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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 October 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s top 10 best small breed puppy foods for March 2024.
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1. Best Overall Small Breed Puppy Food: Solid Gold Grain-Free Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry
We highly recommend this small breed formula by Solid Gold. The texture and consistency is appropriate for smaller mouths and teeth to eat and digest and it contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support brain development.
Small breed puppies require more fat than adult dogs and this wet food includes healthy fats, crucial for energy and maintaining a healthy coat and skin.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from lamb which supports muscle development and growth. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
For more choices: See our Best Puppy Food page.
Read our review of the full Solid Gold Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here
Things we like
- Small bites
- Grain and gluten-free
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Water sufficient for processing, lamb, chicken liver, whitefish, sweet potatoes Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Growth & Maintenance Best For Small breed puppies and lactating female dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My mini Dachshund & Chihuahua love Solid Gold Mighty Mini Lamb, Sweet Potato & Cranberry Food and they give it 5 stars!"
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2. Best Premium Small Breed Puppy Food: The Farmer's Dog Turkey Recipe
Although this Turkey Recipe has the lowest amount of meat protein in The Farmer’s Dog fresh food range, it also exhibits the most favorable fat-to-protein ratio. This is particularly beneficial to small breed puppies as they have higher metabolic rates and energy needs per pound of body weight compared to larger breeds.
The nutrient-dense recipe provides the energy required to support a small breed puppy’s active lifestyle without needing to consume large quantities of food. The pre-portioned packets are based on your puppy’s specific size, age, and activity level to help ensure they get the right amount of calories and nutrients to support healthy growth without overfeeding.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 33% protein, 19% fat and 40% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Fresh Dog Food page
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Favorable fat-to-protein ratio
- Nutrient-dense
- Pre-portioned to prevent overfeeding
Main Ingredients Turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, parsnips Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"My puppy would seldom eat my homemade food, but gobbled The Farmer’s Dog down in seconds! The vet can’t believe the improvement. "
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3. Most Affordable Small Breed Dry Puppy Food: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal
With real chicken as the first ingredient, this small-breed dry dog food is formulated to help your new puppy grow and play by promoting healthy muscle development while also supporting strong bones and teeth.Â
We recommend this affordable option as it includes DHA and ARA — fatty acids found in a mother’s milk — to help support cognitive and retinal development. And, like all Blue Buffalo recipes, this food for small breed puppies contains no chicken or poultry by-product meals and no corn, wheat, or soy.Â
Dry matter analysis reveals a protein reading of 32%, a fat level of 19% and estimated carbohydrates of about 41%, with a fat to protein ratio of 59%.
For more choices: See our Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High quality at an affordable price
- High in fiber
- Antioxidants
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies and lactating females Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog is a small breed puppy and she loves this. Would totally recommend if you don’t like buying human-grade food. Also it’s affordable for how big the bag is. "
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4. Best Dry Food for Small Breed Puppies: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice
This small breed puppy food is carefully crafted with vital nutrients to support the essential building blocks for your dog’s health and gets a resounding thumbs up from our team.Â
Each scoop includes DHA from fish oil to promote healthy brain and eye development, high-quality protein to build lean muscles, while balanced minerals promote strong bones and teeth. This Hill’s Science Diet Puppy recipe also features a special blend of prebiotic fibers to support the gut microbiome and digestive system. Plus, vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat!
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 28% protein, 19% fat and 45% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 68%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Dry Puppy Food page.
Read our review of the full Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Contains DHA from fish oil
- Puppy size kibble
- Veterinarian recommended
Main Ingredients Chicken, brown rice, whole grain wheat, chicken meal, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"She really loves this food. She grew up on it and now is a momma. So your suppose to feed them puppy food while pregnant and when nursing. She thrives on this food. I love the small bites. Her pups will be on this too."
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5. Best Wet Food for Small Breed Puppies: Ollie Turkey Dish with Blueberries (Fresh)
Ollie’s Fresh Turkey Dish with Blueberries is made with high-quality ingredients that are balanced to provide nutrition for dogs of all ages and activity levels including small breed puppies.Â
This fiber-rich food includes blueberries which can help support a healthy immune system. Some studies also suggest that blueberries may help prevent certain types of cancer in dogs. The dish also contains kale, which is rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin and fur.
 This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey, a lean protein that helps build strong muscles and is a good alternative for dogs with allergies to beef or chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 36% protein, 25% fat and 31% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 70%.Â
Find out more about Ollie Dog Food brand.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Protein-packed fresh recipes
- Caters to your dog's needs
- Human-grade
Main Ingredients Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Ollie.com"Coco used to refuse food daily. She now sits and waits at my feet for Ollie. I was amazed. Ollie has made my life easier not worrying whether or not she will eat! "
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6. Best Grain-Free Food for Small Breed Puppies: Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy
This grain-free dry dog food by Now Fresh is made without by-product or meat meals. It is crafted with only fresh deboned meats and fish that are cooked only once at the lowest temperature possible to preserve their nutrients and natural flavor.Â
We believe this food is an excellent choice for small breed puppies because it includes 20+ natural superfoods, including antioxidant-rich blueberries and broccoli to support healthy immune system function.Â
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from turkey and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 31% protein, 20% fat and 41% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 64%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Grain-Free Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Small kibble for tiny teeth
- Free from grains
- Minimal processing for maintaining nutrients
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 and lactating females Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Izzie loves this new puppy food. Highly recommended for small breed puppies. She is able to chew it better and fill her belly. She is finally gaining some weight"
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7. Best Food for Small Breed Puppies with a Sensitive Stomach: Wellness Core Digestive Health Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food is designed for puppies under one year old.
It is formulated with chicken as the first ingredient and contains digestive enzymes, prebiotic fibers, and probiotics to help support gut health — so is an excellent choice for small breed puppies with a sensitive stomach.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 34% protein, 17% fat and 40% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Dog Foods for Sensitive Stomachs page.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Digestive Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Superfoods to support digestive health
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- High-quality protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oat groats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 34% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies and lactating female dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This food has worked wonders. No more kennel messes to clean up. Helps with training my puppy better. Did not realize that she may have a sensitive stomach. She has gained weight and loves to eat this food"
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8. Best Fresh Food for Small Breed Puppies: Nom Nom Turkey Fare
Nom Nom Turkey Fare is a fresh dog food made with lean turkey, vegetables, and vitamins designed to meet a dog’s nutritional needs at any age including small breed puppies.Â
The recipe includes USDA-inspected ground turkey, brown rice, carrots, spinach, eggs, along with fish oil and essential vitamins. The food is made in the U.S., contains no fillers, and is developed by vets to be balanced and tasty.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
For more choices: See our Best Fresh Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- The chewable texture makes it especially good for pups with small mouths
- Human-grade whole ingredients
- Delivered fresh
Main Ingredients Turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Product was delivered in perfect condition. When I opened the package you could clearly see the turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, and spinach. The dogs loved this treat!!"
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9. Best Grain-Inclusive Food for Small Breed Puppies: Diamond Naturals Small Breed Chicken & Rice
This nutrient-rich recipe provides small breed puppies with the energy to thrive along with omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.Â
We highly recommend this formula as it delivers vitamins and minerals from superfoods, including fruits such as blueberries and oranges. It also features DHA for proper brain and vision development.
Each serving includes species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics, plus antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system health and overall wellness.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 36% protein, 24% fat and 32% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 69%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Dog Food with Grain page.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Wholesome grains
- Contains superfoods
- DHA for brain function
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, ground white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), cracked pearled barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For A small breed puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"All of my chihuahuas switched to this food when I got it for a new baby chi I got. They all love it. "
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10. Best Small Breed Puppy Food For Allergies: Raised Right Puppy Growth Beef
This beef recipe is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for Growth which means it is suitable for all puppies, including small breeds.
It derives the bulk of its protein from beef, a complete protein source that contains many essential nutrients including amino acids to support muscle growth; iron, selenium, zinc, and B vitamins that provide essential nutrients and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Dry matter label analysis reveals that this puppy food from Raised Right contains 59% protein, 23% fat and 10% estimated carbohydrates, with a fat-to-protein ratio of 39%.Â
For more choices: See our Best Dog Food for Allergies page.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Single-source animal proteins
- No fillers
- High-quality & minimally processed
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 59% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Small breed puppies including lactating females Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com"Having a puppy with allergies and a senior dog undergoing chemo, I am delighted and grateful to find a food that is not only healthy but delicious for both my beloved dogs. "
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 |
Final word
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