Dogs are so different; they all have unique personalities, likes, dislikes and behaviors. They also have unique needs! Part of what it means to be a responsible and loving owner is being able to identify these needs and cover them as best as possible.
If you have a small breed, you already know they are very different from other dogs. They have many needs, but one of the most important ones is nutrition, which is why you need to get them the best dog food for small dogs you can afford.
Small breeds have a higher metabolism and smaller stomachs, which means they need their food to be high-quality and packed with nutrients. The best dog food for small dogs is formulated with higher levels of protein, calories, fats and other nutrients to provide everything they need to be healthy.
Of course, you want to watch their intake because gaining weight will make a difference and it can add stress to their organs and bones. We recommend you talk to your veterinarian about the number of calories your dog needs and please read the recommendations on the packages as well. Without further ado, let’s get into the list.
Number one on our list is the Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, which is specifically made for small and mini breeds. The recipe contains prebiotic fiber for optimal digestive health and it also promotes healthier skin and coat. This dog food for small dogs provides the best balance of nutrients, including vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and it’s high-quality dog food for a great price. Hill’s Science Diet is vet recommended and you won’t regret this purchase!
Pros
Cons
Our second option today is the Wellness Core dry dog food for small dogs. It’s affordable and it will provide your small dogs with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. The recipe is 100% free of grain, it’s protein-rich and it’s made with premium turkey and chicken. This dog food is made with all-natural ingredients and it contains no wheat, soy, corn, meat by-products, or any artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Your dogs will love the taste of it and enjoy every last bite.
Pros
Cons
Last but not least we have a wet food option for your small dogs that comes from Purina, a well-established brand in the industry. This variety pack offers 27 cans of wet dog food for small dogs in different flavors. This way, your dog will be able to enjoy different flavors all made with real beef, chicken, and salmon. The sauce adds a ton of flavor and they will love every bite, not to mention it will provide all the nutrition they need.
Pros
Cons
A: Each dog food on the market offers a different amount of calories per serving. To figure out how much food you should feed your small dog, you need to follow the instructions on the package. You could also use a dog food calculator or talk to your veterinarian about it.
A: The best way to transition to a different or new dog food is to do it gradually. Start by replacing up to 25% of the old dog food with the new and slowly increase the amount until you’ve replaced it 100%. Do this over a period of 7 to 10 days and your dog will be fine. Be patient with this and don’t rush the process, otherwise you risk them getting sick.
A: If you’ve transitioned slowly into the new dog food and your dog still gets sick, they may be allergic to an ingredient. We recommend you reduce the percentage of new food and if the issues persist, stop it altogether and contact your veterinarian.
A: Yes, it is recommended. Even though there are great recipes out there, they’re not 100% perfect. Some may have too much of one nutrient and too little of another. When you change your dog food periodically, you will be minimizing any possible consequences. Of course, feel free to consult this with your veterinarian more in-depth.
A: It depends on what your dog likes the most and what you prefer for them. Both dry dog food and wet dog food provide many great benefits and advantages, but they also have their drawbacks. Do your research to determine which one is best for your dog or simply get them what they enjoy most, but make sure it’s a high-quality, complete recipe.
A: The best way to store dry dog food is to keep it in a cool, dry place. Air and moisture will ruin it, so make sure they’re not exposed to them. Do this, and it will remain nice and fresh you until its “best by” date.
A: It really depends on the brand. Most canned dog foods are good for about 3 years from the date they were manufactured. Sometimes they may last longer, just make sure you check their “best by” date. Once you open them, you want to make sure whatever’s left is tightly sealed and refrigerated until your next use. They can keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Also, if your dog doesn’t eat everything on their plate, make sure you dispose of it 30 minutes after you’ve served it.
There’s no denying small dogs have unique needs; all we need to do is make sure we provide nothing but the best products for them. You want to make sure they have the best nutrition possible even if that means trying out different brands. This list provides the top 3 options available on Amazon. So whether you have a small breed or a toy breed, any of these options for best dog food for small dogs will make a huge difference in their diet. They will be healthier, look better, and even have more energy!
