Best Dog Food for Havanese

Karan French

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Karan French
Karan French

Karan French

Senior Researcher

Karan is a senior researcher at the Dog Food Advisor, working closely with our in-house pet nutritionist, Laura Ward, to give pet parents all the information they need to find the best food for their dog.

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Updated: December 18, 2024

Verified by Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Pet Nutritionist

Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.

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Laura Ward

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What’s the best dog food for Havanese?

Havanese can be prone to becoming overweight, so it’s important to select a dog food that is formulated to meet their specific energy requirements without overloading them with excessive calories.

Consider a formula labeled for “less active” or “weight management” if your Havanese is overweight or prone to weight gain.

Havanese are susceptible to joint problems, including legg-calve-perthes disease and patella luxation, so the food you choose should contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin which can help support joint health and mobility.

As always, ensure that the dog food you choose provides a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Opt for a dog food that lists high-quality animal-based proteins as the main ingredients, such as chickenturkey, or fish. These proteins provide essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance.

Havanese may have food sensitivities or allergies, so be mindful of potential allergens in their food. If your dog exhibits signs of allergies or digestive issues, consult with your veterinarian to identify potential triggers and consider a limited ingredient diet or specialized formulas.

Below, you can see our recommendations of the best foods for Havanese, which we hope will help you choose the right food for your pet.

You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Havanese.

The Dog Food Advisor - Editor's choice

Best Dog Food for Havanese January 2025

Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Havanese for January 2025.

  • Orijen Small Breed

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    This turkey-based recipe is specially formulated for small dogs, making it an excellent choice for your Havanese.

    The first five ingredients are fresh or raw poultry and fish, which are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals. The fish provides a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, supporting your dog’s skin, coat, and joints.

    Orijen Small Breed is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen dry product line. It derives its protein from turkey, a lean and flavorful meat. Dry matter analysis reveals the recipe contains 43.2% protein, 20.5% fat, and 28.4% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

    This grain-free formula contains no soy, corn, wheat, or tapioca, making it suitable for dogs with allergies to common fillers. Plus, the unique kibble shape and size are designed for small dogs, making it easier for them to chew.

    Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), whole herring, salmon
    Type Grain-Free
    Protein Percentage 43.2%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For All Havanese dogs & puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "I have picky pups but they devoured this!!! I love that it is all natural with great ingredients and that they will eat it. Win, win, win for me!"

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • Open Farm Homestead Chicken Gently Cooked Recipe

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    Open Farm Gently Cooked Chicken Recipe is an excellent choice for Havanese dogs. Made predominantly from lean chicken, this recipe is gentle on digestion while providing high-quality protein. It features 100% human-grade ingredients, including non-GMO vegetables and nutrient-packed superfoods.

    Carrots, butternut squash, and apples enhance digestibility and add natural fiber, while spinach provides a nutrient boost with essential vitamins A, B, C, K, and iron — perfect for supporting your Havanese’s overall health.

    This recipe is one of seven wet options in our review of the Open Farm Gently Cooked product line and comes highly recommended for small breeds like the Havanese.

    A dry matter analysis shows 45.8% protein, 29.2% fat, and 17% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%, offering a balanced and nutritious meal to support your dog’s energy and vitality.

    Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, kale, butternut squash, apples
    Type Grain-Free
    Protein Percentage 45.8%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult Havanese

    Sample buyer review...

    "My dog loves the gently cooked chicken recipe. We mix it with some of the ancient grain dry food and some Open Farm bone broth. We tried many foods, and this is the only brand that makes her run to her food dish."

    Read more buyer reviews at openfarmpet.com
  • A Pup Above Chicka Pupatouille

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    Diced into small, gently cooked cubes, A Pup Above Chicka Pupatouille is a great choice for a small breed like the Havanese.

    It’s one of five dry recipes included in our review of the dehydrated product line.  This formula features gently cooked, diced cubes that are perfectly sized for little mouths and easy to digest — a bonus for Havanese dogs, who can be prone to sensitive stomachs.

    The bulk of the protein comes from lean chicken, a gentle and nutritious meat, making it ideal for supporting their energy needs without upsetting their digestion. All ingredients are 100% human-grade, including non-GMO vegetables and friendly grains, ensuring high-quality, wholesome nutrition.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20.9% fat and 38.2% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.

    Overall, this is a high-protein, stomach-friendly option perfectly tailored to the needs of Havanese dogs.

    Read our review of the full A Pup Above Whole Food Cubies Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken heart, sweet potato, barley, oat
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    Protein Percentage 33%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult Havanese

    Sample buyer review...

    "Love the no mess, no fuss of this product! Pups really love it as a treat or meal."

    Read more buyer reviews at apupabove.com
  • Wellness Turkey Stew

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    Wellness Turkey Stew is an excellent choice for small-breed puppies, thanks to its high protein content. This recipe derives most of its protein from turkey — a lean, easily digestible meat that supports muscle development and growth during your puppy’s critical early stages.

    As a single-meat recipe, it’s ideal for puppies with allergies or sensitivities, allowing you to eliminate common allergens. With a dry matter analysis revealing 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat, and 30.9% estimated carbs, it delivers a well-rounded fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.

    Made with tender cuts of premium turkey, turkey broth, and nutrient-rich veggies like carrots, all slow-cooked in a savory gravy, this recipe provides a 100% complete and balanced diet. It’s perfect for everyday feeding, mixing, or snacking and contains no wheat, poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

    Proudly made in the USA, Wellness Turkey Stew is one of six wet recipes included in our review of this product line.

    Read our review of the full Wellness Stews Dog Food (Canned) range here

    Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, water sufficient for processing, turkey liver, carrots
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    Protein Percentage 44.4%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For All Havanese dogs and puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "My dog LOVES these canned foods, and I love them because they are so healthy for her compared to other canned foods."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

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    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is specially crafted to meet the unique nutritional needs of toy breeds like the Havanese. It starts with high-quality deboned chicken as the primary protein source, combined with wholesome grains and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to promote overall health and support digestion.

    Formulated specifically for small dogs, it provides a balanced blend of proteins and carbohydrates to fuel their higher energy needs while maintaining a nutritious diet.

    Blue Buffalo dry dog food is free from chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy, offering a gentle and natural option for sensitive stomachs. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, it’s a budget-friendly choice that prioritizes quality without compromise.

    A dry matter analysis shows 28.9% protein, 16.7% fat, and 46.4% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 58%. As part of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line, this is one of 20 dry recipes.

    Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    Protein Percentage 28.9%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult Havanese

    Sample buyer review...

    "Good quality for a reasonable price. My small dog likes the little kibbles and they are easy to chew and have an appealing flavor."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon

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    Made with wild-caught salmon as the single meat protein, this food is perfectly suited for dogs with allergies to common meats such as chicken or beef.

    The high-quality salmon is easily digestible, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and provides all the essential amino acids your dog needs. It is packed with guaranteed levels of natural omegas and antioxidants to promote healthy skin and coat, as well as support immune health.

    Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31.1% protein, 20% fat and 40.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%. Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon is one of three dry recipes included in our review of the overall product line.

    It is completely free from wheat, poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. A top pick for dogs with allergies.

    Read our review of the full Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Salmon meal, salmon, peas, tapioca, canola oil
    Type Grain-Free
    Protein Percentage 31.1%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult Havanese

    Sample buyer review...

    "It is easily digestible and our dogs do not get upset stomachs from it."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Havanese:

Havanese are a small sized breed of dog which are native to Cuba and known for their bright personalities. The American Kennel Club (AKC) consistently ranks Havanese within the top 25 most popular breeds in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big are Havanese?

Havanese are up to 11.5 inches tall and weigh between 7-13 pounds.

What kind of fur does a Havanese have?

Havanese have long silky hair which needs regular grooming to avoid matting and tangles. Some pet parents may choose to trim their hair shorter to make grooming easier. According to the AKC, there is a huge range of registered colors for Havanese, from all white to brindle and blue. The markings also have a huge variety including but not limited to silver, parti-color, tan, and irish pied.

 

What temperament do Havanese have?

Havanese are very sociable and show the following traits:

  • Highly affectionate
  • Protective
  • Friendly
  • Playful
  • Easy to train
  • Happy with other dogs and pets
  • Good with children

How much exercise do Havanese need?

As a small breed, Havanese only need moderate exercise. This can be a play in the garden or a brisk walk. Over exercise is a risk for this breed, so let your dog rest if they are panting or slowing down.

Which health concerns do Havanese have?

Havanese are an overall healthy breed with a long life expectancy but they can be susceptible to:

  • Eye disorders
  • Chondrodysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Heart murmurs
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Luxating patella

Final word

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