Small dogs are adorable creatures with very specific nutritional needs. In this article, we will go through those needs a little deeper and give you our 11 tips of the best dog food for small dogs. This includes both best dry dog food for small dogs and best wet dog food for small dogs.
Our tips come in alphabetical order and are the following.
- Blue Buffalo Blue Life Protection Delights Small Breed
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed
- Diamond Naturals Small Breed
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed
- Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed
- Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Small Breed
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed
- Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Shredded Blend Small Breed
- Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Appalachian Valley Small Breed
- Wellness CORE Grain Free Natural Small Breed
- Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe Small Breed
We will describe all our tips further down this article. In this guide, we only have food for small breed adults, but if you want to know more specifically about senior dogs or puppies, you can read more by following the links.
What you should consider when buying
So, what is the best dog food for small dogs? When you choose a food for your furry best friend, you need to know a few things about small dogs first.
Even though they have a small size, small breed dogs have lots of energy that can compete with larger breeds. They have a higher metabolic rate, which means they need more calories per pound than larger breeds. Due to their small size, they also have smaller stomachs than a larger dog, which means they need to get their food to be more caloric dense so that they can get all the nutrition in before they get full.
As always when buying dog food, the first ingredient on the list should always be real meat, fish, or poultry. Your dog needs the protein to be able to build and maintain lean muscle and this should come from a high-quality protein source.
With all this in mind, the best dog food for small dogs is high in calories and protein but also tastes good so your dog gets all the nutrients and energy they need to live a happy, healthy life.
This guide includes what dog food is best for small dogs in general, both wet food and dry food. If your dog has any problems such as allergies or a sensitive stomach, you should look for dog food specifically for that.
Our tips in closer detail
1. Blue Buffalo Blue Life Protection Delights Small Breed
Information: This is an entrée or a small meal for your small breed dog. The number one ingredient is real beef served with a savory sauce with potatoes and vegetables to give your dog the vitamins and minerals it needs. There are no artificial flavors in it, and it doesn’t contain any chicken or poultry. We think that this is the best wet dog food for small dogs.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Beef, Chicken, Beef Broth, Potatoes, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Peas & Carrageenan.
Type of food: Grain-free wet food.
Calories: 112 kcals per bowl.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed
Information: Blue Buffalo Life protection dry food for small breed dogs has a recipe that is specifically for the needs of small dogs. It has natural ingredients, and the first ingredient is real chicken, then comes wholesome whole grains and also fruits and veggies for the antioxidants. This dry food is formulated with an exact blend of proteins and carbohydrates so that you can give your small dog healthy and tasty food that fits its needs.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley & Menhaden Fish Meal.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive dry food.
Calories: 397 kcals per cup.
3. Diamond Naturals Small Breed
Information: Diamond Naturals dry food for small breeds uses cage-free chicken as a first ingredient and has small kibbles so your dog can easily pick it up and chew it. It has all the nutrients a small dog needs, helps to reduce plaque and contains superfood and probiotics.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, Grain Sorghum & Chicken Fat.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive dry food.
Calories: 418 kcal per cup.
4. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed
Information: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed dry food has a recipe tailored specifically for the needs of a small dog. The kibble has a small size so it’s easier to chew and contains easily digestive ingredients. The omega-6 and vitamin E helps your dog’s skin and coat to stay healthy and shiny and the protein from the chickens helps to build and keep lean muscles. Hill’s also has a special blend of antioxidants tailored for small and you breed dogs.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum & Chicken Fat.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive dry food.
Calories: 371 kcal per cup.
5. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed
Information: This dry food supports the overall health of your small dog with high-quality protein, whole grains and fruits and vegetables. It is rich in nutrients and has both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for the skin and coat and includes chondroitin and glucosamine for the joints and bones. The recipe supports an optimal digestion for your dog and the food is crafted in the US.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal & Oatmeal.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive dry food.
Calories: 342 kcals per cup.
6. Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Small Breed
Information: 84% of the protein in this food comes from real meat including for example salmon, turkey, and lamb for a good protein source with amino acids for lean muscles and a healthy heart. The kibbles are extra small so your small dog can eat it easily and is designed to give a delicious taste and a texture.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lamb Meal, Red Lentils & Sweet Potatoes.
Type of food: Grain-free dry food.
Calories: 422 kcal per cup.
7. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed
Information: This dog food for small breeds contains wholesome ingredients for a healthy life. The texture is crunchy to prevent plaque, has antioxidants for the immune system and natural fiber for digestion. High-quality protein comes from the chicken and the food is made with real ingredients from trusted partners such as farmers and suppliers.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice & Whole Grain Brown Rice.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive dry food.
Calories: 352 kcals per cup.
8. Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Shredded Blend Small Breed
Information: This food is a shredded blend formula. It contains multiple nutrients, for example calcium and phosphorus for the bones and teeth and small nutrient-dense kibbles so it’s easier for your dog to chew. Natural prebiotics and good fiber help your dog with digestion and a healthy stomach. This food also has omega-6, vitamin A and no artificial flavors or colors.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Chicken, Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Beef Fat, Corn Gluten Meal & Soybean Meal.
Type of food: Grain-inclusive dry food.
Calories: 397 kcal per cup.
9. Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Appalachian Valley Small Breed
Information: This grain-free dry food is high-digestible and is good for your small dog’s teeth. It contains the recommended number of amino acids for lean muscles and a healthy heart and gives your active dog the best conditions. It is also rich in antioxidants with all the legumes and fruits to support your dog’s wellbeing.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils & Pea Protein.
Type of food: Grain-free dry food.
Calories: 422 kcal per cup.
10. Wellness CORE Grain Free Natural Small Breed
Information: Wellness Core Grain Free Natural Small Breed Dry Dog Food contains turkey as a first ingredient and the chicken, salmon oil, fruits, and vegetables. It has small kibbles to make it easier for your dog to eat and is enhanced with antioxidants, probiotics, chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids amongst others. All this to give our dog the optimal food with all it needs for good health. It has no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas & Dried Ground Potatoes.
Type of food: Grain-free dry food.
Calories: 412 kcal per cup.
11. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe Small Breed
Information: This dog food was developed by nutrition experts and veterinarians and is crafted in the US. It is a balanced and natural dog food with protein, minerals, and vitamins to support your dog’s everyday life. It has omega fatty acids, antioxidants and prebiotics and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
First 6 ingredients on the list: Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat & Sweet Potatoes.
Type of food: Grain-free dry food.
Calories: 381 kcal per cup.
Read more: If you want to know more about cheap and price-worthy dog food or the best dog food brands, read the articles by following the links.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my dog counts as a small breed?
In general, dogs that weigh less than 22 pounds (or less than around 10 kilos) are considered small dogs. Some breeds as good as always fit in this category, such as chihuahuas and Pomeranians, and some breeds, for example French bulldogs, depend on the individual dog.
How much should I feed my small dog?
You can never know the exact amount of food that is ideal for your dog beforehand, it totally depends on the number of calories in that specific food and the breed, weight and activity level of your dog. Try to go for the feeding instructions on the bag, and then weigh your dog regularly to see if you need to adjust anything.
What is the best food for small dogs?
Small dogs have a higher metabolic rate than larger breeds, which means they need more calories per pound. They also need more protein for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. The best food for small dogs is high in protein, calories and tastes good so your dog can get its calories in before they get full.
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