Best Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs: Our Top Picks for 2024

Small dogs have unique nutritional needs, and choosing the right dry dog food can make all the difference in their health and well-being. When it comes to finding the best dry dog food for small dogs, there are several factors to consider.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds. Small dogs have faster metabolisms and require more calories per pound of body weight than larger dogs. They also have smaller mouths and teeth, which can make it difficult for them to chew and digest certain types of food.

When selecting a dry dog food for small dogs, it’s important to look for a formula that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, while healthy fats provide energy and support a healthy coat and skin. Essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, are important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a dry dog food for small dogs is the size and shape of the kibble. Small dogs may have difficulty chewing and swallowing large kibble, so it’s important to choose a formula that features small, bite-sized pieces.

Ultimately, the best dry dog food for small dogs will depend on your individual dog’s needs and preferences. We spent countless hours researching and testing ten different brands of dry dog food to identify the ones that offer the best nutrition, taste, and value for small breeds. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and provide a detailed breakdown of each product’s ingredients, nutritional value, and overall quality.

Best Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs

We understand that finding the right dry dog food for your furry friend can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to small dogs. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one that meets all their nutritional needs. That’s why we have researched and tested various dry dog foods to bring you our top picks for the best dry dog food for small dogs. Our recommendations are based on the quality of ingredients, nutritional value, taste, and overall customer satisfaction. So, let’s dive into our list and find the perfect dry dog food for your small pup!

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef

If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food for your furry friend, Pawstruck is an excellent choice. Made with real beef and other natural ingredients, this dog food is perfect for small dogs of all ages and breeds.

Pros

• Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: Pawstruck slowly oven roasts their food at a low temperature so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor—a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
• Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Single-protein, grain-free, gluten-free, and paleo-inspired recipe made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, -amp; minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
• Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Our healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.

Cons

• Expensive: Pawstruck is more expensive than some other dog food brands, but the quality of the ingredients and the nutritional value make it worth the price.
• Crumbles Easily: Some customers have reported that the food crumbles easily, making it difficult to feed to their dogs.
• Limited Availability: Pawstruck is only available online, which may be an inconvenience for some pet owners.

We’ve been using Pawstruck for our small dog for several months now, and we’re very happy with the results. Our dog loves the taste, and we love the fact that it’s made with all-natural ingredients and provides complete nutrition for all life stages. The air-dried method of preparation is a bonus, as it helps to retain the maximum amount of nutrients and flavor.

One thing to keep in mind is that Pawstruck is more expensive than some other dog food brands, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients is worth the price. Additionally, some customers have reported that the food crumbles easily, so it may not be the best choice for dogs who are very picky eaters.

Overall, we highly recommend Pawstruck for anyone looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog food for their small dog. With real beef as the #1 ingredient and a complete blend of vitamins and minerals, it’s a great choice for dogs of all ages and breeds.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Veggies Recipe for Small Breeds

If you’re looking for a high-quality dry dog food for your small furry friend, Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The primary ingredient in this dog food is farm-raised chicken, which is a great source of protein and helps support healthy organs and lean muscle mass.
• This recipe is specially crafted to help support higher energy levels in small dogs and their immune health, making it suitable for all life stages.
• The small kibble size and crunchy texture help clean teeth and freshen breath, making it perfect for little mouths.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• The bag size is relatively small, so you may need to purchase more frequently.
• It’s a bit pricey compared to other dog food brands.

We recently tried this dog food for our small dog, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The farm-raised chicken is a great source of protein, and we noticed that our dog had more energy and seemed healthier overall after switching to this dog food. The small kibble size and crunchy texture also helped clean our dog’s teeth and freshen her breath.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, so it’s a good idea to try a small bag before committing to a larger one. Additionally, the bag size is relatively small, so you may need to purchase more frequently than with other dog food brands. Finally, it’s a bit pricey compared to other dog food brands, but we think the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, we highly recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Dry Dog Food for small dogs. It’s a high-quality dog food that’s specially crafted with the unique needs of small dogs in mind, and we’re confident that your furry friend will love it as much as ours did.

PEDIGREE with Tender Bites Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Steak Flavor Dog Kibble, 3.5 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Steak with Tender Bites 3.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dry dog food that’s perfect for your small furry friend, then the PEDIGREE with Tender Bites Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Steak Flavor Dog Kibble, 3.5 lb. Bag is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The small chewy bites mixed with dog kibble make it easy for small dogs to chew and digest.
• The wholesome chicken and steak flavors are sure to make your dog’s taste buds happy.
• The kibble helps to gently clean your dog’s teeth with every bite.

Cons

• The bag size may not be sufficient for larger dogs or those with a bigger appetite.
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the chicken and steak flavors.
• The dry kibble may not be suitable for dogs with dental issues.

We recently tried this dry dog food with our small dog and were impressed with the results. The small chewy bites mixed in with the kibble made it easy for our dog to chew and digest, and the wholesome chicken and steak flavors were a hit with her. We also noticed that the kibble helped to gently clean her teeth with every bite, which was a bonus.

However, we did notice that the bag size may not be sufficient for larger dogs or those with a bigger appetite. Additionally, some dogs may not enjoy the taste of the chicken and steak flavors, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction when introducing this food. Lastly, the dry kibble may not be suitable for dogs with dental issues, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we highly recommend the PEDIGREE with Tender Bites Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Steak Flavor Dog Kibble, 3.5 lb. Bag for small dogs who need a nutritious and delicious meal.

Purina ONE Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food Natural with Added Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients – 31.1 lb. Bag Digestive Health Chicken 31.1 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dog food that promotes digestive health, Purina ONE Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food could be the perfect choice. Our dogs loved the taste and we noticed an improvement in their digestion after switching to this food.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Highly digestible formula enriched with probiotics
• Contains natural glucosamine sources for joint health

Cons

• Contains corn gluten meal
• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May cause flatulence in some dogs

This dry dog food is packed with high-quality ingredients that provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs. The addition of probiotics helps to support digestive wellness, while the natural glucosamine sources help to promote joint health.

One of the things we loved about this product is that it contains real chicken as the first ingredient. This protein-rich food supports muscle health, including a healthy heart. The kibble also contains omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and coat, and a blend of four antioxidants to support immune health.

We also appreciate that this dog food is produced in U.S. facilities where Purina takes steps to make it good for your dog and good for the environment, like reducing water and using renewable electricity. This is a veterinarian-recommended brand, and the bagged dog food dry formula provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition.

Overall, Purina ONE Plus Digestive Health Formula Dry Dog Food is a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs who need digestive support. While it contains corn gluten meal, which may not be suitable for all dogs, we found that our dogs loved the taste and saw an improvement in their digestion.

Purina ONE Plus Small Breed Lamb and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend the Purina ONE Plus Small Breed Lamb and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food for small dogs. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality dog food that is both nutritious and delicious.

Pros

• Made with real lamb as the first ingredient for strong muscles and a healthy heart
• Includes four antioxidant sources for a strong immune system
• No poultry by-product meal and no artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• May cause digestive issues in some dogs
• Contains rice, which may not be suitable for all dogs

This small dog dry food is crafted with high-quality ingredients that are easily digestible, which supports small dog health and energy throughout a typically longer life expectancy. The deliciously crunchy bites and tender meaty morsels deliver great taste in a lamb dry dog food recipe. It is made with no poultry by-product meal and no artificial flavors or preservatives, making it a great choice for pet owners who want to feed their dogs a natural and high-quality diet.

Purina small breed dog food includes four antioxidant sources for a strong immune system and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for a shiny coat and healthy skin. Our little toy poodle loves it, and it has been the best food we have gotten for him as far as how much he likes it, how well he digests it, and how healthy he looks on it. The price is more than regular food, but the serving size is smaller, and it has added vitamins and minerals for better health. It is probably actually cheaper than buying the supplements separately.

In conclusion, if you are looking for the best dry dog food for small dogs, the Purina ONE Plus Small Breed Lamb and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice. It is highly nutritious, delicious, and made with high-quality ingredients that support small dog health and energy.

Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

We highly recommend purchasing Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food due to its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.

Pros

• Easily digestible with a microbiome balance and prebiotic fiber for digestive health.
• Real chicken as the first ingredient supports strong muscles and a healthy heart.
• Contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and four antioxidant sources for a healthy immune system.

Cons

• Some dogs may not do well on a no-grain diet.
• May not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies.
• Some customers reported their dogs not liking the taste.

Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality dry dog food for their small dogs. The easily digestible formula with prebiotic fiber promotes digestive health and microbiome balance, ensuring your furry friend stays healthy. The real chicken as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein for strong muscles and a healthy heart, while the high-quality carbohydrate sources provide energy for your dog’s daily activities. Additionally, the formula contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and four antioxidant sources for a healthy immune system.

While some dogs may not do well on a no-grain diet, Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a great choice for those who are not allergic to grains. Some customers reported their dogs not liking the taste, but this may vary depending on your dog’s preferences.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food for its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition for adult dogs.

Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Adult Dog Food Dry Formula – 31.1 lb. Bag Chicken 31.1 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your large breed dog, Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Adult Dog Food Dry Formula is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support strong muscles and a healthy heart.
• Contains four antioxidant sources to support a strong immune system, along with omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, and no fillers, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your dog.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the crunchy kibble and meaty morsels.
• The large pieces of kibble may be difficult for some dogs to chew and digest.
• The high protein content may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with kidney or liver issues.

In our experience, Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Adult Dog Food Dry Formula is a great choice for large breed dogs. The real chicken provides a high-quality source of protein that our dogs love, and the crunchy kibble and meaty morsels make mealtime more enjoyable for them.

We appreciate that this dog food contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, and no fillers, so we know that every ingredient has a purpose. Plus, the addition of four antioxidant sources helps support a strong immune system, while the omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

However, we did notice that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the crunchy kibble and meaty morsels, and the large pieces of kibble may be difficult for some dogs to chew and digest. Additionally, the high protein content may not be suitable for all dogs, especially those with kidney or liver issues.

Overall, we would recommend Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Adult Dog Food Dry Formula to anyone looking for a high-quality dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for their large breed dog.

Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food

If you want to provide your Golden Retriever with a breed-specific diet, then Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Made specifically for Golden Retrievers 15 months and older
• Unique kibble shape and texture designed for a Golden Retriever’s straight muzzle and scissor bite
• Contains essential nutrients to help support skin, coat, heart, and weight management

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with dietary restrictions or allergies
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food

We recently tried Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food for our beloved Golden Retriever, and we were impressed with the results. The kibble shape and texture were perfect for our dog’s straight muzzle and scissor bite, making it easy for him to chew and digest. We also noticed a significant improvement in his skin and coat health after a few weeks of feeding him this dog food.

Moreover, the food contains taurine, EPA, and DHA, which are essential nutrients for heart health. It also has a precise amount of calories and fat to help maintain your Golden Retriever at an ideal weight. However, the food is a bit expensive compared to other brands, and it may not be suitable for dogs with dietary restrictions or allergies. Some dogs may also not like the taste or texture of the food.

In conclusion, if you want to provide your Golden Retriever with a breed-specific diet that contains essential nutrients to support their skin, coat, heart, and weight management, then Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food is a great choice.

IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food that caters to the specific nutritional needs of your adult small breed dog, then IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
• Contains omega-6 fatty acids that promote skin and coat health
• Antioxidants support the immune system of small breed dogs

Cons

• Some small breed dogs may not like the taste of the kibble
• The size of the kibble may be too big for some toy breed dogs
• The food may cause digestive issues in some dogs

We’ve been using IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for our small breed dog for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and energy levels. The kibble is made with real chicken, which is a great source of protein for small breed dogs. Plus, the omega-6 fatty acids in the food have done wonders for our dog’s skin and coat.

One thing to note is that the kibble size may be too big for some toy breed dogs. Our dog has no problem with it, but we’ve heard from other small breed dog owners that their dogs struggled to eat the kibble. Additionally, some dogs may experience digestive issues when switching to this food.

Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for small breed dog owners who want to give their furry friend a high-quality, nutritious diet.

ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food

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

Pros

• Made with fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients
• Grain-free and contains 85% animal ingredients
• Unique kibble shape that’s easier for small dogs to eat

Cons

• Expensive compared to other brands
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture

We recently tried ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food for our small dog and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The first five ingredients are fresh or raw poultry and fish, which provide a high protein source for our dog. We also appreciated that the food is grain-free and contains 85% animal ingredients, which mimics what our dog’s ancestors consumed in the wild.

The unique kibble shape is also a plus for small dogs. It’s easier for them to eat and digest compared to larger kibble sizes. However, this food is more expensive compared to other brands, which may be a drawback for some pet owners.

It’s important to note that this food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Overall, we recommend ORIJEN Small Breed Dry Dog Food for small dogs who need a high-quality, protein-rich diet.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dry dog food for small dogs, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some features to look for to ensure you are getting a high-quality product that meets your dog’s nutritional needs:

Ingredients

The first thing to look at when choosing a dry dog food is the ingredients list. Opt for products that have high-quality protein sources as the first ingredient, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid products that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives.

Nutritional Value

Check the nutritional value of the dry dog food you are considering. Look for products that have a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Small dogs have different nutritional needs than larger breeds, so make sure the product you choose is specifically designed for small dogs.

Brand Reputation

Choose a brand with a good reputation for producing high-quality dog food. Look for brands that have been in business for a long time and have a track record of producing safe and healthy products. You can also check online reviews and ratings to see what other pet owners have to say about the brand.

Price

Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a dry dog food. While it may be tempting to opt for a cheaper product, keep in mind that high-quality ingredients and nutritional value come at a cost. Look for products that offer a good balance of quality and affordability.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best dry dog food for your small dog that meets their nutritional needs and keeps them healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

We recommend checking with your veterinarian to determine the best dry dog food for your small breed. However, some of the top vet-recommended dry dog foods for small breeds include Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan.

Which dry dog food is considered the healthiest for small dogs?

The healthiest dry dog food for small dogs is one that meets their specific nutritional needs. Look for dry dog food that is high in protein, low in carbs, and contains essential vitamins and minerals. Some of the healthiest dry dog food options for small dogs include Blue Buffalo, Wellness, and Orijen.

Are there specific dog food brands that veterinarians suggest avoiding?

We recommend avoiding dog food brands that contain fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. Some dog food brands that veterinarians suggest avoiding include Ol’ Roy, Kibbles ‘n Bits, and Beneful.

What’s the best dry dog food for small breeds with allergies?

If your small breed has allergies, we recommend looking for dry dog food that is free from common allergens such as wheat, corn, and soy. Some of the best dry dog food options for small breeds with allergies include Natural Balance, Merrick, and Nutro.

How does Royal Canin rank for small dog nutrition needs?

Royal Canin is a top vet-recommended dry dog food brand for small breeds. They offer a range of dry dog food options that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of small dogs.

What dry dog food is most frequently recommended by vets for small dogs?

Hill’s Science Diet is one of the most frequently recommended dry dog food brands for small breeds. They offer a range of dry dog food options that are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of small dogs.