The Best Puppy Food For Your Little Guy
If you just got a new puppy, you might feel overwhelmed with all the food options out there, especially if you arent familiar with any of them.
One consideration you should make when searching for a food is to find one thats made for your dogs size. These foods come with many health benefits, especially if you have a small-breed dog.
The Dodo spoke to Dr. Keston Smith, medical director at Bond Vet, and Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian consultant at Senior Tail Waggers, to find out why small-breed puppies need special food and to get recommendations for the best small-breed foods out there.
Now Fresh Small Breed Dog Food
Rating:
Small Breed Turkey is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, peas, potatoes, potato flour
- Type: Grain-free
- Best for:Small breed adults
Now Fresh Small Breed derives the largest share of its meat protein from fresh de-boned turkey and dried egg. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat and 43% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Small-size, clover-shaped kibble ideal for small to medium breed dogs. Contains probiotics and pre-biotic fiber to support healthy gut bacteria and better digestion. The recipe also includes taurine and L-carnitine for healthy heart function.
Also contains whole dried eggs, natures most complete protein. Which means this ingredient alone naturally includes every essential amino acid a dog needs for optimal health.
A bit pricey. But an excellent, nutritionally balanced design optimized for small and medium breed dogs. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewMy small dogs love this food! They will eat it dry, without anything in it! It is really small kibble but unlike other dry food, they love the taste!
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Small Breed Dogs Can Be Picky Eaters
Theres no scientific evidence to prove small breed dogs are pickier eaters. However, most dog parents will attest that small breeds can, at times, be highly selective in what theyll eat! Though our furry friends are an important part of our family life and we love to make them happy, sharing table food in an attempt to make meals more appealing isnt the best idea. This can lead to behavioral challenges such as begging or poor eating habits. More importantly, it may rob your best friend of the critical, balanced nutrition they need each day for health.
If your small dog is a picky eater, Bil-Jac Picky No More Small Breed Dog Food may be able to please your picky pal. Picky No More features real chicken liveran often irresistible taste dogs loveand can help deliver the high-quality protein your pooch needs to get back on track eating consistently.
Pound for pound, small breed dogs have high energy requirements for their weight. Bil-Jac is here to provide quality nutrition so your small breed dog can live a long, happy, and energetic life. For more nutritional facts and tips for your dog, .
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy
Rating:
Small Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, ground white rice, chicken fat, cracked pearled barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Best for:Small breed puppies
This Diamond Naturals formula takes the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 24% fat and 32% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 69%.
An affordable option available in several sizes.
Sample buyer reviewWeve got a 10 week old Cavapoo puppy and he loves it! He was originally on ProPlan but his stools were very soft and the vet recommended switching his food. Our pup picks out the Diamond Naturals food and leaves the rest. Hes only about 3.5 lbs so the really small kibble is perfect for him.
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What To Look For In A Small
When it comes to small-breed puppy food, according to Dr. Smith, What is most important is percentage of crude protein is greater than or equal to 22.5 percent crude fat is greater than or equal to 8.5 percent.
These percentages come from theAssociation of American Feed Control Officials requirements for puppy food . The AAFCO recommends that puppy foods contain a minimum of 22.5 percent protein, 8.5 percent fat and 1.2 percent calcium, plus lots of other minerals.
You must ensure that the dog food is AAFCO-approved, Dr. Smith said. You can look at the nutritional adequacy statement on the label of any dog food you are purchasing, and if the phrase complete and balanced appears, then the food has met the AAFCO’s nutritional profile regulations.
Make sure the food is made with real ingredients, such as lamb, beef and corn. The first ingredient in the food should ideally be a natural ingredient.
Dr. Smith also recommends choosing food thats not grain-free. Grain-free diets that are not prescription may be associated with heart disease if given over long periods of time, Dr Smith said.
And check that the food is labeled for small puppies or small breeds so that your puppy gets the right amount of nutrients for his size.
Key Nutritional Needs Of Small Breed Dogs
1. Animal-Based Protein Protein derived from animals should always be the primary ingredient in any quality dog food. Small dogs have a high metabolism and will need a steady consumption of protein to keep up with their energy levels.
Be sure to check the dog food label, and if animal protein is not listed first, try another product. Protein is vital because it delivers the amino acids your small dog requires to support lean muscle mass.
Additional protein sources like vegetables are also a great addition to your pups diet however, his primary source of protein should be real meat to promote optimal health.
2. Fiber Fiber should beincorporated into your pups diet to promote healthy digestion. Fiber helps by preventing the growth of bad bacteria and it also has the potential to repair the colon following any injury.
Fiber also helps to promote healthy stools, keeping your pups digestive system functioning optimally. High quality dog foods will have a balanced portion of fiber, along with other nutrients, to feed your pup daily.
It is important to note,however, that over consumption of fiber could lead to stomach issues.
3. Essential Vitamins and Minerals Essential vitamins and minerals are included in dog food formulas, mostly delivered via fruits and vegetables .
Minerals also assist with maintaining bone and teeth health and serve as building blocks for tissue, helping your pup regenerate and stay healthy.
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Who Should Not Buy A Small Breed Puppy Food
- Owners of adult small breed dogs If your small breed dog is an adult, you probably dont need food formulated for puppies. However, several of the foods we recommend here are suitable for small breed dogs of different life stages, so you may still find helpful suggestions.
- Owners of non-small breed puppies Small breed puppy food is formulated specifically for the needs of small breed puppies. If you have a puppy that is a medium or larger breed, you should look for a general puppy food or a puppy food formulated specifically for your dogs breed size.
Find The Right Food For Your Dog
Take this quiz to see which food may be the best for your furry friend.
- No Corn, Wheat, or SoyNo Corn, Wheat, or Soy
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What Kibble Size Is Appropriate For My Small Breed Puppy
As mentioned earlier, small breed puppies require a special nutrient-dense diet thats easy for them to eat. If your pups prefer dry food, it is important to choose something specifically designed for their small mouths and jaws. The size appropriate for a small breed puppy is usually half the size of the regular kibble
Cost Of Small Breed Dog Food
Once you have sorted through the various dog food brands and found one that you and your vet think will best benefit your dog, you need to decide how much you are willing to spend. A good rule of thumb to follow for commercial dog food diets is to stay away from the cheapest option. Your dogs food is a vital part of his preventative healthcare, and so you want to invest in it as much as possible. When it comes to dog food, you usually get what you pay for.
On the other hand, an expensive dog food is not a guarantee of quality, either. By talking with your veterinarian and comparing brands of dog food in a variety of price ranges, you should be able to find the best dog food for small dogs that also matches your budget.
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Food Shopping For Small
Even though theyre smaller than large-breed puppies, they require more calories per count, since their metabolism rate is super high, which makes them prone to episodes of hypoglycemia , says Dr. Fox. They also have an immature liver which isnt developed enough to regulate its blood sugar as an adult dog would. This means that diets formulated for smaller-breed puppies are very calorie-dense, even for a small amount of food. When youre feeding a small-breed puppy, as a pet owner, aside from getting them a specific type of food, you should also feed them more often throughout the day, adds Dr. Fox. Consider giving your pup four to six small meals a day to help maintain consistent blood sugar levels.
Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Ground Whole Grain Corn, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal, 4. Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, 5. Dried Beet Pulp
Rich in natural fish oils and DHA, the small, chewable kibble serves as an ideal meal for the optimal development of your pups vision and brain. Also, the combination of natural ingredients loaded with nutrition ensure smooth growth and a high level of activity in your small-breed dogs.
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What Is The Difference Between Large And Small Breed Dog Food
Large dogs require 22.5 calories/pound while small breed dogs require 40 calories/pound. With their larger stomachs, large breed dogs require a larger portion while small breed dogs, having smaller stomachs, require smaller portions. Put simply, a smaller dog sized portion of large breed dog food lacks the energy content needed by your mighty mites and may lack other nutrients and minerals needed by the smaller dog.
Hills Science Diet Puppy Small & Toy Breed Savory Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food Trays
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Broth, 2. Chicken, 3. Pork Liver, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Wheat Flour
The savory flavors and an ideal blend of nutrients in this Hills Science Diet stew dog food make it a popular option among small-breed dog owners. This blend is crafted with high-quality protein and not only helps with the overall health and activity of your dog but also maintains the ideal physical conditioning of your little furry friend.
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Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Organic Small Breed Food
If you have a super high-needs dog who needs all the delicious, clean nutrition he can get, take a look at Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Organic Small Breed dog food. The very first ingredient on the list? Organic free-range chicken . The five after that are organic chicken meal, organic sweet potatoes, organic chickpeas, and organic peas. I love how this food features vegetables right up there with the key proteins, meaning that your dog gets an extra-strong dose of veggies right up front. Chickpeas are also an excellent form of protein!
Because this dog food is USDA-certified organic, you can expect it to cost the most out of all the foods. But of course, youll be resting in the knowledge that you are feeding your dog the best of the best. The cream of the crop. The healthiest of a selection of incredibly healthy foods for small-breed dogs.
In short, you wont regret it.
Buyers Guide: Choosing The Best Small Breed Puppy Food
At first glance, it can seem complicated and challenging to choose the best puppy food for small breeds. However, if youre armed with a bit of background knowledge, it can be much easier to choose the best dog food for your canine. In this section, well provide you with all the information you need to select the perfect food for your puppy.
Ingredients
When you look at any dog food, your first stop should be the ingredients list. Every dog food is required to list their ingredients. Ingredients are listed by weight from most to least. Generally, the ingredients at the beginning represent what the food is mainly made of. However, you need to take things like water weight of the ingredients into account. Just because whole chicken is included as the first ingredient doesnt necessarily mean that it is the first ingredient after it has been cooked down and the moisture removed.
Avoid by-products if possible
Meat by-products are okay, but they are of lower quality. Do not purchase food that has an unnamed meat meal or by-product. In other words, chicken by-products is an okay choice. Meat by-products is not, since you have no idea what the meat included is. Its mystery meat. If it were something good, the company would have listed the source.
High-quality meat
Veggies matter!
Macronutrients
Protein
Added Nutrients
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Buying Guide For The Best Small Breed Dog Food
You might sometimes be worried about your pet dogs health and thinking of getting the right food that would provide him all nutrients. To come up with the best dog food for small breed dogs, it is essential to know what kind of food suits your pet the most. The variety of food is equipped with various ingredients that might fulfill your pets other needs. Also, different breed dogs are likely to react differently to the same kind of food. So, you must know all about your pet breed and what food is going to serve him with beneficial factors.
Best Dog Food For Puppies
We chose the best puppy food for each category: canned, grain-free, and dry puppy dog food. We also give you our top picks for small, medium, and large breeds in the dry food category. And on top of that, ALL of these fit the natural puppy food classification, so you know youre giving your pup a good meal.
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Small Breed Puppy Nutrient Needs
Small breed puppies are different from medium-sized and larger breed dogs. They have a much higher metabolism and metabolic rate which means they can burn through their meals rather quickly. If your small breed pup doesnt eat enough or frequently enough, they can start to suffer from a low blood sugar problem, which can cause weakness, lethargy, and even death if not treated properly.
Because of their unique nutritional needs, your small breed puppy should be fed multiple times per day, and should have a very calorie-dense food selection. Small breed puppies weigh far less than larger breed pups, so their nutrient density in their food needs to match. The eight-pound dog that needs 350 calories per day to survive, will need more calories per pound of body weight than a mastiff will need. This also means theres some ingredients youll want to consider when putting your small breed pup on their first dry kibble.
Natures Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food
If your small dog is sensitive to grains, you probably want a grain-free dog food that still provides the wholesome, balanced nutrition she needs. This is where Natures Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Dog Food comes in. Instead of grains, this food is rich in sweet potato and pumpkin to keep your dogs energy levels balanced and strong. The first six ingredients here are chicken, chicken meal, garbanzo beans , peas, poultry fat, and pea protein. Apples and pumpkins are next on the list.
Despite its specialization and attention to keeping allergens out of your allergy-prone dogs diet, this food is surprisingly easy on your budget. Its a fantastic choice for any dog, too not just grain-free dogs.
Notice that none of the big-box names are on this list no Purina, Pedigree, or even Iams. Thats because the first thing that has to pass the healthy dog food test is the first six ingredients, and Pedigree, for example, does not pass its small-breed food contains, as the first six ingredients corn, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten, animal fat, and meat and bone meal. Yuck to the max! Note the absence of specifics not even chicken by-product meal but poultry, which could mean turkey, duck, and geese parts too. Do not feed that to your dog, cheap as it may be. You will pay for it with health problems as your dogs age.
Instead, select a small breed puppy food from this list and feel confident in what youre feeding your sweet, feisty little dogs.
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