. I even found the best diet for Pitbull puppy formula from Orijen, packed with protein for her active lifestyle.

Feeding Tips for Growing Puppies

Figuring out good food to feed puppies also means knowing how to feed them right. When Bella was tiny, around 8 weeks old, I fed her four small meals a day to keep her energy steady. By 4 months, I dropped to three meals, and now at 6 months, she’s down to two. I learned this schedule from my vet, who said it matches a puppy’s growth stages.

Transitioning from her mother’s milk to solids was a gradual process. I started by mixing a little starter food with water to soften it, then slowly reduced the water over a couple of weeks. Portion control is key—I used the guidelines on the food package but adjusted based on Bella’s weight and activity. Overfeeding can lead to weight issues, while underfeeding might stunt growth, so I keep a close eye on her. RoyalPetMart has a handy feeding guide for their top rated dog food for puppies, which helped me get it right.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made a few mistakes along the way that I’d love to help you avoid. One big one is feeding adult dog food too early. I thought I could switch Bella to adult food at 6 months, but my vet warned me that puppies need the extra nutrients in puppies food until they’re at least a year old. Another slip-up was ignoring portion guidelines—I got a bit generous with treats and noticed Bella gaining too much weight, so I had to scale back.

Skipping regular vet check-ins was another mistake I made early on. I thought I was by chance the expert but with a quick visit found out Bella was in need of slightly more calcium. The visit check points can be so useful for catching issues before they become problems and even tracking your puppy's growth! Now I try to balance good food for pups and veterinary check in's to keep Bella in tip-top shape.

Conclusion

Finding the best puppy food for puppies it’s really about smart shopping and assessing your pup’s unique needs. The right starter food provides the first steps for a healthy life. From nutritional growth needs for things like DHA and calcium to energy needs for protein, you need to treat your puppy with the right food. Whether you choose dry food, wet, or combination food, consider that quality ingredients with AAFCO approval will ensure you’re getting your puppy the best.

Since each puppy is different, what works for Bella may not be the same for yours. This is why I absolutely recommend consulting your vet for individualized recommendations—who can help you find the good food to feed puppies that is right for your dogs? With all the great food options available on RoyalPetMart, covering a wide selection from top puppy foods for the most picky puppies to specialty and diet fan food, you will find the right fit! Let’s give our furry friends the strong, healthy start they deserve—happy shopping!