Feeding Advice For Small Dogs

by Lovejoys Pet Food on November 25, 2016

From Pomeranians to Shih Tzus, our nation loves small breed dogs.

But feeding a small breed dog is incredibly different to feeding a large dog, and it can be difficult to get the quantities for these smaller breeds right.

Small dogs have faster metabolisms than larger dogs and reach maturity quicker too, so it is vital that you feed them the right amount of the right food to support their development.

But don’t fret about feeding your small dog, as this post will guide you through the feeding process. We will let you know what you should feed your dog, how much and how often you need to feed them.

What to Feed Your Small Dog

You should always try and feed your small dog food that is specifically designed with smaller breeds in mind, as this will ensure that the food contains all the nutrients a smaller dog needs.

Ingredients

Surprisingly, smaller dogs need more calories per pound than large dogs, as they burn through their energy faster than larger breeds. In fact, a Pomeranian needs more than twice as many calories per pound than a Great Dane!

Protein is the largest energy source for dogs, so smaller dogs need lots of it due to their fast metabolism.

What’s more, smaller breeds often reach full size as early as 9 months, whilst larger breeds can continue to grow until 18 months or more. Therefore, smaller dogs also need higher levels of fat and calcium than larger dogs, to support their bone and muscle development.

Therefore, you should search for dog food enriched with protein, calcium and fat to help maintain small dog’s energy levels and support their joints. Look for ingredients such as meat, fish, animal fat, fish oil and dried egg.

You should also look for dog food complete with extra B vitamins to help drive their metabolism.

Kibble Size

You should avoid feeding your dog regular dry dog food, as the size of the kibble can be dangerous for smaller dogs.

Regular kibble can be a choking hazard to small dogs. They have a smaller mouth and jaw than larger dogs, and there is a chance that regular sized kibble can be stuck in their esophagus, causing them to choke.

This can prove fatal, so it is important that you feed your dog food that is specifically produced with smaller kibble chunks. Wet food is beneficial to small dogs in this instance, as it is easier for them to chew and digest.

You should avoid feeding your dog regular dry dog food, as the size of the kibble can be dangerous for smaller dogs.

Regular kibble can be a choking hazard to small dogs. They have a smaller mouth and jaw than larger dogs, and there is a chance that regular sized kibble can be stuck in their esophagus, causing them to choke.

This can prove fatal, so it is important that you feed your dog food that is specifically produced with smaller kibble chunks. Wet food is beneficial to small dogs in this instance, as it is easier for them to chew and digest.

Wet Or Dry Food?

Assuming your dog is not over or underweight, whether you feed them wet or dry food is a matter of personal preference. Whichever you would rather feed your dog, or whichever they prefer, wet or dry food are both suitable for smaller dogs and the choice is up to you.

Wet dog food is beneficial if your dog does not drink much water, as it provides an excellent source of hydration. Wet food is also good for smaller dogs as it is easier to eat than some dry food.

Dry food is good for your dog’s teeth, and also the most convenient for you too as it doesn’t spoil and is more cost effective.

Alternatively, you can also feed your dog a mixture of both wet and dry food.

How Much Food Should You Feed Your Small Dog?

To determine how much food to feed your small dog, you must first find out what your dog weighs. If you don’t know, click here for an average guide.

Once you have determined your dog’s weight, you should be able to see how much you should feed them based on the dog food food label. Otherwise, this table shows you how much food you should feed your dog, based on their weight, over a 24 hour period.

Be careful not to overfeed your small dog. You may not think it is enough food, but a small dog’s legs and joints cannot take any extra weight. Any weight on small dogs settles around their middles, which can lead to diabetes or a heart condition, so it’s vital that you do not overfeed them or give them table scraps.

How Often Should You Feed Your Small Dog?

You should aim to feed your small dog little and often.

As they burn through their energy quicker, you should feed your small dog 2-3 times per day, to help keep their energy levels up. Small dogs experience peaks and dips in blood sugar more than larger dogs, so it is important that they are fed throughout the day to keep them full, energised and healthy.

Finally, you should set specific meal times and stick to them. Dogs begin to know when to expect food, and their metabolism will eventually synchronise to this feeding pattern, so it is important that you stick to it.

Remember, the key is to feed your small dog little and often with products high in protein, to help keep them energised all day long.

As always, if you have any serious queries, or if your dog is not eating their food, then you should visit your vet.

 


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