What Puppies Should Eat: Trusted RecommendationsWhen it comes to feeding growing puppies, veterinarians often turn to brands rooted in research, science, and quality control. Three standouts frequently recommended by veterinary professionals are:

• Purina Pro Plan
  
• Hill’s Science Diet
  
• Royal Canin
  
  
  

These brands maintain rigorous standards, invest heavily in scientific research, and consistently meet AAFCO nutrition guidelines, making them trusted choices for pups’ early development transconpet.com
Why These Brands Stand Out

• Research-Backed Formulas
  Each brand is backed by scientific studies, clinical trials, and veterinary nutrition teams who develop and fine-tune formulas based on real data Health & Harmony Animal Hospital+15transconpet.com+15New York Post+15.
  
• Consistent Quality & Safety
  Strict ingredient sourcing and quality control mean you get dependable nutrition—especially important for puppies with sensitive stomachs or specific dietary needs dogkrazy.com+15transconpet.com+15New York Post+15People.com+15Petco+15Sploot Vets+15.
  
• Life-Stage & Size-Specific Options
  Royal Canin offers breed- and size-tailored formulas, while Hill’s and Purina provide comprehensive lines for large breeds, small breeds, and overall pup development New York Post+7The Spruce Pets+7SELF+7YouTube+5Health & Harmony Animal Hospital+5New York Post+5.
  

Our Pick: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Salmon & RiceFor our puppies—many puppies can be sensitive to chicken—we choose Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Sensitive Stomach Salmon & Rice.
Why we love it:

• Chicken-free salmon formula, ideal for pups
  
• Rich in probiotics and omega-rich salmon, supporting digestion, immune health, and brain development
  
• Backed by veterinary research and part of a trusted, science-based product line Pet Supplies Plus+14The Spruce Pets+14New York Post+14Petco+5Hills Pet Nutrition+5Sploot Vets+5New York Post
  

Feeding Best Practices

1. Choose a trusted, vet-approved puppy formula—like Purina Pro Plan, Hill’s Science Diet, or Royal Canin.
   
2. Consider your pup’s individual needs, such as breed size and sensitivities.
   
3. Start with a formula suited for their size—large-breed formulations help support slower, balanced growth.
   
4. Stay consistent when transitioning formulas to avoid digestive upset.
   
5. Watch their body condition, aiming for a lean, healthy score of about 4–5 out of 9 Sploot Vets+5Health & Harmony Animal Hospital+5People.com+5New York Post.
   
6. When in doubt, always check with your veterinarian.
   

In Summary: Why We Feed Purina Pro PlanWhile many vets recommend brands like Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin, we've found Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach Salmon & Rice best aligns with our puppies’ needs—especially given their sensitivity to chicken. It’s nutritious, vet-supported, and uniquely suited for our growing pups.

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