Dog food for small breeds
Your little dog enjoys life a bit differently than bigger canines. Purina experts have developed special dog food formulas that match the needs of our smaller companions to help them live a happy and healthy life. Whether your dog enjoys dry food at dinner time or finds the savoury wet food more appealing, you can choose the formula they like best with our wide range of dog food for small breeds. Keep your little adventurous pet active and ready to explore the big world with our delicious meals.
What is the best dog food for small dogs?
At Purina, we recommend choosing a complete and balanced Purina dog food that is formulated for small breeds. Small breeds tend to have higher metabolic rates and smaller stomachs, so they often benefit from food that is more calorie and nutrient dense to help them get what they need in smaller portions. Small breed formulas may also use smaller kibble, which can be easier for small jaws and teeth to chew.
Can a small dog eat large dog food?
While a small dog can technically eat large dog food, it’s not ideal. Large dog food kibble can be too big and hard for small dogs to chew and digest properly. Additionally, the nutritional needs of small dogs differ from those of larger breeds. We recommend feeding your small dog a formula specifically designed for their size, like our Purina Pro Plan Small Breed formula.
How many treats per day can you give a small dog?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your small dog’s daily caloric intake. The exact number of treats will depend on their size, weight, and activity level. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the treat packaging and consult your veterinarian for personalised advice.
What is considered a small dog breed?
A small breed dog is generally one that reaches an adult weight of up to 10kg at maturity. Within this group, toy dog breeds are even smaller and typically reach up to 5kg as adults. If you are unsure which size category your dog falls into, check your dog’s expected adult weight with your vet or consult our dog breeds library.
How much should I feed a small breed dog?
Start with the feeding guidelines on your Purina dog food pack, then adjust based on your dog’s body condition and weight over time. Because small dogs need nutrient-dense food but can also be prone to weight gain, measuring portions carefully and monitoring body condition helps keep them in ideal shape.
Should I give small breed puppies a special food?
Yes. Small and toy breed puppies typically benefit from diets formulated to be higher in energy and nutrient density, with easily digestible ingredients, and kibble designed for small mouths. Small and toy breed puppies generally reach maturity between 6 and 10 months, so feed a complete and balanced growth diet through that period.
