Best Dog Food Brands for Small Dogs: Finding the Perfect Dog Food Brand for Your Small Dog
Choosing the right food for your furry friend is essential if you’re a small dog owner. Not all dog food brands are created equal, as some are better suited for smaller breeds than others, which is why we created this list of the best dog food brands for small dogs.
This list of the best dog food brands for small dogs will feature the top choices and help you find the perfect dog food for your small pup. Whether you’re looking for a grain-free diet, natural ingredients, or something more cost-effective, there is an option for everyone.
A few other lists that you might benefit from after reading through this list of the best dog food brands for small dogs are our lists of the best dog crates, best dog toys, and the best chew toys for puppies. With these lists, you can ensure your small pup has everything it needs.
Top 15 Dog Food Brands for Small Dogs:
1. Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Price: $39.99 (14 lb)
Highlights: 36% protein, grain-free, and venison and lamb meal.
About Dog Food Brand: Pamper your pup with Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dog Food. Specially created to meet the nutritional needs of small breeds, this delicious recipe is full of wholesome ingredients to give your furry friend the energy they need without being overwhelmed.
Loaded with 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs, this formula ensures that every meal is satisfying yet balanced. Plus, it’s totally grain-free, so you don’t have to worry about any side effects associated with grains.
The tasty source of animal protein? Venison and lamb meal. Not only will your pup be getting their daily dose of nutrient-packed proteins, but they’ll also love digging in for a flavor boost. And you can trust that what’s inside every bag is top-notch quality—there are no artificial colors, flavors or toxic chemical preservatives added.
2. Wellness Natural Dog Food
Price: $19.98 (4 lb)
Highlights: Barley, salmon, turkey, and oatmeal, small-sized kibble pieces, and the highest-quality ingredients.
About Dog Food Brand: Introducing Wellness Natural Dog Food, a top-quality dog food for your small four-legged family member. Wellness Dog Food knows your pet’s health and happiness is important to you, which is why they created this wonderful nutrition-packed food that only uses ingredients of the highest quality.
This recipe contains ground barley, salmon, turkey, and oatmeal, all of which will meet the high nutritional demands of a small breed dog. The kibble pieces are also on the smaller side so that it’s easier for your pup to eat. It’s packed with protein, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids to provide complete care for your pet.
The best part? Not only is this food nutritious, but it tastes great too. Dog owners everywhere can attest that this recipe is a hit among their furry friends. So give them an enjoyable mealtime experience while knowing they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
3. IAMS Dog Food
Price: $25.63 (15 lb)
Highlights: 27% crude protein, improves coat health, and helps cognitive function.
About Dog Food Brand: This premium brand of dog food ensures that your pup will get all the necessary nutrients, protein, and vitamins they need to stay healthy and active. The first ingredient is chicken and packed with a minimum of 27% crude protein for essential muscle growth and maintenance. Antioxidants and omega fatty acids will improve your pup’s coat health, energy levels, and cognitive function.
4. Merrick Dog Food
Price: $22.98 (4 lb)
Highlights: Chicken and chicken meal, fat-to-protein ratio of 56%, and quinoa as a fiber source.
About Dog Food Brand: This classic recipe is made with fresh, high-quality chicken and chicken meal to give your dog all the protein they need to stay healthy. With a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%, this top dog food will keep your little one energetic and content.
Featuring quinoa as a fiber source, it helps promote good digestion while being easy on sensitive stomachs. All in all, Merrick Dog Food is an excellent choice for small dogs seeking a wholesome diet brimming with delicious flavors every time.
5. Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Price: $43.42 (6 lb)
Highlights: Chicken, antioxidant-rich ingredients, and no chunky by-products or fillers.
About Dog Food Brand: Blue Buffalo Dog Food has released a limited edition dish made just right for the unique needs of your small aging pup. Featuring delicious deboned chicken with wholesome, antioxidant-rich ingredients, this dog food locks in dynamics that work towards keeping your pet’s digestive system in top-notch condition.
With the well-balanced carb and protein ratio, plus essential nutrients to maintain optimal health and activity levels, this tasty meal will make sure your beloved pal is kept fit and happy. Say no to chunky by-products or fillers; instead, opt for this beautiful small-sized kibble that serves a nutritious finish – calcium and phosphorus will help keep those bones strong and teeth healthy.
6. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food
Price: $21.69 (14 lb)
Highlights: The first ingredient is chicken, whole-food ingredients, and lots of vitamins and minerals.
About Dog Food Brand: Feed your pup the best with Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Dry Dog Food. As one of the best dog food brands for small dogs, this kibble will suit their special nutritional needs at every life stage.
Made with lots of vitamins and minerals, has chicken as the first ingredient, and all whole-food ingredients, your pup will be healthy and happy with Rachael Ray Nutrish. This crunchy meal will provide the kind of nutrition that helps them grow.
7. Purina Pro Plan Dog Food
Price: $18.03 (6 lb)
Highlights: Vitamin A and linoleic acid, real chicken, and prebiotic fiber.
About Dog Food Brand: Your fur baby deserves the best nutrition, and Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dry Dog Food delivers. This small breed-specific formula is packed with real chicken, a great source of protein.
Additionally, linoleic acid and vitamin A promote skin health, while prebiotic fiber helps support digestive health for your pup. This brand offers an elevated taste experience that your four-legged friend will be begging for more of.
8. Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food
Price: $41.79 (15.5 lb)
Highlights: Rich in calcium, supports immune system function, and has fewer calories.
About Dog Food Brand: Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food is an excellent choice for small-breed dogs. Not only is it made From high-quality ingredients and formulated to meet the specific needs of your pet, but each recipe is specifically crafted to ensure proper nutrient levels and palatability for small dogs.
Unlike some other brands, Hill’s Science Diet understands that small breeds need more than just a standard formula. This adult blend has been carefully designed to be rich in calcium which helps to keep your dog’s bones strong, in addition to providing important vitamins such as E and C, which work together to support immune system function.
And if that wasn’t enough, Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food also contains lower protein levels, so you can rest assured knowing that your pup will receive an adequate source of fuel without the extra calories.
9. Nulo Dog Food
Price: $28.79 (5.5 lb)
Highlights: 34% protein, salmon, turkey meal, and menhaden fish meal, and a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
About Dog Food Brand: Treat your best friend to a healthy and nutritious diet he or she is sure to love with Nulo Dog Food. Specially crafted for small breeds, this delicious formula contains 34% protein, 19% fat, and 39% estimated carbs. Fresh salmon, turkey meal, and menhaden fish meal provide your pup with high-quality protein sources that will keep them going throughout the day.
And with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%, even the most active little pup can stay energized through any activity. At Nulo Dog Food, their focus has always been on sourcing quality ingredients combined with nutritional innovation. They believe every pup deserves only the best, so this formula has been highly recommended by veterinarians everywhere.
With a unique mix of vitamins and minerals, your pup can live an active lifestyle with everything their growing body needs. From backyards to park paths, let them explore and have fun knowing their diet follows right along.
10. Instinct Original Dog Food
Price: $47.76 (3 oz)
Highlights: High-calorie formula, neutral ingredients, and contains no potatoes, soy, or grains.
About Dog Food Brand: Health and happiness come first with this high-calorie, nutrient-dense original formula. This delicious recipe includes real chicken as well as chicken broth, egg whites, and omega fatty acids for the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin health.
With such natural ingredients as eggs and chicken, your pup will love every bite of Instinct Dog Food crafted just for them. What’s more, this dog food contains no potatoes, soy, or grains.
11. Natural Balance Dog Food
Price: $24.98 (4 lb)
Highlights: Grain-free formula, limited ingredients, and high amounts of protein.
About Dog Food Brand: Natural Balance L.I.D. Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is specifically designed for your pet’s health and well-being. With its grain-free formula and limited-ingredients diet, your pup will enjoy a more digestible and nutritionally packed meal.
No matter your budget, you can enjoy top-of-the-line dog food without breaking the bank. Natural Balance ensures deliciousness and nutrition come hand in hand with every meal. Plus, they offer highly competitive prices that guarantee premium value for money, so you don’t have to compromise on nourishment just to save a few dollars.
Every bite of this carefully crafted dog food contains high amounts of protein that promote healthy energy levels, essential vitamins, and minerals to keep your pup strong throughout their life journey, as well as natural fats to fuel their body’s everyday needs.
12. Now Fresh Dog Food
Price: $94.39 (22 lb)
Highlights: De-boned turkey and dried egg, 30% protein, and supports healthy gut bacteria.
About Dog Food Brand: Introducing Now Fresh Small Breed Dog Food, a great choice to fuel your pup’s adventurous spirit. As one of the best dog food brands on the market, it contains a multitude of nutritious components that’ll keep your small fur baby strong and healthy.
Made of fresh de-boned turkey and dried egg for maximum protein content, this recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat, and 43% estimated carbs – an optimal ratio for maximizing energy intake. The small-size clover-shaped kibble is ideal for small to medium breeds and contains probiotics and pre-biotic fiber to support healthy gut bacteria and improve digestion.
It also includes taurine and L-carnitine for heart health, as well as nature’s most “complete” protein – whole dried eggs – for balanced nutrition.
13. Diamond Naturals Dog Food
Price: $32.99 (18 lb)
Highlights: Wholesome superfoods, packed with essential amino acids, and made in the USA.
About Dog Food Brand: Is your small or toy pup starting to look and feel a bit sluggish? Diamond Naturals Dog Food can help. This brand is one of the best dog food brands for small pups, specifically designed to provide optimal nutrition to tiny tummies. This super-powered dog food is formulated with lots of wholesome superfoods, starting with real chicken that’s packed with essential amino acids.
Barley and white rice fuel your little canine’s body throughout the day, while chicory root, kelp, and pumpkin help keep their digestive system in shape. Special ingredients like chia seeds and flaxseed make sure their skin and coat stay perfectly healthy. And, of course, Diamond Naturals Dog Food is proudly made in the USA to ensure only the highest quality nutrition for your pup.
14. Halo Dog Food
Price: $29.47 (5.5 oz, 12 count)
Highlights: 50% protein, fresh turkey, and turkey liver, and verified as one of the best dog food brands.
About Dog Food Brand: At Halo Dog Food, they know what it takes to make the best food for your small pup. This formula is made using fresh turkey and turkey liver, giving your dog an extra boost of protein to keep them fueled throughout the day. Studies have also shown that their recipe contains 50% protein, 23% fat, and 19% estimated carbs – providing a balanced diet that’ll satisfy any pup’s cravings.
When you feed your small dog this formula, you can rest assured that not only are they getting what’s best for them but also that it has been verified as one of the best dog food brands for small dogs. They take pride in providing high-quality nutrition for all fur friends out there.
15. Solid Gold Dog Food
Price: $43.99 (12 lb)
Highlights: Salmon, bison, and ocean fish meal, supports glistening coat, and free of common allergens.
About Dog Food Brand: This power-packed recipe is brimming with excellent sources of protein, carbohydrates, superfoods, and vitamins to keep your pup healthy and happy. Quality ingredients like salmon, bison, ocean fish meal, pearl barley, cranberries, pumpkin, blueberries and carrots, almond oil, and broccoli are guaranteed to provide your small dog with superior nutrition as well as a glistening coat and a healthy gut all year round.
What’s more? This nutritious blend is free of common allergens like wheat or soy, so you can rest assured you are providing your pup with only the purest things nature has to offer.
Best Dog Food Brands for Small Dogs Conclusion
There are a lot of great dog food brands out there that are perfect for small dogs. In this list of the best dog food brands for small dogs, we’ve listed some of the top options, as well as explained why they’re a good choice for smaller dog breeds.
With one of the above options, you can ensure your pup has everything it needs to grow and be healthy and active.
Have you used any of these dog food brands for small dogs? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
