Feeding your small dog the right kind of food is essential for their health and happiness, and it can be difficult to find the best option for your pooch. A nutritious meal made from wholesome ingredients provides optimal nutrition for small breed adult dogs in order to keep them energetic and healthy. No matter how picky your dog may be, there is sure to be an option that not only caters to their appetite, but also helps support their long-term well-being with the fuel they need for a vibrant life.

With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide which brand will provide the best nutrition without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there is no shortage of high-quality dog foods on the market specifically tailored for small breed dogs.

After searching for the best dog food for small dogs, we've narrowed it down to these top 5 best picks for you. Check them out below!

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Check Price On Amazon

Why We Like It

This small breed dog food is made to meet the unique nutritional needs of small breeds. It starts with real meat as the first ingredient for high-quality protein that will help your pup build and maintain strong muscles. It also has plenty of wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit so you can rest assured you’re giving your pooch only the best nutrition. This formula contains antioxidant-rich natural ingredients which combine vitamins, minerals and antioxidants specifically selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support your pup's immune system health, life stage needs, and more.

What You Should Know

This small breed adult dog food is made with only the finest natural ingredients, plus essential vitamins, minerals, and it's completely free of chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.

Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dog Food With Probiotics

Check Price On Amazon

Why We Like It

This small breed dog food is nutrient-dense small kibble and small tender, shredded pieces make for a taste and texture that your pup is sure to love. It is packed with protein from real chicken as the first ingredient and is formulated high in protein to meet the needs of highly active small dogs. Plus, their food contains live probiotics to support digestive and immune health, natural prebiotic fiber from wheat bran that nourishes specific intestinal bacteria for digestive health and essential vitamins like Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat.

What You Should Know

With all these beneficial ingredients plus minerals like calcium, phosphorus and other minerals to maintain strong bones, you can feel confident while feeding your dog knowing that you’re giving them the very best.

CESAR Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Poultry Variety Pack

Check Price On Amazon

Why We Like It

This wet food variety pack is an easy and tasty way to keep your dog healthy. This product comes in four delicious flavors— Duck Recipe, Grilled Chicken Flavor, Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor, and Turkey Recipe.

Each tray of CESAR Wet Dog Food is crafted without grains and includes only the finest ingredients from the US. It comes complete and balanced with vitamins and minerals. Plus, it's the ideal meal for small dogs.

What You Should Know

Each tray includes easy-to-peel freshness seals so that keeping their meals fresh is never a hassle. Serve as a stand-alone meal or mix it into their daily dry dog food to add some extra taste and moisture.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food

Check Price On Amazon

Why We Like It

This dog food product is designed to give your small dog the nourishment they need for a long and happy life. Crafted with highly digestible ingredients, it’s easy on your pet’s stomach for healthy digestion and provides nutritional value of the essential nutrients needed to maintain their health. Packed with omega fatty acids and Vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, it also contains plenty of high quality protein that helps keep their muscles lean and an antioxidant blend has been included for lifelong immune support.

What You Should Know

It's made with natural ingredients sourced from trusted global sources and veterinarian approved. Ideal for small breed dogs, toy breeds, and puppy food.

PEDIGREE Small Dog Complete Nutrition

Check Price On Amazon

Why We Like It

This product is the perfect wholesome food to keep your dog healthy and happy year-round. It contains high quality ingredients for complete nutrition including roasted chicken, rice, and an array of nutritious vegetables. It will maintain your dog’s coat shiny while providing the essential vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids they need to stay in tip-top shape. The smaller pieces make it easy for small mouths to eat.

What You Should Know

It is made in the USA with no added sugars or artificial flavors.

Small Dog Food FAQS

Is Dry Food Better For Small Dogs?

Dental health benefits: Dry food encourages dogs to chew their food, which aids in preventing tartar buildup and secondary periodontal disease. Convenience: Compared to wet food, dry diets are much easier to pre-portion, and they won't spoil if left out all day. This can be beneficial for dogs that are grazers.

Can Dogs Live On Dry Food Only?

For many years, dry dog food was the most common option for pet parents. Besides being convenient to feed and easy to store, dogs generally seem to enjoy their dry dog food and can live happily and healthily on a dry dog food diet.

What Is Special About Small Breed Dog Food?

Small breed dogs tend to have a high metabolism and burn through calories quickly. This means that good dog foods for small dogs are higher in calories and nutrients than food formulated for large breed dogs. Small dog foods also typically contain extra small dog kibble pieces that are easier for small mouths to chew.

Should You Leave Dry Dog Food Out All Day?

The answer is simply, No. There are many ways to create the best diet for your dog. In general, it is better not to give your dog any variety, which could cause havoc with its digestion, and not leave food down (so throw away any uneaten food after 15-20 minutes).

Should I Add Water To Dry Dog Food?

Do consider adding water to dry kibble. There are plenty of dogs and cats that love their dry kibble. But if your pet has begun showing less interest in the food, it may be time to add a little "gravy." It's real simple, too.

What Can I Add To My Dogs Dry Food To Make It Better?

  1. Add digestive enzymes
  2. Top with a boost of freeze-dried raw dog food
  3. Add raw or lightly steamed veggies
  4. Add raw or lightly cooked meat or eggs
  5. Add oils for essential fatty acids
  6. Add goat's milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, or canned fish
  7. Feed raw, meaty parts of poultry

Do Dogs Get Bored Eating The Same Food?

No. Dogs actually have fewer taste receptors compared to humans. That means they have less of an urge to eat something different every day. So your dog will not get bored of eating the same food every day.

Conclusion

If you have a small dog, then you know that finding the best dog food for small dogs can be challenging because they require a specific type of high quality dog food that will give them the nutrients they need for a complete and balanced diet. Small dogs also have different metabolism rates than larger dogs, so you need to find a food that is specially formulated for their needs.

We've done the research for you and found the best dog food for small dogs on the market today. Tap the button to check the price and see what we've selected as the best dog food for small dogs.