Best puppy food in Australia: how to choose
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet or a qualified trainer. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice.
Food is one of the biggest ongoing costs of a puppy, and the aisle is crowded. We are not vets and will not tell you which brand is best. We can help you read labels and ask better questions.
What to look for
- A “complete and balanced” statement for growth or all life stages, so you do not have to add supplements.
- Life stage. Puppy foods are formulated for growth. Switch to adult food at the age your vet advises.
- Expected adult size. Many ranges have small, medium and large-breed versions.
- Your vet’s advice. Allergies, tummy trouble or weight concerns need a vet, not a search result.
- What the breeder or rescue was feeding. Keeping the same food for the first week avoids stomach upsets, then change gradually if needed.
- Price per day, not per bag. Work out cost from the feeding guide.
Treats and dental chews
Treats should be a small part of the day’s food. Count training treats. Check chews are the right size and supervise. See our safe chews guide.
In our listings
We list Advance Puppy Plus Growth (medium breed), Hill’s Science Diet Puppy and Royal Canin Medium Puppy, plus Greenies Original. See all food and treats. These are not rankings or endorsements.
Related
Setting up at home? Read the new puppy checklist and the first week guide. Bring your food questions to your first vet visit.
How we pick
We have not tested these products. Listings are based on public specifications and retailer or manufacturer pages, and prices are indicative bands that can change. See our editorial policy and disclosure. Commission, if we ever earn it, does not change what we say.
Related reading: If your dog gulps food, see slow feeders and food puzzles and ask your vet.
Product types worth comparing
Disclosure: these are plain-text suggestions. We do not currently earn commission from anything on this page. If that changes we will say so here. See our disclosure.
- Complete puppy dry food, medium breed: Look for the nutritional adequacy statement on the label. Brands in our listings include Advance, Hill's Science Diet and Royal Canin.
- Large-breed puppy formula: Some makers have a separate formula for large breeds. Ask your breeder or vet which suits.
- Small training treats: Count treats in the daily food allowance.
- Slow feeder or stuffable toy: Helps with pace and enrichment. Use part of the daily food.
Check current price, size guides and availability with Australian pet retailers such as Petbarn, Pet Circle or Petstock.
FAQs
What is the best puppy food?
There is no single best food. Look for one labelled complete and balanced for growth, suited to your puppy's expected adult size, and talk to your vet about your puppy.
How do I change foods?
Most guidance suggests changing gradually over about a week or more, mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old. Ask your vet if your puppy has a sensitive stomach.
Large breed or medium breed puppy food?
Growth needs differ by expected adult size. Choose a food formulated for your puppy's size range and ask your vet about the right one.
How much should I feed?
Start with the feeding guide on the pack for your puppy's weight and age, then adjust with your vet based on body condition.