review of the best dog foods for small dogs

11 Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs in 2024

Sara Redding Ochoa DVM

This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary advisor Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM

Many proprietors would concur that living with a small breed dog is a privilege. These small breed dogs are not only cute and convenient for bringing along on dog outings because of their manageable size, but they also serve as loyal friends who are always there for you in times of need.

Since our small pups take care of us when we are in need – we owe it to them to provide them with the highest level of care and dog nutrition possible through their little lives. Of course, as a concerned pet owner, our first instinct would be to consider the best and popular brands of pet food first.

That’s why we have scoured the internet, reading countless buyer review comments, dry matter label analysis lists, and advice by experts to find the best dog food for small dogs. We have settled on the very best small breed dog food options and collated them into this easy-to-browse list to save you time and effort.

Notes from our DVM, Sara Ochoa: “If a small dog is having a hard time eating the kibble; try adding a small amount of water to the dry food to make it softer. I find this is very helpful with the very small dogs. ”

The best small breed dog foods come from brands who truly want the best for your dogs, just like you do. These foods are designed to ensure your dog gets enough meat protein, as well as essential ingredients such as Omega-3 fatty acids and chondroitin sulfate which help to fulfill your dog’s nutritional needs and address any potential health concerns. When looking for the best small breed dog foods, you also want to ensure the recipe contains no fillers, products high in unhealthy fat, or unnecessary carbs.

Not only this, you need to ensure that your choice of small breed dog food is tasty and appealing. Anyone who knows small dogs knows how fussy their eating habits can often be, especially when it comes to toy breeds.

I found that The Farmer’s Dog is the best overall dog food for small breeds because of its fresh whole food ingredients, however, we have plenty more options depending your pups individual needs.

Our Top 3 Picks

Our Top Pick
farmers dog food

The Farmer’s Dog

  • Healthier Fresh Dog Food
  • Convenient Subscription
  • Custom Formulated for Your Dog
Best FOR HIGH ENERGY
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy

BLUE Wilderness High Protein

  • Antioxidant-rich Lifesource Bits
  • High-Protein, Meat-Rich
  • For Strong Bones & Teeth
best EASY-TO-CHEW
Purina Pro Plan Puppy

Purina Beneful IncrediBites

  • Real farm-raised beef is the #1 ingredient
  • Nutrient-rich recipe
  • Easy-to-chew mini bites

Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best food for your small dogs, read our in-depth reviews below.

Quick Look at the Best Puppy Food for Small Dogs


  1. The Farmer’s Dog (Best Overall Dog Food)
  2. BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free (Best Dog Food for High Energy Needs)
  3. Purina Beneful IncrediBites (Best Easy-to-chew Nutritious Dog Food)
  4. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein (Best Premium Dry Dog Food)
  5. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini (Best Dog Food for Weight Maintenance)
  6. Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free (Best Dog Food for Hips and Joint Health)
  7. Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed (Best Dog Food for Digestive Health)
  8. Purina Bella Natural Bites (Best Dog Food for Clean Teeth & Reduced Plaque Buildup)
  9. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free (Best Complete Diet for Small Dogs)
  10. Wild Earth Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Allergy Relief)
  11. Ollie Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters)

Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.

Best Dog Food For Small Dogs

1. Farmer’s Dog Food

farmers dog food

Fresh human-grade food for dogs will always be the top contender for the best dog food for small dogs. The untreated and unprocessed ingredients of Farmer’s Dog Food are more easily absorbed into your dog’s system.

Every meal is made fresh in USDA-approved kitchens in the USA. Every recipe is veterinarian-approved and does not contain harmful ingredients, such as preservatives, fillers, and artificial additives. Farmer’s Dog Food is a healthy alternative to regular brands formulated by nutritionists.

The Farmer’s Dog offers four recipes which are pork, beef, chicken, and turkey with a variety of ingredients for each.

Why We Liked It – The food being fresh really makes it stand out against traditional kibbles, which are highly processed regardless of what many brands claim. The fresh protein sources lovingly prepared for these small breed dog foods are perfect for maintaining healthy energy levels in adult dogs.

Nutrition Information (Calorie Weighted Basis):

Protein27%
Fat37%
Carbs36%

Pros:

+ Human-grade food.
+ Freshly made.
+ Made in USDA-certified kitchens.
+ Vet-approved.

Cons:

– Farmer’s Dog Food has high carbs with low protein content
– Foods without grain is not suitable for every canine

Try Our Favorite Fresh Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog

Fresh dog food is the better, healthier option for your fur baby.

The Farmer's Dog a service that delivers balanced, freshly made pet food with simple recipes, guided by science, and driven by love.

It's loaded with quality human-grade meat, fruits, veggies and superfoods in a vet-approved recipe.

COUPON: GET 50% OFF FARMER'S DOG

Want to learn more? Read our in depth Farmer’s Dog Review.

2. BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free

BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free

This small breed grain-free food utilizes the blue buffalo life protection formula to support a long and happy life for all small dogs. The high protein content in this top-rated small breed canine kibble comes from deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal. This makes for ideal healthy and nutritious sustenance for small breed dogs. This grain-free recipe dry dog food product is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other essentials.

The exclusive Blue Wilderness LifeSource bits also contain a unique blend of antioxidants and vitamins, to help boost the immune system of your small dog. These LifeSource bits have been selected by animal nutritionists and holistic veterinarians to create the best small breed dry kibble possible.

Blue Wilderness’s grain-free recipe also comes with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or animal by-products. The fish meal and chicken meal this recipe contains help to protect joints, making it ideal for small breed senior dogs.

Why We Liked It – Who wouldn’t want to find the healthiest food for smaller breeds, such as Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians? With the blue buffalo life protection formula, owners of small breed dogs can rest assured that they are providing their little ones with the best life chances.

This Blue Wilderness small breed grain-free kibble has all the ideal nutrients to keep a small pup going throughout all life stages. It also comes in a conveniently small kibble size that is easy for small jaws to chew.

Nutrition Information:

Calories/cup409 kcal/cup
Fiber6.0% max
Fat15.0% min
Protein34.0% min
Moisture %10.0% max
Omega-30.5% min
Omega-62.75% min
Glucosamine400 mg/kg min
Calcium1.4% min

Pros:

+ Free from grains and full of natural protein sources.
+ LifeSource bits expertly formulated with vitamins and antioxidants.
+ One of the most trusted dog food brands in terms of buyer review feedback.
+ Fish meal and chicken meal provide Glucosamine for healthy bones and joints in small breed dogs.

Cons:

– Not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
– Not suitable for dogs with allergies

3. Purina Beneful IncrediBites

Purina Beneful IncrediBites

Purina creates dry dog food meals which small breed dogs love! This Purina dog food product sources its animal protein from real beef or chicken. The meat protein content is then complemented by a mixture of carrots, peas, barley, and other healthy grains and carbs to provide your dog with its ideal energy levels.

Despite requiring smaller portion sizes than large breed dogs, smaller dogs need energy too. With the Purina Beneful IncrediBites product line, your dog will have a small kibble meal of dry dog food which is easy to chew with small mouths. The recipe contains healthy carbs and low-fat content to keep your small dog outmaneuvering its large breed competitors.

Purina foods for small breeds also contain twenty-three vitamins and minerals which help to promote healthy digestion.

Why We Liked It – The best dog kibbles for small breed dogs aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones. Beneful food is a good budget option and is among one of the healthiest pet kibbles for small breed dogs. Know more about this brand through Beneful Dog Food Review.

What’s more, thanks to the mixture of soft and crunchy kibbles in this product line, your small breed dogs can get all of the dental benefits of dry dog food with some of the texture that makes wet food so appealing.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Rotisserie Chicken?

Nutrition Information:

Calories/cup404 kcal/cup
Fiber4.0% max
Fat13.5% min
Protein26.0% min
Moisture %12.0% max

Pros:

+ 23 different vitamins and minerals.
+ Contains real beef or chicken, as well as healthy, low-fat carbs to help maintain energy levels.
+ Mix of crunchy and softer bites.
+ Affordable price.

Cons:

– Contains corn gluten meal which has fewer nutrients than meat-based protein

4. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein

Taste of the Wild High Protein - Dogs Best Food

Our tiny and adorable pups deserve to get the best puppy kibble for smaller breeds so they can grow up strong and live a healthy life alongside us for as long as possible. Taste of the Wild knows this and they have developed a product that qualifies as the best dog food for little dogs.

Taste of the Wild promotes lean muscle with all the high-quality meat ingredients listed. They use a good mixture of fresh meat and meat meal, which guarantees a satisfactory level of protein content. s

The meat content is complemented with a mixture of vegetables, fruits, and legumes. These include strawberries, blueberries, and lentils. This product is grain-free and has added taurine for heart health. Vitamins, minerals, Omega fatty acids, and antioxidants are found naturally within the products used to make this small breed dry dog food.

Why We Liked It – Taste of the Wild goes all out when it comes to supplying rations that are rich in protein, which is something a pup naturally needs to stay healthy, energetic, and strong.

They incorporate ingredients that have a natural vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant content. This means each bowl is completely free from grains and fillers.

Nutrition Information:

Calories/cup370 kcal/cup
Fiber4.0% max
Fat18.0% min
Protein32.0% min
Moisture %10.0% max
Omega-30.3% min
Omega-62.8% min

Pros:

+ No grains, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
+ Contains berries with antioxidants, as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
+ Different flavor varieties to choose from.
+ Meat ingredients for high protein content.

Cons:

– Not suitable for dogs with allergies

5. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini kibble for small breed dog

Small pups are often prone to gum disease and tooth loss, especially if they are used to a diet of wet food. To help fight against this, Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini use a proven kibble technology to reduce tartar and prevent the initial stage of oral problems in canines.

The nutritional content is also adjusted to fit the specific needs of small pups and miniature breeds. The recipe contains a careful blend of chicken, chicken fat, chicken meal, brown rice, and beet pulp to provide the perfect level of carbs and fat content for your furry friend. Brown rice is also high in fiber, to help aid healthy digestion.

Why We Liked It – This is a brand with plenty of instinct and experience in the business of creating the best dog food for small breed animals.

Royal Canin has taken a comprehensive approach to nutrition with this food. Kibble technology actively reduces those pesky tartar levels which can build up with reliance on wet food. Meanwhile, the chicken meal helps to protect joints, and the brown rice aids digestion.

Nutrition Information:

Calories/cup370 kcal/cup
Fiber4.0% max
Fat18.0% min
Protein32.0% min
Moisture %10.0% max
Omega-30.3% min
Omega-62.8% min

Pros:

+ Reduces tartar with kibble technology.
+ EPA and DHA for healthy skin and coat.
+ Great for digestion and maintaining normal metabolism.
+ Suitable for all small breeds.

Cons:

– Includes chicken by-product meal
– Has corn as a filler ingredient

6. Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free

Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free - Best Dogs Food

The best canine meals for small breed pooches are those that give your pup the nutrients they need to stay healthy throughout their life. Merrick dog food stands out with its high meat content, with 70% of the ingredients being meat products, such as chicken, chicken fat, and chicken meal. This allows Merrick pet food to help build lean muscle, maintain joints and utilize healthy fat to aid cognitive development.

They have a variety of recipes to choose from deboned beef, chicken, salmon, and lamb to find the variety that your small breed will like best. Little breeds can be picky eaters, but they will have a hard time resisting the meaty flavor of this easily chewed kibble, making it a good puppy kibble for small fur babies with a refined taste.

Probiotic fiber works alongside the brown rice content to aid in digestion. Merrick also contains Omega fatty acids to keep the skin and coat healthy and is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Why We Liked ItMerrick Lil Plates Grain-Free is a healthy food choice for smaller pups that will care for your fur baby from the inside and out. It also contains one of the highest levels of real meat content on this list.

Beneficial fat and fatty acids work alongside various nutrients to promote healthier skin and a shinier coat, while elements such as lamb meal and salmon meal help to keep joints in optimum condition.

Nutrition Information:

Calories/cup402 kcal/cup
Fiber3.5% max
Fat15.0% min
Protein38.0% min
Moisture %11.0% max
Omega-30.80% min
Omega-63.00% min
Glucosamine800 mg/kg min

Pros:

+ High percentage of real meat.
+ High fiber food with brown rice and healthy fatty acids.
+ Free from unhealthy fat and inferior animal by-products.
+ Cooked in the USA.

Cons:

– Product has meal-rendered recipes which is a lower source of nutrients
– Not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs

7. Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed

Hill’s Science Diet Small Breed dog food

Next up we have this complete and balanced small food for pups between the ages of 1 and 6. It is rich in vitamin C and E, which prolong life expectancy and maintain overall health. Vitamin E also works alongside Omega-6 fatty acids to nurture a healthy coat, while chondroitin sulfate protects problematic joints.

This chicken and rice recipe has no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors. Its antioxidant benefits have been clinically proven and it is rich in calcium and high-quality protein. Hill’s Science offers easy-to-digest recipes, high-quality protein sources, and Omega-6 with Vitamin E to support your dog’s skin and coat health.

Hill’s is one of the best brands for little breeds due to their lengthy experience in the business. Their small breed pet food is precisely balanced to fit the needs of our four-legged friends.

Why We Liked It – These kibbles are easy to digest for any small breed pups and kind on their sensitive stomachs so that your furry friends can enjoy their meals without worrying about stomach aches.

Nutrition Information:

Calories/cup371 kcal/cup
Fiber4.0% max
Fat12.5% min
Protein20.0% min
Omega-62.5% min
Calcium0.65% min

Pros:

+ Clinically proven antioxidant benefits.
+ Nutrients to prolong life expectancy.
+ Rich in vitamin C, E, and Omega-6 fatty acids.
+ Calcium for teeth and bone health.

Cons:

– Contains a meal rendered chicken meat

8. Purina Bella Natural Bites

Purina Bella Natural Bites small dog food

Take Purina Bella Natural Bites into consideration when choosing the best small breed kibble for your dog. These contain a great blend of vitamins and minerals, alongside healthy carbs and real chicken or beef.

These small and soft bites are hard to resist and there is plenty of nutrition hiding inside every single kibble to help support a strong immune system.

Why We Liked It – Their recipes contains a good mix of protein, vegetables, and added vitamins so that you won’t have to worry about giving your small breed dog extra vitamin supplements.

Nutrition Information:

Calories/cup358 kcal/cup
Fiber4.0% max
Fat15.5% min
Protein26.0% min
Moisture %12.0% max
Calcium1.1% min

Pros:

+ Made with real beef and chicken.
+ Strengthens the immune system.
+ Nutritious and delicious.
+ Bite-sized for small breed mouths.

Cons:

– Includes animal by-product which is a cheaper ingredient
– Not suitable for dogs with food allergies

9. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free

Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free dog food

Wellness Core Dog Food is a 100% grain-free and protein-rich food made to cater to those higher energy level pets without resorting to unnecessary filler or fat content.

Each kibble is filled with premium chicken and turkey, calcium, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and Glucosamine. Flaxseed and salmon oil both work miracles for healthy skin and a shiny coat. All of this ensures this is among the best dry dog food for small breeds out there.

Why We Liked It – Everyone wants to find the best food for their small breed dog. Wellness Core uses only natural components to achieve this, including fatty acids such as Omega-3 and 6 to aid the immune system and help maintain coat health.

The matter label analysis of this food also proves an impressive 54% meat content!

Nutrition Information:

Calories/cup412 kcal/cup ME
Fiber5.0% max
Fat16.0% min
Protein36.0% min
Moisture %10.0% max
Omega-30.5% min
Omega-63.0% min
Glucosamine250 mg/kg min
Calcium2.0% max

Pros:

+ All-natural components.
+ Contains high-quality deboned turkey and chicken.
+ Glucosamine for healthy bones.
+ Free from grains and corn.

Cons:

– Includes meal-rendered products which can be a lower source of nutritional value
– Not suitable for dogs with kidney conditions because the product contains legumes

10. Wild Earth Dog Food

Wild Earth Large Bag

Our number one choice of dog food for small dogs goes to the excellent company Wild Earth. This company offers an extremely high-quality product that is kind to your wallet, your dogs, and the earth.

Wild Earth only uses the very best, sustainable ingredients to ensure that your dog gets all of the tailored nutrition they need. They understand that dogs are omnivores and so include plenty of high-quality fruits and vegetables alongside specially selected meats to ensure a high protein content that is achieved in a sustainable way. You’ll find no meat by-products or inferior products like corn gluten meal here, only ingredients specially selected for their high content of vitamins and minerals.

What’s more, our choice of the best food is delivered straight to your door. It really couldn’t be more convenient.

Why We Like It – Our choice of best dog food is an all-around ideal meal for your pet. The special blend of fruits and vegetables works alongside ethically sourced meat to ensure a high protein content. These dog foods are convenient, environmentally friendly, and packed full of health benefits.

In terms of quality calories per pound and animal protein content, you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative to the small breed dog foods provided by Farmer’s Dog Food.

Nutrition Information:

Calorie Content ME3557 kcal / kg or 333 kcal / cup
Fiber5% max
Fat10.5% min
Protein31% min
Moisture %10% max
Omega-31.0% min
Omega-63.0% min

The ingredients in Wild Earth Dog Food all serve a beneficial purpose supported by scientists, nutritionists, and veterinarians.

Pros:

+ Developed by veterinarians for the best dog nutrition content.
+ Ecologically sustainable without compromising on protein content.
+ Delivered straight to your door.
+ 100% money-back guarantee.

Cons:

– Your pooch may not receive all the essential nutrients they need from a no-meat diet

Check Latest Price

11. Ollie Dog Food

Ollie Chicken Recipe

Another subscription service for small breed dog food is definitely part of our list. Every meal from this product line is personally tailored to your pup, taking into account their size, eating habits, preferences, and age.

This way, Ollie can guarantee proper sustenance and nutrition for all adult dogs and puppies. Buyer review feedback proves how small breed dogs fed with Ollie only receive the best, fresh, human-grade ingredients without all the unnecessary fillers.

Ollie offers fresh food products and grain-inclusive recipes formulated by a veterinarian. The four recipes are beef, chicken, lamb, and turkey. Their formula does not contain any cheap and filler ingredients like corn or wheat. What’s great is they also have no artificial flavors or any preservatives in their food.

Why We Liked It – Small breed dogs are undoubtedly fussy eaters. This can often cause their owners a headache when identifying which dog food brands include all the essential fatty acids and protein sources their small breed dogs require without compromising taste.

This is why Ollie provides some of the best dog food on the market. Their delicious beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey options are personalized to a degree that is impossible with your average store-bought dry dog food brand.

Nutrition Information:

Calorie Content MEServing depends on the weight
Fiber2%
Fat3%
Protein10%
Moisture %73% max

Pros:

+ Specifically tailored to individual small breed dogs.
+ Human-grade ingredients, including real animal protein in every meal.
+ Made from fresh and quality meat, a good source of protein.
+ Delivered to your door.

Cons:

– Can cost more than conventional pet food brand

BONUS BUY: Pedigree Dentastix Toy/Small Dog Treats

Pedigree Dentastix Toy/Small Dog Treats

Pedigree Dentastix Toy/Small Dog Treats are great for their dual approach to dog well fare. They keep your dog happy and occupied with a chewable treat, while also cleaning their teeth and gums. Pedigree Dentastix help to prevent gum disease and provide a fresher breath.

Be careful not to overfeed your small pup and to count this treat into their total daily food intake to prevent them from getting fat. Fat dogs often experience complications with their joints, hearts, and more.

Nutrition Information:

Crude Protein8.0% min
Crude Fat1.0% min
Crude Fiber4.5% max
Moisture18.0% max

Check Amazon Price

Try Our Favorite Fresh Dog Food: The Farmer’s Dog

Fresh dog food is the better, healthier option for your fur baby.

The Farmer's Dog a service that delivers balanced, freshly made pet food with simple recipes, guided by science, and driven by love.

It's loaded with quality human-grade meat, fruits, veggies and superfoods in a vet-approved recipe.

COUPON: GET 50% OFF FARMER'S DOG

Small Breed Dog Food Buyer’s Guide

person feeding small breed dog food to a smaller dog
Image by Olha from Pixabay

Big and small breeds are similar in many ways. They have the same need for love, exercise, and discipline. However, there are some large differences when it comes to the nutritional needs of big dogs, such as German Shepherds, and small pups, such as Yorkies.

Smaller dogs are prone to oral hygiene problems like tooth loss and infected gums. These can be prevented with an appropriately sized kibble, along with frequent tooth brushing and dental care. A small breed will also have different needs when it comes to energy content, fat levels, and protein requirements, so it is important to pick the right food for your small breed pups.

Familiarizing yourself with harmful and helpful food content can help you make the right decision. Once you understand the basics, finding the best dry food for a small breed becomes a lot less intimidating. Below are some pointers for what to look for in the healthiest dog meals for small breeds.

Kibble Size & Dental Health

Properly sized kibbles can help keep your pup’s teeth clean and tartar-free, which is essential when it comes to preventing oral disease and teeth loss – especially for older fur babies.

The healthiest dog foods for small dogs will have a kibble size that is proportional to the measurement of their mouth. These can also be supplemented with dental treats and chews.

Quality ingredients

Always have look at the ingredients before making a decision, especially the first and second components. Aim for at least one of these to be quality meat or fish product, such as deboned chicken, beef, or lamb. This will ensure sure the product contains enough protein for your pooch.

Stay away from cheap products listing any type of animal by-products, since these are often from unnamed and unreliable sources. They may be leftovers from a slaughterhouse, like chicken beaks or other chicken parts deemed unfit for human consumption. You never really know, so it is better to avoid these where possible. The protein content in by-products is also generally a lot lower than real meats. Matter label analysis on the food packing can also help you work out what your dog’s food really contains.

When looking for flavors, chicken can, unfortunately, cause more allergic reactions than other types of high protein meats like beef and pork. However, chicken is often one of the most widely and cheaply available meats, making it a great choice of low-fat protein if your pooch can handle it.

Meals such as chicken meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal can also be a healthy source of protein. However, we recommend wholesome foods when feeding your small breed puppy. Puppies have more demanding nutritional needs since they reach maturity faster than larger breeds. You don’t need to steer clear of dog foods using meals for protein entirely, but supplementing a diet based around these would be helpful. Meals such as lamb meal and salmon meal also contain compounds helpful for maintaining healthy joints.

You might also want to keep an eye out for natural components, since feeding your dog a natural diet comes with proven health benefits. Whether you are looking for the best dry food for smaller pups or the best wet canine food for little breeds – you want to go for quality, since good food will increase your pup’s chances of living a long and healthy life.

You may also want to pay attention to the calories per serving when feeding your pup. Depending on how active your pooch is, the recommended amount of calories per serving will vary. If you take this into consideration, it will be easier to manage your dog’s energy intake and avoid overfeeding.

The Picky Eater

No matter how much you love dogs there’s no denying that all dogs have different personalities. Some small pups don’t seem to like any food, no matter what you offer them. As such, many owners find themselves struggling to get their beloved pup to eat. Especially with a small breed, foods can be hard to choose for them because you always have to consider their overall well-being.

Medical reasons for pickiness should always be considered and ruled out by having your dog checked by a vet. However, if it is just a case of having a picky small breed pup on your hands – the issue can usually be resolved by finding the right food!

Experiment with different options to see if you can tempt your pet with different brands or flavors. If your dog is one of those pups who seems to get tired of a flavor after a while, even though they loved it at first, try a product that comes in a variety of flavors.

Serving Size & Weight

Small pooches are the kings and queens of using their irresistible puppy eyes to get what they want and this includes dog foods and treats. Do not fall for it!

Always read the serving size indications on the back of the kibble bag before serving to make sure your pup gets the right amount of food for their weight. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and an overweight canine is at a much higher risk of injury, illness, and disease.

You obviously want to keep your pup happy, healthy and active and you can easily do so by sticking to the correct serving sizes.

What is the best food for toy breed dogs?

Most pup owners wonder what the healthiest pup food for small dogs is, especially if they are the proud owner of a tiny toy breed.

You will want to choose a kibble that is as bite-sized as possible to avoid having your pup strain his or her jaw when eating.

One good option is the ‘Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed’ food for small breeds under 25lbs. It contains all the nutrition your toy breed needs and is designed to be easily chewed and consumed by a miniature pup.

Which dog food for a small senior dog?

Always look for a kibble that is aimed at senior dogs. BLUE Wilderness High Protein is an excellent option due to its elevated protein content, as well as added Glucosamine and Chondroitin which protect and strengthen joints and bones.

This product also boasts a composition of fruits, berries, and vegetables that are packed with natural antioxidants and vitamins.

What dog food for a small breed puppy?

While some dog owners prefer to use puppy food first and then slowly switch over to an adult kibble, there are several products that are suitable for all life stages.

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein’ works well for dogs in all life stages, from puppies to adults to seniors. This makes it a good all-around option, especially for puppy owners who also have adult dogs.

What is the best cheap dog food for little dogs?

Purina Beneful IncrediBites’ is an affordable small dog dry food, which might be the right choice for the doggy parent who is looking for a cheaper option.

The small kibble bites are perfect for small breeds and toy dogs. It comes fully packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants. This ensures taking proper care of your dog remains both easy and cheap.

Not everyone is able to (or wants to) spend a fortune on pet products, and that is okay, so have a look at the option mentioned above and see if it is something that could work for you.

Best food for small breed dogs with sensitive stomachs?

Have a look at ‘Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free’, which is the best canine food free from poultry, grains, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. This makes it very gentle on the stomach of a sensitive dog.

It boasts plenty of nutrients and protein to keep your pup going, without upsetting their stomach in the process. They also offer several different flavor varieties, which is great in case your dog is allergic to any one product.

Conclusion

So, then, which pet food brand is the best for little breeds?

Unfortunately, there is no straight answer but it’s best to follow your instinct. It all depends on your pooch and your price preferences. Have a browse through this list and weigh up the pros of each of these brands against your situation. Have a fussy eater? Consider a pack with lots of variety. Have a pup with a dull coat or flaky skin? Try a product rich in Omega-3.

It is okay to not get it right straight away. It might even require a few attempts, but with patience and knowledge – you will eventually find the right brand for your hound.

Expert Tip

Remember to never switch foods from one day to another. Always do it gradually by mixing the two kibble types to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.

Did You Know?

The smallest dog breed is officially the Chihuahua. However, occasionally you will find individuals of other breeds – such as the Yorkshire Terrier – who are even smaller than Chihuahuas. Got a Chihuahua? Why not try our Chihuahua dog food Review?

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