Your tiny pup may have a big appetite, but its nutritional needs are vastly different from those of larger breeds. In fact, small dogs burn calories faster, are prone to low blood sugar, and often have sensitive stomachs—all of which make choosing the right food a high-stakes decision. The wrong diet can lead to energy crashes, digestive issues, or even long-term health complications. But here’s the surprising part: many dog owners assume premium kibble or “small breed formulas” are automatically the best choice. Yet, some of these options are packed with fillers, lack essential nutrients, or don’t account for breed-specific needs. So, how do you truly know what’s best for your small dog? This guide reviews the best dog food for small dog breeds recommended by veterinarians. Let’s dive in.
What Is The Best Food For Small Breeds?
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism investigated metabolic, clinical, and microbiota differences between small and larger dog breeds.[1] The study found that small dog breeds require specific nutritional adjustments to support their unique metabolic and physiological characteristics:
Higher-calorie diets: Small breeds have higher metabolic rates and require more calories per pound than larger dogs. Choose foods that are calorie-dense to provide sufficient energy. However, portion control is essential to prevent obesity.
Increased antioxidant support: Small dogs exhibit lower antioxidant status, meaning their diets should include antioxidant-rich ingredients to help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.
High-quality, easily digestible proteins: Variations in circulating amino acids suggest that small breeds benefit from high-quality, easily digestible protein sources tailored to their metabolic needs.
Balanced nutrients for kidney function: The study highlighted metabolic markers linked to kidney function in small breeds, indicating that their diets should include optimal hydration and kidney-supportive nutrients.
How to Pick The Best Food For Small Dog Breeds
Other factors to consider when buying food for your small breed:
1. Kibble size and texture: Small dogs have smaller mouths and may prefer smaller kibble sizes that are easier to chew and reduce choking hazards. Selecting appropriately sized kibble can enhance palatability and support dental health.
2. Life stage appropriateness: Choose a diet formulated for your dog’s specific life stage—puppy, adult, or senior—to meet age-related nutritional requirements. Puppies need more protein and calories for growth, while seniors may benefit from diets with joint support and antioxidants.
3. Health needs: If your small dog has specific health concerns, such as food allergies or sensitivities, consider hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets. These formulations can help manage and prevent adverse reactions.
4. Consultation with a veterinarian: Always work with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. Alternatively, you can get personalized nutritional advice from an online registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your small dog’s nutritional needs. In addition, an at-home dog gut health test can provide valuable insights by analyzing your dog’s microbiome, helping you determine which nutrients their diet should contain. Likewise, an at-home dog allergy testing kit can identify potential food allergens and ingredients not suitable for your dog and help you choose the right formula and care plan for optimal digestion and nutrition.
Best Dog Food For Small Dogs
Here are the best foods for small dog breeds of this year.
Best Overall Dog Food For Small Dogs
4.9
★★★★★
Ollie Fresh Dog Food
Who It’s For: Ideal for small dog owners seeking the most nutritious and tasty diet tailored to the needs of small dogs.
Why we recommended it:Ollie Dog Food Recipes uses USDA-approved proteins and human-grade ingredients without artificial flavors, by-products, or harmful fillers. Its meals are gently cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutrients and flavor. Each recipe is vet-formulated to ensure balanced, science-led nutrition for all life stages. Ollie delivers fresh, homemade-like, pre-portioned meals directly to your door. The meals are shipped in insulated boxes with ice packs to maintain freshness. Ollie is easier for dogs to digest than processed kibble due to its fresh nature. Its soft texture makes it particularly suitable for small dogs’ teeth or picky eaters.
What sets it apart from competitors: The brand offers personalized meal plans based on your dog’s age, size, weight, breed, and activity level, ensuring optimal nutrition. It also has flexible pricing, allowing owners to choose from options like full-fresh, mixed bowl, or half-fresh plans.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm Small Breed features a protein-rich diet with 90% humanely raised chicken and turkey, complemented by nutrient-dense ancient grains like quinoa, barley, and brown rice. The inclusion of superfoods such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, coconut oil, turmeric, and pumpkin enhances its nutritional profile. Moreover, the food includes DHA for cognitive health, balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and added taurine for heart health. The absence of peas, potatoes, and legumes caters to dogs with specific dietary sensitivities.
What sets it apart from competitors: The smaller kibble size is specifically designed for small breed dogs’ dental needs and eating habits, promoting easier digestion and nutrient absorption. Open Farm’s commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and transparency ensures that all ingredients are traceable and responsibly obtained.
Who It’s For: Great for small breeds who turn their noses up at dry kibble. Wet dog food is highly palatable due to its rich aroma, texture, and flavor, making it appealing to dogs.
Why we recommended it:Royal Canin Small Adult Wet Dog Food is ideal for small dogs with high energy needs, sensitive stomachs, or those who prefer a softer texture. This formulation addresses multiple aspects of small-breed health. The food comes in easy-to-open pouches with a chunks-in-gravy texture that appeals to small dogs’ preferences. Its adapted energy content helps promote weight management, which is crucial for small breeds prone to obesity. The inclusion of highly digestible proteins supports digestive health, while omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) promote skin and coat health.
What sets it apart from competitors: The product offers versatility in feeding options. It can be served alone as a complete meal or used as a topper mixed with other dry food options, catering to dogs who enjoy variety. It supports a dog’s digestive health, encourages a balanced intestinal flora, and helps promote optimal dog stool quality.
Who It’s For: Specifically formulated for small breed dogs aged seven years and older. It’s ideal for pet owners seeking to support their aging small dogs’ health.
Why we recommended it:Hill’s Science Diet Small & Mini, Senior Adult is a scientifically formulated blend of nutrients designed to address the specific needs of aging small breed dogs. The food contains a proprietary mix of ingredients that support brain function, interaction, energy, and vitality in older dogs. It also includes balanced minerals to promote heart, kidney, and bladder health, which are common concerns in senior dogs. High-quality protein aids in maintaining lean muscle mass, while omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E promote healthy skin and a luxurious coat.
What sets it apart from competitors: It features a special blend of prebiotic fibers and antioxidants to support digestion, immune system, and organ health. This formula has easy-to-digest ingredients that are gentle on older dogs’ stomachs.
Best Dog Food For Small Breed Puppies
4.7
★★★★★
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE
Who It’s For: Crafted for small breed puppies, providing the essential nutrients to support their rapid growth and high energy needs during this critical developmental stage.
Why we recommended it:Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Natural Small Breed Puppy starts with real chicken as the primary ingredient, ensuring high-quality protein to promote healthy muscle development. It includes DHA and ARA, important fatty acids found in mother’s milk, to support cognitive function and retinal health. The inclusion of wholesome grains like oatmeal and brown rice offers energy for growth and play, while antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits support immune system health.
What sets it apart from competitors: Blue Buffalo’s commitment to natural ingredients means this recipe contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals and excludes corn, wheat, and soy. The specialized LifeSource Bits, a proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, are cold-formed to retain potency, supporting immune health and oxidative balance.
Who It’s For: Tailored for small dogs with food sensitivities, allergies, skin and itching, particularly those requiring a novel protein source to alleviate adverse reactions.
Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash Recipe uses venison from New Zealand as a single novel protein source, which is less commonly found in commercial dog foods, reducing the likelihood of triggering allergies or sensitivities. The inclusion of squash provides dietary fiber that supports digestive health, making it gentle on sensitive stomachs. The recipe is grain-free and preservative-free, which further reduces the risk of allergic reactions. Additionally, the food is hand-prepared in open kitchens, ensuring transparency in the production process.
What sets it apart from competitors: The moisture content is high at 80-82%, which can aid in hydration and digestion. It’s gluten-free and contains no artificial additives or growth hormones. The inclusion of Icelandic-sourced omega-3 fish oil supports healthy skin and coat, which is particularly beneficial for dogs with allergies.
Why we recommended it:Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient focuses on limited ingredients and easily digestible components. This recipe starts with real turkey as the primary protein source, ensuring high-quality nutrition. It includes easily digestible carbohydrates like potatoes and pumpkin, which support gentle digestion. Additionally, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, addressing common issues in dogs with sensitivities.
What sets it apart from competitors: It contains ingredients like pea fiber, flaxseed and dried chicory root. These are prebiotic fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a balanced intestinal flora, improving stool quality, and improving digestion.
Who It’s For: Suited for small dogs who have difficulty chewing kibble due to dental issues, require a softer diet, are picky eaters, have digestive sensitivities, or need a nutrient-dense diet.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Beef Recipe offers a soft texture homemade style diet that’s gentle on sensitive teeth and digestive system when regydrated with warm water, Additionally, the use of whole grains like organic oats and barley provides easily digestible carbohydrates that don’t require extensive chewing or digesting. Pet owners often praise the food’s palatability, noting increased enthusiasm at mealtime even from picky eaters. The Honest Kitchen emphasizes human-grade standards, producing their food using only human-grade ingredients and human food facilities.
What sets it apart from competitors: The gentle dehydration process preserves more nutrients and flavor than traditional kibble, promoting overall health. Dehydrated dog food is lightweight and easy to store and transport, making it ideal for pet owners who want the convenience of feeding their dog’s nutritious human-grade meals anytime, anywhere.
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Best Grain-Free Dog Food For Small Dogs
4.6
★★★★★
The Honest Kitchen
Who It’s For: Designed for small breed dogs, particularly those requiring a grain-free diet or with sensitivities to grains.
Why we recommended it:The Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters Small Breed Grain Free uses human-grade ingredients and a unique production process. The food is cold-pressed, slow-roasted, and dehydrated to maintain the taste and nutrition of whole foods. This method preserves nutrients while creating a crunchy texture that appeals to many dogs. The use of real, recognizable ingredients like cage-free chicken, vegetables, salmon oil, and probiotics makes it a wholesome option for pet owners seeking a more natural diet for their dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Grain-free, formulated without corn, wheat, soy, GMOs or artificial preservatives, catering to dogs with grain sensitivities. Its formulas are processed in a human food facility, ensuring a higher standard of quality.
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Why we recommended it:Ketona Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food may help dogs prone to seizures, particularly breeds with epilepsy or other neurological conditions. This food is also suitable for overweight dogs or those needing a low-carbohydrate diet. Its unique low-carb, high-protein formulation mimics a ketogenic diet, which has shown potential benefits in reducing seizure frequency in both humans and dogs. Many pet parents’s Amazon reviews report their dog’s seizures have disappeared after switching to this diet.
What sets it apart from competitors: A significantly lower carbohydrate content, less than 5%, compared to most commercial dry dog foods, combined with a high protein percentage. This composition aims to promote a state of nutritional ketosis, which some studies suggest may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially reduce seizure activity.
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food For Small Dogs
4.6
★★★★★
Raw Lil’ Bites Itty Bitty
Who It’s For: This food is ideal for pet owners seeking a high-quality, raw diet option in a convenient freeze-dried format.
Why we recommended it:Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Lil’ Bites Itty Bitty offers a nutrient-dense formula that closely mimics a dog’s ancestral diet and is tailored to meet small breeds’ unique nutritional needs. The freeze-drying process preserves the nutritional integrity of raw ingredients without artificial preservatives. This formula boasts a high protein content, with 95% of the recipe comprising grass-fed beef, nutrient-rich organs, and bone. The inclusion of organic fruits and vegetables, such as cranberries, spinach, and blueberries, provides essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, added probiotics support digestion and gut health, promoting overall well-being.
What sets it apart from competitors: Focus on small breed-specific nutrition, with bite-sized pieces perfect for tiny mouths. The limited-ingredient recipe, featuring single-source animal protein, is beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. Moreover, the product is free from grains, gluten, corn, soy, eggs, artificial preservatives, or colorings.
Why we recommended it:Bully Max Pro 2X High Calorie & High Protein Dry Dog Food provides a high-calorie density (600 calories per cup) and balanced nutrition, which allows dogs to gain weight effectively without overfeeding. The formula includes 31% protein and 25% fat, providing the necessary nutrients for muscle development and sustained energy. Its inclusion of omega fatty acids supports skin and coat health, while probiotics aid digestion, ensuring the food is well-tolerated even by sensitive stomachs. It’s also suitable for active small dogs with high energy demands or breeds prone to being underweight due to fast metabolisms. The product’s versatility makes it suitable for all breeds and life stages, including pregnant or nursing dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Unparalleled caloric density, allowing pet owners to feed smaller portions while achieving noticeable weight gain. Unlike many high-calorie dog foods, it avoids fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, relying instead on premium ingredients that enhance digestibility and reduce bloating.
Best Air-Dried Dog Food For Small Dogs
4.6
★★★★★
Redbarn Small Breed
Who It’s For: Ideal for pet owners seeking a high-quality, nutrient-dense option that is healthier than traditional kibble.
Why we recommended it:Redbarn Small Breed Air Dried Dog Food delivers a high protein diet, with 91% of the formula comprising real chicken, chicken hearts, and chicken livers. The inclusion of blueberries, salmon oil, and flaxseed enriches the diet with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals, supporting immune health, skin and coat condition, and overall vitality. The air-drying process helps retain more natural nutrition than high-heat cooking methods while creating a crunchy texture that appeals to many dogs. Additionally, the food is grain-free and non-GMO, catering to dogs with sensitivities or owners seeking a more natural diet for their pets.
What sets it apart from competitors: The recipe includes high-fiber ingredients and a postbiotic to promote healthy digestion, which is particularly beneficial for small breeds prone to gastrointestinal issues. The small kibble size is perfect for tiny mouths, making it easier for small breeds to chew and digest.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, choosing the best dog food for small breeds requires careful consideration of their unique nutritional needs. Small dogs have faster metabolisms and smaller stomachs, meaning they need calorie-dense meals packed with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. The right diet should support their energy levels, maintain a healthy weight, and cater to breed-specific health concerns. Whether opting for dry kibble, wet food, or a fresh diet, prioritizing high-quality ingredients, proper portion sizes, and balanced nutrition will ensure your small dog’s long, healthy, and active life.
If you’re looking for a diet made with real, high-quality ingredients, switch to fresh dog food today and see the difference in your dog’s energy, coat health, and overall well-being. Or, if you want to fuel your small dog’s natural instincts with a biologically appropriate raw diet, discover the best raw dog food brands and start feeding raw today!
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Sources
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