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Every puppy need specifically made kibbles that will meet its unique nutritional needs.
So, you must be wondering:
What is the best puppy food?
Well, there is more than just one answer. We have done the research to find the best dry puppy food for small breeds.
Also, we have listed the advantages and disadvantages of each brand for canine owners to consider in this article. So, if you want to know more about these products and which of them is best for your little furry friend, all you have to do is read on.
Our 10 Puppy Food For Small Breeds
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | INGREDIENTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  | Blue Buffalo Our Top Pick | ✓ Deboned Chicken ✓ Oatmeal ✓ Chicken Meal ✓ Menhaden Fish Meal ✓ Barley | Check Price |
Everyday Feeding  | Wellness For Everyday Feeding | ✓ Deboned Turkey ✓ Ground Brown Rice ✓ Chicken Meal ✓ Oatmeal ✓ Salmon Meal | Check Price |
Overall Health  | Diamond Naturals Overall Health | ✓ Chicken ✓ Ground White Rice ✓ Chicken Meal ✓ Pea Protein ✓ Chicken Fat | Check Price |
Healthy Brain  | Eukanuba Healthy Brain | ✓ Chicken ✓ Brewers Rice ✓ Chicken By-Product Meal ✓ Ground Whole Grain Sorghum ✓ Corn Meal | Check Price |
With Antioxidants  | Hill's Science With Antioxidants | ✓ Chicken Meal ✓ Whole Grain Corn ✓ Whole Grain Wheat ✓ Cracked Pearled Barley ✓ Pork Meal | Check Price |
Limited Ingredient  | Natural Balance Limited Ingredient | ✓ Duck ✓ Duck Meal ✓ Potatoes ✓ Potato Protein ✓ Canola Oil | Check Price |
Great Taste  | Nutro Ultra Great Taste | ✓ Chicken ✓ Rice Bran ✓ Chicken Meal ✓ Brewers Rice ✓ Whole Brown Rice | Check Price |
Healthy Digestion  | Iams ProActive Healthy Digestion | ✓ Chicken ✓ Chicken Fat ✓ Ground Whole Grain Corn ✓ Ground Whole Grain Sorghum ✓ Chicken By-Product Meal | Check Price |
Nutrient Absorption  | Royal Canin Nutrient Absorption | ✓ Chicken By-Product Meal ✓ Corn Gluten Meal ✓ Corn ✓ Brewers Rice ✓ Chicken Fat | Check Price |
Teeth And Bones  | Purina Pro Plan Teeth And Bones | ✓ Chicken ✓ Animal Fat Preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols ✓ Whole Grain Wheat ✓ Brewers Rice ✓ Corn Gluten Meal | Check Price |
Blue Buffalo - Our Top Pick
Blue Buffalo recipe was made for the well-being and health of puppies. The formula starts with the vegetables and fruits, whole grains and real meats, plus added LifeSource Bits. The food contains a precise mix of vitamins and minerals that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of ingredients that are antioxidant-rich.
The first and main protein source is the deboned chicken which will provide your puppy enough energy to get through the day. The recipe features ingredients that support proper development and healthy growth. Essential vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus are included, which will promote healthy teeth and bones.
This product will be great food for your puppy as it contains every nutrient that is essential for his development and well-being.
For more great picks of different brands at the market, see our guide to the top quality dog food.
Wellness - For Everyday Feeding
Wellness Small Breed Recipe is a tasty formula, perfect for your pet buddy that likes to act like those big dogs. This delicious canine food will undoubtedly satisfy your puppy nutritional needs. Salmon, chicken, and turkey provide a quality, lean protein which is essential for the proper development of your pup.
Also, this formula contains wholesome whole grains which will provide him with the energy to make it through an active day. This is especially important for puppies who are very active. The specific recipe has the optimal number of calories to support his weight and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to promote his healthy skin and coat.
When it comes to this product, you just cannot go wrong with it. It has everything your furry friend needs for his development and strong immune system.
Diamond Naturals - Ideal For Overall Health
If you are looking for superior dog food for your puppy, you are in the right place. The Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy recipe is enhanced with guaranteed probiotics and superfoods to support your dog’s overall health and development. It is formulated with real chicken as its main source of protein and its first ingredient that is excellent for the puppy’s energy level.
Also, the food contains real vegetables and fruits including oranges, blueberries, pumpkin, and kale. These will provide your little furry friend with minerals, vitamin, omega fatty acids which will help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. The recipe features antioxidants that support overall well-being.
You can’t go wrong with this product as it is a perfect combination of all nutrients that your little pal needs.
Eukanuba - Ideal For Healthy Brain
If you are searching for dog food that will support the brain health of your puppy, then you should consider purchasing the Eukanuba. It contains animal-based, high-quality proteins that are ideal for your pet’s energy. This is especially important when he is still growing and needs as much energy and nutrients as he can get for the proper development.
We need to mention that this recipe is specially made for small breed puppies and that it contains DHA for their healthy vision and brain development. Also, it includes Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for a radiant coat and healthy skin. The food is easy to digest thanks to the added probiotics and natural fiber.
As we already have mentioned if you are looking for a puppy food to enhance his vision and brain development, this is an ideal product for his needs.
Hill's Science - With Antioxidants
Dog food with a lot of antioxidants can enhance your puppy’s well-being and overall health. So, if you are looking for the perfect kibbles that include a lot of nutrients that your little furry friend needs, the Hills’ Science is something you should consider getting for him. It is made with wholesome ingredients such as barley and savory chicken meal.
The formula is balanced to meet your canine’s needs and support eye and brain development. What is great about this brand is that they use only ingredients that meet strict requirements for nutrient content and purity. Vitamin C and E, along with the antioxidants work together to help boost the immune system of your pal.
Hill’s Science provides your canine with the vitamins and minerals he needs for a lifetime of happiness and health.
Natural Balance - Best Limited Ingredient
If you are looking for dog food with limited ingredients in its recipe than you should consider buying the Natural Balance. This formula limits the carbohydrate sources number and uses only one source of protein to minimize your canine’s allergens. The first ingredient and main protein is duck meat.
These kibbles are small-sized and are perfect for puppies. The recipe delivers DHA and healthy omegas from salmon oil to help boost his brain development. We need to mention that it doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Omega-3 fatty acids will provide your doggy with a shiny and healthy coat. It is an ideal formula for pooches with sensitive stomachs as this food is made with limited ingredients.
Nutro Ultra - Best Tasting
This product features an ideal blend of antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, healthy oils, whole grains, and premium lean proteins to help your little pooch be at his best. Mixed sources of protein from holistic, natural and high-quality ingredients ensure great taste and optimal Amino Acids levels for your furry friend.
This formula is specifically designed for the dog who is still growing. But, bear in mind that this product contains all the nutrients that are also designed for all life stages. You can feed your nursing and pregnant dog with it, as well as your puppy.
We need to mention that this dog food is free from artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. It is packed with antioxidants to help maintain a sharp mind, healthy heart and a strong immune system.
Iams ProActive - Best For Healthy Digestion
Searching for the dog food that is best for healthy digestion? If so, you should consider purchasing the Iams ProActive for your furry friend. It is designed for the canines who love the taste of chicken and need proper nutrition for the overall health and well-being. DHA and natural fish oil promote more trainable and smarter puppies.
This formula gets the protein from eggs and real chicken, which help build firm, strong muscles while staying gentle on your pooch’s digestive system. It also keeps the teeth tartar-free and clean. Prebiotics promote strong defenses and healthy digestion.
This product is excellent for small breed puppies who are one to twelve months old. It contains minerals and vitamins which are essential for your little furry friend’s immune system and overall health.
Royal Canin - Ideal For Nutrient Absorption
Your puppy needs food that will strengthen his bones, teeth, digestive system and boost his immune system. One of the best kibbles for proper dog development is Royal Canine dog formulation. It contains every nutritional ingredient that your little pooch needs to have a happy and healthy life.
It is made for puppies up to ten months old, for their small jaws. The recipe features highly digestible proteins and proteins that will support his metabolism. And thanks to the antioxidant it includes, your pup will have a strong immune system.
If you want healthy food for your furry friend that will provide him with every essential nutrient, you should consider purchasing this product. You just cannot go wrong with it, and your puppy will undoubtedly love the delicious taste.
Purina Pro Plan - For Strong Teeth And Bones
Purina Pro Plan is an excellent dog food that every puppy will adore. Small kibbles contain DHA for developing healthy eyes and brain throughput the aging process of your canine. Also, what is great about this product is the fact it features chicken meat as his first ingredient and the main source of protein.
It will help your pup in building strong muscles. Also, the blend of carbohydrates will keep your pooch playing all day and happy. The recipe contains prebiotic fiber that will promote the digestive system and maintain intestinal balance.
Let’s not forget the Omega-6 fatty acids that will maintain your pal’s shiny coat and healthy skin. We need to mention that this product doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Health Problems In Small Breed Puppies
Malnutrition
This issue in canines occurs when they have a nutrient deficiency in their bodies. You usually can notice it in dogs that have been abused by their owner or homeless animals. The malnutrition happens when a pooch doesn’t consume essential minerals and vitamins he needs for health, and because of that, he becomes emaciated or skinny.
It is essential to always keep an eye out for any changes in coat health, appearance and behavior of your furry friend. Irregular bowel movements, gas, and diarrhea can occur when your pup doesn’t take proper nutrients.
Nutrient Toxicity
Any ingredients dogs consume that can’t be processed into nutrients—vitamins, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc.—are potentially toxic. These toxins will accumulate in your pooch’s body, and they will cause the death of the cells. Unrecognized toxins are often found in treats and foods, including chemical preservatives (ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT) and dyes that are legally allowed in these snacks.
The liver cannot process some of these materials, so they remain in canines body where they can cause illness.
Obesity
Obesity can be very unhealthy for your furry friend, especially when he doesn’t get the proper nutrients to maintain or lose his weight. Some owners will allow their pooch to eat everything which will lead to health issues, depression and aggressiveness. Also, he will lack the ability to exercise, lose his energy which will also lead to some serious heart problems.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is a health issue in puppies of small breeds. Young pets don’t have the stores of energy fully developed that adult dogs have, allowing them to maintain proper blood glucose when they are under stress or eating. Small breed dogs are at even greater risk as they have higher energy requirement and metabolic rate per body unit mass than large breed canines.
Considerations In Buying A Puppy Food For Toy Breeds
Nutritional Needs
When you are purchasing dog food for your puppy, you need to pay attention to its dietary needs. As we have already mentioned in this article, puppies require more energy intake and essential vitamins and minerals for their proper development. Make sure that the food contains nutrients that will help them in developing brain and eye health, and boosting the immune system.
Ingredient Quality
It is critical to pay attention to the quality of the ingredients that dog food contains. Always look for those products that don’t contain artificial flavors, preservatives or colors, and by meat products. Look for the brand that only uses meats, fruits, and vegetables from the well-trusted farms and providers as it can be essential for your puppy’s health.
Brand History/Reputation
Of course, it is always better to purchase the dog food recipe from a brand that has an excellent reputation than from some company you have never heard of. Their history is also important as you can see for how long they are in this business and how they have developed it. In this article, we have put only the products from the well-trusted brands that will undoubtedly gain your trust.
How to Feed A Small-Sized Puppy
Ingredients To Look For
Puppies need protein for their immune system, development, and growth. The food should contain between 21 and 26 percent meat protein. These pets get dietary fiber and energy from carbohydrates; high-quality foods use oats, barley, and rice in their packages. They should be about 42 percent of the dog food.
Fat is also essential as it gives your pooch’s even-tempered, stable energy. It keeps his coat and skin healthy, stabilizes temperature, and mobilizes digestion.
Animal-based Protein
Animal-based protein features muscle and organ meat. It is the closest type to human quality and is superior to the other sources of protein. And as we already have said, puppies need them for the immune system, proper development, and growth, mainly because they are still in the growing phase.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins are organic additives that puppy’s body requires to help the body use energy as they unlock nutrients from snacks. In order to digest properly, canines need to ingest these nutrients with meals. On the other hand, minerals will help your furry friend’s body in its normal daily functions. It is crucial to balance these nutrients and provide your pooch with healthy meals.
Vitamin-rich Fish Oils
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to include in your dog’s diet. It can promote better coat and skin, kidney, eye, brain and heart health. The best ways for your puppy to get these supplements are in fish oil because it is the most bioavailable option for him. The fish used in the most high-quality product are non-threatened, wild-caught mackerel, sardines, anchovies and salmon.
Fiber
The dietary fiber function for pets is mainly to maintain the health of the gastrointestinal system. Eating foods that are high in fiber can aid the prevention of certain health issues such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. Fiber helps to prevent constipation and facilitates smooth bowel movements. A healthy pup diet food should feature between 2 and 4 percent.
Ideal Levels Of Calcium And Phosphorus
Balancing calcium and phosphorus in your dog’s diet is vital. The primary function of phosphorus is in forming teeth and bones, synthesizing protein for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues and cells. Calcium is essential for endocrine and immune function, cardiovascular and neuromuscular. It is crucial for blood clotting also.
Helpful Feeding Tips
Monitor Frequency
Most puppies should eat twice a day. This keeps their aids in digestion and their metabolism stable. That is why you should always monitor the frequency, so you won’t overfeed him or worse, not feeding him enough. Give them food for breakfast and dinner; the first time in the morning around 7 a.m. and the second time at 6 p.m.
Monitor Quantity
The best idea would be to keep things simple and easy. Set up a routine for your pup right away. The amount of food will depend on numerous factors, such as health condition, level of activity, and nutritional needs.
For instance, small breed puppies should follow the recommended daily feeding amounts. For this purpose, we used the standard 8-oz measuring cups.
• up to three months: ½ – 3/4 cup
• 4 – 5 months: ¾ – 1 ¼ cup
• 6 – 8 months: 1 – 1 ¼ cup
• 9 – 11 months: feed your pup as adult
• 1 – 2 years: feed your pup as adult
Get Enough Calories
Calories are a unit of energy which applies to all animals, not only dogs. Every cell in your furry friend’s body needs the energy to function on a daily basis properly. Calories relate to energy usage and consumption. So, what you need to do is determine how much to feed your puppy with using these supplements.
Right Kibble Size
Depending on the size of your puppy and breed, you should find the right size of kibbles for his teeth and jaw. You will see that some products are specifically designed for the small breed puppies and their little jaws. So, before you purchase the right product for your little pal, first consider this option.
Avoid Table Scraps
Fatty and oily foods, which are often found on our tables can lead to severe pet health issues such as pancreatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea. There are also some human foods that are very toxic to our pets. These ingredients can cause them to develop undesirable behaviors such as begging, depression and some of them can even lead to aggression.
Establish Mealtimes
The best time to give your dog food is in the morning as breakfast and in the evening for dinner. You should consider giving him kibbles around 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. And as we have already mentioned in this article make sure to monitor how much food you are giving to him and when.
Importance Of Specifically Formulated Food For Toy Puppies
While canine of all sizes, ages, and breeds do have similar nutritional requirements, there are some important differences that every pet owner should be aware of. There is immense importance in life stage feeding. In other words, adults should eat food for adults, and puppies should eat little kibbles for their jaw and teeth size, not to mention specifically designed nutrition.
Small breed puppies have an extremely high metabolic rate and require a large number of calories from where he takes his energy. They need vitamins, minerals and fatty acids for the proper development while in the growing stage.
Read more: 10 Best Dog Food for Small Breeds
How To Switch To Adult Food
The best recipe to successfully transition your pooch from puppy food to adult one is to do it gradually. Combine the small amount of the adult kibbles with your puppy’s favorite formulation and slowly increase the amount over one week. In the meantime, decrease the puppy meals you were providing him with.
By the end of the week, your canine should only be consuming food for adults. When you do this meal transition gradually and slowly, it is more likely that your pup will experience some gastrointestinal problems. On the contrary, this is the best way to change his kibbles and provide him with the proper ones according to his needs, age, and size.
Bear in mind that your pooch’s nutrition is determined by his individual body type and metabolism, so you may want to check with your vet first, before choosing the right dog food for him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wet food recommended for small breed puppies?
The answer is yes, these meals are recommended for small breed puppies. Adding wet puppy food can sometimes be the better option for the small breeds. It is because these recipes contain added moisture that your pup needs to prevent urinary problems developing and it is more appealing to him.
Read more: 7 Best Canned Dog Foods
What is the best brand for puppies with sensitive stomachs?
If we need to mention only one brand for the best sensitive stomach dog food, it will be the Natural Balance. It contains only a limited number of ingredients that are best for puppies with sensitive stomachs. We also need to mention that this product doesn’t contain artificial flavors, preservatives or colors.
Are there brands that offer organic types for toy breed puppies?
There are some brands that offer organic types of food for your puppy and Wellness is one of them. Their dog food features natural ingredients that will keep your little canine interested thanks to the delicious meal while simultaneously providing him with essential minerals and vitamins.
Conclusion
As you know, small breed puppies require specifically designed food that meets their unique needs. Proper nutrition is an essential part of raising a healthy and strong pet. Before choosing the right dog food for your little furry friend, you should consult with your vet first and find out everything you need to know about your dog needs.
We hope that you will find our guide helpful and that you will choose the perfect meal for your pooch. You could also see some additional information about the brand’s history and reputation, and analyze all the ingredients of each recipe.
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