Looking for the best dog food for small dogs? Look no further. Today’s guide shines a light on the best food for small breeds. Accompanying our top picks is an insightful guide to help you provide the best nutrition to your fur babies.
Cute, snuggly, apartment-friendly and everything nice, small dogs are fascinating creatures. They may be of small stature but have big personalities.
The same goes for their dietary needs and their small stature should not fool you. They should be looked after in the best way possible as they brighten up our lives by being our friends and home companions.
Picking healthy and nutritious foods fit for their dietary requirements is one form of this care. In case you are wondering where to start with selecting the best dog food for small dogs, here is a list of various brands that we have compiled to give you a head start.
#1) Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dog Food
Dogs have a stomach created to primarily digest meat as they draw this attribute from their ancestors who feasted on the prey they caught during a hunt. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formulates its foods to purposely give your pooch a taste of its ancestral roots.
As the best dog for small dogs, the food uses venison, lean meat as its chief source of protein in the food. It has less cholesterol than beef therefore good for the pup’s heart health and weight. It is also rich in vitamin B, zinc and iron.
Lamb meal is used to complement the protein supply to assist with the formation, development and maintenance of body muscles and tissues. It is appealing to finicky eaters and is good for small dogs that have food-related allergies.
To regulate his blood sugar level, garbanzo beans commonly known as chickpeas are included in the kibble. They boost fiber content from other ingredients to give your dog a healthy functioning body. Antioxidants are drawn from different fruits and veggies to protect your dog from diseases.
Pre and pro-biotics present in the food produce healthy bacteria for the gastro intestine for healthy digestion. This is a complete and balanced dog food with a good vitamin-mineral blend to boost the nutrient content for a healthy body.
Benefits
- Rich in protein for healthy strong muscle formation, development and formation
- Pre- and pro-biotics that promote the thriving of healthy bacteria in the gut for smooth digestion
- Vitamins and minerals for boosted immunity
- Elimination of artificial preservatives and use of natural ones such as ascorbic acid
#2) Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Dog Food
If your pup shows a disliking for food that contains peas, potatoes or lentils then this Merrick Classic recipe is the best dog food for small dogs to pick. With the elimination of the peas and potatoes, it incorporates wholesome grains such as oatmeal, quinoa, barley and brown rice.
Deboned chicken is the first ingredient with chicken and turkey meals topping up on protein requirements. Chicken fat is used to bring a natural tasty flavor to this dog food. Vitamins and minerals are well put together in the food to promote a healthy nervous system, blood cells and bones.
Chia seeds listed among the ingredients bring in fiber, anti-inflammatory properties and help regulate blood sugar levels. Flaxseeds are used as well and work with the Chia seeds to produce Omega-3 acids for shiny healthy skin.
Flaxseeds are also good for adrenal support and protection against diseases. This food contains a reasonable amount of salt. Salt is important for fluid balance in the dog’s body and the functioning of cells too. Mixed tocopherols are used in place of artificial preservatives, as a natural and safe means of giving the food longer shelf life.
Benefits
- Uses healthy wholesome grains for optimal health
- Use of natural flavors and preservatives good for your dog’s body
- Promotes healthy skin from Omega fatty acids drawn from animal and plant-based sources
- Contains small-sized kibble for easy feeding
#3) Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food
Blue Buffalo has been in the pet food industry for a long time and all their formulations use real meat as the first ingredient. From this meat, the dog’s body draws protein for lean muscle formation. As the best dog food for small dogs, this dog food has moderate carbohydrate quantities to supplement energy demands.
This dog food is also rich in minerals such as calcium that is essential for a good skeletal structure. Vitamins and antioxidants found in the food promote healthy body systems and organs.
Your pint-sized companion receives a good amount of Omega fatty acids for healthy lustrous skin. This dog food for small dogs is also made with zero corn, soy and poultry byproducts.
If your dog has a sensitive dental system or has a few missing teeth, this food offers a solution with its small-sized kibble. This also helps reduce tartar build-up in the teeth. This Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is among the best dog foods you should consider for your small buddy.
Benefits
- Protein is drawn from real meat and used as the first ingredient for lean muscle formation
- Small-sized kibble that reduces tartar build-up in teeth
- Rich in omega fatty acids for healthy lustrous skin
- Free of corn, soy and poultry byproducts
#4) Nulo Freestyle Salmon and Red Lentils Small Breed Dog Food
This dog food is largely focused on lowering carbohydrates levels in their food whilst still delivering exceptional nutrition for your fun-sized partner. By lowering the carb levels, the glycemic index is lowered.
This, therefore, means that the rate at which food is absorbed by your dog’s body will be slowed down and energy will be sustained for a longer period. This makes it a suitable food for small dogs suffering from diabetes.
This Nulo Freestyle recipe gets its best share of protein from deboned Salmon and is a grain-free diet. Deboned Salmon is rich in EPA and DHA, both being Omega-3 fatty acids, that assist in reducing chances of inflammation in the body.
These omega fatty acids also help in the brain development of puppies in pregnant dogs, support kidney function and boost immunity. Salmon is rich in vitamins and minerals essential for overall good health.
Miscanthus grass has been used as an ingredient and it is rich in fiber that supports digestion and good stool. Sweet potatoes are used as well to boost immunity and are low in fat but rich in vitamins.
Red lentils on the other hand are rich in antioxidants, have fiber to promote healthy bowel movement, and are low in carbohydrates minimizing chances of unwanted blood sugar spikes.
This dog food uses natural ingredients such as citric acid and mixed tocopherols for preservation. Give your bud a tail-wagging experience by serving him this food that ranks highly among the best dog food for small dogs.
Benefits
- A grain-free diet that is suitable for dogs that have food-related allergies
- Rich in EPA and DHA for healthy brain development in puppies
- Has sufficient fiber content for smooth digestion and healthy bowel movements
- Is a low glycemic index food suitable for diabetic dogs
#5) Instinct Original Small Breed Dog Foods
Instinct Original Dry dog food is another best dog food for small dogs. Instinct Original products are crafted with the main aim of retaining the natural state of nutrients as intact as possible making it one of the best dog foods being sold today.
This dog food is less processed but gives quality nutrition. Its first ingredient is a protein derived from farm-raised chicken. Every bite of this food gives your dog glucosamine and chondroitin supply that is good for their bones.
Fatty acids from chicken meat are good for skin health. Taurine in the food ensures your pup’s heart functions properly as he goes about his activities. This food is suitable for all life stages. Inclusive of vitamins and minerals, this food is the balanced diet that your small dog needs.
Benefits
- Rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bone structure
- Minimally processed to retain the natural state of the food intact
- Can be fed to dogs of all life stages
- Quality protein supply for lean muscle formation
#6) CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE LID Small Breed Dog Food
As its name suggests, this dog food puts together a minimal number of ingredients to minimize the exposure of your dog to food allergy triggers. Nutrition is however maintained at its best.
This high protein kibble draws this nutrient from real meat like bison, poultry or fish. Carbohydrates are derived from wholesome sources giving your dog fiber supply for his digestive process.
The food is gluten-free with no artificial fillers involved. Probiotics promote healthy digestion while fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat. The ingredients also produce antioxidants that promote a healthy oxidative balance in the body. This CANIDAE formula is also suitable for all life stages.
Benefits
- Minimizes allergies while maximizing nutrition
- Promotes healthy oxidative balance
- Gluten-free dog food with no artificial fillers
- High protein kibble
#7) Wellness Small Breed Breed Dog Food
This dog food offers a holistic approach to your pet’s nutrition. Your adult doggie needs a high energy supply at this stage. The turkey in this food is an excellent source of protein that provides energy with a low-calorie count.
Oats and oatmeal have fiber that aids digestion and adds to stool bulk. The natural chicken flavor is used in collaboration with spearmint extract to improve the palatability of the food.
Fresh fruits and vegetables supply vital vitamins and minerals. Healthy oils from Salmon fish boost immunity, promote good cell membrane formation and have anti-inflammatory advantages.
Also, the kibble sizes are made especially for your small dog’s jaws. Wellness produces some of the best dog food for small dogs and you should try this recipe.
Benefits
- Offers excellent nutrition for the adult life stage in small dogs
- Features real meat, turkey, as its first ingredient and primary source of protein
- Uses natural flavors to improve palatability
- Small kibble sizes made for your dog’s small teeth
#8) Halo Canned Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food
This recipe is the next recommendation on our review of the best dog food for small dogs. Wet dog foods are delivered at their finest state thanks to the invention of canning that sees to it that nutrients remain intact even in a wet form.
This dog food is suitable for extra small, small and toy breeds. The turkey broth is flavorful and appeals to picky eaters. The turkey and duck combo is a delicious treat with an abundant protein supply.
Natural fibers, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are blended in well in this dog food to promote healthy organ functioning and generally boost overall immunity. Your little fur friend will lick his bowl clean and his body will benefit from all the nutrients released by the ingredients.
Benefits
- Uses fresh real meat as the first ingredient
- Made of all-natural ingredients from different sources
- Wet dog food suitable for choosy dogs
- Offers all-round nutrition for extra small, small or toy breeds
#9) Diamond Naturals Small Breed Dog Food
This is one of the best dog food for small dogs that promote a healthy dental as it is made of conveniently sized kibble. Most of its protein is derived from chicken, chicken meal and egg products. It contains lauric acid, a form of fatty acid derived from coconuts that wards off infections. Oil from coconuts also maintains healthy well-moisturized skin.
Pumpkins are used to help regulate blood pressure and have beta-carotene for eye health. Quinoa is an ingredient in this food for fiber and is a good alternative to grains like corn.
Quinoa is good for the cardiovascular system. Kales, spinach, and oranges provide your pup’s body with vitamins and minerals such as potassium. This complete and balanced formula will bring out the best in your small dog.
Benefits
- Uses deboned chicken as its first ingredient
- Has healthy wholesome grains rich in fiber
- Contains essential oils for healthy skin
- Conveniently sized kibble that promotes clean teeth
#10) Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Dog Food
Small dogs attain adulthood from around ten months to one year and require continued quality nutrition in this phase. This Nutro Natural recipe gets most of its protein from chicken which is then supplemented by plant-based proteins for optimal nutrition. Glucosamine and chondroitin from the chicken are good for body joints.
Whole grain barley, rice and oatmeal are some of the healthy grains found in this food for good digestion. It is well packaged to keep it fresh and contains no corn, soy, or genetically modified products.
If you have an older small dog with some teeth pulled out or missing you could consider feeding them this food that is made of nutritious small-sized kibble. Grabbing this dog food guarantees value for your money and complete nutrition for your fur baby.
Benefits
- Real chicken supplies the body with protein for healthy muscles
- Nutrient-dense dog food that uses natural ingredients
- Rich in antioxidants for a healthy immune system
- Well packaged to retain the freshness of ingredients
Further Reading
- Best Dog Harness for Small Dogs
- Brushes for Short Haired Dogs
- Best Dog Cooling Pads
- Indoor Dog Houses for Small Dogs
- Best Washable Dog Beds
Best Dog Food for Small Dogs Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Selecting Best Dog Food for Small Dogs
Quality Ingredients
The ingredients used in dog foods release nutrients to his body and are largely classified as either macronutrients or micronutrients. Macronutrients are those that are required in large amounts for example proteins from muscle meats like venison whereas micronutrients are those required in small quantities like vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables.
All dog foods should constitute quality ingredients that are beneficial to every part of the body. The meal should contain adequate levels of basic ingredients such as protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. There should be a good balance between plant and animal-based protein as the dog’s body requires both.
As a pawparent, you should also look out for healthy fats and oils like sunflower and fish oil. Fiber is key and should feature on the ingredients list for purposes of weight management and proper digestion. The food should be well balanced and complete with all necessary supplements blended in.
Unique Dietary Needs
Small dogs may be tiny- bodied but they have great nutritional needs. Their metabolism is faster than that of larger breeds and they require to be fed nutrient-dense food to keep up with their body’s demands.
These dogs also burn calories much faster than the larger breeds therefore calories should be presently abundant in the best dog food for small dogs. Caution should be taken to avoid overfeeding them.
Their charm and pint-size may trick you into overindulging them in food which could cause rapid weight gain, accompanied by more health issues. A plentiful water supply is important for small dogs, as well as their quick metabolic rates, which may lead to dehydration.
Read: Benefits of Grain-Free Dog Food
Breed Type
Feeding your dog is also dependent on their breed and genetic make-up. Beagles, for example, are very energetic requiring a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats. When fed an unbalanced meal they might overburn protein causing their muscles to cramp.
Some breeds are slow in development like the Yorkshire Terrier and may be required to stay on the puppy formula a little longer. Others cannot store food but quickly convert it to energy-requiring you to feed them several times in a day.
Life Stage
During the dog’s puppy years, you have to go for a dog food that sets a good base for a strong development of bones, tissue and every other organ of the body.
They also have a higher metabolism than that of adults so they may feed several times a day. Once they have gone through puppyhood and are of age you can switch to adult dog food.
At this stage, they are highly active and with this switch, this need is catered for. You are also looking to extend their life expectancy by ensuring the internal and external are healthy and well maintained. At the senior dog life stage, the emphasis is on dog food that looks to maintaining good health and mitigating issues that come with old age.
Kibble Size
This is a very important factor in food for small dogs. They have a smaller throat, smaller teeth and therefore small jaw power. Their food should be made of small-sized kibble for them to chew easily without harming their teeth or choking. Always go for dog food with safely sized kibble for your little pal.
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Characteristics of Best Dog Food for Small Dogs
A small dog breed has unique nutritional requirements. For this reason, the best dog food for small dogs should be crafted specially to meet the diet and nutritional needs of the pet. Besides, the formulation should incorporate specific nutrients to support a healthy and vibrant life. The following are some of the attributes of the best dog food for small dogs:
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Smaller Kibble Size
Small dogs have smaller mouths that require smaller portions of food. A small-sized kibble will be friendly on the pet’s jaws and aid in the removal of tartar. A kibble that fits perfectly in your pup’s mouth is imperative for effortless chewing and promoting dental health. When looking for the best food for small dogs, select options specially designed for small and toy breeds.
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Adequate Healthy Fats
Fats are an important ingredient in a small dog’s diet. These pups tend to have a rapid metabolism than their larger cousins and as a result, the food designed for small dogs should have a higher fat content.
Fats provide energy to support the fast metabolism, promote skin and coat health, provide insulation and hence must to abundant in the best dog food for small dogs. Emphasis is laid on healthy fats as other types of fats may have negative effects on your Fido.
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Sufficient Proteins
Dogs are carnivores and so their diet should contain enough proteins. For small dogs, high-quality protein is imperative. Why insist on high-quality proteins? Small dogs can only take a small amount as they have smaller stomachs and so the little they ingest should be nutrients packed to furnish their bodies with the right amount of nutrition.
The best dog food for small dogs should have a protein content of about 24% to 36%. If you are going to feed your pup anything above that, seek your vet’s input first. Quality protein sources include fish, poultry and beef. Proteins from plant sources are also welcome but animal proteins are ideal as they contain a complete amino acid profile.
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Natural Fiber and Probiotics
Small dogs are susceptible to gastrointestinal problems. For this reason, it is good to consider dog food for small dogs that incorporate moderate amounts of natural fiber and probiotics.
The duo help promote the health of the digestive system and keep the issue at bay. Probiotics complement the work of the gut’s flora promoting proper digestion.
Read: Best Chew Toys for Puppies
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Minimal Carbohydrates
Small dogs gain weight at a faster rate. Recipes for best dog food for small dogs should therefore feature a low carb content. Carbohydrate sources such as pumpkin and sweet potatoes are a healthy choice for smaller pups.
Other excellent carb sources are fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Read the ingredient list carefully to ascertain the carbohydrate sources used in the recipe. Desist from feeding your pup food with grains like soy and wheat.
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High Content of Antioxidants
One positive characteristic of small dogs is that they live longer. This means free radicals in the body have more time to attack our pets and predispose them to ailments such as cancer.
For this reason, our pups need ninjas that neutralize these threats. Antioxidants help deal with the free radicals. Foods that have blueberries, kales and other superfood ingredients are rich in antioxidants that are key to the fight against free radicals.
Related Post: Best Dog Food for Beagles
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Dog Food for Small Dogs
Q: Why should I Feed my Dog Breed-Specific Food?
Dogs’ bodies are wired differently from one breed to the other. Their activity levels and body requirements will always vary which is why you should feed them a diet that fits their body requirements.
Q: When Should I Switch My Small Breed Puppy to Adult Food?
Small breed puppies attain adult weight faster than their larger canine cousins. From around ten months to one year, you should begin feeding them adult formulas. Introduction of the adult dog food should be done gradually to avoid shocking the digestive system.
Q: What should I look for on the dog food label?
The information on the dog food bag should highlight the ingredients used to make the food to give you a rough overview of the nutrients your dog will get from its consumption. From this information, you are then able to pick the type of food that fits your dog.
Conclusion
Finding the best food for small dogs can prove to be a challenge. In this review, we have narrowed down the search for you and we hope that the information will help you easily decide what to get your fur baby. Which dog food will you be trying first? All the above options are pawfect for your pup.