What are the Benefits of Small Breed Dog Food?

Small breed dog food is exactly what it sounds like: food for small dogs. However, I have a small dog and she doesn’t currently eat small breed food, and I know she’s not the only one. So, it makes people wonder what the point of small dog food is if not all little dogs need it. I’ve found that small dogs do well on regular dog food, but small breed food often offers additional benefits.

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What is Small Breed Dog Food?

Small breed dog food refers to any dog food formulated specifically for dogs 25 pounds and under. It will list “small breed” on the bag, and it often has smaller kibble pieces than standard dog food. The amount of protein, fat, and calories in the food is geared toward a small dog’s nutritional needs.

Nutritional Needs of Small Dogs

Small dogs have a high metabolism, causing them to quickly burn through calories. They often need more calories per cup than regular dog food so they can eat less while still getting enough calories.

Since some breeds are so small, it’s easy for them to gain weight. Even just eating a little more than their recommended serving could cause them to gain a pound or two. That might not sound like much, but when a dog only weighs 15 pounds, one pound is a large percentage of their weight. 

So, small dog breed food makes it easier for little dogs to stay in shape because it’s catered specifically to them rather than being made for the average dog.

Can Small Dogs Eat Large Breed Food?

Most small dogs can eat regular dog food, as long as you stick to ideal portions. However, I wouldn’t recommend food labeled “large breed formula.” Like small dogs, large dogs have unique feeding needs. They don’t need nearly as many calories per pound as small breeds, so their food doesn’t have the right amount of nutrients that little dogs need.

If large breed dog food is all you have in an emergency, it won’t harm your dog for a few meals. However, if you have the option to use regular formulas or small breed formulas, serve that long-term instead.

Benefits of Small Breed Dog Food

Since small breed dog food is specifically formulated for little canines, it offers benefits that your furry friend might not get from other types of food.

Easier to Chew

Since small breed dog food typically includes tiny kibble pieces, it’s easy for dogs of all sizes to chew. This is great for small dogs, especially older dogs with dental problems. However, it’s still solid like other kibble, so if your dog is missing lots of teeth, you might need to soften the food with water when serving.

Easier to Digest

Being easier to chew also means being easier to digest. Since this food is convenient for dogs to chew and swallow, the kibble goes through your dog’s body much easier, reducing the risk of digestive issues. Plus, having ideal nutrients for your dog’s size can also lead to fewer tummy troubles.

Lower Risk of Weight Gain

Since small dog food has the ideal amount of protein, fat, and calories for little dogs, it makes it less likely for dogs to be overweight. With regular food, it’s easy to accidentally serve little dogs too much, but with small breed dog food, the servings are perfectly catered to small dogs.

Better for Energy Levels

When dogs get the right balance of nutrients in their diet, they’re likely to have better energy. If your dog is normally sluggish, they might be getting too many or not enough of certain parts of their diet. Many small dog food brands ensure there’s a balance that’s ideal for your dog’s weight.

Other Health Boosts

Any other health boosts will vary depending on the type of food. If the food is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, that could benefit your dog’s joints. Foods with lots of omega fatty acids encourage good coat health. Ideally, the perfect food should have some of all these items, but if there are specific health needs you want to target, find a food with those ingredients (or look at supplements instead).

Best Small Breed Dog Food

What is the best small breed dog food? There are tons of options to choose from, which can leave dog parents feeling overwhelmed. To help you narrow down your search, here are a few products I recommend:

• Fromm Small Breed Adult Gold

• Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food

• Nutro Natural Choice Adult Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice

• Open Farm Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds

• Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs

• Orijen High Protein Small Breed Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What Size is a Small Breed Dog?

This answer varies between sources, but most dog lovers consider any dogs 25 pounds and under to be small. Toy breed dogs are typically 15 pounds and under.

What is the Best Dog Food for Small Breed Dogs?

The best dog food for small breed dogs is one that’s formulated specifically for them, such as the products mentioned above. These brands have smaller kibble pieces and more calories per cup.

Do Small Breed Dogs Need More Protein? 

Yes, small breed dogs typically need more protein per serving because of their fast metabolisms and small stomachs. That’s why their specialized food is so nutrient dense.

Can Puppies Eat Small Breed Dog Food?

Yes, puppies can eat small breed dog food, but puppy food is best. Puppy food focuses on the high nutritional needs of growing puppies while small breed dog food is for adult dogs. If you can find a product that’s ideal for your puppy’s age and size, that’ll be your best bet.

Does Your Pup Need Small Breed Dog Food?

If your dog is under 25 pounds, they don’t automatically need small breed dog food. If they're already eating a dog food that works well for them, stick with that. Yet, if you recently adopted them and are trying to figure out what food to give them, small breed food is a great option to consider since it caters to their unique needs. 

However, just because a dog food brand is labeled as small breed doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Consider all your options and find one that has the ideal ingredients for your dog. Don’t forget to consider your canine’s preferences and food sensitivities when making your decision. When in doubt, talk to a vet or canine nutritionist for personalized advice on food options.