Best Puppy Food in Australia (2026 Vet-Approved Guide)

• Best Dry Puppy Food: Prime100 SPD Air Dried Lamb, Apple & Blueberry Puppy Dry Food
• Best Wet Puppy Food: Advance Chicken & Rice Puppy Plus Growth Wet Food Best Large 
• Breed Puppy Food: Royal Canin Maxi Puppy Dry Food
• Best Small Breed Puppy Food: Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Chicken Formula Puppy Dry Food
• Best Value Puppy Food: Advance Chicken & Rice Puppy Plus Growth Dry Food
• Best Grain-Free Puppy Food: Prime100 SPD Air Dried Lamb Puppy Dry Food (Grain Free)
• Best Premium Puppy Food: Hillʼs Science Diet Puppy Dry Food
  
  

Prime100 SPD Air Dried Lamb, Apple & Blueberry Puppy Dry Food

Dry puppy food is often the foundation of a balanced puppy diet. Itʼs easy to portion, convenient to store, and supports dental health through natural chewing. Air-dried diets like this one from Prime100 bridge the gap between raw and kibble, and are gently preserved to retain nutrients without additives or fillers.

Formulated with single-source Australian lamb, this recipe reduces the risk of dietary reactions while delivering a complete protein profile for growing muscles. Added apples and blueberries supply natural antioxidants that help protect developing cells and strengthen immune function.

The air-drying process means fewer synthetic preservatives and a texture thatʼs more nutrient-dense per bite, which is ideal for owners wanting a functional, minimally processed option.

Why Dr Lisa recommends this food:

• This Prime100 air-dried formula provides complete nutrition in a gentle, highly digestible format thatʼs ideal for developing digestive systems.
• The single-protein lamb recipe reduces food sensitivity risks for puppies prone to allergies or intolerances.
• Added apple and blueberry provide natural antioxidants to support immune and cellular health during early growth.

Advance Chicken & Rice Puppy Plus Growth Wet Food

Wet puppy food can be a lifeline for weaning puppies or those still mastering their appetite. Its softer texture makes it easier to chew, while its high moisture content helps with hydration and digestion. Advanceʼs Chicken & Rice formula delivers a complete, balanced meal rich in quality protein and essential minerals for steady growth.

The inclusion of chicken provides readily available amino acids for muscle development, while rice offers a gentle source of carbohydrates thatʼs kind to sensitive tummies. This combination supports healthy digestion, making it an excellent choice for smaller mouths or fussy eaters.

Because itʼs nutritionally complete, this wet diet can be served alone or mixed with dry kibble to increase palatability and texture variety — helping young dogs transition smoothly to solid meals.

Why Dr Lisa recommends this food:

• This Advance formula delivers balanced growth nutrition with the softer texture many young puppies prefer.
• Chicken and rice offer easily digestible sources of protein and energy, supporting early muscle and organ development.
• The moist format helps maintain hydration and supports smooth transitions from milk to solids.

Royal Canin Maxi Puppy Dry Food

Large-breed puppies grow quickly, and their joints, bones, and muscles need careful support to avoid long-term strain. Royal Canin Maxi Puppy is designed specifically to slow growth to a healthy rate while still fuelling their higher energy needs.

It contains controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios to support skeletal health and prevent rapid bone development, plus prebiotics and highly digestible proteins that promote balanced gut flora. The kibble size and density are tailored for larger jaws, encouraging slower eating and better digestion.

This dietʼs measured approach to growth helps reduce the risk of orthopedic issues later in life — an essential consideration for breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.

Why Dr Lisa recommends this food:

• This Royal Canin diet provides balanced energy for large-breed puppies without promoting excessive growth that can strain developing joints.
• Controlled calcium and phosphorus levels support optimal bone mineralisation and skeletal strength.
• The tailored kibble shape encourages chewing, aiding digestion and oral health in large breeds.

Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Chicken Formula Puppy Dry Food

Small-breed puppies have faster metabolisms and higher calorie needs per kilo than their larger counterparts. This formula from Purina Pro Plan is designed to meet those demands with nutrient-dense chicken protein, DHA from fish oil, and a bite-sized kibble perfect for small mouths.

It combines antioxidants and vitamin E to support developing immune systems and uses natural prebiotic fibre for gentle, consistent digestion. The high protein- to-fat ratio fuels energy without overfeeding, while omega-3 fatty acids nourish skin and coat.

For small and toy breeds like Cavaliers, Dachshunds, and Maltese, this diet helps sustain steady energy and brain development during the first 12 months.

Why Dr Lisa recommends this food:

• This nutrient-dense formula provides the higher energy small-breed puppies need to support rapid metabolism and growth.
• DHA and omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy brain, vision, and coat development in young, active breeds.
• The small-sized kibble supports dental health and makes feeding easier for toy and miniature dogs.

Advance Chicken & Rice Puppy Plus Growth Dry Food

Advanceʼs Chicken & Rice dry food strikes an excellent balance between quality and affordability. It provides complete, everyday nutrition with Australian-sourced ingredients and key nutrients proven to support immune function, digestion, and healthy skin.

The inclusion of natural antioxidants, zinc, and linoleic acid supports a glossy coat and robust immune system. As a dry format, itʼs convenient for busy households and allows for accurate portion control — essential for preventing overfeeding during growth.

This formulaʼs nutritional reliability and accessible price point make it a go-to option for families seeking trusted, vet-endorsed nutrition without the premium tag.

Why Dr Lisa recommends this food:

• This diet delivers reliable, balanced nutrition that meets AAFCO growth standards at a budget-friendly price.
• Australian ingredients and rigorous quality control make it a trustworthy everyday option.
• Its dry format promotes dental health and easy portion management during growth.

Some puppies have dietary sensitivities that make grains difficult to digest. Prime100ʼs grain-free SPD Air Dried Lamb offers a hypoallergenic option with a single protein source and no gluten or filler ingredients. Itʼs formulated by veterinary nutritionists to support growth without common irritants.

Air-drying keeps the formula naturally preserved, locking in nutrients while avoiding artificial additives. The lamb provides a rich source of essential amino acids and iron, while natural fats supply energy for healthy weight gain and brain function.

This formula suits puppies with sensitive stomachs, skin reactions, or those whose vets recommend a limited-ingredient diet.

Why Dr Lisa recommends this food:

• This single-protein, grain-free recipe provides balanced growth nutrition for sensitive puppies.
• The air-drying process preserves nutrients without artificial preservatives or fillers.
• Its gentle, hypoallergenic formulation supports healthy digestion and reduces the risk of food intolerance.

Hillʼs Science Diet Puppy Dry Food

Hillʼs Science Diet has long been trusted by veterinarians for its evidence-based formulations. This puppy-specific recipe supports early brain and eye development with DHA from fish oil and provides clinically balanced nutrition for growth, immunity, and skeletal health.

High-quality chicken protein builds lean muscle, while carefully calibrated minerals strengthen teeth and bones. Each batch is backed by feeding trials and strict quality control to ensure consistency.

For owners seeking clinically tested, premium nutrition with decades of veterinary research behind it, this food represents one of the most reliable choices on the market.

Why Dr Lisa recommends this food:

• This clinically backed formula supports complete growth and immunity through balanced macro- and micronutrients.
• DHA from fish oil aids neural and visual development during key growth stages.
• Hillʼs extensive feeding trials ensure every bag meets proven standards for safety and performance.

Every puppy food featured in this guide has been selected through a veterinary lens — focusing on real nutritional value, not marketing claims. Puppies have very different needs from adult dogs, so each product was assessed for its ability to support healthy growth, digestion, and development during this critical stage.

Our selection process considered:

• Practical outcomes: Real-world results in promoting steady growth, healthy digestion, and strong bones in puppies based on different requirements.
• Manufacturer data: Nutrient profiles, feeding trials, and published research supporting developmental outcomes and long-term wellbeing.
• Nutritional features: High-quality animal proteins, balanced calcium and phosphorus levels, DHA and omega-3s for brain and eye development, and natural antioxidants for immune health.
• Compliance with standards: All recommended diets meet or exceed AAFCO or FEDIAF growth requirements, and follow the Australian Standard for the Manufacturing and Marketing of Pet Food.

We only feature vet-endorsed puppy foods that demonstrate proven nutritional adequacy and safety, not just those labelled “premiumˮ or “natural.ˮ

Choosing the right puppy food is about nutritional adequacy, digestibility, and quality control. Hereʼs what vets evaluate when recommending a diet:

1. Nutritional Adequacy Statement
Always check that the food meets AAFCO nutritional standards for growth and reproduction. This confirms it provides the essential nutrients puppies need for development.

2. Balanced Calcium : Phosphorus Ratio
Puppies need calcium and phosphorus in the correct ratio (around 1.2 : 1) to support bone formation without causing skeletal abnormalities. This is especially important in large dog breeds.

3. High-Quality, Transparent Ingredients
Look for identifiable protein sources (like chicken or lamb), digestible grains or vegetables where possible. Avoid vague terms like “meat by-products.ˮ

4. Functional Nutrients
DHA and omega-3 fatty acids support brain and vision development. Prebiotic fibres such as beet pulp or inulin aid gut balance. Vitamins C and E strengthen the immune system.

5. Certified Manufacturing Standards
Choose foods made under the Australian Standard AS 5812:2017, which governs the manufacturing and marketing of pet food in Australia for safety and labelling accuracy.

6. Ingredient Transparency and Digestive Support
Puppies have delicate stomachs. Look for diets that highlight gentle fibres, prebiotic blends, or probiotic cultures to promote steady digestion.

You should transition between puppy food formulas gradually over five to seven days to prevent digestive upset and help your puppyʼs gut microbiome adapt to new ingredients.

Follow this step-by-step schedule:

• Days 1-2: Feed 25% new food + 75% current food to begin introducing new proteins and nutrients.
• Days 3-4: Increase to 50% new food + 50% current food to continue the adjustment phase.
• Days 5-6: Move to 75% new food + 25% current food once your puppyʼs stools and appetite remain stable.
• Day 7-8: Transition to 100% new food if digestion and energy levels remain normal.

If your puppy experiences soft stools, gas, or reduced appetite, hold at the previous mix for several days before increasing again.

Gradual transitions allow gut bacteria to adapt safely, reducing the risk of dog diarrhoea or vomiting during diet changes.

When should I switch my puppy to adult food?
Puppy food should be replaced with adult dog food when your dog reaches full physical maturity — around 12 months for small and medium breeds and 15-18 months for large breeds — because adult formulas contain lower calories and calcium suited to maintenance rather than growth.

Can I mix wet and dry puppy food?
You can mix wet puppy food with dry puppy kibble to improve palatability and moisture intake, provided you measure total calories accurately so your puppy maintains a healthy growth rate.

Is grain-free puppy food better?
Grain-free puppy food is beneficial only for puppies with diagnosed grain sensitivities, but grain-inclusive diets provide equivalent nutrition when they use high-quality proteins and digestible grains.

How much should I feed my puppy?
You should feed your puppy the portion recommended on the food label and adjust quantities based on body-condition scoring so your puppy gains weight steadily without becoming overweight.

What makes large-breed puppy food different?
Large-breed puppy food differs from standard formulas by containing controlled calcium-to-phosphorus ratios and moderate calorie density that support slower, safer skeletal development.

Can puppies eat adult dog food?
Puppies should not eat adult dog food long-term because adult formulas lack the higher protein, DHA, and mineral levels that puppies require for proper growth and brain development.

Should I choose wet puppy food or dry puppy food?
Wet puppy food offers a softer texture and higher hydration, while dry puppy kibble supports dental health and convenient portioning. Most owners choose one format or combine both, depending on preference and digestion.

Can I feed my puppy human food?
You should avoid feeding puppies human food regularly because many items contain excess fat, salt, or toxins that can cause digestive upset or poisoning. 

Unsafe foods include: chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, along with cooked bones or fatty scraps, which can splinter or cause pancreatitis, and xylitol-sweetened products, which can trigger dangerous drops in blood sugar.

Safe options in small amounts include: plain cooked chicken or beef, free of seasoning and bones, along with pumpkin, rice, apple, or carrot, for gentle fibre and nutrients, and plain yoghurt (no sweeteners or additives) or cottage cheese, for calcium and probiotics.

Human foods should make up less than 10% of your puppyʼs daily calories, and new foods should always be introduced gradually.

Good nutrition during puppyhood shapes lifelong wellbeing. Feeding a high- quality, balanced diet supports bone health, brain development, immunity, and digestion — everything your dog needs for a strong start.

No matter which option you choose, feed according to your vetʼs guidance and adjust portions as your puppy grows. Small, steady progress is ideal; rapid weight gain can stress joints and organs.

Each food recommended here meets strict veterinary and nutritional standards, so you can feel confident your puppy is getting complete care in every bowl.

This article was written by Dr. Lisa Deering