20 Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs – Top Picks for Health & Nutrition

Looking for the Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs? I know how important it is to choose the best dog food for small dogs. Small breeds have unique dietary needs that require high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins to support their high metabolism, small teeth, and long lifespan. Finding the right food ensures your pup stays energized, maintains a healthy weight, and enjoys strong immune support.

I’ve researched and reviewed top-rated dog foods that are nutritionally balanced, vet-approved, and loved by pet owners. Whether your small pup needs grain-free, high-protein, fresh, or budget-friendly options, this guide covers the 20 best dog foods for small dogs that promote optimal health and vitality.

Note: Before you read further, you can also read Cat Hygiene tips  and the 15 Essential Dog Hygiene Tips for a Healthier & Happier Pup as well for your wonderful beautiful Pup.

Why Choosing the Right Dog Food for Small Dogs is Essential

I’ve noticed that small dogs have higher calorie needs per pound compared to larger breeds. Their tiny bodies burn energy faster, so they require nutrient-dense food with quality protein and fats to maintain their energy levels and muscle health.

The right dog food should also have a small kibble size for easy chewing and digestion. Many small breeds, like Chihuahuas and Yorkies, are prone to dental issues, so properly sized kibble helps keep their teeth clean and strong. Additionally, small dogs need glucosamine for joint health, omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, and probiotics for digestion.

If you’re also searching for the perfect name for your pup, check out this list of small dog names for some adorable ideas!

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

When selecting dog food for small breeds, I always check the ingredient list for the following essentials:

1.  High-Quality Protein – Small dogs thrive on chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or fish as the first ingredient.
2.  Healthy Fats – Sources like salmon oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat keep their skin healthy and coat shiny.
3.  Digestible Carbohydrates – Avoid fillers and opt for sweet potatoes, brown rice, or oatmeal for sustained energy.
4.  Essential Vitamins & Minerals – Added glucosamine, calcium, and antioxidants promote joint, heart, and immune health.
5.  Probiotics & Fiber – Small dogs often have sensitive stomachs, so ingredients like pumpkin, chicory root, and probiotics help with digestion.

For more expert-backed pet nutrition advice, visit AKC’s dog food guide.

20 Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs

I’ve reviewed top-rated brands to find the best food options for small breed dogs, focusing on quality ingredients, customer feedback, and vet recommendations.

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice

Blue Buffalo is one of the best overall small-breed dog foods due to its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition. This formula contains real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, providing lean protein for muscle maintenance. It also includes whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, which offer slow-releasing energy for active small dogs.

I love how Blue Buffalo adds LifeSource Bits, which are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for immune health. The small kibble size is perfect for tiny teeth, and glucosamine and omega fatty acids keep joints and skin healthy.

1.  Best For: All small-breed adult dogs
2.  Key Ingredients: Chicken, brown rice, peas, flaxseed, blueberries
3.  Why I Recommend It: High-quality protein, antioxidant-rich, small kibble for easy chewing

2. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet is a veterinarian-recommended brand known for its scientifically balanced nutrition. The Small Paws formula is specifically designed for small and toy breeds, providing a precise blend of proteins, whole grains, and antioxidants for overall health.

I like that this food contains chicken meal and barley, which are gentle on sensitive stomachs. The inclusion of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E helps maintain a soft, shiny coat, and the kibble size is tailored for small mouths.

1.  Best For: Picky eaters and dogs with sensitive digestion
2.  Key Ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain barley, rice, flaxseed
3.  Why I Recommend It: Vet-approved, easy to digest, promotes healthy skin and coat

3. Wellness CORE RawRev Small Breed

If you’re looking for a high-protein, grain-free option, Wellness CORE RawRev is a fantastic choice. This formula includes real freeze-dried raw turkey pieces blended with protein-rich kibble, giving your small dog the benefits of raw feeding with the convenience of dry food.

The food is packed with lean protein, glucosamine, probiotics, and omega fatty acids, making it ideal for active small breeds. I love that it’s free from artificial additives, wheat, corn, and soy, which can sometimes cause digestive issues.

1.  Best For: High-energy small dogs, grain-free diets
2.  Key Ingredients: Turkey, chicken meal, peas, salmon oil
3.  Why I Recommend It: High-protein, grain-free, contains raw meat for added nutrition

4. Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin is a trusted name in pet nutrition, and this small breed formula is tailored for dogs weighing 9-22 lbs. What I like most is that the kibble shape is designed for small jaws, making it easy to chew while promoting dental health.

This formula includes chicken by-product meal for protein, brown rice for energy, and fish oil for healthy skin. It also has L-carnitine, which helps support fat metabolism, ensuring your small pup maintains a healthy weight.

1.  Best For: Adult small dogs prone to weight gain
2.  Key Ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, brown rice, fish oil
3.  Why I Recommend It: Special kibble shape for dental health, balanced nutrition

5. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra is a premium-quality small-breed food that features a blend of chicken, lamb, and salmon proteins to support lean muscle development. I appreciate that it contains superfoods like chia seeds, kale, and blueberries, which are rich in antioxidants for immune health.

The kibble is small and crunchy, making it perfect for tiny mouths, and it’s made with non-GMO ingredients for a clean, nutritious diet.

1. Best For: Dogs needing high-protein, nutrient-dense food
2. Key Ingredients: Chicken, lamb, salmon, chia seeds, blueberries
3. Why I Recommend It: High-quality ingredients, protein-packed, antioxidant-rich

6. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe

Merrick Lil’ Plates is an excellent grain-free option for small dogs that need high-protein, easily digestible food. The formula is designed with real Texas beef as the first ingredient, ensuring strong muscle support while avoiding common allergens like grains and gluten.

What I love about this formula is the added probiotics and fiber, which promote healthy digestion—a crucial factor for many small breeds with sensitive stomachs. Additionally, it includes omega fatty acids from salmon oil to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.

✅ Best For: Grain-free diets, small dogs with sensitive digestion
✅ Key Ingredients: Deboned beef, sweet potatoes, peas, salmon oil
✅ Why I Recommend It: Grain-free, high-protein, rich in probiotics for gut health

7. Canidae PURE Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If your small dog suffers from food allergies or sensitivities, I highly recommend Canidae PURE. It features limited ingredients with only 8 key components, making it an ideal choice for pups with digestive issues or skin allergies.

The primary protein source is salmon, providing lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids for joint health. Instead of common allergens like corn, wheat, or soy, this formula includes lentils and sweet potatoes, which are gentle on digestion while delivering long-lasting energy.

✅ Best For: Dogs with allergies or grain sensitivities
✅ Key Ingredients: Salmon, lentils, sweet potatoes, canola oil
✅ Why I Recommend It: Limited ingredients, allergen-friendly, rich in omega-3s

8. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Recipe

Taste of the Wild is one of my top picks for small dogs that thrive on high-protein, ancestral diets. This formula includes real roasted venison as the first ingredient, offering lean protein with a rich taste that many picky eaters love.

I also appreciate the probiotic blend in this food, which supports gut health and immune function. Unlike conventional recipes, this formula is grain-free and packed with nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits, such as blueberries and raspberries, to provide antioxidants for longevity.

✅ Best For: High-energy small dogs, grain-free diets
✅ Key Ingredients: Venison, garbanzo beans, peas, ocean fish meal
✅ Why I Recommend It: Unique protein source, grain-free, probiotic support

9. Cesar Classic Small Breed Wet Dog Food

If your small dog prefers wet food or needs a softer texture due to dental issues, Cesar Classic Wet Food is a great choice. It comes in multiple flavors, including grilled chicken, filet mignon, and turkey, ensuring your pup enjoys variety and delicious taste.

Cesar’s formula is fortified with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritionally complete meal for small breeds. It also serves as a great topper to dry kibble, making it ideal for picky eaters.

✅ Best For: Picky eaters, dogs needing softer food
✅ Key Ingredients: Chicken, beef, liver, wheat gluten
✅ Why I Recommend It: Soft texture, highly palatable, complete nutrition

10. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Food

If you’re looking for human-grade, fresh dog food, The Farmer’s Dog is one of the best options available. It’s made with real, whole-food ingredients, and cooked gently at low temperatures to retain maximum nutrients.

This brand offers customized meal plans based on your dog’s age, breed, weight, and activity level, ensuring that your pup gets perfectly balanced nutrition. Since it contains no preservatives or fillers, it’s one of the healthiest food options for small dogs.

✅ Best For: Owners who prefer fresh, human-grade dog food
✅ Key Ingredients: USDA-approved meat, vegetables, fish oil
✅ Why I Recommend It: Fully customizable, preservative-free, highly digestible

11. Freshpet Select Small Dog Recipe

Freshpet Select is another fantastic fresh food option for small breeds. This refrigerated dog food is made from real chicken, carrots, cranberries, and spinach, offering a nutrient-dense meal without artificial preservatives.

I like this brand because it’s lightly cooked, which makes it easy for small dogs to digest and absorb essential nutrients. The recipe is also grain-free, making it a great choice for pups with grain sensitivities.

✅ Best For: Dogs needing fresh food, grain-free diets
✅ Key Ingredients: Chicken, carrots, cranberries, spinach
✅ Why I Recommend It: Fresh ingredients, great for sensitive stomachs

12. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Adult

Purina Pro Plan is vet-recommended and contains real chicken as the first ingredient, ensuring strong muscles and lean body mass. I appreciate that it’s fortified with DHA, which supports brain and vision health, making it a great choice for growing small dogs.

This formula also contains live probiotics to promote gut health and strong immunity, and the small kibble size makes it easy for tiny jaws to chew.

✅ Best For: Active small breeds, puppies transitioning to adult food
✅ Key Ingredients: Chicken, rice, fish oil, probiotics
✅ Why I Recommend It: Vet-approved, supports brain development

13. Iams ProActive Health Small Breed Dog Food

Iams is a trusted budget-friendly brand that still delivers high-quality nutrition. This small breed formula features farm-raised chicken as the primary ingredient, offering muscle-building protein and essential amino acids.

What I like most about Iams is that they include prebiotics and fiber, which promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. It’s also enriched with antioxidants to help support a strong immune system.

✅ Best For: Budget-conscious dog owners
✅ Key Ingredients: Chicken, whole grain corn, beet pulp, fish oil
✅ Why I Recommend It: Affordable, high in fiber, supports digestion

14. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult

Nutro Natural Choice is an all-natural, non-GMO dog food designed for small-breed adult dogs. It’s made with real chicken, whole grains, and essential nutrients that support energy and heart health.

This formula is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, ensuring that your pup gets clean, healthy nutrition. Plus, the kibble size is small and easy to chew, which is perfect for tiny breeds.

✅ Best For: Owners who prefer natural, non-GMO food
✅ Key Ingredients: Chicken, whole brown rice, dried pumpkin
✅ Why I Recommend It: Non-GMO ingredients, heart-healthy formula

15-20: More High-Quality Small Breed Dog Foods

While all small dogs have unique nutritional needs, some require more specialized diets due to sensitive stomachs, allergies, or high energy levels. The following six high-quality dog foods cater to different dietary requirements while ensuring your small dog thrives with the best ingredients.

15. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Small Breed Recipe – Best for Sensitive Stomachs

If your small dog suffers from digestive issues, food sensitivities, or a picky appetite, Solid Gold Mighty Mini is one of the best formulas available. This food is designed specifically for small dogs with sensitive stomachs, using easily digestible, premium ingredients.

What makes this food stand out is its unique blend of duck and pumpkin. Duck is a novel protein, which means it’s less likely to cause allergies compared to common proteins like chicken or beef. Meanwhile, pumpkin is a natural digestive aid that helps prevent loose stools and stomach discomfort. The addition of probiotics and prebiotics further supports gut health and nutrient absorption.

✅ Best For: Dogs with sensitive stomachs, food sensitivities
✅ Key Ingredients: Duck, chickpeas, pumpkin, probiotics, flaxseed
✅ Why I Recommend It: Gentle on digestion, promotes gut health, rich in novel protein

16. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health – Best for Skin & Coat Health

I always recommend Wellness Small Breed Complete Health to owners looking for a balanced and nutrient-dense formula. This food is packed with high-quality protein, whole grains, and essential nutrients to support your small dog’s overall well-being.

One of its biggest benefits is the addition of salmon oil and flaxseed, which are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These nutrients help keep your dog’s skin healthy and their coat soft, shiny, and free of irritation. Wellness also includes probiotics for digestion, antioxidants for immune support, and glucosamine for joint health, making it a well-rounded option for long-term health.

✅ Best For: Dogs with dry skin, dull coats, or mild allergies
✅ Key Ingredients: Chicken, oatmeal, salmon oil, flaxseed, carrots
✅ Why I Recommend It: Promotes skin and coat health, balanced nutrition, immune support

17. American Journey Small Breed Grain-Free – Best High-Protein, Energy-Boosting Formula

If your small dog is highly active and needs extra energy, American Journey Small Breed Grain-Free is a fantastic option. This formula is packed with premium protein sources, including deboned chicken and turkey, to help build and maintain lean muscle mass.

I like that this food is completely grain-free, using sweet potatoes and chickpeas as alternative carbohydrates for sustained energy without causing blood sugar spikes. It also contains flaxseed and fish oil, which provide omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health, making this a great choice for small dogs that are always on the move.

✅ Best For: Active small dogs, grain-free diets
✅ Key Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, sweet potatoes, flaxseed, fish oil
✅ Why I Recommend It: High in protein, grain-free, supports joint health

18. Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Best for Low-Carb, High-Protein Nutrition

For pet owners who want to reduce carbohydrate intake in their dog’s diet, I recommend Nulo Freestyle Small Breed. This high-protein, low-carb formula is great for dogs that need to maintain a lean physique or those with carbohydrate sensitivities.

Nulo’s formula is 85% animal-based protein, featuring deboned turkey, salmon, and cod to provide essential amino acids for muscle health. Unlike many grain-free diets that substitute grains with high-glycemic starches, this food contains lentils and chickpeas, which are low in carbohydrates but rich in fiber and minerals.

Additionally, probiotics and omega fatty acids make this a well-balanced option for digestion, immune health, and skin nourishment.

• Best For: Dogs needing a low-carb, high-protein diet
•  Key Ingredients: Turkey, salmon, cod, lentils, chickpeas
•  Why I Recommend It: High in animal-based protein, supports lean muscle, low in carbs

19. Bil-Jac Small Breed Select Dry Dog Food – Best for Easy Digestion and Picky Eaters

If you have a picky eater or a small dog that struggles with digestion, Bil-Jac Small Breed Select is one of the most digestible dry foods available. Unlike many dry dog foods that are baked at high temperatures, Bil-Jac slow-cooks its chicken ingredients to retain more nutrients and create a softer texture, making it easier to chew and digest.

This food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing plenty of protein and amino acids to support muscle strength. It also includes oatmeal and sweet potatoes, which offer natural fiber for improved digestion.

Additionally, Bil-Jac’s formula is enriched with omega fatty acids for skin health and essential vitamins for immunity, making it a well-rounded, highly digestible food for small dogs.

•  Best For: Picky eaters, small dogs with sensitive stomachs
•  Key Ingredients: Chicken, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, fish oil
•  Why I Recommend It: Soft-textured kibble, great for digestion, highly palatable

20. Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best for Biologically Appropriate Nutrition

If you want a premium, biologically appropriate diet for your small dog, Orijen Small Breed is an outstanding choice. This formula is 85% animal-based protein, featuring free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. It closely mimics the natural diet of ancestral dogs, making it one of the best high-protein small breed foods on the market.

What makes Orijen different is its inclusion of raw and freeze-dried ingredients, which enhance flavor and nutrient absorption. It’s completely grain-free and contains no artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products. With glucosamine for joint health and omega-3s for coat health, this food is an excellent choice for active and health-conscious dog owners.

• Best For: Highly active small dogs, owners wanting premium quality
• Key Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, wild fish, eggs, lentils
• Why I Recommend It: High in fresh, raw ingredients, grain-free, rich in protein

Final Thoughts on the Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

I love how the right food can transform a small dog’s health, energy, and well-being. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein diet, grain-free formula, fresh food, or a budget-friendly option, this list of 20 best dog foods for small dogs has something for every pup.

Now, pick the best food for your small dog, and watch them thrive with great nutrition! 🐶💕