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The best small breed dog foods are designed to provide balanced nutrition for dogs whose ideal adult weight is under 20 pounds.
That’s because small dogs tend to benefit from food optimized for their higher rate of metabolism… and their smaller physical size.
On this page…
We’ll share the Dog Food Advisor’s safest and most recommended small breed dog foods… and we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding small dogs.
Best Dog Food for Small Breeds October 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for small dogs for October 2024.
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1. Best Overall Dog Food for Small Breeds: The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe
Turkey Fresh is one of four fresh recipes included in our review of The Farmer’s Dog product line.
This formula takes the majority of its meat protein from fresh turkey, a lean, easily digestible protein source. It contains a balance of healthy fats, proteins, and fiber, along with essential vitamins and minerals to meet the specific needs of small dogs. The high-quality fats and fiber help support overall health, from coat condition to digestion.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 18.8% fat and 40% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A fresh, human-grade recipe custom designed and packaged to fit the nutritional needs of all breeds. As close to a homemade dog food as you can get. Not cheap. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Fresh, human-grade ingredients
- Customized meal plans for breed size
- Soft texture
Main Ingredients Turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, spinach Texture Wet Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and adults (including large breed puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"My dog LOVES the food and I love the convenience and nutritional value!"
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2. Best Affordable Dog Food for Small Breeds: Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley
Appalachian Valley Small Breed is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
Appalachian Valley Small Breed derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh venison and lamb meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A fully balanced, grain-free recipe containing no artificial colors, flavors or toxic chemical preservatives. The kibble is specifically made for small dogs, allowing for easy chewing and digestion, especially for those with smaller mouths or dental concerns.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Small kibble size
- Fully balanced
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Venison, lamb meal, garbanzo beans, peas, lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I realize that pugs eat just about anything you put in front of them, however, this small kibble really fits their mouths to a 'T'! Sometimes when I want to spoil them, I'll mix in some cooked chicken breast, and a little hot water to make a gravy. They love this! The small kibble is easier for them to eat, and they are healthy as small horses! Never had a problem, and vet visits are always top notch! I highly recommend this food for small breeds with small mouths!"
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3. Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food for Small Breeds: Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe
Classic Small Breed is one of 15 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
This recipe takes the major portion of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Merrick Classic Small Breed is a solid grain-inclusive recipe, with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids sourced from chicken fat and flaxseed, to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also contains fiber-rich quinoa to help maintain digestion and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, ensuring a natural and wholesome meal for your dog.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Fiber-rich
- Free from artificial colors and flavors
- Small kibble pieces
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oat meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My little 3 yr old yorkie mix Zoey loves this food. I get both the wet and dry food of Merrick for her. I started slowly switching her over to eating more kibble portion in order to save money, since the wet food cans get so expensive. Zoey eats all of her food like a champ even now that her bowl is 3/4 dry kibble. I mix water in there to moisten it. She loves it! Her bowels are regular with no issues (sorry if TMI!). We are definitely fans."
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4. Best Fresh Dog Food for Small Breeds: Nom Nom Turkey Fare
Turkey Fare is one of four fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare derives most of its animal protein from fresh turkey as well as whole eggs. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
If you’ve ever wished you could serve your small dog a fresh home-cooked meal… but without all the fuss… then Nom Nom makes a smart choice. Top level, human-grade ingredients and a balanced recipe designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Not cheap. But highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Vet designed formula
- Human-grade ingredients
- Balanced
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive, fresh Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Jones is a rescue and he came to us with a *very* sensitive stomach. Since starting Nom Nom, his stomach has been doing well, and I didn't think his fur could get any softer."
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5. Best Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds: Nulo Freestyle Small Breed
Freestyle Small Breed is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
This formula gets the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh salmon as well as turkey and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 19% fat and 39% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed is designed to support the higher metabolism and energy levels of smaller dogs. The food includes probiotics and prebiotics, promoting a healthy digestive system and enhancing nutrient absorption, crucial for the overall health of small dogs and is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Low glycemic ingredients
- Pro- and prebiotics
- Omega fatty acids
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, salmon meal, red lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 34% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My Corgi/Ruby Spaniel mix just turned 9 and has lost a couple of teeth. This small kibble works GREAT for her- she only has to bite once — she loves the flavor and I love the formula. It's good for her joints and skin with the Omegas in this formula. Easy to digest and this brand has NEVER had a recall. Highly recommend this for small breed fur babies!"
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6. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Small Breeds: Instinct Original Small Breed Dog Food
Original Small Breed is one of five dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
This Instinct Original formula derives the greatest part of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 22% fat and 31% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Instinct Original Small Breed provides an optimal balance of protein, fat and calories to ensure a balanced nutrition for your small dog and help support their active lifestyles.
Read our review of the full Instinct Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Balanced nutrition
- High in protein
- Wholesome ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, chickpeas, tapioca, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I love this dog food, and so does my dog. I like all of the ingredients and trust the company. My dog begs for it and devours it. He's doing very well on it. His coat is shiny, his muscles are defined, and his stools are firm. I rotate this brand with a few other brands so he has some variety, but I'm very picky with which foods I include in the rotation, and only choose brands and formulas of the highest quality."
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7. Best Dog Food for Senior Small Breeds: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior
Life Protection Small Breed Senior is one of 20 dry recipes as well as five small breed formulas included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 14% fat and 52% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
A small breed formula boasting a fully balanced blend of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins to promote a healthy immune system.
What’s more, Blue is one of the few major brands offering multiple flavor options specifically designed for small dogs… which makes Life Protection an ideal choice for those who like to routinely rotate their pet’s diet.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- One of five small breed formulas
- Balanced blend of minerals and antioxidants
- High protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our cockapoo was on a mainly prescription wet food diet for the first year of her life due to persistent digestive issues (read: diarrhea). We tried a number of other premium dry food brands mixed in slowly with her food and this one has been the best by far. She's now fully on this dry food and has had normal digestion for the last three months."
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8. Best Wet Dog Food for Small Breeds: Halo Grain Free Small Breed Turkey & Duck Recipe
Halo Small Breed Turkey and Duck is one of two wet recipes included in our review of the Halo Grain Free product line.
This Halo canned formula derives the major portion of its meat protein from fresh turkey and turkey liver. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 23% fat and 19% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
This recipe offers a balanced, nutritious option for small breed dogs, focusing on high-quality protein, digestibility, and overall health through natural ingredients and a grain-free formulation.
Read our review of the full Halo Grain Free Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Nutrient dense formula
- Probiotics for digestive support
- Appeals to picky eaters
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, ground peas, duck Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults (especially picky eaters) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"After 6 years on another brand, my 5 lb. Yorkie decided she needed a change and stopped eating as well. A checkup revealed no health issues. Lots of research for high quality food led me to Halo for small breeds. She snarfed down the first taste and has never looked back. It’s obviously quite tasty with what I feel is a perfect protein to fat and carb combination for little dogs. I’m very happy with my choice to change to Halo and so is my Yorkie!"
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9. Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Small Breeds: Open Farm Surf & Turf
Open Farm Surf & Turf provides a balance of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients in a kibble size suitable for small dogs.
It is one of seven recipes in our review of a freeze-dried raw range by Open Farm and combines wild-caught whitefish and grass-fed beef, to provide strong source of animal protein to support muscle maintenance, crucial for active small breeds.
The recipe includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which are great for joint health, particularly important as small breeds are prone to joint issues such as patellar luxation. It is also grain-free, making it a good option for small dogs with sensitivities. The inclusion of wholesome vegetables like pumpkin and sweet potatoes provides fiber for better digestion.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
- Sustainable sourced ingredients
- Fiber-rich
Main Ingredients Beef, salmon, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidney, Texture Dry Type Grain-free, Freeze-dried Protein Percentage 40% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All dogs including small breeds and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews"All of the products are amazing it was the first time trying the Surf and Turf recipe. I will add the service is exceptional and any questions asked are always explained so well... "
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a new food without making my dog sick?
In this video…
Dr. Gary Richter shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your small dog’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a new food.
How much dog food should I feed my small dog?
Since it’s impossible to forecast the exact amount of food that’s ideal for each small dog…
Especially when feeding a specific brand of food… each with its own amount of calories per serving.
So… begin by feeding the amount of dog food suggested by the instructions printed on the bag…
For example…
Then, once a month…
Then adjust the amount of food you’ve been feeding up or down as needed… to maintain your small dog at their ideal weight.
What's the safest way to switch your small dog to a new food?
It’s best to transition your small breed dog to a new food… gently.
Start by mixing about 20% “new” and 80% “old” food together. Then, slowly increase that amount to a full 100%… over the next 8 to 9 days.
| Transition Schedule | Old Food | New Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
Don’t rush the transitioning process. Take your time to lower the risk of digestive upset.
Should small dogs eat only small-size kibble?
Feeding your small dog a small size kibble may not be necessary.
Truth is…
In a 2018 study…1
Scientists found that every size dog “preferred large kibble over small or medium sized pieces”.
Which means…
Instead of restricting your choices to only small breed recipes…
You may wish to consider feeding your dog one of The Dog Food Advisor’s top 10 dry kibbles.
When should I switch my small dog to a senior dog food?
Even though small breeds tend to age slower than larger breeds…
Your dog may be considered “senior” sooner than you think.
That’s because…
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association…2
“…small dogs are generally considered senior at 7 years of age.”
So…
If your small dog is over 7… and not overweight…
Switching to a senior diet may NOT be necessary.
If you DO decide to stick with your current diet…
Just be sure the food you’re feeding contains above-average protein levels and only moderate calories.
Or…
Consider switching your pet to one of The Dog Food Advisor’s top 10 senior dog foods.
What are the 8 riskiest ingredients to avoid when choosing small breed dog food?
Here are 8 of the most controversial ingredients found in some small breed dog foods… and the health risk to which each may be linked:
| Ingredient | Type | Linked To |
|---|---|---|
| Propylene glycol | Moisturizer | Heinz body anemia |
| Generic “meat” | Unknown source | Food allergies |
| BHA | Preservative | Cancer |
| BHT | Preservative | Cancer |
| TBHQ | Preservative | Cancer |
| Ethoxyquin | Preservative | Liver pigmentation |
| Menadione | Synthetic vitamin | Hemolytic anemia |
| Artificial dyes | Colorant | Cancer |
Buying tip: To be certain you never feed YOUR small dog a food that contains one of these risky ingredients… why not favor recipes rated 4 stars or higher by The Dog Food Advisor.
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
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