- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Pint-sized puppies have lots of energy and speedy metabolisms—and for optimal health, their diets need to reflect that. Since they mature faster than larger breeds and burn through calories quicker, small-breed puppies require energy-dense food packed with protein and fat. Tinier jaws also need smaller kibble.
Thankfully, the pet food scene is filled with good options for petite pups. But the abundance of choice can easily become overwhelming, especially for first-time pet parents. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve gathered 12 puppy foods that meet and exceed AAFCO standards. This guide aims to help you choose the best food for your small puppy by explaining the unique benefits of each recommended food.
Not sure where to start? Read our explainer on puppy nutrition, or dive into the suggestions below—and don’t forget to use your vet as a resource and let them know about any changes to your puppy’s diet.
Find on ChewyBest Kibble: Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Formula
Don’t be fooled by their miniature stature; though small-breed puppies may not be able to eat as much in one sitting as a large-breed puppy due to their smaller stomachs, those small meals need to be densely packed in calories, protein, and fat to keep up with their speedy metabolisms and ensure they are getting enough of the nutrients they need.
Formulated for puppies that will weigh under 20 pounds at maturity, this Purina Pro Plan dry food sits on the higher end of caloric density with 482 kcal per cup. A generous level of protein (37.5% on a dry matter basis) keeps up with your active puppy’s high-energy needs. And the ¼” disc-shaped kibble is designed with smaller pups in mind.
This food provides omega-6 fatty acids (2%) for skin and coat health. Plus, DHA from omega-rich fish oil promotes brain and vision development. You’ll also find probiotics for digestive health.
Key Nutrients:
- 482 kcal/cup
- Protein: 37.5%
- Fat: 22.73%
- Carbohydrate: 36.36%
- Crude Fiber: 3.41%
- Calcium: 1.1%
Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Germ Meal, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Fish Meal, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Soybean Oil, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Magnesium Sulfate, Dl-methionine, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, L-lysine Monohydrochloride, Garlic Oil. K445419
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on PetSmart Find on Walmart
Best Dehydrated: Spot & Tango Unkibble
Spot & Tango’s novel “UnKibble” offers a new spin on dry food. The brand gently dehydrates fresh ingredients at low temperatures with the goal of preserving natural vitamins and minerals. Each recipe is considered complete and balanced for all life stages and breed sizes, small puppies included.
To get your portions just right, this subscription service considers your puppy’s weight and breed. And they even include a customized scoop with your order to make measuring easier on your end.
Key Nutrients (Turkey + Sweet Potato Recipe):
- 4,367 kcal/kg
- Protein: 25.77%
- Fat: 19.59%
- Carbohydrate: 51.55%
- Crude Fiber: 3.09%
Ingredients: Turkey, Brown Rice, Turkey Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Turkey Heart, Flax Seeds, Apples, Cranberries, Spinach, Salmon Oil, Ginger, Salt, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, L-Tryptophan, L-Threonine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E, Selenium Yeast, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Beets, Blueberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cherries, Oranges, Pumpkin, Shiitake Mushrooms, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D, Folic Acid
Find on Spot & KibbleBest Wet Food: Hill’s Science Diet Chicken & Barley Entree
Wet food can be a good choice for many small puppies. It’s easier to chew and swallow, and it tends to have higher levels of protein and fat. From one of the most trusted brands in the pet food industry, this Hill’s Chicken & Barely canned food features an appealing minced texture that’s manageable for smaller jaws. There are no big chunks that pose a choking hazard. And it contains enough calories to keep your puppy going.
What’s more, this recipe contains DHA from fish oil to promote healthy brain and vision development. And clinically proven antioxidants (Vitamins C & E) bolster your puppy’s immune system.
Key Nutrients:
- 1339 kcal/kg
- Protein: 29%
- Fat: 20.3%
- Carbohydrate: 41.2%
- Crude Fiber: 2%
Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pork Liver, Soybean Meal, Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Ground Pecan Shells, Iodized Salt, Fish Oil, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Citrus Pulp, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Pressed Cranberries, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate), Beta-Carotene
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on PetSmart
Best Fresh Food: JustFoodForDogs Fresh Puppy Food
Gently cooked fresh foods are the latest to hit the pet food industry. With two recipes formulated specifically for puppies, JustFoodForDogs impressed our Rover reviewer with the customizability of its subscriptions. Our canine tester was impressed with the taste.
To get the right serving size for your small puppy, they’ll ask a lot of questions upfront. Once they’ve collected information like your pup’s size, breed, activity level, body condition, and weight goals, they’ll recommend a daily calorie allotment, along with a recommended portion size.
The brand’s recipes are developed by vet nutritionists and made with 100% human-grade ingredients. All of their recipes pass feeding trials that exceed AAFCO standards. Along with fresh frozen meals, they also offer “pantry fresh” options that are shelf-stable for up to two years.
Key Nutrients (for Chicken & White Rice Recipe):
- 1532 kcal/kg; 43kcal/oz
- Protein: 28.57%
- Fat: 10.71%
- Carbohydrate: 57.14%
- Crude Fiber: 3.57%
Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Spinach, Carrots, Apples, Chicken Gizzard, Chicken Liver, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Choline Bitartrate, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Cholecalciferol (source of Vitamin D3), d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement
Find on Chewy Find on JustFoodForDogs Find on Amazon
Best Raw-Coated: Stella & Chewy’s SuperBlends
While it won’t be for every pup, there is some evidence that raw protein may be easier for some dogs to digest. Some pet parents opt for raw because it may retain nutrients better than foods that are cooked with heat. That said, raw food does pose the risk of contamination, and pet parents should always proceed with caution—especially with puppies whose immune systems are still developing.
This dry puppy food from Stella & Chewy is made with bone broth, probiotics, and digestible grains like oatmeal. It’s also packed with superfoods like New Zealand green mussels, pumpkin, and turmeric. Each piece of kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw protein for a burst of flavor and nutrition. Unlike the brand’s Raw Blend (which made our pick for large-breed puppies), this kibble doesn’t have big chunks of raw bits that could be too bulky for small puppies to chew.
Key Nutrients:
- 459 kcal/cup
- Protein: 31.82%
- Fat: 16.48%
- Carbohydrate: 46.02%
- Crude Fiber: 5.68%
- Calcium: 1.2%
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Salmon, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver, Flaxseed, Quinoa, Natural Chicken Flavor, Chicken Gizzard, Organic Blueberries, Organic Broccoli, Organic Beets, Organic Carrots, Organic Spinach, Organic Squash, Organic Cranberries, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chia Seed, Pumpkin Seeds, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root (source of Inulin), L-threonine, Kale, Pumpkin, Ginger, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Rosemary Extract, Chicken Bone Broth, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), L-carnitine, New Zealand Green Mussel, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Choline Chloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum fermentation product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans fermentation product
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco
Best Grain-Free: Orijen Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
While food allergies are rare in dogs—and grain allergies even rarer—puppies with a known wheat or corn allergy may need a grain-free diet.
The first ten ingredients of this Orijen recipe are protein-based—of those, the first five are fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients. This gives the formula a 43.18% protein content on a dry matter basis—enough to energize your active small breed. And at 475 kcal per cup, this grain-free option accounts for your puppy’s fast metabolism.
This recipe includes fresh muscle meat, organs, and bone. Salmon, herring, and sardines all provide a natural source of omega fatty acids. It’s also has a freeze-dried raw coating.
- 475 kcal/cup
- Protein: 43.18%
- Fat: 22.73%
- Carbohydrate: 27.27%
- Crude Fiber: 6.82%
- Calcium: 1.3%
Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Whole Herring, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Sardine, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Chicken Fat, Pollock Oil, Whole Navy Beans, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Whole Peas, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Eggs, Natural Chicken Flavor, Dried Apple Pomace, Chicken Heart, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Pears, Whole Apples, Whole Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Puppy Food
Formulated by a team of scientists, nutritionists, and veterinarians, this Purina Pro Plan recipe may offer a solution for small-breed puppies experiencing digestive problems. This diet is available in two protein flavors: salmon and lamb. It contains easily digestible ingredients like salmon, oatmeal, and rice. It also includes prebiotic fiber to encourage good intestinal bacteria and guaranteed live probiotics to aid in digestion.
Since puppies with tummy troubles may be reluctant to eat, a palatable food goes a long way in ensuring they still get the nutrition they need. A lot of dogs are naturally attracted to the smell, taste, and texture of salmon, and lamb is also a crowd-pleaser. Many pet parents report their dogs love this food.
Key Nutrients (Salmon & Rice Recipe):
- 428 kcal/cup
- Protein: 31.82%
- Fat: 20.45%
- Carbohydrate: 44.32%
- Crude Fiber: 3.41%
- Calcium: 0.1%
Ingredients: Salmon, Rice, Barley, Fish Meal, Canola Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Dried Yeast, Oat Meal, Pea Protein, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil, Chicory Root Inulin, Sunflower Oil, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-Methionine, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on Walmart
Best for Picky Eaters: Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Food
Guardians of picky eaters may worry that their pup isn’t getting the nutrients they need. This is especially concerning with small breeds who are at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they go too long without food.
Every puppy will have different tastes, but many find wet food more appealing. Formulated for puppies with an expected adult weight of up to 22 pounds, this Royal Canin recipe features tender chunks in a savory gravy. The soft texture makes it easy for small puppies to eat, and the convenient pouches make it easy for you to serve.
This complete and balanced recipe can be served alone or used as a topper to make kibble more enticing. It also includes prebiotics and digestible proteins like chicken for a healthy GI system and optimal stool quality.
Key Nutrients:
- 909 kcal/kg; 77 kcal/pouch
- Protein: 32.43%
- Fat: 21.62%
- Carbohydrate: 29.19%
- Crude Fiber: 16.76%
Ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken, Pork By-Products, Chicken By-Products, Vegetable Oil, Pork Plasma, Brewers Rice Flour, Powdered Cellulose, Modified Corn Starch, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Aluminosilicate, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Carob Bean Gum, Natural Flavors, Vitamins[Ascorbic Acid, Cholecalciferol (Source Of Vitamin D3), Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement], Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Glycine, Sodium Carbonate, Trace Minerals[Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate], Carotene
Most Transparent Nutrient Profile: Wellness Complete Health Dry Puppy Food
If you’d like a better idea of the nutrients going into your puppy’s bowl, Wellness is a good brand to consider. On the company’s website, you can download full nutrient profiles for every recipe—information that can be tricky to track down with other brands. Components like vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids are listed alongside the AAFCO’s guidelines for growth & reproduction, so you can see how this food stacks up against the rest.
This recipe includes nutritional heavyweights like salmon oil for healthy brain and vision development, tomatoes for Vitamin C, and carrots for a boost of fiber and antioxidants. A wet version of this food is also available.
Key Nutrients:
- 450 kcal/cup
- Protein: 32.22%
- Fat: 20%
- Carbohydrate: 42.78%
- Crude Fiber: 5%
- Calcium: 1.2%
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Peas, Chicken Fat, Salmon Meal, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil , Tomatoes, Carrots, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Chicory Root Extract, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Garlic Powder, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on PetSmart Find on Walmart
Best Budget Option: IAMS ProActive Health Small Breed Puppy Food
IAMS is a solid choice for pet parents on a budget who don’t want to compromise on nutritional integrity. The brand follows all AAFCO and WSAVA guidelines—and it does so at a lower price point than other top-tier foods.
This diet is formulated to meet the specific needs of small-breed puppies. It’s packed with protein (33.33% on a dry matter basis) and serves up 454 kcal per cup for fast metabolisms. It also provides DHA for enhanced cognition and omega-6 for skin and coat health. Pea-sized kibble pieces are easy for tiny mouths to chew. On the downside, it’s only available in 7-pound bags.
Key Nutrients:
- 454 kcal/cup
- Protein: 33.33%
- Fat: 20%
- Carbohydrate: 42.22%
- Crude Fiber: 4.44%
- Calcium: 1.2%
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Meal, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Caramel Color, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Citric Acid (preservative), Rosemary Extract
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on PetSmart
Best for Toy Breeds: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Breed
Toy breeds like Yorkies and Maltese will appreciate the tiny kibble pieces in this Royal Canin formula. Made for puppies with an expected adult weight of up to 8.8 pounds, this dry food is small enough for the tiniest of puppies to eat—no need for pet parents to break them into smaller pieces.
This recipe is designed to meet the high energy demands of extra-small puppies, with enough calories, fat, and protein to fuel their playful behavior. It also includes prebiotics for optimal digestion. Royal Canin carries a wet version of this food as well.
Key Nutrients:
- 412 kcal/cup
- Protein: 32.22%
- Fat: 20%
- Carbohydrate: 44%
- Crude Fiber: 3.78%
Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Gluten, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Vegetable Oil, Fish Oil, Psyllium Seed Husk, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Potassium Chloride, Monocalcium Phosphate, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Hydrolyzed Yeast (Source Of Betaglucans), Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dl-Methionine, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Choline Chloride, L-Lysine, Taurine, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), L-Carnitine, Carotene, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on PetSmart
How We Chose
The foods featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized recipes with high-quality proteins, wholesome grains, and omega fatty acids. Additionally, we included brands with a focus on transparent ingredient sourcing, stringent testing protocols, and balanced nutrient levels for small-breed puppies. 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.