Toy breeds are immediately charming due to their small size, but their tiny proportions do not only add to their cuteness factor, they also facilitate the upkeep and maintenance of these canines.
Toy breeds, for instance, necessitate beds and crates of reduced size, produce smaller feces, and consume less food when compared to their bigger counterparts.
Despite their smaller size not necessitating as much food as larger dogs, toy breeds – such as the smallest Shih Tzus and tiny terriers – require a balanced diet to maintain good health and a high quality of life.
5 Best Dog Foods for Toy Breed Dogs
Although it is advisable to carefully evaluate the subsequent items and choose the one that is most appropriate for your dog’s specific requirements, any of the five toy breed formulas mentioned below would suffice in providing your furry friend with the necessary nourishment and energy.
1. Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Recipe
Grain-inclusive recipe with smaller kibble size
In this recipe, the first three ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal, along with vegetables that are rich in antioxidants!
The Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Recipe is a natural dog food that does not contain wheat, corn, soy, or synthetic ingredients.
Tailored to meet the needs of your small dog, this formula is crafted to boost your pet’s immune function and enhance the health of their coat, skin, and joints.
Characteristics:
- Deboned chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Contains several supplemental protein sources , including chicken meal, turkey meal and peas
- Small kibble size is designed specifically for your toy breed’s mouth
- Made with spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries and other antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Made in the USA
The Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Recipe received high ratings from the majority of owners who were satisfied with it. Many owners reported an improvement in their dogs’ skin health after switching to this product, and the majority of dogs seem to find it delicious. Moreover, the inclusion of probiotics in this food appears to effectively regulate the digestive system of several dogs that consume it.
Although some owners mentioned issues with taste, this was not a common complaint. A few customers faced challenges with the packaging and delivery of the product, but this is not uncommon with any brand of dog food. While a small group of owners claimed that the food caused their dog to pass gas, the majority of dogs showed improved digestive health after switching to this formula.
2. Blue Wilderness Toy Breed Chicken Formula
USA-made high-protein kibble
Kibble that is free of grain and contains a remarkable protein composition, along with additional glucosamine.
Blue Wilderness Toy Breed Recipe is formulated to feed your dog a diet that is both nourishing and high in protein, in keeping with their ancestral eating habits.
The Toy Breed Chicken Formula from Blue Wilderness is similar to their other recipes, brimming with a diverse range of superior, all-natural components. These elements combine to create a delectable and nourishing meal.
Characteristics:
- Deboned chicken is the first listed ingredient in this chicken-based dog food
- Fortified with vitamins , minerals and five different probiotic strains
- Small kibble is easy for toy breeds to chew
- Grain-free formula
- Made in the USA
The majority of Blue Wilderness recipe users are highly satisfied and speak positively of the brand. Dogs enjoy the flavor, and the antioxidants in the ingredients are appreciated by owners, especially those with smaller breeds. A switch to Blue Wilderness has led to better coat quality and elimination patterns in many cases, attributed to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics in the food.
3. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost
Delicious kibble boosted with raw ingredients
The kibble is rich in protein and does not contain any grains. It is specially designed for small mouths with small-sized pieces. Additionally, freeze-dried raw meat is added to enhance its flavour.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost is a grain-free dog food intended for small breeds that is packed with nutrients. It’s made with a high-protein formula and includes both cooked chicken and freeze-dried raw meat.
To cater to the specific requirements of toy breeds and maintain lasting health, this recipe includes a range of vital supplements and ingredients.
Characteristics:
- Cage-free chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Grain-free recipe contains no chicken or wheat
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, chondroitin and a probiotic
- Made with the proper calcium and phosphorus blend to ensure strong bones and healthy joints
- Made in the USA
Nature’s Variety Instinct was well-liked by the majority of owners, and numerous owners claimed that their dogs could consume this food without any digestive issues, unlike other foods. The majority of dogs who tried this food exhibited an improvement in their coat condition due to the omega-3-rich ingredients present in the recipe, and some dogs’ mobility appeared to improve owing to the presence of glucosamine and chondroitin.
4. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Chicken
Tasty, grain-inclusive formula for small doggos
This kibble is packed with essential nutrients from wholesome grains such as brown rice and brewers rice, as well as a distinctive combination of three protein sources and a “superfood” mixture.
Nutro Ultra’s Small Breed Chicken Recipe stands out among commercial dog foods due to its remarkable selection of ingredients, such as three diverse protein sources, whole grains that are rich in fiber, and an exceptional combination of “superfoods.”
By selecting the Ultra recipe, you can provide your dog, be it a Yorkie or a Pom, with the necessary calories as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will bolster their health and immune system.
Characteristics:
- Chicken and chicken meal are the first two listed ingredient
- Made without any genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- Includes coconut, chia seed and kale for even more antioxidants
- Made without any artificial flavors, colors or additives
- Includes no chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat .
- Made in the USA
The majority of Nutro Ultra users were highly satisfied. Many observed an immediate enhancement in their dog’s coat quality, and most canines seemed to relish the flavor of this formula. Some owners even witnessed better digestion and a decrease in their dog’s overall smell upon shifting to Nutro Ultra.
5. Halo Spot’s Stew Dry Recipe for Small Breed Dogs
Halo Spot’s Stew Small Breed Recipe is a dog food that is free from genetically modified organisms, synthetic ingredients, and chicken that comes from factory farming, and is made from natural ingredients.
Designed specifically for adult small breed dogs and as an appropriate dog food for small breed puppies, this kibble is small enough for your tiny dog’s mouth and formulated for maximum digestibility in your dog’s relatively short digestive system.
- Real, antibiotic-free chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Made without any meat meals
- Includes vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as four probiotic strains
- Ziploc-style bag closure to preserve product freshness
- Proven “most digestible” in an independent U.S. laboratory test of seven leading brands
The majority of pet owners who tried Halo Spot’s Stew Dry Recipe for Small Breed Dogs provided positive feedback. A number of individuals who owned older toy breeds (which tend to experience dental issues) were pleased with their pet’s ability to comfortably chew the food. Additional owners noted positive changes in their pet’s coat condition, skin health, energy levels, and bathroom behavior upon trying this specific Halo product.
BONUS: Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?
As recalls and information on commercial dog foods continue to change, an increasing number of dog owners are choosing to cook their own dog food at home. While dogs enjoy homemade meals, it is crucial to adhere to certain guidelines to maintain their health, which differs from preparing meals for humans.
The trend of homemade diets for dogs is becoming more popular due to the ability to manage the ingredients and eliminate concerns about dog food recalls. Furthermore, individuals who prioritize healthy eating habits are also looking for healthier options for their dogs, making homemade diets a preferred choice since they typically involve whole food ingredients that are perceived as being healthier than commercially processed dog food.
Before transitioning to a homemade diet for your dog, there are several factors to take into account as it might not be the most suitable option for everyone.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
- It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
- Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
- If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.
Proper Nutrition for Dogs
Just as humans do, dogs require specific nutrients to stay healthy. It is important to note that dogs have their own unique dietary needs, and simply feeding them human food is not adequate. Providing an insufficient or unbalanced diet may result in dogs being deficient in key vitamins and nutrients.
To meet their energy needs, dogs require a sufficient amount of calories, which varies depending on their stage of life and activity level. By consulting with your veterinarian, you can determine the appropriate daily calorie intake for your dog.
For a dog’s homemade diet to be well-rounded, a proper mixture of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat is essential. The inclusion of vitamins and minerals is crucial to guarantee the dog’s nutrition is comprehensive and balanced.
- At least 10% protein , such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
- Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta , and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
- About 2.5-4.5% fiber , which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots
- At least 5.5% fat , usually in the form of vegetable oil
- Vitamin and mineral supplements (dog-specific; can be purchased from a reputable company like BalanceIT.com )
To commence preparing meals for your canine, your initial action should be to consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian might provide you with recipes to experiment with, or you might require a recommendation to a veterinary nutritionist or a veterinarian that specializes in dog nutrition.
What to Watch for When Feeding Homemade Dog Food
When transitioning to homemade dog food, it is crucial to keep a close eye on your dog. Be sure to communicate any positive or negative changes you observe to your vet and maintain a record of your dog’s weight and physical state over time. It is recommended that you weigh your dog at least once weekly and seek veterinary advice if there is unanticipated weight gain or loss. Additionally, be on the lookout for vomiting or diarrhea, which might be caused by sensitivity to particular ingredients. Notify your veterinarian of any signs of illness, including these, as well as any others.
How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs
To ensure your dog’s diet is well-rounded, it’s important to stick to a complete and balanced recipe when cooking at home. Once you have consulted with your veterinarian and selected an appropriate recipe, it’s time to begin.
- Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
- Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
- Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
- Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
- Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
- Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
- Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.
Making large batches of food and storing them in pre-measured containers is a popular choice among pet owners as it helps save both time and money. However, it is recommended to start by preparing smaller portions so that you can assess how well your dog adapts to the new diet.
