Getting a new puppy is one of life's great joys. The excitement, the chaos, and the little face that makes you forget every chewed slipper. But somewhere between the cuddles and the zoomies, there's a question every new puppy parent asks: What's the best food for my puppy?
It's a fair question, and a really good one. The food you choose during those first months shapes everything from your puppy's bones and brain to their coat, energy levels, and long-term health. Getting it right doesn't need to be stressful, though. Once you know what to look for, picking the best puppy food becomes much simpler.
This guide breaks down what makes a puppy food worth choosing, why puppies need something different from adult dogs, and how our Puppy Days range is designed to give growing pups the best possible start.
What makes a puppy food one of the best choices
Not all puppy foods are created equal, and the difference between a good one and a great one often comes down to what's actually inside the bag or pouch.
The best puppy food starts with high-quality protein from a named source. That means real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient, not vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal derivatives" that leave you guessing. Protein is the building block for your puppy's muscles, organs, and tissues, so the quality and quantity of it really matter.
Beyond protein, look for recipes that include healthy fats for brain and eye development (omega-3 from salmon oil is a standout here), carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, and natural sources of fibre from vegetables like sweet potato and carrots. These aren't just nice extras. They're the foundation of a diet that supports your puppy through one of the most demanding growth periods of their life.
What you won't find in the best puppy foods is just as telling. Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives have no place in a puppy's bowl. Neither do cheap fillers that bulk out the food without adding nutritional value. If the ingredients list reads like a chemistry textbook, that's a sign to keep looking.
Our vet, Dr Scott Miller, puts it simply: the clearer and more recognisable the ingredients, the better the food is likely to be for your puppy.
Why puppies need specially formulated food
You might be tempted to just give your puppy a smaller portion of your adult dog's dinner. But puppy food and adult food are formulated very differently, and those differences matter more than you might think.
Puppies grow at an incredible rate. In the first few months alone, their weight can increase by 5 to 10% per day. That rapid growth needs fuel, and lots of it. According to the National Research Council, a growing puppy needs roughly twice the energy intake of an adult dog of the same breed.
Puppy food is designed to meet those higher demands. It contains more protein to support muscle development, more fat to fuel energy and brain growth, and higher levels of key nutrients like DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid vital for brain and vision development), calcium, and phosphorus.
As of 2026, nutritional guidelines recommend that puppy food contains at least 22% protein and 8.5% fat, compared to 18% protein and 5.5% fat for adult dogs. Getting that balance wrong can have real consequences. Too little of the right nutrients and your puppy's growth could be compromised. Too much of the wrong ones, particularly calcium in large breed puppies, and you risk skeletal problems.
The bottom line? Age-appropriate food isn't a marketing gimmick. It's a genuine nutritional necessity.
Our best puppy food choices
At Barking Heads, we don't believe in cutting corners when it comes to puppy nutrition. Every recipe in our Puppy Days range is made with natural, high-quality ingredients, vet-approved and crafted to support healthy growth from day one.
Here are our three favourite ways to feed your growing pup.
Puppy Days turkey dry food
Best for: Everyday complete nutrition
Our Puppy Days Turkey Dry Food is packed with 60% free-run turkey, blended with sweet potato, peas, and carrots for a meal that's as nutritious as it is tasty. It's grain-free, so it's gentle on developing tummies, and it's loaded with the good stuff your puppy needs to thrive.
Every bowl delivers salmon oil to nourish growing brains, glucosamine and chondroitin to support developing bones and joints, and beta-glucans to give their immune system a boost. It's a complete food, meaning it contains everything your puppy needs in one recipe. No supplements, no topping up, no guesswork.
Dry food also has practical benefits. It's easy to store, simple to measure, and the crunchy texture helps support dental health as those adult teeth start coming through. With a 4.9 out of 5-star rating from over 100 reviews, it's fair to say the puppies (and their parents) are fans.
Available in 2kg and 6kg bags.
Puppy Days chicken wet food
Best for: Fussy eaters and extra hydration
If your puppy goes wild for something a bit more saucy, our Puppy Days Wet Food is the one. Made with a whopping 85% free-run chicken, it's slow-cooked to bring out all that meaty flavour puppies can't resist.
Alongside the chicken, you'll find sweet potato, carrots, courgette, peas, and a blend of herbs including parsley, turmeric, and chicory root for digestive support. Salmon oil adds those all-important omega-3 fatty acids for brain development, and sunflower oil provides omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat.
Wet food is a brilliant choice for puppies who need a bit of encouragement at mealtimes, or for younger pups who find dry kibble a little tough on their gums during teething. The higher moisture content also helps keep them well hydrated. It works perfectly as a complete meal on its own, or you can use it as a topper on dry food for the ultimate puppy dinner.
Free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Available in 300g pouches.
The Puppy Pack: dry and wet together
Best for: The best of both worlds
Can't decide between wet and dry? You don't have to. Our Puppy Pack brings together a 6kg bag of Puppy Days Turkey Dry Food and 30 pouches of Puppy Days Chicken Wet Food in one handy bundle, so your pup gets variety, nutrition, and flavour all in one go.
Mixing wet and dry food is actually a great approach for puppies. The dry food provides crunch for dental health and easy portion control, while the wet food adds extra moisture, flavour, and palatability. Together, they give your puppy a more interesting mealtime experience and the combined benefits of both textures.
The Puppy Pack also saves you money compared to buying separately, coming in at £88 instead of the usual £113.99. That's nearly £26 off for the same quality your puppy deserves.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 200 reviews. (As of 19/03/2026)
How to choose the best puppy food for your puppy
With so many options on the shelf, knowing what to look for can feel overwhelming. But choosing the right food comes down to a few key considerations.
Your puppy's age. Very young puppies (under 12 weeks) need four meals a day, while older pups can move to three and eventually two meals. All of our Puppy Days recipes are suitable from weaning age onwards, so you're covered from the start. Check out our 4-week old puppy weaning schedule.
Your puppy's breed and size. Small breeds have faster metabolisms and need energy-dense food in smaller, more frequent meals. Large and giant breeds need careful portion control to avoid growing too fast, which can strain developing joints. Our recipes work for all breed sizes, with clear feeding guidelines on every pack.
Wet, dry, or both? There's no single right answer here. Dry food is convenient and supports dental health. Wet food is more hydrating and can be more appealing for fussy eaters. Mixing the two gives your puppy variety and the benefits of both. Try our Puppy Pack if you want to see which approach your pup prefers.
The first ingredient should be a named protein source. Look for natural, recognisable ingredients and avoid anything with artificial additives or vague descriptions. If you can understand what's in the food, that's a good sign.
Your puppy's response. The best measure of whether a food is working is your puppy themselves. Look for steady, healthy weight gain, firm stools, a shiny coat, and plenty of energy. If something doesn't seem right, speak to your vet.
Benefits of high-quality puppy food
Choosing a premium puppy food isn't just about what goes in the bowl. It's about what comes out of it: a happier, healthier puppy with the best possible foundation for life.
Stronger growth. High-quality protein from real meat sources supports lean muscle development and healthy organ growth. Your puppy's body is building itself from scratch during those first months, and the quality of the materials matters.
Better digestion. Natural ingredients like sweet potato, chicory root, and beta-glucans support a healthy gut. Puppies have sensitive digestive systems, and food made without artificial additives or cheap fillers is much easier on their tummies.
A shinier coat. Omega-3 from salmon oil and omega-6 from sunflower oil work together to nourish skin and coat from the inside out. You'll often notice the difference within a few weeks of switching to a higher-quality food.
Stronger immunity. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals help build a robust immune system during those vulnerable early months. Beta-glucans, found in our Puppy Days recipes, are particularly effective at supporting gut health and immune function.
Healthy brain development. DHA from salmon oil plays a key role in cognitive development. Puppies fed diets rich in DHA have been shown to be more trainable and responsive during those crucial early learning weeks.
Fewer problems later. Dogs fed well during puppyhood are less likely to develop weight issues, joint problems, or dietary sensitivities as adults. Think of it as an investment in your dog's future health and happiness.
Feeding puppies with confidence
Here's something worth remembering: you don't need to be perfect. You just need to be consistent and thoughtful.
Feeding your puppy well doesn't mean obsessing over every gram or stressing about whether you've got it exactly right. It means choosing a quality food, following the feeding guidelines, and keeping an eye on how your puppy responds. The rest tends to take care of itself.
Use the puppy feeding guide on the packaging as your starting point and adjust based on your puppy's body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If you're ever unsure, your vet can do a body condition check and help you fine-tune portions.
Consistency matters too. Feed at the same times each day, in the same spot, and give your puppy 15 to 20 minutes to eat before picking the bowl up. This builds a healthy routine that supports digestion and makes toilet training easier.
And try not to worry if your puppy's appetite dips occasionally. Growth spurts, teething, and settling into a new home can all cause temporary changes. As long as they're otherwise bright and well, a quiet mealtime or two is usually nothing to fret about.
As our ambassador Amanda Holden says, "Everyone knows I am nuts about my dogs and how I feed them is super important to me. They have gone nuts for Barking Heads! It's high-quality and nutritious, with at least 50% meat.
Minnie is obsessed with the Fuss Pot recipe (no surprises there!). It’s perfect for fussy eaters, made with 50% free-run duck and a delicious homemade duck gravy.
And my old boy Rudie can’t get enough of Golden Years: 50% free-run chicken and all the joint-supporting supplements I can’t pronounce… but I definitely know they’re doing him a world of good!"
Frequently asked questions about puppy food
What is the best food for a puppy?
The best puppy food is one that's specifically formulated for growth, made with high-quality protein from a named source, and free from artificial additives. Look for complete recipes that contain balanced levels of protein, fat, calcium, and essential nutrients like DHA. Our Puppy Days range ticks all these boxes, with vet-approved recipes made from natural ingredients.
Should I feed my puppy wet or dry food?
Both are great options, and many puppy parents choose to mix the two. Dry food is convenient, easy to portion, and supports dental health. Wet food is more hydrating, often more palatable, and can be helpful for fussy eaters or teething pups. Try our Puppy Pack to give your pup the benefits of both.
How do I know if my puppy food is good quality?
Check the ingredients list. The first ingredient should be a named protein source like chicken or turkey, not "meat derivatives" or "animal meal." The recipe should be free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. A high meat content (50% or above) is a strong indicator of quality.
When should I switch from puppy food to adult food?
It depends on breed size. Small breeds usually transition at 8 to 12 months, medium breeds at 12 to 15 months, and large or giant breeds between 15 and 24 months. Always switch gradually to avoid upsetting your puppy's tummy.
How much puppy food should I feed per day?
Portion sizes depend on your puppy's age, breed, weight, and the specific food you're using. Always follow the feeding guidelines on your puppy food packaging and adjust based on your puppy's body condition. Your vet can help if you're unsure.
Is grain-free puppy food better?
Grain-free food can be a good choice for puppies with grain sensitivities, but it's not automatically better for every puppy. What matters most is the overall quality of ingredients. Our Puppy Days range is grain-free and made with natural, wholesome ingredients that are gentle on developing digestive systems.
What foods should puppies never eat?
Several human foods are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in some chewing gums). Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries. Always stick to food and treats made specifically for puppies.
