The 10 Best Dog Foods for Small Breeds: Expert‑Approved Nutrition

Small breed dogs need foods specifically formulated for them in order to prevent them from developing nutrition-influenced diseases. Most common diseases among small breed dogs that stem from a poor diet include obesity and hypoglycemia, and their nutrition differs from that of large breed dogs. The best dog food for small dogs will give your adult canine companion the balanced nutrition that his body requires and help to prevent potential illnesses.

Commercial adult dry dog food brands are specifically designed to hit every nutritional marker in canines, but homemade dog food is another possible option for small breeds. However, while home made dog food has its advantages, it also becomes easier with this method to over- or underfeed your dog.

Depending on the recipes that you use, you may also go wrong on the nutrients, resulting in a malnourished dog, according to this guide (PDF). Many owners assume that small breeds are easier to feed because of their size, but it actually makes finding the best small breed dog food more difficult.

We've done a lot of research to find the ten best dog food for small dogs, and we've listed the pros and cons of each brand for you here. We'll also discuss how to feed a small breed dog, but for now, here's a peak at the five recommended small breed dog foods:

Small Breed Dog Food Brands	Price	Value	Rating
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed	$$$	$3.7/lb
Wellness CORE Natural Dry Grain Free Small Breed Food	$$$	$3/lb
Diamond Naturals Food for Small Breed Adult Dogs	$$	$3.1/lb
Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed Dry Food	$$$	$2.6/lb
Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe	$$	$3.5/lb

* Click on the best dog food for small dogs for more information, prices and details. Scroll below to read reviews.

Dogs, in general, need adequate levels of protein to support their growing needs and body functions, and meat is the best source for this. However, animal-derived protein also contains high levels of calcium and phosphorous, which must be kept in controlled levels and ratio.

Your dog also needs certain vitamins and minerals added to their diet. Depending on your Fido's energy level, overall heath condition and age, you also need to ensure that he's getting the right amount of calories. There's a lot more to properly feeding a dog than you may have originally thought, and most commercial best small breed dog food brands design their formulas around specific needs of small dogs.

Feeding homemade diet is possible, and pet owners who are extremely careful about their dog's nutrition can figure this all out on their own. It's not impossible, but makes for an extremely complicated process of daily cooking and measuring of food to hit your dog's exact nutritional needs. Picking a pre-made small breed dog food brand with a formula designed for a small dog is often what vets recommend.

A consultation with your veterinarian is always a great starting point but remember that your veterinarian may not even be able to give you the most accurate information either, but rather guide you to better sources. Below, we've got ten of the best dog food for small dogs that have been specifically designed for adult small breeds and their exact nutritional needs.

What Is the Best Dog Food for Small Dogs?
top 10 best small breed dog food brands in 2017

1Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Food
by Wellness Natural Pet Food

Puppy food: Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food

Rating: 
Value: $3.7/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 28.0% min
CRUDE FAT 15.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 11.0% max
CALCIUM 1.2% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.9% min
CALORIES 420 kcal/cup

Small breed dogs have much higher metabolic rates than large breed dogs. On top of our list is a product from Wellness that is a special line of whole food and grain-free nutrition products. Wellness Small Breed Turkey and Oatmeal dog food is especially formulated for the special dietary requirements of small breeds. Six other recipes and three other sizes are available for buyers to choose from.

• Small dog breed food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

This best dog food for small dogs packs 408 kcal per cup and contains 28% protein, 16% fat, vitamins and minerals, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin, taurine, lactic acid, and probiotics. Its ingredients include deboned turkey, chicken meal, salmon meal and oil, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and probiotic sources. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food does not contain grains and artificial products. This will ensure balanced nutrition for your puppy including antioxidants that small breed dogs need for their senior life.

The small kibble size is perfect for feeding small dogs. There’s obviously less or no filler because dog owners observed smaller stools now than when their dogs were fed with another brand. That translates to optimal nutrient absorption which is another thing dog owners look for in a dog food. This product is made in the USA.

PROS: Especially formulated for the special dietary requirements of small breeds There are 7 recipes available in this product line Contains 28% protein and 16% fat Does not contain grains or artificial products

CONS: Some reviewers noted that their dog did not care for this food, and they had to switch to another brand entirely As with many of the best dog food for small dogs, some buyers complained that this recipe gave their pet diarrhea

 

2 Core Natural Grain Free Dry Food
by Wellness Core

Puppy food: Wellness CORE Natural Puppy Food

Rating: 
Value: $3/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 36.0% min
CRUDE FAT 16.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 2.0% max
PHOSPHORUS 1.3.0% max
CALORIES 396 kcal/cup

Like our top ranked product, our second pick comes from Wellness – it’s Wellness Core Grain-free Protein-rich Nutrition for Small Breeds. This time, though, it comes from their Core line of dog food products, which focuses on meat-derived protein, grain-free and calorie-dense dog formulas. Wellness Core food for small breed is made from deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, and a long list of real food, fruits, vegetables, herbs, botanical extracts and oils, and probiotic sources.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food provides 396 kcal per cup and contains 36% of protein and 15% fat. This best dog food for small dogs is protein packed and contains super foods, antioxidants, and probiotics to ensure overall health. Small breed dogs tend to live longer than large breeds, so it’s important to pack their diet with antioxidants to fight off diseases associated with free radical damage and aging.

According to dog owners, they trust Wellness Core so much that they have long stopped counting calories or worrying about their dog’s nutritional requirements. Wellness Core takes care of those things, and that’s pretty obvious in how beautifully their dog’s skin and coat have turned, and how energetic and healthy they have become. Pet owners are also happy that this dog food is made in the USA.

PROS: Contains 36% protein and 15% fat Grain-free Made with all natural ingredients No wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Made in the USA

CONS: A few reviewers say that they found mold on the dog food when they opened the bag Some buyers say that this best dog food for small dogs gave their pet a lot of digestive trouble, including vomiting and diarrhea

 

3Naturals Dry Food for Small Breed Adult Dogs
by Diamond Pet Foods

Puppy food: Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Puppy

Rating: 
Value: $3.1/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 27.0% min
CRUDE FAT 16.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 345 kcal/cup

Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dry Food made by Diamond Pet Fod is next on our list, and this is their Chicken & Rice recipe. The other variation is Lamb & Rice. It is always helpful to check your dog food’s ingredients list. This way, you will know the primary sources of the nutrients your dog is getting. If your dog has allergies, the first thing to do before ordering the best dog food for small dogs would be to check whether it contains anything that Fido might react to adversely.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

Checking out Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food for Small Breed Adult Dogs, it shows that its main ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, fish meal, barley, rice, flaxseed, yucca, potatoes, and super foods like kale and chia seeds. It also contains probiotics, which are important for digestive health and the immune system. This dog food is packed with 345kcal per cupful and contains 27% protein and 16% fat. It does not contain corn, wheat, or soy.

The kibble size is small enough, even for toy breeds, and that often matters a lot to pet owners. When eating and moving their jaw takes so much effort, pups tend to lose interest before they could even have their fill. With this best dog food for small dogs, though, pups enjoy their food and are very healthy for it.

PROS: Contains 27% protein and 16% fat No wheat, corn or soy Includes probiotics for digestive health Chicken is the first ingredient

CONS: Some dogs with food allergies had a bad reaction this food A few pet owners who bought this best dog food for small dogs reported that their picky pet would not eat it

 

4Small & Toy Breed Dry Food
by Hill's Science Diet

Puppy food: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Food

Rating: 
Value: $2.6/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 21.5% min
CRUDE FAT 12.5% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
CALCIUM 0.65% min
CALORIES 364 kcal/cup

Having Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed dry dog food in the pet pantry is like having a scientist prepare your dog’s food every single day. This Chicken Meal & Rice recipe for an adult small breed dog is scientifically prepared to provide the precise nutritional requirements of your dog. This best dog food for small dogs is formulated to strengthen your dog’s immune system and provide optimum health to support the long life expectancy of small breeds.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

Its ingredients include chicken meal, whole grain wheat and sorghum, brewer’s rice, pork fat, soybean meal and oil, flaxseed, carrots, spinach, lactic acid, and many more. A cupful of Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food provides 364 kcal. Protein is 24.5%, and fat content is 16%. Ingredients are sourced from different parts of North America, Europe, and New Zealand. Hill’s Science prepares every dog food delivered to your door step from their facilities in the USA.

It’s difficult to experiment with dog food, especially for small and toy breed dogs that are prone to hypoglycemia and other emergencies. This has usually been the reason why dog owners have relied on Hill’s Science. It’s soon visible how the dogs agree with their food – shiny coat, great energy, no health issues, and weight is ideal. You can’t ask for more.

PROS: Contains 24.5% protein and 16% fat Offers precisely balanced nutrition for adult dogs under 25 pounds No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Ingredients are sourced from North America, New Zealand and Europe Made int the USA

CONS: Some buyers say that this best dog food for small dogs gave their pet a lot of digestive trouble, including vomiting and diarrhea A couple of reviewers who have been purchasing this food for years claim that the recipe changed last year and their dog will no longer eat the food that they used to love

 

5Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe
by Merrick

Puppy food: Merrick Lil'Plates Grain Free Puppy Food

Rating: 
Value: $3.5/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 38.0% min
CRUDE FAT 17.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.5% max
MOISTURE 11.0% max
CALORIES 460 kcal/cup

Merrick Lil Plates offers four recipes for small breed dogs with the same commitment for optimum nutrition and highest palatability. This beef recipe is 5th in our top 10 list of the best dog food for small dogs. All of these recipes are grain-free, gluten-free, and contain only real meat as the first ingredient. Other ingredients also include farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Your small breed dogs can’t possibly have it any more big-time or more delicious than this dog food made from real Texas beef.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

Aside from deboned beef, it also contains lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, and other sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe is energy-packed at 403 kcal per cup and protein-packed at 38%. Fat content is 15% at the minimum. All Merrick Lil Plates products are prepared in their organically-certified kitchen and facilities in the USA.

It’s not easy finding this combination of grain-free, poultry-free, high-protein, high-calorie, and wholesome ingredients in one dog food specific for small breeds. This best dog food for small dogs is also completely grain free. That used to cause frustrations for many pet owners, because many small breed dogs have sensitivities to poultry. But, not anymore! As for the dogs, they really had no opposition to the idea of making Merrick beef their regular fare.

PROS: Available in 4 recipes Completely poultry-free Grain-free and gluten-free Contains real meat as the first ingredient Contains 38% protein and 15% fat Made in the USA

CONS: Some buyers say that this best dog food for small dogs gave their pet a lot of digestive trouble, including vomiting and diarrhea – one even said it caused their Yorkie to vomit blood As with all dog food diets, there are reports of dogs that would not eat this food

 

6 Life Protection Dry Adult Food
by Blue Buffalo

Puppy food: BLUE Life Protection Puppy Food

Rating: 
Value: $1.7/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 26.0% min
CRUDE FAT 15.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.1% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.8% min
CALORIES 383 kcal/cup

Blue Buffalo has created this Life Protection Formula that fills the needs of small breed dogs. This Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice formulation, for instance, supports the high-calorie requirements of these dogs and has high protein and carbohydrate levels. Each cup of Blue Buffalo Chicken & Brown Rice contains 26% protein and 15% carbs, and it’s energy-packed with 383 kcal. Other variations include Fish & Brown Rice and Lamb & Brown Rice. There’s another formulation for toy breed dogs, too.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

This best dog food for small breeds has deboned chicken as its first ingredient. Other ingredients include chicken meal, brown rice, barley, peas, flaxseed, menhaden fish meal, alfalfa, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other wholesome grains, fruits, vegetables and probiotic sources. The kibble of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Dog Food is flat and pea-sized, so small jaws will have no trouble chewing it. The small bits come in a brown triangular shape and dark pebble shape – the shapes promote tartar removal and healthier gums and teeth.

Dogs love the taste of this food, and their owners can’t be more satisfied that what their dogs find tasty also provides them the nutrition they need. It’s good too, that there are variations available because dogs can enjoy other taste options without the need to experiment with other brands and formulations. This is a USA-made product.

PROS: Contains contains 26% protein and 15% carbs Kibble is flat and pea-sized, so it's ideal for small jaws The shape of the kibble promotes tartar removal and healthier gums and teeth No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, no corn, wheat soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

CONS: A couple of very dissatisfied buyers say that the bag of dog food they received was infested with bugs Some dogs had allergic reactions to this product As with any of the best dog food for small dogs, this diet upset some dogs' stomachs, causing vomiting and diarrhea

 

7High Protein Dry Adult Food
by BLUE Wilderness

Rating: 
Value: $4.6/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 36.0% min
CRUDE FAT 16.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.4% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.9% min
CALORIES 425 kcal/cup

Blue Buffalo Wilderness is another dog food line from Blue Buffalo, and it gives focus on high-quality protein, grain-free and complex carb sources, antioxidants-rich fruits and vegetables. This is especially made for small breed dogs. It is calorie-dense at 425 kcal per cup with 36% protein and 16% fat. Ingredients are processed using a technology that minimizes the use of heat to retain the potency of food nutrients. With this process, your dog gets the full nutritional benefit from every bag of dog food you buy.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food derives its protein content from deboned chicken, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, dried egg, and peas. This best dog food for small dogs contains high-quality complex carbs from sweet potatoes, pea starch and fiber, and potatoes. Fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, blueberries, cranberries, barley, turmeric, and dried yeast, enrich it with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and probiotics. This dog food is made only with natural ingredients and contains no grains. It is proudly made in the USA.

Rashes and skin irritations were the usual complaints of dog owners before they started feeding there small breed dogs with this formula. This was the surest and easiest way to avoid corn, soy, wheat, and other grains in their dog’s diet. After a week in this product, the itching was noticeably reduced and there was less paw biting.

PROS: Contains 36% protein and 16% fat Processed using a technology that minimizes the use of heat to retain the potency of food nutrients High protein and grain-free formula No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy

CONS: Some reviewers noted that this dog food has a very strong smell that they did not like Some dogs had allergic reactions to this product As with any of the best dog food for small dogs, this diet upset some dogs' stomachs, causing vomiting and diarrhea

 

8Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Food
by NUTRO

Puppy food: NUTRO Wholesome Small Breed Puppy

Rating: 
Value: $2.6/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 24.0% min
CRUDE FAT 15.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 377 kcal/cup

This dog food from Nutro is one of the best products out there that uses clean, real and non-GMO food ingredients. This dog food contains farm-raised chicken as its first ingredient. It also includes chicken meal, lamb meal, whole brown rice, brewer’s rice, barley, whole grain oatmeal, rice bran, sweet potato, beet, flaxseed, blueberries, carrots, apple and herbs.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

A cup of this dog feed packs 345 kcal of energy and contains 24% protein and 15% fat. Dogs find this highly palatable, and that’s not really surprising considering that only natural and premium ingredients were used in preparing Nutro Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food. The smaller bites are also easier for small mouth to bite and chew.

Picky dogs instantly liked this chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato recipe, and their owners were thrilled to find their dogs filling out when it had been very difficult to gain and keep a pound with their previous brand. This is better priced, too, so they look forward to a healthier future for their pet that’s within their budget.

PROS: Uses non-GMO food ingredients Farm-raised chicken is its first ingredient Contains 24% protein and 15% fat Includes natural fiber for healthy digestion

CONS: Trace amounts of genetically modified material may be present due to potential cross contact during manufacturing Dog owners who have been buying this food for years say that the formula has changed recently, and their dog does not like the new formula at all

 

9Ultra Adult Dry Food
by NUTRO

Puppy food: NUTRO ULTRA Small Breed Puppy

Rating: 
Value: $2.3/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 26.0% min
CRUDE FAT 15.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.0% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.9% min
CALORIES 352 kcal/cup

Nutro Ultra is made from the same makers of Nutro Wholesome Essentials. Nutro Ultra is especially formulated to achieve the balance of nutrients with special inclusion of super foods to high-quality protein and wholesome carbohydrate sources. There are twelve carefully proportioned super foods in every bag of this best dog food for small dogs, namely, kale, spinach, chia seeds, flaxseed, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, carrots, pumpkin, coconut, sunflower oil, and eggs. These, plus chicken, chicken meal, lamb meal, salmon meal, and other natural ingredients, make a formidable source of energy and nutrients for your small breed dogs.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

Nutro Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food contains 351 kcal per cup and 26% protein and 15% fat. It contains no GMO-derived or other artificial ingredients to enhance taste or appearance, and kept as wholesome as possible throughout the preparation process. Dog owners learned to trust their dogs when choosing the food that’s best for them. That became apparent when they mixed this dog food with other brands of almost the same appearance.

Their dogs painstakingly picked out the Nutro Ultra pieces, ate only those, and dumped the rest. Though it didn’t look like a dressing-down, the pooches did seem to say that their owners should have known better than to mess with good food. Although, some pet owners who purchased this best dog food for small dogs said that it upset their dog's stomach. But, you can find reviews like this for virtually every commercial dog food ever made.

PROS: Includes 12 superfoods for dogs Contains 26% protein and 15% fat Contains no GMO-derived or other artificial ingredients No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

CONS: Some dogs with food allergies had a bad reaction this food A few pet owners who bought this best dog food for small dogs reported that their picky pet would not eat it This food upset the stomach of some dogs who ate it, causing diarrhea and excessive gas

 

10Natural Dry Food
by AvoDerm

Puppy food: AvoDerm Natural Puppy Food

Rating: 
Value: $2.4/lb
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Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 26.0% min
CRUDE FAT 16.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.5% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALORIES 354 kcal/cup

Someone said that beauty is simply good health showing through, and what better way to illustrate that than with AvoDerm Natural Dog Food. This special dog formula is made from chicken meal, brown rice, white rice, oatmeal, beet pulp, flaxseed, kelp meal, egg, rice bran, pineapple, papain, herb extracts, probiotic sources, and AvoDerm’s special ingredient – California avocado and avocado oil. This dog food has 450 kcal per cup of metabolizable energy, 26% protein and 16% fat.

• Small breed dog food reviews: Read opinions of other pet owners

The makers of this best dog food for small dogs believe that beautiful skin and coat and overall good health begin with what a dog eats. S,o they have made this special formula from these select ingredients without the grains that often trigger sensitivities, such as corn, wheat, and soy. This is especially formulated for small breed dogs and formed into bite-size kibble for greater ease in biting and chewing. AvoDerm Natural Dog Food is made in the USA with ingredients coming from USA, Canada, and New Zealand.

Small breed dogs do very well in this diet. They like the small size and crunch that goes with every bite. It helped a lot in dogs with flaky itchy skin. In no time at all they were sporting itch-free skin and shiny coat. They seemed more active, too, and their owners are satisfied that they’re using well all those calories that they’re getting from their food.

PROS: Specially made for small breed adults Contains 26% protein and 16% fat Bite-size kibble made especially for small mouths Made with all-natural ingredients – no by-products, meals, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and no corn, wheat or soy

CONS: There are reports of some dogs having allergic reactions to this food Some pet owners who bought this best dog food for small dogs were disappointed to find out that their dog would not eat it

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