What Dog Food Do Vets Recommend For Small Dogs

What To Look For In Vet Recommended Dog Food

While its certainly a big advantage for dog food to be recommended by a veterinarian, that doesnt mean that all vet recommended foods are a great choice for your pet. There are tons of different formulas out there, each tailored to suit the needs of different dogs, whether its because of their age, size, or health status. This is why youll still have to do some research before settling on a brand- after all, you want to make sure your pooch is getting the best there is!

• Formula

The first and foremost thing to consider is the formula. Grain-free, limited ingredient, organic, medical- there are options for every dog, so choose accordingly. In case your pet doesnt have any medical issues that should be helped with the right food or isnt on any special type of diet, then pick the vet recommended dog food according to their age or size .

• Flavor

Some dogs can be really picky so the taste of the food matters as much as its healthiness! Vet recommended dog foods come in a range of flavors from chicken and turkey to beef and fish, so youll easily find a match for your dogs refined palate.

• Ingredients

No matter if your pet is sensitive or not, there are some ingredients to avoid as a rule of thumb. This includes artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives added sweeteners or cheap fillers such as byproduct meal. Depending on individual cases, of course, this list might grow to exclude certain types of protein your pet is allergic to, grains, fats, and so on.

Angela Vuckovic

Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Dog Food & Wet Dog Food

Stella & Chewys Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

Focus is a Purina Pro Plans specially developed line of dog foods made for adult dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. It will help any dog of a small breed develop properly, stay active and in good shape, no matter how sensitive his stomach is. It will allow you to balance your dogs diet with both dry and wet dog food to help your dog digest, support healthy joints, and to improve and prolong his mobility while also maintaining his good, healthy looks.

Merrick Classic Small Breed Dog Food

Rating:

Classic Small Breed is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, turkey meal
• Type: Grain-inclusive
• Design: Maintenance
• Best for:Small breed adults
• Price: $$

This Merrick Classic recipe takes the major portion of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

Merrick Classic Small Breed is a solid grain-inclusive recipe with fiber-rich quinoa to help maintain digestion. Easily recommended.

Sample buyer reviewMy little 3 yr old yorkie mix Zoey loves this food. I get both the wet and dry food of Merrick for her. I started slowly switching her over to eating more kibble portion in order to save money, since the wet food cans get so expensive. Zoey eats all of her food like a champ even now that her bowl is 3/4 dry kibble. I mix water in there to moisten it. She loves it! Her bowels are regular with no issues . We are definitely fans.

Recommended Reading: Bulk Buy Pedigree Dog Food

What Sort Of Food Is Best For My Dog

Next, you should consider their breed and size. Size-specific nutrition is more important than breed-specific nutrition. Very large and giant breeds can easily get congenital problems if they grow too fast feeding a giant breed puppy food is highly recommended. They also age faster than mid-sized dogs, so switching to a senior diet will need to be done sooner.

Small dogs can struggle with large kibble, so if your dog is 15 pounds or less you might want to consider choosing a small breed food. They are also more prone to dental disease, so considering a food with dental care like the Hills Science Diet Oral Care range is sensible.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet

• High digestibility and nutrient absorption
• Low fiber content

It is one of the oldest food companies in North America which provides solid nutrition at a reasonable price.

In the last 80 years, many of the nutritional researches about canine were done by Purina. It is one of the favorite brands of veterinarians.

royal canin gastrointestinal high energy diet always helps to grow dogs, especially when they have poor stomach condition.

high energy diet has low fat to help the puppy to digest it contains 6% protein on the other hand before using any dog food consult to your pet or dial 800 to get knowledge about governmental requirements.

Recommended Reading: Can You Use Ebt To Buy Dog Food

What Makes A Safe Chew Toy For Dogs

The ideal characteristics of a safe chew toy for dogs includes:

• Tough and long-lasting
• Attractive to dogs
• Doesnt splinter into sharp pieces

The problem with this wish list is that no chew toy perfectly fits and its possible that one never will. Toys that are tough and long-lasting are not likely to be quickly digestible if theyre swallowed, or theyll be harder than dental enamel. Trying to find the perfect dog chew can be a little like looking for leprechaun gold!

So what safety information can you look out for? Firstly, you need to work out if the chew is intended as a toy or as a treat . If its edible, you need to look into how digestible it is, and whether its likely to form a blockage. If its designed as an inedible chew, it needs to be big enough and strong enough that your dog cant break off small bits to swallow.

Natural Balance Dog Food

All the Natural Balance Dog Food recipes are grain-free and have meat as their primary ingredient. The food comes in different varieties like duck, chicken, lamb, bison, fish, venison and beef and some vegetarian options also. Moreover, it also offers special food formulas for overweight and dogs with special needs.

Why Choose Natural Balance Dog Food?

• It is free from all kinds of artificial additives and colours
• It offers grain-free and other varieties of dog food
• They make specially formulated food for dogs with special dietary needs

Read Also: Darwin’s Dog Food Recall

Our Picks For Fresh Dog Food:

There’s definitely a relationship between price and quality when it comes to dog food. So it’s not a great idea to buy the absolute cheapest dog food you can find. That’s because ultra-cheap dog foods tend to be filled with lower-quality ingredients to bulk them up and keep their prices down.

“But it’s important to remember that there are many more affordable dog foods that are perfectly good options,” Richardson notes. Translation: You definitely don’t need to break the bank to feed your dog a healthy diet.

There are plenty of high-quality dog foods available at lower prices. As long as a food meets AAFCO complete and balanced standards like the options listed below and makes sense for your dog’s life stage, you’re good to go.

What Chew Toys Do Vets Recommend

If you ask a large group of vets whether theyve seen problems with a particular type of dog chew, there will always be at least one vet who can tell you a dog chew horror story for each type and brand. Whether its Nylabones, Yak milk chews, raw beef bones, rawhide, or even bully sticks weve seen accidents with all of them. But the benefits of chewing are important, too, and in the end most vets would agree that you should give your dog something to chew, but be aware of the risks and monitor them carefully.

So, what are the risks of each edible dog chew and dog chew toy? The advice below is compiled from responses received from 130 vets:

Also Check: Iams Dog Food Good For Dogs

Best Raw Food: Stella & Chewys Freeze

How this food is made is what makes it such a smart buy. There are inherent risks with feeding your dog raw food, such as the risk of bacteria, viruses, and parasites to you or your dog because it is not cooked. However, this company understands those risks and goes the extra mile to ensure their products are safe, Dr. Robinson says. They use HPP to all of their raw foods to effectively get rid of any harmful pathogens. They then send all of their food to be tested for E. coli, salmonella, and listeria and list these results on their website so you can look up your product lot number for peace of mind.

And, of course, these freeze-dried foods are healthyand dogs go completely wild over the flavor. Theyre made with raw, cage-free chicken, as well as fruits and vegetables, and fortified with added vitamins and minerals. Its truly the whole packagein one little patty. Whether its with a new natural dog food or a delectable table scrap, find out why your dog brings his food somewhere else to eat it.

Highlights:

Ingredients In Dog Food That Cause Upset Stomachs In Dogs

Every dog is a little different. Some dogs digest everything that goes into their stomach without an issue, including entire rolls of toilet paper. Others experience discomfort from the mildest change in their diet. There are a few aspects of dog nutrition you should be aware of that can help you find the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Dog Food For Pomeranians

Do Your Research For Quality

Donât just go with a brand you know. Sometimes brands have built up their reputation, but the quality of ingredients donât necessarily match the price you are paying. âThere are a lot of brands and formulas on the market, and knowing what to look for in the ingredients will help you determine the brand that is best for your pup,â says Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Animal Health & Behavior Consultant at Camp Bow Wow.

Top Dog Food Brands Recommended By Veterinarians In 2021

Dogs, like humans and all other animals, need balanced diets and all the necessary nutrients to develop properly. However, not all dogs are the same. Certain breeds suffer from food allergies or sensitive stomachs thus, consumption of some foods could trigger severe reactions that could even threaten the life of the pet.

Furthermore, different breeds require different food components in their diets, all based on their growth characteristics. For instance, larger breeds, such as Great Dane or Mastiff, require energy-rich and bodybuilding meals, etc., so their diets may differ from those of chihuahuas.

These and many other factors play major roles in choosing the best dog meal for your Fido. The same factors make it extremely difficult for most masters to make the correct choice. Therefore, they end up spending a lot of money in vet consultation. Well, we consulted a veterinary officer who understands what pet lovers, especially new canine owners, go through in choosing the best dog food. Therefore, we have put together helpful information on the top ten best products currently on the market.

These and many other factors play significant roles in choosing the best dog food for your Fido, but they also complicate it. Therefore, many dog owners end up spending a lot of money on a vet consultation.

You May Like: Nutro Dog Food Lebanon Tn

Choosing A Dog Food Brand That Is Vet

As the owner of a pet, when trying to determine what to feed them, you should think about the nutritional and health benefits they will get. Do not simply take a company at their word about how healthy their food is.

There are several things you must look for to ensure that the pet food you choose can provide your dog with all of the nutrients it needs. Begin by meticulously reading dog food labels and research any terminology, chemicals, or ingredients you are unfamiliar with.

Castor And Pollux Organix Dog Food

Castor and Pollux Organix Dog Food variety offers high-quality, all-natural and organic food for your dog. Each recipe is made with organic meat portions, vegetables, oils, fruits and spices. The food is great to keep your dogs skin and coat healthy and shiny.

Why Choose Castor and Pollux Organix Dog Food?

• All the recipes are prepared with organic, clean and all-natural ingredients
• The food is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids
• It is a safe and healthy dog food for all dog breeds

Recommended Reading: Darwin Dog Food Reviews

Whats Safe For My Dog To Eat

Its best for a dog to stick to their carefully-chosen dog food, but from time to time, most human foods shouldnt do them any harm. However, theres a list of human foods that your dog should avoid at all costs. It includes grapes and raisins, chocolate, anything with caffeine, garlic and onion, larger amounts of salt, macadamia nuts , avocado, xylitol, nutmeg, lemons and limes, raw yeast dough, and anything with even traces of alcohol.

Specific Requirements For Puppies Large And Small Breeds

• Puppies need puppy food. What you feed your dog as a puppy is really important for their growth and development. Puppies need more calories, fat and a different vitamin and mineral balance than adults. Puppy foods account for these specific nutrition needs. We recommend feeding puppy food until your dog reaches their adult size around 12 months old for small to medium breeds and 14 to 18 months for large and giant breeds. When picking out a puppy food, look for the AAFCO statement and make sure it says that the diet meets the nutritional profiles for puppies or all life stages.

• Is your dog a large breed? Large and giant breed dogs need a more precise calcium to phosphorus ratio for their growing big bones. If you have a large breed puppy, make sure their puppy food is labeled to include large breeds.

• Is your dog a toy or small breed? Use the steps above and select a small bite kibble size. Dog foods often have versions made specifically for small dogs and their tiny mouths, to make chewing easier and make sure they dont choke.

You May Like: Dog Food With Food Stamps

Best On A Budget: Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe Hearty Lamb Stew

Source: whole earth farms

When you feed your best friend with Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Recipe Hearty Lamb Stew, youre filling their bowl with wholesome nutrition. Tasty lamb mixed with beef and many vegetables will provide your furry one with balanced nutrition that boosts their health and well-being.

Lamb, beef, and beef liver are excellent sources of protein. Beef liver, in particular, supplies high-quality protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals that your canine best friend needs. It also contains beef broth, the ingredient behind the flavor and moisture that your dog cant resist!

Other prime ingredients include peas and carrots, which supply a notable amount of dietary fiber and several essential vitamins and minerals, as well as dried egg products for protein and dried potatoes for a gluten-free carbohydrate source.

The whole recipe is made with wholesome and all-natural ingredients that guarantee easier digestibility, increased energy levels, and the most important of all, balanced nutrition at an affordable price.

This grain-free product is easy to digest and will be gentle to your pups tummy. Its ingredients have a beneficial blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a shinier coat, healthier skin, and a stronger immune system.

It has no corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-products, as well as no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

When Should I Switch My Dog To Senior Dog Foods

Theres no one true answer to this question, as it depends on your dogs overall health condition, breed, and size for some dogs, its 7-years-old, while others become biologically old at the age of 15. Its best to stay in contact with your veterinarian and to do regular checkups do not switch diets if it has not been recommended. Then, you can rest assured that your vet will tell you when theres time for you to feed your dog like a senior. There are also many different foods for older dogs, so its essential to provide your furry friend with the right nutrition plan.

You May Like: Can You Buy Dog Food With Ebt Food Stamps

How To Shop For Dry Dog Food

As with anything else regarding your pet, a good place to start is talking to your veterinarian in this instance, about your dogs dietary requirements. Then look at the ingredient list on a bag of dry dog food. You can easily tailor a dry food diet to your pup’s unique needs because it is convenient and available in a variety of flavors, formulas from life-stage and breed-specific to weight management, says Ferris.

While your dog cant speak, their body can tell you a lot about whether or not youve picked the right brand of dry food, too. Dogs should have stools that are of normal consistency, formed and relatively easy to pick up, says Neuhauser, who also points out that a healthy coat and skin, and maintaining weight not gaining or losing too much are signs of good health.

When shopping for dog food, the Association of American Feed Control Officials , a nonprofit that helps set standards for animal feed and pet foods, recommends that you read the label, select a food based on your pets breed, age and health, and follow the manufacturers feeding guidelines. When it comes to ingredients like preservatives, Ferris suggests dog owners look for natural options over synthetic ones. Natural preservatives such as vitamin C, vitamin E and oils of rosemary, clove or other spices are better alternatives to chemical preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin, which are often added in dog foods, says Ferris.