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We Walk Woof's guide to puppy nutrition & choosing the best meals on the market. Discover the top manufacturers to ensure that you are feeding your puppy well and have a healthy and happy pup!
Selecting the best puppy food for your new family, whether that be wet food or dry food and kibble, is paramount for ensuring that your new pooch grows up healthy and strong. High quality food provides nutritionally complete eating and contains a balance of vitamins and minerals that support your puppy's developing bones, muscles, and immune system and allows them to mature into a healthy dog. As puppies grow rapidly, their nutritional needs are quite different from adult dogs, making it crucial to choose the best type of food for your new pup that is specifically formulated for their unique requirements and to ensure you are feeding them food that contains all of the nutrients that their young bodies need. This early investment in their diet and finding the best suppliers can lead to fewer health problems and a longer, happier life for your pet.
After bringing their puppy home all owners strive to find the best food for their animals, but sometimes it is tempting to chose the best value or cheapest dog food to choose to feed to your dog in order to save money on food costs. This will undoubtedly be shortsighted and potentially not safe for dogs as cheaper foods can contain lots of nasties and may not be suitable for puppies and so feeding your pet food that contains a blend of grains or fillers can cause health problems later in life.
Quality nutrition goes beyond just physical health; it also impacts your puppy's cognitive development and energy levels. As growing dogs have different nutritional needs, the best food to feed your pup will be rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which are vital for brain development and to help maintain high energy levels needed for their active lifestyle. Moreover, a well-balanced diet can improve digestion, leading to less frequent vet visits and a more comfortable, joyful experience for both you and your pet. Ensuring your puppy receives the best food available sets the foundation for a lifetime of good health and vitality.
Table of Contents
4. FAQ's
9. Naturaw
10. Different Dog
Pros of Quality Puppy Food
✅ Optimal Growth and Development: High-quality food provides essential nutrients to keep your dog healthy and that support healthy growth, ensuring strong bones, muscles, and a robust immune system. Puppies have different needs to adult dogs so care must be taken to ensure that your pet is getting food that contains all the nutrients that they require to help your pup grow.
✅ Improved Digestion: Quality ingredients in quality foods are easier to digest, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues and promoting overall gut health for your pup.
✅ Enhanced Cognitive Function: Nutrient-rich food supports brain development, improving cognitive function and making training and learning new behaviours easier for your pup.
✅ Higher Energy Levels: A balanced diet with the right mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates ensures your puppy has the energy needed for play and exploration, crucial for their physical and mental well-being.
Cons of Quality Puppy Food
❌ Higher Cost: Premium foods are often more expensive than lower-quality options, which can be a significant investment for pet owners.
❌ Availability Issues: High-quality food might not be as readily available in all locations, requiring special trips or online orders.
❌ Picky Eating: Some pups might be selective and take time to adjust to premium foods, which can lead to initial feeding challenges.
❌ Overfeeding Risk: Richer, more nutrient-dense foods can lead to overfeeding if portions are not carefully controlled, potentially causing weight gain and related health issues.
By weighing these pros and cons, pet owners can make an informed decision regarding the best food to support their pet's health and happiness.
The Importance of Quality Food
As a new pup parent, one of your primary responsibilities is to discover the best brand of food and ensuring that your pup gets the best possible start in life. A significant part of this is choosing high-quality food. Good nutrition during the early stages of a dog's life sets the foundation for their overall health and well-being allowing them to then move onto a high quality adult food. Puppies have unique feeding needs that differ from adult dogs, requiring a diet rich in essential nutrients to support their rapid growth.
How Quality Food Affects Your Dog
Growth and Bones: Young dogs grow rapidly and need a balanced diet rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. High-quality food provides the essential nutrients that support healthy bone development, muscle growth, and organ function.
Cognitive Development: DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in many quality foods, is crucial for brain development. Adequate DHA levels can enhance your puppy’s cognitive abilities and learning capacity.
Immune System Support: Younger dogs are more susceptible to illnesses as their immune systems are still developing. Quality food often includes antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that strengthen the immune system, helping your puppy fend off infections and diseases.
Digestive Health: A good diet supports a healthy digestive system. Quality ingredients, such as easily digestible proteins and fibre, promote better digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
How to Choose The Best Quality Food
Check the Ingredients List: Look for high-quality, whole food ingredients. Meat should be the primary protein source, followed by vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid foods with excessive fillers, artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours.
Look for a high All About Dog Food score: AADF offers in depth reviews of a huge range of foods including wet, dry and complete foods looking at their ingredients and composition and providing a AADF percentage rating.
Consult Your Vet: Your vet can provide personalised recommendations based on your dog’s breed, age, weight, and health status. They can also guide you on how much and how often to feed your new pup.
Research Brands and Reviews: Read reviews from other pet owners and check independent review sites. Look for brands with a good reputation for quality and safety that offer a puppy range of foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
A1: Puppies typically need to be fed three to four times a day. As they grow older, the frequency can be reduced to two meals a day. Consult your vet for a feeding schedule tailored to your dog’s needs and always establish the correct portion size for your pup.
Q2: Can I feed my puppy homemade food?
A2: While homemade food can be nutritious, it’s challenging to ensure it meets all of your pups dietary requirements. If you choose to go this route, consult a vet nutritionist to formulate a balanced diet.
Q3: Is grain-free food a better choice?
A3: Not necessarily. While some dogs may have grain sensitivities, most do well on diets that include grains. Grain-free diets are not inherently superior and can sometimes lack essential nutrients.
Q4: How do I transition to new food?
A4: Transition your pup to new food gradually over 7-10 days. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food.
Q5: What are the signs of a food allergy in dogs?
A5: Common signs include itching, skin rashes, ear infections, and tummy issues like vomiting or diarrhoea. If you suspect a food allergy, consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment options.
Q6: Are pet shop bought foods suitable for growing dogs?
A5: There are a lot of high quality foods available from pet shops like Pets At Home but again, research is key.
Finding the right food for your new dog is essential for their growth, development, and overall health. With countless options on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which products offer the best nutrition. Quality food provides the necessary nutrients that support healthy bone development, cognitive function, and a robust immune system. In this guide, we will explore the importance of choosing high-quality food, its benefits for your furry friend, and tips on how to identify the best options available. We will also address frequently asked questions to help you make informed decisions.
Lets Take a Look at Some of The Best Puppy Foods in 2025
Years.com Complete Nutrition System
Years is one of the leading independent dog food producers and receives high praise for its balanced and nutritious formulation, tailored specifically for pups. According to All About Dog Food, this product has achieved an impressive 96% rating, indicating its superior quality and beneficial impact on young dogs health. This food is designed with a blend of fresh, whole food ingredients and superfoods, such as turkey, cranberries, and a variety of vegetables and grains, ensuring that they receive all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Years offers a trial box that allows pet owners to experience the benefits of their fresh, tailored meals for just £3 to £12, depending on the dog's specifics. The trial includes 3.5 to 5 days of meals and a 7-day supply of superfood supplements, which support joints, digestion, and skin health. Customer reviews highlight improvements in digestion, coat shine, and overall enthusiasm for mealtime. The fresh ingredients and the absence of additives make this a highly recommended choice.
Here are four reasons why Years Complete Nutrition System stands out from the competition:
High Rating: It boasts a 96% rating on All About Dog Food, reflecting its superior quality and nutrient value.
Fresh, Wholefood Ingredients: The use of fresh turkey, cranberries, vegetables, and grains ensures balanced nutrition and high palatability.
Health-Supporting Superfoods: Includes superfoods that support joints, digestion, and skin health, promoting overall well-being.
Customisable Trial Box: Offers a tailored trial box, allowing pet owners to test the benefits before committing to a full purchase.
Tuggs fresh puppy food is a high-quality food that prioritises fresh ingredients and sustainability. According to the review on AADF, Tuggs Fresh Food scores an impressive 89%. The food is praised for its use of fresh, human-grade ingredients, including meat and vegetables, ensuring a balanced diet for dogs. The brand's commitment to sustainability is also highlighted, as they source ingredients responsibly and aim to reduce their environmental footprint.
On their official website, Tuggs offers a variety of recipes including Pork Power, Cod Crew, Chicken Coup, and Beef Brigade, catering to different dietary needs and preferences. They emphasize the benefits of insect protein as a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional meat sources. Customers can also enjoy a discount on their first purchase with the provided code. Overall, Tuggs Fresh Food stands out for its high dietary value, eco-friendly practices, and diverse flavour options, making it a top choice for conscientious pet owners.
For more detailed information, you can read our full review of Tuggs dog food here or alternatively you can visit All About Dog Food's review and the Tuggs official website.
What Makes Tuggs Fresh Food Stand Out
High AADF Rating: Tuggs Fresh Food scores an impressive 89% on the All About Dog Food rating system, indicating high value and quality.
Fresh, Human-Grade Ingredients: The food uses fresh, human-grade ingredients, including a variety of meats and vegetables, ensuring a balanced and healthy diet for dogs.
Sustainable Practices: Tuggs is committed to sustainability, sourcing ingredients responsibly and using environmentally friendly practices.
Innovative Protein Sources: They offer recipes with insect protein, providing a sustainable and nutritious alternative to traditional meat sources.
Poppy's Picnic
Poppy's Picnic Puppy Power offers a high-quality, complete raw food option for dogs, boasting a notable 93% rating from All About Dog Food. It caters to dogs of all breeds and ages with its natural ingredients, including grass-fed beef, fresh vegetables, and a variety of herbs and oils. This hypoallergenic recipe is free from wheat, maize, dairy, and artificial additives, making it a healthy choice for dogs with food sensitivities. Despite its higher cost, many pet owners find it valuable for its dietary benefits and the positive impact on their dogs' health and digestion.
Users appreciate the flexibility of feeding Mighty Mince either raw or cooked, which is particularly beneficial for picky eaters or dogs with specific dietary needs. The absence of bones in the recipe, replaced with natural calcium sources, ensures balanced nutrition without compromising safety. The biodegradable packaging and option to return polystyrene for recycling add an eco-friendly touch. Overall, Poppy's Picnic Mighty Mince stands out for its high meat content, natural ingredients, and user satisfaction, justifying its premium price point.
Here are four reasons why Poppy's Picnic Mighty Mince stands out from the competition:
High Meat Content: Contains a substantial percentage of grass-fed beef, ensuring a rich source of protein for dogs.
Natural Ingredients: Free from artificial additives, preservatives, and common allergens like wheat, maize, and dairy.
Flexibility in Feeding: Can be served raw or cooked, catering to different dietary preferences and needs of dogs.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Utilises biodegradable packaging and offers recycling options for polystyrene, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
For more details, you can visit the review on All About Dog Food.
Natural Instinct
Natural Instinct's Chicken & Tripe food is highly praised for its natural and nutrient-rich ingredients, making it a top choice for new owners. The recipe includes human-grade chicken with bone, chicken heart, beef green tripe, beef heart, and beef liver, along with vegetables and fruits, ensuring a balanced diet. This grain-free, British-made food comes in recyclable packaging and is suitable for pups over eight weeks old. It offers a precise calcium-to-phosphorous ratio essential for health growth, and contains digestive enzymes beneficial for young dogs.
The All About Dog Food (AADF) rating for Natural Instinct food is an impressive 89%, indicating high quality. This rating reflects the food's composition, which excludes artificial colors, additives, and preservatives, and supports raw feeding principles. The product's complete and balanced formulation, ease of storage in the freezer, and commitment to natural ingredients align well with the growing trend of raw and minimally processed pet foods.
Natural Instinct Chicken & Tripe stands out from the competition for several reasons:
High-Quality Ingredients: Utilises human-grade meats and a variety of nutrient-rich organs, vegetables, and fruits.
Grain-Free and Natural: Free from artificial additives, colours, and preservatives, adhering to raw feeding principles.
Balanced Nutrition: Carefully balanced calcium-to-phosphorous ratio essential for growth and development.
Sustainability: Packaged in recyclable materials and produced with a commitment to ethical sourcing and British manufacturing.
For more details, visit the Natural Instinct product page and All About Dog Food.
Naturaw Forage Puppy
Naturaw Forage food is a premium raw dog food that emphasises high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. The product features a balanced blend of British beef, organic chicken, and Atlantic mackerel, complemented by a variety of organic vegetables, fruits, and botanicals. The combination aims to provide a comprehensive nutrient profile for growth.
Additionally, the product packaging is entirely compostable, aligning with Naturaw's commitment to sustainability.
According to the All About Dog Food review, Naturaw Forage received an impressive rating of 93%, indicating its exceptional quality and value. The review highlights the use of human-grade ingredients and the absence of artificial additives and fillers, ensuring a wholesome and natural diet for puppies. This product stands out for its dedication to using organic and sustainably sourced components, making it a top choice for health-conscious pet owners.
Here are four reasons why Naturaw Forage Puppy food stands out from the competition:
High-Quality Ingredients: Uses ethically sourced, human-grade ingredients including British beef, organic chicken, and Atlantic mackerel.
Nutrient Balance: Offers a comprehensive nutritional profile with a mix of organic vegetables, fruits, and botanicals.
Sustainability: Packaged in entirely compostable materials, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Excellent Rating: Received a high rating of 93% from All About Dog Food, highlighting its exceptional quality and value.
Different Dog Dog & Puppy Food
Different Dogs products offer a unique approach to dog nutrition with its hand-cooked, freshly prepared meals using 100% British meat and high-quality vegetables. The company emphasizes the use of human-grade ingredients, avoiding grains, legumes, and fillers to ensure optimal health benefits for dogs. Different Dog's meals are tailored to individual needs, with options like "Comforting Chicken" for sensitive stomachs and "Keep Me Trim Turkey" for weight management. Additionally, their eco-friendly practices, such as carbon-neutral delivery and compostable packaging, highlight their commitment to sustainability.
The review on All About Dog Food praises Different Dog for its exceptional quality and nutritional value, awarding it a high rating of 94% (4.7 stars). Customers have reported significant improvements in their dogs' health, including better digestion, shinier coats, and increased energy levels. The company also provides personalized feeding plans and support from an in-house nutritionist and vet, ensuring that each dog's specific dietary needs are met. Overall, Different Dog stands out as a premium choice for conscientious dog owners looking to provide the best for their pets.
Different Dog stands out from the competition for several key reasons:
Hand-cooked, Fresh Ingredients: Uses 100% British meat and high-quality vegetables with no grains, legumes, or fillers.
Personalised Feeding Plans: Tailors meals to individual dogs' dietary needs with support from an in-house nutritionist and vet.
Sustainability: Emphasises eco-friendly practices, including carbon-neutral delivery and compostable packaging.
High Customer Satisfaction: Rated 94% (4.7 stars) on All About Dog Food, with reported improvements in dogs' health such as better digestion and shinier coats.
Read our full Different Dog review here or visit the Different Dog website or All About Dog Food.
Best UK Pup Foods 2025 - Conclusion
Choosing the right food is crucial for your pet’s growth, development, and overall health. By focusing on high-quality ingredients, consulting your veterinarian, and doing thorough research, you can ensure your puppy gets the best nutrition possible. Remember, investing in good quality food today will pay off with a healthier, happier dog tomorrow.
Providing your puppy with the best start in life through proper nutrition is one of the most important steps you can take as a responsible pet owner. Enjoy the journey of raising your puppy and watching them thrive on a healthy diet!
This blog provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the best food, emphasising the importance of quality nutrition and practical steps for choosing the right product. The FAQs address common concerns and offer helpful tips, ensuring that new puppy owners feel informed and confident in their choices.
Looking For More Dog Food Reviews? Take A Look At AADF For Some Of The Best Dog Food Reviews When Deciding On What To Feed Your Dog. Dry Dog Food, Dry Puppy Food, Raw Food & Everything In Between
All About Dog Food is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to helping dog owners make informed decisions about their pet's nutrition. It provides detailed reviews, ratings, and insights on a wide variety of dog food brands and recipes available in the market. The site also features a powerful search tool that allows users to find the perfect food tailored to their dog's specific needs, such as age, breed, and dietary preferences. Additionally, it offers educational articles, feeding guides, and tips to promote optimal health for dogs of all sizes and lifestyles.
Take a look at https://www.allaboutdogfood.co.uk/
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