I have recently done some personal research since we just got our new puppy. My three top choices are Evo Red Meat, Orijen, and Fromms. My criteria was grain free, higher protein, digestibility of that protein, digestibility of the entire food, fat levels, fiber content, and DHA. DHA has been noted to be important in eye and brain development.
Evo Red Meat was our final choice for our puppy because we have had success with it in the past, it is highly digestible as a complete dog food as well as highly digestible where protein is concerned. Evo contains a lower level of fiber and a higher level of fat which is in our view important to a puppies growth. Please note, you can have a dog food that is high in protein but if the percentage of digestibility is low and the dog cannot utilize a higher amount of the protein then it goes to waste. So you could have a lower protein level and higher digestibility of it and have a good food also.
I did talk to all three manufacturers on the phone. Fromms is family run. Orijen is based in Canada and appears to sell strictly through independent retailers. Evo was bought out in 2010 by proctor and gamble but is claimed to be operated by the original people so nothing has changed in their manufacturing process. Evo is now more readily available at least in my area.
During my research I also contacted Wellness Core, and I was advised by the customer service of that company that their dog foods were not suitable for puppies. When I asked why, I was told their foods do not contain DHA and that they will be coming out with a line of food for puppies in the near future.
While I am sure there are many great foods out there, we think the three we mentioned above are the best choices for us. We have already seen very good positive response, in growth, behavior, coat, energy, and digestion.