Best Small Breed Puppy Foods
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Looking for the best food for your small breed puppy?
Unfortunately, there are no official nutrient standards established for feeding small or medium breed puppies.
Which means each company is free to create its own design.
And why we recommend puppy owners only consider small breed brands guaranteed to meet AAFCO1 nutrient profiles for “Growth” or “All Life Stages“… and that also contain:
- Above-average protein
- No generic “meat” ingredients
- No risky chemical preservatives
- No cancer-causing coloring agents
- Favorable fat-to-protein ratios
- Moderate levels of carbohydrates
Best Small Breed Puppy Foods April 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s top 10 best small breed puppy foods for March 2024.
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1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Puppy
Life Protection Small Breed Puppy is one of 21 dry recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
This Blue Buffalo recipe derives the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 19% fat and 41% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
A solid grain-inclusive option for small breed puppies from a reputable company.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I love this! This is a good price for the amount of food, It lasted me so long even for 2 puppies, and I love the fact that this is for SMALL BREED PUPPIES and that it’s a known and good brand. Yeah there’s other puppy food but it’s hard find small breed and puppy food in one unless you want wet food.... this is the only one I buy until my pup is a teen or adult then that’s when I will change it"
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2. The Farmer's Dog Fresh
Turkey Recipe is one of 4 fresh-made foods included in our review of The Farmer’s Dog product line.
This specific poultry formula derives most of its meat protein from fresh USDA turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 19% fat and 40% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
All Farmer’s Dog recipes are human-grade. They’re each designed by a board certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN). A rare and unusual finding.
The company designs a customized feeding plan that’s based on your dog’s ideal weight, age, breed type and activity level… and then pre-packages each meal into an appropriate portion size, according to the number of calories needed to maintain your dog at ideal weight.
The food is delivered to your door on a flexible schedule. Once in your home, store the food in your freezer… and thaw each package (as you needed it) in your refrigerator.
An exceptional, fresh, grain-free option… ideal for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced meal that’s as close to homemade as you can get. Minus all the hard work.
Affordable. But not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended for small dogs of all ages… especially puppies.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients USDA Turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnips Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and adults, all breed sizes Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"My dog was beginning a downward slope. We decided to make a change to her food…and we chose Farmer’s Dog…The difference is ASTOUNDING. She eats with gusto, her energy levels are back up, her teeth and coat are even better quality…she’s like a whole different dog. I honestly feel that Farmer’s Dog saved her."
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3. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy
Small Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
This Diamond Naturals formula takes the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 24% fat and 32% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 69%.
An affordable option available in several sizes.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, ground white rice, chicken fat, cracked pearled barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We’ve got a 10 week old Cavapoo puppy and he loves it! He was originally on ProPlan but his stools were very soft and the vet recommended switching his food. Our pup picks out the Diamond Naturals food and leaves the rest. He’s only about 3.5 lbs so the really small kibble is perfect for him."
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4. Raised Right Dog Food
Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus… especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only -
5. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy
Complete Health Small Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
This Wellness formula acquires the largest part of its animal protein from fresh turkey and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 21% fat and 40% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 68%.
An excellent company with multiple puppy recipes.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, salmon meal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"A newly adopted ~2 yr. old rescued Shih Tzu, Zachary, was obviously neglected. Matted sparse fur and prominent spine/ribs called out for some good food and lots of it. So, we chose Wellness. He has moved from 8 lbs. to 10 lbs. in two weeks. He loves the food and it seems to be doing the trick we asked of it. What a good boy!"
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6. Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy
Now Fresh Small Breed Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh Grain-Free product line.
This Now Fresh formula gets the major portion of its animal protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 20% fat and 41% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
An exceptional grain-free selection for small breed puppies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, peas, pea flour, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I discovered NOW puppy food for small breed puppies a couple of years ago. The kibble pieces are the smallest ones I have found and perfect for my pint-sized puppies to eat since they have no teeth to chew with when first starting out. I always had to grind up the kibble, but not any more. They do great on them too and love to put a couple in their mouth and take to their bed to munch on."
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7. Holistic Select Grain Free Small and Mini Breed Puppy
Small and Mini Breed Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select Grain-Free product line.
This Holistic Select formula derives the majority of its meat protein from anchovy, sardine and chicken meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 19% fat and 34% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 49%.
A terrific grain-free growth option.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Anchovy and sardine meal, chicken meal, chickpeas, peas, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My chihuahua puppy has been super picky about any food I get for her, but she LOVES this food. The kibbles are really small and perfect for her little mouth. I've also noticed improvement in her stool. She's had some constipation issues, but this food has really made a difference in the appearance of her stool. I am definitely a fan."
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8. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Puppy
Small Paws is one of 6 dry recipes included in our review of the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy product line.
This Hill’s Science Diet Puppy formula gets the major share of its animal protein from chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 20% fat and 42% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
A long-standing company with multiple puppy recipes to choose from. Great selection.
Read our review of the full Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain sorghum, chicken fat, whole grain corn Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have used Science Diet forever and would not change from it! My dogs and cats all do very well and I am a loyal customer!"
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9. Wellness Core Small Breed Puppy
Core Small Breed Puppy is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
This Wellness formula gets the greatest share of its animal protein from fresh turkey and poultry meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 42% protein, 20% fat and 30% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
An exceptional grain-free small breed puppy formula.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 42% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My foster loves this. He was really underweight, and this has helped him plump up. He also needs small bites or he chokes. It’s has a perfect kibble size!"
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10. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Small Breed
Proactive Health Smart Puppy Small Breed is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Iams Proactive Health product line.
This Iams product takes the vast majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20% fat and 39% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
A high-quality recipe ideal for small breed puppies.
Read our review of the full Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, dried beet pulp Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I highly recommend Iams small bites puppy food. Great nutritional value and a great price. You get what you pay for in dog food. My Boston Terrier pup loves it!"
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11. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Chicken Formula
Wholesome Essentials Puppy Chicken is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Wholesome Essentials product line.
This Nutro formula takes the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, brewers rice, whole brown rice, whole grain oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I’ve been feeding my senior dog this brand since 2012 so of course when I brought a puppy home this was my go to choice! I gradually switched the puppy over from the food he was previously eating with no trouble at all. I’ve noticed that the puppy eats all of this food where he would nibble and leave the other brand in the bowl all day. Both my dogs love this food and will be Nutro pups for life!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my puppy considered a small breed or medium breed?
If you expect your puppy to weigh 20 pounds or less when fully grown, then your dog is considered a small breed.
In comparison, a medium breed puppy will weigh 20 to 50 pounds when they reach adulthood.
Can my small breed puppy eat regular puppy food?
Yes. A small breed puppy can safely eat ANY quality puppy food, including those designed for large breeds.
Just be sure the food states that it meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for “Growth” or “All Life Stages”.
When should I switch my puppy to adult dog food?
Adult dog foods contain different nutrients than puppy foods. So, it’s important not to switch your puppy to adult dog food too soon.
The best time to switch your puppy to adult food depends on your dog’s breed type. The table below can help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food.2 3
| Breed Type | Adult Weight | Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Small breed | Under 20 lbs | 9 – 12 months |
| Medium breed | 20 – 50 lbs | 12 – 14 months |
