what puppy food do vets recommend uk

Best and worst dog food brands

There are hundreds of dog food options available, from dry to grain-free to raw, but which ones will have your furry friend licking the bowl clean?

We surveyed 2,304 dog owners about the pet food they buy to uncover the brands that customers (and their dogs) love and which offer the best value for money.

See how brands such as Burns, Harringtons and Royal Canin are rated by customers, as well as supermarket options from the likes of Aldi and Lidl.

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Dog food brands rated

Our top-scoring dog food brand achieved an impressive customer score of 82%, and five-star ratings for how much pets liked it, as well as their wellbeing when eating it.

At the other end of the scale, two brands scored less than 60%, with just two stars out of five each for how healthy the dog seemed when eating food from that brand.

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Make sure your furry friend is covered see our guide to the best pet insurance for your dog

How to choose the best dog food for your pet

Deciphering all the pet nutrition information on the internet can seem like an impossible task. It can range from confusing to completely contradictory.

We spoke to real pet nutrition researchers to understand what actually matters. Good news: it isnt as complicated as it seems.

The most important part of choosing a food is actually monitoring your pet, said Dr Teresa Hollands, senior lecturer in veterinary nutrition at the University of Surrey. If you're feeding your pet a particular brand of food, and they have plenty of energy and seem well in themselves, then you are on the right track.

Dr Nigel Kendall, lecturer in nutrition at the University of Nottingham, agreed: If your pet is on completely the wrong diet, then there will be physical signs.

Signs that your pet is eating a nutritious diet, and the right food for their needs, include:

• good overall health
• plenty of energy
• good sleeping habits
• regularly passing firm stools
• maintaining a healthy weight.

Also a cat owner? See our guide to thebest and worst cat food brands

How to feed your dog the best and healthiest diet

As well as choosing the right food, you can also maximise the nutritional value of your pets diet by feeding them in the right way.

We spoke with Dr David Gardner, professor of physiology at the University of Nottingham, to find out more:

Choosing a complete food

Start by making sure you are feeding your pet a complete food, he said. Thats really important, but it isnt always clearly labelled.

Complete foods are designed to give your pet all the nutrients they need, so you can feed them the same thing every day without causing a nutritional imbalance or deficit.

Weighing your pet food

David also highlighted the importance of weighing your pets food every time you feed them.

Remember, you may not notice that you're overfeeding your pet if you increase the size of their feed very slightly each day.

Varying your pet food

If you want to take additional steps to ensure your pet is getting the best nutrition, David also suggested varying the food you give them, provided that this doesnt upset their stomach.

These changes could be as small as varying the flavour of food that you give to your pet.

If you buy a bag of lamb dog food one month, try the chicken next time, David suggested.

If you do want to try changing the type or brand of your pet food, remember to do so gradually. Your pet's meal should be no more than 25% new food for the first couple of days, increasing over the course of a week.

Dogs can be fussy, so know that varying your pet food is not essential. The main thing is that they eat and enjoy their food and that it's nutritionally complete.

Best dog harnesses see our pick of the best and worst as tested by dog owners

Is wet or dry dog food better?

Both wet and dry foods can be nutritionally complete, meaning that they should contain all the nutrients your pet needs. That means there is no significant advantage to either food type.

David recommended feeding your pet a mixture of wet and dry food.

Evidence suggests that there are slight differences in the nutritional composition of wet and dry food. That means you are going to cover more nutrients if you mix them together.

If you want to feed your dog exclusively one type of food, then wet food does tend to be more appealing. However, it is often more expensive and it can predispose pets to dental disease.

In contrast, dry food is beneficial to dogs teeth and gums, and it is usually easier and cheaper to use and store. Just make sure that your dog has access to plenty of fresh water, as they will not be getting hydration from their food.

Best food and drinkwe've rated the tastiest food for humans too. Discover our top picks, from chicken soup to red wine

Can dogs be vegan?

Yes, provided you are careful about the type of food you give them.

There are commercial dog foods available that are vegetarian or vegan and nutritionally complete.

Some people may want to prepare homemade vegetarian or vegan meals for their dog, which is not typically recommended by experts.

This is because evidence suggests that homemade food (including meat-based diets) is typically not nutritionally complete even when people follow recipes labelled as such.

Is raw food good for dogs?

Raw pet food has become more popular over the past few years, especially for dogs, but experts don't generally recommend it.

I would not recommend a raw food diet due to the risk to human health, says Dr Heather Bacon, dean of veterinary medicine at the University of Central Lancashire.

Bacteria present in raw meat can include salmonella, listeria, campylobacter and E-coli. These cause significant illness in humans and animals, particularly young, old and immune-compromised individuals.

These can be spread around the house during food preparation and eating. They can also be passed from animals to humans if your pet kisses your face after eating.

All of these bacteria are destroyed when meat is correctly cooked.

How much should my dog weigh?

According to a 2022 survey by UK Pet Food, 50% of dogs (and 43% of cats) are overweight or obese.

Your pet being overweight can have a huge impact on its quality of life, including limiting their ability to exercise or sleep properly. According to the RSPCA, it also predisposes them to illness including:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• cancer.

How to if tell your dog is overweight

Dr Teresa Hollands recommends an easy method for checking your pets weight.

Create a fist with your hand, and feel your knuckles with your fingers, she said. If your pets ribs feel like that, they are underweight.

Then lay your hand flat, and feel your knuckles again. If their ribs feel like that, they are the perfect weight.

Finally, keep your hand flat, turn your hand over, and run your fingers over the pads on your palm at the base of your fingers. If their ribs feel like that, they are overweight.

Physical signs that your dog is overweight

• Very thin(more than 20% below ideal body weight) Ribs, spine and hip bones easily seen (in short-haired pets), obvious loss of muscle bulk, no fat can be felt under the skin.
• Underweight (10-20% below ideal body weight)Ribs, spine and hip bones easily seen, obvious waist and abdominal tuck, very little fat can be felt under the skin.
• IdealRibs, spine and hip bones easily felt, visible waist and abdominal tuck, small amount of fat can be felt.
• Overweight(10-15% above ideal body weight): Ribs, spine and hip bones are hard to feel, waist barely visible, broad back, layer of fat on belly and at base of tail.
• Obese (more than 15% above ideal body weight)Ribs, spine and hip bones extremely difficult to feel under a thick layer of fat, no waist can be seen and belly may droop significantly, heavy fat pads on lower back and at base of the tail.

How we rated dog food brands

To uncover the best and worst dog food brands, in July 2023 we surveyed 2,304 Which? members who had bought dog food recently, and asked all about their experiences with their chosen brand.

We asked them to rate the brand on various attributes including value for money, how their dog responded to the food, and its perceived wellbeing on the food.

Overall customer scores are based on how satisfied customers were with the brand overall and whether or not they would recommend it.

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Adopting a new best friend usually comes with an overwhelming sense of care. Many dog owners want to do everything with their new family member at their side and share everything. But heres a warning: while your puppy may be able to partake in most areas of daily life with you, meal times cant be the same. Dog food brands exist for a good reason: your puppy cant have the same food thats on your table.

The developing body of any puppy requires nutrient-specific meals with the right ingredients at particular intervals. And, though a bit pricey, vet-approved dog food is always the best bet when it comes to raising a puppy.

There is also much debate around puppies and snacking. While there is no harm in a treat or two, there are factors that need to be taken into consideration if you want to keep your pup healthy.

Use this comprehensive guide to get to know everything there is about puppy feeding and the best foods and ingredients available to you. Our pick of top five vet recommended puppy foods come with a list of pros and cons, making your selection super easy based on your unique circumstances.

Its your responsibility to ensure the safest, healthiest development for your puppy. Lets explore exactly how you can make that happen.

Why Should You Look For The Best Puppy Food?

The developing joints, bones, organs, and muscles of a puppy require the aid of daily nutrients to adapt properly. These nutrients are delivered via specially formulated puppy food.

Typically, puppy food contains twice the amount of nutrients and similar ingredients per serving when compared to the food of a fully-grown dog.

Puppy food is also significantly higher in fat quantity. This is not found in adult dog food as its not good for older dogs to ingest so much fat. Puppies, however, need more energy to get through the day and this is obtained through consuming high amounts of fat.

Feeding your puppy food that is nutrient deficient will have a noticeably negative impact on their development. From brittle bones to a weak immune system, the repercussions will be long-lasting and cost you a lot of money in the long run.

How Long Should I Feed My Puppy This Type of Food?

Technically, dogs are considered puppies right up until they reach their full-grown adult size, whether a toy dog or a large breed. Because of this, its acceptable to continue to feed your dog as a puppy up until it passes 80% full growth. After this, the shift to adult food can be made.

There are, of course, instances where this timeline wont apply. Depending on the growth rate of your dog you may need to make the shift earlier or later. Consulting with your vet will give you an indication as to the stage of your puppys development.

There are instances where puppies may be receiving too much of a specific vitamin or mineral and the switch to a less nutrient-rich food becomes necessary. Its all relative to your pet and their personal development. This is why regular veterinary check-ups are recommended.

Is Moist, Semi-moist, or Dry Best?

These are the three main types of dog food on the market and there is debate among dog owners as to which is the best suited for puppies.

The truth is that moist, semi-moist, or dry food can all be beneficial for puppy development. So long as the food in question contains a balanced, nutrient-rich formula, then it will be suitable.

That being said, moist dog food usually contains a much higher water to food ratio and will be naturally less nutritious than its counterparts. Moist dog food is, therefore, more suited to a fully developed animal who runs no risk of deficiency.

If there has to be a winner then dry dog food comes in first. This is solely because it contains more protein than wet foods. Its also one of the more cost-effective methods of puppy feeding. Dry food also has the added benefit of dental cleaning when the units create friction with the teeth.

If youd really like to promote your puppys growth optimally, then a combination of wet and dry food would be most appropriate. Top your dry kibble with any kind of wet food and just ensure the variations include all the required nutrients per feed. As a bonus, this habit keeps meals interesting for your pup.

Healthy Puppy Treats

We are all familiar with the idea of treating a dog with human snacks. This is a widespread bonding experience between the owner and the dog. Being rewarded with treats is one of the simple pleasures so its wise to work it into your schedule.

As with any animal, however, there is always the risk of overindulgence. Treats should be given wisely and sparingly so as not to upset the digestion of the dog in question. This is particularly important in the case of a puppy, as their digestive systems may not be properly developed yet.

Unhealthy treating patterns can also lead to obesity and shorten the lifespan of the dog. While it can be tempting to hand over all table scraps to your dog after each meal, safety is the first priority. Here, follows a breakdown of the most responsible ways of treating your puppy.

Are Vegetables Safe To Give My Dog?

Vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and asparagus can make great everyday treats. They are suitable either cooked or raw.

Should these snacks have been cooked in excessive oil, sauces, or dips, then its best to avoid feeding them to your puppy. Instead, opt for raw where possible; however, boiled is an acceptable alternative.

Can My Puppy Eat Fruit?

Most fruits are suitable as dog treats. Oranges, for example, contain ample vitamin C that can be absorbed by a puppy. When treating a dog with fruit, be sure to remove all seeds and pits. These can be damaging to teeth or cause choking.

Not all fruits are safe for puppies. Grapes, for example, should be avoided at all costs. One or two swallowed by accident should be okay; however, more than this can induce instant kidney failure due to the intense acidity.

If youre looking for a puppy and readying your home for him, be sure that there are no accessible grape vines around your property. If a puppy gets access to any, they can die in a matter of hours.

Starch

Usually, it's best to avoid this kind of snacking as much as possible.

Starch-based treats such as potatoes, bread, or rice contain more calories than they do nutritious elements. The process of breaking down these treats is not worthwhile to the developing body of a puppy. It will require too much energy simply to ingest.

Gravy-based starches should also be avoided. They are far too rich for the sensitive digestive tracts of puppies.

Milk

Puppies should ingest dogs milknever from a cow. Its that simple.

Cows milk and mother dogs milk have very different nutrient & genetic compounds. Giving your puppy cows milk as a treat may seem enjoyable to them but its very difficult for them to digest later on. Consuming cows milk usually leads to diarrhea within a few hours.

Plain yogurt may be made with cows milk, but the cultures in it make it easier on the stomach of a puppy. A little yogurt as a treat here and there isnt a dangerous habit.

Lean Meat

Chicken, turkey, and lean beef can be great treats for puppies. Ham should be avoided, however, as its too rich for a puppys digestion.

When treating your puppy with bits of meat, make sure that there are no traces of bones or splinters. These can be fatal if swallowed. Chicken tends to contain tiny bones that can easily go unnoticed. Its better to just avoid this kind of meat as a treat where possible.

Keep in Mind

When it comes to feeding and treating a puppy, table scraps should never make up more than 10% of their daily food consumption. If youve treated your dog today then subtract the amount from the rest of the food they need to consume and portion accordingly.

Keep in mind that table treating a puppy is also a form of training. After repeated occurrences, the puppy will identify the correlation between table begging and being treated.

If youre not careful, your puppy will beg you forever after. This is why its important to not allow it to become a habit.

Sometimes, it's better to avoid puppy contact with the dining table entirely. Treats and snacks can be added as toppers to the actual meal of the dog during feeding times.

Its also necessary to puppy-proof your food access points in your home. This is a means of ensuring that your dog isnt able to go ahead and treat themselves if it wanders around at night or when youre not at home. Food that is easily accessible poses a risk for a curious puppy on the hunt for a snack.

This is particularly dangerous if the puppy is able to come into contact with foods that arent necessarily healthy for their consumption.

Chocolate is a food item often left around the house because you may consume it in bed, in front of the TV, or at your desk. Chocolate is not good for dogs and can be fatal if consumed in large quantities, so be sure to hide it when theres a new puppy (or any dog) in the house.

Benefits of Puppy Food For Young Dogs

Raising a puppy through to adulthood is not for the faint-hearted. The level of commitment, responsibility, and care that it requires cant really be comprehended until it becomes your job.

Taking interest in your puppys food intake is the first step to securing their happiest, healthiest existence. That makes all the hard work and attention to detail worthwhile.

The following are the most notable benefits of selecting a quality, vet recommended puppy food for both small breed puppies and the large breed puppy:

Now, lets help you pick your puppys new food items.

The Best Puppy Food Reviews

Final Words

Its an important job, but raising a puppy need not be a daunting task. With a little research and advice from industry professionals, your puppy will be well on its way to adulthood without complications.

Selecting a vet recommended puppy food is an easy investment in your dogs health. If you fancy having your puppy as fit as possible throughout his life, make the choice now: shift to a quality, balanced dog food today.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility. Ask yourself: if you were a dog, what would you want out of your diet?