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Are you looking for the best food to give your small dog breed in 2023? Well, look no further – we’ve got you covered!
We’ve done our research and compiled a list of the top 10 recommended foods that are specifically tailored to meet your pup’s needs. From Purina Pro Plan Savor Dog Food and Hills Science Diet Small Paws Stew to Royal Canin Small Adult Wet Dog Food, these options are sure to keep them happy and healthy.
With so many choices out there it can be overwhelming; however, don’t worry – we’ll provide all the information necessary from how to switch their diet without making them sick or constipated, to reading labels on dog food, as well as the cost of small breed specific diets.
Tailor-made nutrition is key for optimal canine health; let us help get you started today!
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Top 10 Best Food for Small Dog Breeds
- Purina Pro Plan Savor Dog Food
- Hills Science Diet Small Paws Stew
- Royal Canin Small Adult Wet Dog Food
- Farmina ND Lamb Blueberry Mini Breed
- Wellness Small Breed Dog Food
- Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey Whitefish Quinoa Small Breed Dog Food
- Purina Beneful Beef Stew
- Natures Recipe Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult Wet Dog Food
- Purina ONE Plus Adult Small Breed Lamb Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
- How to Switch to a New Food… Without Making Your Dog Sick
- Small Dog Nutrition 101
- How to Read a Dog Food Label
- Cost of Small Breed Dog Food
- Specialty Diets for Small Breed Dogs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Aim for high-quality, animal-based proteins like turkey, chicken, and lamb.
- Look for 77% animal proteins.
- Include omega 3/6 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.
- Consider oatmeal, barley, and sweet potato as beneficial grains and carbohydrates.
Top 10 Best Food for Small Dog Breeds
Finding the right food for your small breed dog can be overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market.
- Purina Pro Plan Savor Dog Food
- Hills Science Diet Small Paws Stew
- Royal Canin Small Adult Wet Dog Food
- Farmina ND Lamb Blueberry Mini Breed
- Wellness Small Breed Dog Food
- Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey Whitefish Quinoa Small Breed Dog Food
- Purina Beneful Beef Stew
- Natures Recipe Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult Wet Dog Food
- Purina ONE Plus Adult Small Breed Lamb Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Each one offers a unique combination of ingredients that promotes health and nutrition in smaller breeds.
Purina Pro Plan Savor Dog Food
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With its high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, Purina Pro Plan Savor Dog Food is an ideal option for adult dogs of all sizes to support immune system health. It is made with real beef in a canned/wet food with gravy format. This complete and balanced meal provides 23 essential nutrients that are necessary for skin and coat health.
Dogs seem to love the taste of this product, and even picky eaters may accept it when refusing other flavors.
Packaged in cans manufactured by U.S facilities means convenience, but it comes at a higher cost than some cheaper brands on the market. However, it is a great way to transition your furry friend onto new foods or mix into dry kibble.
Its texture is chunks in gravy form, which can easily be eaten alone or combined with another dish if desired.
- High-quality proteins from real beef
- Contains 23 essential vitamins & minerals
- Chunks in savory gravy make it appealing
- More expensive compared to other options
- Dented cans reported occasionally
Hills Science Diet Small Paws Stew
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You’ll love how Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Stew provides the perfect combination of nutrition and taste that your pup will enjoy! It’s formulated specifically for small and toy breeds. This meal features natural ingredients like beef, brown rice, and vegetables. It’s packed with high-quality protein to help keep your pet lean and strong while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Plus, it’s vet-recommended for underweight dogs as well as hiding medicine or pills in its soft texture.
The single-serve trays are easy to open for portioning out meals – no measuring needed! Picky eaters seem to love the taste while owners appreciate the quality of ingredients used in this product. Convenience is also a plus; store leftovers easily with recloseable tubs so you can quickly serve up another meal when needed on busy days or during travel trips away from home.
- Formulated specifically for small/toy breed dogs
- Combination of nutrition & taste
- Single-serve tray makes portioning easy & no measuring required
- More expensive compared to other brands
- Not recommended if dog has sensitive stomachs or weighs less than 4 lbs
Royal Canin Small Adult Wet Dog Food
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Royal Canin Small Adult Wet Dog Food is a tasty, easy-to-portable meal that’s suitable for adult pooches of all sizes. It comes in an easy-to-open pouch with chunks in gravy texture and helps maintain ideal weight with adapted energy levels.
This formula also provides EPA and DHA for healthy skin and coat. Plus, it pairs well with Royal Canin Small Adult or 8+ Dry food. Picky eaters tend to enjoy the flavor, but some dogs may have digestive issues, so consulting your vet before starting this type of food is recommended.
The pouches are portable too, which makes them great for on-the-go feeding – perfect if you’re traveling! Yorkie and Chihuahua flavors may be preferable if you haven’t tried them yet, as these tend to be more popular among small breed owners.
- Tasty & Easy To Open Pouch
- Adapted Energy Levels For Ideal Weight Maintenance
- Provides EPA & DHA For Healthy Skin And Coat
- Portable Pouches Great For On The Go Feeding
- Some Dogs May Have Digestive Issues With This Formula
- Was Previously Difficult To Find In Stock
Farmina ND Lamb Blueberry Mini Breed
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Farmina ND Lamb Blueberry Mini Breed is a delicious way to nourish your pup, offering high-protein and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The main ingredient in this premium food is lamb, with 90% animal-based proteins from turkey and whitefish.
It’s formulated with low ash content, no peas or added plant oils. Plus, antioxidants from pomegranate and berries give an extra boost of nutrition.
This grain-inclusive kibble has a small size that’s perfect for small breed mouths – so it won’t cause choking hazards like larger foods would – while the probiotics contribute towards digestion health.
- High protein & omega fatty acids for healthy skin & coat
- No peas/added plant oils
- Natural ingredients w/antioxidants
- Small kibble size prevents choking
- Probiotics aid digestion
- Not suitable for puppies under 4 lbs
- May be too expensive compared to other brands
- Some picky eaters may not enjoy the taste
Wellness Small Breed Dog Food
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Wellness offers a solution that helps your pup thrive with natural ingredients, antioxidants, and probiotics. Their Small Breed Dog Food is specially formulated for adult dogs under 4 lbs and contains no corn, wheat, soy, or meat by-products.
The 12 lb bag also includes omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat, glucosamine for joint health, probiotics to aid digestion, and taurine for heart health – all in smaller kibble size pieces.
Additionally, the turkey & oatmeal recipe provides complete nutrition to help encourage strong immune systems while providing optimal energy levels. This food has been reported to improve the coat health of one foster dog. However, some picky eaters may not like the taste at first, and those with sensitive stomachs should avoid this diet completely.
Although, it does allow you to buy larger bags when having multiple small breed dogs at home!
- Natural ingredients
- Antioxidants and probiotics
- Omega fatty acids
- Not suitable for pups under 4 lbs
- Some picky eaters don’t like the taste
Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey Whitefish Quinoa Small Breed Dog Food
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Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey Whitefish Quinoa Small Breed Dog Food provides a delicious way to keep your pup nourished with its 77% animal-based protein content and added probiotics. This grain-inclusive food is perfect for adult small breed dogs as it contains essential fatty acids like omega 3 and 6, plus vitamin complexes for complete nutrition.
Some owners have reported improved coat health, calmer anxious dogs, and generally good palatability after switching their dog to this food. However, there were some reports of digestive issues from certain pooches, as well as kibble size being too big for tiny breeds such as Chihuahuas.
The 14 lb bag is a great value compared to specialty stores, which may be more expensive.
- Contains 77% animal-based proteins from turkey & whitefish
- Added Omega 3/6 fatty acids & probiotics
- Palatable flavor – even picky eaters love it
- Great value – 14lb bag available on Chewy
- Kibble size could be too big for very small breeds
- Digestive issues in certain pups
- Higher end of the budget
Purina Beneful Beef Stew
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You’ll love Purina Beneful Beef Stew, an all-natural wet dog food made with real beef and vegetables for a tasty treat that will make your pup pant with pleasure. This 5 lb tub of stew contains high protein to support strong muscles, 23 essential vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition, as well as no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
The tender chunks in savory gravy are sure to tantalize picky eaters’ taste buds while providing them with the energy they need throughout the day.
- Made with real beef & veggies
- Contains 23 vitamins & minerals
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- High protein supports strong muscles
- Tender chunks in savory gravy
- Can be expensive compared to budget brands
- Not suitable for dogs under 4 lbs
- Some picky eaters may not like the taste
Natures Recipe Dog Food
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Nature’s Recipe Dog Food tantalizes taste buds with real chicken, turkey, sweet potato, and barley for a complete natural meal. It’s free from corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meal, so it’s easy on digestion without any adverse effects.
This wet food is fortified with vitamins and minerals to provide balanced nutrition for adult dogs. The savory broth makes it appealing even to picky eaters when mixed in dry kibble or served alone. It is also convenient as a way of mixing in supplements or providing small portion meals for smaller breeds of dogs.
- Delicious taste that dogs love
- Easy on digestion without any adverse effects
- Balanced nutrition provided through vitamins & minerals
- Convenient way to mix in supplements or top up dry kibble
- Some servings may be mostly broth with few solids
- Not suitable for sensitive stomachs
Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult Wet Dog Food
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Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult Wet Dog Food is packed with natural ingredients like high-quality protein and prebiotic fiber, making it a great choice for your pup’s health that won’t break the bank. After all, you get what you pay for! Dogs seem to love its taste and texture; picky eaters may even try this food when refusing other flavors.
It also has been known to help improve senior dogs’ liver enzymes, which could be beneficial after surgery or in old age.
- High-quality protein for energy
- Prebiotic fiber for digestion
- Enhanced with vitamins & minerals
- Contains TruMune nutrient blend
- Some dogs don’t like the strong smell
- Not suitable for puppies under 4 lbs
Purina ONE Plus Adult Small Breed Lamb Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
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Purina ONE Plus Adult Small Breed Lamb Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a protein-packed, natural formula that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your pup. Real lamb is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support strong muscles, including a healthy heart.
With 4 antioxidant sources to promote a strong immune system and Omega 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, this food also contains vitamins & minerals for complete nutrition.
The smaller kibble size makes it great for small mouths as well as senior dogs with difficulty chewing larger pieces of food. It’s also more affordable than some premium brands! Dogs seem to transition easily from puppy formulas too, but picky eaters may not be fans of the taste or texture.
- High-quality proteins
- Antioxidant sources promote immune system strength
- Omega 6 fatty acids help maintain skin & coat health
- Vitamins & minerals included in the formula
- Smaller kibble size good for small mouths/senior dogs
- More affordable than some premium brands
- Easy transition from puppy formulas
- Not suitable/appealing taste-wise for picky eaters
- Sample bags not available
How to Switch to a New Food… Without Making Your Dog Sick
Switching your pup to a new type of food can be scary, but with the right steps, it doesn’t have to make them sick.
- Transition slowly over 7-9 days by mixing old and new foods together in gradually increasing amounts.
- Read labels carefully; avoid risky ingredients like propylene glycol or meat byproducts.
- Be mindful when feeding non-traditional diets and homemade meals; consult a vet on specialized nutrition needs if necessary.
Monitor weight during the transition period and adjust portions accordingly. Small breeds require more calories per pound than large dogs, so watch out for obesity!
If possible, transition from wet to dry or vice versa as needed based on breed requirements.
Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and nutritional needs, which is why learning about their individual dietary requirements is important before transitioning them onto a different diet plan.
Small Dog Nutrition 101
Providing your small pup with the right nutrition is key to their health and happiness. Small breed dogs have unique nutrient needs, so it’s important to factor in food type, quality control, and caloric requirements when choosing a pet food.
Wet foods provide hydration but are usually higher in fat than dry options, which can help support dental health through chewing action. Budget foods may be nutritious if they meet AAFCO standards, while fresh meals offer smaller portions but need more research on digestibility claims.
Grain-free diets should be avoided due to an associated risk of DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy). Transitioning between old and new pet food should occur over 7-9 days using label guidelines for amounts.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Understanding how to read a dog food label can help you make the best choice for your pup’s needs. To compare brands, watch out for calorie-dense ingredients like turkey meal and identify other key components of balanced nutrition, such as pea protein, fiber content, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Be sure to read labels carefully to pick flavors that are suitable for your dog’s age or weight range. Also, watch portions closely so you don’t overfeed them. Additionally, look out for additives or preservatives that may lead to health issues down the line.
Ultimately, it pays off in the long run when taking time to understand what goes into every bag of kibble.
Cost of Small Breed Dog Food
Cost plays an important role in providing your small breed dog with the nutrition they need. Compare prices and decide which food best suits your budget. There are many factors to consider when choosing a food, such as portion control, premium ingredients, meal plans, or nutritional plans.
A good starting point is to read buyer reviews for each product and weigh up how much value you get from them based on their price tag. Small kibble size is especially important for smaller breeds. Make sure it’s easy for them to chew without choking and that there’s enough dry matter in the formula so their teeth stay healthy too.
Consider buying larger bags if available, as this helps bring down costs per pound compared with individual cans or pouches of wet foods. Although remember not all dogs will eat leftovers! In addition, certain brands offer special discounts through subscription services which can help keep costs down over time while giving access to tailored nutrition advice from experts who understand small breed dietary needs perfectly.
So don’t be afraid to shop around. There are plenty of options out there, so take some time to research what works best within your budget!
Specialty Diets for Small Breed Dogs
Specialty diets can help ensure small breed dogs get the specific nutrition they need. To maintain an ideal weight, look for foods with a balanced nutrient profile that are low in fat and calories but high in meat protein.
Small breeds have higher metabolisms and are prone to hypoglycemia, so calorie-dense wet foods or fresh food options may be beneficial, especially for puppies.
Additionally, it is important to avoid grain-free diets due to potential health risks associated with DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy).
When choosing food, consider the following tips:
- Look for kibble sizes suitable for smaller mouths to prevent choking.
- Favor foods that contain fiber, antioxidants, and probiotics, as they promote healthy digestion.
- Avoid risky ingredients such as propylene glycol or BHA/BHT preservatives.
If you are on a budget, opt for dry dog foods that meet AAFCO standards while avoiding artificial additives such as colors or flavors. When introducing new brands of dog food, transition slowly over 7-9 days while monitoring your pup’s weight regularly.
Instead of settling on just one type of diet, consult your veterinarian about specialized nutritional requirements tailored specifically towards your pet’s well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I feed my small breed dog?
Feed your small breed dog twice a day, splitting their daily portion into two meals. Adjust portions as needed to maintain the ideal weight and consult your veterinarian for personalized nutrition needs.
How much exercise is enough for a small breed dog?
Exercise is key to your small breed dog’s health and well-being. For best results, provide two short walks per day plus plenty of playtime indoors or outdoors. Regular exercise will help them stay healthy and fit while keeping their mind active, which can lead to calmer behavior overall.
What are the signs of hypoglycemia in small breed puppies?
Signs of hypoglycemia in small breed puppies include lethargy, weakness, trembling, and confusion. Severe cases can cause seizures or coma. Contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms so they can provide treatment for your pup.
Are there any foods that are unsafe for my small breed dog?
Yes, there are some foods that may be unsafe for your small breed dog. Avoid propylene glycol, meat by-products, BHA, and BHT as they can cause health issues. Make sure to check the label matches your pup’s life stage and consult a vet for any special nutritional needs.
Are there any benefits to feeding my small breed dog wet food?
Yes, there are benefits to feeding your small breed dog wet food! Cans and pouches offer higher hydration levels than dry kibble and can be easier for some dogs with dental issues or picky eaters to consume.
Wet foods tend to have more protein and fat, which help maintain an ideal weight.
Conclusion
Wrapping up our search for the best food for small dog breeds in 2023, it’s clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to nutrition. From premium kibble to high-protein wet food, there are many options available to keep your pup healthy and happy.
Fortunately, the research is already done, so you can select a food with confidence. Just remember to read the label carefully, consult your vet for any special needs, and transition to a new food slowly, and your pup will be well on their way to a long and happy life.
