Nutritious Dog Foods To Consider
While there are differing opinions on the best dog foods, and you should always check with your veterinarian before switching, Caplan recommends using the Whole Dog Journals guide for canned and dry dog foods as a starting point.
Crnec and Dr. Angie Krause, a holistic veterinarian from Boulder Holistic Vet, recommends the following dog foods, which all meet the AAFCO Standards, include quality ingredients, and meet the average dogs nutritional needs.
DISCOVER MORE:
What Were Looking For:
Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: Its important to look at a brands recall history and to locate an official nutritional-adequacy statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials on the bag, box, or can. The AAFCO statement is a sign that the food is nutritionally complete and balanced, explains Dr. Zay Satchu, the co-founder and chief veterinary officer at Bond Vet. All of the dog food recommended below meets or exceeds AAFCO standards.
Made with high-quality ingredients: While ensuring that your dogs food meets AAFCO standards is a good starting point for your research, when youre shopping for dog food, you can definitely dig deeper. I personally prefer to only select companies that employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist on staff and dont just consult with one, says Texas-based integrative veterinary expert Dr. Hunter Finn. Veterinarian Dr. Shelly Zacharias, a vice-president of medical affairs for Gallant, also stresses that dog-food ingredients lists should name the exact type of meat included and should not contain white flour, preservatives such as BHA or BHT, propylene glycol, or rendered fat.
- Meats: chicken, turkey, beef, bison, pork, lamb, venison
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, zucchini, summer squash, spinach, kale, collard greens, chard, thawed frozen peas
- Complex carbohydrates: brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, lentils, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, winter squash
Recommended Serving Amounts
Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe
Merrick is a dog food name that you can trust. Since 1988, the Texas-based company has been creating awesome dog foods with 100% Texas beef and other excellent, top-notch ingredients. This small breed dog food recipe comes loaded with delicious, deboned chicken, healthy grains, and contains everything your small breed needs to grow into old age with grace and a healthy, shining coat. With Omega-3s, vitamins and minerals, and a great price, both you and your dog will love it. This product is available on Chewy.com and comes in a four-pound or twelve-pound bag.
Recommended Reading: What Brands Of Dog Food Does Walmart Carry
How We Research Dog Food
Over the course of our decades of writing and editing for pet and veterinary publications, we’ve interviewed many veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists. We’ve also had the chance to feed our own dogs lots of different brands and types of foods.
It’s important to note that our veterinary experts didn’t specifically endorse any of the products in this guide. When you think about it, this makes sense, since most veterinarians agree that the best food for each individual dog will vary based on a variety of factors. So, to make picks for this guide, we consulted four veterinarians, including a board certified veterinary nutritionist and a professor of animal and nutrition science, on what qualities to look for in a healthy dog food and what to avoid. From there, we used the information gathered to guide our selections.
Every food in this guide is complete and balanced according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials guidelines, contains high-quality ingredients, and offers the right levels of protein, fat, and fiber for their respective categories.
When making choices, we also referred to educational resources from the Association of American Feed Control Officials and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association .
Best Dog Food For Small Breedsivory Coat
Cost: $35 per 2kg
The team at Ivory Coat are no strangers to helping take care of your pooch and Ivory Coat is undoubtedly one of Australias top-rated dog food brands. Ivory Coats small breed range is full of smaller, triangular-shaped kibble which makes it easier for small dogs to eat and promotes dental health. Their grain-free kibble is gentle on your doggos stomach and only uses quality protein so your little fur baby gets all the protein they need for lean muscle maintenance. Its also very affordable and available in most major retailers, so its ticking all the boxes.
You May Like: What Is The Best Dry Dog Food For Sensitive Stomachs
The Different Types Of Food: Pros And Cons Compared
When choosing food for your dog, you have two main options: dry dog food or wet dog food. Each has unique pros and cons and may be best for your dog at different stages of its life.
Dry dog food: Affordable, easy to store, and comes in a lot of brands and flavors. Look for one that has small-sized kibble to make it easy on your small dogs teeth and digestion.
Wet dog food: Often more expensive and needs to be refrigerated after opening. Comes in smaller portions and has plenty of nutrition that dogs, especially senior dogs or those with dental problems, can benefit from. Many dogs enjoy eating wet food, even as an occasional treat.
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.
You May Like: Tuffy’s Gold Puppy Food
Best Overall Dry Food For Small
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
American Journey Senior Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain
This is a grain-free senior dry dog food that helps support healthy aging with real chicken as the first ingredient, plus a blend of targeted nutrients. Its antioxidant blend helps support a healthy immune system while omega fatty acids help maintain skin and coat health and medium chain triglycerides naturally occurring in coconut oil help support brain health in aging dogs to encourage cognitive wellness, said Dr. Nelson.
No need to journey to the store, either, as Chewy can ship this 24-pound bag of kibble right to your home. You can also set up an Autoship subscription, saving more time and money when you need a refill.
Don’t Miss: Is Fromm Dog Food Grain Free
Small Dog Breeds Appreciate Tinier
Because their mouth and jaw structure isnt as big as larger breeds, its easier for small dogs to grab and crunch smaller kibble, says Dr. Martinez. Of course, its not absolutely necessary since most dry dog food comes in medium-sized kibbles anyway. But it may make mealtime a little easier on your pooch. Consider Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Small Breed Bites Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This food is also a great option if your tiny pooch has a sensitive stomach or skin or suffers from allergies.
Natures Variety Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain
Quality nutrition is essential for all dogs, no matter what their size. This Natures Variety Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe is a great option because it consists of high-protein kibble infused with freeze-dried raw bites to deliver a powerful punch of protein-packed nutrition. This recipe features real chicken as the first ingredient, and it is uniquely formulated for small breeds. It contains chicken meal as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, plus other beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics. It contains fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients and is supplemented with fiber for healthy digestion. Overall, it provides 37% protein and 16% fat with just over 450 calories per cup, making it a concentrated source of energy and nutrition.
- Pros: Formulated for small breeds, high-protein kibble infused with freeze-dried raw bites, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in protein and fat, chelated minerals
- Cons: Expensive compared to traditional kibble
Recommended Reading: My Dog Ate Moldy Food
How Much Should I Feed My Small Breed Dog
Finding the best dog food for small dogs is the first step toward helping your pet live a long and healthy life. Figuring out how much to feed them is the second. In general, the guidelines on the back of the food bag are a good place to start. Measure out each meal and monitor your pets weight closely to see if he gains or loses weight when you follow the manufacturers instructions, and dont hesitate to talk with your veterinarian to help you determine the best weight for your dog.
Unfortunately for small breed dog owners, breeders, and enthusiasts, there is no single best dog food for small breeds. Following these guidelines and consulting with your veterinarian are good ways to find a dog food that works for your wallet and your dog. With a little research, you can feel safe knowing that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition to help her live a long and healthy life.
Small Breed Dog Food Buyers Guide
Small breeds can be the equal of their larger brothers when it comes to energy and activity levels. Their sense of enthusiasm for chasing after a ball or catching a frisbee can belie their size. But even with their outsized personalities, their nutritional needs are specific to their smaller size. Feeding your small breed dog food that isnt designed specifically for them just isnt a good idea.
Recommended Reading: Can Adult Dog Eat Puppy Food
What To Look For In Dog Food In Order Of Importance:
AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: This is the most crucial factor in determining whether a dog food is healthy or not. Any food you feed your dog should say on the label that it meets the nutritional standards established by the AAFCO. This means the food is “complete and balanced” for the dog’s life stage. You can find out more about these standards and definitions in the next slide.
Guaranteed analysis: This is where you’ll find the percentages of the most important nutrients in the food: protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. Sometimes, you might find other nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids listed in the guaranteed analysis, too. It’s worth checking if the brand routinely tests their finished product to ensure it meets standards, Shepherd says. All of the foods in this guide have moderate to high protein and low to moderate fat .
Healthy extras: Some foods contain extra ingredients intended to support healthy skin, coat, and joints, Swanson notes. Examples include long-chain omega-3 fatty acids , omega-6 fatty acids , glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels, and additional vitamins and minerals . Probiotics, prebiotics, and yeast can also benefit a puppy’s immature GI tract and probiotics may help boost overall immunity in senior dogs.
The Nutritional Needs Of Small Breeds
Every breed of dog will have its own unique nutritional and medical needs and small breed pups are no different. Small breed puppies and dogs are known to have very high metabolic rates, and therefore they can quickly burn through calories. Despite their small size, they need to eat a significant number of calories frequently to ensure that they don’t get low blood pressure. Small dogs usually require 40 calories for every pound, whereas a bigger breed needs only 22.5 calories for every pound. Thus, small or toy breed dogs need more calories than their bigger counterparts. However, smaller dogs also have tiny stomachs and as such, their food needs to be more calorie dense than that of larger dogs.
Food that is high in antioxidants is also super important for smaller breeds to cancel out the dangers of free radicals which can cause cancer. Since smaller breeds can often live for a very long time, this will ensure that they remain healthy into their old age.
Also Check: Can Dog Food Cause Itchy Skin
Best Dog Food For Weight Losshills Science Diet
Cost: $130 per 13kg
Its easy for your furry friend to put on some extra kilograms here and there, however, they can quickly add up and overweight dogs are significantly more at risk for a plethora of health concerns. Hills Science Diets Adult Perfect Weight dog food range is one of the top weight management dog foods, which promotes lean muscle development and long-lasting weight maintenance. The high protein, high fibre formula is enriched with goodies like coconut oil to help support dogs metabolisms for healthy body weight.
Best Wet Food For Puppies
Dry food isn’t the only option for puppies. Wet food is another tasty option and offers several advantages for puppies. “Wet food can help puppies transition from a liquid diet to solid food,” says Shepherd. She adds that this transition, which should begin before a puppy is fully weaned, helps puppies accept solid food and learn how to drink water.
Wet food is also easy for puppies to eat. Without sturdy adult teeth, young puppies can struggle to munch on dry kibble, making wet food’s soft and moist texture ideal. In addition, wet food is packed with flavor, providing tasty enticement for a picky or hesitant eater. However, Shepherd recommends consulting your veterinarian if your puppy’s appetite is poor as there may be an underlying condition.
When reading a label for wet puppy food, look for the AAFCO statement that says the food provides complete and balanced nutrition for growth or all life stages. Also, remember that wet food tends to cost more than kibble and needs to be refrigerated and used within a few days to prevent spoiling.
Wet food certainly has its benefits for puppies, but it’s not a necessity. “The decision to feed dry versus wet food is very individual, depending on the individual puppy’s needs and owner’s desires and resources,” says Shepherd.
Our picks for wet puppy food:
You May Like: How To Make Fresh Homemade Dog Food
How To Choose Food For Small Dogs
Choosing a food can be a daunting task, bombarded with so much information and marketing hype it can make your head spin. In this article, weve detailed some brands and types of food specially developed for small dogs to help you navigate the sea of information.
Dogs are members of the order Carnivora, a group of mammals that share tooth structures , but not all are absolute meat-eaters , some need a combination of meat and plants in their diets . In fact, some members of this family are herbivores including giant pandas! Dogs are omnivores so should eat a balanced diet containing plants and animal foods a meat-only diet wouldnt meet all nutritional requirements. Nature even published a study showing that dogs have evolved to be true omnivores . An intestinal tract can digest an omnivorous diet and a high-quality source of protein and fats will maximize their digestibility for your pup.
The primary goal of any pet food is to ensure its safe, suitable for digestive system and meet all of their dietary needs. So what do you need to think about when buying your pocket pooch his dinner?
The 10 Best Small Breed Dog Foods
A healthy food for small dogs will provide for your dogs basic nutritional needs and be formulated according to his breed size. Dog food for small breeds tends to be higher in calories and fat than traditional kibble, and the kibbles themselves should be smaller. As long as your dogs nutritional needs are met, you have a wide variety of options to choose from.
Heres our top pick for the best dog food for small breeds:
| Our 2022 Picks: Best Foods for Small Breed Dogs |
Also Check: Is Grain Free Dog Food Bad For My Dog
My Mother Refuses To Grow Up
If Buddy is barking at you to fill his bowl, listen up.
He may also be speaking up to demand a switch in his daily dinner, or breakfast and lunch too, for that matter.
Since we all love our fur babies as our own, what we feed them matters. Finding the right kibble can be difficult, as there is a sea of choices for pooches of all shapes and sizes with less-than-helpful packaging and guidance.
The first step when choosing a dog food is to consult your local vet, as they know what is best for their favorite, slobbery patients. However, for those that want even more recommended or even a place to start before your annual visit, we have that covered.
We spoke with Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian for Wellness Pet Company as well as Dr. Katy Nelson, senior veterinarian at Chewy about what to look for in a dog food formula, what to avoid and also any tips and tricks for choosing the right chow for your Chihuahua and the best munchies for your Maltese.
Read on for the answers to those questions and more, plus our top picks for pet food brands you can buy online right now.