The mood, health and life expectancy of your pet directly depend on a properly selected diet. Many manufacturers offer food for small breed dogs, giving owners a choice. The criteria can be very different, ranging from pricing policy to reviews of veterinarians and experienced breeders. After all, brand fame or exorbitant cost are not always a guarantee of quality. The best indicator will be the animal's healthy appetite in combination with the condition of the coat, teeth and physical activity.
Feed classes
Food for mini dogs has its own characteristics. In the market for ready-made dry or canned food, there is a division into classes. It is based on the difference in composition, raw materials and final cost of the product.
A novice dog breeder, as a rule, focuses on widely advertised brands. Most of them are manufacturers of the most inexpensive segment. Cheap feeds are made from low-quality raw materials and require additional vitamins and minerals. As a result, the total cost of the dog’s diet will be slightly higher than what the manufacturer promises.
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
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A more competent approach to pet nutrition involves the use of premium or holistic food. They guarantee a balanced composition and minimal risk of allergic reactions in the animal. But there are exceptions for expensive dog products.
At what age should dry food be introduced?
The puppy begins to be given a ready-made diet at two months of age. It is during this period that it is recommended to switch from breast milk to solid food. First, dry food is soaked by adding a little warm water. A small amount of dry granules is administered at each feeding. After changing teeth, soaking is stopped and the puppy is given only solid food.
How to properly soak dry granules:
- Take warm water (up to 500C), but not hot, so as not to destroy the vitamins.
- The food in the bowl should be completely covered.
- Water is poured in half an hour or 40 minutes. before feeding. During this time, the granules completely swell and become soft.
- If morning food is soaked in the evening, it is stored in the refrigerator.
If you need to achieve a puree soup consistency so that there are no hard lumps, then blend the soaked food with a blender.
The bowl must be washed after each feeding, even if it has been licked. Soaked granules are excellent food for bacteria.
Rating of food for small breeds
Nutrition for small purebred dogs must take into account the physiology and metabolic characteristics. They tend to quickly gain excess weight, become easily irritable, and have dental problems. These unpleasant moments can be smoothed out with the help of a well-chosen diet. These food ratings are based on the personal experience of breeders and veterinarians.
Holistics
This segment is considered the best among small dog foods. Manufacturers of food for animals of this class select the optimal ratio of ingredients. The composition includes all the necessary vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Also, the owner does not have to worry about the presence of harmful preservatives, flavor enhancers and aromatic additives. Purchasing holistic food guarantees safety.
This is interesting: Daily food intake for small breed puppies
The top 10 food for small breeds in 2022 includes the following manufacturers:
| Name | Description | Manufacturer country | Minimum cost in rub./kg |
| Wolfsblut | The food composition consists of 50% high-quality lamb, duck, veal and venison. The rest includes vegetables and vitamin and mineral supplements. The food is considered hypoallergenic and does not contain corn, starch or gluten. | England | 466 |
| Go Natural | Variations of this food include turkey, veal, lamb and duck. In addition, the food is rich in vegetables, berries and fruits, it has a well-chosen ratio of vitamins and minerals, which allows you to take into account all the dog’s needs | Canada | 600 |
| Now Natural | The composition of the feed is characterized by a large amount of high-quality meat and the absence of by-products and food waste. Along with protein sources, the brand uses healthy grains and vegetables adapted for small dogs. This approach guarantees a complete and safe diet. | Canada | 387 |
| GranDorf | A strong argument in favor of this food is the content of meat components is not lower than 60%. It is supplemented with processed vegetables and whole grains, and some products contain destarched potatoes. The energy value fully meets the requirements of a small dog, without the risk of excess weight | Belgium | 425 |
| Savarra | The ingredients of this food are only the best varieties of meat and sea fish. The brand offers various mixtures of cereals and vegetables as side dishes. The food does not contain allergens or preservatives, which makes it safe for dogs | England | 430 |
| Acana | The manufacturer offers only the best varieties of meat, such as lamb, veal and turkey. Their percentage is at least 40%. The rest is taken up by a side dish of cereals or vegetables. The product contains all the necessary microelements and fiber | Canada | 605 |
| Now Fresh | Suitable for even the most demanding pets. The line includes a large assortment of grain-free products, high in protein and fiber. The composition is selected taking into account all the needs of small dogs | Canada | 440 |
| Orijen | The food compares favorably with a wide range of vegetables and fruits, a variety of meat components (up to 80%). Does not contain flavoring or aromatic additives. An extensive range allows you to choose an individual product | Canada | 870 |
| Pronature Holistic | The products of this brand have a rich composition. In addition to meat and offal, it includes fish and egg ingredients, vegetables, fruits, and berries. The brand produces varieties that do not contain grains and cereals, which are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies. | Canada | 700 |
| ANF Holistic | As befits holisticists, the food is completely natural, but there is less meat in it. Moreover, the composition contains both muscle fibers and by-products: liver or heart. Otherwise, the diet is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids | USA | 850 |
Expert opinion
Anna Abramenko
An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.
Ask a Question
Holistic treatments for puppies deserve special attention. They are most suitable for a growing organism. High-quality food, used from an early age, is the key to a dog’s health and longevity.
The best super premium
This kind of food is considered professional. It contains at least 40% meat and does not contain harmful or allergenic ingredients. Super premium classes provide the dog with an ideal balance of proteins, amino acids and vitamin-mineral complex. Among them, it is possible to select food not only for the breed, but also based on the current state of health of the animal.
| Name | Description | Manufacturer country | Minimum cost in rub./kg |
| Husse Senior Mini | Husse food has long won the trust of pet owners around the world. Selected raw materials, carefully developed diets, kibble sizes created for specific breed groups and customer focus make this brand very attractive. Despite the high content of plant ingredients in some diets, these foods are perfect for regular use. | Sweden | 575 |
| Arden Grange | The main advantage of this food is its high meat content, at least 30%. It also contains proteins, prebiotics and a vitamin-mineral complex. Product safety is achieved using natural preservatives | England | 300 |
| Eukanuba | Dog food under this name is produced by the Procter&Gamble brand. For the Russian market, goods are manufactured directly on its territory. This fact often leads to questions about the difference in quality with American counterparts. Otherwise, the food shows its best side: it contains about 30% meat and there are no chemical or harmful ingredients | Russia, USA, Netherlands | 400 |
| 1st Choice | It has a relatively budget price for this category. Protein of animal origin in the feed is up to 30%. The product line is extensive, allowing you to prepare a healthy menu for your pet. Does not contain flavor and aroma enhancers, chemical preservatives | Canada | 320 |
| Brit Care | The food is manufactured according to European quality standards and contains at least 30% protein. Also among the ingredients there are many sources of vitamins and minerals, fiber, and amino acids. Natural preservatives | Czech | 600 |
| Monge | The products of this brand use inexpensive varieties of poultry and sea fish in combination with cereals. There are quite a lot of protein ingredients, up to 40%. In addition, the label contains information about vegetables and fruits | Italy | 450 |
| Dukes Farm | A relatively new brand for Russian consumers, it is close to holistic people. The percentage of meat ingredients in the food reaches 50 | England | 380 |
| Bosch | A worthy representative of the super premium class, the percentage of meat is from 20 to 30, the rest of the composition includes inexpensive cereals and vegetables. The brand guarantees an optimal balance of proteins, proteins, fats and amino acids | Germany | 650 |
| Belcando | This food is an example of a competent combination of protein sources with proteins and a vitamin-mineral complex. It is made exclusively from high-quality meat without the addition of flavor enhancers. | Germany | 370 |
This you need to know: TOP 10 rating of super-premium food
Premium feed
The source of protein in this category is poultry meat or offal. This fact significantly reduces the price of the product, but also affects the quality. Most brands for small breeds contain vitamins and minerals. The use of chemical preservatives and flavor enhancers is possible.
| Name | Description | Manufacturer country | Minimum cost in rub./kg |
| Brit Premium | Overall it has a good composition considering its price. The information on the label promises 42% meat, but does not indicate what kind. This figure may include both muscle fibers and by-products. The amount of vegetables and fruits is not enough for the full development of the dog; it is necessary to take a complex of vitamins | Czech | 190 |
| Hills | The brand uses the same trick as the previous one. The composition contains a high (up to 55%) percentage of meat, without specification. The food contains corn and wheat, which can cause allergies in the animal. Otherwise, the brand has a wide range of microelements, vitamins and minerals | USA | 290 |
| Pro Balance | For its category, the food has a good composition, meat at least 28%, a large number of vegetables and fruits, healthy cereals. Such ingredients guarantee the health and energy supply of small breeds. But the overall picture is spoiled by the presence of dubious preservatives and flavoring additives | Denmark | 160 |
| Pro Plan | The food contains less than 25% meat and a large amount of corn and starch. This makes him quite allergic. It also contains gluten | USA, Russia, France | 360 |
| Royal Canin | The most famous product on the Russian market. In the list of ingredients, meat is indicated after cereals, which indicates its smaller quantity. The total protein sources range from 20%. You can find vegetables and fruits in the composition, but to a minimum. There are flavor enhancers | Russia, France | 250 |
| Chicopee | The composition of this dog food promises at least 30% protein, but half of the specified amount is of plant origin. The sources of vitamins and minerals are artificial additives; there are practically no vegetables and fruits in the composition. Among the advantages is the absence of chemical flavor and aroma enhancers | Canada | 320 |
Economy feed
Representatives of this segment do not leave television screens. People who have not owned dogs know the names of the cheapest food brands. And this is not just so, because the composition of such food is poor. The low content of meat, vitamins and minerals is compensated by flavoring and aromatic additives. This type cannot be called complete and sufficient for healthy growth and restoration of energy reserves. This is not the best choice for a dog's regular diet.
| Name | Description | Minimum cost in rub./kg |
| Pedigree | The products of this brand have a poor composition; they contain significantly less meat than grain crops. The ingredients include vitamins and microelements of chemical origin | 117 |
| Darling | The basis of this product is cereals; out of 20% protein sources, only 4% is full-fledged meat. It includes a vitamin and mineral complex. The manufacturer uses flavoring additives and chemical preservatives | 82 |
| Chappi | The food ingredients contain only 15% protein, meat is not indicated. This indicates that the product is almost entirely of plant origin. This product should not be used continuously | 86 |
| Production – Russia | The brand lists poultry and fish meal as ingredients, without the necessary clarification. This indicates the use of by-products and food waste. But even these components are significantly less than wheat and corn | 89 |
It has been proven that regular consumption of food containing flavor and aroma enhancers by dogs is addictive. In the future, the animal is extremely reluctant to switch to better quality food or natural food.
Holistics
For adults
Grandorf Lamb with rice Mini
pros
- inexpensive price
- does not cause obesity
- does not cause loose stools
Minuses
- not suitable for all dogs
- may cause dandruff
- difficult to buy in a regular store
From 500 ₽
If your pet has a tendency to allergies or digestive sensitivity, then this food for mini-breed dogs will be just right. Healthy fats, balanced proteins, amino acids and vitamins provide energy value. Lamb, turkey meat, as well as other natural hypoallergenic ingredients are prepared in a delicate way, preserving all the beneficial properties. According to the owners of four-legged animals, Grandorf Lamb with Rice Mini is the key to excellent physical condition and a long healthy life for the pet.
TRAINER Fitness3 No Gluten Adult Mini Lamb and Rice dry
pros
- small granules, easy to eat
- compound
Minuses
- not identified
From 1300 ₽
Balanced food for dogs with allergies, especially good for toy breeds.
For puppies
NOW FRESH for healthy skin and coat, turkey, duck, salmon 2.72 kg (for small breeds)
pros
- compound
- convenient packaging
- granule size
Minuses
- Not all dogs like it
- does not match the picture
From 1709 ₽
NOW FRESH is the only one in the top holistic nutrition for small breed dogs that contains only 100% fresh meat without grain products. Dogs eat small round granules with additives in the form of fatty acids DHA and EPA easily and with appetite. In addition to high-quality protein, the composition contains coconut oil, which promotes proper digestion. Optimal growth and development of the pet is ensured. The product is free of foreign additives and hormones.
Reviews from veterinarians
Svetlana Ivanova: “I recommend 1st Choice food to my clients because of the excellent combination of high quality and reasonable price. This manufacturer took a responsible approach to the selection of ingredients and took into account all the dog’s needs, including a complex of microelements.”
Semenov Pavel: “In practice, I regularly encounter illiterate selection of diet for a pet. I always try to recommend the use of holistic or super premium feeds. Only they contain the required amount of meat and sources of vitamins.”
Voskresenskaya Ekaterina: “Most dogs eat Acana brand food with pleasure. And in this matter, I think you should trust them, because the composition of these products contains only natural ingredients, including a large percentage of meat.”
Shishkin Vladimir: “I would like to draw your attention to Dukes Farm dog food. This English brand is successfully used in its homeland, and has recently appeared in Russia. The product is a good example of compliance with European quality standards."
Having decided to get an animal, the owner must understand the full extent of responsibility for the small creature. Proper feeding, regular walking and instilling basic parenting skills are the direct responsibilities of the dog owner. Saving on animal nutrition is inhumane and leads to serious problems with the pet’s health.
Nutritional guidelines for small dogs
When calculating the amount of daily prepared ration, take into account:
- Class. For example, the calorie content of super premium food is higher than that of the economy diet.
- Breed.
- Lifestyle – active or home.
- Age.
- Dimensions and exact weight.
Typically, the daily intake is indicated on the packaging of the finished diet.
Puppies require a lot of energy to develop. Until they reach seven months of age, they are given 1.5 times more food than adults of the same size and weight. The daily dose is divided into 4-6 doses.
The daily diet for small breed dogs, depending on weight, is 150-300 g. For pregnant dogs, the daily norm is increased by 25%.
Elderly dogs and pets that lead a sedentary lifestyle or are prone to obesity are given 3/4 of the norm per day.
| Description | Daily value, g | Number of meals per day |
| Adult dog | 150-300 | 2 |
| Puppy up to 7 months. | 230-450 | 4-6 |
| Elderly | 110-230 | 2 |
| Sedentary | ||
| Pregnant | 190-380 |
How to choose quality food for your Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are pets that need to be fed only with special food. Ordinary “human” food is absolutely not suitable for them. In this case, you should pay attention to the following points:
- the fat indicator must be at least 6%;
- The optimal amount of protein for a Chihuahua is 20%.
Veterinarians claim that these foods are the most nutritious and beneficial for pets of this breed.
Unlike large breeds, Chihuahuas require a nutritious diet with high energy value.
Chihuahua puppies need to be fed up to 4 times a day. But when the dog gets older, the frequency of meals is halved. The first feeding should be carried out at 7-9 am, the last - at 19-21 pm. But you should never give your puppy food just before going to bed.
Having chosen the optimal food option for your pet, you should try not to change it again. This applies not only to Chihuahuas, but also to all other dog breeds.
The best medicated foods for puppies
For various diseases, puppies need a special diet, which is prescribed by veterinarians. Most often, babies suffer from dermatological problems or suffer from digestive problems due to an incorrectly selected diet by a dog breeder.
Royal Canin Skin Support – diet for dermatoses and atopy
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
Skin Support is a special diet with a high content of essential fatty acids for puppies and adult dogs suffering from dermatological problems. It is intended to activate the protective functions of the skin in case of dermatoses, atopy or hair loss.
Carbohydrates in the composition are represented by rice, proteins - by dehydrated poultry meat. Plant fiber and beet pulp improve digestion and remove toxins that cause skin rashes. Animal and fish oils, aloe vera, soybean and borage oils nourish and relieve dry skin.
Royal Canin SKIN SUPPORT should only be prescribed by a veterinarian and is not a substitute for comprehensive medical treatment. The duration of the diet is also determined by the doctor.
Pros:
- nourishes and moisturizes the skin;
- reduces hair loss;
- improves digestion;
- can be bought or ordered at most veterinary pharmacies;
- Suitable for puppies and adult dogs of all breeds.
Minuses:
- the granules are colored and can ruin things.
Royal Canin Skin Support contains turmeric, which leaves a yellow residue on clothing and skin, so be careful when pouring the food and use a handy measuring cup.
The best wet foods for puppies
Canned food is designed to bring the puppies' diet as close as possible to the natural diet of predators. High-quality wet food is made from dietary meat, contains vitamin and mineral supplements and competes with home-cooked meat products.
Happy Dog NaturLine – delicious pate
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
German-made Happy Dog NaturLine pate is suitable for puppies of all breeds from the 20th week of life. The manufacturer offers several flavors to choose from: lamb with rice, turkey, chicken and duck, veal with rice, rabbit. In cereal recipes, 4% rice is added.
Canned food is produced using proprietary technology without preservatives, soy, artificial colors or GMOs. The composition is beyond doubt: it contains meat, offal, minerals (copper, manganese and zinc) and 0.1% inulin.
The digestibility of such feed exceeds 90%, and all ingredients used are supplied by farms.
Pros:
- high-quality meat composition;
- mineral supplements;
- variety of tastes;
- Suitable for puppies of all breeds.
Minuses:
- not sold everywhere;
- Available only in small packs of 85 g.
Happy Dog NaturLine is a good pate for puppies. However, many owners find the 85 g release form inconvenient.
“Native feed” - inexpensive canned meat
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Native food – super-premium canned food produced in Russia. For puppies, the company offers wet food with beef, rabbit or turkey. The diet is recommended for babies over 2 months.
The owners note that the cubs happily pounce on the food bowl and eat everything without a trace. Canned food is produced in 340 g cans.
20% of the formula comes from meat, another 20% is heart. Tripe and liver are contained in an amount of 15% (each), the rest is water and vegetable oil. This composition ensures the correct formation of the skeleton, shiny coat and the health of the growing pet’s body.
Pros:
- can be fed from 8 weeks of age;
- suitable for all breeds;
- convenient release form;
- Puppies like the taste and smell;
- affordable price (115 rubles per jar);
- 3 flavors to choose from.
Minuses:
- not sold everywhere.
Native food is canned food with a rich meat composition. They are suitable for regular feeding of puppies, but sometimes it can be difficult to find them on sale.
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Vita PRO Lunch “Meat recipes” – with increased calcium content
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
Vita PRO Lunch is a wet food for puppies of small, medium and large breeds. It is based on 67% lamb, 29% broth, 3% brown rice, mineral supplements and safflower oil as a source of fatty acids. The increased calcium content ensures the harmonious growth of the animal’s body.
This composition allows you to use canned food as a complete daily diet. It is recommended for healthy puppies from 3 to 12 months, as well as for those with digestive disorders. The food is available in 200 g cans with a tongue for easy opening.
Pros:
- convenient packaging;
- high protein composition;
- does not contain preservatives, dyes, or flavor enhancers;
- suitable for puppies with sensitive digestion;
- designed for all breeds;
- Available in most stores.
Minuses:
- the price is above average (from 100 rubles per jar).
When regularly feeding puppies Vita PRO Lunch, breeders recommend buying canned food in packs of 6 pieces. So their cost comes out lower.
