The Best Dog Food For Small Dogs in 2024

Evan Parker
  Mar 29, 2024 12:06 AM

It's hard to find good dog food for small dogs because there are so many options on the market. You may even wonder if a portion of dog food can be healthy and affordable simultaneously.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws For Small Breed Dogs, Chicken Meal & Rice, 4.5 Lb. Bag

The truth is that most small-breed dogs need a high-quality diet to maintain their health. That's why we've created this list of our top picks for the best dog food for small dogs.

Overview

No matter how much you love your small dog, there's no denying that they're slightly different from their big-dog counterparts. They have smaller mouths and shorter snouts, which means they can't get as much food in their mouths at once. And because they don't have as much body mass, their stomachs are smaller, too—so it doesn't take long to feel complete.

So what's the solution? Well, we've got you covered: we've researched (and tasted) to find the best dog food for small dogs so you can feel confident about what you're feeding your furry friend.

In-dept Reviews

1. Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws for Small Breed Dogs

Specification

  • Brand: Hill's Science Diet

  • Flavor: Chicken Meal & Rice

  • Age Range Description: Adult

  • Item Form: Pellet

Product's Summary

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws for Small Breed Dogs is the best dry dog food for small dogs. It is specially formulated for small breed dogs to help maintain lean muscle and provide a balanced diet for your little guy. Your dog will love the tasty kibble pieces, which are highly digestible thanks to their easily-digestible ingredients. 

And with added Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, your pup will have healthier skin and a shiny coat. This food also uses an antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support in toy and miniature dogs. Developed by vets, it's just one of the ways that Hill's Science Diet offers superior nutrition for healthy pets year after year.

Pros

  • Best for sensitive stomach.

  • Fresh smell.

  • Great kibble size.

  • Fresh and healthy ingredients.

Cons

  • Bad bag design.

2. CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Spring Vegetables Garnish Dog Kibble

Specification

  • Brand: Cesar

  • Flavor: Filet Mignon

  • Age Range Description: Adult

  • Item Form: Pellet

Product's Summary

If you raise a small breed dog, you need to look no further than CESAR SMALL BREED Dry Dog Food. Your small breed dog will love the taste of our CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food. Made with natural beef as the first ingredient, this quality food provides 26 nutrients that small-breed dogs need. And because our food is made just for small breeds, we use different recipes so all nutritional needs are met with the right amounts of minerals and vitamins. We pack every pound with great taste to help your dog feel full, freshness to keep them happy and healthy, and quality ingredients that help keep them feeling their best.

Pros

  • Fresh and flavorful.

  • Great for picky sensitive stomachs or sensitive teeth furbabies.

  • Crunchy.

  • Super fast shipping.

Cons

  • Some dogs will not love it.

3. Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken

Specification

  • Brand: Iams

  • Flavor: Chicken

  • Age Range Description: Adult

  • Item Form: Other

Product's Summary

Your small breed dog will grow into adult years with Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken. While your dog is still young, this formula is specially formulated to support its unique nutritional needs. The first ingredient on the list is natural, farm-raised chicken that promotes skin and coat health with omega-6 fatty acids. This food also contains antioxidants to help support your dog’s immune system and vitamins and minerals to keep them happy and healthy today and well into their senior years. Veterinarians recommend feeding Iams Small Breed Formula daily for a lifetime of good health.

Pros

  • Grain-free.

  • Doesn't upset their digestive systems.

  • Great for all ages.

  • Great kibble for a healthy dog.

Cons

  • Not good for dogs with allergies.

4. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

Specification

  • Brand: Purina Pro Plan

  • Flavor: Beef & Rice Shredded Blend

  • Age Range Description: Adult

  • Item Form: Chunks, Dry

Product's Summary

As a dog owner, it’s important to do everything you can to give your pup the very best. That’s why Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is made with natural beef as the number one ingredient—providing the good nutrition and delicious taste your dog deserves. The kibble and tender, shredded pieces are packed with real meat for a tasty meal that dogs love. And other key ingredients like calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals maintain strong bones and teeth.

Pros

  • Great for small/medium dogs.

  • Great improvement in skin and coat.

  • Crunches are small enough.

Cons

  • Consistency issue.

FAQs

1. What is the best dog food for a small dog?

It's best to start with a high-quality, grain-free option, but you'll need to find one that has few protein sources. Dogs are omnivores, so they can eat meat but don't need a ton of it. Look for something that has a variety of grains, veggies, and fruits and not just tons of meat.

2. Will feeding my dog wet food cause diarrhea?

No! However, if your pup has loose stools or diarrhea after eating canned food, switch back to dry kibble until the symptoms pass. It's also possible that the wet food was spoiled or had an off smell or appearance—if this happens, throw away any cans from that batch immediately!

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb

3. Can I feed my dog human food?

We don't recommend it! Dogs are carnivores, so they need protein from meat or fish sources to stay healthy. Human food is too high in carbohydrates and fats for their bodies to process correctly, so you're better off providing something specifically designed for them instead of just whatever's left over from your meals!

The Best Dog Food For Small Dogs

TOP Choice
1
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    9.6
  • Brand
    Hill's Science Diet
TOP Choice
2
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.4
  • Brand
    Blue Buffalo
Most Saving
3
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.8
  • Brand
    WAG
4
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.8
  • Brand
    Hill's Science Diet
5
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.3
  • Brand
    Purina Pro Plan
6
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    ZIWI
7
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.6
  • Brand
    Hill's Science Diet
8
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.4
  • Brand
    Purina Pro Plan
9
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.4
  • Brand
    Blue Buffalo

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Thought

Thanks for reading our review of the best dog food for small dogs! We have reviewed the 9 best dog food for small dogs for you in 2024. We hope that you found something here that will work for your pup. If not, keep looking—there are so many options out there, and we're sure you'll find something that will make your little one happy.

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