small dog food

Best Dog Food for Small Breeds

Your small breed dog might think he is one of the big dogs, but when it comes to dinnertime his nutritional needs are unique. He needs a diet specially formulated for small dogs to help him feel and act his best. Unfortunately, finding the best dog food for small breeds is not always easy. We have a few tips to help make your search for the perfect canine cuisine easier.

Small Dog Nutrition 101

Small dogs are different in many ways from their larger counterparts, beginning with their nutritional needs. Despite their small size, small and toy breed dogs may actually require more calories per pound than large-breed dogs. Their higher metabolic rates particularly affect their dietary needs in puppyhood, and there are health concerns as they age that diet can help address.

In general, dogs require a wide range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Dogs, contrary to popular belief, are not strictly carnivores. Domestic dogs rely on grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as meat, for a complete and balanced diet. For this reason, many people prefer to feed their dogs commercial foods. Most commercial foods are affordable, convenient, and contain all of the nutrients that dogs need to stay healthy, and since few owners are experts in dog nutrition, feeding a dry or canned commercial diet takes the guesswork out of balancing your dogs nutritional needs.

Certain breeds may have their own nutritional concerns. Talk to your vet about your dog to see if there are any nutritional risks you should be aware of based on breed, age, or existing health problems.

Best Food for Small Breed Puppies

The assumption that small breed dogs are low maintenance and easy to feed due to their small size is dangerous. Small breed puppies, especially toy breeds, require careful feeding to prevent a condition called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is the scientific word for low blood sugar, and small breed puppies are prone to developing this condition as a result of high metabolic rates and low sugar and body fat reserves. This means they need to be fed a calorie-dense, small breed puppy food anywhere from four-to-six times a day and watched closely for symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia in dogs:

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures

Most complete and balanced small breed puppy foods contain the appropriate amount of nutrients for small breed dogs. They also have smaller kibbles, which are easier for small breed puppies to chew and are less of a choking hazard. Talk to your vet about the risks of hypoglycemia and what you can do to prevent it in your small breed puppy. If you suspect your puppy has hypoglycemia, call your veterinarian immediately.

Best Dog Food for Small Breed Adults

Finding the best food for small breed adults is tricky. There are a lot of options claiming to offer your dog the best nutritional package in a variety of price ranges. You can narrow your search by asking your veterinarian what brands he or she recommends. Veterinarians have access to the latest research on dog nutrition as well as pet food recalls, which makes them a valuable resource during this decision-making process. Depending on your dogs health, your vet might recommend a specific food or several brands that he or she feels offer the best food for small breeds.

Small breed adult dogs require more calories-per-pound than large dogs, and they also need smaller kibbles, which is why diets especially formulated for small breeds are usually best. However, while small dogs might need more calories per pound than larger dogs, that does not mean that owners should overfeed them. One of the biggest concerns regarding dog nutrition is obesity. Obese dogs are more prone to a variety of health issues, and it is estimated that obesity takes as many as two years off of our dogs lives.

Diseases associated with obesity in dogs:

Best Food for Small Breed Senior Dogs

Small breed dogs typically live longer than large breed dogs. This means that your small breed dog could be eating the same food from the time she graduates from puppy food for more than 15 years. A diet rich in antioxidants could help prevent free radical damage over her long lifespan, so ask your veterinarian about the best foods for small breeds that contain plenty of antioxidants.

Both adult and all other life-stage formulas are appropriate for senior dogs. Currently, there is no senior, geriatric, or mature dog food nutrient profile recognized by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Dog foods that cater to seniors do not have to meet specific senior nutrient requirements, and they may not have undergone any clinical trials to test their effectiveness. This does not necessarily mean that senior dog foods for small breeds are a bad choice for your senior pet, but it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about a senior diet before you buy, in order to make sure you get an effective formula.

Senior small breed dogs may develop health problems that require special dietary restrictions or prescription diets. Prescription senior diets, unlike commercial diets, are specially formulated and clinically proven to help treat certain conditions. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet for your senior pet if he or she feels it is necessary.

How to Read a Dog Food Label

One of the first things conscientious owners look at is the label on a bag of food. While this is a good practice, the reality is that dog food labels can be very misleading and hard to interpret. There are a few things to keep in mind as you look at a label:

• Look for the statement complete and balanced
• Check the life stages (ie. puppy, adult, all life stages)
• Examine the ingredients for any allergens your pet may have

Complete and balanced dog foods contain at least the minimum amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients considered necessary for dogs, helping ensure that your pet does not suffer from a nutrient deficiency. Choosing the appropriate life stage also helps keep your pet nutritionally satisfied, and avoiding allergens prevents your dog from suffering from an allergic reaction.

The ingredient list is a good way to see what the primary ingredients in the dog food are, but it will not tell you very much about the quality of the ingredients. The best way to determine if the food is made from good quality ingredients such as meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits is to contact the manufacturer or consult your veterinarian.

The manufacturer should be able to give you a complete nutritional analysis of the product, which you can present to your vet, and can also verify whether or not there is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist on its staff. Most manufacturers have this information available on their websites, and if not, you should feel free to call their customer service representative with your questions. Other questions to ask are:

• Do they follow AAFCO feeding trials?
• Have they participated in clinical studies about their products?
• Do they manufacture their foods in-house where they have control over all aspects of development, or do they outsource?
• Where do they source their ingredients?
• How many calories are in their servings?

Cost of Small Breed Dog Food

Once you have sorted through the various dog food brands and found one that you and your vet think will best benefit your dog, you need to decide how much you are willing to spend. A good rule of thumb to follow for commercial dog food diets is to stay away from the cheapest option. Your dogs food is a vital part of his preventative healthcare, and so you want to invest in it as much as possible. When it comes to dog food, you usually get what you pay for.

On the other hand, an expensive dog food is not a guarantee of quality, either. By talking with your veterinarian and comparing brands of dog food in a variety of price ranges, you should be able to find the best dog food for small dogs that also matches your budget.

Specialty Diets for Small Breed Dogs

There are quite a few new pet food trends going around right now, including raw diets, grain-free diets, and home-cooked pet meals. If you are considering feeding a non-traditional diet to your small breed dog, talk with your veterinarian. There are serious concerns associated with some of these trends, especially raw diets, that pet owners need to be aware of in order to keep both their pets and their families safe.

Some small dogs have allergies to certain ingredients. If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, talk to your vet about the best type of food for your dog and what ingredients to avoid.

How Much Should I Feed My Small Breed Dog?

Finding the best dog food for small dogs is the first step toward helping your pet live a long and healthy life. Figuring out how much to feed them is the second. In general, the guidelines on the back of the food bag are a good place to start. Measure out each meal and monitor your pets weight closely to see if he gains or loses weight when you follow the manufacturers instructions, and dont hesitate to talk with your veterinarian to help you determine the best weight for your dog.

Unfortunately for small breed dog owners, breeders, and enthusiasts, there is no single best dog food for small breeds. Following these guidelines and consulting with your veterinarian are good ways to find a dog food that works for your wallet and your dog. With a little research, you can feel safe knowing that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition to help her live a long and healthy life.

Best Dog Food for Small Dogs 2024: Nutritional Excellence for Small Paws

Here at DogFood.Guide we have a dedicated mission to provide dog owners like you with well-researched information so they can provide the nutrition and health care towards their dogs.

Our readers rely upon our dog food articles, reviews and recall alerts that we took the time to research. We also routinely update and review our own reviews ensuring that any changes by manufacturers are brought to your attention.

DogFood.Guide is maintained by Mary Nielsen & her staff. Mary is an advocate and lover. She and her staff are passionate about animals and work hard to provide you with a wealth of information for you and your dog.

Our site is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a referral fee. This helps cover the cost of operating our free blog. Thanks for your support!

Small breed dogs are a favorite for many, not only for their heartwarming appearance but also because they do not require the same amount of space as larger dogs, making them ideal for pet parents who live in smaller apartments and condominiums without a large yard.

However, the size of a small breed dog does not mean its personality is tiny; in fact, some small dogs are well known for having a personality thats larger than life!

Although these pups do not take up a lot of physical space, they sure will take up a lot of room in your heart. If you own a small dog, you already know how true this is.

There are several small breed dogs like Chihuahuas, Maltese, Miniature Pinschers, and Pugs, to name a few. Each of these dogs has a specific temperament, grooming requirements, and activity levels.

Their size and activity determines how much food they should be eating and you may find your pup has specific tastes for either wet or dry dog food.

It is important to know what the special dietary considerations and key nutritional needs are for your small breed pup to make sure they are provided enough nutrients to thrive and live a long life alongside you.

This guide to small breed dogs provides all the information you need, including a feeding chart for puppies, our top recommendations for the best dog food for small dogs, and some answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs).

With all the options available on the market, it can get overwhelming very quickly. We have done the work for you by listing off the top products on the marketkeep reading to discover the right option for your four-legged best friend!

Overall Best Dog Food for Small Dogs 2024

What Are The Best Small Breed Dog Foods?

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
2. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
6. Purina Pro Plan Savor for Small Breed
7. Purina Beneful IncrediBites for Small Dogs
8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Natural Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe
9. Purina Bella with Beef & Smoked Bacon in Savory Juices
10. Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Real Beef & Sweet Potato
11. Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy Formula
12. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior
13. Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe
14. Solid Gold Wee Bit Bison & Brown Rice Recipe

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Ollie dog food is a luscious option that is comprised of ingredients that are safe for human consumption. It is truly a unique food option that offers an appetizing meal your little one will enjoy.

Overall Best Dog Food for Small Breed Dogs Ollie knows you want to feed your pup only the best. The dog food brand has created several wet dog food recipes for all life stages, from puppies to large and small breed adults.

There are several dog food flavors to choose from, including beef, turkey, chicken, and lambor you can splurge and try their variety pack! These wet food recipes are made with restaurant-quality ingredients that are prepared carefully and cooked fresh on a weekly basis.

Ollie portions each dog food recipe carefully, adhering to the highest food safety standards to ensure your pet is receiving the best meal with balanced nutrition that tantalizes his taste buds.

These meals are not only great for your pup, they are also ultra-convenient for you! They show up directly at your front door, are kept cool for freshness, and are vacuum sealed to make it easy for you to provide quality meals to your fluffy bestie.

Pros

• Human-grade ingredients
• Added Fruits & Veggies
• Several recipes available, including a variety pack
• Company offers 60% off on first order

Cons

• This product is more expensive compared to other dog food options available on the market
• Weekly and biweekly delivery not available for some areas (may cause storage issues)

2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This dry dog food incorporates delectable bison and buffalo meats to provide your pooch with protein that will not only provide energy but also assists in maintaining lean muscle mass.

Taste of the Wilds dry dog food incorporates yummy buffalo and bison into the recipe. Although not specifically a small breed formula, it provides small breed adult dogs with plenty of protein to provide energy and assist with maintaining lean muscle mass for weight control.

This dry dog food recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes to provide fiber and energy that is easy to digest. Added fruits and veggies deliver the vitamins and minerals that will support your little ones overall health, including antioxidant support to stave off those pesky seasonal colds.

The K9 probiotic blend that is included in this formula is a great addition because it promotes digestive health to keep nutrients moving and stools healthy.

If your pup suffers from allergies, this is a fantastic option because Taste of The Wild is one of the few dog food brands that does not include any fillers like wheat, soy, or corn in its recipes. This recipe is crafted to provide quality nutrition without the risk of tummy upset or allergy flare-ups.

Pros

• Highly digestible formula
• Omits artificial ingredients
• No fillers to avoid allergies
• Grain-free and gluten-free recipe

Cons

• Not a certified organic product
• This recipe may contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs)

3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe

Key Features:

• Recipe is made without grains
• Protein-rich ingredients
• No fillers included in this recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This recipe is crafted using deboned lamb as protein source and sweet potatoes to provide fiber. This kibble provides an aromatic flavor your dog will surely can't resist.

Most Inexpensive (Cheap) American Journeys dry food recipe is created with deboned lamb to provide protein and sweet potatoes to provide fiber. This formula provides a rich, aromatic flavor your pup will devour!

The rich protein is supplied to encourage the maintenance of lean muscle mass that assist with keeping your pup fit and at a proper weight for his size.

This recipe adds salmon oil and flaxseed to provide your small pup with the omega fatty acids that will feed his skin and coat for optimal health.

Added veggies and fruits provide the vitamins and minerals and even antioxidants that support overall health and specifically, immune support.

Pros

• Rich with protein
• Grain-free formula
• Gluten-free

Cons

• This recipe may contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs)

4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This brown rice and chicken recipe by Blue Buffalo was made with the wellness of puppies in mind. High quality meat as protein source, whole grains provide fiber and carbs, with garden fruits and veggies that deliver ample amounts of vitamins and minerals.

This chicken and brown rice recipe by Blue Buffalo was crafted with the overall wellness of little ones in mind, large and small breed puppies alike.

Real meat provides the protein; whole grains, like brown rice and barley, provide carbs and fiber; and garden vegetables and fruit deliver tons of vitamins and minerals to support the growth of your pup.

Blue Buffalo also incorporates an exclusive blend of nutrients called LifeSource Bits in this quality puppy food to boost it with extra antioxidants.

Deboned chicken is the main animal protein source in this formula and your little one can thoroughly enjoy the flavor with ease because the kibbles are made specially for small jaws.

DHA and ARA support the cognitive and eye development of small breed puppies while Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids encourage a vibrant coat and healthy skin.

Pros

• Added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health
• No fillers like corn, soy, or wheat
• Small kibble size

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the flavor of this recipe

5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This fish recipe by Natural Balance has only a few, select ingredients that delivers limited carbohydrates and leave out artificial additives and fillers. The omega fatty acid content in this kibble is great for helping your pooch maintain good skin health.

Best Sensitive Stomach Food This sweet potato and fish recipe by Natural Balance has only a few ingredients that deliver limited carbs and omit artificial additives and needless fillers.

The primary animal protein source in this formula is salmon and fiber and is delivered via sweet potatoes to support a well-functioning digestive system.

The omega fatty acids in this kibble are great for helping your pup maintain good skin health and they also promote a healthy, shiny coat.

This formula is an excellent choice if your dog suffers from common allergies or has a sensitive digestive system. A diet with limited ingredients does not have to skimp on flavor or balanced nutrition and Natural Balance proves that with this product.

Pros

• No common allergens
• Tasty, balanced nutrition for pups with sensitive tummies
• Recipe is made without grains

Cons

• This formula is not certified organic
• Recipe may contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs)

More Top Rated Small Breed Dog Foods

6. Purina Pro Plan Savor Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This Savor formula is crafted from real chicken to provide protein and dense nutrition with a flavor your dog will surely drool over. The incorporation of live probiotics makes this formula an excellent choice for pets that have sensitive digestive systems.

Purina Pros Savor small breed formula is made with real chicken to provide dense nutrition and protein with a flavor your pup will drool over.

The incorporation of guaranteed live probiotics makes this recipe an excellent choice for dogs that have sensitive digestive systemsit provides nourishment for the good bacteria in your pups intestines, helping to ease the digestion process.

In addition, rice is incorporated to deliver carbs with easy to digest ingredients. There is also fish oil in this formula, so small breed adults can get omega fatty acids to encourage joint health and mobility along with support for skin and coat health.

There are no fillers in this small breed dog food, and it is even pea-free for pups allergic to this ingredient.

7. Purina Beneful IncrediBites

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

A kibble specifically made for small breed dogs that your cute lil one will surely love! Specially formulated for small dogs, this nutrient-dense blend supports his high energy needs with real, farm-raised beef as the top ingredient.

A dry dog food for small breeds that your adorable pup is likely to love! Specially formulated for small breeds, this nutrient-rich dog food blend supports his higher metabolism with real, farm-raised beef as the number one ingredient (also comes in chicken variant).

Accents of real carrots and peas add to the tasty flavor, and the mini-bite kibble is easy for his tiny mouth and teeth to chew.

Small breeds need energy too, and with this small kibble (which is easy to chew for small mouths) they will get enough for a whole day of running around, while also getting 23 vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy digestion.

The affordable dog food has a great mix of crunchy and soft bites, to motivate even the pickiest of eaters to finish their meal!

The best small breed dog foods doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive ones, and this Beneful food is a good option if you are on a budget.

8. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This vegetable and chicken mixture by Rachael Ray is created simply, with natural, organic ingredients that are locally sourced to bring forth a flavor that will surely satisfy your furry companion.

The little Bites lines is crafted for small breeds. This chicken and vegetable dry food recipe by Rachael Ray is created simply, with nThe Little Bites line is crafted specifically for smaller dogs.

This chicken and vegetable dry food recipe by Rachael Ray is created simply, with natural ingredients that include chicken farm-raised in the U.S., peas, carrots, and brown rice to provide a flavor that will satisfy your pup.

This formula offers balanced nutrition without any fillers, artificial ingredients, or poultry by-product meal. The brown rice packs each meal with fiber, healthy carbohydrates, and added beet pulp to support your dogs digestive system.

Plus, the small kibble shape is perfect for smaller teeth, and helps keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. So fill up his bowl and keep your tiny but mighty pup healthy with every bite.

9. Purina Bella with Beef & Smoked Bacon in Savory Juices

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This ready-to-eat wet food is made with smoked bacon, chicken and beef in savory juices to satisfy even the most picky palate. It has a great blend of added minerals and vitamins as it gives amazing support to a small dogs sensitive gut.

Feed your adorable little pupper the best small breed dog food you can find and take this product into consideration when choosing.

This ready-to-eat wet food formula is made with chicken, beef and smoked bacon in savory juices to satisfy even the most pampered of tastes.

It contains a great blend of added vitamins and minerals, has real chicken, beef and smoked bacon (other variants are also available), and gives great support to a small dogs sensitive digestive system while also giving the immune system a much needed boost.

Your lovely baby will love the meaty pate and juiciness, and you can delight in giving him something that is really tasty. Plus, it comes in easy-to-open trays for easy portion control.

10. Merrick Lil' Plates Real Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

For me, best dog food for small dogs is one that will give them all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy throughout all their lives, and this product stands out with its high protein content.

The best dog food for small breeds is one that will give your pup all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy throughout their life, and this dog food product stands out with its high meat content, where 70% of the ingredients are declared meat products.

Merricks Texas beef and sweet potato dry dog food offers a tasty meal for your pup that is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The beef flavor is mouth-watering and sweet potatoes, peas, apples, and blueberries round out the nutrition and flavor of this recipe. Your pup will be getting all his required nutrients with every bite.

This grain-free recipe is specifically designed to cater to the nutritional needs and appetites of small breeds with smaller kibble. Plus, it includes probiotics and prebiotic fiber for optimal and healthy digestion.

11. Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

It provides your puppy with the necessary minerals and protein, along with omega fatty acids to aid in skin and coat health, plus antioxidants for overall well-being.

This small breed dog food product is made specifically to give a growing hound all the support he needs for excellent development and overall health.

The quality puppy food contains a high amount of crude protein (32%) to sustain the energy needs of a growing and highly active little body.

The chicken recipe uses ground white rice as the main carbohydrate supply, while cracked pearled barley offers additional support. A whole plethora of fruits and vegetables such as spinach, coconut, blueberries, papayas, and more provide a natural source of nutrition.

There is also salmon oil in it as an excellent source of fat and healthy omegas to deliver skin and coat health and proper vision and brain development.

Each healthy dry dog food serving comes with species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics to aid your dogs digestive system and immune health.

12. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This natural kibble for senior dogs is formulated to promote whole body support using select ingredients and crafted into a smaller kibble size for hassle free eating.

This Wellness dog food for small breed canines delivers superior nutrition for senior dogs through carefully chosen ingredients that balance excellent proteins (deboned turkey and chicken meal) with wholesome grains.

Senior dogs have special dietary needs that need careful consideration by pet owners. Now is one of the most important phases in your dogs life, and your choice of feed can make a difference in your pets overall wellness and quality of life at this stage.

Wellness keeps your older canine in tip top shape by supporting his immune system, giving him sufficient energy, and strengthening and supporting his joints for mobility.

The dog food contains antioxidants, glucosamine, taurine, and probiotics but does not have any meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.

13. Hill's Science Adult Small Paws Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Made with wholesome, organic ingredients, this nutritious recipe is balanced to meet your dogs needs, support muscle and bone strength, and maintain skin and coat health.

Hills Science Diet Small Paws made it to our list as one of the best dog food for small dogs. Made specifically for small and toy breed pups, the recipe makes use of savory lamb meal to give your little fur friend precise servings of protein to support muscle maintenance and development.

The lamb meal and rice formula features brown rice as the main carbohydrate source, but it also has sorghum, wheat, barley, and corn gluten meal. There are no legumes in it, but neither are there any fruits and vegetables.

The recipe keeps it simple by sticking mostly to protein, carb, and fat. Its designed to be as easy-to-digest as possible for your buddy.

There is a reliance on flaxseed, which brings in omega fatty acids to improve the look of your pets coat, and dried beet pulp, which is an excellent insoluble fiber source for a healthy digestion. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

14. Solid Gold Wee Bit Bison & Brown Rice Recipe

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This is a food with perfect balance of fresh bison protein, whole grains, healthy fats and exclusive blend of 20 nutritious superfoods.

Solid Gold delivers powerful nutrition from premium ingredients into each small, bite-sized kibble for your little pup. Fresh bison, ocean fish meal, and salmon meal deliver plenty of protein and flavor to keep your wee one wanting more.

The recipe is made up of protein, healthy fats, grains, and Solid Golds unique blend of more than 20 superfoods (pumpkin, almond oil, broccoli, etc.) designed to deliver transformative and holistic nutrition for your pet.

Because it is a holistic formula, it also includes probiotic support for your furry buddys gut health. Since Solid Gold believes that 80% of the immune system is influenced by the gut, it ensures that its foods deliver 90 million probiotics per pound to keep your pup healthy overall.

There is no corn, wheat, or soyall of which are common allergensin the formula.

6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations

1. Be Mindful of Blood Sugar Your small dog, particularly if it is a toy breed, needs to be fed mindfully to prevent hypoglycemia, meaning low blood sugar. Since your pup does not have high body fat and his metabolism works very efficiently, it is possible for your pup to develop hypoglycemia if not fed adequately.

The best dog food for small dogs should be calorie-dense and nutrient-dense. Dog foods designed specifically for small breed pups are, of course, best. Provide your pup with multiple small meals per day to keep him active and healthy.

2. Dont Be Afraid to Ask Your Vet If you are trying different foods and your pup is not reacting well, give your vet a call. Explain what is going on and ask for a recommendation.

Vets can access the most current information on dog nutrition and even pet food recalls, making them a great resource when you find yourself at a standstill while looking for the best dog food for small breed pets.

3. Choose Foods Rich in Antioxidants Small breeds are known for having long life spans, with many living to 15 years and beyond. Since these pups experience such a long life, to keep them healthy throughout their senior years, you should be providing a small breed dog food diet rich in antioxidants as a preventative measure to keep free radicals from damaging their bodies.

Antioxidants will also assist with staving off doggy colds, leaving more time for your furry life companion to enjoy healthy days along with you!

4. Do Not Overfeed Although your dog requires extra calories due to his metabolic rate, small dog breeds can become obese if they are overfed. Small dogs that have gained excessive weight are more likely to develop other health issues, including osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, among others.

According to the American Kennel Club, obesity has the potential of shortening your pups life by two years. To avoid overfeeding, maintain a standard feeding schedule instead of free feeding. Always provide your pup with fresh water and be sure to review feeding instructions and feed according to your little ones weight and activity level.

5. Provide Dental Comfort with Small Kibbles The size of your small breed pup means he has a small jaw. Larger kibbles may be uncomfortable for your pup to chew through and it is suggested small breed formulas be provided because their kibble size is meant for the dental comfort of pets with smaller jaws.

6. Understand Your Pups Metabolic Rate Small dogs, despite what their size might have you believe, require more calories per pound of bodyweight than their larger breed counterparts.

The metabolic rate of small dogs is a lot higher than large breed dogs, meaning they burn through their energetic fuel very quickly. Because of this, small dogs should be enjoying foods high in protein and fats along with being nutrient-dense to provide the sustained energy they need to power through their busy days.

5 Key Nutritional Needs Of Small Breed Dogs

1. Animal-Based Protein Protein derived from animals should always be the primary ingredient in any quality dog food. Small dogs have a high metabolism and will need a steady consumption of protein to keep up with their energy levels.

Be sure to check the dog food label, and if animal protein is not listed first, try another product. Protein is vital because it delivers the amino acids your small dog requires to support lean muscle mass.

Additional protein sources like vegetables are also a great addition to your pups diet; however, his primary source of protein should be real meat to promote optimal health.

2. Fiber Fiber should be incorporated into your pups diet to promote healthy digestion. Fiber helps by preventing the growth of bad bacteria and it also has the potential to repair the colon following any injury.

Fiber also helps to promote healthy stools, keeping your pups digestive system functioning optimally. High quality dog foods will have a balanced portion of fiber, along with other nutrients, to feed your pup daily.

It is important to note,however, that over consumption of fiber could lead to stomach issues.

3. Essential Vitamins and Minerals Essential vitamins and minerals are included in dog food formulas, mostly delivered via fruits and vegetables (although some can be synthetically added).

These nutrients are a critical component of a healthy diet because vitamins help to keep your pups coat and skin healthy, promote strong bones and teeth, and provide energy to keep your pup active and mobile.

Minerals also assist with maintaining bone and teeth health and serve as building blocks for tissue, helping your pup regenerate and stay healthy.

4. Fish Oils Rich in Vitamins You will find that quality dog food brands incorporate omega fatty acids in their recipes.

Omegas are an important aspect of your pups diet because they produce the hormones that help with inflammation reduction, which is a vital process that demonstrates ideal immune function. Fatty acids also help if your pup ever gets injured they assist with blood clotting and the growth of cells.

5. Carbohydrates Carbs, when included as a part of a balanced diet, can be great for providing your dog with a burst of readily available energy. Your small dog powers through his fuel, and carbs can support the sustained energy delivered via protein and fats.

Take care, though. The over consumption of carbs can easily result in excessive weight gain. To keep your smaller dogs at a healthy weight, it is important to only provide these as part of a balanced dog food diet. If you are sticking to commercially available foods, it will take the guesswork out of this process.

Small Breed Dog Puppy Feeding Chart

6 Weeks Old At six weeks, your small breed puppy should still be with his mama, feeding freely while spending time with littermates. These dogs are too young to be removed from their litter.

Mothers milk will provide all the required nutrients and being around littermates will provide the socialization required to set your pup up for a healthy life adjusting to human care. At this stage, your small breed pup will be extra tiny, weighing only a couple of pounds.

10 Weeks Old At the tenth week, your small breed pup should be weaned from moms milk. This process should have been completed carefully and gently, incorporating the new food slowly to avoid shocking your little dogs system.

Wet food is a great transition food because it is soft and will be easier for your pup to get used to. Alternatively, warm water or broth can create a soft consistency when added to puppy food.

12 Weeks Old At this stage, your little buddy should be receiving three to four meals per day. These can be spread out evenly during his waking hours to keep him adequately fueled and satiated. Snacks can also be incorporated throughout the day, so long as daily caloric requirements are being met and not exceeded.

3 Months Old At three months, your small pup should still be eating his regular three to four meals per day. You will notice he is steadily growing and so long as his belly is round, he is being well fed. Depending on the breed of your pup, he will have gained some more weight. For example, a pug at this stage should be weighing somewhere between 4 to 7 pounds.

5 Months Old At the five-month mark, you may find that reducing mealtimes to two to three per day will be well received by your pup. You could stop giving snacks and maintain a revised feeding schedule, always being sure to provide enough calories based on the weight and activity of your small, four-legged buddy.

1 Year Old At this age, your dog has reached adulthood. Puppy formulas can be left behind. Feeding can be reduced to twice per day while maintaining the appropriate daily calorie intake. Check your specific breeds adult weight chart to be sure your pup is weighing enough.

Our Small Dog Feeding Guide

Puppy This is an endearing time for dog ownerstoy breeds and small breed dogs can be extra adorable during puppyhood. During this time, they should be provided with puppy recipes that have smaller kibbles. Feeding times should be provided three to four times per day to keep your tiny dog at a healthy weight.

Adult During adulthood, your pup should be provided with an adult life stage formula. Feeding times for your small breed adult dogs can be reduced to twice per day since adult domestic dogs dont need to be constantly grazing all day. Snacks in-between meals would be appreciated, though.

Senior During the senior life stage, provide senior dog food or foods made for all life stages. Senior dogs have specific nutrition requirements that their dog food must meet. This is the stage where extra care is needed to ensure your older pup lives a quality life even in his twilight years.

As activity decreases, daily calories should be adjusted. Your pup should still be eating twice per day.

Bottom Line

You are now equipped with tons of important info to provide the best dog food for your small breed dog. When choosing high-quality small breed dog foods, your job is made easier because most formulas incorporate all the nutrients your dog requires to live a long, healthy life.

With proper nutrition, your pup will enjoy his days alongside you, offering playfulness and affection to show you how grateful he is for your care!