This post will tackle about the Best Dog Food for Miniature Pinscher. Read on below for the complete lowdown on the said topic.
The Miniature Pinscher may be small in its physical size but it is capable of adding so much to a home. With an interesting heritage behind what we know and love today as the “Min Pin”, it is important that feeding your wonderful dog is done correctly and this can only be done when you know where its heritage lines lie.
Of Germanic origin, the Miniature Pinscher is thought to have been bred over time from a mixture of German Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds, and Dachshunds, to create the famous little dog we know and love today.
Knowing this, we can now focus on the best dog food for the Miniature Pinschers as a holistic breed to ensure that they are getting the perfect sustenance to keep them happy, settled and full of energy.
Best Dog Food for Miniature Pinscher
1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food Delivery
First 5 ingredients:
Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils
Protein: 10.0% min
Fat: 7.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 72.0% max
Food Type: Fresh
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Containing all of the best and tastiest parts of the turkey, this food is a real treat for your Miniature Pinscher.
Filled with everything a human could eat and more to the point, food products that you would actually want to eat, this dog food is actually just like a Christmas Dinner.
Turkey, carrots, kale, as well as some blueberries, lentils, seasoning, and vitamins, ensuring that your much-loved friends have the best and correct quantities of everything it could possibly need to remain healthy and active.
Maximizing skeletal, fur and internal health, this food is filled with perfectly calculated amounts of salt, zinc, vitamin E, potassium, and so much more. It has at least 11% of protein per serving and is an ideal wet food for any Miniature Pinscher.
Suitable for Min Pins of any size, the turkey it contains is easy for them to digest, high protein – low fat, and is great for tempting fussy eaters.
As it has been well researched, highly created and cooked gently, the nutritional value of this dog food for Miniature Pinschers remains high as will their energy levels when they are consuming this.
Pros
- High in protein
- Great wet food option
- Packed with flavor and nutrients
- Only made with the best of ingredients
- No fillers, artificial flavorings, or preservatives
- Ideally for fussy eating Miniature Pinschers
Cons
- Turkey isn’t always favored by dogs
- It’s so good that you will want to eat it instead of feeding it to your Miniature Pinscher
2. Freshpet Healthy & Natural Small Breed Beef, Turkey & Lamb
First 5 ingredients:
Beef, Turkey, Beef Liver, Lamb, Green Beans
Protein: 15.0% min
Fat: 10.0% min
Fiber: 1.5% max
Moisture: 63.0% max
Food Type: Fresh Food, Frozen, Grilled
Best for: All Lifestages, Small Breeds
This is a high protein Miniature Pinscher dog food which contain natural animal proteins to keep your dog lean, healthy and energized.
This fresh food is crafted to deliver premium nutrition tailored for small dogs. Made with high-quality, protein-rich beef, turkey, and lamb as the primary ingredients, this wholesome recipe ensures your furry friend gets the nourishment they need for strong muscles and overall vitality.
Taking all aspects of your dog's health into consideration, this is a natural recipe containing a wide array of fruits, vegetables, and proteins to ensure that the taste is tantalizing to the taste buds of your dog.
At the same time, this popular dog food also makes sure that that the correct levels of dietary requirements of the food groups are maintained during every recommended serving quantity. It is easy for Miniature Pinschers to digest and promotes the health of their digestive tract, too.
This is a gently-cooked style of food ideally suited to the adult Miniature Pinscher as well as being easy to store, transport and measure effectively.
It is free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products, offering only the finest, minimally processed ingredients. Its soft, fresh texture makes it easy for small breeds to chew, while the Non-GMO ingredients reflect a commitment to clean and responsible pet food.
Pros
- Fresh dog food
- Made in USA
- Suitable for all breeds and sizes
- Packed with flavor, nutritional value and protein
- Promotes health in all areas of your Minipin
Cons
- Pricey
- Needs refrigeration
3. AvoDerm Advanced Sensitive Support Lamb Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Lamb, Lamb Meal, Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Pea Flour
Protein: 23.0% min
Fat: 13.0% min
Fiber: 4.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
This kibble is ideal for adult Miniature Pinschers who need to increase the leanness of their muscle form.
Great for dogs with digestive problems or who do not appear to like other meat-based foods, this Avoderm dog food contains lamb as its main protein source which is delicious in both its scent and its taste, leaving your dog interested in its next meal.
Lamb is naturally rich in omega fatty acids, which promotes increased health within your dog focusing on its eye, organ and brain health – all of which are important in our little friends.
The inclusion of omega-rich California avocados further enhances skin and coat health, offering a glossy shine and reduced dryness.
This grain-free formula eliminates common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy, making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities. It includes carefully selected nutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics to promote healthy digestion and bolster immune function.
The kibble is designed in a size and texture suitable for small jaws, ensuring easy chewing and enjoyment. With no artificial colors, flavor or preservatives, it delivers a wholesome, natural meal you can feel confident feeding your furry friend.
Pros
- Rich in Omega fatty acids
- High protein formula
- Ideal bite size kibble
- No fillers are used in this food source
- A great alternative to other meat-based foods
Cons
- Picky eaters were not fond of it
4. CANIDAE Pure Petite Premium Recipe Puppy Chicken & Wholesome Grains
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat
Protein: 28.0% min
Fat: 15.0% min
Fiber: 5.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: Puppy, All Breeds
Created with the small puppies in mind, this kibble is packed with all the nutrition the latest member of your family needs to grow and stay healthy as it does so.
Approved by the DHA, it ensures that your puppy will grow well, develop cognitively, have skeletal strength good teeth and have good muscle definition.
Chicken is a tempting taste for any pup so it is a good flavor to try them on when they are coming off milk and you can rest assured that they are getting every ounce of nutrition they need.
This puppy food has been created so that it is really easy for your puppy to digest and at the same time, it keeps the digestive tract in good health. Good for the skin and the coat of your Min Pin, it contains Omega 6 and calcium for the strengthening of the bones and teeth.
This is a great start to life for any pup with everything they could possibly need for thorough development contained within it.
Pros
- Gives energy
- Approved by the DHA
- Dry and easy to digest food
- Promotes health in every area
- Freeze-dried, raw coated
- Packed with flavor, nutrients, vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Sometimes its out of stock
5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes
Protein: 24.0% min
Fat: 10.0% min
Fiber: 4.5% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
Limited Ingredient Diets (LID) are a great food source for Miniature Pins with sensitive stomachs, allergies, intolerances or even just fussy eaters.
Natural Balance have cornered the market here by creating dog foods which contain one protein source only to help your dog to get all the nutrients and energy it needs.
In this instance, salmon is the main protein which is a great source of Omega 3 which promotes the overall health as well as ensuring that it has a healthy, shiny coat. The sweet potatoes are the fiber and the binding agent used in this recipe and ensure the digestive health of your dog, too.
There are no fillers, grains, artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives used in this food, so this is a great option for any dog to ensure that it remains healthy and gets the best food every day.
It might sound like a simple recipe, but these a few and far between when it comes to dog food, and for owners of Mini Pins who are concerned about the eating habits of their dog, this one source food style can be an absolute Godsend.
For pets weighing up to 10 pounds, just one cup of food is required throughout the day for your dog to maintain the correct balance of everything it needs to be on top form always.
Pros
- Salmon is the main protein
- Dry food for Miniature Pinschers
- Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) food
- Ideal for Min Pins with sensitivities, allergies or fussy eaters
- Sweet potato for fiber and the promotion of digestive health
- Contains no fillers, grains, artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives
Cons
- Not as appealing and aromatic as other dog foods
Other Food Options
1. ACANA Meadowland Grain-Free Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Chicken Meal
Protein: 33.0% min
Fat: 17.0% min
Fiber: 6.0% max
Moisture: 12.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
Great for pups up to the older pets, the Acana dog food really focuses on where the products have come from in order to create an impressive food source overall.
This grain-free formula is made with free-run poultry, fish, and eggs, sourced from trusted farmers and fishermen in North America.
With a diverse range of animal proteins, ACANA Meadowland provides essential nutrients for optimal health, strong muscles, and a shiny coat.
It is also packed with fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, offering a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. ACANA's commitment to using fresh, regional ingredients and their unique WholePrey approach ensures a balanced and nutritious meal for dogs of all life stages.
Containing natural fiber sources to aid digestion, Omegas to improve skin and coat health, and top-class protein for muscle definition, this is a great start and end to the day of any dog.
2. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat
Protein: 35.0% min
Fat: 20.0% min
Fiber: 4.0% max
Moisture: 9.0% max
Food Type: Dry, Freeze-Dried
Best for: All Lifestages, Small Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
Created specifically for the feeding of small breeds of dog like the Mini Pin, this dog food pays close attention to the health requirements and therefore the nutritional elements needed.
This is a dry dog food but with a twist – it has small, easy to chew and digest pieces of freeze-dried chicken hiding within it. This helps to create the perfect balance of calories, protein, fiber, and fat for your pet.
The probiotics within Instinct dog food assist with the health of the digestive system, Omega 3 for skin and coat health, and the antioxidants boost the immune system. This is a very well balanced style of dog food which your Min Pin will be sure to love.
3. Hill's Science Diet Small Breed & Mini Breed Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice
Protein: 20.0% min
Fat: 12.5% min
Fiber: 4.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
This kibble is expertly crafted to meet the nutritional needs of small and mini breed adult dogs. This premium formula features chicken meal as the primary ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support lean muscle maintenance and overall vitality.
Enriched with natural ingredients like wholesome rice, it delivers easily digestible carbohydrates for sustained energy, ensuring your small companion stays active and playful.
Specially designed for smaller jaws, the kibble is perfectly sized to make chewing comfortable while promoting oral health. The recipe includes a precise balance of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to nourish the skin and promote a shiny, healthy coat.
With antioxidants scientifically proven to support a strong immune system, Hill's Science Diet ensures your dog stays happy and healthy.
Free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, this vet-recommended diet is a trusted choice for pet parents who want the best for their small breed dogs.
4. Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Pork And Bone Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
Protein: 32.0% min
Fat: 15.0% min
Fiber: 3.5% max
Moisture: 11.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
For an allergy-safe way to feed your beloved companion, Merrick is a safe, popular and viable option to do so. It is grain-free, bone-free, and is very tempting to your dog.
Well balanced in the minerals, vitamins, and nutrients it contains, the overall health of your pet is promoted at every meal, with a couple of impressive added extras including glucosamine and chondroitin which help your Mini Pin to remain mobile.
If you have a Mini Pin that does not like fish, has allergies or a sensitive stomach, then this brand is a great way to ensure that your furry friend remains well fed.
5. Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Brown Rice
Protein: 24.0% min
Fat: 12.0% min
Fiber: 4.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Perfectly mixed to find the ideal equilibrium of protein and wholegrain so that your little buddy gets all of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, fit and fully energized.
This food promotes the immune system as it has antioxidants supplements within it which help your dog to stay healthy no matter what it faces.
With multiple fruits and vegetables contained within it, Wellness Complete Health ensure that your Min Pin has lots of that stereotypical energy throughout the day, too.
There are multiple additional benefits to this dog food for Miniature Pinschers including its ability to reduce the smell of excrement and its promotion of join health, amongst many others.
6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations
Although mighty in their energy quantity, sometimes there are little added extras that your Miniature Pinscher may need to keep them functioning at their best. These can include:
- Omega 3 from specific oily fish such as trout and salmon which is ideal for fussy Miniature Pinschers or a Min Pin with an upset tummy;
Fats give your Miniature Pinscher the energy it exudes. Though too much fat can be detrimental to the health of any dog, Omega 3 and 6 are essential to ensure that the internal organs and nervous system are correctly and fully protected; - Vitamins such as C, E, B6 and B12 which ensure the overall health of your furry friend;
- Vital minerals ensure that the skeleton of your Min Pin stays well-formed, their metabolism remains healthy and their immune system has the boost it needs for them to stay protected and healthy;
- Protein keeps your Miniature Pinscher strong, mobile and flexible in its movement;
Correct fiber quantities help to look after their digestive tract, increase bowel health and prevent any mishaps from occurring indoors.
5 Key Nutritional Needs of a Mini Pin Puppy
They might be tiny but they require specific food types and quantities of these foods in order to grow up to be the healthiest fully grown Miniature Pinscher possible. As a puppy, they will need:
- High levels of protein
- Food rich in nutrients
- Approximately 30% of the crude protein contained in each meal
- 20% fat in their meals
- Omega 3 for pups with runny tummy’s, fussy eaters and to make their coats shine bright
Puppy Feeding Chart
At just 6 weeks old, the Miniature Pinscher puppy is tiny in its size and looks incredibly delicate but it has an impressive amount of energy already for something so tiny and fragile looking. Your little pup will require three or four meals per day so that it has a constant source of energy. You can divide ¼ cup of puppy food between these meals each day and this will easily sustain your dog and give it everything it needs.
Your pup may need a bit of help in remember where to go when it gets hungry but this will all change by the time your puppy is 10-12 weeks old. At this stage, your Miniature Pinscher will be well into the feeding routine, will know when to expect food and where the food will be when it feels hungry. Miniature Pinschers are clever little dogs, retaining information well and are quick to train.
By the time your Miniature Pinscher is 3 months old, it will have almost doubled in the weight it was when it left its mother and was only sustained on milk. Anywhere between 5 and 6 months old, your new friend can have a meal reduction as he moves on to adult food.
This is higher in calorific content giving your Min Pin a god amount of energy and enabling you to walk him at least once if not twice a day if your schedule permits this. By the time your Miniature Pinscher reaches its first birthday, you will be able to calculate its food intake a bit more.
Capable of being fully energized and nutritionally full from two adult meals per day, the idea is that your times the weight of your dog in pounds by 44 calories to ensure it gets the ultimate food intake.
This final outcome can then be divided between its two meals of the day with your Miniature Pinscher having reached full size, having had the best nutritional start to life and being full of energy for plenty of walks and mischief causing each day.
Our Feeding Guide
Miniature Pinchers remain small in size from being puppies to seniors. Let’s take a look at how their size impacts their nutritional requirements.
As a puppy, Miniature Pinschers weigh very little, though dogs always weigh slightly more than bitches. The weight is also affected by whether they are the runt of the litter or not, as well.
When they are this size they will require four meals per day so that it is getting enough sustainable energy to see it through to the next feeding time.
Remember, the puppy is tiny so a small amount of food will go a long way. For example, if you are using dry food, ¼ cup of dry food can be divided between the four meals of the day with no problem at all.
Adult Mini Pins weigh 3.6 to 4.5kg on average. They will have reached their full size anywhere between 9 months old and their first birthday.
By this age and size, they will be better suited to having two meals per day and this can be anywhere between ½ and 1 cup of feed depending on the size of your Miniature Pinscher and the amount of exercise it gets.
As the energy levels decrease and age increases, senior Miniature Pinscher will still expect their two meals per day but will not require anywhere near the same amount of calories.
This is essential so that weight gain does not occur and pressure is not put on their tiny joint and cause problems with their health. Weight gain would also decrease their expected lifespan which on average is around the 15-year mark.
Parting Words
There is no one specific food source or brand of dog food that suits the much loved Miniature Pinscher more than the others on the market. To find the best food for Miniature Pinschers is more a case of potential trial and error which will be guided fully by your dog. It will clearly indicate what it does and does not like, as well as sensitivities or intolerances being made apparent, too.
Wet or dry food is more a personal preference both for you and your Miniature Pinscher. This can be based on many factors including the cost, ease of transportation, and the nutritional benefits contained within each brand of food. There is no right or wrong answer to what you should be feeding your furry little friend.
Puppy Miniature Pinschers need to be fed three or four times per day but do not require enormous overall amounts of food. It just needs to be high quality and nutritionally beneficial to ensure that they grow properly and to their full potential.
This can be decreased to two meal times for adult Miniature Pinschers which can remain this way right up into their senior years. Be sure to take notice of the weight of your Miniature Pinscher as it gets older and less active, as they may need less food as coaxing into doing a little more exercise to keep them as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
As small dogs, they are incredibly protective, loyal and full of energy. They run around a lot and although they do not necessarily require huge amounts of walking on a daily basis, they will need to be able to have space to roam free and sniff around.
They are hugely inquisitive and full of trouble, but that’s exactly why we love them! With a 15 year average lifespan, it’s lucky that they have such amazing personalities really and are so much fun to be around as an extra member of any household