Small dogs have the energy to give a grown dog a run for its money (or bone). But all this means is that they require a lot more attention when it comes to feeding them, and it can be difficult to find the best food for small dogs.
Their higher metabolic rates mean they require more calories per pound than larger dogs. At the same time, they have smaller appetites, meaning whatever food you give them needs to be jammed packed with all the right nutrients. This short guide will uncover a selection of the best foods you can treat your dog.
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What Is Good Food For Small Dogs?
The majority of dog owners tend to feed their dogs dry kibble or canned wet food. These are good foundational food usually tried and tested by veterinary specialists before launch. However, they also have a lot of good natural nutrients squeezed out of them to achieve that processed appeal for shelf life.
Dogs can derive nutrients from grains, fruits, vegetables and other everyday foods. A good diet for a dog will consist of a healthy balance of meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits, all of which will help it develop a healthy gut and digestive system.
Eggs
It’s a common question, can dogs eat eggs? Some may think otherwise, but eggs are very nutritional and healthy for small dogs. As well as being a fantastic low-cost food option, they are also suitable for pretty much any dog.
Some circumstances may not be; for example, if your dog has an allergy to any animal that produces eggs, they might be allergic to it. With most new foods, you should gradually introduce them into their diet to be safer and avoid any large reactions.
Eggs are like nutritional mini bombs, packed with everything your small dog might need to keep them healthy, active and happy. They are the perfect addition to any natural diet and have high servings of:
- Protein
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Amino Acids
- Antioxidants
- Healthy fats
They truly are packed with everything!
There are three generic ways to feed eggs to your dog. The whole egg, smaller portions, or scrambled. Smaller portions are your best action with smaller dogs, as they may struggle to take on a whole egg.
Although you can technically still feed your dog the shells, you must always remove them to avoid choking hazards and sharp edges.
Beef
Meat provides great benefits to dogs of all sizes. It gives your dog a fantastic source of protein and helps them to stay fuller throughout the day. One of the best and most popular meat choices for small dogs is beef.
A high-quality protein source that can be easily chewed and chopped up into small bitesize pieces. It is widely available in processed packets and can easily be prepared from home. It’s worth noting that various companies might use different cuts of beef in their packets which could cause the price to vary.
Beef is packed with taurine and amino acids that greatly prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
Since some puppies are allergic to beef, it will be good for you to consult a veterinarian who can examine the health history of your puppy and suggest the right intake of beef.
If you choose your own beef, opt for a leaner cut and drain the excess fat before dishing it out. You can eat a quick and balanced diet with some ground beef and a little rice. Just make sure to boil the beef and trim off all the fat before use.
Carrots
Like many other fruits and vegetables, carrots are, in fact, very good for dogs. Every part of a carrot, from the carrot to the fluffy green tops, is safe to eat. They’re a fantastic natural treat packed with essential vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene, vitamin K, potassium, antioxidants and fibre.
They are a great low-calorie snack that you can chuck into any meal to give it little extra nutrients. The high amounts of fibre are great if you’re trying to control the fibre intake in your dog’s diet. Not to mention they are great to chomp on for your dog’s teeth (and it’s fun for them).
Grow your own carrots? Always got leftovers lying around? Now you have a reason to use them.
To Conclude
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all regarding the best food for small dogs. Instead, we are bombarded with an abundance of choices to make. Sifting through all the options to find food that is affordable, healthy and appealing to the dog can be a frustrating task.
Hopefully, this guide has categorised some of the best foods you can choose to feed your dog or even some you can mix and match. Always check that your dog has no allergies and ensure that whatever food you give them isn’t toxic. Always consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure of anything.
