Food for small breed dogs - rating of the best for 2022

The popularity of small dogs is increasing every year, and with it the number of specialized foods for decorative breeds. Today the assortment is huge: each company has diets for “minis” of different ages, levels of activity, for pets with special needs: allergies, sensitive digestive systems, sterilized, elderly, etc. Some manufacturers even produce lines for specific breeds.

It is difficult even for experienced breeders to get confused in this diversity. To make your choice easier, I've rounded up the 10 best dog foods for small breeds . In the description of each you will find a detailed analysis of the composition and its features, learn about the pros and cons. And you can choose the best ready-made diet for your miniature friend.

If you don’t have time to study the entire review in detail, go straight to the rating results.

Feed prices and information are current as of November 2022 and are constantly updated.

Related: The best food for large breed dogs.

Alleva Holistic Puppy Mini Chicken & Duck

The line of the French company Diusa Pet has an excellent “drying” for puppies of small breeds. Due to its high nutritional value, digestibility and hypoallergenicity, it is suitable for pregnant and lactating dogs.

Alleva Holistic Chicken and Duck Chowder is made from high quality ingredients grown in Northern Europe, Italy and France. Brand features:

• steam processing of raw materials, which preserves maximum nutrients;
• use of natural preservatives: tocopherol or vitamin E;
• inclusion of a complex of phytonutrients: medicinal herbs and flowers, natural supplements.

Alleva’s recipe is excellent:

The first three places on the list are occupied by protein sources: fresh and dried chicken and duck meat. Their total amount in granules is 75%. Considering that there are other similar components (liver, fish and chicken fat), the content of animal ingredients exceeds 80%.

Sweet potato (in our opinion - potato) and pea starch were used as a source of carbohydrates. They are not the best choice due to their high glycemic index. But the ingredients are often used in the manufacture of ready-made diets for dogs. Moreover, there are few of them in Alleva. Sources of fiber are herbs and pea fiber.

I often recommend Alleva Puppy Mini for puppies and juniors prone to problems with the musculoskeletal system: dachshunds, French bulldogs, etc. Due to the presence of cartilage and potassium, it can be used as a preventive measure for pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

The owners note that even capricious dogs eat the food with pleasure. The granules are small and suitable for dwarf breeds. Also on Alleva, food allergies go away, stool normalizes, and coat quality improves.

Pros:

• over 80% meat components;
• no cheap plant ingredients: corn, soy, wheat;
• powerful phytocomplex and vitamin-mineral supplement;
• versatility: suitable for pregnant, lactating and growing dogs.

Minuses:

• presence of potato and pea starch;
• Not all herbal ingredients have percentages listed.

Farmina Vet Life Neutered 1–10 kg

Farmina Vet Life Neutered is an Italian food for adult decorative neutered dogs. Prevents weight gain, helps lose weight and prevents the development of urolithiasis.

Other features of Farmina granules:

• control urine acidity thanks to calcium sulfate;
• the presence of taurine to strengthen the heart and blood vessels;
• L-carnitine helps maintain muscle mass;
• weight loss due to low fat and high fiber;
• the inclusion of isoflavones reduces the effect of sex hormones on metabolism;
• Low carbohydrate content helps prevent diabetes.

The first place in the composition is occupied by dry chicken meat. This means that it constitutes the main share. But the exact percentage is not specified. However, like other components.

Dry fish, chicken and fish oil, and eggs also serve as protein sources. And one more component called “animal protein hydrolysate.” It is well absorbed, but since it is impossible to determine from what raw materials the ingredient was obtained, it is controversial. Most likely added to enhance taste and smell.

The main sources of fiber and carbohydrates: beets, oats, peas, flax. These are good, quality ingredients. But the presence of corn gluten is upsetting. It often causes allergies. However, it can also be triggered by eggs, chicken meat and fat.

I recommend Farmina Vet Life Neutered for older dogs and for pets who have begun to gain weight after neutering. The owners are happy: the dogs eat the granules with pleasure, lose weight, their stool improves and the condition of their coat improves. However, for dwarf breeds the “crackers” are large and have to be broken or soaked.

Advantages:

• meat ingredients in the base;
• good nutritional supplements: brewer's yeast, potassium, calcium, plantain and calendula extracts, glucosamine, chondroitin, oligosaccharides;
• suitable for the prevention of urolithiasis, pathologies of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems, and in the treatment of obesity.

Flaws:

• the percentage volume of components is not indicated;
• eat corn;
• the controversial ingredient is protein hydrolysate;
• the presence of raw materials with a high glycemic index (beets, corn gluten, soy) casts doubt on the manufacturer’s statement that the diet reduces the risk of diabetes;
• packaging without zipper.

Acana Puppy Small Breed

Canadian food is considered one of the best. They are made from free-range animals, freshly caught fish, high-quality vegetables and fruits. The diets do not contain foods with a high glycemic index: cereals, potatoes, tapioca. And the company adheres to the “WholePrey” principle: not only meat is added to the granules, but also cartilage and entrails - what canines eat in nature.

One of the foods in the Akana line is for small breed puppies weighing up to 9 kg. The composition is as follows:

Acana Puppy Small Breed is based on chicken and turkey meat. Other animal products include eggs, fish, offal, chicken and herring fat. The volume of animal ingredients reaches 70%. The remaining 30% includes healthy legumes, fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Acana Puppy Small Breed contains no artificial additives. The animal receives nutrients from natural ingredients. Thus, glucosamine and chondroitin are found in chicken cartilage, prebiotics are found in chicory root, etc.

The composition, rich in meat products, the absence of foods with a high glycemic index, and an abundance of healthy natural additives make Acana Puppy Small Breed an excellent everyday diet. With constant use, it improves digestion, the condition of the skin, coat, claws and teeth, and stimulates growth.

However, some owners note that Acana Puppy Small Breed was too fatty and difficult for their pets to digest. Plus, in the last year there have been low-quality batches that lead to stomach and intestinal upset.

Pros:

• use naturally grown plant and meat products;
• large volume of meat: 70%;
• no plant foods with a high glycemic index;
• convenient zip lock and tight packaging;
• The company does not purchase raw materials, but produces it itself by steam-drying the ingredients.

Minuses:

• some dogs do not digest their diet well;
• in the last year there have been spoiled batches;
• If your dog develops an allergy, it will be difficult to determine its source, since the granules contain many varieties of poultry and fish, plus eggs are added.

The best super premium food for small dogs

Super premium food brands are considered one of the best. They contain up to 25-50% pure meat. In food for small breeds its concentration is usually slightly lower. By-products of unknown origin and synthetic additives are not included in such feeds. There are grain-free, hypoallergenic, medicinal products. You can feed your dog daily without worrying about its health. Since the choice in pet stores is quite large, we included the five best super premium foods in the rating.

Primordial Adult Dog Mini Holistic

Primordial food is relatively new on the Russian market. Every month, Italian diets are gaining more and more fans. All thanks to good palatability, excellent animal well-being and high-quality composition:

As you can see, the basis of Primordial Adult Dog Mini Holistic is trout and duck. Together with chicken fat, the volume of meat products reaches 70%. Also, a significant portion is allocated to potatoes, peas and beans: the manufacturer does not indicate the exact amount, but according to estimates, the share of each is +/- 10%. The remaining components are represented by useful natural additives: brewer's yeast, algae, herbal and fruit extracts.

Holistic food for small breed dogs Primordial is suitable for adult decorative dogs that do not require a special diet. I also recommend it for prevention:

• joint diseases due to the presence of glucosamine and chondroitin;
• digestive problems - contains herbs useful for the gastrointestinal tract: rosemary, rose hips, dandelion, flax seed;
• allergies in animals with egg intolerance.

I am glad that so far not a single owner has complained about low-quality or spoiled batches. The owners also indicate that the dogs eat willingly and, at the same time, eat less than the daily requirement. This indicates high nutritional value and the use of natural products.

Advantages:

• large volume of animal products: 70%;
• no grain crops;
• excellent complex of natural supplements;
• there are no eggs, which often cause allergies.

Flaws:

• due to the presence of chicken fat, it is not suitable for pets with allergies to chicken;
• the percentage volume of potatoes, legumes and beets is not specified;
• rarely sold in the regions.

Puppy food reviews

• Daria (Pug owner) : our dog is very sick and sensitive to any change in food, so the choice of food was very serious. We consulted with the breeder and the owners of the parents, but based on finances we settled on Pro Plan . From puppyhood to 3 years old, our girl ate these granules. Of course, the composition was not particularly pleasing, but she ate it with pleasure. In the third year, allergies, severe dermatitis, and weakened immunity began. The veterinarians said it was the food. We recommend the brand only to those dogs who definitely do not have allergic disorders and have a strong stomach.
• Anastasia: Dog Chow since puppyhood switched to drying to save money and time. We’ve been eating with gusto for a couple of years now, no problems so far, the portion is 120 g, so it’s economical. The only thing that confuses me is the low percentage of meat, the product is carbohydrate.
• Tatyana: we live in a rural area, we have large yard dogs, so we get by as best we can, buying dry food via the Internet literally by the truckload. The most economical option is Pedigree . I know that his reputation is not very good, and the composition is questionable, but for our people the food is tasty, they eat it with pleasure, there have been no problems so far (from puppyhood to 5 years).
• Maria Mikhailyuk (owner of a Spitz): we bought a baby, we knew that he was very ill, shedding, the coat was faded, which is simply a disaster for a Spitz. We knew that we would feed Grandorf, the cats grew up on this product. What I want to say is that within a month the dog came to life, its fur changed, it became strong and fluffy. A high-quality holistic product just for sickly babies.
• Dmitry (owner of a European shepherd): the puppy ate very poorly, only licked natural food, and was losing weight right before our eyes. We consulted with the breeder and suggested we try drying. Of course, there were doubts, but we chose Brit . It dies in a couple of minutes, we use it for 2 months without any complaints.

Choosing food for dogs is a responsible procedure. But if an adult pet can determine that something is wrong with the food, then kids are less picky. For them, feeding is the main basis for development; it is from food that the baby takes materials for the structure of the body. Low-quality raw materials produce weak tissues, which provokes diseases and pathologies.

3.7 / 5 ( 6 votes)

5. Grandorf Adult Mini 4 Meat & Brown Rice Hypoallergenic

The manufacturer positions Grandorf Adult Mini as hypoallergenic. The food does not contain products that often cause an acute reaction: chicken, wheat, corn, eggs, soy, dyes and flavors.

The basis is made up of 4 types of meat: turkey, lamb, duck and rabbit. In addition, turkey and salmon fats and krill have been added. Given such a variety of animal ingredients, it is impossible to say that Grandorf is hypoallergenic. The animal may be intolerant to a certain ingredient. Monorations work better in this case.

However, owners of animals with allergies claim that the signs of the disease disappear with Grandorf Adult Mini: itching, redness, brittleness and hair loss. Plus, digestion improves due to the presence of probiotics and the activity of pets increases.

Pros:

• types of meat that rarely cause allergies are used;
• Added brown rice for fiber;
• no allergenic components;
• a powerful complex of useful additives: antioxidants, yeast, probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, etc.;
• The granule size is ideal for decorative dogs.

Minuses:

• overcharge;
• the percentage of components is not indicated;
• not suitable as an exception diet.

Savarra Adult Dog Small Breed Duck & Rice

Savarra for adult small dogs is a mono-ration based on duck and rice. Good for an elimination diet, but be careful: Turkey fat, salmon and eggs are also included. According to reviews from owners, some dogs had allergies.

If your pet tolerates eggs well, Savarra is a good choice. Duck is hypoallergenic, high in calories, well digestible, contains a large amount of omega-3, vitamins A, K, E and group B.

The manufacturer states that the granules contain at least 71% animal ingredients. However, the percentage content is indicated for only three components, and their sum is 42%. Let's hope that other foods (eggs, crayfish, dried cartilage and mussels) reach the remaining 29%.

Savarra Adult Dog Small Breed does not contain low-quality plant materials: wheat, soy, corn. But the picture is spoiled by the abundance of other grains: rice, flax, millet, peas.

Advantages:

• Duck-based monoration;
• high calorie and nutritional value;
• no allergenic products, except eggs;
• large proportion of meat;
• enriched with mussels, crustaceans and algae: sources of glucosamine and minerals.

Flaws:

• the percentage of all components is not indicated;
• risk of egg allergy;
• abundance of grain crops;
• overpriced: for this price there are foods with better composition.

Barking Heads "Doggylicious" Adult Small Breed Duck Hypoallergenic

Manufacturer Barking Heads funny calls food for adult decorative dogs: “mallard for small-footed dogs.” The interesting name, coupled with the extraordinary “cartoon” packaging, attracts owners.

Besides the name and packaging, Barking Heads "Doggylicious" also has an attractive composition:

The main ingredients are duck and trout (53% in total), which rarely cause intolerance. Therefore, “Doggylicious” is classified as a hypoallergenic food. But the abundance of potatoes and peas is confusing. In addition, the manufacturer resorts to splitting: it indicates the same raw materials under different names. Thus, there are “pea starch” and “peas”, “potatoes” and “sweet potatoes”.

The only healthy natural supplements in the diet are seaweed. Other vitamins and minerals are added artificially.

Despite its downsides, Barking Heads is suitable for most animals. According to user reviews, the diet is nourishing, with a pleasant taste and aroma, eliminates allergies and improves digestion. Only a few pets refused to eat the pellets, and even less often they became intolerant.

Pros:

• quality meat products: duck, trout;
• high protein content;
• granules measuring 7–8 mm are suitable for miniature breeds;
• no supply problems.

Minuses:

• an abundance of plant materials with a high glycemic index;
• the percentage of plant components is not indicated;
• split titles;
• few useful natural supplements.

Piccolo Light / Senior recipe

The Piccolo company specializes in food for small breeds. One of the diets in its line is Light / Senior recipe for older dogs and overweight pets. In addition, the food contains chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane and glucosamine for animals with joint diseases.

The manufacturer indicates that it contains at least 70% meat. This screenshot confirms this:

Based on the total animal ingredients, Piccolo Light / Senior contains 74.5% protein products. The basis is chicken and salmon, additional components are chicken broth and eggs.

The owners note that their pets enjoy crunching the “crackers”, their appearance improves, and allergic reactions go away: redness, peeling of the skin, lacrimation. However, due to the presence of chicken and eggs, I cannot recommend the food as hypoallergenic.

Piccolo is a good option for older dogs and obese dogs. It contains only 15% fat: this amount helps to lose excess weight. But not suitable for diabetics due to the presence of potatoes.

Light/Senior has an unpleasant surprise: a title split. Sweet potatoes and potatoes are indicated separately, although they are the same vegetable, albeit of different varieties. Another disadvantage is that the percentage of vegetables, fruits and plants is not indicated.

Piccolo has a lot of healthy fruits and herbs. But their content is small, so they do not seriously affect health.

Advantages:

• high meat content: 74.5%;
• no grain crops;
• low fat percentage;
• Ideal for maintaining the health of elderly pets.

Flaws:

• split titles;
• High glycemic index vegetables included;
• for dwarf breeds the granules are harsh;
• overcharge;
• supply problems in the last year.

Economy feed

Foods such as Pedigree, Darling, Chappi are classified as economy class. Cheap dry food will help save money, but will have a detrimental effect on the health and life expectancy of your pet.

Pedigree and mongrel small dogs begin to experience health problems. These feeds contain practically no meat; it is replaced by meat industry waste (by-products). There are vegetable fats and many grains of unknown origin, etc.

Brit Care Adult Dog Mini Light & Sterilized

The family Czech company VAFO PRAHA produces one of the best foods for sterilized and overweight dogs: Brit Care Adult Dog Mini Light & Sterilized. The recipe belongs to the holistic class:

The composition of Brit Kea is not entirely transparent. The percentage is stated only for three protein ingredients out of 6: it can be assumed that the total amount is not less than 45%. Also, the volume of all plant products is not indicated.

Pros:

• high content of meat and fish;
• almost all products are hypoallergenic (except chicken fat);
• no grain crops and potatoes;
• rich phytocomplex and vitamin-mineral supplement.

Minuses:

• causes food intolerance in some animals: probably due to chicken fat;
• Not every product has a specified percentage;
• the presence of cheap and useless ballast filler: bamboo lignocellulose;
• It is not clear why exactly the recipe is useful for sterile women: most likely, it simply prevents weight gain and is not suitable for the prevention of diseases of the genitourinary system.

Diet selection

When choosing a puppy’s diet, you should carefully study the composition, make sure that the food is well balanced and contains the optimal vitamin and mineral complex for your pet.

For large breeds

Large breeds require food with a higher percentage of meat. The pet’s development and muscle mass gain will depend on the quantity and quality of protein. In addition to meat, you need: rice, potatoes, no more than 10–15% fish, high-quality and balanced vitamin complexes.

During the growth period, it is useful to give the puppy calcium gluconate, seaweed, and fish oil. These requirements are met by products from Now, Farmina N and D maxi breed, Brit care maxi.

For medium breeds

Up to six months, it is allowed to use food for small breeds of puppies, and after six months, food for large dogs is suitable. It is important to choose a balanced composition. Dry food for medium breed puppies is easy to find by the presence of the prefix medium on the package. Veterinarians and breeders note the quality of products from Brit, Hills, and Bosch.

Ava Senior Dog Small Breed Turkey

Ava food for senior dogs supports pets' health and weight control due to dietary components, low fat content (11%) and high fiber content (4.5%). Detailed composition:

The basis is raw and dried turkey (50%). Also, 4% each comes from protein hydrolyzate and animal fat. Both components are controversial. The first, in fact, is a flavoring additive. And the second one has no known exact origin.

Grains in Ava Senior Dog Small Breed are replaced with potatoes, peas and beets. The manufacturer does not specify their quantity. The remaining components are useful supplements: vitamins and minerals (which ones are not specified), vegetables, fruits, herbs, prebiotics, chondroitin and glucosamine.

Despite the hypoallergenic composition, some dogs developed intolerance. Plus, gastrointestinal disorders occurred. But most user reviews talk about good health and high digestibility of the recipe.

Advantages:

• large volume of meat: 58%;
• no allergenic products;
• monoration, suitable for exclusion diet;
• an abundance of useful natural supplements.

Flaws:

• components of unknown origin: animal fat and protein hydrolysate;
• granules are large for dwarf breeds;
• In some pets it provokes allergies and problems with the digestive system.

Why is a dog picky about food?

A fussy person may refuse his usual diet due to poor health. Ailments often appear when switching to new products. The digestive system, which is not accustomed to innovations, leads to a decrease in appetite. An unfamiliar treat must be introduced gradually over 5-7 days.

In another case, nutritional demands may arise when changing place of residence, regime or travel, but this is temporary. Having gotten used to the new conditions, the pet will again begin to willingly eat dog food. To do this, it is advisable to prepare a special place with personal dishes, thereby accustoming him to the new environment.

What is important when choosing dry food for small dogs

When choosing a diet for a miniature dog, rely on the following criteria:

1. Compound. This is the first thing you should pay attention to. Study the first 5 ingredients carefully. Ideal if the type of raw material (chicken, beef, etc.), its form (dried or raw meat, fillet or whole carcass) and percentage are indicated.
2. Presence of plant components. It is permissible to use only high-quality ones: brown rice, potatoes, oats, barley. It is also desirable to use healthy herbs, vegetables, fruits, and berries. Do not take feed with corn, wheat, or soy. These cheap ballast ingredients cause diseases that are already common in small breeds: allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity.
3. Nutritional value and digestibility. The higher the better. Small dogs are active, expend a lot of energy, and have an accelerated volume of substances. And at the same time - a small stomach. So “miniks” should get the maximum calories from a small portion of drying.
4. Granule size. Each manufacturer has different sizes of “crackers” in their lines for small dogs. And this is not surprising: even small breeds have a variety of sizes: from dwarf ones, weighing a couple of kilograms (Chihuahua, Yorkie, Toy Terrier), to just small dogs weighing 10–12 kg (Corgi, French bulldog).
5. Useful supplements. Ideally, dry food contains pro- and prebiotics for the intestines, chondroitin and glucosamine for joints, and fatty acids. You don’t have to pay much attention to vitamins and minerals: they are cheap, so any recipe will have the full complex.
6. Price. The most expensive food is not always the best. Sometimes the cost is greatly inflated by advertising costs. You can choose a diet that has the optimal composition, which costs 1.5–2 times less than the advertised one.

Also take into account the individual needs of your pet: age, presence of diseases, tendency to allergies and others. Many manufacturers produce treatment lines for small breeds that help cope with pathologies or prevent them.

Review of the best puppy food manufacturers

Products for adult animals are not suitable for babies, so separate types of food have been created for ages from 2 months to 12. They contain more strengthening minerals, gentle components, with a reduced proportion of fats and carbohydrates. From the age of one year the pet is transferred to standard food.

Among breeders, an opinion has already been formed regarding individual companies, brands and even lines of food. Therefore, when purchasing a puppy, the potential owner is offered feeding options that will definitely be safe and suitable for the specific breed.

Super premium food

Until the 2010s, this type of food was considered the best on the consumer market; it was bought in kilograms, believing that the food was exclusively natural and harmless. Now formulas for the best diet have been developed, but the super-premium class remains in high positions. Its difference is the content of natural dehydrated meat or meat flour of 25-50% , a reduced amount of grain crops, and the absence of flavors and preservatives. The average cost is 500-800 rubles per kilogram .

Monge

“ Monge” is an Italian super-premium food with a wide range of foods for young dogs. There are options for small, medium and large breeds. The general name is “Puppy and junior”, that is, the product can be fed from 2 months to a year.

3 flavor options: chicken, lamb, salmon. In the first place in the composition are dehydrated meat ( 32% ) and fresh meat ( 10% ). From carbohydrate components: rice, corn, beets, oats. A wide range of vitamin supplements: brewer's yeast, echinacea root, egg flour, fish oil, dehydrated fish and small crustaceans, oregano, dried garlic.

Vitaminized granules. The company claims that the food helps maintain normal weight, forms the skeletal and muscle systems, probiotics improve digestion, and plant roots improve immune barriers. Cost – 500-600 rubles (800 g).

Bosch (Bosch)

The German company offers several lines for puppies.

1. The first is for newborns, as the first complementary food - “Puppy”, up to 4 months . Contains 25% dehydrated domestic chicken, rice, corn, beets, milk powder, fish meal and vitamin supplements. By introducing dairy products, the campaign ensures that the risk of eating disorders is reduced.
2. The second line is “Junior” , from 4 months . Here is a classification by breed size. The composition remains poultry and the carbohydrate part, dairy products are replaced with vitamin supplements.
3. A separate type - for pets with sensitive stomachs, contains lamb instead of cinnamon and turkey. Price for 3 kg – 1100 rubles.

Eukanuba (Eukanuba)

Manufacturer – USA, Netherlands, Russia. Wide format food, produces lines for all ages, breeds and even medicinal products. The campaign offers 3 options for puppies: for large babies, medium and small ones. The composition remains virtually unchanged.

The main ingredient is chicken or lamb. The vegetable carbohydrate component includes corn, rice, wheat, fish oil and vitamins. The product is easy to get on the Russian market, it is cheaper than other brands, some subspecies contain 30-35% dried meat. Price – 240 rubles (500 g) .

Belcando

This is a German product of the highest quality, some dog breeders refer it to holisticists. The best in the line for puppies is considered to be “Puppy Gravy” , which is allowed from the first days of complementary feeding. When diluted with liquid, a sauce-gravy is formed, which softens the chewing and digestive process.

The technology uses the Pro vital and Pro Agil formulas; they stimulate the immune system and promote the proper formation of cartilage tissue. Protein mass – 25% poultry, herring flour and egg; carbohydrate – rice, corn. Added brewer's yeast, flaxseed, table salt. Cost – 650 rubles (1 kg).

Premium food

Companies in this category often ignore not only useful additives, but also the quality of the main components of the composition.

The premium type is on the second level in terms of usefulness, after the economy option. Indeed, this class contains more animal fats and proteins, but they are obtained from offal. In addition, preservatives, stabilizers and flavorings can be found among the ingredients. But in the Russian market this type still remains the leader due to its low cost and good digestibility.

Royal Canin

This is the most popular and advertised food in the Russian Federation, produced in France and in Russia for the domestic market, the compositions do not differ. For puppies the line is varied:

• By age (before 4, after 4, after 10 months);
• By size (small, large, medium, giant breeds);
• For specific breeds (Yorkshire Terrier puppies);
• For diseases of the digestive tract or skin.

The company corresponds to the premium class, the only negative is the difference in composition in one line, so you will have to check the components of any new product. Typically, the food contains at least 24% poultry meat or freeze-dried fats from meat products (this includes lungs, liver, heart, veins), chicken and lamb are used. Most often the first source of carbohydrates is rice, corn, vegetable proteins. The vitamin complex is not natural. Cost – 250 rubles (500 g).

Brit

This is a Czech product that belongs to the premium class due to the lack of natural vitamin supplements (fruits, salts), but its overall composition is better than some super-premium feeds.

• Firstly, the company produces food for puppies of all ages (from 8 weeks), of all sizes.
• Certain types of food are intended for babies with gastrointestinal disorders.
• A new type of food – increased meat content (up to 50% according to the manufacturer).

It is interesting that the composition indicates 40-45% meat , but due to poor translation in different languages, this phrase sounds differently. The original composition says: “ 42% poultry flour.” That is, these are bones, skins, and offal, and not muscle mass. Puppy lines use only lamb and poultry. Carbohydrate components - rice, corn, sometimes dried apples. Cost – 275 rubles (1 kg) .

Hills

This is an American mid-level food, the premium class was awarded for the vagueness of the composition. The company offers up to 45% protein content, but it is obtained from the animal as a whole, along with entrails and bones, which has less nutritional and energy value.

A wide range of products are available for puppies, categorized by age and size . The main ingredients are chicken, rice, lamb. But carbohydrates contain a large percentage of corn and wheat, which causes allergies in some breeds. The average price is 1200 rubles (3 kg).

Pro Plan

The manufacturer of this food is the USA. They produce several brands, including cat food. The product does not have the widest range; food for puppies is produced only by size. Chicken, turkey and salmon are used. In first place it contains only 22% fresh meat, which will be reduced by half when cooked. Energy sources are rice and corn. Cost – 270 rubles (1 kg).

Holistic and hypoallergenic puppy food

They are considered the best among ready-made food products for animals because they do not contain traces of grain crops (wheat), which does not cause allergies.

They are characterized by a reduced level of carbohydrates. Such products are ideal for sick dogs and puppies suffering from indigestion or other gastrointestinal disorders.

Grandorf

This Belgian holistic product does not have an extensive line, but has established itself as a high-quality product. The campaign has created 2 recipes for puppies: from 3 weeks and from 4 months. Available in two types: for all breeds and for small dogs.

The base is lamb and rice . Containing about 40-60% protein, dehydrated lamb and turkey meat is prescribed. The carbohydrate part is rice and dried fruits, there is no corn, wheat or questionable additives. Cost – 570-600 rubles (1 kg).

Acana

Manufacturer – Canada. The food is presented in two lines for babies - “Puppy” (divided by weight) and “Puppy and Junior” (for all breeds).

The composition includes about 30% dried meat of turkey, chicken, lamb and 10-15% bone meal. The peculiarity of the product is increased healthfulness thanks to additives: lentils, apples, blueberries, whole eggs, flounder, herring meat, turnip greens, carrots, cranberries, turmeric, chicory and other natural additives.

The only minus of the brand is the high price - from 1300 (for 2 kg).

Go

This is a holistic product from Canada, developed with a grain-free formula, most of the products are intended for both adult animals and puppies. One type of food is designed specifically for two-month-old babies. The company is distinguished by its original composition: salmon and oatmeal, chicken and fruit, 4 meats.

The protein percentage is 40-50% , dried, fresh meat and flour from it are used. It contains a full complex of vitamins, berries (blueberries, cranberries, blackberries), fruits (bananas, apples, pears), vegetables (spinach, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potatoes). The average cost is 1400 (1.8 kg) .

Economy feed

The cheapest and low-quality type of product that is guaranteed to harm your pet.

It is undesirable to give puppies this class of food; it does not provide the required amount of vitamins and minerals, does not form organ systems, bone tissue, settles in the kidneys and destroys the urinary system. In addition, granules are poorly absorbed. One way or another, food is still popular because it is inexpensive.

Pedigree

This product comes from an American manufacturer that produces several brands of economy class dog food. The danger of feed lies in the absolute vagueness of the composition.

Firstly, in the first positions among the components are corn and wheat, which means that the granules are entirely carbohydrate, with a protein content of 5-15% . The line for puppies starts at 6 months, until this time the baby is simply not able to digest such a volume of fiber.

The following components are chicken or beef flour, which indicates the presence of food industry waste (bones, paws, skins, combs). Price for 2.5 kg – 300 rubles.

Club 4 paws

This Ukrainian food is of low quality, includes 2 types of food for puppies - all breeds up to 6 months and older than 6 months . Contains 25% protein (including organ meats and bone meal), wheat, rice, gluten, preservatives and flavors.

The advantage of the product is that it is full of vitamins (brewer's yeast, omega-3, omega-6). The average cost is 130-140 rubles (1 kg).

All dogs

All dogs is a Danish company that produces a product only for the Russian market. She offers 2 food options: for adult dogs and for puppies. The composition of this food is not specified at all.

In first place for both types are cereals (without specifying which ones). Second place is meat and animal products (again without specification), followed by fats, oils and omega-3, omega-6. Dangerous preservatives E320 and E321 . The price of such drying is 300 rubles (2.2 kg).

The best foods for small breed puppies

The quality of food is determined by its class, its prevalence on the Russian market, its usefulness and composition, and taste. That is, the best option for babies who switch to nutrition after breast milk is holistic or super-premium varieties. They should not contain wheat, preservatives or chemicals, or traces of dairy products. The content of vitamins, minerals and natural supplements is important.

Experts have identified 2 brands as the most suitable for small puppies - “Applaws Small and Medium Breed Puppy” (UK) and “Eukanuba Puppy Toy Breed” (USA, Holland), the average price of products is 1300 rubles per 3 kg.

The diet contains a reduced amount of carbohydrates, there is no grain, a vitamin complex is included, the granules are small and soft.

Separately, the brands “Innova” and “Orijen” are distinguished for the level of protein and proteins of 40-50% , but the cost is also higher - 1600-2000 for 2-2.5 kg.

Read a useful article on the topic: “Nutrition for Yorkies: puppies, adult dogs, menu planning and food selection.”

Food for medium breed puppies

Often, companies skip this size of puppies, because up to 6 months they can eat food intended for small breeds, and after six months - for large breeds. In fact, in terms of quality, average puppies need the same elements as other puppies, so food is selected for them from the premium class and holistic (for skin or stomach problems).

Suitable food:

• "Brit"
• "Hills"
• "Bosch"
• Belcando.

This category of dogs needs products with the prefix “medium”.

Choosing food for large breed puppies

For large dogs, the content of pure protein is especially important, because this element affects the quality and speed of muscle development and weight gain.

When choosing food for large animals, it is important to pay attention to the percentage of meat.

• “ Now” (Nau) - a Canadian company offers 2 options of food for large babies with lamb and chicken; the composition does not contain wheat or other grains. A characteristic difference is the increased level of protein, which allows healthy people to quickly gain weight, and thanks to calcium, to form a strong skeleton. Price – 500 rubles (1 kg).

• “ Farmina N and D maxi breed” – manufacturer – Italy. The food for large animals contains 25% fresh chicken and 27% dried; whole eggs, fresh herring and dehydrated herring. Included are pea fiber, sweet potato, potato and dried fruit. Cost – 480 rubles (1 kg).
• “ Brit care maxi ” is a special formula that is gentle on the digestive organs, designed with a high proportion of protein: 42% lamb flour. Carbohydrates – rice, dried apple. Price – 400 rubles (1 kg).

Food for puppies from 1 month

Veterinarians and experienced breeders do not recommend feeding babies under 2 months of age with industrial products, but if the need arises, it is better to opt for expensive hypoallergenic holistic and super-premium food.

The composition should include rice, lamb, potatoes and a low percentage of fish. The absence of chemical additives, wheat, and by-products is important.

" Grandorf Puppy" and " Brit Care Puppy" are suitable. Doctors consider these brands to be the safest and most gentle.

Review results

Small dogs are prone to digestive problems, allergies, obesity and, as a result, cardiovascular diseases. High-quality feed plays an important role in the prevention of these pathologies. It is better to immediately choose a good one from a class of holistic specialists than to spend tens of thousands of rubles on treatment in a few months or a couple of years. In addition, “miniks” eat little, so feeding them won’t put a dent in your pocket.

For daily nutrition of healthy animals, I recommend the following diets:

• Alleva Holistic Puppy Mini Chicken & Duck;
• Primordial Adult Dog Mini Holistic;
• Grandorf Adult Mini 4 Meat & Brown Rice.

Some good dietary foods are:

• Piccolo Light / Senior recipe;
• Brit Care Adult Dog Mini Light & Sterilized.

If your budget is limited , take a look at Farmina Vet Life Neutered and Ava Senior Dog Small Breed. They are not much inferior to expensive analogues, and cost 1.5 times less.

The main advice on which small breed dog food is best is the condition of your pet. If your pet eats granules with pleasure, feels great, is active and does not show allergies, stay on the chosen diet. Changing a proven brand to another, even a better one in composition, is not always a good decision. This should only be done when necessary or directed by a veterinarian.

Owner reviews

Marina T.

I feed my dachshund Buddy (now 12 years old) Purina proplan food for older small breed dogs. The dog eats the food with pleasure. We dose the food so that the dog does not overeat and gain weight.

Sergey S.

Our pug started out with economy food. We bought Chappie, but the dog developed a terrible smell from his mouth. Switched to Advance. The dog eats the food with pleasure, does not gain weight, and there is no smell from the mouth. A little expensive, but the dog’s health is more expensive.

Julia K.

I am breeding Yorkshire Terriers. I feed my dogs only high quality food. Savings are inappropriate here. Landor suited my dogs. No complaints. The dogs are active, have beautiful silky fur, and clean their teeth perfectly.

Tatiana S.

I buy Feist Choice for my toy terrier. My Dusya is absolutely happy. He eats the food with pleasure. I buy food on the Internet. The price is reasonable. I haven't found any shortcomings yet.