The Best Rated Puppy Foods Should Have Quality Protein

By Candice Ellisor

Puppy foods are rated in many different areas and a quality protein source is at the top of the list.

Quality protein is essential for all bodily functions including those of the brain, heart, skin, skeleton and many others. And this especially applies to puppies. It is one of the MOST important ingredients in a puppy food.

The best rated puppy foods should have an average of 26% of high-quality protein in them. There are many good sources but chicken meal is probably one of the best protein sources there is.

You might ask, "Why chicken meal and not just chicken"? The answer lies in the concentration. When chicken is made into chicken meal, the process involves the removal of all the water from the chicken. This leaves a concentrated form of protein which becomes chicken meal.

The best rated puppy foods should have a quality source of protein like chicken meal included in the first 5 ingredients on the bag of food. Preferably it should be number one on the list. When reading ingredients in puppy food, the ingredients that are first on the list are the majority of what's in the food. So it's very crucial to read carefully what's on the bag.

Puppies need a quality source of protein in their first year as this will set the stage for their future health and development. Did you know that a dog fed a high quality food lives on average 5 years longer than a dog fed a lower quality food?

We have a responsibility to our puppies to find the best rated puppy foods. It can make a huge difference as they grow and mature. Get more tips on what else to look for in the best rated puppy foods here!