20 Worst Dog Foods for Small Breeds: What to Avoid for Your Petite Pooch

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Small breed dogs have unique nutritional needs that require careful consideration when selecting their food. Not all dog foods are created equal, and some can be particularly detrimental to the health and well-being of smaller canines.

Choosing the right food for small breed dogs is crucial for maintaining their energy levels, supporting their metabolism, and promoting overall health.

This article examines 20 dog foods that may not meet the specific requirements of small breeds, highlighting potential issues and ingredients to avoid. By understanding what to look out for, pet owners can make informed decisions about their furry companions’ diets.

1. Alpo Prime Cuts

Alpo Prime Cuts is often considered one of the worst dog food options for small breeds. This budget-friendly product contains low-quality ingredients that may not provide adequate nutrition for smaller dogs.

The first ingredient listed is water, followed by meat by-products and soy flour. These components offer limited nutritional value and may not meet the specific needs of small breed dogs.

Alpo Prime Cuts also contains artificial colors and preservatives. These additives have no nutritional benefit and may potentially cause adverse reactions in some dogs.

The protein content in this food is relatively low, which is concerning for small breeds that typically require higher protein levels. Additionally, the food lacks essential fatty acids crucial for maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Small breed dogs have unique nutritional requirements due to their size and metabolism. Alpo Prime Cuts fails to address these specific needs, making it a poor choice for small dog breeds.

2. Gravy Train

Gravy Train is a dog food brand known for its low-cost formulations. Despite its popularity, it has raised concerns among pet nutritionists and veterinarians.

The primary ingredient in many Gravy Train products is corn, which provides little nutritional value for dogs. This filler can lead to weight gain without offering essential nutrients.

Artificial colors and flavors are also common in Gravy Train foods. These additives may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues in some small breed dogs.

The protein content in Gravy Train products often comes from meat by-products rather than whole meats. This can result in lower quality protein that’s less easily digestible for small breeds.

Many Gravy Train formulas contain high levels of sodium, which can be problematic for small dogs prone to heart or kidney issues. Excessive salt intake may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.

3. Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition is a budget-friendly dog food brand sold exclusively at Walmart. This product contains corn as its primary ingredient, which offers limited nutritional value for small breed dogs.

The food includes meat and bone meal as protein sources. These ingredients are less digestible and may contain varying qualities of animal parts.

Artificial colors and preservatives are present in Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition. These additives offer no nutritional benefits and may cause sensitivities in some dogs.

The formula lacks high-quality animal proteins that small breeds require for maintaining muscle mass and energy levels. It also contains low amounts of essential fatty acids needed for coat health and cognitive function.

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition’s nutrient profile falls short of meeting the specific dietary needs of small breed dogs. Its reliance on low-cost fillers and by-products makes it a suboptimal choice for these pets.

4. Kibbles ‘n Bits

Kibbles ‘n Bits is a popular dog food brand that has been on the market for decades. Despite its widespread availability, it may not be the best choice for small breed dogs.

The primary ingredient in many Kibbles ‘n Bits formulas is corn, which provides little nutritional value for dogs. Small breeds often require higher protein content, which this brand lacks.

Many veterinarians and canine nutritionists express concern about the artificial colors and preservatives found in Kibbles ‘n Bits products. These additives offer no nutritional benefit and may potentially cause adverse reactions in some dogs.

The brand’s recipes typically contain meat by-products rather than whole meat sources. This can lead to lower quality protein that may not meet the energy needs of small, active breeds.

Kibbles ‘n Bits also tends to be high in carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain in small dogs if not carefully portioned. For optimal health, small breeds generally benefit from diets with higher protein and fat content.

5. Pedigree Small Dog

Pedigree Small Dog food raises concerns for small breed nutrition. The product contains corn and meat by-products as primary ingredients, which offer limited nutritional value for dogs.

The food also includes artificial colors and preservatives. These additives provide no health benefits and may cause adverse reactions in some dogs.

Pedigree Small Dog food has a high grain content. This can be difficult for small breeds to digest properly and may lead to gastrointestinal issues.

The protein sources in this food are not clearly specified. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for pet owners to determine the quality of ingredients their dogs are consuming.

While Pedigree is a well-known brand, their small dog formula falls short in providing optimal nutrition for smaller breeds. Pet owners may want to consider alternatives with higher quality ingredients and clearer labeling.

6. Purina Dog Chow

Purina Dog Chow is a popular brand of dog food, but it may not be the best choice for small breeds. The formula contains corn as its first ingredient, which is a low-quality filler with minimal nutritional value for dogs.

This food also includes by-product meal, which consists of less desirable parts of animals. While not inherently harmful, it lacks the high-quality protein small breeds need for optimal health.

The presence of artificial colors and preservatives in Purina Dog Chow is another concern. These additives offer no nutritional benefits and may cause digestive issues or allergic reactions in some small dogs.

Purina Dog Chow’s protein content is lower than what many veterinarians recommend for small breeds. This can lead to insufficient muscle maintenance and energy levels in these active dogs.

7. Beneful Originals

Beneful Originals is a popular dog food brand that raises concerns for small breed owners. This product contains corn as its first ingredient, which provides little nutritional value for dogs.

The formula includes artificial colors and preservatives that may cause allergic reactions in some small breeds. These additives offer no health benefits and could potentially harm sensitive dogs.

Beneful Originals also contains by-product meals, which are lower-quality protein sources compared to whole meats. Small breeds require high-quality proteins for optimal health and energy.

The product’s high carbohydrate content may lead to weight gain in small dogs, who have lower caloric needs. This can contribute to obesity and related health issues.

While Beneful Originals meets basic nutritional standards, it falls short in providing optimal nutrition for small breed dogs. Pet owners may want to consider alternatives with higher-quality ingredients and fewer artificial additives.

8. Cesar Filets

Cesar Filets are a popular dog food option for small breeds, but they may not be the best choice for optimal nutrition. These wet food products often contain high amounts of water and minimal protein content.

The ingredient list typically includes meat by-products, which are lower-quality protein sources compared to whole meats. Cesar Filets also frequently contain artificial colors and flavors, which offer no nutritional benefit to dogs.

Many varieties of Cesar Filets are high in sodium, which can be problematic for dogs with certain health conditions. The products often lack sufficient fiber, potentially leading to digestive issues in some small breed dogs.

While Cesar Filets may be palatable to dogs, they generally do not provide a well-balanced diet for small breeds. Pet owners should consider more nutritious alternatives that offer higher-quality protein sources and fewer artificial additives.

9. Rachel Ray Nutrish Little Bites

Rachel Ray Nutrish Little Bites is marketed as a premium dog food for small breeds. The product contains real meat as its first ingredient, which may appeal to pet owners.

Despite this positive aspect, the food raises concerns due to its inclusion of corn and soybean meal. These ingredients are considered fillers with limited nutritional value for dogs.

The formula also contains chicken by-product meal. This ingredient is made from less desirable parts of chickens and may not provide the same quality protein as whole meat sources.

Another issue is the use of artificial colors in the product. These additives serve no nutritional purpose and may potentially cause adverse reactions in some dogs.

While Rachel Ray Nutrish Little Bites does contain some beneficial ingredients, its reliance on fillers and lower-quality protein sources makes it a less-than-ideal choice for small breed dogs.

10. Nutro Small Breed Essentials

Nutro Small Breed Essentials is a dog food line marketed specifically for small breed dogs. Despite its targeted approach, this product raises concerns among some pet nutrition experts.

The first ingredient in many Nutro Small Breed formulas is chicken by-product meal. This ingredient is less desirable than whole meat sources, as it can include lower-quality parts of the animal.

Some Nutro Small Breed recipes contain artificial preservatives. These additives may potentially cause adverse reactions in sensitive dogs.

The food’s protein content is relatively low compared to other premium small breed dog foods. This might not meet the higher energy needs of active small breeds.

Nutro Small Breed Essentials also includes corn and wheat in its formulations. These grains are common allergens for some dogs and may not provide optimal nutrition for small breeds.

11. Iams ProActive Health

Iams ProActive Health is a popular dog food brand that may not be ideal for small breeds. The formula contains corn as a primary ingredient, which can be difficult for small dogs to digest properly.

This food also includes chicken by-product meal, a less nutritious protein source compared to whole meat. Small breeds often require higher quality proteins to maintain their energy levels and muscle mass.

The presence of artificial colors and preservatives in Iams ProActive Health raises concerns. These additives may potentially cause allergic reactions or digestive issues in sensitive small breed dogs.

While the food does contain some beneficial ingredients like vitamins and minerals, its overall nutritional profile may not meet the specific needs of small breed dogs. The calorie density might be too low for their high metabolic rates.

12. Science Diet Adult Small Bites

Science Diet Adult Small Bites is a popular dog food choice for small breeds. However, it contains some ingredients that may not be ideal for all small dogs.

The first ingredient is chicken by-product meal, which is less nutritious than whole chicken. This food also includes corn and sorghum as main ingredients, which are often considered filler grains.

While it does contain some vitamins and minerals, the overall nutritional profile may not meet the specific needs of all small breed dogs. Some pets may experience digestive issues or allergic reactions to certain ingredients.

The kibble size is appropriate for small mouths, but the food’s calorie density might lead to weight gain if portions aren’t carefully controlled. Some pet owners have reported their dogs showing less enthusiasm for this food compared to other brands.

13. Blue Buffalo Homestyle

Blue Buffalo Homestyle is a popular dog food brand that markets itself as a natural and healthy option for small breeds. However, some concerns have been raised about its nutritional content and ingredient quality.

The product contains chicken by-product meal as a primary protein source. This ingredient is less desirable than whole meat and may not provide the same nutritional benefits.

Some formulas in this line have a high carbohydrate content, which can be problematic for small breeds prone to weight gain. The presence of artificial preservatives in certain recipes has also been noted as a potential issue.

While Blue Buffalo Homestyle does include some beneficial ingredients like fruits and vegetables, the overall nutritional profile may not be optimal for all small breed dogs. Pet owners should carefully consider their dog’s specific needs before choosing this food.

14. Natural Balance L.I.D.

Natural Balance L.I.D. (Limited Ingredient Diets) may not be the best choice for small breed dogs. These formulas often contain a single protein source and limited carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

However, the protein content in some Natural Balance L.I.D. recipes might be insufficient for small breeds’ high energy needs. Small dogs typically require more protein and calories per pound than larger breeds.

The limited ingredient approach can also result in a lack of variety in nutrients. This may lead to deficiencies over time if fed exclusively. Small breeds need a well-rounded diet to support their fast metabolisms and unique nutritional requirements.

Some Natural Balance L.I.D. formulas use alternative protein sources like lamb meal or duck meal. These may be less digestible for some small dogs, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues or reduced nutrient absorption.

15. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers are freeze-dried raw pieces designed to be added to a dog’s regular food. While marketed as a nutritious topper, these mixers may not be ideal for small breeds.

The high protein content can be excessive for some small dogs, potentially leading to weight gain or digestive issues. Additionally, the freeze-dried format may be too hard for tiny teeth to chew comfortably.

These mixers often contain organ meats, which can be rich in certain nutrients. However, the concentrated nature of these ingredients might overwhelm a small dog’s system if not carefully portioned.

The product’s convenience factor might lead owners to overfeed, disrupting the balance of their dog’s main diet. Small breeds require precise nutrition, and relying too heavily on mixers could result in an unbalanced meal plan.

16. Canidae Petite Pure

Canidae Petite Pure is marketed as a premium dog food for small breeds. Despite its claims of high-quality ingredients, this product falls short in several areas.

The food contains a limited variety of protein sources, potentially leading to nutritional imbalances. Its reliance on peas and lentils as primary ingredients may contribute to digestive issues in some dogs.

Canidae Petite Pure lacks sufficient fiber content, which is crucial for small breeds’ digestive health. The formula also includes canola oil, a controversial ingredient due to its processing methods.

The food’s high price point does not align with its nutritional value. Many small breed owners report their dogs experiencing digestive upset after consuming this product.

While Canidae Petite Pure may appeal to health-conscious pet owners, its nutritional profile and ingredient quality do not justify its inclusion in a small breed’s diet.

17. Royal Canin X-Small

Royal Canin X-Small is marketed specifically for tiny dog breeds. Despite its targeted approach, this food raises concerns for small breed nutrition.

The product contains chicken by-product meal as its primary protein source. This ingredient is of lower quality compared to whole meat proteins.

Corn and wheat are prominent ingredients in this formula. These grains may cause digestive issues in some small dogs.

The food includes artificial flavors, which are unnecessary additives for dogs. Natural flavors from high-quality ingredients would be preferable.

Royal Canin X-Small contains added colors. These artificial colorings serve no nutritional purpose and may potentially cause adverse reactions in sensitive dogs.

While the food does include some beneficial ingredients like fish oil, its overall composition may not provide optimal nutrition for small breed dogs.

18. Eukanuba Small Breed

Eukanuba Small Breed dog food raises concerns for some pet owners. The product contains chicken by-product meal as its primary protein source, which may not provide the highest quality nutrition for small dogs.

This food includes corn and wheat gluten, ingredients that can be difficult for some dogs to digest. These fillers may contribute to weight gain and offer limited nutritional value for small breeds.

The presence of artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT in Eukanuba Small Breed has drawn criticism. These additives have been linked to potential health issues in dogs, causing some owners to seek alternatives.

While Eukanuba markets this food as tailored for small breeds, its ingredient list suggests it may not meet the specific nutritional needs of these dogs. Some pet nutritionists recommend foods with higher quality protein sources and fewer fillers for optimal small breed health.

19. Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus

Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus is a dog food marketed for active adult dogs. It contains high levels of protein, which may be excessive for small breed dogs with lower energy requirements.

The formula includes beef meal, grain sorghum, and chicken fat as primary ingredients. These components can be difficult for some small dogs to digest properly.

This food’s calorie density is higher than what many small breeds need for maintaining a healthy weight. Overfeeding could lead to obesity in less active small dogs.

The kibble size of Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus may be too large for some small breed dogs, potentially causing difficulty in chewing and swallowing. This could discourage proper eating habits.

While the food contains added vitamins and minerals, it may not be specifically tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs. Small breeds often require more concentrated nutrients in smaller portions.

20. Merrick Lil’ Plates

Merrick Lil’ Plates is marketed as a premium dog food for small breeds, but it falls short in several key areas. The product contains rice and peas as primary ingredients, which may not provide optimal nutrition for small dogs.

Some formulas include chicken by-product meal, a less desirable protein source compared to whole meat. The food also contains added colors and artificial preservatives, which are unnecessary and potentially harmful additives.

While Merrick Lil’ Plates does include some beneficial ingredients like salmon oil and probiotics, these do not outweigh its drawbacks. The high carbohydrate content may contribute to weight gain in small breeds, which are prone to obesity.

The product’s protein content is lower than ideal for active small dogs. This can lead to inadequate muscle maintenance and energy levels. Small breed owners should consider alternatives with higher-quality protein sources and fewer fillers.

Nutritional Needs of Small Breeds

Small breed dogs have unique dietary requirements due to their size and metabolism. Proper nutrition is crucial for their health and longevity.

Caloric Requirements

Small breed dogs typically need more calories per pound of body weight compared to larger breeds. Their fast metabolism burns energy quickly, requiring frequent meals throughout the day.

Adult small breeds generally need 30-40 calories per pound of body weight daily. Puppies and active dogs may require up to 55 calories per pound.

Portion control is essential to prevent obesity. Small breeds are prone to weight gain, which can lead to health issues.

High-quality, nutrient-dense foods help meet their caloric needs without overfeeding. Wet food or kibble specifically formulated for small breeds often provides balanced nutrition in appropriate serving sizes.

Importance of Protein and Fat

Protein and fat are vital components of a small breed’s diet. These nutrients support muscle maintenance, energy production, and overall health.

Small breeds benefit from diets with 22-30% protein content. High-quality animal proteins like chicken, fish, or lamb are ideal sources.

Fat should comprise 15-20% of their diet. It provides concentrated energy and supports coat health. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly beneficial.

Essential amino acids from protein help maintain lean muscle mass. This is crucial for small breeds, as they have less muscle tissue to spare than larger dogs.

Balanced fat intake supports their high energy needs without excessive weight gain. It also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Common Ingredients to Avoid

Certain ingredients in dog food can be detrimental to small breeds’ health. These components may cause digestive issues, allergies, or other health problems.

Artificial Preservatives

Artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin are often added to extend the shelf life of dog food. These chemicals have been linked to various health concerns in dogs, including cancer and liver problems.

Small breeds are particularly sensitive to these additives due to their smaller size and faster metabolism. Natural preservatives like vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are safer alternatives.

Avoid dog foods containing propylene glycol, a synthetic preservative that can cause red blood cell damage in dogs. This ingredient is especially harmful to small breeds with their limited blood volume.

Low-Quality Fillers

Low-quality fillers are inexpensive ingredients added to dog food to increase volume without providing significant nutritional value. Common fillers include corn, wheat, and soy.

These ingredients can be difficult for small breeds to digest and may lead to allergies or food sensitivities. Corn, for example, is a common allergen for dogs and offers little nutritional benefit.

Wheat gluten, often used as a protein source, can cause digestive issues in small breeds. Rice hulls and peanut hulls are other fillers to watch out for, as they provide no nutritional value and may irritate a dog’s digestive system.

Instead, look for dog foods with high-quality protein sources like real meat, fish, or poultry as the first ingredient. Whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are better alternatives to low-quality fillers for small breed dogs.

Understanding Dog Food Labels

Reading dog food labels is crucial for choosing the best nutrition for small breed dogs. Knowing how to interpret the information helps pet owners make informed decisions about their furry friends’ diets.

Decoding Ingredient Lists

Ingredients on dog food labels are listed in order of weight. The first few items are the most abundant in the product. Look for high-quality protein sources like chicken, lamb, or fish as the primary ingredients.

Avoid foods with generic terms like “meat by-products” or “animal digest.” These may indicate lower-quality ingredients. Whole grains can be beneficial, but some dogs may have sensitivities.

Watch out for artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Natural preservatives like vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) are preferable. Be cautious of foods with excessive fillers or too many grain products near the top of the list.

Recognizing Misleading Claims

Pet food manufacturers often use marketing tactics that can be confusing. Terms like “natural” or “premium” aren’t regulated and don’t guarantee quality. “Grain-free” doesn’t necessarily mean healthier or more suitable for small breeds.

Be wary of buzzwords like “human-grade” or “holistic.” These terms lack legal definitions in pet food. Look for specific, verifiable claims instead.

Check for AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statements. These indicate whether the food meets basic nutritional standards. “Complete and balanced” means the food provides all necessary nutrients in the right proportions.

Always consult with a veterinarian about your small breed’s specific dietary needs. They can help interpret labels and recommend appropriate foods based on your dog’s health, age, and activity level.