What to consider when choosing small breed dog food
When shopping for small breed dog food, it’s important to consider the following criteria according to our experts:
- AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement: Pet food labels should indicate that the food is “complete” and “balanced” to ensure proper nutrition. This means that the food contains all the necessary nutrients for your dog’s specific life stage in the correct proportions. You can find this information in the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement located on the packaging.
- Guaranteed analysis: Your adult small breed dog requires a minimum of 18% protein and 5.5% fat on a dry matter basis, while puppies require 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat. Checking the guaranteed analysis on the packaging can provide more detailed information about the nutrient amounts, including fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Ingredients list: If a dog food has an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for your pup’s life stage, it means that the combination of ingredients meets the nutritional needs for that life stage. Examining the ingredients list, which is arranged in order of weight, can give you a closer look at the specific ingredients and sources of essential nutrients and vitamins.
- Healthy extras: Small breed dogs are prone to weight gain and joint issues. Adding beneficial ingredients like omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and L-carnitine to the dog food can support joint health and weight management. Antioxidants from foods like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries may also improve immune health and cognitive function in senior dogs.
- Calorie content: Overfeeding a small dog can quickly lead to weight gain, so it’s important to discuss your dog’s daily calorie needs with your veterinarian.
- Breed-size formulation: Small breed dog foods typically have smaller kibble size and a moderate fat content to address the specific needs of small breed dogs. Consulting with your veterinarian can help determine your dog’s unique nutritional requirements.
- Feeding-trial tested versus formulated foods: Foods that have gone through feeding trials have been deemed safe and palatable by being fed to a group of animals. Formulated foods, on the other hand, have not undergone such testing.
- Expert formulations: The best dog foods for small breeds come from reputable manufacturers that follow WSAVA guidelines and employ professionals in animal nutrition.
- Next-level ingredients: Some dog foods use high-quality or premium ingredients, such as organic, sustainably caught, or cage-free proteins. While these ingredients may not provide additional nutritional benefits, their production often prioritizes animal welfare and sustainable practices.
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