Choosing the right food for your small breed dog

When it comes to dog food, one size may not fit all. Dogs may have different nutritional needs based on their breed size and stage of life. Today we’ll be talking about how to choose the right food for your small breed dog!

Small Breed Requirements

With the health of your cherished companion on the line, there are several factors to consider, ranging from kibble shape and size to calorie count to nutrient levels. Small Dogs often have a higher metabolism and a smaller stomach than larger dogs. They need nutrient dense food with balanced levels of protein and fat, which will help them maintain a healthy weight.

That’s why it’s important to look for small breed specific food, formulated by qualified nutritionists.

Invest in a good quality food

When it comes to your dog’s overall health and wellness, start by investing in a high-quality diet that will ensure your pet gets the balanced nutrition they need to thrive. For example, the nutritionists at Petcurean created NOW FRESH recipes with a balance of supporting a healthy lifestyle for small breed dogs, with tasty fresh meats and fish and nutrient-rich superfoods.

Balanced protein and fat for growth and development and help maintain a healthy weight
Coconut oil and omega 3 and 6s from natural ingredients to support skin and coat health
Picky eaters will love the taste of the 100% fresh de-boned meats and fish

On top of this, you’ll also want to take into consideration the overall quality and safety of the food you end up choosing. We recommend selecting a brand that meets or exceeds the highest ingredient sourcing, food production and sanitation standards set by government bodies around the world, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Union, or the British Retail Consortium, so you can feel confident about the quality of food you’re feeding your dog.

Specific Ingredients in Small Breed Recipes help also fight bad breath – Peppermint + Parsley

Small breed dogs can also suffer from poor oral health due to the increased buildup of plaque in their mouths. Some adult and senior recipes are formulated with ingredients that help support oral health and fresh breath

Sodium tripolyphosphate, which binds calcium, making it unavailable for tartar formation
Parsley and peppermint, which are natural ingredients that support to fresh breath.

When feeding a senior dog, look for recipes that contain superfoods that can help with age-related needs, such as New Zealand green-lipped mussels, which are a natural source of chondroitin that can support healthy joints.

Kibble Size

Did you know many small breeds can struggle with the size and shape of their kibble? To satisfy tinier mouths at dinner time, you’ll want to select a kibble shape that is made specifically for them. Plus, the small clover-shaped kibble contributes to high palatability, easy chewing, and effective digestion.

Wet Food recipes are great for sensitive teeth and additional hydration plus,

Free from genetically engineered ingredients and artificial preservatives
With delicious bone broth for a source of collagen and meaty flavor
Packaged in reclosable and sustainable Tetra Pak® cartons

Exercise

Is your dog a healthy weight? Beyond selecting any recipe, you also need to pay close attention to how much exercise your dog gets compared to how much they eat. Obesity is becoming an increasingly common problem in North American pets, and it can lead to many health issues including diabetes and heart disease.

If they are a highly active adult, they will tend to eat more and may benefit from higher levels of protein.
Helping your pet maintain an optimal weight is one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent.

Pay attention to how your dog reacts to the food

Whichever food you end up choosing, it’s important to always be vigilant of how your dog responds to new food and their overall health whenever you transition or switch up their diet. A well-fed dog is a happy dog, and there’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to feeding your pet.

Also keep in mind that your dog’s nutritional requirements will change as your pet ages, and oftentimes, it comes down to trial and error to find what works for each stage of life. Each food serves a purpose and selecting a formula that best suits each stage is extremely important as their nutritional needs will vary depending on the age and stage. Puppy kibble, for example, are designed to provide balanced nutrition for optimal growth and healthy brain and bone development. Meanwhile, adult food will help your growing dog maintain a healthy weight while also supporting other important things like heart health and fat burning. Senior dogs (around seven years of age) require a different formulation that provides the nourishment they require to support overall health, good digestion, as well as hip and joint health as their muzzles start to gray.

Regardless of what you choose, our dogs rely on us to do what is right for them. By doing your research to make good decisions, you have the power to help your cherished companion live a happy and healthy life, no matter what their size, breed, or age. For more advice on feeding your pocket-sized pups, visit our website at nowfresh.com/recipes-for-small-breed-dogs.

Submitted by the NOW FRESH Nutrition Team

About NOW FRESH
Since 2007, NOW FRESH has provided pet parents the ultimate peace of mind knowing they’re feeding their cherished companions perfectly balanced recipes tailored to their specific size and age, to help them live long, healthy, and happy lives. NOW FRESH is part of the Petcurean family of premium-quality pet food products. For more information, visit www.nowfresh.com.