Hypoallergenic dog food for small breeds has seen a rise in popularity lately. In my opinion, this rise is owed mainly to the recent push of breed-specific dog foods. Small dogs equal small, breed-specific dog food. In addition, small breed dog food, in general, has seen a rise in popularity. This is a natural extension of the breed-specific craze. A spin-off, if you will. Now owners of small dogs have more options other than just soaking huge chunks of kibble for tiny mouths or opting for wet food.
If you’ve read any of my posts on dog food, you know that I’m of the opinion that breed-specific foods are just hype. I worked in the vet field for seven years, and in that time, I worked with a highly experienced vet. Through her knowledge, my own research, and anecdotal evidence. I saw no discernible improvement in health when owners used breed specific food vs. general food.
Although I’m not a huge fan of the breed-specific craze, there is one good thing to be said for small breed dog food, whether it be hypoallergenic or otherwise. Size. So let’s look at some things you should look for when choosing the best hypoallergenic dog food for small breeds, or small breed food in general.
What to Look For in the Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Small Breeds
Let me begin by saying that this post is all about kibble. As I have seen no real benefit to breed-specific foods, I’m not touching on any small breed wet foods. All wet food is suitable for small dogs when you get down to it, so today we’re going to talk about kibble for the tiny pooches.
When looking for dog food for your tiny pooch, you’ll want to look at kibble size, food ingredients, and how both of those relate to your dog. Here are some examples.
Size
The most immediately obvious thing to look for in food for small dogs is kibble size. All small breed dog foods come in little kibble sized for small mouths to chew more easily.
Breed
Again, don’t go out and buy “Maltese Variety” dog food. Do some research into your breed. Most breeds are more prone to certain diseases and conditions. Research which disease and conditions your small breed dog is prone to and look for ingredients that address those issues.
Most Likely to Succeed
This is the part you’ll be doing in conjunction with your vet if you’re looking for small breed hypoallergenic dog food. You’ll be on a quest for foods recommended by your vet that contain the appropriate protein and carb sources for your pet and his allergies or sensitivities.
Caloric Content
When looking for a small breed food – or any food for that matter – it’s a good idea to look for a reduced calorie food. Reduced calorie foods help you control how many calories go into your dog, and they help you prevent obesity when you have one of those dogs who always seems to want one more bite. Look for reduced calorie foods which still use high-quality ingredients like proteins and NOT protein by-products.
Vet Recommendation
Even if your dog doesn’t have food allergies or sensitivities, you should still consult your vet when looking food for your dog. Your vet can give you an idea about which brands are known to be the best and his or her personal experience with different brands of food. Your vet will be an invaluable tool while you’re looking for the best hypoallergenic dog food for small breeds.
Small Breed Dog Food – Ingredients, Not Packaging
When you’re looking for small breed dog food, look at the ingredients, not the packaging. Look for foods which will best serve your dog’s needs by checking the label and consulting your vet. Just because a food says “small breed” or “X dog formula” doesn’t mean it’s the best. When shopping for small breed dog food, it’s all about ingredients.
