There’s nothing like bringing home a new puppy. The first year of life with your pup is so special and, just like your moments together, your puppy’s dietary needs are special too. You can't feed them any old kibble from the grocery store shelf. Here's what our resident "Ask a Vet" Dr. Walt Ingwersen says about choosing the best food for your puppy.

Why do I need different food for a puppy?

These days, dog food can seem like an endless series of options and puppy food just feels like just one more complication in the mix. But, because puppies spend most of their time playing and all of their time growing, they need a different balance of nutrients than an adult dog. All that growing means puppies require a high protein formula, as well as more calories and higher fat content than adult dog.

 That said, if you’re in a pinch or your puppy is staying with friends, it is certainly not dangerous for your puppy to consume adult or “all stages” dog food. Once the time comes to switch to an adult dog food, it’s best to make that switch gradually. Any sudden changes to a puppy’s diet can cause tummy troubles.

What's the difference between wet and dry puppy food?

“I don’t see a big difference there.” says Dr. Walt Ingwersen. “Both can be good, both can be bad. It depends on how they’re produced.” 

Both are easy to digest, and while it is widely believed that dry puppy food will help your dog’s teeth develop, Dr. Ingwersen isn’t so sure. 

“Some people think that dry food will help keep teeth healthier, that hasn’t really been proven.” he says. As with their adult counterparts, the most important factor in choosing a puppy food is proper research.

Is it important to research puppy food companies?

You can get a lot of information about a puppy food from the label. Remember to look for high protein, and check the ingredients carefully. The fewer adjectives, the better. A label that says “chicken” is much better for your pup than something that says “chicken dinner”. 

If you’re researching pet food company, the Pet Nutrition Alliance has a great resource that can be found here.

If you’re a first time puppy owner, this process can seem overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Get your veterinarian’s advice on what is a complete meal for your dog.” Walt Ingwersen says. “Make sure this is a medically sound decision. The vet is the right person to do this.”