Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

Nutritional Needs & Food for Small Dogs

Small and medium size dogs have special needs. Dog food for small dogs are tailored for dogs mostly 20 lb. or less. These smaller dogs have a higher metabolic rate than regular or large-breed dogs, so they burn energy more quickly. Also, they need a nutrient-diet that gives them lots of nutrition in a small amount of food. That is because their stomachs is just not big relative to their needs.

When it comes to feeding your small dog, you want to make sure you’re giving them the best possible nutrition. One way to do this is by choosing a high-quality dog food specifically designed for small breeds. Small breed dog foods usually have higher levels of protein and fat than regular dog foods, as well as smaller kibble sizes that are easier for small mouths to chew.

Benefits of feeding your small dog a small breed specific dog food include:

Improved digestion – Smaller kibble sizes make it easier for small dogs to digest their food properly.

More energy – Small breed dogs need more calories per pound of body weight than larger breeds, so a small breed specific food will help them maintain their energy levels.

Healthy skin and coat – The right balance of nutrients in a small breed dog food will help to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.

Smaller stools – Because small breed dog foods are more easily digestible, your dog will produce smaller, less smelly stools.

 

Best Dog Food For Small Breeds

Dog food for small dogs

As such, dog food for small dogs are formulated

  • for high digestibility,
  • as smaller, nutrient-dense kibble ideal for dog breeds with smaller mouths and stomach,
  • for short digestive tracts, and
  • for higher metabolisms.

We have featured wet or canned dog food for small dogs, and dry dog food for small dogs here.

 

FAQs about Dog Food for Small Dogs

Q: How often should I feed my small dog?

A: The frequency of meals will depend on your individual dog’s appetite and energy levels. Small breed dogs typically do well with 2-3 meals per day.

Q: Is a small breed dog food more expensive than regular dog food?

A: Small breed specific foods can be slightly more expensive than regular dog foods, but the increased nutrition and smaller kibble sizes are worth it for small breed dogs. If you’re on a budget, look for sales or manufacturer promotions so that you can stock up on your pet’s favorite food without breaking the bank.

Q: What should I look for when choosing a dog food for my small dog?

A: When selecting a dog food for your small breed, it’s important to choose one that contains high-quality ingredients and is formulated specifically for the needs of smaller dogs. Look for a formula that is rich in protein and healthy fats, such as those found in chicken, salmon, eggs, or nuts. Additionally, make sure the recipe contains plenty of vitamins and minerals to support your pet’s health and keep him feeling his best. Some key nutrients to look for include calcium and phosphorus to promote strong bones, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.

Q: What are the benefits of feeding my small dog a high-quality food?

There are many benefits that come with feeding your pet a high-quality diet made specifically for small dogs. One important benefit is that your pup will get all the nutrients they need in proportionate amounts to support their smaller body size and activity level. This means that they won’t have to eat as much, which makes having a healthy weight much easier.

Another benefit is that premium foods often contain more easily digestible ingredients. This is important for small dogs because their stomachs are proportionately smaller, so they can’t handle large meals as well as their larger counterparts. By feeding them a food that’s easy to digest, you’ll help keep their energy levels up and minimize the risk of digestive issues.

Top 10 Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

We have evaluated dozens of top-rated dog food for small breed dogs in the market to bring you the best ones. Here are our reviews and recommendations on high-quality dog food for small breeds for you to choose from based on your pup’s diet needs.

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Pea Starch, Dried Tomato Pomace, Peas, Pea Protein, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Hydrochloride, Niacin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • BLUE BUFFALO Life Protection Formula  Dog Food For Small Dogs.
  • Real meat  – as the first ingredient.
  • High Quality Protein – from real chicken helps your small dog build and maintain healthy muscles
  • Contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit.
  • Contain increased levels of protein and carbohydrates
  • LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health.
  • No corn, wheat, soy
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives.
  • 15 lb bag.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, Grain Sorghum, Dried Beet Pulp, Egg Product, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salt, Dried Chicory Root, L-Carnitine, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya, Biotin, Niacin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • DIAMOND Naturals Small Breed Adult Dog Food
  • Chicken & Rice Recipe
  • High Quality Protein – made with real cage free chicken for small dogs.
  • Nutrients Rich – with added vitamins & minerals, fruits and vegetables
  • Omega Fatty Acids – blend for healthy Skin and coat.
  • Highly Digestible – with Probiotics for your GI tract
  • No corn, wheat
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added.
  • 18 lb bag.

Ingredients:

Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat, Oats, Tomato Pomace, Tomatoes, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrots, Spinach, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Apples, Taurine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Folic Acid, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • WELLNESS Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food
  • Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe.
  • High Quality Proteins and Wholesome Grain nutrients –  for your small breed dog needs to thrive
  • No meat by products, fillers, or artificial preservatives
  • Antioxidant Rich – to support strong immune systems.
  • Omega Fatty Acids – ensure healthy skin and coat
  • Probiotics and Taurine – for a healthy heart
  • 12 lb bag.

Ingredients:

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat, Quinoa, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Carrots, Apples, Taurine, Chia Seed, Folic Acid, Niacin, Biotin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • MERRICK Small breed dry dog food.
  • Fiber and WholeGrains –  blend of grains including brown rice, barley and quinoa.
  • High Quality Protein – from meat for healthy energy levels and building muscle mass
  • Nutritious – include real, whole foods like carrots, apples, blueberries
  • No corn, wheat, soy
  • Omega Fatty Acids – supports healthy skin and coat
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin – help maintain healthy hip and joint function.
  • 12 lb bag.

IAMS Proactive Health, Small Breed

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Carrots, Biotin, Niacin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • IAMS Proactive Health Small Breed Dog Food
  • Chicken and Whole Grains Recipe.
  • 1st ingredient is real, farm-raised chicken
  • Omega 6 Fatty Acids – promotes skin and coat health with omega-6 fatty acids
  • Quality Protein – help to build strong muscles
  • Supports Small Breed Dog’s Immune System – with antioxidants
  • Veterinarians recommend IAMS.
  • 15 lb bag.

PURINA Pro Plan Savour, Dog Food for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

Chicken, Ground Rice, Soybean Meal, Beef Tallow Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Germ Meal, Dried Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Glycerin, Wheat Bran, Fish Meal, Salt, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • PURINA Pro Plan With Probiotics, Weight Control Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Shredded Blend 
  • Chicken & Rice Formula
  • High-quality protein – with real chicken as the #1 ingredient
  • Probiotics Fortified – to support digestive & immune health
  • High Nutrient Density – for higher metabolic rates found in small dogs.
  • 6 lb bag.

PEDIGREE, Small Dog Food

Ingredients:

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Animal Fat, Meat And Bone Meal, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Salt, Dried Peas, Biotin, Folic Acid, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Dog Food for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Meal, Split Peas, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Barley, Lamb Meal, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Rice Bran, Dried Sweet Potato, Natural Flavor, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Dried Apples, Dried Blueberries, Dried Carrots, Taurine, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Adult Dog Food.
  • Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe
  • Wholesome – with farm raised chicken as the first ingredient, with natural fiber for healthy digestion
  • Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids – to promote healthy skin and shiny coat.
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
  • 15 lb bag.

PURINA Beneful, Canned Dog Food for Small Dogs

Highlights:

  • PURINA Beneful IncrediBite, Small Breed Wet Dog Food Variety Pack.
  • 3 Varieties in Pack – (1) Real beef, tomatoes, carrots & wild rice (2) Real chicken, tomatoes, carrots & wild rice, (3) Real salmon, tomatoes, carrots & wild rice.
  • Made with real beef, chicken or salmon
  • 100% complete and balanced – dog food for small dogs.
  • 27 cans, each can is 3 oz.

BLUE BUFFALO Freedom, Wet Dog Food for Small Dogs

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Fish Oil, Blueberries, Cranberries, Salt, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, L-Carnitine, Biotin, Others, Vitamins, Minerals.

Highlights:

  • BLUE BUFFALO Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food
  • Chicken Recipe.
  • Nutrients Rich – high quality protein from real chicken and complex carbohydrates to meet smaller dogs’ higher energy needs
  • Grain Free – no corn, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
  • 24 cans, each can is 5.5 oz.
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