Small breed dogs have different nutritional needs than their larger counterparts, and as pet parents, choosing the best dry dog food for small dogs is crucial to ensure they stay healthy. Once you learn everything there is to know about the traits of your small breed, you’ll be able to choose the right food for them effortlessly.
Small dogs often have faster metabolisms and require more calories per pound than their larger counterparts. This means that the best dog food for small dogs should be packed with high-quality ingredients that provide the necessary nutrients without unnecessary fillers. Additionally, the kibble size should be appropriate for their smaller mouths, making it easier for them to chew and digest their meals comfortably.
There are many brands out there that make specialized food for smaller dogs, but which one will suit your dog best? It depends on your dog’s specific requirements and, of course, their taste preference. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ones out there, so get ready to take your pick.
Is Dry Food Good for Small Dogs?
Yes, dry food can be a healthy and convenient option for small dogs. Here’s why:
Nutritional Balance
High-quality dry dog foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet, containing essential nutrients like proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that small dogs need for optimal health.
Dental Health
Dry kibble has that nice crunchy texture, which can actually help keep your dog’s teeth clean by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Chewing on it promotes better oral health compared to wet food.
Convenience and Storage
Dry food is easy to store and has a longer shelf life once opened, making it a convenient option for pet parents. It makes it super simple to control portions, which is really important for keeping an eye on the calorie intake of small dogs.
Cost-effectiveness
Typically, dry dog food is a more affordable choice compared to wet food, making it a budget-friendly way to feed your small dog while still ensuring quality.
Variety and Special Formulations
Many brands offer dry food specifically formulated for small breeds, with smaller kibble sizes and tailored nutritional profiles to meet their unique needs.
Potential Drawbacks
Some small dogs may have difficulty chewing dry kibble, especially if they have dental issues or are older. In such cases, soaking the kibble in water or broth can make it easier to eat.
Hydration Considerations
Dry food contains less moisture than wet food, so it’s important to ensure your small dog has access to fresh water at all times to stay properly hydrated.
Is Small Kibble Better for Small Dogs?
While there’s no definitive answer, many experts believe that smaller kibble can be beneficial for small dogs. Here’s why:
Easier to chew
Small kibble is specifically designed to fit comfortably in the mouths of small dogs, making it easier for them to chew and break down the food.
Digestibility
Because small kibble is easier to chew, it can also be easier to digest. Chewing food well really helps to break it down, which means your dog’s body can absorb nutrients better, and it can also help prevent digestive problems.
Better portion control
Smaller kibble can help you measure portions more accurately, ensuring your dog gets the right amount of food. As obesity is a common problem in little breeds, this helps avoid it.
Improved dental health
The kibble might be smaller, but it is still great for your doggos’s oral health as its crunchy texture helps clean teeth and reduce plaque buildup.
Prevention of Choking Hazards
Larger kibble pieces can pose a choking risk for small dogs. Small kibble reduces this risk, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re feeding your pup.
The Best Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs in 2024
With so many options on the market, each promising to be the healthiest dog food for small dogs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here are our picks of the best dry food for small breeds, which will simplify your search and ensure your small dog gets the nutrition they deserve.
BEST OVERALL
Pedigree With Tender Bites for Small Dogs
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Easy to chew
Two-texture kibble mix
Flavorful recipe
Has whole grains, protein, and vegetables
Contains 36 vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
Omega 6 fatty acids and zinc promote healthy skin and coat
But…
Contains artificial flavors and colors
Our top pick offers a delightful dining experience for your furry friend with its special two-texture kibble mix and tender, easy-to-chew pieces. When you put them together, your fur baby is definitely going to stay engaged and excited for more. This tasty food is loaded with whole grains, protein, and delicious veggies — you’d be right in wondering if your small breed buddy is eating better and healthier than you!
The irresistible chicken and steak flavor is enriched with 36 essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support your dog’s overall health and vitality. Plus, the formula includes Omega 6 fatty acids and zinc, which keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy. If you have a fussy eater who doesn’t like chicken, this dry food also comes in a steak flavor.
BEST FOR DIGESTION
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Vet recommended
Supports sensitive stomachs
Contains Omega-6s and Vitamin E
Promotes a balanced gut microbiome
Low-calorie formula helps weight management
Made with high-quality ingredients
But…
May be more expensive compared to other brands
Designed with precision and care, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a nourishing dog food formulated to support optimal digestive health and promote healthy skin. This high-quality recipe nicely balances highly digestible ingredients and prebiotic fiber which help to nurture the good gut bacteria and maintain a balanced microbiome.
Nourishing Omega-6s and Vitamin E help nourish your dog’s coat, leaving it soft and lustrous. The formula is low in calories and contains L-carnitine to support a healthy weight. In addition to satisfying hunger between meals, high-quality protein and natural fibers ensure that your furry companion is up and running all day long.
BEST WITH NATURAL INGEDIENTS
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Real chicken first
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Supports higher energy levels
Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Has omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
Small-bite kibble
But…
Contains grains, which some pet owners prefer to avoid
With its delicious taste, high-quality ingredients, and balanced nutrition, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Brown Rice is a natural choice you can feel good about feeding your beloved small breed companion. It features real chicken as the #1 ingredient, providing your small breed dog with the essential protein they need to fuel their higher energy levels.
The LifeSource Bits that you will get in this formula are a special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that provide a boost to the immune system of your dog. It also caters to your dog’s needs as they go through different life stages and helps maintain a healthy oxidative balance. Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil, it promotes healthy skin and coat, so that your dog can look and feel their best.
BEST ECONOMICAL
Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
The primary ingredient is U.S. farm-raised chicken
Free from poultry by-product meals
Supports digestion
Helps clean teeth and freshen breath
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Antioxidant-rich
But…
Limited flavor options
Pamper your small breed dog with Rachael Ray Nutrish’s Little Bites, a wholesome dry dog food crafted with real, farm-raised chicken as the primary ingredient. In addition to boosting small dogs’ immune systems and offering sufficient nourishment for every stage of life, this specifically created formulation supports their greater energy levels.
This dry food is ideal for your dog’s dental health since it contains small, crunchy kibble that helps clean teeth and freshen breath. Plus, it’s great for your dog’s stomach because it is full of healthy, natural ingredients like peas, carrots, brown grains, and also beetroot pulp. What’s more? It also offers a well-balanced energy source.
BEST WITH PROBIOTICS
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Quality protein source with real salmon
Contains easily digestible oatmeal and prebiotic fiber
Tailored for dogs under 20 pounds
Enriched with live probiotics
No common allergens — corn, wheat, soy, and poultry by-product meal
Includes 23 essential vitamins and minerals
But…
Premium price point
Purina Pro Plan’s Sensitive Skin & Stomach is a premium dry dog food formulated to support your small breed dog’s digestive health and nourish their skin. This recipe is high in protein and contains real salmon as the primary ingredient, which is essential for active canines.
Enriched with guaranteed live probiotics, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach helps promote digestive and immune health. The easily digestible oatmeal and natural prebiotic fiber support a healthy digestive system by nourishing specific intestinal bacteria. Made without corn, wheat, or soy, and without poultry by-product meal, this is one of the best dog foods for small dogs with allergies.
BEST FOR PUPPIES
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy, Small & Mini Breeds
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Tailored for small breed puppies
Supports brain and eye development
High-quality protein supports strong muscles
Formulated with balanced minerals
Proprietary antioxidant blend
But…
Not grain-free
Give your small-breed puppy the best start in life with Hill’s Science’s Diet Puppy dry food. This premium formula is specifically designed to meet the developmental needs of puppies one year and younger. With its small kibble size and high-quality protein, this dog food supports your puppy’s brain, eye development, and muscle growth.
One of the best small-breed dog foods recommended by vets, it is made with a balance of minerals to promote strong teeth and healthy bones. Your puppy’s immune system will be far better able to fend off infections thanks to the proprietary antioxidant blend. By choosing Hill’s, you’re not only nurturing your pet but also helping feed over 100,000 homeless pets daily through their Food, Shelter & Love program.
BEST GRAIN-FREE
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Small Breed
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Contains 83% animal-based protein
Suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities
Low-glycemic ingredients
Includes GanedenBC30 probiotics
Has L-carnitine to help boost metabolism
Free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors
But…
Premium price point
With its smaller kibble size, this Nulo Freestyle dry food is designed to deliver a taste and texture that your small breed dog will love. Made with real salmon and red lentils, this heart-healthy food has 83% animal protein, giving your dog all the amino acids they need to build lean muscle and keep their heart healthy.
Crafted with a special blend of low-glycemic ingredients, this kibble promotes healthy metabolism and supports weight management. There is also the probiotic Ganeden BC30, which helps maintain healthy gut flora, digestion, and the immune system. It does not have any corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives, making it a wholesome and nutritious choice for your small breed companion.
How We Chose the Best Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs
At DogTime, our experts curated this list of the best dry foods for small dogs by assessing factors such as kibble size, ingredient quality, nutritional value, and overall price. They further consulted with industry professionals to gain more insight into the top-selling products and read the best dry dog food for small dogs Reddit reviews to bring our readers the clearest view. When you choose one of our recommended products, you can rest assured that you’re making an informed purchase from the best brands available on the market.
FAQ
What dog food should I feed my small dog?
Choose a high-quality dog food specifically formulated for small breeds, focusing on real meat as the first ingredient, balanced nutrients, and small kibble size. Alternatively, you can also give them some of the best wet dog food for small dogs. Consider grain-free options if your dog has sensitivities, and ensure it supports their energy needs. Consult your veterinarian for more customized suggestions.
Is dry food good for small dogs?
Absolutely, dry food can be a fantastic choice for small dogs! It provides convenience, dental perks, and calorie control. It’s really important to pick a good dry food for your dog and make sure they drink enough water.
What is the most nutritious dry food for dogs?
The most nutritious dry food for dogs features real meat as the first ingredient, balanced with whole grains or grain-free options, and enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Brands like Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet, and Nulo offer excellent choices.
Is small kibble better for small dogs?
Yes, small kibble is better for small dogs as it fits their smaller mouths, making it easier to chew and digest. It also helps prevent choking and ensures they receive the necessary nutrients without difficulty.
