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Whether you’ve recently welcomed a small-breed dog into your home, or you’re looking to improve your pint-sized pal’s current diet, it’s important to find a food formulated for their unique nutritional needs.
The best small-breed dog food will account for speedier metabolisms with higher caloric density. Smaller dogs can also experience digestive issues like constipation, so foods that are rich in fiber and contain probiotics are ideal. And since smaller dogs come with smaller mouths, they need appropriately sized kibble to prevent choking.
With so many good options available, selecting the right food for your small-breed dog can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this lineup of AAFCO-compliant foods for small dogs that cater to a range of canine needs and preferences.
As you browse, remember that your vet is always your best resource when it comes to selecting food for your special pup. It’s advisable to get their advice before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Best Dry Food: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites
Dry food is a popular choice among pet parents because it’s affordable and convenient to serve. To prevent choking, this Hill’s formula features smaller kibble pieces (9mm x 4mm) for tinier mouths. It also contains natural fiber from apples, broccoli, carrots, beet pulp, and green peas to promote healthy digestion and keep your tiny dog regular.
In addition, a clinically proven blend of Vitamins C and E bolsters the immune system. Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coats. This recipe is available in two flavors: chicken & barley and lamb & brown rice.
Key Nutrients:
- 363 kcal/cup
- Protein: 22.22%
- Fat: 12.78%
- Crude Fiber: 4.44%
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Best Wet Food: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed
Canned wet food is a palatable option that offers more protein and fewer carbs. It’s also gentler on the gums and teeth, making it a good choice for small dogs with dental pain.
This small-breed pate has a smooth texture that’s easier for tiny jaws to handle, and it comes in 5.5-ounce cans to account for smaller appetites. Fiber-rich ingredients like carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oatmeal help keep your small dog’s GI tract moving along smoothly. Plus, blueberries and cranberries contribute antioxidants, while flaxseed and salmon oil bring omega-fatty acids to the table.
You can serve this food alone as a complete and balanced meal or atop your dog’s regular dry food for added flavor and nutrition.
Key Nutrients:
- 214 kcal/cup
- Protein: 45.45%
- Fat: 34.09%
- Crude Fiber: 6.82%
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Best Fresh: Freshpet Vital Small-Breed Chicken Recipe
Fresh food made with gently cooked, whole ingredients is often a hit with picky eaters, and many pet parents report benefits like better digestion and improved energy levels.
Because of their smaller mouths, small-breed dogs are prone to teeth overcrowding and other dental issues. FreshPet’s Small-Breed Recipe offers a gentle solution with its soft texture and small bite-sized pieces.
Cranberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots provide antioxidants for an immune system boost. And Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids support your small dog’s skin and coat.
Key Nutrients:
- 261 kcal/cup
- Protein: 43.24%
- Fat: 32.43%
- Crude Fiber: 4.05%
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Best Raw: Stella & Chewy Lil’ Bites Freeze-Dried Raw Recipe
While raw food won’t be a good fit for every dog (e.g., puppies or immunocompromised dogs), some dogs stand to benefit. These freeze-dried Lil’ Bites undergo high-pressure processing to eliminate harmful bacteria. Additionally, every Stella and Chewy recipe is tested by a third party for Salmonella, E.coli, and Listeria.
These bite-sized morsels won’t overwhelm smaller jaws. They’re made with 95% beef, organs, and bones that are ground for safe consumption. Chia seeds are included to support your small dog’s digestion, as well as a variety of fiber-rich fruits and veggies like spinach, beets, squash, and broccoli. With limited ingredients and a single animal protein source, it’s a good match for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This freeze-dried food can be served safely as is or rehydrated with water. It offers complete and balanced nutrition that can constitute an entire meal.
Key Nutrients:
- 235 kcal/cup
- Protein: 38.95%
- Fat: 38.95%
- Crude Fiber: 5.26%
Best for Puppies: Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small-Breed Formula
This recipe from Purina’s well-regarded Pro Plan line is formulated specifically for small-breed puppies that will weigh under 20 pounds at maturity. To fuel your petite pup’s energetic behavior, it contains high levels of protein (37.5% on a dry-matter basis) and sits on the higher end of calories, packing 482 kcal per cup.
Fortified with live probiotics, this formula is highly digestible. It also includes fish oil for your puppy’s brain and eye development and antioxidants for their developing immune system. The kibble is appropriately sized to make it easier for your puppy to chew.
Key Nutrients:
- 482 kcal/cup
- Protein: 37.5%
- Fat: 22.73%
- Crude Fiber: 3.41%
- Calcium: 1.25%
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Best for Seniors: Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Senior Food
Small-breed dogs are generally considered seniors when they reach 10 to 12 years of age. Regardless of their size, all senior dogs can benefit from a diet that supports joint health and boosts their immune system.
This small-breed formula includes antioxidant-packed blueberries and spinach to help your older pooch fend off illnesses. A generous protein level (27.78%) helps maintain muscle mass as your dog ages. Plus, glucosamine and fatty acids improve mobility and keep your small senior enjoying their favorite activities. This food also contains probiotics for better digestion and ingredients like beet pulp, oats, spinach, carrots, broccoli, and kale add fiber for healthy stools.
Key Nutrients:
- 440 kcal/cup
- Protein: 27.78%
- Fat: 12.22%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Calcium: 1.1%
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Best for Weight Loss: Hill’s Science Diet Small & Mini Perfect Weight
There are several strategies that can help dogs lose weight, including regular exercise and ample hydration. A well-balanced diet with the right levels of fat, carbs, protein, and calories is also crucial. To keep your small dog healthy and mobile, this Hill’s Perfect Weight formula contains fewer calories and less fat than the brand’s Small Bites formula (291 kcal/cup vs. 363 kcal/cup).
It also has fairly high protein content (26.67% dry matter) and high fiber (14.44%)—a combination shown to aid in weight loss by keeping dogs full longer. In addition, the extra protein helps dogs maintain strong muscles while they lose weight.
Prebiotic fibers promote gentle digestion, and a clinically proven blend of antioxidants supports your dog’s immune system.
Key Nutrients:
- 291 kcal/cup
- Protein: 26.67%
- Fat: 10%
- Crude Fiber: 14.44%
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Best for Digestion: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Small Breed Formula
Some small-breed dogs are prone to digestive issues, which usually manifest as constipation (though some also experience diarrhea). This Blue Buffalo formula aims to address stomach woes with a lineup of limited ingredients that include high-moisture, fiber-rich pumpkin. You’ll also find digestible carbs like brown rice and oatmeal, as well as anti-inflammatory turmeric and probiotics for digestion.
This recipe features turkey as its only animal protein source. And there’s no chicken, beef, eggs, dairy, or corn—some of the more common tummy offenders. This food is also intended to promote skin and coat health with omega fatty acids provided by fish oil and flaxseed.
Key Nutrients:
- 383 kcal/cup
- Protein: 24.44%
- Fat: 16.67%
- Crude Fiber: 5.56%
- Calcium: 1.2%
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Best for Food Allergies: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice
Most canine food allergies are associated with the proteins in their diet, such as chicken and beef. While not specifically formulated for small breeds, Natural Balance offers several novel protein options that provide appropriate nutrient and calorie levels for tiny dogs.
With a simple ingredient list and duck as its sole animal protein source, this formula is easy on dogs with sensitivities. Plus, brown rice offers fiber for improved digestion. The brand also carries salmon and lamb formulas with rice, as well as two grain-free options: venison and bison.
Key Nutrients:
- 340 kcal/cup
- Protein: 23.33%
- Fat: 15.56%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Calcium: 1.1%
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Best for Skin & Coat Health: Royal Canin Beauty for Small Dogs
For small dogs with dry skin or brittle fur, a good diet is their first line of defense. The same goes for pups who suffer from seasonal allergies that cause incessant itching. Formulated specifically for adult dogs weighing up to 22 pounds, this palatable Royal Canin wet food contains a blend of amino acids, four B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids to strengthen the skin’s barrier. There’s also biotin, zinc, antioxidants, and Vitamin A for healthier skin and coats. This food can be served alone or with kibble to promote dental health. Conveniently, it comes in smaller 5.2-ounce cans.
Key Nutrients:
- 156 kcal/5.2-oz can
- Protein: 34.42%
- Fat: 19.53%
- Crude Fiber: 7.91%
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Best for Dental Health: Eukanuba Small Bites
Unfortunately, smaller dogs are predisposed to dental issues. Along with regular brushing, a good textured dry food can help. This S-shaped kibble features a crunchy texture and includes polyphosphates, which prevent plaque build-up.
This recipe also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for agile joints and omega-3s for healthy brain function. The smaller kibble size is “just right” for tinier dogs.
Key Nutrients:
- 371 kcal/cup
- Protein: 27.78%
- Fat: 17.78%
- Crude Fiber: 4.22%
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How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts.
We prioritized foods with smaller kibble sizes to prevent choking and higher caloric density to meet the energy needs of small breeds. Additionally, we focused on foods that promote healthy digestion with probiotics and natural fiber. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Further Reading
- What Should I Feed My Dog? A Guide to the Basics of Dog Nutrition
- An Expert Guide on How To Read a Dog Food Label
- What Is Dog Food Made of and Where Does It Come From?
- The Best Small Dog Beds For Pint-Sized Pups and Little Breeds
- The Best Small Dog Harnesses For Pint-Sized Walkers
- Small Dog, Big ‘Tood: Is Small Dog Syndrome A Real Thing?
