Pets

What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food? What Are The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food Brands In The Market?

Every pet parent wants the best for his/her dog. Often, dogs are allergic to common ingredients found in dog food brands. To counter these, pet food manufacturers have started developing good quality hypoallergenic dog foods for such dogs. However, not all hypoallergenic dog foods are made the same. This leaves pet owners utterly confused about such products and most do not know the pros and cons of feeding these to their pets. In this guide, we are going to talk about everything you need to know to choose the best hypoallergenic dog food and the best brands for your beloved pet.

Food Allergies in Dogs

A dog’s digestive system is designed to only break down proteins and some vegetables and fruits. However, majority of the economical dog food brands contain large quantities of corn, rice, maize, wheat, dairy, soy and other grains. These grains are difficult to digest for the hypoallergenic dog’s gentle system. Feeding this to the pet regularly can cause the digestive system to turn against itself leading to allergic reactions like:

If your dog is displaying these symptoms from time to time, it is time you switch to hypoallergenic dog food.

What is hypoallergenic food for dogs?

Hypoallergenic dog food is designed to work gently on your dog’s digestive system. It contains different ingredients than those you would find in regular foods. For example, instead of chicken or lamb, you might see venison, duck, rabbit, turkey or salmon. Also, grains like wheat, corn and soy or dairy may be replaced with brown rice. Hypoallergenic food does not contain common allergens like soy, dairy and refined grains. The percentage of lean protein is also usually greater than carbohydrates. Good quality hypoallergenic dog foods are also fortified with Omega essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins and minerals.

Different categories of hypoallergenic dog food

When it comes to buying hypoallergenic dog foods, pet parents often get thrown off by terms like organic, natural, hypoallergenic etc. All three terms have different connotations and it would be beneficial for pet owners to learn the differences.

Hypoallergenic dog food is more about a diet rather than being about natural or organic. The best hypoallergenic dog food will consist of organic ingredients in their natural state which are not artificial or artificially preserved. When selecting the right hypoallergenic dog food for your pet, it is best to consult your vet first. Determine whether your dog is allergic to a specific allergen in which case, she/he may be fed a limited ingredient diet.

Such a diet contains fewer components so that you eliminate that particular allergen. Alternatively, your dog may be fed a novel hypoallergenic diet where the components or ingredients are the ones your pet has never been exposed to. This ensures that your pet won’t be allergic to the new components. A third category of hypoallergenic diet would be a prescription diet recommended specifically by the vet.

What to look for in hypoallergenic dog food?

When selecting the best hypoallergenic dog food brands, you must start by reading food labels. Here is how to make sense of a pet food label:

Ask for help when choosing hypoallergenic dog food. Talk to your vet and visit a small holistic pet food store having friendly assistants to answer your questions. Best hypoallergenic dog food will usually contain easy to digest grains like rice. If your dog is allergic to rice, look for food containing potatoes, duck, salmon etc.

Sometimes, meats like lambs or chicken can also cause allergies in dog. In such case, you may go in for hypoallergenic dog food that does not contain these ingredients. Thankfully, there are tons of choices for you when it comes to selecting good dog food brand for your allergenic pet. Pick the one that works best for your dog.

5 Best brands in hypoallergenic dog food

Following are some of the best brands in this category of dog food

1.Orijen

“My 9 year old dog is walking as if he is 9 months old!”

The above review states it all. Orijen is indeed one of the leading manufacturers of hypoallergenic dog foods. The company has consistently received rave reviews from breeders, vets and dog owners alike.
Pros

Cons
• Expensive

2.Acana Dog Food

Acana is the sister company of Orijen and their products are a little cheaper than Orijen dog food. Picky eaters love this brand and pet owners are grateful that they do not have to mix any wet chicken, beef or lamb to make dry dog food palatable! Dogs fed on Acana have no problems digesting it easily-their coat is healthier and shinier and the stools are dry. There are tons of varieties to choose from in this hypoallergenic dog food brand: Merrick Adult Texas Beef and Sweet Potato, Merrick Backcountry Puppy, Salmon and Bison etc. All have been loved by pets and pet owners are pleased with them! The high protein content of Acana Heritage Meats Formula comes from grass fed lamb, Yorkshire pork and Angus beef. Do try their Acana Grasslands which has 0% grains, freshly caught Canadian fish, whole eggs and New Zealand lamb.
Pros
• Suitable for all breeds, especially for performance dogs
• Contains several different sources of high quality hypoallergenic proteins
Cons
• Expensive

3.Taste Of The Wild

“Stopped my Labrador from getting seizures!”

This brand of best hypoallergenic, grain free dog food comes in dry and canned varieties. Thousands of pet owners have loved this brand which consists of roasted meats (venison and bison) along with fresh fruits and vegetables for antioxidants.
Pros
• Economical
• Grain- free dog food for different stages
• Roasted meat offers great flavor.
Cons
• You need to source the food from reputed vendors as certain batches of this food were recalled due to mold-especially the ones sourced from online retailers. Make sure you talk to a vet before starting your pet on this brand.

4.PS for Dogs

“My fat dog is now at a normal weight!”

“My picky eater eats only 2 brands of hypoallergenic dog foods and this is one of them!”

“PS I Love You”!

PS for dogs is a well loved brand which advertises itself as “No more hotspots and paws licking. PS dog food solves allergies naturally without pills, steroids and harmful shots!”
Pros
• The company’s sole mission is to solve allergies in canines. Their products completely stop paw licking, chewing, watery stools, gas, red eyes and other allergy symptoms. Dogs on PS maintain dry stools and great coats.
• Dogs that have had the habit of licking paws so much that they were stained red were placed on this food and within weeks their paws color was restored.
Cons
• Expensive because of the small size of kibble.

5.Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach

“No more itchiness flakiness and our dog has a wonderful shinier coat!”

This wonderful brand of hypoallergenic dog food has salmon, rice and easy to digest antioxidants that will leave your pet with wonderful coat. It also contains zinc and omega essential fatty acids.
Pros

Cons
• Has a fishy smell which pets love nevertheless!
Conclusion
Having a dog with allergies is no fun. It can be confusing for a pet owner who may have to make numerous visits to the vet for shots, pills and other harmful stuff that leaves the dog tired and lethargic. Hypoallergenic dog food can be expensive but it is worth the price. When fed regularly to allergenic pets, it can prevent all these issues and leave your dog with a healthy, shiny coat. We hope these honest reviews of top hypoallergenic dog food brands help you make an informed choice.

So, it’s time to hit the open road. You wouldn’t leave without your best furry friend though, would you? Increasingly, people are taking their animals with them more and more. The influx of pet-friendly stores, restaurants, and doggy daycares means that more dogs and hopping in the car for a ride. You obviously want what is best for your pet, which is why you want them around you as much as possible, but you may be putting them at risk every time they jump into your car. A dog ramp provides a solid path from the ground to the vehicle and can help eliminate that threat by giving your pet safer access.

Why You Need a Dog Ramp?

There are two main reasons for getting a dog ramp. The first is your dog’s safety. Jumping in and out of a car, especially one high off the ground has the potential to injure them. Older dogs especially are frailer and may struggle to hop into a vehicle. The second reason is your safety. If you pick up your dog to put it in the car every time, you are putting your health at risk. Not only can this strain your back or your muscles, but if your dog starts flailing, you can seriously injure yourself and your dog.

A dog ramp eliminates this danger by providing a slight incline walk into the vehicle. You are risking throwing out your back or cracking a rib and your dog isn’t risking a muscle strain or tear. Simply put, dog ramps are the safest, most effective way to board an animal in a car.

What to Look for in a Dog Ramp?

Now that you know why you might need to purchase a dog ramp for your car, truck or SUV, you might be wondering what makes for a good dog ramp. The truth is every dog and every vehicle are different and as such, there are different factors to take into consideration. When you are buying a dog ramp, here are the top things to consider:

• Safety: The safety of your dog is paramount. Be sure to select a dog ramp that is constructed with quality materials and is not going to buckle under your dog’s weight. It should also be devoid of sharp edges or other dangers.
• Portability: Ease of portability is also one of the things to consider when buying a dog ramp. If you are loading and unloading it from your vehicle, garage, etc., you want to be sure that it’s easy to lift and maneuver. There are two main types of pet ramps, folding and telescopic. A folding ramp typically folds in half and makes it easy to store in smaller spaces. A telescopic pet ramp, on the other hand, slides into itself and is much for versatile in terms of length and incline.
• Ramp Weight: The weight of the ramp is also something to keep in mind when buying a dog ramp. While the ramp is meant to keep your dog safe, you also need to keep yourself safe and shouldn’t purchase a hefty ramp that you cannot lift on your own.
• Weight Capacity: Also something to consider, is a ramp’s weight capacity. If you have a Great Dane and the ramp has a weight capacity of 50 pounds, it probably isn’t the right potion for you. If you have a puppy, do some research to determine what their full grown weight will be before purchasing so you won’t have to buy another one when they mature.
• Surface Style: Surface style is something else that is important for a dog ramp. There are grit, rubber, and carpet surfaces. A grit surface will provide the most traction for your dog and requires little cleaning. Carpet is the least effective surface style and it typically requires more maintenance.
• Price:Your budget is obviously something to consider when buying a dog ramp for your vehicle. Ramps can vary significantly in price and you’ll want to make sure that you don’t overextend yourself by purchasing one that you cannot afford. However, the safety of your animal is paramount, so don’t cheap out and buy an unsafe dog ramp.
• Measurements: The length and width of a dog ramp are important to consider when purchasing a dog ramp. Longer ramps will have a shallower incline, which makes it easier for pets to climb. However, you shouldn’t purchase a ramp that is so large that it doesn’t fit in your vehicle. Also, be sure to choose a ramp that is wide enough for your dog. A wider ramp is safer than a narrow one, especially if your dog is easily distracted.
• Additional Features: If you want the cream of the crop when it comes to dog ramps, there are some additional features to look for. Some ramps offer side rails for more stability and security, handles to help you transport it easier, and even safety straps to keep the ramp securely closed while it is not in operation. While none of these features are essential in a dog ramp, they are a nice added touch.

The Top 6 Dog Ramps on the Market in 2019

So, you know what to look for in a dog ramp, but there are still hundreds on the market. That would take hours, if not days, to sort through to find the one that meets your specifications. Thankfully, we’ve done the legwork for you are scoured through lists of dog ramps to find the best dog ramps for 2018. Whether you have a small car or massive SUV, a Yorkie or a German Shepherd, the following dog ramps are bound to offer you the right solution.

1.  Heininger 3052 PortablePET Twistep Dog Hitch Step

The first one up on our list is not actually a pet ramp, it’s a pet step. The Heininger 3052 PortablePET Twistep Dog Hitch Step is an instant step that allows your dog to get in and out of your pickup or SUV easily. This dog hitch step attaches directly to the hitch received or your car and can easily be spun and stored away under the bumper when it is not in use.

The Heininger 3052 PortablePET Twistep Dog Hitch Step is great for helping dogs of all ages into the car. The best past—besides the added safety for your pet, of course—is that it features single hand use. There’s no folding or hefty telescoping ramp to fumble with, you can simply swivel it out whenever needed.

With a 400 pound capacity, this pet step is great for any size dog. It also has all-weather durability and an anti-slip grip surface to keep your pet safe as it hops in and out of the car. Overall, for those with a trailer hitch, the Heininger 3052 PortablePET Twistep Dog Hitch Step is a great option.

2. Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets

Now for the first ramp on our list, the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets is a great dog ramp that makes getting in and out of a vehicle easier for your pet. The ramp features Poly-Grass that feels like real grass for your pets and allows them to feel safe and secure while climbing up. It’s a non-slip surface that will hold up in any weather conditions.

This 16” wide ramp is over 72 inches long, which means it can provide a very small incline and make it easy for even older dogs to get into a car, truck or SUV. With 1.5” of thickness, the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets can handle pets up to 250 pounds. That makes it a great option for almost any dog.

The added benefit of the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets is that it only weighs 17 pounds so it should be easy for you to tote around. Plus, it’s foldable so it should fit in most cars and vehicles. If you need a dog ramp, the Gen7Pets Natural Step Ramp for Pets is certainly one to consider.

3. PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp

The PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp is another great option for someone looking for a pet ramp. This pet ramp can reach up to 70” in length, meaning it provides a nice shallow incline, but can be folded to 36” so it will fit in most vehicle trunks. At 17” wide, this sturdy pet ramp provides a nice space for your pet and will keep them safe and secure.

As far as safety goes, the PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp comes with a soft non-slip ridged rubber surface. While it is soft on paws, this non-slip surface also provides the necessary traction. Plus, the top surface is easy to clean and can just be hosed off if it gets too muddy.

The plastic and fiberglass ramp is sturdy and at 18 pounds, it can handle pets up to 500 pounds. IT also comes with cut-out handles on both sides to make portability a breeze. A 5 year warranty backs up the quality of the PetSTEP Original Folding Pet Ramp, making it one of the best options on the market.

Pros:

• Has a weight capacity of up to 500 pounds
• The bi-fold design makes it easy to store and tote around
• Manufactured in the USA
• Very easy to clean
• Comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than other models

4. Solvit PetSafe UltraLite Bi-Fold Pet Ramp

PetSafe is a brand that focuses on bringing innovative behavioral, containment, and lifestyle solutions that give you more great moments with your pert to market. The Solvit PetSafe UltraLite Bi-Fold Pet Ramp is no exception to their core mission.

This ramp weighs only 10 pounds, making it the lightest full-size pet ramp on the market. This makes it a great option for older people with pets who don’t want to or can’t struggle with a heftier ramp to help their pets out. Plus, it features a safety release latch to keep the ramp securely closed when not in use.

The Solvit PetSafe UltraLite Bi-Fold Pet Ramp supports pets up to 150 pounds and has a secure non-slip surface that affords your pet traction and sure footing while scaling the ramp. Plus, the surface is easy to clean off. It can be cleaned by using mild detergent and a hose. If you are looking for a lightweight pet ramp for a dog under 150 pounds, the Solvit PetSafe UltraLite Bi-Fold Pet Ramp might be your best bet.

Pros:

• Weighs only 10 pounds
• Can handle pets up to 150 pounds
• High-traction top surface to provide sure footing
• Rubber feet keep the ramp securely in place while in use
• Features a safety release latch to keep the ramp closed
• Very easy to clean

Cons:

• Cannot handle some larger dogs over 150 pounds

5. Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp 71 Inch Long Extra Wide

The Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp 71 Inch Long Extra Wide is another great option if you are looking for a pet ramp. This ramp is tri-folding, which means it is very compact and can actually fit in any car so it’s easy to travel with. Users might be scared off by the fact that it is tri-folding, but this ramp can open and close in seconds.

The Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp 71 Inch Long Extra Wide can support up to 200 pounds, but it is over 25 pounds itself so if you aren’t able to lift heavy objects this ramp is not a good fit for you. At 19.5 inches wide, this ramp will give your pet plenty of space to wander up, which keeps them safe.

In terms of safety, the Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp 71 Inch Long Extra Wide comes with a slip-resistant textured surface that will give your pets sure footing when using. It’s also very easy to clean, and a simple hose off will do the trick. For a great pet ramp, the Pet Gear Tri-Fold Ramp 71 Inch Long Extra Wide is definitely one to consider.

Pros:

• Tri-folding pet ramp can fit in any car
• Slip-resistant surface for sure footing
• 19.5” wide makes it one of the widest available
• Has a weight capacity of 200 pounds
• Opens and closes in seconds

Cons:

• The ramp is 25.9 pounds

6. Pet Loader Light

Another option for loading pets into your vehicle is the Pet Loader Light. One distinction to keep in mind is that this is a set of 4 collapsible steps and not a ramp. If you have a small dog or an older dog that is not capable of climbing stairs, this will not be a good fit for you. However, if you want an extremely compact and stable option for loading your dog into the car, the Pet Loader Light is a good option.

This set of 4 stairs is meant for loading animals in the back of an SUV or truck. It is easy to extend and retract and because of its compact size you can store and carry it almost anywhere. It is very wide and has a low angle to eliminate your pet’s fear of using it. Plus, it has a slip-resistant surface to provide sure footing.

The Pet Loader Light weighs just over 24 pounds, but the carrying handle makes it easy to lift and store. While it’s not a good option for pets that cannot handle stairs on their own, the Pet Loader Light is a great option for back loading vehicles and dogs that prefer something more familiar like stairs over a ramp.

Pros:

• The wide base makes it easy to ascend
• Stairs are more familiar to dogs than a ramp is
• Easily folded, stored, and carried
• Great for back loading vehicles

Cons:

• It is expensive
• Not a good option for pets that cannot ascend stairs
• Heavier than other models, but compact

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve looked over the best pet ramps, are you wondering what the best one for you is? If you’re still struggling to make a final decision, the main things to consider are your vehicle type, your pet’s mobility, and your pet’s weight. Automatically eliminate any pet ramps, stairs or steps that do not meet the weight requirements of your pet and those that would not be compatible with your pet. Then eliminate any of the models that are not a good fit for your vehicle. After that, whatever is left from this list of top pet ramps for 2018 will be a great option for you!

 

 

Puppies quickly becomea part of your family when you bring them home. Like any other family member,you want to make sure that they stay happy and healthy. You spoil them with newtoys, fluffy doggy beds, and cute collars, but ensuring that they arereceiving the proper nutrition is also paramount to ensuring that theyhave a good life.

So, what is the best puppy food for your newest furry family member? That depends on a variety of factors, such as whether you prefer dry or wet food, what your budget is, and even the breed of dog.

With hundreds of different brands of puppy food on the market, it is hard to be sure that you are choosing the right one. There are so many questions to ask, including:

With so many factorsto take into account, you can easily become overwhelmed with options.Thankfully, there are a few specific criteria to follow when selecting aquality puppy food.

What to Look For in a Quality Puppy Food

There are so many options when it comes to choosing a puppy food, and each of them claims to be the best choice for your newest family member. When you are trying to select a high-quality puppy food there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you are making the right decision.

First, you need to check that the puppy food you are selecting has the right nutrients for your breed of dog. For example, larger dog breeds grow much quicker than smaller breeds. This means that they need a calcium to phosphorus ratio around 1:1. Many puppy food brands will have different products for large and small breed dogs to account for the differences in their growth rates, and you should choose accordingly.

You also want to be sure that there are no anonymous meats or generic animal fats in the ingredients of the food that you choose. If there are generic listed ingredients, such as animal, meat, and by-product, it means that animal hair, hooves and hide can be in the food if it is not coming from a reputable company.

Ensuring that there are no harmful chemical preservatives and artificial colors is also essential. You’ll want to be sure that there are no growth hormones or pesticides in the food. In addition, if a food contains Propylene Glycol, BHA, Ethoxyquin, BHT or Hydrochloric Acid, it shouldn’t be placed in your puppy’s food dish.

You’ll also want to make sure that there are meat-based proteins, adequate carbohydrates, and a sufficient fat to protein ratio. These specific numbers are based on your breed of dog, so a bit of research will need to be done on end to ensure the food that you choose has the proper nutrients for your puppy.

Another thing to note is that puppies should never be fed adult dog food. Puppies grow quickly and need specific nutrients and fat to protein ratios to ensure that they do so at a healthy rate. If you have an adult dog as well, be sure they are fed separately so that each dog gets the proper nutrition they require. 

Top 10 Best Puppy Foods in the market

While the criteria listed above are a good guide for helping choose the best food for your new puppy, there are still many options to consider. That is why we’ve taken the time to sort through hundreds of puppy foods to choose the top ten for you. These ten products have a strong reputation for quality and can help ensure that your furry little friends stay healthy as they grow and develop into loyal, fun-loving members of the family!

1.Wellness Core

Wellness Core carries seven dry dog foods, one of which is adequate for puppies. The Wellness Core Grain-Free Puppy Formula offers holistic nutrition for your puppy.

This premium puppy food is a bit pricier than other foods are, but you are getting what you pay for. The kibble contains whole foods and stays away from grains like corn, wheat and soy, artificial colors and other preservatives.

The food is also packed with animal protein. A named protein should always be the first ingredient listed on a dog food package, and the first three ingredients in the Wellness Core Grain-Free Puppy Formula are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal and Turkey Meal. This protein-focused diet is great for growing puppies.

In addition to quality protein sources, this puppy food also contains probiotics for healthy digestion, salmon oil to support cognitive development, and antioxidants for a strong immune system. The formula also contains omega-3 fatty acids to ensure that your puppy has a healthy skin and coat when they snuggle up with you on the couch – if they’re allowed up there!

This is an especially tasty food and the small kibble size makes it great for even the littlest of puppies. Though it can be a bit hard on your pocketbook, with a 26 pound bag costing just over $50, you can be assured that your puppy is getting great nutrition with the Wellness Core Grain-Free Puppy Formula.

2.Orijen Dog Food

If you are looking for a quality food for your puppy, Orijen is another solid option. They offer two products for puppies, Orijen Puppy and Orijen Puppy Large. Orijen recognizes that puppies of different size and breed have different nutritional requirements as they grow and develop, which is important.

At around $80 for a 28.6 pound bag, this food can be pretty costly to feed a growing puppy. The good news is that with the high price tag comes high quality. The first seven ingredients on the ingredient list are boneless chicken, chicken meal, chicken liver, whole herring, boneless turkey, turkey meal and turkey liver. This grain-free puppy food has a high protein to carbs ratio, and the carbohydrates it does contain are low glycemic to prevent over abundant fat storage.

The food also contains other proteins like eggs that are nutritious and easy for your little one to digest. It also has omega-3 fatty acids to keep your puppy’s skin and coat healthy, as well as probiotics to keep their digestive track functioning properly.

With a fat-to-protein ratio hovering near 46%, and below-average carbs, Orijen offers nutritious puppy formulas that will help your puppy grow and develop properly. There have also been no reported recalls on the product, which shows that Orijen has a history of delivering quality products.

3.Nulo Freestyle

When you bring your puppy home, you want to give them a happy life. Nulo Freestyle is a brand that offers puppy food to help you do just that. Nulo offers a balanced diet with two different formulas. Puppies can occasionally be picky with their food preference, so it helps that you can choose either the Nulo Freestyle Puppy Salmon and Peas or the Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato.

Mass-produced bargain dog foods aren’t great for providing a nutritious diet, but Nulo can provide a balanced diet when it comes to your puppy. Their foods are free of dyes, artificial preservatives, fillers and additives that can negatively impact your puppy’s health.

Like the other top quality puppy food products on this list, the first several ingredients are quality protein sources. In the Salmon and Pea formula, the first three ingredients are deboned salmon, turkey meal, and menhaden fish meal. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and the turkey meal and menhaden fish meal are meat concentrates and a great source of protein.

For those looking for a plant-based puppy food that also includes named meat protein sources, Nulo is a good option. There have been no reported recalls since 2009, which is a great sign. A 24 pound bag will cost you around $60, but the Nulo Freestyle Puppy Turkey and Sweet Potato will cost a few dollars more than the Salmon formula.  

4.Nature’s Variety Instinct

For around $70, you can nab a 25 pound bag of the high-quality Nature’s Variety Instinct Duck Meal & Turkey Meal Formula. This is one of five varieties that Nature’s Variety offers, but is a great option for growing puppies.

The first ingredients in the food are duck, turkey meal and salmon meal. These are all strong sources of protein, especially turkey and salmon meal, which are meat concentrates. The next ingredient on Nature’s Variety Instinct’s list is tapioca. This might seem like an odd ingredient, but it is a starchy carbohydrate extract that comes from the cassava plant to promote healthy bacteria that improves digestion.

This puppy food contains enough protein to help your puppy grow and develop, while also providing omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics for healthy digestion, and minerals to help your little one absorb protein.

There have been a few recalls, but none of them have involved the Nature’s Variety Instinct Duck Meal & Turkey Meal Formula. Overall, Nature’s Variety has a strong reputation for providing high-quality dog and puppy foods across the globe. This is certainly a puppy food that you can feel confident about pouring in your puppy’s food bowl day in and day out.

5.Honest Kitchen Embark

Of the puppy foods included on this list, Honest Kitchen Embark is the only dehydrated puppy food. Dehydrated dog food contains freeze dried meats that have never been cooked, as well as dehydrated vegies and fruits. It provides a highly nutritious diet with less processing involved.

There are two drawbacks to dehydrated food. The first is that you pay more for it. A 10 pound box that equates to 40 pounds of food once hydrated will cost just under $100. Meal time also takes a bit more prep work because you will need to mix the food with water and wait 10 to 15 minutes until it hydrates before it can be served.

Though dehydrated puppy food will take a bit more work, isn’t that tail-wagging bundle of fur worth it? When you consider how nutritious these types of food are, you might not mind the extra cost and prep time.

The great thing about Honest Kitchen Embark is that is provides a gluten free option for pups needing a wholesome food. It is made with cage-free turkey and also contains spinach, apples and celery for added nutrition. If your puppy needs a low carb diet, and you don’t mind a bit of extra work, Honest Kitchen Embark might be the perfect choice.

6.Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild is another quality option when you are looking for a nutritious option for your furry friend. Taste of the Wild is centered on the notion that it provides the ingredients that wild dogs instinctively crave. For owners who want their dogs to stay in tune with their instincts, this might be a good choice.

There are two formulas the Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Dog Food for Medium size dogs and Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food for larger dogs. A 30 pound bag will cost you around $50, depending on which puppy formula you choose. This makes Taste of the Wild a more affordable option for those who still want to provide a quality food to their precious puppy.

Both formulas are grain-free puppy food and contain high levels of quality protein. The High Prairie formula has 28% protein and 17% fat, and contains bison, lamb and fish for protein. The Pacific Stream formula offers 27% protein and 15% fat and the main protein sources are various fish. There are also no artificial colors or flavors and the formulas incorporate eggs to give your dog a shiny, healthy coat.

The one drawback is that there was a recall in 2012 when salmonella was discovered in some of the factories. However, Taste of the Wild is made in the United States and the issue was quickly resolved. When it comes to your wallet and your puppy’s health, Taste of the Wild seems to be a good middle ground.

7.Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage

If you’re looking for the cream of the crop when it comes to puppy food, Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage might claim the top spot. The nice thing about Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage is that it is produced right in the United States with all ingredients, except one, coming from within the borders. The company has also never had a recall and focuses on being environmentally friendly from manufacturing to marketing.

Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage is a puppy food that has the proper nutrition to meet the needs of any breed. This dry kibble puppy food provides high quality protein sources, including turkey meal, chicken meal, chicken fat and whitefish meal. Many of these sources qualify as meat concentrates, meaning that they are protein-rich and highly nutritious.

With 28% protein and 20% fat, this quality food will give your little puppy the nutrition it needs during puppyhood.  The formula also includes dried egg product to improve your puppy’s skin and coat, and potatoes, which are a gluten-free source of carbohydrates. In addition, you can find peas and blueberries in Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage, which are great sources of fiber and vitamins.

8.EVO Dog Food

EVO is another high-quality brand of dog food. For those wondering if cheaper brands can still provide a highly-nutritious diet for your puppy, the answer is yes. This is also one of the more affordable brands, with a 28.6 pound bag priced at less than $50. With EVO, you don’t need to worry that paying less will be detrimental to your furry friend’s health.

EVO comes in five different formulas, but the EVO Turkey and Chicken Meal Formula is the one we focus on here. This product contains 80% poultry and diary, and 19% vegetables and fruits. Impressively, the first six ingredients and protein sources – turkey, chicken, chicken meal, salmon meal, menhaden meal and chicken fat.

The grain-free product is packed with vitamins and minerals, high in protein and low in carbohydrates. With omega-6 fatty acids, natural fiber, prebiotics, chelated minerals and other nutrients, the EVO Turkey and Chicken Meal Formula is a high quality product.

It is important to note that there have been a few recalls for EVO due to salmonella, but there have been no incidents reported since 2013. Overall, you can rest assured that your wiggly little puppy will be getting the nutrients needed to live a long, happy and active life.

9.Natural Balance

Natural Balance was founded in 1989 and is one of the highest quality dog food brands on the market today. Puppy owners will also rejoice when they see that the price tag is a bit lower than some other premium puppy food products.

The Natural Balance Whole Body Health Dry Puppy Formula will cost you around $45 for a 28 pound bag, which is almost half the price of some other brands out there. While you are paying less, Natural Balance does not slack when it comes to providing a quality diet.

This food is designed with puppies in mind from start to finish. Even the shape of the food is specially created for smaller puppy mouths and every batch of food undergoes 9 safety tests to ensure that only the best reaches your puppy’s bowl. This was put into place to combat the two recalls Natural Balance experienced in 2010 and 2012, and the company has not had an issue since.

The first two ingredients on the list are chicken and chicken meal and it’s tasty enough that puppies gobble it right up. The next ingredient is brown rice. Although brown rice is of modest nutritional value to your puppy, it is easy for them to digest. The oats that come in this formula also provide B-vitamins and dietary fiber.

10.I and Love and You

Though this is a relatively new brand, I and Love and You produces a high quality food that cannot be overlooked for your puppy. Their product is balanced for all life stages and no matter what formula you choose, they are all grain free.

The I and Love and You Red Meat Medley is a solid choice, and a 23 pound bag will cost you just over $40. This makes it an affordable and nutritious option for your puppy.

With pork, lamb meal and herring meal as the main three ingredients, you can rest assured that little Fido is getting a protein packed diet to help him grow and develop into a happy, healthy dog. With their formulas packed with protein, enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, there’s no room for fillers, by-products or preservatives. It simply contain wholesome ingredients to provide the energy and nutrients that your puppy needs to develop.

Final Thoughts

You want your dog to grow and develop into a happy, healthy member of your family and proper nutrition is essential to making that a reality. It can take some time to find the right balance between nutrition, budget and your dog’s preferences, but the search will be worth it in the end. In general, keep these criteria in mind:

What You Want: whole animal products, healthy grains like rice or buckwheat, natural fats and oils, essential vitamins and minerals

What You Don’t Want: vegetable and meat by-products, cheap grain fillers like wheat and corn, corn syrup, chemicals like BHA and Propylene Glycol 

The ten products listed above are great options to consider when you are looking for the best puppy food for your furry little friend. However, it’s important to note that not every puppy food is a good choice for your pet. Even the highest quality, most expensive option might not be the right fit for your dog. Pay less attention to the price tag, and more attention to the ingredient list. Your puppy will thank you in the end with lots of love, slobbery puppy kisses, and endless snuggles.