Feeding Small Dogs: Choosing the Right Dry Food

Just because your dog is small doesn’t mean his appetite is too! Did you know that a dog’s size affects not only the amount of food he needs, but also his diet? It’s not enough to simply give him smaller kibble; it’s also important to choose a line of pet food specifically designed for small dogs.

Feeding a small dog: How much kibble should you give it, and how many times a day?

Small dogs have a different metabolism than large or medium-sized dogs. They therefore require a different diet. In fact, small-breed dogs are livelier and more active. This is why they have higher energy needs. Their metabolism “runs” faster, and they burn calories more quickly and efficiently than their larger counterparts. This means they need to eat more to get a higher energy intake. Since they are smaller, their stomachs, digestive systems, mouths, and teeth are also smaller. They should therefore be given smaller kibble so they can chew and swallow it without difficulty.

Feeding Small Dogs: Choosing the Right Dry Food

Small dogs have a faster metabolism. A diet rich in protein and fat must meet their high energy needs. It is also important to ensure high digestibility. It is essential that all nutrients are properly absorbed during digestion. The food should not cause any digestive upset. Pay attention to portion sizes and the number of meals: generally, the correct amount for your dog is indicated on the kibble packaging based on the dog’s weight, which should be divided into several meals depending on the dog’s age: a small puppy, for example, eats about three to four times a day, while an adult dog eats one to two times a day.

Dog Food for Small Dogs: What Are the Best Ingredients?

Once you’ve determined your small dog’s needs, a more challenging part lies ahead: these breeds are generally very picky eaters. They may turn up their noses when it’s time to eat. Just like with us humans, personal preferences come into play for dogs: every dog has ingredients it likes better than others. The owner’s job is to try to understand them and, as much as possible, to satisfy them. Some dogs prefer kibble containing fish, others prefer white meat, and still others prefer a mix of meat and fish. Try offering different types of kibble and see what your pup prefers.

Above all, don’t give up if your pet doesn’t take to the new food right away. Animals thrive on routine, and a sudden change in their diet can unsettle them. It’s important to gradually introduce the new food into their current diet.

Feeding Small Dogs: Choosing the Right Dry Food

Benefits of fresh meat kibble

In any case, we always recommend kibble that contains fresh meat and fish. The aroma will be more appealing to your dog. Even better if it’s enriched with fruits and vegetables—the kibble will be more flavorful, and the smell will be similar to what your dog might smell on our plates.

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