Food for small dogs: the best pet food for mini breeds

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

The needs of a small dog

Miniature dogs—or even smaller“toy” dogs—have a different metabolism than medium and large breeds, and therefore require a different diet. First of all, their energy requirements are higher: in fact, smaller breeds are often the liveliest and most active, with a much faster metabolism, which means they need more food to provide them with plenty of energy. Because of their small size, their stomachs, digestive systems, mouths, and teeth are also much smaller than those of other dogs, so smaller kibble is necessary so they can chew and swallow it without difficulty. Since the metabolism of miniature dogs is faster, they require a diet high in protein and fat that can meet their high energy needs while remaining highly digestible: it is essential that all nutrients are properly absorbed during digestion and that the food does not cause digestive issues for your four-legged friend. Pay attention to portion sizes and the number of meals: the correct dosage based on the dog’s weight is usually indicated on the kibble packaging, and this should be divided into several meals depending on the dog’s age: a small-breed puppy, for example, eats about three to four times a day, while an adult dog eats once or twice.

The best ingredients to choose

Once you’ve identified your small-breed dog’s needs, the tricky part begins: these dogs are usually very picky eaters and often act“fussy” when it comes to food. Just like us humans, personal taste comes into play for dogs as well: every dog has ingredients it prefers over others, and the owner’s job is to try to understand them and, as much as possible, accommodate their preferences. Some dogs prefer kibble containing fish, others prefer white meat, and still others a mix of meat and fish: the only thing you can do is try offering different types and observe what your faithful friend prefers. Don’t give up if they don’t immediately take to the new food: animals are creatures of habit, and a sudden change in diet can unsettle them, which is why it’s important to introduce the new food gradually, perhaps by adding it in increasing amounts to the food they already eat.

In any case, we recommend choosing kibble that also contains fresh meat and fish, as their aroma will make the food more appealing to your dog. It’s even better if the kibble is enriched with fruits and vegetables, which make it more appetizing and give it a scent similar to the aromas that come from our own meals. 

The post " Food for Small Dogs: The Best Pet Food for Miniature Breeds " first appeared on Dog and Cat Kibble | Alleva .