Best Dog Food for Havanese
Why you should trust our dog food reviews
We've been reviewing food since 2008 with a proprietary formula in partnership with experts and user feedback. All reviews are verified by our in-house animal nutritionist. Why trust us
Review verified by
All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
What’s the best dog food for Havanese?
Havanese can be prone to becoming overweight, so it’s important to select a dog food that is formulated to meet their specific energy requirements without overloading them with excessive calories.
Consider a formula labeled for “less active” or “weight management” if your Havanese is overweight or prone to weight gain.
Havanese are susceptible to joint problems, including legg-calve-perthes disease and patella luxation, so the food you choose should contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin which can help support joint health and mobility.
As always, ensure that the dog food you choose provides a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Opt for a dog food that lists high-quality animal-based proteins as the main ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. These proteins provide essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance.
Havanese may have food sensitivities or allergies, so be mindful of potential allergens in their food. If your dog exhibits signs of allergies or digestive issues, consult with your veterinarian to identify potential triggers and consider a limited ingredient diet or specialized formulas.
Below, you can see our recommendations of the best foods for Havanese, which we hope will help you choose the right food for your pet.
For more information about this breed, see our Havanese breed page.
Best Dog Food for Havanese February 2026
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Havanese for February 2026.
-
Best Dry Dog Food For Havanese
Orijen Small Breed
This turkey-based recipe is specially formulated for small dogs, making it an excellent choice for your Havanese.
The first five ingredients are fresh or raw poultry and fish, which are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals. The fish provides a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, supporting your dog’s skin, coat, and joints.
Orijen Small Breed is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen dry product line. It derives its protein from turkey, a lean and flavorful meat. Dry matter analysis reveals the recipe contains 43.2% protein, 20.5% fat, and 28.4% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
This grain-free formula contains no soy, corn, wheat, or tapioca, making it suitable for dogs with allergies to common fillers. Plus, the unique kibble shape and size are designed for small dogs, making it easier for them to chew.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Small kibble size
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), whole herring, salmon Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 43.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Havanese dogs & puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have picky pups but they devoured this!!! I love that it is all natural with great ingredients and that they will eat it. Win, win, win for me!"
-
Best Wet Dog Food For Havanese
Open Farm Homestead Chicken Gently Cooked Recipe
Open Farm Gently Cooked Chicken Recipe is an excellent choice for Havanese dogs. Made predominantly from lean chicken, this recipe is gentle on digestion while providing high-quality protein. It features 100% human-grade ingredients, including non-GMO vegetables and nutrient-packed superfoods.
Carrots, butternut squash, and apples enhance digestibility and add natural fiber, while spinach provides a nutrient boost with essential vitamins A, B, C, K, and iron — perfect for supporting your Havanese’s overall health.
This recipe is one of seven wet options in our review of the Open Farm Gently Cooked product line and comes highly recommended for small breeds like the Havanese.
A dry matter analysis shows 45.8% protein, 29.2% fat, and 17% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%, offering a balanced and nutritious meal to support your dog’s energy and vitality.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Non-GMO vegetables
- Rich in vitamins
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, kale, butternut squash, apples Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 45.8% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Havanese Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at openfarmpet.com"My dog loves the gently cooked chicken recipe. We mix it with some of the ancient grain dry food and some Open Farm bone broth. We tried many foods, and this is the only brand that makes her run to her food dish."
-
Best Fresh Dog Food For Havanese
A Pup Above Chicka Pupatouille
Diced into small, gently cooked cubes, A Pup Above Chicka Pupatouille is a great choice for a small breed like the Havanese.
It’s one of five dry recipes included in our review of the dehydrated product line. This formula features gently cooked, diced cubes that are perfectly sized for little mouths and easy to digest — a bonus for Havanese dogs, who can be prone to sensitive stomachs.
The bulk of the protein comes from lean chicken, a gentle and nutritious meat, making it ideal for supporting their energy needs without upsetting their digestion. All ingredients are 100% human-grade, including non-GMO vegetables and friendly grains, ensuring high-quality, wholesome nutrition.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 20.9% fat and 38.2% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Overall, this is a high-protein, stomach-friendly option perfectly tailored to the needs of Havanese dogs.
Read our review of the full A Pup Above Whole Food Cubies Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- High protein
- Non-GMO veggies
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken heart, sweet potato, barley, oat Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Havanese Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at apupabove.com"Love the no mess, no fuss of this product! Pups really love it as a treat or meal."
-
Best Dog Food For Havanese Puppies
Wellness Turkey Stew
Wellness Turkey Stew is an excellent choice for small-breed puppies, thanks to its high protein content. This recipe derives most of its protein from turkey — a lean, easily digestible meat that supports muscle development and growth during your puppy’s critical early stages.
As a single-meat recipe, it’s ideal for puppies with allergies or sensitivities, allowing you to eliminate common allergens. With a dry matter analysis revealing 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat, and 30.9% estimated carbs, it delivers a well-rounded fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
Made with tender cuts of premium turkey, turkey broth, and nutrient-rich veggies like carrots, all slow-cooked in a savory gravy, this recipe provides a 100% complete and balanced diet. It’s perfect for everyday feeding, mixing, or snacking and contains no wheat, poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Proudly made in the USA, Wellness Turkey Stew is one of six wet recipes included in our review of this product line.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Stews Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Single-meat source
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, water sufficient for processing, turkey liver, carrots Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Havanese dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog LOVES these canned foods, and I love them because they are so healthy for her compared to other canned foods."
-
Best Affordable Dog Food For Havanese
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is specially crafted to meet the unique nutritional needs of toy breeds like the Havanese. It starts with high-quality deboned chicken as the primary protein source, combined with wholesome grains and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to promote overall health and support digestion.
Formulated specifically for small dogs, it provides a balanced blend of proteins and carbohydrates to fuel their higher energy needs while maintaining a nutritious diet.
Blue Buffalo dry dog food is free from chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, and soy, offering a gentle and natural option for sensitive stomachs. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, it’s a budget-friendly choice that prioritizes quality without compromise.
A dry matter analysis shows 28.9% protein, 16.7% fat, and 46.4% carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 58%. As part of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line, this is one of 20 dry recipes.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Specifically crafted for small dogs
- Budget-friendly
- Free from artificial flavors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Havanese Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Good quality for a reasonable price. My small dog likes the little kibbles and they are easy to chew and have an appealing flavor."
-
Best Dog Food For Havanese With Allergies
Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon
Made with wild-caught salmon as the single meat protein, this food is perfectly suited for dogs with allergies to common meats such as chicken or beef.
The high-quality salmon is easily digestible, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and provides all the essential amino acids your dog needs. It is packed with guaranteed levels of natural omegas and antioxidants to promote healthy skin and coat, as well as support immune health.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31.1% protein, 20% fat and 40.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%. Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Recipe With Real Salmon is one of three dry recipes included in our review of the overall product line.
It is completely free from wheat, poultry by-products, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. A top pick for dogs with allergies.
Read our review of the full Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Single-meat protein
- Free from wheat and poultry by-products
- High protein
Main Ingredients Salmon meal, salmon, peas, tapioca, canola oil Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 31.1% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Havanese Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"It is easily digestible and our dogs do not get upset stomachs from it."
How we review dog foods
We read the label.
This may sound simple, but there are thousands of dog foods on the market, and the label is the only source of reliable, standardized and government-regulated data available on every one of them. This includes the AAFCO nutrient profile, the Guaranteed Analysis and the ingredients.
We use our algorithm.
We take the data and enter it into our unique algorithm to produce a different set of figures, including the Dry Matter Analysis (the nutrient levels after water has been removed). This algorithm gives us a base score range on our five-star rating system.
We refine the score.
We take into account other factors, such as the quality of ingredients and the nature of the first few ingredients on the list (and therefore the most prevalent in the food), and narrow the score. The key ingredients are explained in-depth in the review.
Our expert nutritionist takes over.
At this point, our expert pet nutritionist, Laura Ward, goes through the review to check and approve it. She has the authority to make small discretionary changes to the star-rating based on her judgment of a food. We now have our final star-rating.
What other information do we include for dog parents?
Each dog food review includes sample consumer reviews and links to other reviews. It also includes the brand’s recall history. Our Best Dog Food pages also include consumer reviews.
Why we don’t just feed foods to our dogs.
Despite what other dog food review sites claim, simply giving a food to a dog and seeing if they eat it is completely unscientific and has little value as a review method. If you give a kid candy, they’ll happily eat it, but it doesn’t mean it’s good for them. And no one food suits every dog.
It’s also dangerous for dogs. We rate every dog food, good and bad. Why would we deliberately feed a dog bad dog food?
That said, we understand that personal experience of a food is important to dog parents and include consumer reviews on our pages.
What about lab-testing dog food?
Lab-testing dog food can provide useful, in-depth information, but as mentioned, there are thousands of dog foods on the market. We’d love to test them all, but there isn’t a facility in the country that could. Therefore, it’s impossible to have a fair universal rating system using lab tests.
It’s worth noting that dog food brands carry out their own testing. This ensures compliance with AAFCO and FDA pet food standards, as well as checking for pathogens.
Why you should trust our dog food reviews
Dog Food Advisor has been impartially reviewing dog food since 2008. We are the most trusted dog food review site in the United States, with a 4.9-star TrustPilot rating.
Here's why:
We do not accept money, gifts, samples or any other incentives in exchange for special consideration in writing our reviews.
We rate every dog food in the same way, using the only information we believe is equally available for all foods, reliable and therefore fair: what’s on the label. It’s the only way for any review site to rate every dog food on the market.
We focus on ingredients, nutrient profiles and recipes. We look at the ingredients used, including their quality, and review the nutritional analysis and macronutrient balance. We take into account any controversial or harmful ingredients.
Every review is expertly checked and approved by our highly qualified in-house animal nutritionist, Laura Ward.
We report all dog food and dog treat recalls through our Dog Food Recall Alert service, no matter the brand.
For more information, read our How We Rate Dog Food and Disclaimer and Disclosure pages.
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Havanese:
Havanese are a small sized breed of dog which are native to Cuba and known for their bright personalities. The American Kennel Club (AKC) consistently ranks Havanese within the top 25 most popular breeds in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Havanese?
Havanese are up to 11.5 inches tall and weigh between 7-13 pounds.
What kind of fur does a Havanese have?
Havanese have long silky hair which needs regular grooming to avoid matting and tangles. Some pet parents may choose to trim their hair shorter to make grooming easier. According to the AKC, there is a huge range of registered colors for Havanese, from all white to brindle and blue. The markings also have a huge variety including but not limited to silver, parti-color, tan, and irish pied.
What temperament do Havanese have?
Havanese are very sociable and show the following traits:
- Highly affectionate
- Protective
- Friendly
- Playful
- Easy to train
- Happy with other dogs and pets
- Good with children
How much exercise do Havanese need?
As a small breed, Havanese only need moderate exercise. This can be a play in the garden or a brisk walk. Over exercise is a risk for this breed, so let your dog rest if they are panting or slowing down.
Which health concerns do Havanese have?
Havanese are an overall healthy breed with a long life expectancy but they can be susceptible to:
- Eye disorders
- Chondrodysplasia
- Deafness
- Heart murmurs
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Luxating patella
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
