Best Dog Food for Small Dogs in 2020 – Reviews & Top Picks

After centuries of breeding, a significant amount of dog breeds now exist- as small as a Chihuahua and as large as St. Bernard. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than their larger counterparts primarily because they grow slower and have a much slower metabolism rate than dogs belonging to larger breeds.

Moreover, larger breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Labrador Retrievers are known to develop illnesses such as glaucoma and cancer at a much higher rate than dogs such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers. Latest scientific studies across over 60,000 dogs from 75 different breeds have found that the dog’s life expectancy decreases by about one month with every 2 kg increase in the dog’s weight.

Another difference is that smaller dogs eat much less but require more energy hence the food they receive must be high in the calorie count and of prime quality. Plus, larger breeds need much more exercise to stay fit otherwise they might develop a number of problems with their joints, heart and metabolism.

Top 3 – Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

Here Are the Best Dog Food for Small Dogs Review 2020

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Dog Food
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Small Breed Dog Food
3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food
4. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
5. Eukanuba Adult Small Bites Dry Dog Food
6. Sojos Complete Natural Freeze-Dried Dog Food
7. Nature’s Recipe Senior Dog Food
8. Natural Balance L.I.D. Dry Dog Food
9. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food
10. Weruva Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is made with pure chicken meat and high-quality brown rice for adult dogs of small breed. Only protein-rich, boneless and skinless chicken is used in making this premium quality dry pet food. Plus, it contains wholesome whole grains, dry fruits and vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.

Moreover, the increased level of protein in this dog food is ideal for the higher needs of small dogs. Plus, it includes patented LifeSource Bits that are rich in B group vitamins, minerals and free-radical antioxidants.

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Free from preservatives, chemicals and food enhancers Rich in vitamins and minerals Developed with veterinarians and pet nutritionists High in crude protein Contains lead which can be fatal Class lawsuits are going on in the US because of quality control issues Some pets might have an allergic reaction to the chicken

The LifeSource Bits formula was developed together with veterinarians, dermatologists and pet nutritionists to ensure that this dog food is capable of supporting a dogs immune system, growth, and a healthy oxidative balance. Furthermore, it does not contain any preservatives, additives, colourants or food enhancers.

Also Read: Best Dog Bowls reviews for Different Breeds

2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Small Breed Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Company has developed this high protein dry dog food for small adult dogs as they have a much higher protein requirement compared to adult dogs of medium or large size. Moreover, the added L-carnitine helps dogs develop and keep lean muscle on and reduces their chances of gaining extra weight.

Plus, this dry pet food is enhanced with various dried fruits, vegetables as well as herbs such as oregano and rosemary. Furthermore, the dog food is made at a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in the US and passes strict quality control that prohibits any traces of poultry by-products. Also, it does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy.

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High in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals High in protein and crude fat Optimal sized kibbles that are each to chew and swallow Added L-carnitine helps grow lean muscle Very high percentage of raw meat Some dogs can develop an allergy Contains traces of lead

All Blue Buffalo dog food recipes include a two-type food kibble size made from finest ingredients that are enhanced with a beneficial blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs. To preserve the dry food from spoiling or turning moldy, all ingredients are processed at a very low temperature over a long period of time and packaged in vacuum sealed bags.

3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Dry Dog Food

The main ingredient in Rachael Ray Nutrish pet food is farm-grown turkey that has not been injected with any proteins or antibiotics. However, remember that turkey contains nearly 70% of water. Once the turkey is processed it will lose most of its moisture thus reducing the turkey content to just a fraction of the original mass.

Additionally, turkey and chicken meal are included into this dog food for added protein-rich meat concentrate along with dried green peas that are a good source of simple carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are essential for optimal energy release in small dogs plus they are high in fiber helps keep small intestines healthy and working the right way.

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Rich in protein High in vitamins and minerals Affordable Tested and certified Available in smaller packages Contains chemically made minerals Does not contain necessary probiotics Chicken can cause loose stool in some dogs

But, green peas only contain about 25% of protein so keep this mind when trying to figure out the protein content of this natural small breed dog food. Furthermore, Rachel Ray Natural Small Breed Pet Food contains raw chicken fat that is a great source of linoleic acid as well as omega-6 fatty acids.

However, the dry pet food does not contain any probiotics that aid good stomach digestion and help avoid colic gas. Also, it contains chemically made minerals called chelated minerals that are easier to absorb but might cause health scars later in life.

Also Read: Best Dog Cooling Mat – 10 Options To Choose From

4. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

Unfortunately, the first ingredient in this Hill’s Dry Dog Food for small dogs is corn which is used by manufacturers because it is the cheapest grain cereal on the market but sadly it has little to no nutritional value to your pet. Often, it is simply used as filler in the pet food industry to help reduce the need of adding more expensive ingredients such as meat, fruits and vegetables.

Secondly, the manufacturer has added soybean mill run which is again very cheap filler often used in cattle feeds. The meat ingredient includes chicken by-products meal which are leftover of a chicken after prime cuts have been taken from the slaughtered bird.

Sadly, this means that in addition to leftover organs, the manufacturer can add anything else remaining such as undeveloped eggs, beaks and feet. On the good side, these by-products are considered to be meat concentrates as they contain nearly 10 times more protein than simple chicken meat.

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Contains a good range of vitamins Does not cause allergies or indigestions Affordable High in calories Made with by-products Does not contain enough fibre Probiotics are not included Minerals will be hard to absorb

Furthermore, the manufacturer has apparently thought of adding another cheap plant-based filler such as powdered cellulose. A by-product of vegetable processing that is very difficult to digest in the dog’s stomach and requires lots of bile juice.

Often, cellulose is used to give your pet the feeling of fullness but other than that it has zero nutritional value to your beloved pet. Lastly, Hill’s Science Diet contains raw minerals that are hard to absorb as compared to chelated minerals and are often associated with cheap pet food brands.

5. Eukanuba Adult Small Bites Dry Dog Food

The first ingredient is chicken, and it is a quality ingredient when raw but not when processed as it losses up to 60% of water in the cooking process. The second ingredient is chicken by-products which are considered to be slaughterhouse waste. The chicken by-products can include undesirable ingredients such as beaks and feet.

Moreover, this ingredient is forbidden to be used in super-premium pet foods by the FDA as they are considered to be fillers and not the real source of carbohydrates or protein. Plus, Eukanuba contains plenty of other fillers such as cornmeal, flour, brewer’s rice and sorghum.

Furthermore, a large percentage of pet food consists of barley, a starch-based carbohydrate that is rich in fibre and other beneficial ingredients. On the bright side, Eukanuba does contain fish oil which is super rich in DHA and EPA. Also, flaxseed meal is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fibre.

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Small kibble size optimal for small breeds Available with chicken or turkey Available in different sized bags Good customer support Rich in omega fatty acids An industrial polymer is added to reduce tartar build-up The main source of protein is chicken by-products that are not very nutritional Too many grains are added Little energy value

Furthermore, customers have also noticed the addition of sodium hexametaphosphate, an industrial polymer often used in the skin care industry especially in the production of shampoos, soap, and liquid detergents. Logically, it would be safe to say that the manufacturer has added this ingredient to prevent tartar build up on the teeth.

Also Read: Best Guinea Pig Food – for Your Picky Cavy

6. Sojos Complete Natural Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Sojos has included salmon as their first ingredient, an oily river fish rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids that are necessary for a healthy organism. This manufacturer has also added whole eggs that are easy to digest by small dogs and are exceptionally rich in valuable protein needed for the repair of skin and tissue cells.

Moreover, the ingredients list includes cranberries and celery root, both ingredients are super rich in fibre and vitamins. Plus, cranberries are a great source of vitamin C that is required for healthy skin and good eyesight.

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High-value ingredients provide a healthy and balanced diet Lots of fibre and vitamins The main ingredient is freshwater salmon and whole eggs Made in the US No fillers, grains or preservatives Very strong herb smell that might put off some dogs Freeze dried and needs to be rehydrated with water Might cause diarrhoea in puppies and lactating dogs

As you know, peas and sweet potato are gluten-free sources of healthy carbohydrates needed for good metabolism and optimal level of energy in your beloved pet. These are added in this food. Also, the added flaxseeds carry great value as they stimulate healthy bowel movements and are crucial in helping prevent large intestine disease.

7. Nature’s Recipe Senior Dog Food

Like with some of the previous brands, the main ingredients in Nature’s Recipes Senior pet food are chicken and lamb. The lamb has nutritional value and is great for senior small breed dogs; however, the chicken is less than desirable in dog food because it has very little calorie count and loses nearly 60% of its weight after being processed.

On the other hand, the second ingredient is brown rice, a carbohydrate from the complex group that is easy to process and digest. Other ingredients include whole oatmeal, barley and wheat that are rich in fiber and B group vitamins needed for healthy blood system.

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Highly balanced pet food optimal for young or senior dogs Rich in omega fatty acids High in vitamins and minerals Optimal protein content Does not cause allergies The brand is no longer US made Meat is sourced from China Artificial additives are used

Also, Nature’s Recipe manufacturer has included a chicken meal as a source of protein and a good portion of poultry fat that is rich in linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids. In addition to these ingredients, Nature’s Recipes contains other ingredients such as yeast and tomato pomace known to support the immune system of sick or senior small breed dogs.

Also Read: Best Dog Food For Dachshunds To Buy In 2020

8. Natural Balance L.I.D. Dry Dog Food

Again, the main ingredient is chicken which reduces its weight and nutritional value by over 60% when processed. Next, we have the brown rice and oat groats that are considered to be complex carbohydrates rich in energy and caloric content. Plus, they are gluten-free. Moreover, Natural Balance Limited Ingredients has dried potatoes and chicken meal added for protein content and fibre nutritional value.

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High quality and balanced ingredients Suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion Hypoallergenic Affordable Rich in vegetables and vitamins The recipe was recently changed Green peas are used as fillers Does not help with dull coat

Other ingredients include chicken fat high in linoleic acid and calorie count as well as a range of vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, celery and beetroot.

9. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food

Overall, Wellness Grain is the best dry pet food for small dogs in this guide because it is made with GMO-free ingredients that are rich in caloric value and provide the dog organism with all the needed microelements such as vitamins and minerals for a healthy and shiny coat as well as tartar-free teeth.

Moreover, no by-products are used and instead, the manufacturer has included only whole meats that are rich in protein, iron and help maintain healthy blood system with optimal hemoglobin level.

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Optimal dog food for all ages Keeps coat shiny and healthy US made GMO-free Grain free Limited recipes only Not suitable for overweight dogs Large kibbles

Plus, Wellness pet food is made in the US under strict quality control measures that ensure each bag of dog food is high quality, mold and bacteria free.

10. Weruva Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food

Weruva Caloric Harmony dog food is made without chicken and potatoes, two ingredients that often cause allergies in dogs. Plus, small breed dogs such as Pugs and French Bulldogs are more prone to developing food allergies than other small dogs such as Jack Russell and Yorkshire Terriers.

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Holistic and natural pet food Made with venison Does not contain chicken or potatoes Expensive Limited recipes Not suitable for castrated or sterilized dogs

Moreover, other ingredients include prime cut venison and salmon that are super rich in protein and omega fatty acids that are needed for healthy coat and health. Also, canola oil and flaxseeds are rich in vitamins and other micro elements such as iron, magnesium and calcium.

Also Read: Best Dog Food For Pitbulls To Gain Muscle

Why Small Kibble Size is Crucial?

Kibble size is determined depending on the size of dogs jaw and their teeth hence the kibble size should be much smaller for toy breeds. Besides, smaller breeds are more likely to develop gastrointestinal upsets as well as problems with teeth. Therefore, it is crucial that they have a good diet with right-sized kibbles.

Conclusion

Look to buy the best pet food you can afford but also pay special attention to the kibble size and the calorie count. Plus, read the label to see if the pet food is grain free and has an adequate level of vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth and body maintenance.