Best Dog Food for Small Dogs: Top Picks and Buying Guide

Small dogs are adorable, playful, and loyal companions that deserve the best care possible. Feeding them the right food is essential to keep them healthy and happy. However, with so many options available in the market, choosing the best dog food for small dogs can be overwhelming.

Small dogs have different nutritional needs than their larger counterparts, and their food should be tailored to their size and activity level. The ideal dog food for small dogs should be high in protein, low in calories, and easy to digest. It should also contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support their overall health.

When choosing the best dog food for small dogs, it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients list. Avoid dog food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Instead, look for dog food that contains high-quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish, and whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal.

In this article, we spent countless hours researching and testing various dog foods to identify the ones that are best for small dogs. We evaluated each dog food based on its ingredients, nutritional value, and customer reviews. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision and choose the best dog food for your furry friend.

Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

As pet owners, we know that finding the right food for our furry friends can be a challenging task. It’s even more difficult when it comes to small dogs since they have different nutritional needs than larger breeds. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various options to bring you our top picks for the best dog food for small dogs. Our list includes options that are high in protein, low in calories, and specifically formulated for small breeds. Read on to find the perfect food for your small pup!

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag Chicken -amp; Brown Rice 5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for high-quality, natural dog food that’s specifically formulated for small breed dogs, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this recipe is packed with high-quality protein to help your dog build and maintain healthy muscles. Plus, it’s enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support your dog’s overall health and well-being.

Pros

• Real chicken as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein for healthy muscles
• Specially formulated for small breed dogs with increased levels of protein and carbohydrates to meet their high energy needs
• Contains exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble
• May be more expensive than other dog food brands
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as broken or torn bags

We’ve been using Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food for several months now, and we’ve been very happy with the results. Our small dog loves the taste of the chicken and brown rice recipe, and we’ve noticed that she has more energy and seems healthier overall. We appreciate that this dog food is made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any chicken or poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble, so it may take some trial and error to find a dog food that your pet enjoys. Additionally, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food may be more expensive than other dog food brands, so it may not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget. Finally, some customers have reported issues with the packaging, such as broken or torn bags, so be sure to inspect your package carefully when it arrives.

Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food for small breed dogs. It’s a high-quality, balanced recipe that provides all the nutrients your dog needs to thrive, and it’s made with the finest natural ingredients to give you peace of mind. Give it a try and see the difference it can make for your furry friend!

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 5-lb Trial Size Bag

If you’re looking for a natural and balanced dog food for your small furry friend, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food might be a great option for you.

Pros

• Real meat is always the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for building and maintaining healthy muscles.
• Contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the energy needs of adult dogs, along with omega three and six fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
• Includes exclusive, antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to support a healthy immune system in your adult dog.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the chicken and brown rice flavor.
• The kibble size may be too large for some very small breeds.
• The price point may be higher than some other dog food options.

We recently tried out the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, specifically the Chicken and Brown Rice flavor in the 5-lb trial size bag. We were impressed with the high-quality ingredients and the balanced nutrition provided by this dog food. The real chicken as the first ingredient and absence of poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives made us feel confident that we were feeding our dog a natural and healthy diet.

Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste of the food, but we did notice that the kibble size was a bit large for her small mouth. We appreciated the addition of the LifeSource Bits, which are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance.

Overall, we would recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food to small dog owners who are looking for a natural and balanced dog food option. While the price point may be higher than some other dog food options, we believe that the high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition make it worth the investment.

Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food that caters to the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs, then Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• This dog food is specifically formulated for small dogs aged 10 months to 8 years old weighing 9–22 lb, making it an ideal option for those who have small pooches.
• The L-carnitine content helps maintain a healthy weight and meets the high energy needs of small dog breeds.
• The optimal levels of fatty acids like EPA and DHA support skin and coat health.

Cons

• The product is slightly more expensive than other dog foods in the market.
• The kibble size might be too small for some dogs.
• Some dogs might not like the taste of this dog food.

We tried this dog food on our small breed dog, and we were impressed with the results. Our dog loved the taste of the food and was always excited at mealtime. We noticed that our dog’s coat became shinier and healthier after a few weeks of feeding him with this dog food. We also appreciated the exclusive kibble design that was adapted for miniature jaws, making it easier for our dog to chew and digest.

The only downside we noticed was the price, which was slightly more expensive than other dog foods in the market. However, we believe that the benefits of this dog food outweigh the cost. Overall, we highly recommend Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a dog food that caters to the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal for your small dog, NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient
• Contains Omega 3 -amp; 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• Formulated with calcium for strong bones and joints

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Price may be higher than other brands
• Some customers reported issues with the bag’s resealable closure

We recently tried this NUTRO recipe for our small dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The kibble is the perfect size for small breeds and our dog seemed to enjoy the taste. We also noticed an improvement in his coat after a few weeks of feeding him this food.

One of the things we appreciate about NUTRO is their commitment to using natural ingredients and working with farmers to protect and improve soil health. We also like that this recipe is formulated without chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or artificial preservatives.

In addition to the benefits for skin, coat, bones, and joints, we also noticed that the crunchy texture of the kibble helped to clean our dog’s teeth and control plaque build-up.

Overall, we would recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food to other small dog owners who want to provide their pets with a healthy and nutritious meal.

CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor

We highly recommend purchasing CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor for your small dog. This dog food is made with real beef and without grains, making it a delicious and nutritious meal for your furry friend.

Pros

• The real beef as the #1 ingredient makes it a tasty and high-quality meal for your small dog.
• The convenient trays with easy, peel-away seals make it easy to serve and store.
• The 24-pack of 3.5 oz. trays is a great value for the price.

Cons

• The serving sizes may be small for larger dogs.
• Some dogs may not like the flavor or texture of the food.
• The packaging may not be environmentally friendly.

We’ve personally used CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor for our small dog and have been impressed with the quality and taste. Our dog eagerly waits for mealtime and devours the food within seconds.

The real beef in the food provides a high-quality source of protein for our dog, and we appreciate that it is made without grains and artificial flavors. The convenient trays make it easy to serve and store, and the peel-away seals keep the food fresh.

While the serving sizes may be small for larger dogs, we find that it is a perfect portion for our small dog. However, some dogs may not like the flavor or texture of the food, so it’s important to introduce it slowly and monitor their reaction.

Overall, we highly recommend CESAR Adult Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Filet Mignon Flavor for small dogs. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that our dog loves, and we appreciate the convenience and value of the 24-pack of trays.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed senior dog, then NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient, providing protein-rich nutrition for your dog
• Contains essential antioxidants to support your dog’s aging immune system
• Formulated with calcium to support strong bones and joints

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food
• The kibble may be too small for some dogs
• The price may be higher than other dog food options

We recently tried out this dog food with our senior Chihuahua, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the nutrition it provided. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and had no issues with digestion. We also appreciated that the recipe is formulated without chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or artificial preservatives.

One thing to note is that the kibble size is small, which may be a pro or con depending on your dog’s preferences. Our Chihuahua had no issues with the size, but larger dogs may find it too small.

Overall, we think NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is a great option for small breed senior dogs who need high-quality nutrition to support their aging bodies. While the price may be higher than some other options, we think it’s worth the investment for the quality of the ingredients and the nutrition it provides.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 5 lb. Bag 5 Pound (Pack of 1) Chicken

We highly recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Adult Dry Dog Food for small dogs because of its high-quality protein and essential antioxidants that support healthy immunity.

Pros

• The #1 ingredient is real chicken, providing high-quality protein for your dog’s needs.
• The ingredients are carefully sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers.
• The kibble supports healthy digestion with natural fiber and promotes healthy skin with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Cons

• The price is a bit higher than other dog food brands.
• The bag size is only 5 lbs, so it may not last as long as larger bags.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble.

We recently tried NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Adult Dry Dog Food for our small dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The kibble is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein for our dog’s needs. We appreciated that the ingredients were carefully sourced from a trusted network of farmers and suppliers, ensuring that our dog was getting the best possible nutrition.

We also noticed that our dog’s digestion improved after switching to this dog food. The natural fiber in the kibble helped support healthy digestion, which was a relief for us since our dog has had digestive issues in the past. Additionally, the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in the kibble helped promote healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat for our dog.

While the price of this dog food is a bit higher than other brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. The only downside we found was that the bag size is only 5 lbs, so it may not last as long as larger bags. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble, so it may not be the best fit for every small dog.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Adult Dry Dog Food for small dogs who need high-quality protein and essential antioxidants to support their well-being.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small -amp; Mini Breeds, Sensitive Stomach -amp; Skin, Chicken Recipe, 4 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a dog food that will keep your small dog healthy and happy, then you might want to consider Hill’s Science Diet. This dry dog food is designed to provide optimal digestive health and nourish your dog’s skin, making it a great choice for small and toy breed dogs.

Pros

• The prebiotic fiber in this dog food helps to feed your small dog’s microbiome, promoting optimal digestive health.
• This dog food is formulated with little dogs in mind, providing an optimal balance of nutrients specifically for miniature and toy breed dogs.
• The smaller kibble size is perfect for smaller dogs and helps to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food is not recommended for puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs.
• Feeding amounts may need to be adjusted to maintain proper weight.

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet for our small dog for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a big improvement in her overall health. She used to have occasional loose stools, but since switching to this dog food, her digestive health has improved significantly.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it’s made with natural ingredients. We feel good knowing that we’re feeding our dog something that’s good for her, and that doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Another great thing about Hill’s Science Diet is that it’s made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust. We feel good knowing that we’re supporting a company that cares about the quality of their products.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet for small and toy breed dogs. It’s a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and sensitive skin, and it’s a great way to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Chicken -amp; Rice Formula – 6 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Rice Shredded Blend 6 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Chicken -amp; Rice Formula for small breed dog owners who want to provide their furry friends with high-quality nutrition.

Pros

• Nutrient-dense bite-sized kibble and small tender, shredded pieces for a taste and texture dogs love
• High protein formula with real chicken as the first ingredient
• Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive and immune health

Cons

• Contains wheat bran, which may not be suitable for dogs with wheat sensitivities
• The kibble size may be too small for larger small breed dogs
• Some dogs may not prefer the taste of chicken and rice formula

We were impressed with the nutrient-dense bite-sized kibble and small tender, shredded pieces that our dog loved. The high protein formula with real chicken as the first ingredient helped our dog maintain an ideal body condition, while vitamin A and linoleic acid kept her coat shiny and her skin healthy. We also appreciated that the formula was fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support our dog’s digestive and immune health.

While the formula contains wheat bran, which may not be suitable for dogs with wheat sensitivities, we did not experience any negative reactions with our dog. However, the kibble size may be too small for larger small breed dogs, and some dogs may not prefer the taste of chicken and rice formula.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Chicken -amp; Rice Formula for small breed dog owners who want to ensure that their dogs receive high-quality nutrition.

Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that’s specifically designed for small breeds, Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• This dog food is made with easy-to-digest ingredients that are specially formulated for small dogs’ stomachs.
• The small kibble size is perfect for little canine mouths.
• The high-quality protein in this dog food helps maintain lean muscle in small breed dogs.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market.
• The bag is relatively small, so you may need to purchase it more frequently.

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dog Food for our small breed dog for several months now, and we’ve been very happy with the results. Our dog loves the taste of this dog food, and we’ve noticed that her coat is shinier and her skin is healthier since we started using it. We also appreciate that this dog food is made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

One of the things we like best about Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dog Food is that it’s specifically designed for small breed dogs. The small kibble size is perfect for our dog’s little mouth, and we’ve noticed that she’s able to eat it more easily than some other dog foods we’ve tried in the past. We also like that this dog food is made with high-quality protein that helps maintain lean muscle in small breed dogs.

While we think Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dog Food is an excellent choice for small breed dogs, we do recognize that it may not be the best option for every dog. Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, and others may have trouble digesting it. Additionally, this dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market, so it may not be the best choice for pet owners on a tight budget. Overall, though, we think this is a high-quality dog food that’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for the best dog food for small dogs.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for small dogs, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features that you should look for:

Nutritional Content

Small dogs have different nutritional requirements than larger breeds, so it’s important to choose a food that is specifically formulated for their needs. Look for a food that is high in protein and fat, as these nutrients are essential for maintaining your dog’s energy levels and overall health. Additionally, make sure that the food contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to thrive.

Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients in your dog’s food is also important. Look for a food that uses high-quality, whole food ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and grains. Avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, as these can be harmful to your dog’s health.

Size and Texture

Small dogs may have difficulty eating large kibble or hard, crunchy foods. Look for a food that is specifically designed for small breeds, with kibble that is small and easy to chew. Wet or canned food can also be a good option for small dogs, as it is easier to digest and can provide additional moisture.

Price

While it’s important to choose a high-quality food for your small dog, it’s also important to consider your budget. Look for a food that provides good value for the price, with high-quality ingredients and a good nutritional profile.

By considering these factors when choosing a dog food for your small dog, you can ensure that you are providing them with the best possible nutrition for their health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top vet-recommended dog foods for small breeds?

The top vet-recommended dog foods for small breeds include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands offer a range of formulas specifically designed for small dogs, with high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition.

Which dry dog food brands are best for small dogs?

Some of the best dry dog food brands for small dogs include Wellness, Blue Buffalo, and Nutro. These brands offer a variety of options for small breeds, including grain-free and limited ingredient formulas.

How do I choose the best dog food for a small dog with allergies?

If your small dog has allergies, it’s important to choose a dog food that is free from the allergen(s) causing the issue. Look for dog foods that are specifically marketed as “limited ingredient” or “hypoallergenic.” Brands like Natural Balance, Merrick, and Blue Buffalo offer options for dogs with food sensitivities.

What are the best puppy foods for small breeds according to the AKC?

According to the AKC, some of the best puppy foods for small breeds include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands offer puppy formulas that are specifically designed for small breeds, with the right balance of nutrients for growth and development.

Can you recommend the best wet dog food for small breeds?

Some of the best wet dog food options for small breeds include Wellness, Blue Buffalo, and Merrick. These brands offer a variety of flavors and textures to keep your small dog interested in mealtime.

What are the best grain-inclusive dog foods for small dogs?

If you’re looking for a grain-inclusive dog food for your small dog, some of the best options include Nutro, Blue Buffalo, and Merrick. These brands offer a range of formulas with high-quality grains like brown rice and barley, along with other nutritious ingredients.