Best Dog Food for Small Dogs and What to Look For in 2024
Every dog has different feeding requirements. If you’re the pet parent of a small breed dog — generally under 24 pounds — you need to make sure you’re giving them food made just for them. You should consider these factors before purchasing any food for your small pup:
- Is it a special formula that meets the nutritional needs of small adult dogs? Don’t buy food meant for large breed dogs to avoid the risk of obesity.
- Does the food have quality ingredients? Chicken meal and other high-quality protein sources are important parts of healthy pet food.
- Does the food meet the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)?
- Does it have artificial preservatives? Some pet parents want only natural ingredients.
- Is the food recommended by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist? If so, it’s probably a good dog food brand for your pup.
- What age is the pet food meant for? Small-breed puppy foods usually have different ingredient lists compared to food for large dogs. If your small breed is a senior dog, they’ll have additional needs as well.
- Is the food wet or dry? Wet dog food is great for extra hydration, but dry food can also be nutritious and filling.
Still not sure which food brand is right for your dog? Read on for a breakdown of the best dog foods for small dogs.
Best for Affordability: Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Key specs: 14-pound bag, steak and veggie flavor
Here’s a highly affordable dog food that’s perfect for small breeds. Not only is it particularly tasty, but you’ll also get excellent value for your money since you can purchase 14 pounds of food for less than $20.
Pros
- Pretty good nutritional content
- Two flavors available
- Provides antioxidants and vitamins for skin and coat health as well as dental care
- Many small dogs love the flavor
- Balanced nutrition, so you don’t need supplements
Cons
- May contain some by-products or other unnecessary ingredients
- Not the most premium food available overall
Best for Comprehensive Nutrition: IAMS Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs with Real Chicken
Key specs: Seven-pound bag, chicken flavor
If you have a small breed dog and want to make sure their food is nutritionally complete, this is the dog food for you. The first ingredient is farm-raised chicken, while a variety of other veterinarian-recommended antioxidants and vitamins help keep your pup healthy.
Pros
- Fantastic nutritional content and range of vitamins
- Perfect for the specific nutritional needs of toy breed dogs
- Supports the immune system with antioxidants
- Can also provide dental support for small dogs with sharp teeth
Cons
Other pet parents prefer different dog foods because only one flavor is available, and your dog might get bored of it.
Best for Grain-Free Diets: Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Dog Food, Grain Free Real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato with Raw Bites Recipe
Key specs: Four-pound bag, beef and sweet potato flavor
Many dog parents like grain-free foods, as it’s not necessary for many small dog diets. This could be the food for you, as you’ll get four pounds of high-quality, tasty food for your pup.
Pros
- Crunchy bites are flavorful and satisfying for small dogs
- Plenty of vitamins and antioxidants
- First ingredient is deboned beef
- No grains, gluten, soy, or other byproducts
Cons
- Fairly expensive compared to other dog food
- Easy to overfeed your small dog with normal portions
Best for Fresh Flavor: Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Vegetables Garnish Dog Kibble
Key specs: Five-pound bag, filet mignon flavor
Here’s an excellent small-breed dog food option if you want to ensure they always have a tasty eating experience. It features a resealable bag so the flavor doesn’t degrade over time, plus other positive elements that make it a good overall choice.
Pros
- Unique flavor that many dogs will love
- Easy to keep the flavor fresh over time with resealable bag
- Good for small breed dogs with 26 specific nutrients
- Tender and meaty chunks are also great for weight management and dental care
Cons
- May not be enough to fill your small dog depending on their size
- Could require supplementation or dry food mixing
Best for Digestive Support: Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dog Food With Probiotics for Dogs, Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
Key specs: Six-pound bag, chicken and rice flavor
Some dogs struggle with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. If that’s the case, here’s a great dog food that comes packed with probiotics to ensure long-term gut health.
Pros
Many small breed dogs with sensitivities to specific ingredients can benefit from this food because of these reasons:
- Probiotic-rich for dogs with digestive issues
- Smaller kibble is easy for dogs to chew and swallow
- Excellent high-protein formula with real chicken
- Prebiotic fiber for intestinal health
Cons
Another small dog might be better suited to a different dog food due to these downsides:
- A bit pricey compared to other small-breed dog food options
- Only appropriate for dogs under 20 pounds
Best for Long-Term Health: Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Flavor
Key specs: 15-pound bag, chicken and brown rice flavor
Some small-breed dog foods prioritize long-term nutrition, like this option. You can get a 15-pound bag for a reasonable price and ensure that your pup stays healthy for years because of its excellent nutritional content.
Pros
- Formulation with healthy carbs, veggies, and protein sources
- Includes omega-3 fatty acids
- Has fewer calories compared to other dog food for small-breed dogs
- Helps to boost the immune system
- Excellent nutritional balance
- Helps small dogs maintain their metabolism
Cons
It’s not ideal for puppies or seniors, so you’ll need to eventually change your food to a different option.
Best for Easy Eating: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small-Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
Key specs: 12-pound bag, lamb and brown rice flavor
Here’s a small-breed dog food that’s particularly easy to eat thanks to small, chewable bites. Not only is this an enjoyable food for small breed dogs, but it’s also specially formulated for them with a great balance of natural, key nutrients.
Pros
- Good vitamin and mineral content, plus rich fiber for digestive health
- Premium ingredients can further support coat, skin, and brain health
- No soy, gluten, corn, artificial colors, or artificial flavors
- Very flavorful
- Small kibble size to accommodate smaller dog jaw sizes
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to other small dog breed foods
- Flavors are very similar, so your dog might become bored
Best for Joint Support: Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food
Key specs: Four-pound bag, turkey and chicken flavor
This is one of the best dog foods for small dogs, thanks to its joint support. Nutrients such as glucosamine help your small dog maintain healthy joints throughout its life, plus other ingredients support healthy skin, coat, and organ function.
Pros
Some small breed dogs do well with this dog food thanks to these reasons:
- Contains plenty of excellent vitamins like omega fatty acids and taurine for added nutritional value
- Only uses premium and all-natural ingredients, such as freeze-dried turkey
- Great for small dogs at risk of joint damage
- Helps to prioritize muscle tone and lean body mass
- Made in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
Cons
Other small breed dogs do better with different brands because of reasons like the ones we outline below:
- One of the priciest small-breed dog food options available
- Kibble pieces can be a bit hard to chew for some small dogs
Best for Natural Ingredients: ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food, Small Breed Recipe
Key specs: Four-pound bag, variety flavor
You might prefer a dog food option with only natural ingredients. In that case, this is the small breed recipe food for you. It comes made with fresh foods like free-run chicken, free-run turkey, and cage-free eggs.
Pros
- Ingredient composition of 60% animal and 40% wholesome vegetables, grains, and fruits
- Fiber-rich, so it is excellent for digestive support
- Uses naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Premium dog food overall
Cons
- Quite expensive, since you only get 4 pounds of food for $20
- Nutritional complex can change dramatically when you switch flavors
Best for Immune System Health: Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains
Key specs: Four-pound bag, turkey and oatmeal flavor
If you want to support your dog’s immune system, you can’t do better than this. It comes packed with excellent ingredients, plus probiotics for digestive health and other nutrients for energy.
Pros
- Only uses healthy, natural ingredients like blueberries, spinach, and flax seed
- Non-GMO ingredients provide peace of mind
- Supports healthy body weight in small breed dogs
- Specifically formulated for adult small breeds
Cons
The flavor can be a bit boring after a while since it’s the only option, meaning this food might not be the best choice for picky eaters.
Best for Extra Vitamins: NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food
Key specs: Eight-pound bag, chicken, lamb and salmon flavor
This is one of the best dog foods for small dogs because it comes with vitamins to promote overall skin and coat health, brain functionality, and energy levels. It’s also, of course, made without any unnecessary by-products or fillers.
Pros
- Only uses natural, healthy ingredients
- Healthy carbohydrates like brown rice and oats
- Provides extra vitamins and antioxidants for muscle growth and energy maintenance.
- Special formula for small breed dogs is among the healthiest on the market
- Reasonably good value for money
Cons
- Small kibble size might be a little too small depending on the size of your dog’s jaw
- Only one flavor available
Solid Gold Small Breed Dog Food - Wee Bit Whole Grain Made with Real Bison, Brown Rice, and Pearled Barley
Key specs: 12-pound bag, bison, brown rice and barley flavor
Here’s a particularly good choice if your small dog has a sensitive stomach. A balanced range of ingredients will help to settle your pup’s tummy and provide them with adequate nutrition for years to come.
Pros
- Appropriate for all life stages
- Easy on the teeth
- Gluten-free formulation is great for peace of mind
- Comes with fiber, protein, and a variety of other ingredients for probiotic support and immune system support
Cons
- Only a single flavor is available
- Only appropriate for indoor small breed dogs
The Bottom Line
As you can see, dog owners have plenty of great food options for their pets. The NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon is a perfect example of a small breed dog food with extra vitamins, or you can go with something like the Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Small Dog Food to target a specific need, like joint support. Talk to your veterinarian to learn just what your dog needs!
Sources:
- Antioxidants | VCA Animal Hospitals
- Pet dental care | American Veterinary Medical Association
- Probiotics for Dogs: Do They Work? | PetMD
- 8 Best Joint Supplements For Dogs | PetMD
This story was originally published September 25, 2023 at 7:00 AM.