Best Dog Foods for Small Breeds: Top Picks for Optimal Nutrition

Small breed dogs have unique nutritional needs that require special attention from pet owners. The right dog food can help support their growth, maintain their energy levels and keep them healthy. With so many dog food options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for your furry friend. In this article, we will explore the best dog foods for small breeds, taking into account their specific dietary requirements and preferences.

When it comes to selecting dog food for small breeds, there are a few critical factors to consider. First, small dogs have higher metabolism rates than larger dogs, which means they require more calories per pound of body weight. Second, small breeds have smaller mouths and teeth, making it challenging for them to chew and digest large kibble. Third, some small breeds are prone to dental issues, which can be exacerbated by certain types of dog food.

To ensure that your small breed dog gets the best possible nutrition, you should look for dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds. These dog foods typically have smaller kibble sizes, higher protein content, and more calories per serving. Additionally, you should avoid dog food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

After conducting extensive research and testing, we have identified the top ten best dog foods for small breeds. Our selection criteria included nutritional value, ingredient quality, kibble size, and taste. Whether you have a Chihuahua or a Shih Tzu, we have found the perfect dog food for your furry friend.

Best Dog Foods for Small Breeds

As pet owners, we understand the importance of providing our furry friends with the best nutrition possible. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your small breed. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best dog foods for small breeds to help you make an informed decision. Our team of experts has researched and analyzed various brands to ensure that the products on this list meet the nutritional needs of small dogs. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best dog foods for small breeds.

ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for the best dog food for small breeds, ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with 85% animal ingredients, including fresh or raw poultry and fish, that provide high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Grain-free and Biologically Appropriate recipe based on what your dog’s ancestors consumed in the wild.
• Unique kibble shape that’s easier for small dogs to eat.

Cons

• On the pricey side compared to other dog food brands.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.

We recently tried ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food for our small dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The food is made with fresh or raw poultry and fish, which gives our dog a strong source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. We also appreciate that the food is grain-free and based on what dogs would eat in the wild.

The unique kibble shape is great for small dogs, making it easier for them to eat. However, the food is on the pricey side compared to other dog food brands, which may not be ideal for some pet owners. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, so it’s important to introduce it gradually to see how your dog reacts.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed, ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that it may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies.

Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed dog, Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• The kibble is small and easy for small dogs to eat.
• The formula is tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs.
• It contains L-carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.

Cons

• The product is slightly more expensive than some other dog foods on the market.
• Some customers have reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste.
• The bag size may not be large enough for households with multiple dogs.

We’ve been using Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for our small dog for several months now, and we’ve been very happy with the results. The kibble is small and easy for our dog to eat, and she seems to enjoy the taste. We’ve noticed that her coat is shinier and her energy levels are higher since we switched to this food.

One of the things we like about this food is that it’s tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs. It contains optimal levels of fatty acids like EPA and DHA to support skin and coat health, and it has a high energy content to meet the needs of small dogs. We also appreciate that it contains L-carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.

While this product is slightly more expensive than some other dog foods on the market, we feel that it’s worth the price for the quality of the ingredients and the benefits it provides. Some customers have reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste, but we haven’t had any issues with our dog refusing to eat it.

Overall, we would highly recommend Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food to other small breed dog owners looking for a high-quality food that meets the unique needs of their pets.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Reserve Duck -amp; Potato Recipe, 4 Pound (Pack of 1) Duck -amp; Potato 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for small breed dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Pros

• The single animal protein source, duck, provides essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles.
• Potatoes are included as a grain-free source of fiber to help support digestive health.
• Made with a simplified list of premium ingredients to help support a healthy coat, skin -amp; digestive system.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of duck.
• The kibble size may be too small for larger small breed dogs.
• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands.

We have been using Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for our small breed dog for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in his coat and overall health. The limited ingredient list has helped to reduce his digestive issues and the small kibble size has made it easier for him to eat.

The duck and potato recipe is a great option for dogs with food sensitivities, as it does not contain any commonly added ingredients like peas, corn, wheat or soy. The food also contains essential vitamins and minerals to help meet your dog’s nutritional needs.

We appreciate that Natural Balance prioritizes safety and transparency with their “Feed with Confidence” program, which tests every batch of food for safety. Overall, we highly recommend the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for small breed dogs with sensitive stomachs.

HORIZON PET NUTRITION Pulsar Grain Free, Non GMO, Meat Dense All Life Stage Dry Dog Food Turkey 8.8 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed, HORIZON PET NUTRITION Pulsar Grain Free Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Packed with 66% animal protein content
• Contains locally sourced, GMO-free carbohydrates
• Formulated with industry-leading levels of probiotics

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
• More expensive than some other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We’ve been using HORIZON PET NUTRITION Pulsar Grain Free Dog Food for our small breed dog for several months now, and we’ve been very happy with the results. The food is packed with high-quality protein and is free from grains, by-products, and other fillers that can be harmful to dogs.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it contains locally sourced, GMO-free carbohydrates that promote a low glycemic diet. This means that our dog gets the energy she needs to stay active and healthy without experiencing spikes in blood sugar levels.

Another great feature of HORIZON PET NUTRITION Pulsar Grain Free Dog Food is the high levels of probiotics that are added after cooking. These probiotics help to support gut and intestinal health, which is essential for small breed dogs that can be prone to digestive issues.

While we’ve been very happy with this dog food, it’s important to note that some dogs may not enjoy the taste. Additionally, it’s more expensive than some other dog food brands, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious pet owners. Finally, if your dog has specific dietary restrictions, this dog food may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we would highly recommend HORIZON PET NUTRITION Pulsar Grain Free Dog Food for small breed dogs. It’s a high-quality, nutritious dog food that is sure to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Open Farm Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Recipe

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed, Open Farm Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Recipe is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The kibble size is perfect for small breeds with higher metabolic rates.
• The recipe is lab formulated and kitchen made with high-quality, humanely raised chicken and turkey.
• The recipe includes essential vitamins and minerals to promote wellness and balance.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the food has a strong smell that their dogs didn’t like.
• The food is more expensive than some other brands.
• Some users have reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste of the food.

We’ve been using Open Farm Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Recipe for a few months now and have been very happy with it. Our dog has a sensitive stomach, but she hasn’t had any digestion issues since we switched to this food. The kibble size is perfect for her small mouth, and she seems to really enjoy the taste.

One thing to note is that the food does have a strong smell, which some dogs may not like. However, we haven’t had any issues with our dog refusing to eat it. We also appreciate that the recipe includes essential vitamins and minerals to promote wellness and balance.

Overall, we highly recommend Open Farm Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Recipe for small breed owners looking for a high-quality, nutritious food for their furry friend.

Blackwood Special Diet All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend the Blackwood Special Diet All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for small breeds due to its natural and high-quality ingredients that promote healthy digestion and a shiny coat.

Pros

• Made in the USA with natural ingredients
• Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion

Cons

• More expensive than some other brands
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• Not suitable for dogs with grain allergies

We have been using Blackwood Special Diet All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for our small breed dog and have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and energy levels. The slow cooking process retains the nutrients and flavors, making it a great-tasting kibble that our dog loves.

The natural ingredients, including salmon, brown rice, carrots, celery, and spinach, make it an ideal choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. We appreciate that it is free from artificial flavors and fillers and does not contain corn, wheat, or soy. The addition of prebiotics and probiotics also promotes healthy digestion and a happy tummy.

While it is more expensive than some other brands, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits to our dog’s health make it worth the investment. However, some dogs may not like the taste, so it may not be suitable for all small breeds.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality dog food that promotes healthy digestion and a shiny coat, we highly recommend Blackwood Special Diet All Life Stages Dry Dog Food.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Pet Food – Crunchy Bites Dog Treats

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy treat for your small breed dog, Chicken Soup for the Soul Crunchy Bites Dog Treats might be the perfect choice for you. Made with real peanut butter and other natural ingredients, these treats are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Pros

• Real peanut butter is the #1 ingredient
• Made with natural ingredients like bacon, oatmeal, and ground potatoes
• Low-calorie with only 8 calories per treat

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of peanut butter
• May not be suitable for dogs with food allergies
• The treats may break apart easily, making them messy to handle

We recently tried Chicken Soup for the Soul Crunchy Bites Dog Treats with our small breed dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the product. Our dog loved the taste of the peanut butter and eagerly gobbled up the treats. We also appreciated that the treats were made with natural ingredients and were low in calories, making them a healthy choice for our furry friend.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of peanut butter, so it’s important to consider your dog’s preferences before purchasing these treats. Additionally, if your dog has food allergies, you may want to check the ingredients list carefully to ensure that they can safely consume the treats.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Chicken Soup for the Soul Crunchy Bites Dog Treats to other small breed dog owners. They’re a delicious and healthy treat that your furry friend is sure to love.

Nature’s Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast

We highly recommend Nature’s Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast for small breed dogs who need a nutrient-dense diet.

Pros

• The absence of wheat, corn, rice, soy, potato, peas or lentils makes it a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
• The probiotics and enzymes in the food aid in digestion and increase nutrient absorption.
• The multiple proteins make it easy to rotate flavors and provide variety in your dog’s diet.

Cons

• It is a bit pricey compared to other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, as it is a bit different from other dry foods.
• The packaging could be improved to make it easier to store and access.

We have been using Nature’s Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast for our small breed dog for several months now and have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and well-being. The absence of common allergens and synthetic ingredients has made a noticeable difference in her digestion and coat. Additionally, the multiple proteins have made it easy to switch up her diet and keep mealtime interesting.

While the price point may be a bit higher than other dog foods, we feel that the quality and benefits of the food make it well worth the investment. We highly recommend giving Nature’s Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast a try for your small breed dog.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed, then The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food is worth considering.

Pros

• Made with human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility
• Complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes
• Contains no feed grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
• More expensive than some other dog foods on the market
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or allergies

We’ve been using The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food for our small breed dog for several months now and have been impressed with the quality of the food. The fact that it’s made with human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility gives us peace of mind that we’re feeding our dog the best possible nutrition.

One thing we appreciate about this dog food is that it’s complete and balanced for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, so we don’t have to worry about finding a different food as our dog ages or grows. Plus, the fact that it’s free of feed grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, and artificial preservatives means we know exactly what our dog is eating.

While our dog seems to enjoy the taste and texture of the food, we have heard from other dog owners that their dogs didn’t like it as much. Additionally, the price point may be a bit higher than some other dog foods on the market, which could be a downside for some pet owners. Lastly, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions or allergies, this food may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we would recommend The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Whole Grain Chicken -amp; Oat Dry Dog Food to any pet owner looking for a high-quality dog food for their small breed. The human-grade ingredients, complete and balanced nutrition, and lack of fillers and artificial ingredients make this a top choice for us.

Fromm Family Foods 727531 15 Lb Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed, Fromm Family Foods 727531 15 Lb Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food is a great choice.

Pros

• Only the highest quality ingredients are used in Fromm Pet Foods.
• Many varieties are available from puppy to senior.
• The best dog food money can buy.

Cons

• Some may find it pricey compared to other dog food brands.
• May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs.
• Some dogs may not like the taste.

We’ve been using Fromm Family Foods 727531 15 Lb Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food for our small breed dog for a few months now and we’re very happy with the results. Our dog’s coat is shinier and softer, and she has more energy than before. We appreciate that Fromm only uses high-quality ingredients in their pet foods, which gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re feeding our dog the best possible food.

One thing to note is that Fromm can be a bit pricey compared to other dog food brands, but we believe that the quality of the food is worth the extra cost. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of the food, so it may take some time to find the right flavor for your pup.

Overall, we highly recommend Fromm Family Foods 727531 15 Lb Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food for any small breed dog owner looking for a high-quality, nutritious food for their furry friend.