How to feed small dogs advice, Pet health tips, Animal epileptic seizure guide

How to Feed Small Dogs

24 Apr 2023

Small breed dogs have unique nutritional needs, different from larger breed dogs. Their smaller, more sensitive stomachs mean they need a diet specifically formulated for small breed dogs to provide the right balance of nutrients in a tiny bite-sized kibble.

What do small dogs need from their food?

An excellent small breed dog food should have extra calories for a small dog’s higher energy needs without unnecessary excess bulk, cereals, or filler ingredients. Instead, look for a small breed food with smaller kibble pieces, high-quality ingredients, and nutrients like protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

Protein should make up at least 18 to 25% of a small adult dog’s food, while plenty of healthy fat from sources like chicken fat or fish oil should provide the energy that your small pooch needs.

Certain supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin are also great for joint health in small breeds. After all, think how much a small dog has to leap onto the sofa or climb onto your bed!

What kind of food should I go for?

•Dry kibble for small breed dogs:

Does your small dog ever spit their kibble all over the floor while eating? Good dry food for a small dog should be very small in size to suit their little mouth, with extra calories from plenty of protein and fat in its ingredients. Dry food also helps keep your pooch’s teeth clean, which is extra vital to small dogs!

• Small dog wet food:

Canned food or pouches provide extra moisture. This moisture is a good idea for a very active small breed dog or a dog who doesn’t drink enough water. Look for a small breed wet food formula with a protein source like chicken, fish or beef named as the first ingredient.

•Dental care snacks:

With their tiny teeth and jaws, small dog breeds are prone to dental problems. This is especially true if they primarily eat wet food. So try out some tasty dental care snacks, treats or water additives to maintain your small dog’s oral health.

What should I be careful about with feeding my small dog?

•Avoid abrupt diet changes:

Small breed dogs have sensitive stomachs, so any diet changes should be made slowly by mixing a little of the new food with the old.

•Measure carefully:

Carefully measure out portions to avoid overfeeding, as small dogs can quickly become overweight with too many treats or leftovers.

•Fresh, clean water:

Always provide plenty of fresh, clean water to keep your small breed dog well hydrated. Change and refill your dog’s water bowl daily, and consider using a dental water additive to enhance your small dog’s oral tooth health with every sip.

•Treats in moderation:

While treats can be a great motivator for training or rewards, give them to your small breed dog in moderation to avoid the stomach upsets or weight gain that are so common with small breed pooches.

Comments on this How to Feed Small Dogs article are welcome.