What's the best complete food for my puppy? Is grain-free safe?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Catherine Stecyk

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 5th, 2019

  Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Any puppy, especially one that is going to be a larger breed dog when fully grown, should be eating a kibble diet that is formulated for puppies/growth. Highly recommended dog food brands include Purina, Hills Science diet, and Royal Canin. That being said, cheaper options such as Pedigree are absolutely fine. We do NOT recommend grain free diets, especially in larger dogs, as they are linked to the development of a deadly type of heart disease called Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Vegetarian and vegan dog food are also very unhealthy. Dog foods that contain by-product are not bad/unhealthy. By-product can include the internal organs such as liver, heart, even bone, which are all rich in nutrients for dogs. I hope this is helpful! Best of luck finding a food for Apollo.

  

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• Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 9th, 2019

  I would just switch him to a large breed puppy food to help add more calcium and phosphorus. During pregnancy, the body naturally give all the nutrients to the puppies first so he will likely be fine.
  
  Also you may want to read up on the latest release/warning about grain free diets causing heart disease. It isn’t completely understood yet but I just want everyone to be aware and use their best judgement. Dogs are fine to have grains unless they have severe skin allergies. I hope this helps.
  
  https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful