Small Breed Puppy Food
All dogs, big and small, require a healthy diet. Getting the best puppy food for small breeds is crucial because dogs vary widely regarding their physical makeup.
Although large-breed puppy chow receives a lot of attention in this area because large-breed puppies must grow slowly to avoid joint issues, small-breed puppies also have unique nutritional needs. This article covers the best dog diets for small-breed puppies and general tips for feeding your little dog.
Our Preferred Small Breed Puppy Food Brand
What puppy food is best for small breeds? The selection of puppy foods available today makes it difficult to navigate store aisles. Finding countries of origin and deciphering ingredient labels might also take some time. We’ve eliminated the uncertainty by providing answers to these questions.
Our top pick for the best food for small-breed puppies is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food . It is from the USA and contains DHA for healthy brain and eye development.
At a Glance: The Best Puppy Food for Small Breeds
| Product Name and Hyperlink | Best for Case | Our Rating Out of Five | Three Top Features |
| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food | Best overall puppy food for small breeds | 4.8 out of 5 stars | -Deboned chicken is the first ingredient -Small breed-friendly kibble size -Contains DHA for healthy brain and eye development. |
| Diamond Naturals Real Meat Premium Small and Medium Breed Formulas Dry Dog Food | Best dry puppy food for small breeds | 4.7 out of 5 stars | -Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient -Added DHA helps with brain and eye development -Contains probiotics for gut health |
| Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains, Natural Ingredients | Best Natural puppy food for small breeds | 4.6 out of 5 stars | -Real meat is the first ingredient -Contains no meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives -Small kibble size for easy eating |
| Now Fresh Grain Free Dog Food- Healthy Diet | Best grain-free puppy food for small breeds | 4.7 out of 5 stars | -Grain free -Natural -Tiny kibble recipe made with balanced protein, fat & minerals |
| Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food Grain Free Small & Mini Breed Puppy | Best puppy food for small breeds with omega 3 fatty acids | 4.2 out of 5 stars | -Quality nutrition -Made in the USA -Contains omega 3 fatty acids |
| Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Puppy, Small Paws for Small Breeds | Best high quality puppy food for small breeds | 4.5 out of 5 stars | -Quality ingredients -An easy to digest formula for your young dog -Made in the USA |
| Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Small Breed Dry Dog Food | Best puppy food with advanced natural nutrition | 4.6 out of 5 stars | -Small breed puppy Formula -Made in the USA -Advanced natural nutrition to fuel your dog’s best life |
| IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy & Senior Wet Dog Food | Best wet puppy food for small breeds | 4.6 out of 5 stars | -No Soy or Artificial Flavors: -Formulated for Puppies -Wholesome Nutrition |
| NUTRO Adult High Protein Natural Grain Free Wet Dog Food Cuts in Gravy | Best preservative-free puppy food for small breeds | 4.6 out of 5 stars | -Real chicken is the first ingredient -Doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives -Contains brain-boosting DHA and coat-nourishing omega-3s |
| Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Breed Chunks in Gravy Wet Dog Food | Best puppy food for a balanced intestinal flora | 4.6 out of 5 stars | -Formulated for small breed puppies -Tasty chunks in gravy -Supports a balanced intestinal flora |
| Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food | Best vet-recommended puppy food for small breeds | 4.7 out of 5 stars | -100 percent nutrition for puppies. -Vet recommended -Natural |
| Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food | Best small kibble size food for small breeds | 4.5 out of 5 stars | -Deboned chicken is the first ingredient -Small kibble size -Includes DHA for brain and eye health -Made in the USA |
| Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws for Small Breeds | Best value puppy food for small breeds | 4.5 out of 5 stars | -High quality -Natural ingredients -Vet recommended |
Reviewing the Best Small Breed Puppy Foods
Before choosing the best diet for small-breed puppies, you should carefully examine the ingredients. Buying food devoid of artificial flavors, preservatives, or other fillers is necessary. Your primary area of attention should be the protein source, such as chicken. Puppies require adequate protein and fat supply before they require carbohydrates and other nutrients.
We conducted a thorough investigation to determine the twenty items, listed the benefits and drawbacks of each brand, and then compared and contrasted them. This article has gathered and compared a few of the best small-breed puppy foods.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food : Best Overall Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Dry or wet food: Dry
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Bag
Type: Grain-inclusive
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: Activeness, eyes, weaning, teeth, coat
Product weight: 15.16 pounds (6.9 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Chicken & oatmeal
First five ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, menhaden fish meal
About This Item
The ingredients in the Blue Buffalo chicken and oatmeal flavor dog food for puppies include real chicken, seasonal vegetables, and nourishing oatmeal. It also has LifeSource Bits, a special blend of critical vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants chosen by vets and animal nutritionists to support a strong immune system and developing bones.
It also contains DHA and ARA to aid in the growth of the kidneys, eyes, and brain. The kibble pieces scrape off tartar and plaque from the teeth, promoting good dental health. The tiny pieces are also perfect for puppy lips.
Diamond Naturals Real Meat Premium Small and Medium Breed Formulas Dry Dog Food : Best Dry Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Item form: Dry
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Bag
Type: Grain-inclusive
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: Activeness, eyes, coat
Product weight: 18 pounds (8.2 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Chicken and rice
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, ground white rice, chicken fat, cracked pearled barley.
About This Item
Diamond Naturals dog food was exclusively for petite breeds. Pet owners adore Diamond Naturals’ small-breed dog food for various reasons. The company uses quality animal protein sources to make grain-free and grain-inclusive dry dog diets.
Another aspect that distinguishes this brand from others is the inclusion of several natural ingredients—such as fruits, vegetables, and berries—uncommon in other dog diets. Diamond Naturals created this cure specifically for adult dogs and nursing puppies. The tiny kibble size of this food makes it ideal for dogs with smaller mouths.
Regarding the components, DHA can assist the normal development of small-breed puppies’ vision and brains. Furthermore, it has the ideal balance of protein, fat, and other vital nutrients for your pet. Remember that this option contains grains and rice, so dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies may not prefer it.
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains, Natural Ingredients : Best High-Protein Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Dry or wet food: Dry
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Bag
Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, barley, rice, oats)
Profile: Puppy and adult
Recommended uses: Hip & joint support, immune support, and appetite stimulation.
Product weight: 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Turkey
First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, salmon meal, barley
About This Item
This is the healthiest puppy food. For puppies of small breeds, Wellness sells dry dog food in 4 and 12 pounds (1.8 and 5.4 kilograms) quantities. It encourages overall health and provides balanced nutrition, especially for puppies of smaller breeds. The diet boosts vitality and the immune system while increasing the health of the skin, coat, digestive system, eyes, and mouth.
It includes turkey, oats, and salmon meals with DHA for brain development and high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, calcium, and iron for strengthening bones and muscles. This crispy kibble is also made in the USA and has no fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives. It is an Amazon’s Choice product, and reviews are generally very positive.
Now Fresh Grain Free Dog Food- Healthy Diet : Best Grain-Free Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Dry or wet food: Dry – Kibble
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Bag
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: Healthy diet
Product weight: 3.51 pounds (1.6 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Turkey, salmon, duck
First 5 ingredients: De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, peas, pea flour, potatoes
About This Item
The dry food from Now Fresh for pups only contains the freshest turkey, salmon, and duck and fresh omega 3 & 6 oils from coconut and canola. Additionally, it includes wholesome ingredients, including carrots, peas, spinach, kelp, cranberries, pumpkin, and blackberries. There are also pre-and probiotics, coconut oil antioxidants, and DHA and EPA for brain growth.
The absence of cereals, gluten, wheat, beef, maize, soy, rendered meats, by-products, and chemical preservatives makes it acceptable for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. Reviews and user feedback indicate that even the pickiest diners appear to appreciate the product.
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food Grain Free Small & Mini Breed Puppy : Best Puppy Food for Small Breeds With Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Dry or wet food: Dry
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Bag
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: For healthy skin and coat
Product weight: 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Chicken
First 5 ingredients: Anchovy and sardine meal, chicken meal, chickpeas, peas, chicken fat
About This Item
The intestinal health of your puppy will benefit from eating this meal. The correct quantity of protein, prebiotics, probiotics, live yogurt cultures, digestive enzymes, and natural fiber in this dog food will support your dog’s digestion throughout its life.
Additionally, it makes your puppy’s skin sparkle with health. Omega 3 fatty acids are in salmon oil and flaxseed, which support healthy skin and fur. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine all support a healthy heart.
They only use the best ingredients worldwide to prepare each of their diets in their state-of-the-art facility in the USA. They use healthful ingredients chosen for their nutritional value to make delicious natural meals.
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Puppy, Small Paws for Small Breeds : Best High-Quality Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Dry or wet food: Wet
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Bag
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: For growth
Product weight: 2.63 pounds (1.2 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Chicken
First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain sorghum, chicken fat, whole grain corn
About This Item
The next pet food brand is Science Diet, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition sells it. This puppy-friendly product’s first component is DHA from fish oil, which helps with eye and brain development. It also contains minerals for strong teeth and bones and high-quality protein for muscle growth. It also contains Hill’s exclusive Small and Mini antioxidant blend.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Small Breed Dry Dog Food : Best Puppy Food With Advanced Natural Nutrition
Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by Wellness Natural Pet Food
Dry or wet food: Dry
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Bag
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: For cognitive development
Product weight: 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Turkey
First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, chicken fat
About This Item
Another high-quality small-breed dog food is Wellness’ Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Supplying the ideal calories and proteins supports your dog’s energy needs. Additionally, it promotes the development of healthy, lean muscle. The nutritious grains in this dry dog food might also give your dog more energy.
Additionally, it promotes providing small-breed dogs with the comprehensive and balanced diet they need. It doesn’t contain any fillers or byproducts that can upset your stomach.
There are no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives present either. It also has taurine, probiotics, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and other nutrients that promote the health of the heart, intestines, bones, and joints.
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Puppy & Senior Wet Dog Food : Best Wet Dog Food for Small Breeds
Amazon’s Choice in Canned Dog Food by Iams
Dry or wet food: Wet
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Can
Type: Grain-inclusive (corn, sorghum)
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: Healthy skin and coat
Product weight: 9.75 pounds (4.4 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Chicken & rice
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, dried beet pulp
About This Item
This is one of the best-canned food for puppies. The kibbles contain real farm-raised chicken as their first component. Additionally, it provides essential minerals for developing strong bones and promotes the growth of healthy muscles. It has 22 necessary nutrients usually found in a bitch’s milk.
Additionally, it includes DHA to support healthy brain development, omega fatty acids for healthier skin and coat, and antioxidants to strengthen immunity. This dry dog food is also free of artificial flavors and preservatives. Additionally, it doesn’t contain fillers, shielding your dog from nausea and diarrhea.
NUTRO Adult High Protein Natural Grain Free Wet Dog Food Cuts in Gravy : Best Preservative-Free Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Amazon’s Choice in Canned Dog Food by Nutro
Dry or wet food: Wet
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Tray
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: For optimal growth
Product weight: 5.25 pounds (2.4 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Chicken
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice, whole brown rice, whole grain oatmeal
About This Item
This delicious, grain-free, wet puppy food is flavorful and nutrient-rich for your small to large puppies. It contains protein from real chicken.
Made with non-GMO ingredients, no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meal, chemical preservatives, flavors, or colors. They use the best ingredients in manufacturing facilities in the United States.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Breed Chunks in Gravy Wet Dog Food : Best Puppy Food for a Balanced Intestinal Flora
Amazon’s Choice in Dog Food Pouches by Royal Canin
Dry or wet food: Wet, dry
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Box
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: Digestive health
Product weight: 3 ounces (85 grams)
Flavor/s: Chicken
First five ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain sorghum, chicken fat, whole grain corn
About This Item
The following product is also by Royal Canin, which also creates miniature puppy food for a specific breed. You can purchase Royal Canin Puppy dog food in nearby stores.
The renowned company Royal Canin has provided pet owners with the best nutrition for canines and felines since 1968. If you have a Chihuahua puppy and want the best nutrition for this breed, you should feed them Royal Canin Chihuahua Puppy dry food.
Royal Canin created the kibbles to fit the chihuahua puppy’s small mouth. Each puppy kibble is also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help your puppy grow into a strong adult dog. Due to the high protein and fiber content, this dog food product also helps to eliminate unpleasant feces odor.
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food : Best Vet-Recommended Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Amazon’s Choice in Canned Dog Food by Purina ONE
Dry or wet food: Wet food
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Can
Type: Grain-inclusive
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: DHA supports brain and vision development
Product weight: 9.75 pounds (4.4 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Lamb & rice
First five ingredients: Chicken, brewers rice, whole brown rice, whole grain oatmeal, chicken meal
About This Item
Puppies receive a comprehensive and balanced diet from natural dog food enriched with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to promote their general health.
The puppies’ favorite flavor is soft dog food with actual lamb. Each element serves a distinct purpose; antioxidants boost the immune system. The dog food company Purina ONE makes a lamb and rice meal for puppies with vitamins, which veterinarians endorse.
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food : Best Small Kibble Size Food for Small Breeds
Dry or wet food: Wet
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Plate
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: Maintain healthy muscle tissue and energy levels
Product weight: 3.5 ounces (99 grams)
Flavor/s: Lamb
First five ingredients: Deboned lamb, deboned meat, fish, poultry
About This Item
Merrick’s puppy food is available for small dogs in bags of different weights. It doesn’t include any grains and is tasty because the main ingredients are chicken and sweet potato. It also contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
For strong muscles, a healthy weight, and high energy levels, the diet includes a lot of protein (80% from animal sources), healthy fats, probiotics, prebiotic fibers, glucosamine, chondroitin joint support, and DHA for brain development.
Additionally, the kibble has small enough bits for puppy jaws, scrapes off bacteria, and keeps teeth clean. The brand has received mostly excellent reviews, and all of its products come from a facility in the USA that complies with strict FDA guidelines.
Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws for Small Breeds : Best Value Puppy Food for Small Breeds
Amazon’s Choice in Canned Dog Food by Hill’s Science Diet
Dry or wet food: Wet
Vet recommended: Yes
Package information: Can
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Puppy
Recommended uses: Joints support
Product weight: 8.68 pounds (3.9 kilograms)
Flavor/s: Chicken & barley
First five ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, ground white rice, chicken fat, cracked pearled barley.
About This Item
High-quality protein to promote adult dogs’ development and maintenance of lean muscle.
Made with carefully chosen, easily absorbed ingredients that even your older dog will like,
Use this food as a hearty supper or a delectable dry topping.
Feed your pet gradually more of the new food on alternate days and progressively less of the old food on alternate days over a week. Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients from around the world, recommended by veterinarians.
Things to Look for in Any Puppy Food
Puppy food should contain more nutrients than adult dog food, such as protein and amino acids because a puppy’s development requires optimal nutrition. Sadly, not all puppy dog diets are equal, and some unquestionably include safer and healthier ingredients than others.
Before purchasing any puppy food, keep the following points in mind. Some of the most important include
- The food must meet or exceed AAFCO standards for all development or life phases.
- The food must be from Australia, Canada, Western Europe, or North America.
- Pick a food that contains a complete, healthy animal protein as its first element.
- Verify that the word “chicken meal” rather than “meat meal” appears on all protein labels, for instance.
- Food shouldn’t contain artificial colors or tastes because they are both unnecessary and potentially harmful.
- The best recipe for dogs includes grains unless your dog has a known grain intolerance.
- Foods containing probiotics are preferable, though not necessary.
Important Things to Look for When Seeking a Small Breed Puppy Food
Puppies of smaller breeds have different physical and nutritional needs from puppies of larger breeds. Even if some are more obvious than others, it’s essential to consider them all while picking food. When looking for small-breed puppy food, pay close attention to the following:
- Size of kibbles: Puppies require smaller kibbles than larger dogs. These tiny pieces help your puppy’s teeth cleaning to be more effective than large chunks of kibble do, and they also fit more comfortably in your dog’s tiny mouth.
- Calorie-dense: Due to their smaller stomachs and faster calorie-burning rate than larger breeds, tiny breed dogs require careful consideration of each mouthful.
- Omega-3s: Many small breeds have long, luscious coats, and regular omega-3 ingestion helps the coat stay healthy. Additionally, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) promotes the growth of the brain and eyes.
- Taste: Small-breed dogs are frequently picky eaters, so they seek a kibble he’s happy to eat by themselves. But only if you intend to stick with it. Pups often prefer wet food as a substitute or addition. Otherwise, your dog might eventually reject regular kibble.
- Hardness: Since small breed dogs are more prone to dental issues, finding a crunchy kibble is crucial for maintaining his teeth in good condition (along with regular brushing.)
Feeding a Small Breed Puppy Properly
Once you’ve selected premium dog food, it’s time to provide your little furry friend. However, you might still have some inquiries, like
How Often Should You Feed a Small-Breed Puppy?
You should feed your dog appropriately depending on its weight, age, and nutritional needs. Given that they consume food more quickly than their larger counterparts, little breeds may need to feed more frequently, especially if they have issues with their blood sugar (more common in toy breeds).
The food for your puppy’s suggested serving size and frequency are on the package. Of course, keep your veterinarian updated at all times. However, puppies of small breeds often eat two to four times each day.
How Many Calories Does a Small Breed Puppy Need?
A tiny breed puppy’s calorie requirements depend on its age, weight, and nutritional demands. The amount of activity your dog engages in also influences this. For example, a working Jack Russell terrier puppy will need more calories than its couch potato littermate.
You can calculate the energy your puppy requires while at rest by multiplying its weight in kilos by 34. Then you must double this by 70 (don’t worry if you have trouble with math; Ohio State’s page offers an easy-to-follow chart for owners).
How Long Should You Feed a Small Breed Dog Puppy Food?
Your small breed puppy should cease consuming puppy food when it is between 9 and 12 months old, or roughly 80% of its mature size. Giant breeds continue to eat puppy food for up to 24 months, but small breeds mature much faster.
Is it Right to Feed a Small Breed Puppy Adult Food?
It could be better to feed puppy food to an adult dog. Some nutrients, including protein, are a concentration in puppy chow since it satisfies the needs of a developing dog.
You will deprive your puppy of vital nutrients at a critical moment if you don’t feed it these extra nutrients while it is growing. Although your dog won’t become ill on one serving of adult food, it might feel sick.
Conclusion
A nutritious diet for your adorable dog speaks for itself! Everything this adorable puppy deserves, including a specific small breed dog food mix, should go to your small breed dog. Additionally, it is your duty as a dog owner to monitor the portion to prevent overfeeding.
Additionally, it’s crucial to remember to emphasize the frequency of meals, the quantity of each bite, and the fact that you should only sometimes provide food from the table. So, the information you have there is somewhat limited.
You can take care of these issues and guarantee that your small breed dog grows properly and in good condition. For a healthy puppy, we recommend the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food . It is from the USA and contains DHA for healthy brain and eye development.
