Small dogs may come in tiny packages, but they have some pretty big dietary needs. From fast metabolisms to sensitive tummies, choosing the best dog food for small dogs isn’t just about picking a smaller kibble size—it’s about delivering targeted nutrition tailored to their unique size, age, and energy level.
Whether you have a feisty Chihuahua, a mellow Maltese, or a curious Cavalier, this guide will help you find the right fit for your furry friend’s bowl. We’ve broken down nutritional must-haves, answered FAQs, and reviewed top picks (including options for allergies, picky eaters, and budget-conscious pet parents).
|
Best Overall
|
Best Raw
|
Best for Allergies
|
|
Description: Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh. LIMITED TIME OFFER 60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX + A FREE FI SMART COLLAR! |
Description: Maev, along with a team of PhD Veterinary Nutritionists, formulated their protein-rich Raw Food with 11 core ingredients including lean Beef or Chicken (plus Liver, Gizzard, and Sweetbreads), fresh vegetables and fruits, and functional supplements in every serving. GUARANTEED BEST PRICE SAVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE WITH CODE CHOW20 |
Description: Fresh, vet-designed dog meals made with real, human-grade ingredients. PetPlate delivers gently cooked recipes tailored to your pup’s needs—plus tasty treats and supplements to round out their diet. GUARANTEED BEST PRICE GET 60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX + ONE FREE BAG OF TREATS! |
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX +
A FREE FI SMART COLLAR!
Maev, along with a team of PhD Veterinary Nutritionists, formulated their protein-rich Raw Food with 11 core ingredients including lean Beef or Chicken (plus Liver, Gizzard, and Sweetbreads), fresh vegetables and fruits, and functional supplements in every serving.
GUARANTEED BEST PRICE
SAVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE WITH CODE CHOW20
Fresh, vet-designed dog meals made with real, human-grade ingredients. PetPlate delivers gently cooked recipes tailored to your pup’s needs—plus tasty treats and supplements to round out their diet.
GUARANTEED BEST PRICE
GET 60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX + ONE FREE BAG OF TREATS!
TL;DR – Quick Takeaways
- • Topic: The best dog food for small dogs with different dietary needs and preferences
- • Top Pick: Ollie Fresh Dog Food – gently cooked, human-grade, and small dog approved
- • Best For: Picky eaters, sensitive stomachs, senior pups, and busy pet parents
- • What You’ll Find: Handpicked options for fresh, raw, air-dried, kibble, and allergy-friendly diets
💡 Why it’s worth your scroll: These dog foods meet the unique nutritional demands of small breeds—without compromising on taste, convenience, or health.
Nutritional Needs of Small Dogs
Small breeds burn energy fast, which means they need calorie-dense food in smaller portions. But it’s not just about calories. Here’s what to look for:
Key Nutrients for Small Dogs
-
High-quality protein for lean muscle
-
Healthy fats (like omega-3s) for skin, coat, and energy
-
Smaller kibble size for easier chewing
-
Probiotics and fiber to support sensitive digestion
-
Antioxidants to help bolster their immune system
Avoid:
-
Fillers like corn and soy
-
Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
-
Generic “meat” or “by-product” meals with no source specified
Because small dogs also tend to live longer than larger breeds, investing in nutrient-rich food now can help prevent age-related issues later on.
Our Top Picks for the Best Dog Food for Small Dogs
We reviewed fresh, raw, kibble, and air-dried options to suit a variety of budgets and health needs. Here’s what made the cut:
🏆 Best Overall: Ollie Fresh Dog Food
Ollie is a fantastic fresh food option for small dogs with picky appetites or sensitive digestion. The soft texture, personalized portions, and high-quality ingredients make it ideal for smaller mouths and faster metabolisms.
Key Features:
Human-grade, fresh-cooked meals made in small batches
Tailored to your dog’s breed, age, and activity level
Vet-formulated and minimally processed
Delivered to your door on a schedule that works for you
Why we love it:
Ollie is one of those rare brands that truly gets small dogs. Each recipe is tailored based on your pup’s age, breed, weight, and activity level, which means you’re not guessing portions or nutrients. Because it’s gently cooked and made with human-grade ingredients, it’s especially easy on delicate digestive systems. You can actually see the difference in your dog’s coat, energy, and excitement at mealtime. Plus, picky eaters tend to gobble this one up—something every small dog owner knows can be a major win.
What to consider:
More expensive than kibble, but worth it if your dog’s a picky eater or has specific dietary needs.
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX +
A FREE FI SMART COLLAR!
🥩 Best Raw: Maev
Maev’s bite-sized frozen nuggets are perfectly portioned for small breeds, making raw feeding less intimidating. It’s a great fit for energetic pups that need nutrient-dense fuel without the filler.
Key Features:
Flash-frozen raw meals with balanced nutrition
Boosted with functional supplements like melatonin and glucosamine
Easy to scoop and thaw in small portions
No prep, no mess
Why we love it:
Maev offers the convenience of prepared meals with all the benefits of a raw diet. That means your dog gets a boost in nutrients that haven’t been cooked away—without you having to deal with raw meat prep or questionable safety. Each recipe is supplemented with functional ingredients like bone broth, fish oil, glucosamine, and even melatonin for calming support. This is a brand that isn’t just feeding your small dog—it’s helping them thrive from nose to tail. Great for high-energy pups, allergy-prone dogs, and those with joint or skin concerns.
What to consider:
Needs freezer space. Some dogs need a gradual transition to raw.
Maev, along with a team of PhD Veterinary Nutritionists, formulated their protein-rich Raw Food with 11 core ingredients including lean Beef or Chicken (plus Liver, Gizzard, and Sweetbreads), fresh vegetables and fruits, and functional supplements in every serving.
⭐ GUARANTEED BEST PRICE ⭐
SAVE 20% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE WITH CODE CHOW20
🌾 Best for Allergies: PetPlate Fresh Entrées – Pork L.I.D. Recipe
PetPlate’s limited ingredient formula is a lifesaver for small dogs with food sensitivities. The pork and squash combo is gentle on the stomach but still provides balanced nutrition.
Key Features:
Single-source protein (USDA pork)
Simple ingredients: pork, squash, quinoa
Vet-designed limited-ingredient recipe
Delivered pre-portioned and ready to serve
Why we love it:
PetPlate makes managing food sensitivities easier by offering a genuinely limited-ingredient diet that doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition. The Pork L.I.D. recipe is made with ingredients like USDA pork, squash, and quinoa—gentle on the stomach but rich in vitamins and minerals. Because it skips common allergens like beef, chicken, and dairy, it’s a smart choice for small dogs with chronic itching, digestive issues, or food-triggered anxiety. The meals are fully cooked and pre-portioned, which means less worry and less waste.
What to consider:
It’s not shelf-stable, so it does require fridge and freezer space.
- Premium meat and real veggies and fruit.
- Designed with your dog’s skin and coat in mind, featuring naturally supportive nutrients from salmon oil and flaxseeds.
- Crafted in small batches in USDA-approved kitchens.
Save 50% off your first box on PetPlate!
🍗 Best Air-Dried: Sundays for Dogs – Turkey Recipe
Sundays is perfect for small dogs that love real meat but don’t do well on raw or overly processed kibble. All of their recipes are easy to digest. We love the Chicken recipe, but they offer Turkey as well for pups who need chicken-free dog food.
Key Features:
Created by vets
Natural and human-grade
83–91% meat content
With fruits, veggies, seeds, and whole grains
Shelf-stable and travel-friendly
Picky-eater approved
Subscription-only, made in the USA
Why we love it:
Sundays delivers the convenience of kibble with the nutrition of raw and the flavor of something you might find in a dog-friendly charcuterie box. Their air-dried method gently preserves nutrients without sacrificing taste—something small dogs with picky palettes seem to love. The Turkey recipe is especially good for dogs with sensitivities, and it contains over 90% meat, fruits, veggies, and superfoods. Bonus points for being shelf-stable, no refrigeration needed, and easy to travel with. Small dogs often get excited just hearing the bag crinkle.
What to consider:
It’s on the pricey side compared to traditional kibble.
Sundays for Dogs is an air-dried, human-grade dog food made with real beef and superfoods. It’s grain-free, chicken-free, and perfect for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs.
💸 Best Budget Subscription: The Pets Table
The Pets Table offers a vet-backed fresh food experience without the high cost, making it a great entry-level option for small dogs who deserve more than basic kibble.
Key Features:
Fresh and air-dried recipes available
Developed with veterinarians
Smaller portions and textures for small breeds
Budget-conscious pricing compared to other fresh options
Why we love it:
The Pets Table proves you don’t need to drop top-tier dollars to feed your small dog like royalty. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options in the subscription space, but still developed by vets and made with high-quality, transparent ingredients. You can choose between air-dried and gently cooked options, both designed to be easy to digest and palatable. It’s a great entry point for anyone curious about premium food without the premium price tag. Ideal if you want to upgrade from kibble but aren’t quite ready to go all-in on fresh.
What to consider:
Fewer recipe options than Ollie or PetPlate.
Every plan provided by The Pets Table ensures a balanced diet for your dog, packed with ingredients they will adore, all reviewed by their Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist.
🐟 Best Kibble: Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Red Lentils
This high-protein grain-free kibble is designed with small dogs in mind, offering nutrient-dense bites that support everything from digestion to skin health.
Key Features:
Salmon-first recipe with 30%+ protein
Grain-free with red lentils and sweet potatoes
Small kibble size for little mouths
Contains probiotics for gut support
Why we love it:
Nulo’s salmon-based kibble is a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein and natural probiotics to support gut health—a big deal for small dogs prone to digestive issues. The small-bite formula is easy for tiny mouths to chew and won’t overwhelm your little pup. It’s also grain-free, making it a smart choice for allergy-prone dogs or those with food intolerances. The inclusion of red lentils, sweet potatoes, and carrots gives it a nutritional edge over basic big-box brands. Plus, the crunchy texture is great for keeping little teeth clean.
What to consider:
Grain-free isn’t for every dog. Ask your vet if you’re unsure.
This high-protein kibble features real, deboned salmon as the number one ingredient. With 83% animal-based protein, each bite offers lean, steady energy for small and toy-breed dogs. Small pieces promote proper chewing. Live probiotics and natural fiber support a healthy gut, while taurine nourishes the heart.
🐶 Best Kibble for Small Breed Puppies: Now Fresh Small Breed Puppy Food
Tailored for tiny tummies, this grain-free kibble is specially crafted to support the unique nutritional needs of small-breed puppies during their critical growth phase.
Key Features:
De-boned turkey and whole eggs for protein
DHA from coconut oil and canola for brain development
Probiotics and fiber-rich fruits and veggies
Grain-free and free of meat meals or by-products
Why we love it:
Now Fresh makes transitioning from mama’s milk to real food smooth, safe, and satisfying. The small kibble size is perfect for tiny puppy mouths, and it’s packed with wholesome ingredients like de-boned turkey, whole eggs, blueberries, and DHA for brain development. There are zero meat meals, by-products, or artificial preservatives—just clean, purposeful nutrition designed for the unique growth needs of small-breed puppies. If you want your pup to start life strong and stay healthy into adulthood, this is a fantastic foundation.
What to consider:
You may need to transition to an adult formula around 10–12 months of age.
Now Fresh recipes are crafted with high-quality ingredients like fresh meat and nutrient-rich superfoods, and they are minimally processed to help preserve nutrients and flavor. Now Fresh healthy dog and cat food recipes come in a variety of options that are tail-ored to specific ages, sizes and dietary needs and feature natural ingredients like chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, pork, cod and salmon.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to feeding small dogs, quality matters even more than quantity. Their fast metabolisms, sensitive stomachs, and long lifespans mean they thrive best on nutrient-dense, carefully balanced meals. While every food on this list is an excellent choice depending on your pup’s unique needs—whether it’s raw, air-dried, allergy-friendly, or budget-conscious—Ollie stands out as our top pick.
Why? Because Ollie checks every box for small-breed parents. It’s human-grade, gently cooked, portioned for your pup’s size, and vet-formulated to deliver complete nutrition without fillers. It’s also one of the few fresh food options that even the pickiest eaters consistently love. If you want one reliable go-to that takes the guesswork out of feeding your small dog, Ollie is the clear winner.
That said, the “best” food is ultimately the one your dog thrives on. So whether you choose Ollie, Maev, Sundays, or another option from our list, you can feel confident you’re giving your little pup the big nutrition they deserve.
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.
LIMITED TIME OFFER
60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX +
A FREE FI SMART COLLAR!
