Best Canned Dog Food for Small Breeds: Top Picks for Optimal Nutrition
Canned dog food is a convenient option for pet owners who want to provide their furry friends with a nutritious and balanced diet. Small breed dogs have unique nutritional needs, and finding the best canned dog food for them can be a challenge. In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the right canned dog food for your small breed dog.
When it comes to small breed dogs, it’s essential to choose a canned dog food that is formulated to meet their specific nutritional requirements. Small breed dogs have a faster metabolism than larger dogs, which means they need a higher calorie intake per pound of body weight. Additionally, small breed dogs have smaller mouths, which can make it difficult for them to eat large kibble.
When purchasing canned dog food for small breed dogs, it’s crucial to look for products that are specifically labeled as small breed formulas. These formulas are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs and often come in smaller kibble sizes or softer textures that are easier for them to eat.
One critical factor to consider when selecting canned dog food for small breed dogs is the ingredients. Look for products that contain high-quality proteins, such as chicken, turkey, or beef, as well as healthy fats and carbohydrates. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products, as these can be harmful to your dog’s health.
In this article, we will review the top-rated canned dog food products for small breed dogs, taking into account factors such as nutritional value, ingredient quality, and customer reviews. Whether you have a picky eater or a dog with specific dietary needs, we’ve got you covered.
Best Canned Dog Food for Small Breeds
We understand how important it is to provide the best nutrition for your furry friend. That’s why we have researched and compiled a list of the best canned dog food options for small breeds. These products have been carefully selected based on their quality ingredients, nutritional value, and positive customer reviews. Whether you have a picky eater or a dog with dietary restrictions, we have options that will suit your needs. Check out our top picks below.

Purina Beneful Small Breed Wet Dog Food Variety Pack
We highly recommend the Purina Beneful Small Breed Wet Dog Food Variety Pack for small dogs due to its high protein content and real meat ingredients.
Pros
- The variety pack includes real beef, chicken or salmon and real vegetables, formulated specifically for small dogs.
- The high protein content helps support strong muscles and contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
- The small, tender bites are perfect for small mouths, and the flavorful gravy adds the finishing touch to this small adult dog food.
Cons
- Some customers reported that their dogs did not like certain flavors included in the variety pack.
- Some customers noted that the cans are smaller than expected, so they may need to purchase more frequently.
- The smell of the wet food may be strong for some customers.
We found that the Purina Beneful Small Breed Wet Dog Food Variety Pack is a great option for small dogs who need high protein content in their diet. The real meat ingredients and vegetables provide a great taste, and the small, tender bites are easy for small dogs to chew. The variety pack also offers a range of flavors to keep mealtime exciting. However, some customers reported that their dogs did not like certain flavors included in the variety pack, so it may be a good idea to try out one flavor before purchasing the entire pack. Overall, we think this is a great option for small dogs who need a balanced and nutritious diet.

Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cups
If you’re looking for a nutritious and tasty canned dog food for your small breed dog, then Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cups are a great choice.
Pros
- Real beef as the first ingredient promotes healthy muscle maintenance while supporting the higher energy needs of small breed dogs.
- Perfectly portioned for smaller dogs, making them easy and convenient to serve.
- Made with the finest natural ingredients and enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
Cons
- Some customers have reported receiving fewer containers than expected.
- The texture of the product is more like soup, and the actual meat content is very small.
- The price may be higher than some other canned dog food options.
We were impressed with the quality of the ingredients in Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cups. The real beef as the first ingredient ensures that your dog is getting the high-quality protein they need to maintain healthy muscle mass. Additionally, the natural ingredients and lack of artificial flavors and preservatives make us feel good about feeding this to our furry family members.
We also appreciate the convenience of the perfectly portioned cups, which makes serving quick and easy. Our dog seemed to really enjoy the taste of the Filet Mignon and Porterhouse flavors, and we were happy to see her licking the bowl clean.
However, some customers have reported receiving fewer containers than expected, so make sure to double-check your order upon delivery. Additionally, the texture of the product is more like soup, which may not be as satisfying for some dogs. Finally, the price may be higher than some other canned dog food options, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.
Overall, we think that Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cups are a great choice for small breed dogs who need a nutritious and tasty meal.

Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cup
If you’re looking for a high-quality canned dog food for your small breed dog, Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cup is a great option.
Pros
- Made with real beef as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for muscle maintenance
- Convenient single-serving cups make it easy to serve and portion control
- Contains natural and wholesome ingredients, enhanced with vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s healthy lifestyle
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
- The packaging can be difficult to open
- The price may be higher than other canned dog foods
We recently tried this product with our small breed dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real beef as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance, and the natural ingredients and lack of artificial flavors and preservatives make it a healthier option for our furry family member.
The convenient single-serving cups make it easy to serve and portion control, and the hearty gravy adds a touch of flavor that our dog loved. However, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it’s important to monitor their reaction.
The packaging can be difficult to open, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not too much of a hassle. The price may be higher than other canned dog foods, but we believe the quality of the ingredients and the convenience of the single-serving cups make it worth the extra cost.
Overall, we recommend Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cup for small breed dog owners who want to provide their furry family members with a high-quality, natural, and convenient canned dog food option.

Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food, Variety Pack
If you’re looking for a high-quality canned dog food for your small breed, the Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Variety Pack is worth considering.
Pros
- Made with real, high-quality beef as the primary ingredient
- Grain-free and made with healthy, wholesome ingredients
- Can be served as a complete meal or as a tasty treat between meals
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the texture, which is more like soup than traditional canned dog food
- A few customers have reported receiving fewer than 12 cups in their package
- Some reviewers have reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste
We recently tried this variety pack with our small dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The fact that real beef is the first ingredient is a major plus, and we appreciated that the food is grain-free and made without chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.
One thing to note is that the texture is more like soup than traditional canned dog food, which may not be to every dog’s liking. Our dog didn’t seem to mind, though, and happily ate the food mixed with her kibble.
We also appreciated the convenience of the portioned cups, which can be served alone for a complete meal or mixed with dry food. They’re also a great option for a tasty treat between meals.
While there have been some reports of customers receiving fewer than 12 cups in their package, we didn’t experience this issue ourselves. Overall, we would recommend the Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food Variety Pack to other small dog owners looking for a high-quality canned food option.

CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor
If you’re looking for wet dog food that your furry friend will love, CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor is worth considering.
Pros
- Made with real beef as the #1 ingredient, making it a delicious and high-quality meal for your dog.
- Contains no fillers, no artificial flavors, and is formulated without grains, making it a healthy option for your pet.
- Comes in convenient trays with easy peel-away seals, making mealtime a breeze.
Cons
- The serving sizes are small, so you may need to feed your dog more than one tray per meal if they have a bigger appetite.
- The price point is higher than some other canned dog food options on the market.
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
We recently tried CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor with our small breed dog, and overall, we were pleased with the product. The smell of the food was pleasant, and our dog seemed to really enjoy the taste. The texture of the food was soft and easy for our dog to eat, which is important since she has some dental issues.
One thing we appreciated about this product is that it contains no fillers or artificial flavors. We like to feed our dog high-quality food, and we felt good about giving her this product. We also appreciated that the food comes in convenient trays with easy peel-away seals. It made mealtime quick and easy, which is always a plus.
However, one downside to this product is that the serving sizes are small. Our dog is a small breed, and we still had to feed her multiple trays per meal to keep her satisfied. Additionally, the price point is higher than some other canned dog food options on the market, which may be a consideration for some pet owners.
Overall, we would recommend CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor to other pet owners looking for a high-quality wet dog food option.

Solid Gold Canned Dog Food for Adult -amp; Senior Dogs – Star Chaser High Calorie Wet Dog Food for Healthy Digestion and Immune Support
If you’re looking for a high-quality canned dog food for your small breed dog, Solid Gold’s Star Chaser is a great option. We highly recommend this product for its natural, wholesome ingredients that promote muscle growth and support gut health and overall immunity.
Pros
- Natural, high-quality ingredients promote muscle growth and support gut health
- Contains added nutrients from carrots and no fillers like corn, wheat, or soy
- Provides added hydration to your pup’s diet
Cons
- May be more expensive than other canned dog food options
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture
- May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities
We’ve personally tried Solid Gold’s Star Chaser with our own small breed dog and have been impressed with the results. Our dog loves the taste and texture of the food, and we’ve noticed an improvement in his overall health and energy levels since switching to this brand.
The natural, whole grain ingredients in this canned dog food make it easy to digest for dogs of all life stages, from puppies to seniors. We appreciate that Solid Gold is America’s first holistic pet food brand and has been delivering transformative nutrition for pets since 1974.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality canned dog food with natural, wholesome ingredients that promote overall health and well-being, we highly recommend Solid Gold’s Star Chaser.

CESAR Filets in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food
If you’re looking for a high-quality canned dog food for your small breed dog, CESAR Filets in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made with real meat as the #1 ingredient, ensuring your dog gets the flavors they love.
- No fillers or artificial flavors, providing a taste your dog can’t resist.
- Convenient trays come with easy, peel-away seals for a complete and balanced meal or complement.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the texture of the filet mignon flavor.
- The price point may be higher than other canned dog food options.
- Some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as dented or damaged trays.
We recently tried CESAR Filets in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food with our small breed dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The real meat as the #1 ingredient made us feel good about what we were feeding our dog, and the lack of fillers or artificial flavors was a definite plus.
Our dog seemed to really enjoy the filet mignon flavor, although we did notice that the texture was a bit different than some other canned dog food options. It may not be the best choice for dogs who prefer a smoother texture.
One thing we really appreciated about CESAR Filets in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food was the convenience factor. The trays come with easy, peel-away seals, making it easy to provide a complete and balanced meal or a tasty complement to dry dog food.
Overall, we think CESAR Filets in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food is a great option for small breed dogs who enjoy the taste of real meat. While it may be a bit more expensive than some other canned dog food options, we feel that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Lil Bites Savory Stews for Small Breeds Chicken -amp; Turkey Dinner in Broth
If you are looking for a canned dog food that is perfect for small breeds, then Stella -amp; Chewy’s Lil Bites Savory Stews is a great option.
Pros
- Made with real shredded muscle meat that is rich in high-quality protein
- Complete -amp; balanced recipes specifically formulated for small breed dogs
- Made with responsibly sourced proteins and packed in 12 ready-to-serve recyclable cups
Cons
- Only available in one flavor
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- May be a bit expensive compared to other canned dog foods
We recently tried this product on our small breed dog and were impressed with the results. The real shredded muscle meat provided high-quality protein that helped our dog maintain a healthy weight. The complete and balanced recipes were specifically formulated for small breed dogs, which made us feel confident that our dog was getting all the nutrients she needed.
We also appreciated that the product was made with responsibly sourced proteins and packed in 12 ready-to-serve recyclable cups. This made it easy to serve and dispose of after our dog finished eating.
However, we did notice that this product is only available in one flavor. While our dog loved the chicken and turkey flavor, some dogs may not like it as much. Additionally, this canned dog food may be a bit expensive compared to other options on the market.
Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality canned dog food that is perfect for small breeds, then Stella -amp; Chewy’s Lil Bites Savory Stews is definitely worth considering.

Purina Beneful Wet Dog Food Variety Pack
If you’re looking for a variety pack of canned dog food for your small breed, Purina Beneful Wet Dog Food Variety Pack is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The variety pack includes three different flavors of wet dog food, which your dog is sure to love.
- The small 3 oz. cans are perfect for small breed dogs and make portion control easy.
- This wet dog food can be mixed with dry food for added nutrition and flavor.
Cons
- Some customers have reported damaged packaging and bent cans in their subscription orders.
- While the majority of customers are happy with the product, a few have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of certain flavors.
- This variety pack may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or allergies.
We recently tried Purina Beneful Wet Dog Food Variety Pack on our small breed dog and were pleased with the results. Our dog loved all three flavors and we appreciated the convenience of the small cans. We also found that mixing the wet food with our dog’s dry food helped to make mealtime more enjoyable for him.
While we did not experience any issues with damaged packaging or cans, we did notice that some of the cans were dented. However, this did not affect the quality of the food inside. Overall, we would recommend Purina Beneful Wet Dog Food Variety Pack to anyone looking for a convenient and tasty option for their small breed dog.

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food
If you’re looking for a wet dog food that’s made with natural ingredients and is specifically designed for small breed dogs, then the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food is a great option.
Pros
- Made with real, high-quality chicken as the #1 ingredient
- Packed with flavor and nutrition to help small breed dogs thrive
- Can be fed in three ways – mixed with dry food, served alone, or given as a treat
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste of the chicken recipe
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other wet dog food options
- Some customers have reported issues with dented or molded cans
We recently tried the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food with our small breed dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The chicken recipe is made with real, high-quality chicken as the #1 ingredient, and the wet food is packed with flavor and nutrition to help small breed dogs thrive.
One of the things we really liked about this wet dog food is that it can be fed in three ways – mixed with dry food, served alone, or given as a treat. This makes it a versatile option that can be used in a variety of ways depending on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs.
While our dog seemed to really enjoy the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food, we did notice that some dogs may not like the taste of the chicken recipe. Additionally, the wet food can be a bit pricey compared to other options on the market.
Overall, we would recommend the Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Adult Small Breed Wet Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-quality, natural wet dog food that’s specifically designed for small breed dogs.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying canned dog food for small breeds, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you are getting the best product for your furry friend. Here are some key features to look for:
Ingredients
The first thing to check on the label is the list of ingredients. Look for a product that uses high-quality sources of protein, such as real meat or fish, as the first ingredient. Avoid products that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.
Nutrition
Small breed dogs have different nutritional needs than larger dogs, so it’s important to choose a product that is specifically formulated for small breeds. Look for a food that contains a balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
Texture
Small breed dogs may have trouble chewing larger kibble, so it’s important to choose a canned food with a soft texture that is easy for them to eat. Look for products that are labeled as “small breed” or “soft and chewy.”
Price
While it’s important to choose a high-quality product, it’s also important to consider your budget. Look for products that offer good value for money, and compare prices between brands to find the best deal.
By considering these key features, you can ensure that you are choosing the best canned dog food for your small breed dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wet dog food do veterinarians most often recommend for small breeds?
Veterinarians often recommend wet dog food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates for small breeds. They also suggest avoiding dog food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Some of the top brands that veterinarians recommend for small breeds include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Blue Buffalo.
Which canned dog food is considered the healthiest for small breed dogs?
There are several canned dog foods that are considered the healthiest for small breed dogs. These include Wellness CORE, Merrick, and Orijen. These brands use high-quality ingredients and avoid fillers and artificial preservatives. They also offer a variety of flavors to suit your dog’s taste preferences.
What are the top-rated canned dog foods for senior small breed dogs?
Senior small breed dogs have different nutritional needs compared to younger dogs. Some of the top-rated canned dog foods for senior small breed dogs include Nutro Ultra Senior, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior, and Wellness Complete Health Senior. These brands offer a balanced diet that is easy to digest and helps maintain your dog’s overall health.
Which wet dog food brands are best for small breeds with sensitive stomachs?
Small breeds with sensitive stomachs require special diets that are easy to digest and gentle on their stomachs. Some of the best wet dog food brands for small breeds with sensitive stomachs include Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin -amp; Stomach, and Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet. These brands use high-quality ingredients and avoid common allergens that can trigger digestive issues.
How does canned dog food benefit small breed dogs compared to dry food?
Canned dog food provides several benefits to small breed dogs compared to dry food. Canned food has a higher moisture content, which helps keep your dog hydrated and supports healthy digestion. It also contains fewer carbohydrates and more protein, which is essential for small breeds that have high energy requirements. Canned food is also more palatable and easier to chew, making it ideal for small breeds with dental issues.
What are the recommended canned dog food options for a Chihuahua’s diet?
Chihuahuas have unique dietary needs that require a balanced diet to maintain their overall health. Some of the recommended canned dog food options for Chihuahuas include Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed, Wellness CORE Small Breed, and Merrick Lil’ Plates. These brands offer a variety of flavors and are formulated with high-quality ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of your Chihuahua.