Small Breed Dog Food: A Comprehensive Guide

Cute, cuddly and full of character, small breed dogs make great companions. But these pocket-sized pups also come with unique nutritional and health needs. Here, we’ll discuss how the right nutrition can keep your little friend happy and healthy, and how to choose the best dog food for small dogs. 

Nutrition and Small Dogs

Like any dog, small dogs need food with a good balance of all nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. However, as they have smaller stomachs, small dogs need a more nutrient-dense food, which packs these nutrients and calories into smaller portions.

Small dogs have smaller mouths and teeth compared to their larger counterparts. This means that kibble designed for larger dogs may be too big for them to chew and swallow properly. If small dogs are given larger kibble, it can pose risks such as injury, choking, or digestive problems.

Health Problems in Small Dog Breeds

Small dogs are especially vulnerable to certain health problems.

Excess weight

Watching our small dogs enjoy their food and treats brings us so much joy. However, their tiny size makes it easy to overfeed them. Additionally, small dogs living in cities may be more sedentary, increasing their risk of weight gain. Neutered dogs are three times more prone to overweight and obesity because neutering reduces their energy requirements and increases their appetite. Unfortunately, excess weight puts small dogs at risk for other health issues, such as diabetes and joint problems.

Skin and coat problems

Some small breeds, such as Shih Tzus or Jack Russell terriers, are known to be more prone to skin issues like allergic dermatitis. For these dogs, it is important that their food provides nutrients that will ensure healthy skin and coat renewal and maintain skin barrier function. 

Dental problems

Small breed dogs are highly susceptible to dental problems due to their small jaws and mouths, which often lead to crowded teeth. This crowding makes it challenging to effectively manage plaque and tartar buildup. Their diet can also influence dental health outcomes.

Tips for Feeding Small Dogs

With their unique physical characteristics and health vulnerabilities, the importance of a balanced, nutritious diet for small dogs cannot be overlooked. Here are some tips for feeding your little companion the healthiest diet for their needs.

1. Nutrient composition

   Choose a complete and balanced food specially formulated for small, toy and miniature dog breeds. Specifically, it should have a high-protein/low-carbohydrate formula, with moderate fat content, to help maintain lean mass and maintain a healthyweight.Lookfor:

   • High-quality animal proteins, which contain a wide spectrum of  amino acids needed for maintaining lean mass and also contribute to skin health, immune health, etc.
   • Low starch content to minimize gastrointestinal disturbances. Alongwith presence of dietary fibres that maintain stool consistency and offer a feeling of satiety.
   • Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in the right balance for healthy skin and a shiny coat. 
   • Antioxidants to protect against free radical damage.

2. Kibble size

   Choose small kibbles that your small dog can comfortably fit into their mouths and chew. Again, look for kibble specially formulated for small dogs to ensure the small morsels still contain all the nutrients they need.

3. Portion sizes 

   Small breed dog food has recommended portion sizes on the packaging, but these should be used as a guide. Monitor your dog’s weight regularly and if they seem to be gaining or losing weight, check in with your vet for dietary advice.

4. Feeding frequency

   Generally, small dogs can be fed twice a day. Even though they are eating smaller portions than larger dogs, a small breed dog food is formulated to keep them satisfied between meals. If they seem extra hungry, you can break their daily food ration into three servings instead.

5. “People” food

   Because of their size, small dogs can easily develop health problems, like obesity or pancreatitis, from eating rich, fatty human food. If you want to give your small dog a treat, choose one designed for dogs instead. Avoid giving treats too often, and reduce the quantity of kibbles accordingly. And remember: sometimes, dogs just want your attention and affection. A hug or a walk around the park can be just as satisfying as a treat, and better for their health!

Preventing Dental Issues in Small Dogs

Small dogs are five times more susceptible to dental issues than larger dogs due to smaller jaws and crowding of the teeth. They are more prone to plaque and tartar, which can cause dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, along with pain, difficulty eating and loose or lost teeth. Dental disease can affect the rest of the body, too, with connections to diabetes, kidney and heart disease. 

Daily brushing, dental chews, oral solutions and regular cleanings are effective ways to take care of your dog’s dental health. But did you know that nutrition can also play an active role in preventing dental disease? 

Virbac’s VETERINARY HPM^® small dog food range now features a  specific ingredient – pentasodium triphosphate, to prevent the build-up of tartar on the teeth surface. It’s an easy, effective and smart way to provide your dog with advanced daily oral care while giving them excellent nutrition. Read on to find out about the many other benefits VETERINARY HPM^® can offer your small dog.

Exploring the Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs

To meet the nutritional and health needs of your small dog, feed them a specially formulated small breed dog food, like Virbac’s VETERINARY HPM^® Adult Dog — Small & Toy. This food provides all the energy and nutrients they need in a small kibble format. The low-carbohydrate/high-in animal protein formula helps them to maintain optimal body weight and muscle mass. 

Our Small & Toy nutritional range provides several health benefits for your small pet throughout their life: 

• Body weight control.
• Healthy skin and coat.
• High Digestive Tolerance.
• Low allergen formulation
• Dental Tartar control
• Urinary & renal health 

Tailoring Nutrition for Small Dog Life Stages

Small dogs have different nutritional needs according to their life stage. That’s why the VETERINARY HPM^® range also features small breed dog foods tailored to life stage.

Puppies

The best dog food for small breed puppies has a low-carb/high-protein/high-fat formula to support their rapid growth, such as that found in VETERINARY HPM^® Baby Dog - Small & Toy. It considers their tiny stomachs and immature digestive systems, with highly digestible ingredients and immune-supporting supplements. It also contains the right balance of minerals like calcium and phosphorous to support healthy bone development.

Keeping Small Dogs Healthier for Longer

Small and toy dogs have unique nutritional and health needs. The best way to meet those needs is to choose a small dog food specially tailored to them at every stage of their lives. By ensuring your small dog gets the best nutrition possible, you can look forward to many years of health and happiness together.