Feeding the best puppy food possible
The best puppy food provides the right balance of nutrients, calories and satisfaction. Here's everything you should look for when it's time to feed your new furry friend.
Puppies Have Specific Nutritional Needs
A lot goes on during your puppy’s first year of life, and the best puppy food is one that can keep up with their growing nutritional requirements. Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA will support your pup’s brain and eye development, while higher levels of calcium will aid his growing skeletal system, plus protein to support muscle growth.
Puppies also tend to be more active, so expect your furry friend to eat more calories than an older dog would typically need.
| Weight of Dog | Growth less than 4 months (Pregnancy weeks 7 - 9) | Growth 4 to 9 months (Pregnancy weeks 5 - 6) | Growth 10 to 12 months (Pregnancy weeks 1 - 4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 lb (0,9 kg) | 1/2 cup (50 g) | 3/8 cup (35 g) | 1/3 cup (35 g) |
| 5 lb (2,3 kg) | 1 cup (100 g) | 7/8 cup (85 g) | 2/3 cup (65 g) |
| 8 lb (3,6 kg) | 1 1/2 cups (150 g) | 1 1/4 cups (125 g) | 1 cup (100 g) |
| 10 lb (4,5 kg) | 1 3/4 cups (175 g) | 1 1/2 cups (150 g) | 1 1/8 cups (110 g) |
| 20 lb (9,1 kg) | 3 cups (295 g) | 2 1/2 cups (250 g) | 2 cups (200 g) |
| 40 lb (18 kg) | 5 cups (495 g) | 4 cups (395 g) | 3 1/4 cups (320 g) |
| 60 lb (27 kg) | 6 2/3 cups (660 g) | 5 1/2 cups (545 g) | 4 1/3 cups (430 g) |
| 80 lb (36 kg) | 8 1/4 cups (815 g) | 6 3/4 cups (670 g) | 5 1/2 cups (545 g) |
| 100 lb (45 kg) | 9 3/4 cups (965 g) | 8 cups (790 g) | 6 1/2 cups (645 g) |
| 120 lb (54 kg) | 11 1/4 cups (1115 g) | 9 1/4 cups (915 g) | 7 1/2 cups (745 g) |
*Based on Science Diet® dog food recommendations
Dry Puppy Food
Puppy kibble is designed to fit smaller mouths, and provide a texture and aroma that growing pups crave.
Wet Puppy Food
Feed canned puppy food as a meal, or as a delicious "topper" to dry puppy food.
Breed Size Makes a Difference
Depending on the breed of your puppy, you'll want to make sure their nutritional needs are met for the size they'll eventually grow into.
Large breed puppies (that grow to 25+ kg.) are more susceptible to bone and joint issues due to their rapid growth. Talk to your vet to make sure your large pup is getting the right balance of nutrients.
Science Diet Puppy Food
Science Diet uses more than 70 years of research to develop nutrition that meets your puppy's biological needs. Maybe that's why Hill's is US veterinarians’ #1 recommended.
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Hill's Science Diet VetEssentials Puppy Food
Available exclusively through your veterinarian, Hill's Science Diet VetEssentials Puppy food is formulated to provide 5 essential health benefits for your puppy.
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This is great for my growing puppy!
“My puppy really likes this food. My vet recommended this to me and every time I run out, he is eager to get to the new bag!!"
– rayy, Georgia
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