Best Small Breed Puppy Food

So, you own a small-breed puppy? 

The variety of food options available to new puppy owners might be overwhelming!

Especially if you aren’t familiar with any of them!

Finding a meal that is sized for your dog should be one of your criteria!

If you have a small-breed dog, these diets have several health advantages.

Let us have a look at the top ten choices that we have made for you.

Best Small Breed Puppy Foods 2024-2025

1. Hill’s Science Puppy Food for Small Paws

Meets the developmental requirements of small breed puppies aged one year and less. 

Specifically made for mini puppies to enhance brain and eye development with high-quality protein.

Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, corn, whole grain sorghum

Pros

• DHA from fish oil is used in this dry puppy chow to help the healthy brain and eye development. 

• Give your small-breed dog high-quality protein to help him develop lean muscle. and uses a combination of minerals to support healthy teeth and strong bones

• Uses a special antioxidant combination for toy and small dogs’ lifetime immunological support.

• Spice up mealtime. Small Paws Savory Stew with Chicken and Vegetables.

• Made in the USA with trusted ingredients from throughout the world.

• Vet Recommendation

Cons

• Allergic to many pups

• Nausea in many breeds

2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Puppy Food

The bulk of the meat protein in this Blue Buffalo puppy food comes from fresh chicken and chicken meals. 

Our examination of the recipe’s dry matter label shows that it includes 30% protein, 18% fat, and 44% projected carbohydrates. resulting in a 59% or so fat-to-protein ratio.

Main Ingredient: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley.

Pros

• Your dog’s muscles grow and are maintained healthily by consuming genuine chicken’s high-quality protein; 

• Additionally, they include fruit, garden vegetables, and healthful whole grains.

• DHA and ARA, two crucial fatty acids found in the mother’s milk, are present.

• Food to enhance cognitive function and retinal health.

• They are chosen with care by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support the immune system.

• The best natural ingredients are fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Cons

• Bloody diarrhea

• Nausea

3. Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

Small, delectable dog kibble is made to accommodate small teeth and fussy eaters.

While fostering general healthy growth and well-being!

The highly digestible proteins and prebiotics in this puppy formula are gentle on delicate gastrointestinal systems

 Promotes the best possible stool quality. 

With more than 50 years of scientific investigation and observation, Royal Canin has continued to provide specialized nutrition to enhance the beauty of every pet.

Main Ingredient: Brewer’s Rice, Chicken by-product, chicken fat, wheat gluten, corn.

Pros

• With a projected adult weight of 9–22 lb, designed specifically for pups up to 10 months old.

• Provides high levels of energy they require throughout their quick, rapid growth.

• A unique little kibble size was created for small dogs with narrow jaws and finicky tastes.

• A special combination of vitamins and antioxidants supports immunity.

• Prebiotics and highly digested proteins encourage a healthy digestive system.

Cons

• Vomiting tendency

• Indigestion

• Not liked raw by many pups

4. Amazon Brand – Wag Small Puppy Food

Wag Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a solid choice for small breed dogs, particularly if they do well with chicken and grains.

Wag’s Chicken & Rice recipe for small breeds features chicken as the primary ingredient, offering a balanced protein source.

The addition of rice provides digestible carbohydrates, while added vitamins and minerals ensure a well-rounded diet for small dogs.

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Brown rice, oatmeal, Egg, salmon oil, Fruits, Probiotics

Pros

• High-quality protein from chicken
• Designed specifically for small breeds
• Includes essential vitamins and minerals
• Affordable price

Cons

• May not suit dogs with grain allergies (contains rice)

5. Hill’s Science Small Bites

Growth supplement that both breeders and veterinary experts endorse. 

And all puppy breeds may safely consume their calcium content. 

Great for bone development and growth. Highly suggested.

Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, whole grain corn

Pros

• tasty chicken taste and small kibbles to meet pups’ developing needs.

• support healthy brain and eye development.

• high-quality protein he needs to develop lean muscle.

• support healthy bones and teeth.

• Made using organic materials

• Veterinarian-approved; 

• made in the USA with quality ingredients from across the world

Cons

• Insomnia in many dogs

• Hardened stool

• Blood with stool

6. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food

High-quality protein sources, such as chicken, aid in developing strong muscles. 

This puppy formula’s DHA from omega-rich fish oil stimulates his brain and eyesight growth.

Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals help him develop strong teeth and bones. 

This ultra-premium puppy food will keep your dog rushing to his dish because it has no artificial flavors or colors.

Main Ingredient: Chicken, rice, fiber.

Pros

• DHA from omega-3-rich fish oil supports the growth of the brain and the eyes.

• Chicken is the first component in high-quality protein shakes that help people gain lean muscle.

• The growing immune system of a puppy is helped by antioxidants.

• The formula is highly digested for the best nutrition delivery

Cons

• Full-blown diarrhea

• Disliked by many dogs

• Not crunchy

7. Royal Canin Small Puppy

Food from Royal Canin is regal. 

The company alone sells almost 50 items for dogs. 

Thanks to the company’s more than 40 years of experience in pet nutrition.

This puppy canned food, which comes in handy pouches, offers puppies of petite breeds outstanding nutrition. 

A unique vitamin and amino acid blend is included to boost the immune system of your pet. 

Provides a variety of nutrients that support the digestive system’s healthy growth in your dog.

Additionally, it helps small-breed puppies meet their energy demands.

Some have criticized it for containing pig by-products since they are less nutrient-dense than fresh pork.

Main Ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Chicken By-products

Pros

• Plenty of EPA and DHA

• No synthetic tastes

• No protein supplements

• Formulae for food according to size

• Delivers superior nourishment

Cons

• Has meat byproducts in it

8. CESAR Puppy Soft Wet Dog

CESAR Puppy Food is enriched with vitamins and minerals

Provides your growing dog with a comprehensive and balanced diet. 

Simplifies mealtime in easy-to-use trays with peel-away freshness seals.

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Beef Lung, Beef By-Products, Chicken Broth, Water, Beef, Chicken Heart

Pros

• Made without grains and with US Chicken as the primary component.

• To keep dogs of all sizes, especially tiny breeds, healthy,

• Balanced, complete, and supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

• CESAR is made in the USA using the finest ingredients available.

• The compact trays that hold this gourmet soft dog food include simple-to-peel freshness seals.

Cons

• Diarrhea

• Maggots

• The ingredients do not match.

9. Royal Canin Puppy Dry Dog Food, 30 lb bag

Perfectly shaped for small mouths.

Maintenance of the immune system and proper bone and joint health.

Provides healthy digestive support.

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Brewer’s Rice, Brown Rice, White Gluten

Pros

• Correct mineral intake and a balanced diet give joint and bone support to small, stocky individuals.

• High-quality proteins and prebiotics promote a healthy digestive system and intestinal flora.

• Antioxidant combination with vitamin E

• Calcium- and phosphorus-fortified diet 

Cons

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

10. Merrick Grain Free Wet Puppy Food

Deboned beef is the main component of Merrick’s puppy food. 

96% of the components are meat; the remaining ingredients are fruits and vegetables. 

The tightest FDA guidelines and standards are followed!

We adored how adaptable this formula is. 

It may be served as a nutritious independent meal, as a topping for dry kibble, or even as a treat or a snack. 

Additionally, the recipe is grain-free, which is fantastic for all dogs with grain allergies.

Sweet potatoes are used in place of grains since all dogs require energy!

This makes the recipe healthy and straightforward to digest.

Beef Recipe in Gravy and Chicken Recipe in Gravy are the other two varieties offered.

Main Ingredients: Deboned beef, natural flavor, beef liver, broth, and apples make up the

Pros

• Benefits for those with food allergies

• beneficial for sensitive stomachs

• Adaptable product

• appropriate for all breeds

• No by-products of meat

Cons

• Various cans have different colors and consistency.

FAQ

Why do small-breed dogs require a special diet?

Small breeds have different nutrient requirements than large breeds, just as pups and adult dogs require different foods.

Small-breed pups mature and grow faster than larger dogs, thus their nutritional needs will be higher. 

Additionally, given that their mouths and stomachs are so small, they will need smaller portions of kibble.

Puppy food for large breeds versus puppy food for small-breed

Due to their high levels of energy and quick metabolisms, small-breed dogs are more susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they don’t consume enough calories during the day. 

To keep up with how rapidly they expend calories, puppy diets for small breeds have more calories than foods for medium and big breeds.

Larger dogs consume more food, thus they often require different amounts of nutrients, such as fewer calories, to prevent obesity. 

Additionally, due to the rapid growth of large-breed dogs, their diet is also created to support healthy bone development.

Do small-breed puppies need small breed food?

Yes, small-breed puppies benefit from food specifically designed for their needs. Small breed dogs have faster metabolisms and often require more calories per pound than larger breeds.

Small breed puppy food is formulated with the right balance of nutrients, higher calorie density, and smaller kibble sizes that are easier for them to chew and digest.

It also supports their rapid growth and energy needs during early development.

Is my puppy considered a small breed or a medium breed?

A puppy is generally considered a small breed if their adult weight is expected to be between 20 and 30 pounds or less.

Medium breeds typically weigh between 30 and 60 pounds as adults. To determine if your puppy is a small or medium breed, consider the breed’s average adult size or consult with your veterinarian for more accurate growth predictions.

How Much Should I Feed My Small Breed Dog?

The amount you should feed your small breed dog depends on their age, weight, and activity level. Typically, puppies require more frequent meals 3 to 4 times a day.

As they grow, this can be reduced to 2 meals a day. Always follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food package and consult your vet to adjust portions based on your dog’s individual needs.

Overfeeding can lead to weight gain, so it’s important to monitor their weight regularly.

Conclusion

Numerous puppy meals include grains that certain dogs may be sensitive to, including wheat, rye, barley, oats, maize, and rice. 

To assist your dog’s stomach settling, if your dog has a sensitive stomach and has trouble eating puppy food that contains rice, switch to a grain-free choice.

Consider size and ingredients last. Small kibble is necessary to make it simple for your dog to digest. 

If it’s too huge, pups won’t want to consume it or may find it difficult. 

Additionally, to aid in your dog’s development into a strong and healthy adult, consider switching to a formula that uses actual meat as the major component of your puppy food and contains meat by-products.

Have fun with your goofball.