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Feeding your pint-sized pup doesn't have to be complicated. What works best is to first consult your veterinarian about your dog's specific breed, lifestyle, and healthy weight range. Then, based on your vet's input, you can choose the best dog food for small dogs that fits your pup's needs. Cat Cookies
Nutritionally, food for small dogs isn't all that different from all-size recipes, says Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. One notable difference is the smaller kibble size of small breed dry foods, which may be easier for smaller dogs to chew.
To compile our recommendations for the best dog food for small breeds, we spoke to veterinarians about small dogs' nutritional and health needs from puppyhood through their senior years. They told us how optimal nutrition may help prevent and manage the health conditions small dogs are prone to, such as patellar luxation and obesity. While the experts we spoke with didn't recommend specific foods, they helped us narrow down the best dog food to consider. All our picks also align with pet food standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).
Wet food stands out from kibble because it has 75% to 78% moisture, compared to the 10% to 12% in dry food. Apart from ensuring sufficient hydration for your small dog, water can help them feel full and, in turn, may reduce the number of excess calories they consume. However, Welborn says wet foods also tend to be higher in fat. So, keep an eye on your small dog's weight and talk to your veterinarian if you notice any significant changes.
To compare the nutrition values of wet and dry dog foods, you'll need to convert wet food values to a dry matter basis, which are the values with all moisture removed. You can use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.
Wet food spoils quickly once opened, so we selected small packages that match small dogs' portion sizes. Because our experts explained that small breeds are more susceptible to obesity and at higher risk of developing pancreatitis compared to larger breeds, we chose wet foods that are moderate in fat (the AAFCO minimum is 5.5%). Several of our recommended dog foods for small breeds contain L-carnitine, an amino acid that converts fat into energy. Our picks also include vitamin E, an essential vitamin for dogs that may reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.
Beef, liver, chicken, and meat byproducts are the main protein sources in this wet food. Main carbohydrate sources include green beans, brown rice, wheat, and soy. Antioxidants and omega fatty acids are beneficial additions. The food contains 53.1% protein, 17.6% fat, 1.5% fiber, and 137 kcal per 5.5-ounce can, or 24.9 kcal per ounce.
Beef and pork liver are the main protein sources in this wet food. Main carbohydrate sources include brown rice, carrots, wheat flour, potatoes, and green peas. Beneficial additions to this food include vitamin E. The food contains 27.1% protein, 21.3% fat, 2.1% fiber, and 87 kcal per 3.5-ounce tray, or 25 kcal per ounce.
Pork byproducts, chicken, chicken byproducts, pork liver, and pork plasma make up the proteins in this dog food. Carbohydrates include brewers rice, corn, and powdered cellulose, and there are healthy extras, such as omega fatty acids and L-carnitine. The food contains 38.48% protein, 28.22% fat, 5.66% fiber, and 72 kcal per 3-ounce pouch, or 24 kcal per ounce.
Small dogs are at higher risk of dental disease than their giant-sized counterparts, says a study published in The Veterinary Journal. While dry dog food won't solve all your small dog's dental issues, Luisana says feeding a crunchy diet can be a good place to start. Chewing appropriately shaped and sized crunchy food may scrape off plaque, reducing tartar buildup.
Dry foods offer other advantages too. They have a long shelf life and are typically more affordable than fresh or wet food options. Like other dog food options, kibbles come in grain and grain-free formulations. However, our experts don't recommend grain-free foods due to their potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Our recommendations for the best dry dog food are grain inclusive and specifically formulated for small breed dogs. They're made with smaller kibbles than other adult recipes, making the food easy to chew while providing the energy small pups need to power through their days.
Lamb leads the ingredients for this food, along with healthy carbohydrates consisting of whole spelt and whole oats. Extras include herring and herring oil for omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. With 28% protein, 18% fat, and 2.9% fiber, this food is ideal for high-energy small breed dogs. Each cup contains 462 kcal.
Deboned chicken and chicken and salmon meal are the main protein sources. Carbohydrates include oatmeal, ground brown rice, and barley. Healthy extras like flaxseed and salmon oil provide omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. With 28% protein, 16% fat, 4% fiber, and 408 kcal per cup, we recommend this food for moderately active small breed dogs.
Deboned turkey and turkey and salmon meal are the top ingredients in this food, plus standout carbohydrates, including chickpeas, sweet potato, and yellow peas. Healthy extras include omega fatty acids and probiotics. With 27% protein, 16% fat, and 4.5% fiber, this food is ideal for small active dogs with high energy. Each cup contains 432 kcal.
Small breed dogs require smaller portions than larger dogs. Still, the cost of wet food can add up. Fortunately, feeding your small dog a nourishing diet on a budget is possible. To keep costs low without sacrificing quality, budget-friendly wet foods often contain higher proportions of byproducts and byproduct meals compared to premium recipes.
Byproducts and byproduct meals are highly digestible and offer more minerals and proteins per bite, according to a study published in the Journal of Animal Science. "I find it both natural and sustainable for pet food companies to use many parts of an animal," says Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC.
Our budget picks contain whole meats, meat meals, and healthy grains. Like our top wet food recommendations, they contain beneficial additions such as antioxidants from sweet potatoes and cranberries, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids.
Beef, liver, and meat byproduct meal make up the proteins in this recipe. Main carbohydrate sources include rice, barley, peas, carrots, wheat, soy, and corn. This food includes vitamin E. It contains 53.3% protein, 13.5% fat, 1.4% fiber, and 261 kcal per 10-ounce tub, or 26 kcal per ounce.
Chicken and turkey are the proteins in this wet food. Main carbohydrate sources include sweet potatoes, barley, and tomato puree. Beneficial additions to this food include antioxidants. The food contains 56.40% protein, 18.18% fat, 0.85% fiber, and 76 kcal per 2.75-ounce can, or 27.6 kcal per ounce.
Chicken, whitefish, and chicken liver make up the proteins in this small breed wet food. Main carbohydrate sources include brown rice, oats, barley, and carrots. Healthy extras include fish oil for omega fatty acids, cranberries for antioxidants, powdered cellulose for fiber, and L-carnitine for metabolism support. The food contains 35.22% protein, 26.33% fat, 6.07% fiber, and 178 kcal per 5.5-ounce can, or 32.4 kcal per ounce.
Whether choosing a budget or premium dog food, our experts say to evaluate pet food based on the AAFCO's nutritional adequacy standards. Foods that meet these standards are labeled complete and balanced for growth (puppies), maintenance (adult dogs), or all life stages (any age). Dog food that is complete and balanced has the right amount of nutrients for your pet's life stage when fed in the appropriate proportions, says Churchill.
"Happily, the vast majority of reputable commercial dog foods have been thoroughly researched and formulated to provide the full level of proteins and amino acids a pet needs to be healthy," says Dr. Mark Freeman, a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Moreover, they're available at various price points.
For these reasons, an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement is a better indicator of quality than the types of ingredients listed on the label. Byproducts and byproduct meals, for example, are both low-cost and highly nutritious, says Welborn.
Our recommendations don't sacrifice quality for the price. They have standout proteins such as venison, duck meal, and chicken. Our budget foods for small dogs also have healthy extras that support your small pup, like antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids.
Lamb and chicken meal are the high-quality proteins in this kibble. Standout carbohydrates include rice flour, whole grain corn, oatmeal, and carrots. Beneficial additions to this food include vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. The food contains 32% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber, and 422 kcal per cup.
Chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, and fish meal are the proteins in this small breed dry food. Standout carbohydrates include corn, soybean, brown rice, grain sorghum, peas, and carrots. Beneficial additions to this food include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The food contains 26% protein, 16% fat, 4% fiber, and 351 kcal per cup.
Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, chicken fat, and egg are the proteins in this small breed dry food. Carbohydrates include corn, grain sorghum, dried beet pulp, and carrots. Healthy extras include antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. The food contains 27% protein, 17% fat, 4% fiber, and 366 kcal per cup.
You might already know that dogs aren't immune to digestive upset. Like humans, they can experience gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dogs may also have immune responses, such as itchy skin, related to food allergies. Fortunately, Lusiana says that food allergies in dogs aren't as common as pet parents might believe.
That said, grains aren't typically the cause of digestive issues in dogs. Dogs aren't commonly allergic to grains or gluten intolerant, says Welborn. "Bottom line, there is no reason to not feed grains to dogs," she says.
However, for dogs with gastrointestinal upset related to conditions like pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease, limited-ingredient diets, diets with added fiber, or low-fat diets can be beneficial. While your veterinarian can provide personalized nutrition recommendations for your pet's specific condition, our picks for the best dog foods for small dogs with sensitive stomachs are good starting points. They contain probiotics, fiber, and omega fatty acids.
Salmon, fish meal, salmon meal, and beef fat are the main proteins in this recipe. Carbohydrate sources include rice, barley, and oatmeal. Glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and probiotics are beneficial additions. The food contains 28% protein, 17% fat, 3% fiber, and 478 kcal per cup.
Tuna Flavor The main proteins in this recipe are chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, and egg. Carbohydrate sources include barley, peas, sorghum, brown rice, apples, broccoli, and carrots. Beneficial additions include omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics. The food contains 21% protein, 12% fat, 4% fiber, and 392 kcal per cup.