Choosing the Best Natural Puppy Food: Top Picks for Growing Pups

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Ollie is a dog-first company providing fresh, healthy food for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

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Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time, and as a pup parent, you want to give your dog the absolute best start. Since proper nutrition lays the foundation for their growth, development, and long-term health, picking the right diet is essential. But with so many options, how do you choose? Many discerning pup parents are turning to the best natural puppy food, which focuses on whole, recognizable ingredients without artificial additives. This article is your guide to choosing the best natural food to help your growing puppy thrive.

Why Choose Natural Food for Your Growing Puppy?

Choosing a natural diet for your puppy is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for their development. Puppies require about twice as much energy per pound of body weight as adult dogs, and their bodies require high-quality nutrition to keep up. A complete and balanced puppy food is essential for building strong bones and teeth, healthy muscles, and even sharp vision ^[1].

Here’s why a natural diet makes a visible difference:

Superior Nutrition: Natural foods provide high-quality, digestible nutrients from whole food sources that give your puppy the building blocks they need for rapid growth.
No Unnecessary Additives: Premium natural foods are free from common fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, as well as artificial preservatives and by-products that offer little to no nutritional value.
Visible Health Benefits: Investing in high-quality, natural ingredients can lead to a shinier coat, healthier skin, more consistent energy levels, and better digestion.

An overhead photo of ingredients displayed on a wooden countertop. Fresh carrots, peas, spinach, butternut squash, sweet potato, and green apples.

What to Look for in the Best Natural Puppy Food

When you’re comparing your options, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. The ideal food contains a precise blend of nutrients specifically designed for growing bodies.

Essential Nutrients for Puppy Development

Puppies have unique nutritional demands to fuel their growth. Their food must provide a complete and balanced mix of these six essential nutrients ^[2]:

Protein: Absolutely crucial for building strong muscles and tissues. Puppies require more protein than adult dogs to support their development ^[3].
Fats: A concentrated source of energy that also helps your puppy absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Essential fatty acids in fats are key for brain and nervous system development.
Carbohydrates: Provide the sustained energy your playful puppy needs to explore, learn, and grow.
Minerals: Key minerals like calcium and phosphorus are vital for developing strong bones and teeth ^[3].
Vitamins: Support a robust immune system and other vital bodily functions to keep your puppy healthy.
Water: Essential for every single process in your puppy’s body.

Understanding the “Natural” Label

The word “natural” is used frequently, but what does it actually mean on a pet food label? The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides clear guidelines.

According to AAFCO, for a food to be labeled “natural,” its ingredients must be derived from plant, animal, or mined sources ^[4].
These ingredients cannot be produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process.
However, “natural” foods can—and should—contain essential vitamins, minerals, and other trace nutrients that may be chemically synthesized to ensure the diet is 100% complete and balanced.

Our Top Pick for Natural Puppy Food: Ollie

When it comes to providing the ultimate natural nutrition for your puppy, our top recommendation is Ollie. Ollie delivers fresh, human-grade meals tailored specifically for your dog, making it the perfect choice to fuel your puppy’s growth and set them up for a lifetime of health.

Human-Grade, Expert-Formulated Recipes

What truly sets Ollie apart is the uncompromising quality of its ingredients and the veterinary expertise behind every single meal.

Ollie uses 100% human-grade ingredients. This means your puppy’s food is made with the same quality of fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables you would eat, with no feed-grade fillers or mysterious by-products.
Every recipe is formulated with veterinary nutritionists to be complete and balanced for all life stages, including growing puppies. This ensures your pup gets everything they need for healthy development, based on AAFCO nutritional guidelines.
The meals are slow-cooked in small batches to preserve their nutritional value and incredible taste, making them irresistible even for the pickiest eaters.
A fantastic option for young pups is the Fresh Chicken with Carrots recipe, which features gentle ingredients like chicken, carrots, and rice that are great for sensitive puppy stomachs.

Personalized and Convenient for Puppy Parents

Ollie makes feeding your puppy a superior diet simple and stress-free.

When you sign up, Ollie creates a customized meal plan based on your puppy’s specific age, weight, breed, activity level, and any allergies.
The meals arrive pre-portioned and delivered right to your door, taking all the guesswork out of feeding time.
Your starter box includes a handy Puptainer and a scoop to make serving and storing your pup’s food effortless.
The results speak for themselves. According to our customers, 90% of members notice positive changes in their dog after 30 days, from better digestion to a shinier coat and more energy ^[5].

Puppy Feeding Guide: How Much and How Often?

Once you have the right food, you need to know how much and how often to feed your new companion to ensure optimal growth.

Establishing a Feeding Schedule

A consistent feeding schedule is key for your puppy’s digestion and helps tremendously with house training. Experts recommend the following schedule based on age ^[6]:

6–12 weeks: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2 meals per day

Determining the Right Portion Size

Portion size is just as important as the schedule. The right amount of food depends on your puppy’s breed, weight, activity level, and the caloric density of the food.

Figuring out how much to feed your dog can feel like a puzzle, but services like Ollie solve it for you. Ollie calculates the perfect portion size for your puppy, ensuring they get the exact nutrients needed for steady, healthy growth without the risk of becoming overweight.
It’s also important to monitor your puppy’s body condition. You should be able to feel their ribs but not see them. As your puppy grows, their caloric needs will change, and Ollie helps you adjust their portions accordingly.

How to Transition Your Puppy to a Natural Diet

If you’re switching your puppy to a new food, it’s essential to do it slowly to avoid digestive upset. A gradual transition over 7 to 10 days gives their system time to adjust ^[7].

Follow this simple guide for a seamless switch:

Days 1–3: Mix 75% old food with 25% new food.
Days 4–6: Mix 50% old food with 50% new food.
Days 7–9: Mix 25% old food with 75% new food.
Day 10: Feed 100% new food and watch them enjoy it!

Give Your Puppy the Best Start in Life

Choosing a high-quality, natural food is one of the most important decisions you will make for your puppy. The right nutrition during this critical developmental stage sets them up for a lifetime of good health and happiness. With its human-grade ingredients, recipes formulated with veterinary nutritionists, and personalized plans, Ollie is the ultimate choice for pet parents who want to give their puppies the very best.

Ready to invest in your puppy’s future? Explore Ollie’s meal plans today and see the incredible difference fresh, natural food can make.