What is the Best Food for Toy Breeds?
“What should I be feeding my toy breed dog?”
This is a common question among pet owners. One of the key aspects of ensuring toy breed dogs lead long, healthy, and joyful lives is understanding the importance of their diet. Just as we carefully consider our own nutritional needs, it is equally vital to make informed choices when it comes to nourishing our four-legged friends. Today, let’s delve into the world of toy breed dog nutrition. Join us as we explore the best food options that contribute to their overall well-being.
Do Toy Breeds Need Specialty Food?
The nutritional needs of canines do not follow a “one-size-fits-all” approach. While all dogs share a common ancestry, small breeds exhibit distinct:
- Metabolic rates
- Digestive systems
- Energy requirements
- Dental considerations
For these reasons, yes.
Toy breeds often benefit from specialized diets tailored to their specific requirements that address the nuances of their physiology. For example, smaller dogs typically possess faster metabolisms and higher energy levels compared to their larger counterparts. Therefore, they need nutrient-dense options. Additionally, toy breeds may also grapple with dental concerns due to smaller jaws, often resulting in dental crowding. Fortunately, specially crafted kibble with petite dimensions can aid in promoting dental health by encouraging chewing, reducing plaque, and supporting overall oral hygiene.
When fed the wrong type of food, veterinarians warn dogs risk developing:
- Obesity
- Dental Problems (such as tooth loss)
- Digestive Disorders
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Orthopedic Issues
- Heart Disease
By choosing a high-quality dog food made specifically for toy breeds, you can mitigate many of these health concerns.
Best Kibble for Toy Breed Dogs
By far, the most popular choice is dry kibble.
Kibble is readily available in pet stores, affordable, convenient, less messy, and has a long shelf life. However (as we have learned), not all food is the same, especially for little dogs. When searching for the best brand of kibble, check to see if it adheres to the following:
- Bite-sized pieces
- Whole ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
For toy breeds, one of the best dry dog foods is Wellness Small Breed Complete. This is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it has been expertly designed to support the unique health needs of smaller-sized dogs by listing nutrient-rich whole foods as the main ingredients. Made with turkey, chicken, salmon, oatmeal, tomato, ground flaxseed, carrots, spinach, blueberries, apples, and more, it is loaded with all the vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, and nutrients toy breeds require.
Best Wet Food for Toy Breed Dogs
Another option is wet food. Unlike dry kibble, wet food has a higher moisture content. PetMD explains that meat ingredients are ground down, combined with a gravy containing vitamins, minerals, and grains, then cooked and sterilized before being canned.
The result? An easy-to-swallow and palatable food toy breeds enjoy.
One top choice is Merrick Lil’ Plates Wet Dog Food.
There is no shortage of flavors for even the pickiest of dogs, including:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Duck
- Pot Pie
- And more
Each package is a single serving, which conveniently offers an appropriately sized portion and nutrition for the toy breed dog’s weight. Recipes are made with real whole foods as well crafted and prepared in the USA. Plus, with so many different flavors, it’s easy to mix it up and keep your dog excited about dinner time.
Best Weight Management Food for Toy Breed Dogs
Did you know that the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 59% of dogs are either overweight or obese?
Being overweight poses serious health risks for toy-breed dogs, as their small frames are not designed to carry excess weight. Conditions such as joint problems, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of heart disease can arise, significantly impacting their overall well-being and lifespan.
If your toy breed dog is struggling to lose weight, try Small Weight Care Dry Dog Food by Royal Canin.
Aimed at dogs that are between 9 to 22 lb (4 to 10 kg) and at least 10 months old, this brand of food has successfully helped 88% of slightly overweight dogs lose weight within a 2-month period. An innovative blend of adapted protein content for maintaining muscle mass and fiber to guarantee dogs still feel “full” after meals is key.
Dog Food for Toy Breed Dogs with Allergies
Unfortunately, just like humans, dogs can develop food allergies. From red and itchy skin to watery eyes, swelling, nasal discharge, gassiness, and tummy troubles, allergies can lead to symptoms that make dogs uncomfortable.
Luckily, there is Hill's® Science Diet® Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Dry dog Food.
We love this option because it is formulated to be gentle on the stomach. Highly digestible ingredients containing vitamin E promote healthy skin and coats without triggering common food allergies in small and miniature breeds.
Best Food for Toy Breed Puppies
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting!
However, part of being a responsible pet owner is doing your research. The correct nutrition will be essential for their growth and development. For example, toy-breed puppies generally require more protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals than adult dogs to support their active lifestyle and rapid development. A good choice for toy breed puppies is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy. Before introducing a new food, ask your breeder what they are currently eating so any changes in diet can be made gradually.
Best Toy Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
Grey hair, slower movements, thinner coats, milky eyes…these are all signs a dog is getting older. Like puppies, seniors also have special food considerations. Remember, oral problems – such as tooth loss and gum disease – affect chewing ability. An older dog may also exhibit a reduction in muscle mass as they are less active. For toy breeds, the term “senior” describes a dog between 11-12 years of age.
So, what do you feed your senior dog?
Hill's® Science Diet® Dog Senior 11+ Adult Small Paws is a popular choice.
Highlights include:
- Small bite-sized kibble
- Antioxidant blend for immune system support
- Omega-3s from fish oil for joints & mobility
What Fruits and Vegetables Can My Toy Breed Dog Eat?
Of course, prepackaged food is only part of a dog’s diet. You can (and should) also offer a variety of other proteins, fruits, and vegetables as treats and meal enhancers. Under NO circumstances should a toy breed dog be fed:
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Avocado
- Onions
- Garlic
- Creamed peas
Instead, safe fruits and vegetables (in moderation) are apple slices, blueberries, pumpkin, carrots, celery, green beans, bananas, and watermelon.
Final Thoughts
As a leader in dog food expertise, Pawsitively Pawsome Reviews knows that selecting the right dog food for your toy breed companion is a pivotal decision that directly impacts their overall well-being. By choosing high-quality, breed-specific nutrition, pet owners can contribute significantly to the longevity, energy levels, and overall happiness of their four-legged best friends.
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OTHER REFERENCES
https://www.vetstreet.com/food-and-treats/dog-food/small-breed-dog-food
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-dog-food-small-breeds/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/dry-dog-food-vs-wet-dog-food-which-better
https://www.petobesityprevention.org/2022
https://www.royalcanin.com/ca/en_ca/dogs/products/retail-products/small-weight-care-dry-dog-food
https://www.hillspet.ca/en-ca/dog-food/sd-canine-adult-sensitive-stomach-and-skin-small-breed-dry
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/
https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-care/senior-dog-age/
