The best dog food for small dogs of 2023, with advice from veterinarians

Wet food stands out from kibble because it has 75% to 78% moisture, compared to the 10% to 12% in dry food. Apart from ensuring sufficient hydration for your small dog, water can help them feel full and, in turn, may reduce the number of excess calories they consume. However, Welborn says wet foods also tend to be higher in fat. So, keep an eye on your small dog's weight and talk to your veterinarian if you notice any significant changes.

To compare the nutrition values of wet and dry dog foods, you'll need to convert wet food values to a dry matter basis, which are the values with all moisture removed. You can use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your veterinarian for help.

Wet food spoils quickly once opened, so we selected small packages that match small dogs' portion sizes. Because our experts explained that small breeds are more susceptible to obesity and at higher risk of developing pancreatitis compared to larger breeds, we chose wet foods that are moderate in fat (the AAFCO minimum is 5.5%). Several of our recommended dog foods for small breeds contain L-carnitine, an amino acid that converts fat into energy. Our picks also include vitamin E, an essential vitamin for dogs that may reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. 

Small dogs are at higher risk of dental disease than their giant-sized counterparts, says a study published in The Veterinary Journal. While dry dog food won't solve all your small dog's dental issues, Luisana says feeding a crunchy diet can be a good place to start. Chewing appropriately shaped and sized crunchy food may scrape off plaque, reducing tartar buildup.

Dry foods offer other advantages too. They have a long shelf life and are typically more affordable than fresh or wet food options. Like other dog food options, kibbles come in grain and grain-free formulations. However, our experts don't recommend grain-free foods due to their potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Our dry food recommendations are grain inclusive and specifically formulated for small breed dogs. They're made with smaller kibbles than other adult recipes, making the food easy to chew while providing the energy small pups need to power through their days.  

Small breed dogs require smaller portions than larger dogs. Still, the cost of wet food can add up. Fortunately, feeding your small dog a nourishing diet on a budget is possible. To keep costs low without sacrificing quality, budget-friendly wet foods often contain higher proportions of byproducts and byproduct meals compared to premium recipes.

Byproducts and byproduct meals are highly digestible and offer more minerals and proteins per bite, according to a study published in the Journal of Animal Science. "I find it both natural and sustainable for pet food companies to use many parts of an animal," says Dr. Emily Luisana, a veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC.

Our budget picks contain whole meats, meat meals, and healthy grains. Like our top wet food recommendations, they contain beneficial additions such as antioxidants from sweet potatoes and cranberries, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids.

Whether choosing a budget or premium dog food, our experts say to evaluate pet food based on the AAFCO's nutritional adequacy standards. Foods that meet these standards are labeled complete and balanced for growth (puppies), maintenance (adult dogs), or all life stages (any age). Dog food that is complete and balanced has the right amount of nutrients for your pet's life stage when fed in the appropriate proportions, says Churchill.

"Happily, the vast majority of reputable commercial dog foods have been thoroughly researched and formulated to provide the full level of proteins and amino acids a pet needs to be healthy," says Freeman. Moreover, they're available at various price points.

For these reasons, an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement is a better indicator of quality than the types of ingredients listed on the label. Byproducts and byproduct meals, for example, are both low-cost and highly nutritious, says Welborn.

Our recommendations don't sacrifice quality for the price. They have standout proteins such as venison, duck meal, and chicken. Our budget foods for small dogs also have healthy extras that support your small pup, like antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids.

You might already know that dogs aren't immune to digestive upset. Like humans, they can experience gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dogs may also have immune responses, such as itchy skin, related to food allergies. Fortunately, Lusiana says that food allergies in dogs aren't as common as pet parents might believe.

That said, grains aren't typically the cause of digestive issues in dogs. Dogs aren't commonly allergic to grains or gluten intolerant, says Welborn. "Bottom line, there is no reason to not feed grains to dogs," she says.

However, for dogs with gastrointestinal upset related to conditions like pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease, limited-ingredient diets, diets with added fiber, or low-fat diets can be beneficial. While your veterinarian can provide personalized nutrition recommendations for your pet's specific condition, our picks for the best dog foods for small dogs with sensitive stomachs are good starting points. They contain probiotics, fiber, and omega fatty acids.

Generally, small breed dogs are considered puppies throughout their first year of life. During their puppy stage, Churchill says they require more calories, protein, and micronutrients (trace vitamins and minerals) per pound of body weight than adult dogs. 

The AAFCO recommends that puppy food include 22% protein and 8% fat, in addition to other essential vitamins and nutrients for growth. For example, Luisana says omega fatty acids are essential for brain development in puppy diets.

Small breed puppies have faster metabolisms and higher energy requirements than large breed puppies, despite their small size. According to Welborn, very young small breed puppies require frequent feedings — four times a day or more — or they may experience hypoglycemia. As they grow and transition into adulthood, Welborn says to consult your veterinarian about transitioning to a feeding schedule of two or three times a day.

Our recommended puppy food options for small breeds are specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of growing puppies, aligning with our experts' guidance. Our dry food picks come in small kibble sizes that are easy to chew.

Dogs become seniors when they reach about 75% of their expected lifespan, says Dr. Mark Freeman, a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Because small breed dogs live well into their teens, they may not be assigned senior status until 10 or 11 years old.

Even so, small dogs can experience similar age-related health issues as larger dogs, such as arthritis, dental problems, vision and hearing impairments, weight management challenges, and cognitive decline. During regular checkups, ask your veterinarian if a senior diet could help support the health of your aging dog.

The small breed senior dog food options we recommend below are made with small kibbles and formulated with healthy extras like antioxidants for improved cognitive function and probiotics for healthy digestion. 

Small dogs are especially prone to weight gain without adequate exercise and portion control. Welborn says there are no official guidelines for the weight classification of small, medium, or large dogs. However, one study suggests that toy dogs typically weigh less than 14 pounds, while small dogs weigh 20 pounds or less. Your vet is the best resource for determining your dog's ideal weight.

Churchill says that if a pet's weight increases by 20% beyond their ideal weight, they're considered obese. "For example, this would be a 24-pound pug whose healthy weight is closer to 19 to 20 pounds," she says. A weight gain of 10% or less is considered overweight.

Rather than reducing the portion sizes of their regular food to decrease caloric intake, Churchill recommends choosing a weight management diet for small dogs that suits their nutritional and caloric needs. 

According to our experts, the best dog food for small dogs who need to lose weight are high in fiber and low in fat, like our recommendations below.

Fresh pet food options aren't cheap, especially those made with human-grade ingredients and offering customizable feeding plans. Despite the upfront costs, fresh foods might be more affordable for small dog pet parents because small dogs eat smaller portions.

Human-grade fresh foods are made in kitchens or facilities meeting pet food and human food standards. Packaged in convenient pouches and typically made without preservatives, fresh dog foods have short shelf lives in the fridge or once opened. They come frozen or freshly prepared.

Some brands claim fresh foods are easier for dogs to digest since they're typically cooked at lower temperatures than dry or canned pet foods. However, the digestibility of fresh dog food options hasn't been extensively studied, says Dr. Kelly Diehl, senior director of science and communications at Morris Animal Foundation and a board-certified veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. When determining the best option for your pet, Diehl recommends consulting with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist.

Pet parents say they love seeing fresh meats and chunky fruits and veggies in their dogs' bowls, and the soft bites or small baked bits are easy for small dogs to chew. Our picks for the best fresh food for small dogs come from trusted brands with on-staff veterinary nutritionists. They help formulate recipes and recommend portion sizes for your pooch.

Our experts say the following criteria are important to consider when shopping for small breed dog food:

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth, all life stages, or adult maintenance: Pet food labels should indicate a food is both "complete" and "balanced" to ensure proper nutrition. Luisana says pet food labeled as "complete" contains all the necessary nutrients for a specific life stage, including essential amino and fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. "Balanced" indicates that the nutrients are present in the correct proportions. You can find this information in the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement located on a bag or can of dog food.

Guaranteed analysis: Your adult small breed dog requires a minimum of 18% protein and 5.5% fat on a dry matter basis, along with other essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies require 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat. While an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement confirms the recipe meets these minimum requirements, examining the guaranteed analysis can provide more detailed information about nutrient amounts, including fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients list: Our experts say that if a dog food has an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for your pup's life stage, the combination of ingredients meets the nutritional needs for that life stage. For a closer look at the specific ingredients and sources of essential nutrients and vitamins, you can refer to the ingredients list, which is arranged in order of weight. This is particularly helpful for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.

Healthy extras: Welborn says small breed dogs are especially prone to weight gain and patellar luxation. While some health conditions in small breed dogs are congenital, beneficial additions to dog foods such as omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can support joint health, while L-carnitine can help keep your pup lean. Studies suggest that antioxidants from foods such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries may improve immune health and cognitive function in senior dogs. 

Calorie content: Despite their fast metabolism, overfeeding a small dog can quickly lead to weight gain, says Welborn. That's why it's important to discuss your dog's daily calorie needs with your veterinarian.  

Breed-size formulation: Welborn says small kibble size is the main difference between small breed dog foods and all-size formulas. Our selection for the best dog food for small dogs also focuses on a moderate fat content, based on our experts' insights and current research indicating obesity and pancreatitis are more prevalent in small breed dogs than large breeds. Rather than relying solely on dog food labels, talk with your veterinarian to identify your dog's unique nutritional requirements.

Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: If the label says a food has gone through feeding trials, it has been deemed safe and palatable by feeding it to a group of animals. On the other hand, formulated foods are not fed to animals during nutritional testing.

Expert formulations: The best dog foods for small breeds come from reputable manufacturers that fulfill WSAVA guidelines. Among other quality-control standards, the brand employs a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a PhD-level animal nutritionist.

Next-level ingredients. High-quality or premium ingredients, such as organic, sustainably caught, or cage-free proteins, go beyond conventional formulas. While these ingredients may not always provide additional nutritional benefits, their production typically prioritizes animal welfare and sustainable practices. 

To select the best dog food for small dogs, we spoke with two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and three small animal veterinarians. We've also gained input from feeding our own dogs many different brands and types of food, some of which we included in this guide.

Dr. Julie Churchill is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After completing veterinary training at Michigan State University, Churchill pursued internal medicine and nutrition residencies and earned her doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Her interests include seeing patients in the clinic, mentoring students, and finding more effective ways to teach nutrition and facilitate the integration of nutrition into the care of all patients by healthcare teams.

Dr. Kelly Diehl is the senior director of science and communications at Morris Animal Foundation and a board-certified veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. She is also a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Diehl is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and started her practice career in an emergency clinic in New Jersey before joining the Morris Animal Foundation.

Dr. Mark Freeman is a board-certified veterinarian and assistant professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Freeman is a graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. His research interests include animal behavior and molecular biology. 

Dr. Emily Luisana is a board-certified nutritionist and practicing clinical veterinary nutritionist at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC. Luisana is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at NC State University. After several years of general practice, she pursued a clinical nutrition residency at NC State University and a fellowship in clinical nutrition at Blue Pearl Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas. Her clinical areas of interest include critical care nutrition, weight loss, homemade diets, and disease-state nutrition.  

Dr. Nancy Welborn is a veterinarian and associate professor of community practice at the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from LSU, Welborn practiced private veterinary medicine for livestock and companion animals before transitioning to emergency small animal critical veterinary and eventually returning to LSU to teach community practice.  

Do small breed dogs need special food?

The nutritional value of small breed dog foods is not significantly different from that of foods formulated for all breeds, says Welborn. Small breed formulas feature small kibbles, small packaged portions to prevent spoilage, and varying calorie and nutrient content. Based on our experts' insights and current research indicating obesity and pancreatitis are more prevalent in small breed dogs than large breeds, choosing a small breed dog food with moderate fat content may be beneficial. However, our experts recommend consulting your veterinarian to determine your small dog's nutritional needs based on their breed, lifestyle, and ideal weight.

What is the best food to feed a small dog?

Small breed dog foods should be complete and balanced for your dog's life stage. Puppies require food formulated for growth, while adult dogs can eat food for all life stages or adult maintenance. As your dog shows signs of aging, your veterinarian may recommend a senior dog food formula.

What dog food do vets recommend for small dogs?

To meet the unique nutritional needs of toy and small breed dogs, the veterinarians we spoke to recommend selecting high-quality small breed dog food. Dry foods for small dogs are made with kibbles that are appropriately sized for their smaller mouths. Small breed wet foods are usually packaged in small containers that suit small portion sizes. There's a wide range of quality foods at varying prices, including options for puppies, adults, seniors, and specialized formulas for medical conditions. Your veterinarian can assess your pup's overall health and recommend the nutrient profile that best meets their needs.

What should you not feed to a small dog?

Our experts say there are no specific foods or ingredients healthy small breed dogs need to avoid, including cost-effective protein sources like meat byproducts and byproduct meals. However, they recommend avoiding grain-free diets due to their potential association with DCM.