Dry food is fairly common when you’re walking around the pet store. Why which one is right for your smaller pup? Various ingredients can affect your pup in positive and negative ways, especially since they’re different from big dogs.
Why Should I Choose Dry Dog Food?
Dry food is great in various ways, from economical reasons to even storage reasons.
First of all, dry food tends to be vastly cheaper from canned or wet food. It can also be kept out all day for your pup, without having the fear of it spoiling. It’s also much easier to store and doesn’t have to be refrigerated to be kept fresh. Dry kibble can also be given to several pets much easier, and can even be a makeshift treat!
Overall, dry food is the easiest option that all sorts of pups love! The only main difference is what your pup’s tastebuds like.
What Should I Look For Nutritionally?
All dogs need proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals proteins, for a healthy diet. Small dogs especially need essential amino acids, 29% protein, Omega 6, and Omega 3 fatty acids, which are different from large dog breed’s needs. Also, make sure that your pup’s kibble is on the smaller side, so they can digest better.
While looking for dog food, it’s always important to look at the ingredients list. The very first item listed should always be meat! Also look for ancient grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, or chia. These grains are important to keep your pup’s digestive tract going!
If your pup prefers grain-free, consider looking for ingredients in the bean family rather than starches. This can help weed out unwanted carbs in your pup’s diet!
What Dog Food Brands Are Good For My Pup?
As always, the flavor and ingredients depend on what your pup likes to eat and whatever is good for their health. Consider these brands:
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains
This brand features a much smaller kibble size, made especially with small dogs in mind. The first ingredient is also chicken, which is always important!
The ingredients also feature grains like brown rice and quinoa, which are known to help with digestion, if your pup tends to have bowel problems. Merrick also claims that their food will bring your pup healthy coats and skin, as well as assisting with future joint problems.
This brand is also made in America, if that’s important to you!
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed
This brand creates kibble that small to eat, and chock full of the right nutrients just for small dogs!
Blue Buffalo makes sure your pup will get all the amino acids and proteins your furry friend needs. This recipe is also made with cranberries and blueberries, both of which are known to help the urinary tract.
The first few ingredients are all meat based, which is exactly what you should be looking for! Other ingredients, such as glucosamine, are able to help with joints and muscles. This brand is also grain-free, if your pup has a grain allergy!
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed
This grain-free brand actually is a wonderful grain-free option for your pup! Rather than simply replacing the carbs, this brand actively makes sure your pup gets the right amount of probiotics and prebiotic fiber that your furry friend would normally get from other grains.
The first few ingredients on the list are lamb, egg, duck, and ocean fish proteins, which makes it a healthy mix of various protein sources. These lean proteins help support strong muscles in your growing pup!
This brand also prides itself with having natural ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits that give omega-3 and omega-6, as well as vitamins and antioxidants for a healthy lifestyle!
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws
Hill’s has a lot of experience with dogs, and their Small Paws food is perfect for your small pup!
This brand advertises itself as having essential nutrition, such as antioxidants and calcium to help with your pup’s lifestyle. This bag of kibble is made from natural ingredients and doesn’t have any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives!
Hill’s kibble is also made in the USA!
Purina Beneful IncrediBites for Small Dogs
Purina advertises this bag of doggie kibble as being full of nutrition for your tiny pup! This brand is also softer than the average kibble, making it easier for your pup to eat. This bag is also high in protein if that is what your pup is lacking!
This kibble also doesn’t have any artificial flavoring! It contains real bits of beef, carrots, peas, and other natural ingredients that are critical to you pup’s health. Plus, it’s the cheapest dog food you can get!
Most dry food is great for your pup! Always check the label when searching for your furry friend’s food. If you’re ever worried about your dog’s dietary needs or health, ask your vet for help to make sure your pup’s food supports their lifestyle.
