Best Small Breed Dog Food: 12 Picks, Calorie Guide & FAQ

Small breed dogs are a favorite for many, not only for their heartwarming appearance but also because they do not require the same amount of space as larger dogs, making them ideal for pet parents who live in smaller apartments and condominiums without a large yard.

However, the size of a small breed dog does not mean its personality is tiny; in fact, some small dogs are well known for having a personality that’s larger than life!

Although these pups do not take up a lot of physical space, they sure will take up a lot of room in your heart. If you own a small dog, you already know how true this is.

There are several small breed dogs like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Bichon Frise, Beagles, Miniature Pinschers and Pug to name a few. Each of these dogs has a specific temperament, grooming requirements, and activity levels.

Their size and activity determines how much food they should be eating and you may find your pup has specific tastes for either wet or dry dog food.

It is important to know what the special dietary considerations and key nutritional needs are for your small breed pup to make sure they are provided enough nutrients to thrive and live a long life alongside you.

This guide to small breed dogs provides all the information you need, including a feeding chart for puppies, our top recommendations for the best dog food for small dogs, and some answers to your frequently asked questions (FAQs).

With all the options available on the market, it can get overwhelming very quickly. We have done the work for you by listing off the top products on the market—keep reading to discover the right option for your four-legged best friend!

Full reviews of all 12 foods, including wet and fresh options, follow below.

Our Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

 

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food

Ollie knows you want to feed your pup only the best. The dog food brand has created several wet dog food recipes for all life stages, from puppies to large and small breed adults. 

There are several dog food flavors to choose from, including beef, turkey, chicken, and lamb—or you can splurge and try their variety pack! These wet food recipes are made with restaurant-quality ingredients that are prepared carefully and cooked fresh on a weekly basis.

Ollie portions each dog food recipe carefully, adhering to the highest food safety standards to ensure your pet is receiving the best meal with balanced nutrition that tantalizes his taste buds.

These meals are not only great for your pup, they are also ultra-convenient for you! They show up directly at your front door, are kept cool for freshness, and are vacuum sealed to make it easy for you to provide quality meals to your fluffy bestie.

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2. Nature’s Logic Canine Rabbit Feast 

This is a premium, highly-rated option designed to support your dog’s health and well-being at every stage of life.

This grain-free and gluten-free formula is low in carbohydrates and crafted with 90% animal ingredients, offering a nutrient-packed meal your dog will love.

It features high-quality rabbit muscle meat and organ meat as the primary protein sources, providing essential amino acids for strength and vitality.

Enhanced with all-natural whole food ingredients, this recipe incorporates concentrated nutrients from select fruits and vegetables, delivering a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

A unique highlight of this formula is its use of highly digestible natural eggshell calcium and animal plasma, which support bone health, joint function, and immune system strength.

Perfect for dogs with sensitivities or specific dietary needs, Nature’s Logic Rabbit Feast ensures a wholesome, flavorful meal without compromising on quality or nutrition.

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3. Natural Balance LID Salmon & Sweet Potato Small Breed Bites

This sweet potato and fish recipe by Natural Balance has only a few ingredients that deliver limited carbs and omit artificial additives and needless fillers.

The primary animal protein source in this formula is salmon and menhaden fish meal and fiber is delivered via sweet potatoes to support a well-functioning digestive system.

The omega fatty acids in this kibble are great for helping your pup maintain good skin health and they also promote a healthy, shiny coat.

This formula is an excellent choice if your dog suffers from common allergies or has a sensitive digestive system. A diet with limited ingredients does not have to skimp on flavor or balanced nutrition and Natural Balance proves that with this product.

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4. Purina Pro Plan Savor Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula

Purina Pro’s Savor small breed formula is made with real chicken to provide dense nutrition and protein with a flavor your pup will drool over.

The incorporation of guaranteed live probiotics makes this recipe an excellent choice for dogs that have sensitive digestive systems—it provides nourishment for the good bacteria in your pup’s intestines, helping to ease the digestion process.

In addition, rice is incorporated to deliver carbs with easy to digest ingredients. There is also fish oil in this formula, so small breed adults can get omega fatty acids to encourage joint health and mobility along with support for skin and coat health.

There are no fillers in this small breed dog food, and it is even pea-free for pups allergic to this ingredient.

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5. Purina Beneful IncrediBites

A dry dog food for small breeds that your adorable pup is likely to love! Specially formulated for small breeds, this nutrient-rich dog food blend supports his higher metabolism with real, farm-raised beef as the number one ingredient (also comes in chicken variant).

Accents of real carrots and peas add to the tasty flavor, and the mini-bite kibble is easy for his tiny mouth and teeth to chew.

Small breeds need energy too, and with this small kibble (which is easy to chew for small mouths) they will get enough for a whole day of running around, while also getting 23 vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy digestion.

The affordable dog food has a great mix of crunchy and soft bites, to motivate even the pickiest of eaters to finish their meal!

The best small breed dog foods doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive ones, and this Beneful food is a good option if you are on a budget.