Small dogs may think they’re big and intimidating, but their nutritional needs are unique. Small breeds have smaller stomachs and higher metabolisms, so they need nutrient-dense formulas that ensure they get adequate nutrition without weight gain.
When you have a small-breed puppy, finding the appropriate food can be even more challenging. Puppies have unique nutritional needs, so it’s best to choose a nutrient-dense puppy food formulated for small or toy breeds.
Here are the 11 best puppy food for small breeds, based on reviews from real pet owners.
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Best Overall
Ollie Fresh Dog Food
Balanced recipes
Quality whole ingredients
Tailored to your small dog
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Best Value
Pedigree’s Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food
Appetizing steak and vegetable flavor
No high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors
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Orijen Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Animal protein as first ingredients
Grain-free and natural
Freeze-dried raw
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Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food
Real chicken meal and barley as first ingredients
Well-rounded nutrition
Manufactured in the USA
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Nulo FreeStyle Limited+ Puppy & Adult Dog Food
Limited-ingredient formula
High-quality nutritional sources
Real animal protein
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The 11 Best Puppy Foods for Small Breeds
1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service – Best Overall
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Lifestage: All
Breed Size: All
Form: Fresh
Special Diet: Several
If you’re looking for a dog food option for your puppy, the best overall choice is Ollie’s fresh and natural dog food. Their recipes are crafted in the US and packaged based on your dog’s needs through a preliminary quiz. Pet owners can select which protein their puppy likes best from chicken, lamb, beef, fish, and more. Also, they can be sure that it’s packed with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Ollie is a subscription-based service that lets you skip the grocery store trips and have pre-portioned, fresh meals delivered right to your door.
You can also enjoy a starter box to let your puppy test it out! The ingredients contain no fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors so you know your furry friend is getting only high-quality ingredients.
Free delivery
Quality whole ingredients
Tailored to your small dog
- Free delivery
- Quality whole ingredients
- Tailored to your small dog
Storage can be tricky
Comparatively expensive
- Storage can be tricky
- Comparatively expensive
Pedigree’s Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food is the best puppy food for small breeds for the money. The wholesome recipe has complete and balanced nutrition with grilled steak and vegetable flavors. Designed to support puppy development, the formula contains vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Dry
Special Diet: Sensitive digestion
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Free from high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or added sugars, the food is nutrient-dense to ensure your pup gets adequate nutrition without empty calories. The kibble is small for easy-to-digest bites for small breeds. Some reviewers said that their puppy wouldn’t touch the food, however.
Appetizing steak and vegetable flavor
No high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors
- Appetizing steak and vegetable flavor
- No high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors
Some dogs don’t like it
- Some dogs don’t like it
Orijen Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food is another quality small-breed puppy food. This biologically appropriate diet is packed with animal protein and fat for well-rounded nutrition. Fresh or raw chicken and turkey, sustainably farmed or wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs form the foundation of the protein, perfect for dogs’ unique nutritional needs. The food contains animal organs and bones for vitamins and minerals.
Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Dry
Special Diet: Grain-free, high-protein, gluten-free, natural, raw
All food is manufactured in the USA and adheres to industry nutritional and purity standards. Because of raw ingredients, kibble is freeze-dried and coated for a burst of flavor. Some reviewers noted that their dogs didn’t like the food unless it was mixed with other food, and there’s concern over the effect of grain-free diets. Kibble may be too large for extra-small or toy-breed puppies.
Animal protein is the first ingredients
Grain-free and natural
Freeze-dried raw
- Animal protein is the first ingredients
- Grain-free and natural
- Freeze-dried raw
Some dogs don’t like it
Concern over grain-free diets
Kibble may be too big for toy puppies
- Some dogs don’t like it
- Concern over grain-free diets
- Kibble may be too big for toy puppies
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food is another good puppy food for small breeds. The formula includes wholesome ingredients like chicken meal and barely supports healthy brain, eye, and skeletal development. In addition to meat and high-quality grains, the food has natural DHA from fish oil and vitamins as well as antioxidants for well-rounded nutrition.
Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Dry
Special Diet: High-protein
Designed for small breed puppies, the food is easy to digest for growing puppies that need a small kibble size. All food is manufactured in the USA with attention to purity and nutritional standards. This formula is recommended for puppies up to one year old. Some reviewers noted that their puppies didn’t like the food, and others suggested that the bag size is too big and may become stale by the time their dogs finished it.
Real chicken meal and barley as the first ingredients
Well-rounded nutrition
Manufactured in the USA
- Real chicken meal and barley as the first ingredients
- Well-rounded nutrition
- Manufactured in the USA
Some dogs don’t like it
The bag may be too big
- Some dogs don’t like it
- The bag may be too big
5. Nulo FreeStyle Limited+ Alaska Pollock & Lentils Recipe
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Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Dry
Special Diet: Grain-free, low glycemic, limited ingredient
Nulo FreeStyle Limited+ Alaska Pollock & Lentils Recipe is an excellent choice for pups with sensitive stomachs. The limited-ingredient food has protein-rich ingredients from Alaska Pollock with the patented probiotic GanedenBC30. All ingredients are designed to support proper digestion and digestive health.
Puppies need nutrient-dense food formulas, and this food is formulated with a single source of animal protein and low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic ingredients for no empty calories. The food also has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. It is an expensive recipe for puppies, however.
Limited-ingredient formula
Real animal protein
High-quality nutritional sources
- Limited-ingredient formula
- Real animal protein
- High-quality nutritional sources
Expensive
- Expensive
- Blue Buffalo Carnivora Grain-Free Puppy Wet Dog Food
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Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Pate
Special Diet: High-protein, grain-free
Blue Buffalo Carnivora Woodland Blend Grain-Free Puppy Wet Dog Food is a nutrient-dense formula with 95% of protein coming from chicken, turkey, duck, and mackerel. As a pate formula, the food is suitable for all breed sizes and easy to eat and digest. In addition to meat, the food contains organs and cartilage to mimic the natural diet.
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Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Pate
Special Diet: High-protein, grain-free
The food is free from grains and potatoes, so puppies get more nutrition and fewer empty calories. For healthy development, the formula is enhanced with vitamins and minerals. This wet food can be added to mixed with dry formulas as well. Some dogs don’t like the food, however.
95% animal protein
Organs and cartilage
Grain-free formula
- 95% animal protein
- Organs and cartilage
- Grain-free formula
Merrick Healthy Grains Raw-Coated Kibble Puppy Recipe Freeze-Dried Dry Dog Food is a freeze-dried raw food with real chicken as the first ingredient and plenty of DHA for healthy brain development. Vitamins and minerals are supplied by hearty whole grains with no lentils, peas, or potatoes. For healthy skin and coat, the formula has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Dry
Special Diet: High-protein, sensitive digestion
Glucosamine and chondroitin are added to support healthy joint development and support growing and rambunctious puppies. Kibble is small and easy to digest for small and toy breeds. Plenty of reviewers received the food in exchange for a review, and many said that the kibble is too small for large breeds and that their dogs were too picky to eat it.
Animal protein is the first ingredients
Rich in nutrients
Free from peas, lentils, and potatoes
- Animal protein is the first ingredients
- Rich in nutrients
- Free from peas, lentils, and potatoes
Some dogs won’t eat it
Kibble is too small for large breeds
- Some dogs won’t eat it
- Kibble is too small for large breeds
Royal Canin’s Gastrointestinal Puppy Ultra Soft Mousse is a high-energy food for puppies with sensitive stomachs. The food is packed with nutrition for healthy development and optimal digestion. The food contains probiotics, dietary fiber, and electrolytes to ensure your puppy absorbs all the nutrients without upsetting its stomach.
Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Pate
Special Diet: Veterinary diet, sensitive formula
This food can be offered long-term or short-term and has an easy-to-digest mousse texture. Small and toy breeds can eat smaller portions and still get adequate nutrition. This is a veterinary-prescribed food, however, and requires a prescription from a veterinarian to order. Several reviewers had positive results with this formula for their sensitive pups, but others had puppies that wouldn’t eat it or had digestive upset.
Special digestive formula
High-quality nutrition
- Special digestive formula
- High-quality nutrition
Veterinary authorization required
Some dogs don’t like it
- Veterinary authorization required
- Some dogs don’t like it
- Honest Kitchen Chicken Recipe Puppy Blend Dog Food
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Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Dry, dehydrated
Special Diet: Grain-free, natural
The Honest Kitchen Food Clusters Chicken Recipe Puppy Blend Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food contains cage-free chicken that’s cold-pressed and dehydrated. All of the ingredients are human-grade and ensure that your pup gets optimal nutrition. The food is free from artificial flavors, GMOs, preservatives, meat meals, gums, or carrageenan.
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Though the food has complete and balanced nutrition, it can be used as an add-on to other food formulas. The kibble is small enough for small or toy breeds. The food may be combined with boosters like The Honest Kitchen goat’s milk or beef broth for added nutrition and flavor. Some reviewers noted quality-control issues with the bags or that their pup didn’t like the food. Others complained about how expensive the food is.
Grain-free
Human-grade ingredients
- Grain-free
- Human-grade ingredients
Expensive
Quality-control issues
Some dogs don’t like it
- Expensive
- Quality-control issues
- Some dogs don’t like it
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is formulated with novel proteins like salmon for puppies with poultry sensitivities. Peas and sweet potatoes are added for easy-to-digest energy sources, while real fruits and vegetables and dry chicory root offer antioxidants and prebiotic support. All minerals are chelated for optimal absorption
Lifestage: Puppy
Breed Size: Small, toy
Form: Dry
Special Diet: Grain-free, chicken-free
The food contains K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics for healthy digestion and optimal immune function. Made in the USA, the food is formulated with only quality ingredients from sustainable domestic and international sources. No grains, corn, wheat, or artificial flavors are added, ensuring your pup gets nutrient-dense food. Some reviewers said their pup didn’t like the food.
Real animal protein
Grain-free formula
Made in the USA
- Real animal protein
- Grain-free formula
- Made in the USA
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food is formulated specifically for small breeds and features superfoods and probiotics for healthy growth and development. Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient for high protein, while kale, pumpkin, blueberries, and oranges offer vitamins and minerals. The food also has omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
All food is made in the USA by a family-owned company and ingredients are sourced from trusted domestic and international sources. The small kibble size is ideal for even the smallest of puppies. Each serving contains K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics for better digestion. Several reviewers said their puppies wouldn’t touch the food, however.
Cage-free chicken as the first ingredient
Well-balanced nutrition
Made in the USA
- Cage-free chicken as the first ingredient
- Well-balanced nutrition
- Made in the USA
Some dogs aren’t drawn to the taste
- Some dogs aren’t drawn to the taste
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Puppy Foods for Small Breeds
Small breeds are different from medium or large breeds in many ways, including their nutritional needs. These dogs have higher metabolisms and require more calories per pound, which can be challenging to achieve with a small stomach. In addition, an extra pound or two could be detrimental to a small dog that weighs less than 10 pounds.
As puppies, these breeds also need extra nutrition to support their growth and development. This can make it more challenging to find the best food to support puppy nutrition and satisfy the high metabolism of a small or toy breed.
Here’s what to look for in small-breed dog food for puppies:
Nutrient-Dense Formula
Small dogs have high metabolisms and they’re prone to hypoglycemia. When this happens, they can suffer weakness, lethargy, muscle tremors, or seizures. Complete and balanced small-breed foods have the right amount of nutrients to support the energy and caloric needs of small breeds.
Small Kibble Size
Puppies may inhale their food without chewing, which can be a choking hazard. Small kibble reduces this risk and is easier for small puppies to chew properly. Another option is rehydrated food or wet food, which dogs need to take their time eating.
Empty Calories
Small dogs may need more calories per pound, but they are prone to obesity. Nutrient-dense formulas will have higher quality nutrition and fewer empty calories, which can contribute to obesity. Avoid formulas with a lot of fillers, by-products, or low-quality carbohydrate sources, and avoid overfeeding your pup. Long-term obesity in dogs is linked to devastating illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and joint injuries.
Conclusion
Toys and small breeds have unique nutritional needs, especially puppies. The top overall choice for a small-breed puppy food is Ollie Fresh Dog Food, which has well-rounded nutrition for developing puppies. For the best value, choose Pedigree’s Puppy Growth & Protection Dry Dog Food, a wholesome dog food free from empty calories and fillers.
Featured Image Credit: Gladskikh Tatiana, Shutterstock
