good brand of dog food for small breeds

Best Dog Food for Small Breeds

Your small breed dog might think he is one of the big dogs, but when it comes to dinnertime his nutritional needs are unique. He needs a diet specially formulated for small dogs to help him feel and act his best. Unfortunately, finding the best dog food for small breeds is not always easy. We have a few tips to help make your search for the perfect canine cuisine easier.

Small Dog Nutrition 101

Small dogs are different in many ways from their larger counterparts, beginning with their nutritional needs. Despite their small size, small and toy breed dogs may actually require more calories per pound than large-breed dogs. Their higher metabolic rates particularly affect their dietary needs in puppyhood, and there are health concerns as they age that diet can help address.

In general, dogs require a wide range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Dogs, contrary to popular belief, are not strictly carnivores. Domestic dogs rely on grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as meat, for a complete and balanced diet. For this reason, many people prefer to feed their dogs commercial foods. Most commercial foods are affordable, convenient, and contain all of the nutrients that dogs need to stay healthy, and since few owners are experts in dog nutrition, feeding a dry or canned commercial diet takes the guesswork out of balancing your dogs nutritional needs.

Certain breeds may have their own nutritional concerns. Talk to your vet about your dog to see if there are any nutritional risks you should be aware of based on breed, age, or existing health problems.

Best Food for Small Breed Puppies

The assumption that small breed dogs are low maintenance and easy to feed due to their small size is dangerous. Small breed puppies, especially toy breeds, require careful feeding to prevent a condition called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is the scientific word for low blood sugar, and small breed puppies are prone to developing this condition as a result of high metabolic rates and low sugar and body fat reserves. This means they need to be fed a calorie-dense, small breed puppy food anywhere from four-to-six times a day and watched closely for symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia in dogs:

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures

Most complete and balanced small breed puppy foods contain the appropriate amount of nutrients for small breed dogs. They also have smaller kibbles, which are easier for small breed puppies to chew and are less of a choking hazard. Talk to your vet about the risks of hypoglycemia and what you can do to prevent it in your small breed puppy. If you suspect your puppy has hypoglycemia, call your veterinarian immediately.

Best Dog Food for Small Breed Adults

Finding the best food for small breed adults is tricky. There are a lot of options claiming to offer your dog the best nutritional package in a variety of price ranges. You can narrow your search by asking your veterinarian what brands he or she recommends. Veterinarians have access to the latest research on dog nutrition as well as pet food recalls, which makes them a valuable resource during this decision-making process. Depending on your dogs health, your vet might recommend a specific food or several brands that he or she feels offer the best food for small breeds.

Small breed adult dogs require more calories-per-pound than large dogs, and they also need smaller kibbles, which is why diets especially formulated for small breeds are usually best. However, while small dogs might need more calories per pound than larger dogs, that does not mean that owners should overfeed them. One of the biggest concerns regarding dog nutrition is obesity. Obese dogs are more prone to a variety of health issues, and it is estimated that obesity takes as many as two years off of our dogs lives.

Diseases associated with obesity in dogs:

Best Food for Small Breed Senior Dogs

Small breed dogs typically live longer than large breed dogs. This means that your small breed dog could be eating the same food from the time she graduates from puppy food for more than 15 years. A diet rich in antioxidants could help prevent free radical damage over her long lifespan, so ask your veterinarian about the best foods for small breeds that contain plenty of antioxidants.

Both adult and all other life-stage formulas are appropriate for senior dogs. Currently, there is no senior, geriatric, or mature dog food nutrient profile recognized by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Dog foods that cater to seniors do not have to meet specific senior nutrient requirements, and they may not have undergone any clinical trials to test their effectiveness. This does not necessarily mean that senior dog foods for small breeds are a bad choice for your senior pet, but it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about a senior diet before you buy, in order to make sure you get an effective formula.

Senior small breed dogs may develop health problems that require special dietary restrictions or prescription diets. Prescription senior diets, unlike commercial diets, are specially formulated and clinically proven to help treat certain conditions. Your vet may recommend a prescription diet for your senior pet if he or she feels it is necessary.

How to Read a Dog Food Label

One of the first things conscientious owners look at is the label on a bag of food. While this is a good practice, the reality is that dog food labels can be very misleading and hard to interpret. There are a few things to keep in mind as you look at a label:

• Look for the statement complete and balanced
• Check the life stages (ie. puppy, adult, all life stages)
• Examine the ingredients for any allergens your pet may have

Complete and balanced dog foods contain at least the minimum amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients considered necessary for dogs, helping ensure that your pet does not suffer from a nutrient deficiency. Choosing the appropriate life stage also helps keep your pet nutritionally satisfied, and avoiding allergens prevents your dog from suffering from an allergic reaction.

The ingredient list is a good way to see what the primary ingredients in the dog food are, but it will not tell you very much about the quality of the ingredients. The best way to determine if the food is made from good quality ingredients such as meats, grains, vegetables, and fruits is to contact the manufacturer or consult your veterinarian.

The manufacturer should be able to give you a complete nutritional analysis of the product, which you can present to your vet, and can also verify whether or not there is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist on its staff. Most manufacturers have this information available on their websites, and if not, you should feel free to call their customer service representative with your questions. Other questions to ask are:

• Do they follow AAFCO feeding trials?
• Have they participated in clinical studies about their products?
• Do they manufacture their foods in-house where they have control over all aspects of development, or do they outsource?
• Where do they source their ingredients?
• How many calories are in their servings?

Cost of Small Breed Dog Food

Once you have sorted through the various dog food brands and found one that you and your vet think will best benefit your dog, you need to decide how much you are willing to spend. A good rule of thumb to follow for commercial dog food diets is to stay away from the cheapest option. Your dogs food is a vital part of his preventative healthcare, and so you want to invest in it as much as possible. When it comes to dog food, you usually get what you pay for.

On the other hand, an expensive dog food is not a guarantee of quality, either. By talking with your veterinarian and comparing brands of dog food in a variety of price ranges, you should be able to find the best dog food for small dogs that also matches your budget.

Specialty Diets for Small Breed Dogs

There are quite a few new pet food trends going around right now, including raw diets, grain-free diets, and home-cooked pet meals. If you are considering feeding a non-traditional diet to your small breed dog, talk with your veterinarian. There are serious concerns associated with some of these trends, especially raw diets, that pet owners need to be aware of in order to keep both their pets and their families safe.

Some small dogs have allergies to certain ingredients. If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, talk to your vet about the best type of food for your dog and what ingredients to avoid.

How Much Should I Feed My Small Breed Dog?

Finding the best dog food for small dogs is the first step toward helping your pet live a long and healthy life. Figuring out how much to feed them is the second. In general, the guidelines on the back of the food bag are a good place to start. Measure out each meal and monitor your pets weight closely to see if he gains or loses weight when you follow the manufacturers instructions, and dont hesitate to talk with your veterinarian to help you determine the best weight for your dog.

Unfortunately for small breed dog owners, breeders, and enthusiasts, there is no single best dog food for small breeds. Following these guidelines and consulting with your veterinarian are good ways to find a dog food that works for your wallet and your dog. With a little research, you can feel safe knowing that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition to help her live a long and healthy life.

The Top 10 Best Small Breed Wet Dog Food Brands (2024)

If you have a toy dog or a small dog (up to 20 pounds), you may want to consider feeding them a specifically formulated small breed wet dog food brand. Compared to their larger counterparts, small dogs will need a dog food formula withhigher levels of protein, fat, calories and other nutrients than typical adult dog foods. Additionally, its important to feed a small-size kibble for easier digestion and to not overfeed a small-size dog.

When searching online you may find hundreds of small breed specific wet dog food brands. In addition to the hundreds of brands available, they all claim to be the best for a small breed dog.

So whats the best small breed wet dog food brands? Our team of dog food nutritionists researched analyzed over 300 small breed wet dog food brands for the very best. Here are the best small breed wet dog food brands for 2024.

To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements:

• Real Meat is the #1 Ingredient
• Small Breed Specific Formula
• High Protein and Fat Levels
• 100% Complete and Balanced
• No Corn, Wheat or Soy
• No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
• Exceeds AAFCO Standards

Merrick Grain-Free Grammys Pot Pie Recipe Small Breed Wet Dog Food

If your dog likes a chunks of gravy texture wet dog food, Merricks Grammys Pot Pie Recipe is an excellent choice. This grain-free slow cooked stew is made with deboned chicken as the #1 ingredient. In addition to chicken, Merrick adds fresh-cut vegetables and fruits such as peas, carrots, potatoes and apples to the 5 star wet small breed recipe.

To promote overall health and well-being for your dog, Merrick only purchases nutritious ingredients from locally trusted farmers. Furthermore, the complete and balanced nutrition can be served as a complete meal or mixed with your small breeds favorite dry dog food brand. This special diet contains no corn, wheat, soy and is gluten-free.

Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potato, Carrots, Peas, Apples, Dried Egg Product, Natural Chicken Flavor, Carrageenan, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Guar Gum, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Cassia Gum, Canola Oil, Olive Oil, Flax Oil, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Lecithin.

Caloric Content:935 kcal /kg, 356 kcal/13.2 oz can

Instinct by Natures Variety Original Small Breed Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Natural Wet Dog Food

This 5 star small breed wet dog food is made with real beef and beef liver for highest protein levels to help build strong muscles in your active small breed. Natures Variety Instinct Small Breed Recipe has a 1,013 kcal/kg, 153 kcal/5.5 oz can, 86 kcal/3 oz can calorie count which is specially formulated for small breed dogs. This recipe contains no grains, wheat, soy, potatoes, by-products, artificial colors or preservatives.

In addition to being healthy on the digestive system, the delicious pate texture loaf also includes rich omega fatty acids, to help promote optimum coat and skin health. An array of antioxidant rich fruits is also included in this raw focused diet. Made in the USA, Natures Variety is great wet dog food option for your small breed.

Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Ground Dried Peas, Cod, Pea Fiber, Tricalcium Phosphate, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley

Caloric Content:1,013 kcal/kg, 153 kcal/5.5 oz can, 86 kcal/3 oz can

CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Petite Fricassee Style Dinner with Turkey & Green Beans in Sauce Small Breed Dog Food Trays

For the most pickiest of eaters, CANIDAE Fricassee Style Dinner is a recipe most small breed dogs cant resist. The chunks in gravy texture is conveniently served in single trays for less of a mess and easy clean up. CANIDE PURE Petite also uses only 7 whole ingredients including turkey broth to simmer the nutrient rich stew.

Chicken, chicken liver and turkey, dried egg whites and green beans make up the first 5 ingredients in this 5 star small breed wet dog food brand. In addition to healthy whole ingredients, chelated minerals and vitamins help support active small breed health as well.

Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Dried Peas, Peas, Dicalcium Phosphate, Cassia Gum, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Natural Flavor, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Rosemary Extract.

Caloric Content:1101 kcal/kg or 109 kcal/bowl

Wellness CORE Chunky Centers with Beef, Lamb & White Sweet Potato Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Wellness CORE Chunky Centers is a 5 star, easy-to-serve wet dog food formula. The natural recipe is protein-rich with chicken, beef and lamb. Additionally, the delicious pate is mixed with chicken liver, white sweet potatoes and egg. Chicken liver is a rich source of Vitamins A, D and B vitamins.

In addition to chicken, turkey is a excellent source of high quality proteins and fatty acids. Dog owners have noted this small breed wet dog food is perfect for the most sensitive of stomachs. Wellness COREs tasty superfood is easy-to-open and makes mealtime cleanup quick and easy as well.

Ingredients: Chicken broth, water sufficient for processing, chicken, turkey, duck, white sweet potatoes, potato starch, chicken liver, egg, natural flavor, locust bean gum, carrageenan, guar gum, tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, sodium carbonate, salt, xanthan gum, magnesium sulfate, vitamins [vitamin e supplement, thiamine hydrochloride, niacin, vitamin a supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin supplement, folic acid, vitamin d3 supplement, biotin, vitamin b12 supplement], choline chloride, zinc amino acid chelate, iron amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite.

Caloric Content:173 kcal/container

Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe Chicken Dinner Wet Dog Food

If you are looking for a small breed wet dog food that helps support digestibility, increases energy, strengthen nails, reduces shedding, promotes a shinier coat and doesnt put a hole in your wallet, then take a look at Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Recipe. Chicken is the #1 ingredient in this high palatable, specially designed small breed formula.

Along with chicken, other whole ingredients are also included; chicken liver, peas, carrots and sweet potatoes as well. This 5 star stew is made with any corn, wheat, soy, by-products or artificial colors and preservatives. Additionally, its grain-free and great for small, extra small and toy-size dog breeds. Proudly made in the USA, Whole Earth Farms is a brand you can trust.

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Peas, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Dried Egg Product, Yeast Culture, Apples, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Guar Gum, Choline Chloride, Dried Cranberries, Xanthan Gum, Cinnamon, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodate, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Yucca Schidigera Extract.

Caloric Content:994 kcal/kg, 84 kcal/3 oz can,1193 kcal/kg, 108 kcal/3.2 oz can

Solid Gold Leaping Waters Chicken, Salmon & Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Small & Medium Breed Wet Dog Food

Solid Gold is a holistic grain and gluten-free wet dog food your small breed dog will love. The pate texture is formulated with whole vegetables, which provides healthy support for proper digestion. Taking a look at the ingredients list shows this formula is protein packed. Chicken, whitefish, chicken liver and salmon are all stewed in salmon broth for a protein power pack nutrient dense diet.

A variety of complex amino acids are also included. Salmon and flaxseed oil help with cognitive brain development and helps promote a healthy coat. Calcium and Vitamin B12 minerals also help with keeping your small breed dog bones and teeth healthy as well.

Ingredients: Chicken, Salmon Broth, Whitefish, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Carrots, Pea Fiber, Potatoes, Peas, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Pumpkin, Spinach, Blueberries, Apples, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Caloric Content:1,193 kcal/kg, 446 kcal/can

PetKind Tripett Green Beef Tripe & Venison Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Petkind Tripett consists almost entirely of 100% pure meat and tripe. The grass-fed green beef tripe helps restore balance to your small breeds stomach. In addition to green beef tripe, Venison (another high protein source) is also included in this 5 star small breed wet dog food brand.

PetKinds nutrient rich formula is also low in calories and cholesterol. The pate texture is palatable for small, medium and large breeds dogs as well. If your small breed dog is a picky eater and all else has failed try transitioning them to a limited ingredient wet dog food like Tripett.

Ingredients: Green Beef Tripe, Venison, Water, Garlic, Guar Gum.

Caloric Content:835 kcal/kg, 330.6 kcal/can

Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Lentils Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed & Puppy Wet Dog Food

Founded by Michael Landa, Nulo is a fast growing 5 star rated dog food company that promotes canine health and well-being. Michael discovered that most major dog food brands contain more than 40% carb fillers, which is leading to obesity in tens of thousands of dog breeds. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Lentils is designed to keep those unwanted carb fillers out of your small breeds diet.

The grain-free formula is loaded with real turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver and lentils for a protein-rich diet that helps support and grow lean muscles. Nulo Freestyle is low-glycemic and designed without corn, wheat or soy for the most sensitive of small breed dogs. The pate texture can be used to mix with your dogs favorite dry food or as a primary diet for your small breed.

Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Lentils, Dicalcium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseed, Sweet Potatoes, Guar Gum, Pea Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Agar-Agar, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Inulin, Natural Flavor, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Magnesium Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

Caloric Content: 1,321 kcal/kg, 225 kcal/can

Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free Small Breed Cage-Free Duck Stew Wet Dog Food

Castor & Pollux PRISTINE is another great wet dog food option for your small breed dog. The company focuses on using the freshest, locally sourced, ingredients from the most trusted suppliers. The #1 ingredient is responsibly raised lean duck meat. PRISTINE protein level gets an additional boost with adding organic chicken liver to the formula.

Real organic spinach, carrots and peats are also included to help balance out the optimum protein. This organic produced is proudly made without any harmful synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides. To top off this 5 star small breed wet dog food an array of vitamins and minerals help support active small breed health and wellness as well.

Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Organic Chicken Liver, Chicken, Dried Egg Whites, Organic Spinach, Organic Carrots, Organic Dried Peas, Organic Apples, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum.

Caloric Content:878 kcal/kg, 87 kcal/bowl

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Grill is a high protein, low carbohydrate wet food that your small breed dog will love. Turkey and chicken are the #1 and #2 ingredients in this 5 star small breed wet dog food brand. Made without any grain, corn, wheat, soy, preservatives or by-products, Blue Buffalo is a wonderful choice for the most sensitive of small breed dogs.

Additionally, B12 supplement and flaxseed is added to boost gastrointestinal function and overall immune system. The pate texture is designed for small, extra small and toy breed dogs as well. If your adult small breed dog is healthy and active, Blue Buffalo is a great choice at a reasonable price.

Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Liver, Potatoes, Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).

Caloric Content: 1,382 kcal/kg, 216 kcal/can