Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Gold and white senior chihuahua dog eating food from stainless steel raised bowl

Our dogs are a part of our family, and they deserve the best care possible. We also want to give them the best, and that starts with a healthy diet. Choosing the best food for your dog can become overwhelming in today’s market, and several brands claim that their food is the best for your dog. However, there is a lot to consider before choosing a suitable dog food, and not every food will work the same for each dog.

We are here to help! In this article, we’ve gathered top picks with reviews for the 10 best dog foods for small dogs. If you jump down to the bottom, we also have a buyer’s guide to help you finalize your decision.

hepper-dog-paw-divider 5

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmers Dog The Farmers Dog
  • Formulated with vet nutritionists.
  • Freshly prepared
  • Created to suit your dog’s caloric needs
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetabl Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetabl
  • Well-balanced and nutritious
  • Made in the USA
  • Delicious chicken flavor
  • Third place
    Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Adult Beef Recipe, Filet Mignon, Grilled C Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Adult Beef Recipe, Filet Mignon, Grilled C
  • Variety pack of four tasty flavors
  • Made using US chicken and beef
  • Great as a meal topper
  • Best for Puppies
    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
  • Tiny kibble for tiny mouths
  • Supports bones and muscles
  • Improves immune system
  • Royal Canine Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dry Dog Food Royal Canine Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dry Dog Food
  • Vet approved
  • Maintains healthy weight
  • Supports skin and coat
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Small Dogs

    1. The Farmers Dog– Best Overall

    the farmers dog beef recipe

    Main ingredients: Beef, turkey, chicken, bull, vegetables
    Protein content: Specific to your plan
    Fat content: Specific to your plan
    Calories: Specific to your plan

    The Farmer’s Dog is a unique way to feed your dog and provides many benefits and perks that make it our best overall choice. It is a subscription service that prepares freshly cooked meals catered to your dog’s specific needs. They work closely with vet nutritionists to determine your dog’s caloric needs according to its breed, age, and activity level and will adjust it accordingly. Their meals are available in chicken, beef, turkey, and pork and are gently cooked at low temperatures and frozen for safe shipping and storage.

    Their formulas include only high-quality ingredients with no preservatives or fillers and are prepared with the highest quality and safety standards. The result is human-grade food that is balanced and complete for your dog. The biggest drawback we found with the Farmers Dog is that you need to ensure your order is made in advance. It is expensive, but it is worth every dollar.

    Pros
    • Formulated with vet nutritionists.
    • Freshly prepared
    • Created to suit your dog’s caloric needs
    • High-quality, fresh ingredients
    • No preservatives or fillers
    Cons
    • Have to order in advance
    • Costly

    2. Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor Small Breed Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, animal fat meat, and bone meal
    Protein content: 21%
    Fat content: 11%
    Calories: 332 kcal per cup

    We understand that sometimes your budget is a significant factor when choosing a suitable dog food, and that is why we chose Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food as our best dog food for small dogs for the money. Your dog’s coat will be looked after by the high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, and its digestive system will be supported by whole grains and fiber. Your petite pup will enjoy the delicious chicken flavor while the small pieces of kibble keep plaque at bay. Pedigree’s formula is made in the USA for small dogs and their nutritional needs. While Pedigree is formulated for small dogs, some dog owners reported that some of the kibble sizes were too large.

    Pros
    • Well-balanced and nutritious
    • Made in the USA
    • Delicious chicken flavor
    • Rich in Omega-6
    Cons
    • Some kibble pieces may be too large

    3. Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Adult Beef Recipe, Filet Mignon, Grilled Chicken, & Porterhouse Steak Flavors Variety Pack Wet Dog Food Trays

    Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Adult Beef Recipe, Filet Mignon, Grilled Chicken, & Porterhouse Steak Flavors Variety Pack Wet Dog Food Trays

    Main ingredients: Beef/chicken, pork by-products, chicken liver, chicken broth, water, beef lung, chicken heart
    Protein content: 8.5%–9%
    Fat content: 4%
    Calories: 91–105 kcal per tray

    Cesar’s Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Wet Dog Food Trays are a perfect wet food for small dogs. It can be used as a tasty and nutritious meal topper or a gourmet meal. Either way, each flavor combination is made with US chicken or beef, is grain-free, and is complete with vitamins and minerals to keep your pup happy and healthy. This variety pack is great for picky eaters and has a mixture of great flavors such as beef, fillet mignon, porterhouse steak, and chicken.

    While grain-free formulas can be a great alternative for dogs with allergies, it is important to talk to your vet before switching to a grain-free diet since grains can be beneficial. It is also important to note that all these formulas include chicken liver and chicken by-products, so even if the main ingredient is beef, it is still unsuitable for dogs with chicken allergies.

    Pros
    • Variety pack of four tasty flavors
    • Made using US chicken and beef
    • Great as a meal topper
    • High in vitamins and minerals
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies

    4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley, fish meal, peas, chicken fat
    Protein content: 27%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 400 kcal per cup

    Get the best start for your pup with Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Dry Dog Food. This kibble is formulated to fit your pup’s tiny mouth while preventing plaque buildup. It is also packed with essential vitamins and quality proteins such as phosphorus and calcium to support and maintain healthy growing bones and muscles.

    Your tiny pup’s developing brain will be nourished by DHA and ARA, and its immune system will receive the kickstart it needs through high quantities of amino acids and vitamins. Their formula includes real meat, whole grains, veggies, and enhancements for the perfect blend of nutrients while avoiding soy, wheat, and by-product meals. Every dog is unique in how it will respond to certain foods, but a few owners reported their dogs experiencing tummy issues such as gas and slight diarrhea.

    Pros
    • Tiny kibble for tiny mouths
    • Supports bones and muscles
    • Improves immune system
    • Includes real meat, whole grains, and veggies
    Cons
    • May cause gas and tummy issues

    5. Royal Canine Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dry Dog Food

    Royal Canine Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice, corn gluten meal, chicken fat
    Protein content: 25%
    Fat content: 14%
    Calories: 359 kcal per cup

    Royal Canine’s Size Health Nutrition Small Dry Dog Food is vet-approved dog food for small dogs. There is no better person to trust than a veterinarian, so it’s hard to go wrong with this formula. It is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of small dogs between 10 months and 8 years old, and it is made to meet their high-energy needs while maintaining a healthy weight by adding L-carnitine to metabolize fat.

    High levels of DHA and EPA support your dog’s skin and coat, keeping it healthy and shiny. The kibble is made especially for your small pup, and its enhanced palatability makes it ideal for picky eaters. This vet-approved formula will meet your small dog’s needs, but some dogs dislike the flavor.

    Pros
    • Vet approved
    • Maintains healthy weight
    • Supports skin and coat
    Cons
    • Some dogs don’t enjoy the taste

    6. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, cracked pearled barley, whole grain wheat, whole grain corn
    Protein content: 20%
    Fat content: 11.5%
    Calories: 363 kcal per 8oz cup

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites Dry Dog Food provides balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of chicken. Their formula is made with nutrients to nourish your dog’s skin and coat, such as vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. Hill’s even claims you will notice a difference in their coat within 10 days!

    The Small Bites Formula supports your puppy’s immune system with its clinically proven blend of antioxidants and vitamin C. This tasty recipe provides digestive support and muscle maintenance and is made with high-quality ingredients while leaving out preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. This Hills formula is highly nutritious and well-balanced, but with high standards come higher prices. The only drawback is the high price.

    Pros
    • Healthier coat with 10 days
    • A clinically proven blend of antioxidants
    • Highly nutritious
    • No preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors
    Cons
    • Expensive

    7. Purina Beneful Healthy Weight with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Dog Food

    Purina Beneful Healthy Weight with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, barley, whole grain wheat
    Protein content: 25%
    Fat content: 8%
    Calories: 341 kcal per cup

    Purina Beneful Healthy Weight with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Food includes farm-raised chicken as its first ingredient. It is a high-quality protein source that comes from the US to support your dog’s bones and muscles. It is formulated to maintain a healthy weight and provides complete and balanced nutrition by offering 23 essential vitamins and minerals in its recipe. Furthermore, unnecessary ingredients like artificial color, flavors, and preservatives are not included but are sourced from natural sources. Your dog will love the premium chicken flavor with accents of carrots, green beans, and apples.

    Some owners who tried this brand reported that their dogs experienced some digestion issues. When adding new food to your dog’s diet, you should always consult your vet and add the new food gradually.

    Pros
    • US farm-raised chicken
    • 100% complete and balanced
    • Maintains healthy weight
    • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
    Cons
    • May cause digestive issues

    8. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

    Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, turkey meal, oatmeal, chicken fat, quinoa, salmon meal
    Protein content: 27%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 404 kcal per cup

    Your dog will smack its lips for Merrick’s Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food. Its formula includes tasty, deboned chicken as its first ingredient and healthy grains like quinoa to support digestion. It also features high levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to support your pup’s joints, skin, and coat. This tasty, high-quality recipe is formulated and cooked in the USA.

    There are certain ingredients that some dogs don’t react well to, so it’s important to know what your dog can and can’t tolerate. Some dog owners reported that their dogs started excessively liking their paws after switching to this food.

    Pros
    • Real, deboned chicken
    • Contains quinoa
    • High levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega fatty acids
    Cons
    • Some ingredients may not be suitable for some dogs

    9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Sweet Potato & Salmon Wet Dog Food

    Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Sweet Potato & Salmon Wet Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Fish broth, sweet potatoes, potatoes, redfish, salmon, whitefish, canola oil
    Protein content: 5%
    Fat content: 4%
    Calories: 370 kcal per can

    Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Wet Dog Food is a delicious, protein-rich wet food that your small, fish-loving dog will love. Whether your dog is still a pup or has reached adolescence, this food is suitable and nutritious. It is highly digestible, and its formula includes added vitamins and minerals for an immune system kick. It is a grain-free recipe that can be great for dogs with allergies; however, you should always talk to your vet about including beneficial grains in your dog’s diet.

    Natural Balance has a soupy consistency, which some dogs may not enjoy. It may be better as an addition to dry dog food for better palatability.

    Pros
    • Suitable for puppies to adults
    • Made with tasty salmon
    • Grain-free
    • Highly digestible
    Cons
    • Soupy consistency

    10. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, beef fat, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, whole grain corn
    Protein content: 29%
    Fat content: 17%
    Calories: 373 kcal per cup

    Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a kibble made for small dogs that is nutrient-dense with each bite. Chicken is the first ingredient, giving your dog the protein boost it needs daily. It supports your dog’s digestive health and immune system because it is fortified with live probiotics. Pro Plan helps maintain your dog’s weight with its optimal protein-to-fat ratio while vitamins and omegas support and enhance your dog’s coat and overall health.

    Your dog will love the texture of shredded and larger kibble pieces jam-packed with a delicious chicken flavor. This is a new formula and used to be known as SAVOR Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula. Several customers reported that they prefer the old formula compared to this one.

    Pros
    • Different textures of kibble
    • Chicken is the first ingredient
    • Includes probiotics
    Cons
    • Many customers prefer the old formula

    Divider-Dog Paw and Bone- New

    Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Food for Small Dogs

    When looking for suitable dog food for your small dog, there are some factors you should consider which can help narrow down your choices and reduce the stress that comes with choosing the ideal brand.

    Your Dog’s Breed

    First things first, you should do some research on your dog’s breed to determine if it has any special dietary requirements that you need to look out for. There may be certain ingredients that you are advised to avoid or those that should be at the top to support specific health issues your breed may be predisposed to. It is helpful to talk to your vet and breeder about your dog’s breed and which diet and food is best.

    Nutrients

    While some dogs may require more or less of one or two specific nutrients, all dogs need a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Again, this will depend on your dog’s breed but also its size, age, and lifestyle. The top six nutrients should typically be protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

    Dry vs Wet

    Feeding your dog wet and dry food is a good balance as they both have their benefits. Choosing to feed your dog one or the other is usually a matter of preference for you and your dog. One important thing to consider with dry food or kibble for a small dog is its size. While most brands make smaller kibble for smaller dogs, some still may be too big for your small dog.

    Kibble is beneficial for dental health, and chewing dry food can help remove plaque, reducing buildup. It also has a longer shelf-life than wet food once opened. However, wet food may be more palatable for some dogs and provides hydration which is better suited for dogs that don’t drink enough water.

    Read the Label

    The dog food label is a great way to determine if a brand is good or bad. However, labels can be misleading and sometimes hard to interpret. There is a lot to understand about food labels, but as a general rule, look for food approved by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) since they have strict requirements to ensure the recipes are balanced and complete.

    Cost and Source

    Another consideration for dog food is where you will purchase it from and how much it will cost. Naturally, you will look for cheaper dog food if you are on a tight budget, but cheaper foods sometimes contain lower-quality ingredients. That is not always the case, but it is something to consider. At the end of the day, quality dog food is part of your pet’s preventative care that will likely save you money in the long run.

    Most dog food brands are available online, in-store, and from your vet. Whichever brand you choose, ensure you can restock it quickly to avoid having to feed your dog something new.

    hepper-dog-paw-divider 3

    Conclusion

    We’ve discussed several excellent dog food brands, but our best overall choice is The Farmer’s Dog subscription food. Our favorite budget buy formula is Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dry Dog Food, while Cesar’s Loaf in Sauce Variety Pack Wet Dog Food Trays take our wet food pick. For your growing pup, we recommend Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula Puppy Dry Dog Food, and Royal Canine’s Size Health Nutrition Small Dry Dog Food is also highly recommended. All our reviews include top-quality dog food brands, so whichever you choose, be confident that your small dog is getting one of the best.

    See Also: 


    Featured Image Credit: Ryan Brix, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database