Redford Naturals Puppy Food

Give Your Puppy the Best Start with a Nutritious Diet

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an incredibly exciting time. As a responsible pet owner, you want to give your puppy the very best start in life. An essential part of caring for a growing puppy is feeding them a diet specially formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs.

Redford Naturals is a reputable brand that offers high-quality, nutritious food tailored to meet the specific requirements of puppies. With so many different formulas and options to choose from, it can be challenging to select the right Redford Naturals puppy food for your new family member.

This comprehensive buying guide will provide you with everything you need to know to confidently choose a Redford Naturals puppy food that will set your young dog up for healthy growth and development. We’ll cover your puppy’s nutritional needs, the types of puppy food Redford Naturals offers, what to look for in ingredients, how to read guaranteed analyses, considering your puppy’s preferences, budget tips, reviews, transitioning to a new food, and more.

Understanding Your Puppy’s Unique Nutritional Needs

It’s important to understand that puppies have very different dietary requirements than their adult counterparts. Here are some of the key nutritional needs you should look for in a puppy food:

High Protein Content

Puppies need large amounts of protein to support healthy muscle growth and development. Look for a puppy food that lists a high-quality animal-based protein such as chicken, beef, turkey, or fish as the first ingredient.

Higher Fat Levels

Puppies have small stomachs but high energy needs, so a food with moderately high fat levels will provide the concentrated calories they require. The added fat also supports cognitive function.

Omega Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids like DHA, EPA, and omega-3 promote healthy brain, eye, and vision development in puppies. Omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat health.

Calcium and Phosphorus

These minerals are crucial for building strong bones and teeth as your puppy grows. Levels should be precisely balanced.

Vitamins and Minerals

A complete vitamin and mineral profile helps support your puppy’s overall growth, immune system health, energy levels, and more.

Types of Redford Naturals Puppy Food

Redford Naturals offers a range of puppy food options designed to meet different needs and preferences:

Dry Kibble

Dry kibble is the most popular and convenient choice for many pet owners. The crunchy texture also promotes dental health through chewing. Redford Naturals kibble comes in grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes.

Wet Canned Food

Wet food has a soft, palatable texture that may be easier for very young puppies to eat. It also suits puppies who have dental issues. Redford Naturals offers grain-free and non-grain-free canned options.

Grain-Free Formulas

If your puppy has a sensitivity to grains like corn, wheat, or soy, a grain-free Redford Naturals recipe will eliminate these common allergens.

Limited Ingredient Diets

For puppies with food intolerances or allergies, a limited ingredient diet minimizes exposure to potentially problematic components.

What to Look for in Ingredients

Reading the ingredients list on a puppy food label will tell you a lot about its quality and nutritional value. Here are some key things to look for in Redford Naturals puppy food:

Real Meat as First Ingredient

Quality protein sources like chicken, lamb, turkey, or salmon should be listed first. Look for whole meat rather than by-products.

Whole Grains

In grain-inclusive formulas, look for digestible whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal rather than refined grains.

Fruits and Vegetables

Things like sweet potatoes, blueberries, carrots, and spinach provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Healthy Fats

Ingredients like flaxseed, fish oil, and chicken fat deliver DHA, EPA, and other beneficial fatty acids.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

These support healthy digestion, immunity, and nutrient absorption in puppies.

Ingredients to Avoid in Puppy Food

While Redford Naturals puppy formulas are typically formulated without unwanted ingredients, it’s still smart to double check for:

Artificial Preservatives

Ingredients like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are added to prolong shelf life but may be harmful to pets.

Artificial Colors and Flavors

These synthetic additives serve no nutritional purpose and could potentially cause adverse reactions.

Filler Ingredients

Corn, wheat, and soy are common fillers that simply bulk up food without providing real nutrition.

Examining the Guaranteed Analysis

The guaranteed analysis chart on pet food labels gives percentages of key nutrients. For puppies, you want to see:

High Protein Percentages

Look for at least 22% minimum protein content to properly fuel your puppy’s muscle growth and development.

Moderately High Fat

Fat percentages between 15-22% satisfy puppies’ high energy needs without causing unhealthy weight gain.

Calcium and Phosphorus

These minerals should be between 1-1.5% each, with a proper calcium to phosphorus ratio for bone growth.

DHA Content

While not provided, quality puppy foods contain DHA for brain support.

Consider Your Puppy’s Preferences

Puppies can be finicky eaters. Be prepared to try a few different Redford Naturals formulas to find one your puppy loves. Pay attention to:

Flavor Preferences

If your puppy turns his nose up at poultry flavors, try a fish or red meat variety instead.

Texture Preferences

Some puppies prefer crunchy kibble, while others like softer, canned food. Try different textures.

Allergies or Intolerances

If your puppy seems itchy, gassy, or shows other signs of digestive upset, an allergy may be the culprit. Try a limited ingredient or novel protein diet.

Budget-Friendly Puppy Food Tips

While premium brands like Redford Naturals cost more than grocery store foods, they’re a worthwhile investment in your puppy’s health. However, there are ways to save:

Look for Sales

Sign up for brand newsletters and alerts to get notified of periodic sales and promotions on Redford Naturals puppy food.

Buy in Bulk

Take advantage of online deals and recurring delivery subscriptions to buy larger quantities at a discount.

Split Food Costs

If you have multiple dogs, buy one large bag for both puppy and adult dogs to eat. This brings down the per-serving price.

Reviews from Other Pet Owners

One of the best ways to evaluate a pet food is to read reviews from people who have actually fed it to their puppies. Look at ratings and reviews for different Redford Naturals formulas on sites like Chewy, Amazon, and specialty pet stores.

See What Works Well

Reviews spotlight recipes that were not only highly-rated overall, but worked well for sensitive stomachs, picky eaters, food allergies, and other puppy-specific issues.

Watch for Trends

If you notice the same complaints coming up about ingredients, quality, or nutrition pop up about a particular line, it’s safest to avoid it.

Ask Your Vet

Your veterinarian can provide personalized advice about the best Redford Naturals puppy food for your dog based on their health profile and nutrients they need most.

How to Transition to a New Puppy Food

Sudden food changes can upset your puppy’s sensitive digestion. Follow this gradual phase-in process:

Days 1-3

Mix 25% new Redford Naturals puppy food with 75% of previous food.

Days 4-6

Increase to 50% new food, 50% previous food.

Days 7-9

Mix 75% new food with 25% previous food.

Day 10

Feed 100% new Redford Naturals puppy food.

If you notice digestive upset at any stage, slow the transition down by keeping ratios the same for a few extra days.

Give Your Puppy the Best Start

Choosing the right puppy food sets the foundation for your young dog’s nutritional health. With Redford Naturals’ selection of premium formulas tailored to puppies’ needs, you can feel confident your furry friend is getting the very best. This puppy food buying guide equips you with the knowledge to select the ideal recipe for your puppy’s tastes, sensitivities, and health requirements.

Remember to check labels for quality ingredients, nutritional analysis, and watch out for red flags. Consulting reviews and your veterinarian’s recommendations can provide further guidance. Follow the tips above for a smooth transition to the new food. Within no time, your puppy will be happily chowing down on their nutritious new diet!