***These foods are very specific in my recommendations. Do not think that just because I recommend a brand that all of that brand's formulas are acceptable. They are not. Only the specific ones listed here. Many of their other formulations, even though from the same brand, are full of peas or various things that I do not recommend. I only recommend these specific formulas, and I have used every one of these for my dogs in their food rotations (unless otherwise noted). I have also used every one of the treats recommended. Also I have a list of treats we recommend as well below the food recommendations. And one more thing... please note that I have done my best to compile this list of foods I recommend, but I cannot possibly keep track of every time a brand decides to change it's formula. They. may change ingredients, and what I recommend here could have been changed since companies always seem to do that. So I recommend you buy your dog food the way I do, read what's on the ingredient list before you buy a bag of dog food. This will be the best way to make sure your dog is always eating the best! I also, I apologize in advance, if there is a broken link, companies are constantly updating their links and changing them. While caring for my dogs is my number one priority, I simply do not have enough time to constantly check and make sure every link works. So if that happens just type in the food brand and try to find it, also, remember to always check ingredient labels for yourself because companies change formulas.

PUPPIES - These foods and also any of the ALL LIFE STAGES foods below are great for a growing pup.

NutriSource Small and Medium Breed Puppy

I like this brand because it is a very small kibble which I need for my puppies. Havanese pups have such tiny teeth that a tiny kibble is important. This has chicken and oatmeal, brown rice and even flaxseed as some of the key ingredients.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5D2SY7/ref=twister_B0DW1CS1S8?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

Fromm Gold Puppy

Great ingredients with chicken first, other star ingredients, chicken liver, lamb, duck, brown rice, oats, barley, carrots, sweet potatoes, flaxseed. My pups have done great on this. Great company that has been around for 5 generations.

https://www.gofromm.com/fromm-family-puppy-gold-food-for-dogs

Canine Caviar Free Spirit includes: chicken, pearl millet, coconut, kelp, and lots of other great ingredients. This is an alkaline dog food which is supposed to help restore the ph of your dog's system. This is also an all life stages food, so it can be given to your puppy as well as adult dogs. The creator of this food knows his stuff because he had the world's second longest living great dane - 17 years old! (Average lifespand for a great dane is only 7 to 10 years!) I have been very impressed with this and my own dogs health. It is currently my favorite. Remember, I do not get paid in any way for my recommendations. I am not an affiliate of any of these companies.

They have recently changed their ingredients. The number one ingredient used to be dehydrated chicken, but now it is chicken meal which disappoints me. However, because of the amazing things I have seen in this food and how well my dogs have done on it as well as other dogs, I still highly recommend this brand because it is the only alkaline dog food that I know of.

https://www.chewy.com/canine-caviar-limited-ingredient-diet/dp/113391

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy includes great ingredients like chicken, oats, quinoa, egg, flaxseed.

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101leLGP/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fmerrick-classic-healthy-grains-puppy%2Fdp%2F121729

PUPPIES and ADULTS - All Life Stages (Great for Puppies and Adults) -

Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Formula includes: chicken, barley, brown rice, coconut, kelp, and lots of other great ingredients. This is an all life stages food, so it can be given to your puppy as well as adult dogs. Diamond Naturals has been around forever. They are quite affordable to when compared to other new brands. Many new brands have not stood the test of time, so always be careful if they don't have a long track record.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCQ6DY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

Canine Caviar Free Spirit includes: chicken, pearl millet, coconut, kelp, and lots of other great ingredients. This is an alkaline dog food which is supposed to help restore the ph of your dog's system. This is also an all life stages food, so it can be given to your puppy as well as adult dogs. The creator of this food knows his stuff because he had the world's second longest living great dane - 17 years old! (Average lifespand for a great dane is only 7 to 10 years!) I have been very impressed with this and my own dogs health. They have recently changed their ingredients. The number one ingredient used to be dehydrated chicken, but now it is chicken meal which disappoints me. However, because of the amazing things I have seen in this food and how well my dogs have done on it as well as other dogs, I still highly recommend this brand because it is the only alkaline dog food that I know of.

https://www.chewy.com/canine-caviar-limited-ingredient-diet/dp/113391

Acana Wholesome Grains ALL LIFE STAGES PUPS AND ADULTS

This food has a nice variety of different proteins, beef, pork, liver, and lamb.

It also has a great mix of healthy grains including oats, along with butternut squash and even kelp.

https://www.amazon.com/ACANA-Wholesome-Grains-Protein-Rich-Adult/dp/B08359VSNN/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=pea%2Bfree%2Bdog%2Bfood&qid=1619196657&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFJUFFDN0dYTU40RzYmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0MTQ2MjAxNFg3WTNKS1JDQ1VJJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4MDYzMTczOTkwNU81SFNTV0ZJJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

Health Extension Little Bites Chicken and Brown Rice (This food is the smallest size kibble I have ever found. Although, don't worry, it doesn't hurt your dog to actually chew his kibble if it is a larger size - slowing down to chew his kibble isn't going to hurt him! It's probably better for him instead of simply swallowing it whole! But if you are really wanting a tiny bite size of kibble for your little friend, this one is it. Has organic chicken as the first ingredient. Other great ingredients include oats, brown rice, flaxseed, and coconut oil.

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101leLGP/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fhealth-extension-little-bites-chicken%2Fdp%2F162721

Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy

Great small kibble size. Probiotics and DHA, Omega 3 and 6. Cage free chicken, pumpkin, kale, and even blueberries.

https://www.chewy.com/diamond-naturals-small-breed-puppy/dp/34908

Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice Formula ALL LIFE STAGES PUPS AND ADULTS

I also listed this in my most affordable foods section. Contains nice ingredients like chicken, whole grain brown rice, flaxseed, pumpkin, kale, chia seeds, and blueberries.

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101leLGP/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fdiamond-naturals-chicken-rice-formula%2Fdp%2F34919

Wet food choice - All Life Stages - Pups through Adults:

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food Turkey - Complete Meal or Topper for Dry Dog Food

This is a pretty neat food that comes as a dehydrated powder, you add water, wait 3 minutes and it is almost like a homemade dog food. I love that it has real turkey, flaxseed, spinach, etc. My dogs really like it too. It is also one that can be used as a flavor topper, to add to dry dog food. All life stages. It is grain free, but uses potatoes for the carbs. I like that it is all fresh ingredients that are human grade foods.

https://www.chewy.com/honest-kitchen-turkey-recipe-grain/dp/34271

Adult Formulas -

Fromm Small Breed Adult Gold includes: chicken, oatmeal, barley, brown rice, sweet potato, duck, lamb, salmon oil to name a few of the ingredients. My dogs have always done great on Fromm. I highly recommend them.

https://www.amazon.com/Fromm-Family-Foods-727531-Small/dp/B00HYEU21M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LGFZC8F7M7QK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SFS84ip2usjhvXczr8vAIBiABt5F3XGdY8Uhd7o37eBrtuori73EMLAYohNP7-hr3ZmdRAzMXtQEt6hF-lfLBQFHBkfENzO-8NVDOUzSeNVttvnMPm_E_KCz_6zg5hyKuI51ntFbWDHxjVE8DhY6VvrjrEJ04XlNwZC1oPnPaOaQQZ4WdQpII6zRUu8BZtl7kimTv1p_YbrIPQb2kWU2SaRY7EyUiRK213Kmt1I_4--A3OtUk1yL5APrq8zc6ULhEdchubthtJkNNg965IjHRVFznDj-Xn6qsHMnzxogFCs.weCAbiGZra-l-4QbbRAvkPL5OJ77VW2gvvL0-S0D7jw&dib_tag=se&keywords=fromm%2Bsmall%2Bbreed%2Badult%2Bgold&qid=1741626159&sprefix=fromm%2Bsmall%2Bbreed%2Badult%2Bgol%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1&th=1

Canine Caviar Free Spirit includes: dehydrated chicken, pearl millet, coconut, kelp, and lots of other great ingredients. This is an alkaline dog food which is supposed to help restore the ph of your dog's system. This is also an all life stages food, so it can be given to your puppy as well as adult dogs. My dogs have done great with this food. Remember, I do not get paid in any way for my recommendations. I am not an affiliate of any of these companies.

https://www.amazon.com/Canine-Caviar-Ingredient-Alkaline-Holistic/dp/B00U1BV1SS/ref=sr_1_5_pp?crid=3OVUXYV1B64KQ&keywords=canine%2Bcaviar&qid=1692808056&rdc=1&sprefix=canine%2Bcaviar%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-5&th=1

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef + Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains (Adult)

Includes beef, pork, brown rice, oatmeal salmon, quinoa, flaxseed, and organic alfalfa.

https://www.chewy.com/merrick-classic-healthy-grains-real/dp/121736

American Natural Premium Legume Free Duck Recipe with Butternut Squash (Adult)

Duck, turkey, brown rice, oat flour, butternut squash, pork, and pumpkin to name a few ingredients.

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101leLGP/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Famerican-natural-premium-legume-free%2Fdp%2F220347

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed - Adult

Chicken, brown rice, oatmeal, turkey, quinoa, carrots, and apples are a few of the ingredients I really like in this food.

https://www.chewy.com/merrick-classic-healthy-grains-small/dp/121730

Most Affordable Food - (All Life Stages - Pup through Adult)

Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice Formula

Contains nice ingredients like chicken, whole grain brown rice, flaxseed, pumpkin, kale, chia seeds, and blueberries.

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101leLGP/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fdiamond-naturals-chicken-rice-formula%2Fdp%2F34919

Treats (for treats, the first ingredient does not need to be meat, but just make sure it's pea free and preservative free!) That's kind of hard to do since most treats are full of peas and preservatives! This list took me quite some time to compile, but it's all treats that I give my dogs, and that they love!

Chicken Chips - 100% pure chicken - These are my dogs all time favorite treat. But if using for a puppy, please break into very tiny pieces because they are quite crunchy and hard to chew for a tiny puppy.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007CMHDD6?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

Chicken - Freeze dried chicken liver treats

https://www.chewy.com/remys-kitchen-chicken-hearts-liver/dp/219666

Bone Broth Biscuits - My dogs like these, and they are just made out of oats, bone broth, carrots, coconut oil and parsley.

https://www.chewy.com/bocces-bakery-bone-broth-carrots/dp/261932

Jerky Tenders Free Range Beef Recipe treats - One of my dogs FAVES! I tear in smaller pieces and give as treats since they're long strips.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/full-moon-full-moon-essentials-beef-tenders-14-oz?cm_vc=-10005

Beef Lung Treats - one of my dog's favorites! I do not give my dogs one of these whole treats, they are huge! I break them into small pieces and put them in my treat jar. One bag will last you a very long time. (But I will warn you now -- they are kinda stinky!)

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/redbarn-9-oz-nat-choppers?cm_vc=-10005

Beef Chews: These are one of our favorite chews for our dogs.

There's nothing weird or nasty about these beef tendon chews, my dogs love them!

https://www.chewy.com/nature-gnaws-beef-paddywack-chews-5-6/dp/239189

Beef Treats:

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101leLGP/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fdiamond-naturals-adult-biscuits-beef%2Fdp%2F127939

Lamb Treats:

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101leLGP/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fdiamond-naturals-adult-biscuits-lamb%2Fdp%2F127951

Assorted biscuits: Chicken, Cheddar and CharTar flavors in one bag

https://www.chewy.com/old-mother-hubbard-classic-original/dp/36312

Pork Pineapple Chia Treats:

https://www.chewy.com/einstein-pets-luau-time-real-pork/dp/260714

Salmon and Chicken Treats:

https://www.chewy.com/phelps-wellness-collection-fur-real/dp/266064

Peanut Butter Treats:

https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101leLGP/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chewy.com%2Fdiamond-naturals-adult-biscuits%2Fdp%2F127954

Bacon Apple Training Treats:

https://www.chewy.com/exclusively-dog-bacon-apple-flavor/dp/118554

Organic Turkey and Sweet Potato Recipe treats from Callie's Kitchen on Chewy:

https://www.chewy.com/callies-kitchen-organic-turkey-sweet/dp/266074

Blue Health Bars - with Bacon, Egg and Cheese:

https://www.chewy.com/blue-buffalo-health-bars-baked-bacon/dp/112775

Another one of my dog's favorite treats for training are tiny pieces of chicken or other - safe for dogs - protein that might be on my plate. Also my dogs love a small piece of cheese, a tiny little bit of steak from dinner, etc. Be sure it is a dog safe treat of course, but "people" food is often some of the most exciting treats to your dog. All of these provide wonderful little treats that can be much healthier for your dog than a processed, chemical laden treat from your regular pet store. It is rare to find dog treats at your local grocery or big box store that are healthy - always read the ingredient list, and, if in doubt, just save a few tiny pieces from your burger for treats later instead of risking all the chemicals in the average box of dog treats. (Of course the ones on the list above don't have the bad chemicals and ingredients!)

Zuzu's past litters

These pups are already in their loving homes