9 best dog food for small dogs

Dog food for small dogs is specially formulated to meet the unique dietary needs of small breed dogs. These breeds typically weigh less than 20 pounds when fully grown. Here are some key points about dog food for small dogs:

Small Breed-Specific Formulas: Many pet food manufacturers offer specific formulas designed for small breed dogs. These formulas take into account the smaller size and higher metabolism of these dogs.
Caloric Density: Small dogs require more calories per pound of body weight compared to larger dogs. Small breed dog food is often more calorie-dense to ensure they get the energy they need from smaller portions.
Protein Content: High-quality protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, or fish, are commonly used in small breed dog food. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and supports overall health.
Fat Content: Small breed dog food often contains a slightly higher fat content to provide essential fatty acids and ensure these dogs have enough energy for their active lifestyles.
Small Kibble Size: The kibble size is usually smaller to accommodate the smaller mouths of these dogs, making it easier for them to chew and digest.
Nutrient-Dense: Small breed formulas are nutrient-dense to provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals in a smaller portion.
Digestibility: These formulas often contain ingredients that are easy to digest, such as rice or sweet potatoes, to reduce the risk of digestive issues.
Joint Health: Some small breed dog foods include ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, which can be important for breeds prone to orthopedic issues.
Dental Health: Dental health is crucial for small dogs. Some formulations may include ingredients to help reduce tartar buildup and promote oral hygiene.
Life Stage Considerations: Small breed dog food may come in formulas tailored to different life stages, including puppy, adult, and senior.Each stage has unique nutritional requirements.
Grain-Free Options: While grain-free diets were popular for a while, it's important to note that grain-free dog food has been a topic of debate in recent years due to potential health concerns. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your small dog.
Consult Your Veterinarian: The specific nutritional needs of small breed dogs can vary based on factors like age, activity level, and any underlying health conditions. Consulting with your veterinarian can help you choose the right dog food for your small dog.

Always read the product labels and choose a high-quality dog food brand that lists meat or meat meal as the primary ingredient. It's important to provide your small dog with a balanced diet to support their overall health and well-being. Additionally, portion control is key to prevent overfeeding and obesity, which can be common issues in small breeds.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dog food for small dogs on the market

Dog Food

Based on 239 reviews Check latest price

Puppy Training: How to Housebreak Your Puppy in Just 7 Days!

Based on 670 reviews Check latest price

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Goodnight Moon

Based on 41 reviews Check latest price

Medical Medium Liver Rescue: Answers to Eczema, Psoriasis, Diabetes, Strep, Acne, Gout, Bloating, Gallstones, Adrenal Stress, Fatigue, Fatty Liver, Weight Issues, SIBO & Autoimmune Disease

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula, 24 Pounds, Grain Free

Natural Balance

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Why Feed a Limited Ingredient Diet? Sometimes what's NOT in your dog's food is just as important as what is. At Natural Balance we realize feeding your dog a simpler premium dry dog food diet with fewer ingredients gives you control of exactly which ingredients your dog eats. When you want to keep it simple, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets provides a dog food option to help you feed your dog's greatness. Our dry dog food salmon and sweet potato formula is made with real salmon as the first ingredient and features limited, easily digestible, carbohydrate sources. This salmon and sweet potato formula has everything you want to feed your dog and nothing you don’t, with no added peas, pea protein, lentils, legumes, corn, wheat, or soy. With over 125 years of combined pet food experience across Board-Certified Clinical Veterinarians, Animal Nutritionists, Research Scientists, Design Engineers, and Pet Feeding Analysts working to design our proprietary formulas, we’ve got you — and your dog — covered in delivering nutrition, quality, and taste in dry dog food formulas you can feel good about.

Contains 24 Pound Bag of Dry Dog Food
Real salmon is the #1 ingredient
Supported by Natural Balance’s ‘Buy With Confidence’ guarantee, ensuring quality, safety, and nutrition in every bite
Produced in the USA with the world's finest ingredients

User questions & answers

Question:	i always buy this dog food and the color of the package looks different...is that because of the camera lighting? and what is the exp date on the 13 pound bag
Answer:	No
Question:	Are the pieces real small? Our 10 lb shih tzu needs very small bite size
Answer:	Yes. I actually use it as a body wash on a daily basis. I also use it as a face wash when I go out of town to save space. It works great!
Question:	what is the % of fat in this kibble
Answer:	the bottle I got was the 32 OZ. as pictured . Great value . Paid $12. for the 8.5 oz, at Whole Foods .
Question:	Where is it manufactured
Answer:	I just checked my bottle (it's almost empty but has lasted forever..will reorder soon... it says made in the U.S. It is a great product...my skin has been so much better since i started using it. A friend of mine with very sensitive skin said it's the only product that does not irritate her skin. For me it really helps with adult acne.

Product features

Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Hill's Science Diet

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

You want your grown dog to feel good inside and out. That's why Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Turkey & Rice Stew is specially formulated for optimal digestive and skin health. Made with vitamin E and omega-6s to nourish your adult dog's skin and coat, this easily digestible dog food made with natural ingredients promotes better canine stomach health, as well as easier stool pickup. This mouthwatering, slow-cooked stew for dogs comes in a delicious turkey flavor that will send your pet running for their bowl during mealtime. There’s more to love with the new look of Science Diet. Some of our products also have new names & new formulas. Your pet’s nutritional needs may change as they age. Ask your vet at every checkup.

Formulated to provide optimal digestive health in adult dogs
Slow cooked stew in a mouthwatering Turkey flavor grown dogs love
Promotes easier stool pickup with easily digestible ingredients
Nourishes your grown dog's skin and coat with vitamin e and omega 6 fatty acids. Grain free
Add variety to meal time with hill's science diet adult sensitive stomach & skin chicken & vegetable entree
Made with natural ingredients
Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust

User questions & answers

Question:	Which Hill’s brand type of canned dog food has the lowest amount of protein
Answer:	I think the standard caps are made of animal substances, so I prefer the vegetarian ones.
Question:	This is listed as cat food but description and pics are of dog food. I need the dog food and want to make sure I get the right item
Answer:	yes.
Question:	does this have grain? Or is it grain free
Answer:	Natures Way is a USA company.
Question:	They list the ingredients, but what about nutrition content? My dog has pancreatitis so she needs food with lower fat. Current food has 6% fat
Answer:	You know, each person's metabolism is different. For me, everything works in 20 minutes, unless it doesn't work, and then I don't want to use it again for myself. This product relieves my excess fluid problems in less than 20 minutes, and I've used it for my Maine Coon cat to take down the swelling in his digestive system so he can eat properly. It's been working for him for 12 years. that's all I can tell you, except that Nature's Way is a wonderful company.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Chicken & Barley Recipe

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

When your dog is in the prime of his life, he needs a quality dog food that keeps up. Hill's Science Diet Adult dry dog food uses a high quality protein source for lean muscles, natural fibers for healthy digestion and omega-6s for a beautiful coat. Specially formulated to make grown dogs come running for mealtime, this adult food provides the right balance of nutrients to help your grown-up dog live a happy, healthy life. Science Diet dog food made with natural ingredients is #1 Veterinarian Recommended and is formulated for a great taste adult dog’s love. There’s more to love with the new look of Science Diet. Some of our products also have new names, new kibble shapes & new formulas.

This dog food made with natural ingredients uses high quality, easy-to-digest ingredients to fuel the specific energy needs of your full-grown dog
Helps maintain a beautiful skin and a healthy coat by providing a precise balance of omega-6 & vitamin E
Supports lean muscle growth and maintenance in your adult dog with a premium source of high quality protein. Caloric content: 3665 kcal/kg (364 kcal/cup)
Packed with natural fibers to promote healthy digestion for your fully grown dog
Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
No.1 veterinarian recommended

User questions & answers

Question:	What percentage of protein and fats are in this food
Answer:	Thank you for your question. The protein level is 24.5% and the fat level is 15.0%, both on a dry matter basis. We hope this helps. Hill's Pet Nutrition
Question:	This one, the newer version of the chicken and barley is significantly more expensive than the discontinued one. Can you tell me why
Answer:	Cost of living increase probably, and bags are nicer with velcro seal on top to keep fresh.
Question:	Are any ingredients from China? “Global ingredients” seems to be the way to hide the facts
Answer:	Thank you for your question. Hill's® sources raw materials only from countries where there are reliable safety procedures in place, primarily in the United States, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and several European countries. Only two of our ingredients come from China; Taurine and L-Carnitine. China is the number one supplier for many of the specialized vitamins and amino acids for all manufacturers. In fact, China supplies over 90% of the world's Taurine. The reputable facilities that we work with are strictly audited and certified prior to our even considering buying the ingredient from them. We absolutely ensure the safety of the Taurine and L-Carnitine we receive from China and feed Hill's products with confidence to our own precious pets. Hill's Pet Nutrition
Question:	Is this a formulated food or a feeding trial dog food
Answer:	Thank you for your question. Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs. We are continuing with feeding trials on Science Diet® products at this time. While some of our Science Diet® products were launched "as formulated", the feeding trials will continue in the background and labels will be adjusted as the trials are completed. We hope this helps. Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Product features

Lifelong Health starts with science

High-quality protein to build + maintain lean muscle

Pedigree Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Steak

Pedigree

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Even little dogs need a large amount of nutrition. That's why every bag of PEDIGREE Small Dog Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Dry Dog Food has the vitamins and minerals small breed dogs need to be healthy and happy. Made with high quality whole grains, protein and omega-6 fatty acids, PEDIGREE Small Dog Food helps your canine look and feel their best. Best of all, our oral care kibble gently cleans their teeth with every bite. Now with no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors, and no added sugar.

Contains one 15.9 lb. bag of PEDIGREE Small Dog Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food, Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor
PEDIGREE Small Dog Dry Food features a delicious chicken and vegetable flavor that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help maintain a healthy lifestyle
PEDIGREE Food for Dogs features whole grains, protein, and accents of vegetables to help support digestion
Complete and balanced nutrition provides optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acid to nourish skin, and help keep your small dogs coat shiny and healthy
Proudly made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients, no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial flavors, and no added sugar
Small pieces for small mouths

User questions & answers

Question:	How does this ship? usps,ups, fedex
Answer:	Ups
Question:	How Much Does It Weigh
Answer:	15 pounds
Question:	Expiration date, please
Answer:	10/30/20. All the dog food I have bought from Amazon has been good, none of it had expired dates. I buy all the time too.
Question:	why did the price go up right when i needed to reorder
Answer:	Yep. That's pretty typical, but think of the positive side.. If you bought a bunch of the smaller bags you would be paying a lot more! Price doesn't seem so bad now does it?