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Nov 03, 2024

The Best Dog Food for Small Breeds of 2024

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Feeding your pint-sized pup doesn't have to be complicated. What works best is to first consult your

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Feeding your pint-sized pup doesn't have to be complicated. What works best is to first consult your veterinarian about your dog's specific breed, lifestyle, and healthy weight range. Then, based on their input, you can choose the best dog food for small breeds that fits your pup's needs.

To compile our recommendations, we spoke to veterinarians about the nutritional and health needs of small dogs, from puppyhood through their senior years. Our experts didn't recommend specific foods, but we relied on their insights to select foods with optimal nutrition to prevent and manage health conditions small dogs are prone to. One of our top picks is Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Turkey and Oatmeal Recipe, a kibble with healthy extras to support joint health. We also like Royal Canin Mini Adult Gravy, a wet food that includes a metabolism-boosting ingredient to help prevent obesity.

All of our picks for the best dog food also meet the pet food standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews researches and tests pet products.

Best dry overall: Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Deboned Turkey and Oatmeal - See at Chewy

Best budget dry: Purina One +Plus Adult Small Breed Lamb and Rice - See at Chewy

Best wet overall: Royal Canin Mini Adult Gravy - See at Chewy

Best budget wet: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small and Mighty Small Breed - See at Chewy

Best for sensitive stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Small Pro Plan Breed Salmon and Rice - See at Chewy

Best for puppies: Hill's Science Diet Savory Stew With Chicken and Vegetables - See at Chewy

Best for seniors: Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Age Advantage Adult 7+ Deboned Turkey and Peas - See at Chewy

Best for weight loss: Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Small and Mini Adult Chicken - See at Chewy

Best fresh: Just Food For Dogs Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni - See at Chewy

Nutritionally, food for small dogs isn't all that different from all-size recipes, says Dr. Nancy Welborn, a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. One notable difference is the smaller kibble size of small breed dry foods, which may be easier for smaller dogs to chew.

Small dogs are also at higher risk of dental disease than their giant-sized counterparts, according to a study published in The Veterinary Journal. While kibble won't solve all your small dog's dental issues, Luisana says feeding a crunchy diet can be a good place to start. Appropriately shaped and sized crunchy food may scrape off plaque, reducing tartar buildup. Dry foods offer other advantages too. They have a long shelf life and are typically more affordable than wet food.

Our picks for the best dry dog food are specifically formulated for small breed dogs. They're made with smaller kibbles and provide the energy small pups need to power through their days.

Lamb leads the ingredients for this food, along with healthy carbohydrates consisting of whole spelt and whole oats. Extras include herring and herring oil for omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. With 28% protein, 18% fat, and 2.9% fiber, this food is ideal for high-energy small breed dogs. Each cup contains 462 kcal.

Deboned chicken and chicken and salmon meal are the main protein sources. Carbohydrates include oatmeal, ground brown rice, and barley. Healthy extras like flaxseed and salmon oil provide omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health. With 28% protein, 16% fat, 4% fiber, and 408 kcal per cup, we recommend this food for moderately active small breed dogs.

Deboned turkey and turkey and salmon meal are the top ingredients in this food, plus standout carbohydrates, including chickpeas, sweet potato, and yellow peas. Healthy extras include omega fatty acids and probiotics. With 27% protein, 16% fat, and 4.5% fiber, this food is ideal for small active dogs with high energy. Each cup contains 432 kcal.

Whether choosing a budget or premium dog food, our experts recommend evaluating pet food based on the AAFCO's nutritional adequacy standards. Foods that meet these standards are labeled complete and balanced for growth (puppies), maintenance (adult dogs), or all life stages (any age). A complete and balanced food has the right amount of nutrients for your pet's life stage when fed in the appropriate proportions, Churchill says.

"Happily, the vast majority of reputable commercial dog foods have been thoroughly researched and formulated to provide the full level of proteins and amino acids a pet needs to be healthy," says Dr. Mark Freeman, a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Moreover, they're available at various price points.

For these reasons, an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement is a better indicator of quality than the types of ingredients listed on the label. For example, Welborn says byproducts and byproduct meals are both low-cost and highly nutritious.

The recommendations below for the best dog food for small breeds don't sacrifice quality for the price. They have standout meat proteins and healthy extras that support your small pup, like antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids.

Lamb and chicken meal are the high-quality proteins in this kibble. Standout carbohydrates include rice flour, whole grain corn, oatmeal, and carrots. Beneficial additions to this food include vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. The food contains 32% protein, 18% fat, 4% fiber, and 422 kcal per cup.

Chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, and fish meal are the proteins in this small breed dry food. Standout carbohydrates include corn, soybean, brown rice, grain sorghum, peas, and carrots. Beneficial additions to this food include omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. The food contains 26% protein, 16% fat, 4% fiber, and 351 kcal per cup.

Chicken, chicken byproduct meal, chicken fat, and egg are the proteins in this small breed dry food. Carbohydrates include corn, grain sorghum, dried beet pulp, and carrots. Healthy extras include antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. The food contains 27% protein, 17% fat, 4% fiber, and 366 kcal per cup.

Wet food stands out from kibble because it has 75% to 78% moisture, compared to the 10% to 12% in dry food. Apart from ensuring sufficient hydration for your small dog, water can help them feel full and, in turn, may reduce the number of excess calories they consume. However, Welborn says wet foods also tend to be higher in fat, so keep an eye on your dog's weight and talk to your veterinarian if you notice any significant changes.

Wet food spoils quickly once opened, so we selected small packages that match small dogs' portion sizes. Because our experts say small breeds are more susceptible to obesity and at higher risk of developing pancreatitis and patellar luxation compared to larger breeds, we chose wet foods that are moderate in fat (the AAFCO minimum is 5.5%). Several of our recommended dog foods for small breeds contain L-carnitine, an amino acid that converts fat into energy. Our picks below for the best dog food for small breeds also include vitamin E, an essential vitamin for dogs that may reduce inflammation and pain in the joints.

To compare the nutrition values of wet and dry dog foods, you'll need to convert wet food values to a dry matter basis, which are the values with all moisture removed. You can use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.

Beef and pork liver are the main protein sources in this wet food. Main carbohydrate sources include brown rice, carrots, wheat flour, potatoes, and green peas. Beneficial additions to this food include vitamin E. The food contains 27.1% protein, 21.3% fat, 2.1% fiber, and 87 kcal per 3.5-ounce tray, or 25 kcal per ounce.

Pork byproducts, chicken, chicken byproducts, pork liver, and pork plasma make up the proteins in this dog food. Carbohydrates include brewers rice, corn, and powdered cellulose, and there are healthy extras, such as omega fatty acids and L-carnitine. The food contains 38.48% protein, 28.22% fat, 5.66% fiber, and 72 kcal per 3-ounce pouch, or 24 kcal per ounce.

Chicken, pork liver, and beef byproducts are the main protein sources in this wet food. Main carbohydrate sources include whole grain corn and cracked pearled barley. Vitamin E is a beneficial addition. The food contains 26.5% protein, 17% fat, 1.4% fiber, and 155 kcal per 5.5-ounce can, or 28.2 kcal per ounce.

Small breed dogs require smaller portions than larger dogs. Still, the cost of wet food can add up. Fortunately, feeding your small dog a nourishing diet on a budget is possible. To keep costs low without sacrificing quality, budget-friendly wet foods often contain higher proportions of byproducts and byproduct meals compared to premium recipes.

Byproducts and byproduct meals are highly digestible and offer more minerals and proteins per bite, according to a study published in the Journal of Animal Science. "I find it both natural and sustainable for pet food companies to use many parts of an animal," says Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC.

Our budget picks contain whole meats, meat meals, and healthy grains. Like our top wet food recommendations, they contain beneficial additions such as antioxidants from sweet potatoes and cranberries, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids.

Beef, liver, and meat byproduct meal make up the proteins in this recipe. Main carbohydrate sources include rice, barley, peas, carrots, wheat, soy, and corn. This food includes vitamin E. It contains 53.3% protein, 13.5% fat, 1.4% fiber, and 261 kcal per 10-ounce tub, or 26 kcal per ounce.

Chicken and turkey are the proteins in this wet food. Main carbohydrate sources include sweet potatoes, barley, and tomato puree. Beneficial additions to this food include antioxidants. The food contains 56.40% protein, 18.18% fat, 0.85% fiber, and 76 kcal per 2.75-ounce can, or 27.6 kcal per ounce.

Chicken, whitefish, and chicken liver make up the proteins in this small breed wet food. Main carbohydrate sources include brown rice, oats, barley, and carrots. Healthy extras include fish oil for omega fatty acids, cranberries for antioxidants, powdered cellulose for fiber, and L-carnitine for metabolism support. The food contains 35.22% protein, 26.33% fat, 6.07% fiber, and 178 kcal per 5.5-ounce can, or 32.4 kcal per ounce.

You might already know that dogs aren't immune to digestive upset. Like humans, they can experience gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dogs may also have immune responses, such as itchy skin, related to food allergies. Fortunately, Lusiana says that food allergies in dogs aren't as common as pet parents might believe.

That said, grains aren't typically the cause of digestive issues in dogs. Dogs aren't commonly allergic to grains or gluten intolerant. "Bottom line, there is no reason to not feed grains to dogs," Welborn says.

However, for dogs with gastrointestinal upset related to conditions like pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease, limited-ingredient diets, diets with added fiber, or low-fat diets can be beneficial. While your veterinarian can provide personalized nutrition recommendations for your pet's specific condition, our picks for the best dog food for small breeds with sensitive stomachs are good starting points. They contain probiotics, fiber, and omega fatty acids.

Salmon, fish meal, salmon meal, and beef fat are the main proteins in this recipe. Carbohydrate sources include rice, barley, and oatmeal. Glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and probiotics are beneficial additions. The food contains 28% protein, 17% fat, 3% fiber, and 478 kcal per cup.

The main proteins in this recipe are chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, and egg. Carbohydrate sources include barley, peas, sorghum, brown rice, apples, broccoli, and carrots. Beneficial additions include omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics. The food contains 21% protein, 12% fat, 4% fiber, and 392 kcal per cup.

Deboned turkey and turkey liver are the main proteins in this limited-ingredient recipe. Carbohydrate sources include brown rice and oatmeal. Beneficial additions to this food include vitamin E. The food contains 28% protein, 17% fat, 3% fiber, and 402 kcal per can, or 32 kcal per ounce.

Generally, small breed dogs are considered puppies throughout their first year of life. During their puppy stage, Churchill says they require more calories, protein, and micronutrients (trace vitamins and minerals) per pound of body weight than adult dogs.

The AAFCO recommends that puppy food include 22% protein and 8% fat, in addition to other essential vitamins and nutrients for growth. For example, Luisana says omega fatty acids are essential for brain development in puppy diets.

Small breed puppies have faster metabolisms and higher energy requirements than large breed puppies, despite their small size. Welborn says very young small breed puppies require frequent feedings — four times a day or more — or they may experience hypoglycemia. As they grow and transition into adulthood, Welborn says to consult your veterinarian about transitioning to a feeding schedule of two or three times a day.

Our recommendations for the best puppy foods for small breeds are specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of growing puppies, aligning with our experts' guidance. Our dry food picks come in small kibble sizes that are easy to chew.

Deboned turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal are the main proteins in this food that has undergone feeding trials. The list of carbohydrates includes oatmeal, barley, brown rice, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. This puppy food also contains probiotics and omega fatty acids from salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, and salmon oil. The nutritional breakdown is 28% protein, 19% fat, 4.25% fiber, and 489 kcal per cup.

Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this food for puppies. Carbohydrates include oatmeal, barley, peas, brown rice, carrots, and sweet potato. Healthy additions include probiotics and omega fatty acids from fish meal and fish oil. The food contains 29% protein, 17% fat, 5% fiber, and 415 kcal per cup.

Chicken, pork liver, and pork plasma are the main protein sources in this puppy food. Brown rice, wheat flour, carrots, potatoes, and peas provide carbohydrates. Essential and beneficial additions include l-lysine for immune support and omega fatty acids for healthy development. The food contains 30.7% protein, 18.1% fat, 1.8% fiber, and 88 kcal per 3.5-ounce tray.

Dogs become seniors when they reach about 75% of their expected lifespan, Freeman says. Because small breed dogs live well into their teens, they may not be assigned senior status until 10 or 11 years old.

Even so, small dogs can experience similar age-related health issues as larger dogs, such as arthritis, dental problems, vision and hearing impairments, weight management challenges, and cognitive decline. During regular checkups, ask your veterinarian if a senior diet could help support the health of your aging dog.

Our picks for the best senior dog food for small breeds are made with small kibbles and formulated with healthy extras like antioxidants for improved cognitive function and probiotics for healthy digestion.

Chicken meal is the main protein in this small kibble senior recipe. Top carbohydrate sources include pearled barley, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain oats, apples, broccoli, and carrots. Beneficial additions include cranberries for antioxidants, l-lysine, and l-carnitine. The food contains 19% protein, 13.7% fat, 2.4% fiber, and 353 kcal per cup.

Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this recipe. Standout carbohydrate sources include brown rice, peas, oats, carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples. Beneficial additions to this food include blueberries for antioxidants, flaxseed, and probiotics. The food contains 25% protein, 12% fat, 5% fiber, and 435 kcal per cup.

Chicken, pork liver, and pork plasma are the main protein sources in this small breed senior recipe. Brown rice, carrots, wheat flour, potatoes, peas, and spinach are standout carbohydrate sources. Beneficial additions to this food include l-lysine and l-carnitine. The food contains 29.7% protein, 16.8% fat, 1.8% fiber, and 83 kcal per tray (24 kcal per ounce).

Small dogs are especially prone to weight gain without adequate exercise and portion control. Welborn says there are no official guidelines for the weight classification of small, medium, or large dogs. However, one study suggests that toy dogs typically weigh less than 14 pounds, while small dogs weigh 20 pounds or less. Your vet is the best resource for determining your dog's ideal weight.

Churchill says that if a pet's weight increases by 20% beyond their ideal weight, they're considered obese. "For example, this would be a 24-pound pug whose healthy weight is closer to 19 to 20 pounds," she says. A weight gain of 10% or less is considered overweight.

Rather than reducing the portion sizes of their regular food to decrease caloric intake, Churchill recommends choosing a weight management diet for small dogs that suits their nutritional and caloric needs.

According to our experts, the best dog foods for weight loss for small pups who need to lose weight are high in fiber and low in fat, like our recommendations below.

Chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this small breed weight management food. Carbohydrate sources include cracked pearl barley, brown rice, peas, corn, oats, carrots, apples, broccoli, and cranberries. Beneficial additions to this food include dried beet pulp, L-lysine, L-carnitine, and beta-carotene. The food contains 28.6% protein, 11.2% fat, 10.4% fiber, and 291 kcal per cup.

Chicken, chicken broth, whitefish, and salmon are the main protein sources in this recipe. Carbohydrate sources include carrots, pea fiber, potatoes, brown rice, and oat hulls. Beneficial additions to this food include L-carnitine and vitamin E. The food contains 28.02% protein, 15.85% fat, 10.6% fiber, and 282 kcal per 13-ounce can (21.6 kcal per ounce).

Deboned turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal make up the protein in this recipe. Carbohydrate sources include oatmeal, barley, brown rice, carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Healthy extras include omega fatty acids from salmon oil, antioxidants from blueberries, glucosamine, chondroitin, L-carnitine, and probiotics. The food contains 28% protein, 11% fat, 6% fiber, and 341 kcal per cup.

The best fresh dog food isn't cheap, especially brands that use human-grade ingredients and offe customizable feeding plans. Despite the upfront costs, fresh foods might be more affordable for small dog pet parents because small dogs eat smaller portions.

Human-grade fresh foods are made in kitchens or facilities meeting pet food and human food standards. Packaged in convenient pouches and typically made without preservatives, fresh dog foods have short shelf lives in the fridge or once opened. They come frozen or freshly prepared.

Some brands claim fresh foods are easier for dogs to digest since they're typically cooked at lower temperatures than dry or canned pet foods. However, the digestibility of fresh dog food options hasn't been extensively studied, says Dr. Kelly Diehl, senior director of science and communications at Morris Animal Foundation and a board-certified veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. When determining the best option for your pet, Diehl recommends consulting with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.

Pet parents say they love seeing fresh meats and chunky fruits and veggies in their dogs' bowls, and the soft bites or small baked bits are easy for small dogs to chew. Our fresh food picks for the best dog food for small breeds come from trusted brands with on-staff veterinary nutritionists. They help formulate recipes and recommend portion sizes for your pooch.

Just Food For Dogs makes a variety of fresh, shelf-stable, and custom meals. Its fresh-frozen turkey and whole wheat macaroni contains ground turkey, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, cranberries, and cod liver oil for omega fatty acids. It consists of 35% protein, 13% fat, and 3% fiber (dry matter basis). The brand conducts feeding trials and uses human-grade ingredients and no preservatives.

Chicken and chicken liver make up proteins in this fresh food option. Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are carbohydrate sources. Beneficial nutrients include omega fatty acids from salmon oil. The food contains 39% protein, 32% fat, 2% fiber, and 311 kcal per 1/2 pound or 39 kcal per ounce. This food is grain-free, so talk to your veterinarian before feeding it to your dog.

Our experts say the following criteria are important to consider when shopping for small breed dog food:

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth, all life stages, or adult maintenance: Pet food labels should indicate a food is both "complete" and "balanced" to ensure proper nutrition. Luisana says pet food labeled as "complete" contains all the necessary nutrients for a specific life stage, including essential amino and fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. "Balanced" indicates that the nutrients are present in the correct proportions. You can find this information in the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement located on a bag or can of dog food.

Guaranteed analysis: Your adult small breed dog requires a minimum of 18% protein and 5.5% fat on a dry matter basis, along with other essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies require 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat. While an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement confirms the recipe meets these minimum requirements, examining the guaranteed analysis can provide more detailed information about nutrient amounts, including fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients list: Our experts say that if a dog food has an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for your pup's life stage, the combination of ingredients meets the nutritional needs for that life stage. For a closer look at the specific ingredients and sources of essential nutrients and vitamins, you can refer to the ingredients list, which is arranged in order of weight. This is particularly helpful for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

Healthy extras: Welborn says small breed dogs are especially prone to weight gain and patellar luxation. While some health conditions in small breed dogs are congenital, beneficial additions to dog foods such as omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can support joint health, while L-carnitine can help keep your pup lean. Studies suggest that antioxidants from foods such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries may improve immune health and cognitive function in senior dogs.

Calorie content: Despite their fast metabolism, overfeeding a small dog can quickly lead to weight gain, Welborn says. That's why it's important to discuss your dog's daily calorie needs with your veterinarian.

Breed-size formulation: Welborn says small kibble size is the main difference between small breed dog foods and all-size formulas. Our selection for the best dog food for small breeds also focuses on a moderate fat content, based on our experts' insights and current research indicating obesity and pancreatitis are more prevalent in small breed dogs than large breeds. Rather than relying solely on dog food labels, talk with your veterinarian to identify your dog's unique nutritional requirements.

Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: If the label says a food has gone through feeding trials, it has been deemed safe and palatable by feeding it to a group of animals. On the other hand, formulated foods are not fed to animals during nutritional testing.

Expert formulations: The best dog foods for small breeds come from reputable manufacturers that fulfill WSAVA guidelines. Among other quality-control standards, the brand employs a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a PhD-level animal nutritionist.

Next-level ingredients. High-quality or premium ingredients, such as organic, sustainably caught, or cage-free proteins, go beyond conventional formulas. While these ingredients may not always provide additional nutritional benefits, their production typically prioritizes animal welfare and sustainable practices.

To select the best small breed dog food, we spoke with two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and three small animal veterinarians. We've also gained input from feeding our own dogs many different brands and types of food, some of which we included in this guide.

Dr. Julie Churchill is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing veterinary training at Michigan State University, Churchill pursued internal medicine and nutrition residencies and earned her doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Her interests include seeing patients in the clinic, mentoring students, and finding more effective ways to teach nutrition and facilitate the integration of nutrition into the care of all patients by healthcare teams.

Dr. Kelly Diehl is the senior director of science and communications at Morris Animal Foundation and a board-certified veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. She is also a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Diehl is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and started her practice career in an emergency clinic in New Jersey before joining the Morris Animal Foundation.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman is a graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. His research interests include animal behavior and molecular biology.

Dr. Emily Luisana is a board-certified nutritionist and practicing clinical veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. Luisana is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. After several years of general practice, she pursued a clinical nutrition residency at NC State University and a fellowship in clinical nutrition at Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas. Her clinical areas of interest include critical care nutrition, weight loss, homemade diets, and disease-state nutrition.

Dr. Nancy Welborn is a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from LSU, Welborn practiced private veterinary medicine for livestock and companion animals before transitioning to emergency small animal critical veterinary and eventually returning to LSU to teach community practice.

The nutritional value of small breed dog foods is not significantly different from that of foods formulated for all breeds, Welborn says. Small breed formulas feature small kibbles, small packaged portions to prevent spoilage, and varying calorie and nutrient content. Based on our experts' insights and current research indicating obesity and pancreatitis are more prevalent in small breed dogs than large breeds, choosing a small breed dog food with moderate fat content may be beneficial. However, our experts recommend consulting your veterinarian to determine your small dog's nutritional needs based on their breed, lifestyle, and ideal weight.

Small breed dog foods should be complete and balanced for your dog's life stage. Puppies require food formulated for growth, while adult dogs can eat food for all life stages or adult maintenance. As your dog shows signs of aging, your veterinarian may recommend a senior dog food formula.

To meet the unique nutritional needs of toy and small breed dogs, the veterinarians we spoke to recommend selecting high-quality small breed dog food. Dry foods for small dogs are made with kibbles that are appropriately sized for their smaller mouths. Small breed wet foods are usually packaged in small containers that suit small portion sizes. There's a wide range of quality foods at varying prices, including options for puppies, adults, seniors, and specialized formulas for medical conditions. Your veterinarian can assess your pup's overall health and recommend the nutrient profile that best meets their needs.

Our experts say there are no specific foods or ingredients healthy small breed dogs need to avoid, including cost-effective protein sources like meat byproducts and byproduct meals. However, they recommend avoiding grain-free diets due to their potential association with DCM.

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