You want nothing but the best for your canine friend if you’re like us. And that starts with their food. Finding the proper nutrition for our furry companions is paramount, especially for undersized dogs. Small dog breeds have unique dietary needs and high metabolism. Their food should have smaller kibble sizes, higher protein and fat levels, and balanced vitamins and minerals. Some formulas may also include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. We know it sounds intimidating.
Fear not, however. Bored Panda has done all the heavy lifting. Whether your little buddy is a picky eater, has allergies, or just needs a diet tailored to their petite size, we’ve gathered the best formulas for small dog breeds. We have carefully selected recipes based on the quality of ingredients, nutritional value, and, of course, expert opinions.
Small Breed Dog Food for Puppies
Our selection offers excellent nutrition that meets the unique needs of small-breed puppies. These products are carefully chosen to support your puppy’s growth, development, and overall health.
Type: Dry kibble | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 5-pound bag, 15-pound bag Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula is one of the best puppy foods for small breeds. The recipe is packed with high-quality protein for growing muscles and Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coats. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidant-rich ingredients to support their immune system as they explore the world around them. With brain and eye health-boosting ingredients in the Blue Buffalo formula, you can easily support your small canine’s healthy growth and development. We highly recommend this for a healthy start to your pup’s life. What We Like: • High-quality protein sources • Tiny kibble size developed for small puppies • Contains DHA, which aids in cognitive development • Antioxidant-rich formula What We Don’t Like: • Contains dry yeast • More expensive than other similar foods
chewy.com Report
Type: Wet food | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size : 4.5-pound bag, 15-pound bag, 28-pound bag Eukanuba kibble is an excellent choice for small and mini-breed puppies. This formula has high-quality animal protein to support their growing muscles and energy levels. Additionally, it contains optimal levels of DHA to support brain and vision development. We suggest this formula to those looking to promote healthy digestion and provide a rich blend of vitamins and antioxidants to strengthen their little one’s immune system. What We Like: • High-quality chicken as the primary source of protein • High levels of DHA for brain development and health • Optimal calcium and phosphorus levels • Kibble size perfect for small pups What We Don’t Like: • Complex ingredient list • Minerals aren’t in bioavailable form
chewy.com Report
Type: Dry food | Flavors: Chicken | Package Size: 80 ounces, 15-pound bag, 33-pound bag Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult 7+ is a gentle on-the-stomach formula promoting overall digestive health and comfort for your senior pup. If your small or toy dog is in their golden years, this is one food brand to consider. Hill’s formula is a top-notch source of protein that helps aging dogs maintain lean muscle mass. It is enriched with nutritious vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals for overall health. Moreover, this formula is easy to digest, making mealtime a breeze. What We Like: • Made with natural chicken • Smothered in tasty gravy • Easy for dogs to digest • Has a blend of nutritious vegetables • 100% satisfaction guarantee What We Don’t Like: • Not suitable for pregnant or nursing dogs
Type: Dry food | Flavors: Chicken and brown rice | Package Size: 5-pound bag Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food meets the needs of small dogs aged 8 years and older. Crafted with real chicken as the number one ingredient and enriched with wholesome grains, essential nutrients, and antioxidants, this formula provides tailored nutrition your dog will love. Nutro Natural Choice formula also contains calcium to support bone health as your furry friend ages. With no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, you can trust that your beloved senior gets the best nutrition possible. What We Like: • Can be served dry or moistened • Made from quality ingredients • Has calcium to maintain bones and joints • Packed with essential antioxidants • Reliable brand What We Don’t Like: • Only available in one size • Needs more flavor variety
Type: Wet food | Flavors: Beef or Chicken | Package Size: 5.5-ounce cans Ensure your adult dog receives the complete and balanced nutrition they deserve with Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Seared Beef, Green Beans, and Brown Rice Entree. This tasty wet dog food is made with natural beef as the primary ingredient, providing an abundant source of protein to support strong muscles. In addition, the inclusion of green beans and brown rice offers essential vitamins and minerals that promote overall health and well-being. This formula is easily digestible and ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s the perfect choice for small-breed seniors seeking a flavorful option with high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition. What We Like: • Made with real beef as the primary source of protein • Packed with essential antioxidants • Has omega fatty acids • Wholesome veggies and brown rice What We Don’t Like: • Would benefit from a broader flavor assortment • Not available as a single can
chewy.com Report
Type: Wet food | Flavors: Turkey and duck | Package Size: 5.5-ounce cans Halo Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food is crafted with premium, non-GMO ingredients from reputable farms. The grain-free formula is easy on your pup’s digestion and promotes a healthy coat, strong muscles, and overall wellness. Halo is an ideal small-breed recipe for health-conscious pet parents seeking grain-free, flavorful meals without artificial additives, with its focus on quality and transparency. What We Like: • Free from grains • Made from non-GMO fruits and vegetables • Easy to digest • Has a fantastic aroma • Contains chelated minerals What We Don’t Like: • Not recommended for puppies
chewy.com Report
Type: Dry kibble | Flavors: Lamb and rice | Package Size: 3.8-pound bag, 7.4-pound bag, 15-pound bag Purina ONE +Plus Adult is a top-notch dog food formula exclusively designed to cater to the needs of small-breed dogs. It has potent antioxidants to help maintain a robust immune system and high-quality protein sources to support lean muscle mass. Although it lacks flavor variety and contains grains, the Purina recipe provides wholesome nutrition and sustained energy for your furry friend. Moreover, the crunchy kibble helps reduce plaque buildup and maintain excellent dental health. What We Like: • Available in 3 pack sizes • Has four antioxidant sources • Has no fillers • Made up of high-quality ingredients • It is super affordable What We Don’t Like: • Grains can trigger sensitivities in some dogs
chewy.com Report
Flavors: Turkey, whitefish, and quinoa | Package sizes: 3-pound, 5-pound, 11-pound, and 14-pound bags Nulo Frontrunner Recipe is a premium dog food crafted with real turkey as the first ingredient, whitefish, and quinoa to provide a well-rounded and delicious meal for your furry friend. Plus, it contains more high-quality ingredients, including real whole meat and ancient grains, which help promote optimal nutrient absorption. Note: Ideal for small breeds with petite mouths and short digestive tracts. What We Like: • Non-GMO fruits and vegetables • Has no meat byproducts or artificial ingredients • Has a great aroma • A combination of turkey and whitefish • Includes probiotics that support the immune system What We Don’t Like: • Has limited flavors
chewy.com Report
Type: Dry kibble | Flavors: Duck and oatmeal, salmon and potato, lamb and oatmeal, turkey and potato | Package Size: 10.5-pound bag, 26-pound bag, 40-pound bag Wellness Simple Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for small dogs, especially those with sensitivities to common proteins such as beef or chicken. The natural lamb formula helps to promote muscular strength and maintain a healthy heart and overall vitality. The food is fortified with prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and glucosamine to support digestive health and joint function. The ingredients in this recipe were carefully selected to be easy to digest and gentle on the stomach, which promotes healthy digestion and reduces the risk of food-related issues. The Wellness formula is low in calories, making it perfect for dogs with reduced activity levels due to illness or injury. What We Like: • Great for dogs with chicken and beef allergies • Highly digestible • Nutritionally dense, low-calorie food • Supports heart health and helps with blood pressure maintenance • Rich in omega fatty acids • Has glucosamine for joint health • Contains taurine, prebiotic fibers, and probiotics What We Don’t Like: • Not ideal for dogs with pea or grain allergies • Some pet parents report a strange smell
Type: Dry food | Flavors: Chicken and barley | Package Size: 4-pound bag, 15-pound bag Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Adult Small and Mini Breeds is proudly made in the US and free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is an ideal option for dogs with sensitive stomachs, thanks to the recipe enriched with prebiotic fiber and easily digestible nutrients that promote digestive health. The formula contains a unique blend of antioxidants that provides lifelong immune support and helps your dog maintain overall well-being. It also features smaller kibble sizes, making it easy for small dogs to chew and promote oral health. What We Like: • Balanced nutrition • Easy-to-digest ingredients • Comes in two bag sizes • Contains an antioxidant blend • Vet-recommended for gentle nutrition What We Don’t Like: • Some of the kibble pieces are too hard for tiny teeth
Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!
Follow Bored Panda on Google News!
Add Your Photo To This List
Please use high-res photos without watermarks
Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
Not your original work? Add source
Unlock an Enhanced Experience with Bored Panda Premium
Go ad-free, access unlimited content, and enjoy our sleek dark mode. Your favorite stories, uninterrupted.
No fees, cancel anytime
Olympian Makes Stunning Admission After Judge’s Conspicuous Scores Ignite Cheating Accusations
