Choosing the right food for your little dog

Often people aren’t aware that small breed dogs’ nutritional needs differ from those of medium and large breeds, apart from the need for a smaller kibble size!

A small breed is usually classed as a dog that weighs 6kg or less such as Pugs, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Italian Greyhounds, and Toy Poodles (to name but a few).

Differences between small breed dog food and regular dog food.

First, diets formulated for small breeds have higher energy content and are packed with many nutrients than those designed for medium and larger breeds. This is because small breeds have a faster metabolism, linked to them having a greater ratio of body surface area to body weight.

From the puppy stage to when they reach senior years, a small breed dog requires food designed to have the right amount of calories for their active lives. This doesn’t mean that they require more food; the feeding guide on the back of the packaging provides the correct amount of food for a dog's body weight. In comparison, larger dogs eat more, but the food is not as nutritionally dense.

A positive for small breeds is that they are less likely to suffer from joint conditions later on in life than other types of dogs.

In addition, according to a recent study - link to the study, they are more likely to have good digestion because they have double the intestinal mass of a large breed dog to digest and absorb nutrients.

Small dogs often lead longer lives than larger dogs, with some living to the age of 16. Therefore, pet owners need to keep their dogs at a healthy weight and provide them with the right food as part of a balanced nutritional diet.

The most important nutrients for small breed dogs

• Omega 3 & 6 for healthy skin and coat and to prevent skin issues

• High protein content (offer a range of dry food flavours such as turkey, duck, chicken, beef, and lamb)

• Grain-free recipes that don't include rice, wheat, cereals, and fillers will help your little dog digest their food better, as many dogs are intolerant to grains

• Kibble Size for smaller dogs is generally smaller than regular dog food. This is because they have smaller mouths and jaws and are easier for their gastrointestinal systems to digest. (On the other hand, medium and large dogs usually have larger kibble because their jaws can handle the size of the food)

• High-Calorie Content - Small breeds need more calories because they have fast metabolisms and higher rate of energy. This means that they have much higher energy requirements per kilogram of body weight, and therefore they need food with higher calorie content

Can small breed dogs eat regular dog food?

Not all breeds of dogs are the same; this is why different size dog breeds have different diets. Dog owners must understand the key differences when choosing the best dog food for their pets.

Anatomically, a small dog has a smaller stomach, so they can’t consume large meals. Due to this, it’s essential to feed a small breed dog food specifically designed to support their nutritional requirements to gain everything they need in a smaller portion.

A small dog has a faster metabolic rate than large breed dogs, linked to a greater ratio of body surface area to body weight. This means that they have much higher energy requirements per kilogram of body weight, and therefore they need food with a higher calorie content that is nutrient-dense.

What foods should small dogs avoid?

Small dogs love as much variety in their diet as possible. There isn't anything a small dog should avoid particularly, but small breeds can be prone to weight gain, which can have a big impact on a little body, so be careful how much dog food you feed to avoid unnecessary stress on their joints.

Toxic foods such as dark chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onion are harmful in smaller amounts, so keep these items out of harm's way!

How much food should a small dog eat?

Small breed dogs must be provided with the correct portion that is recommended on the feeding guides. For instance, small dogs can easily be overfed, leading to excessive weight gain.

Your small breed dog food will have a guide on the pack for you to follow but remember. It is just a guide - adjust the amount of dog food you give for your breed and size of the dog.