Dog Community

Small breed needs

Posted : 9/15/2010 9:23:14 AM

Hi everyone,

Bigfoot here. Enjoyed the feedback I got about your thoughts on "cookies" for treats and now have a new question. What do you look for in a small breed food? Is it size/texture? What ingredients? Are some ingredients oncompatible with small breeds over large breeds? Is there something you are looking for that is missing from current products? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Bigfoot.

Anonymous

Posted : 9/15/2010 1:18:44 PM

My 4lb chihuahua eats the same food as my other dogs. One is a 50lb mutt, one is a 6 month old 45lb pup and will get no bigger, and the other is a 6 month old 55lb pup who should be around 70lbs when full grown.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 9/15/2010 9:13:54 PM

I feed the same,all around, too. As long as it is small enough that they can get it in their mouths, I don't worry about it.

PrincessPenny

Posted : 9/16/2010 2:21:13 PM

My two eat no different than they would if they were large breed dogs. The things I look for are general for all foods, not just for them. As long as they can get it their mouths, no problem. Although, with Penny, something bigger isn't an issue, it just slows her inhaling down a touch! LOL.

spiritdogs

Posted : 9/19/2010 8:54:35 AM

I look for quality, so I don't buy anything sold at the supermarket. Wink

The Whole Dog Journal publishes a list of the best dry foods in their February issue each year, plus there is a great site called
The Dog Food Project that lists good versus bad ingredients.

Cita

Posted : 9/19/2010 10:11:53 AM

For mine, I want something that's high-energy (he has a fast metabolism) and has good ingredients. Added bonuses include small bag size (so it stays fresh - he's very small and so even a 5 lb. bag lasts a long time!) and smaller kibble size (so it's easier to eat - although I've been feeding Wellness Core, which IMO has large kibbles, and he doesn't mind overly much). Because I have a small dog who eats small portions, cost is not a big consideration - I'd rather buy a very expensive food with very very good ingredients than compromise on a cheaper food, since the price difference per month is usually *very* minimal. (Especially since you usually have to feed less with a higher quality food, because less of it is indigestible "junk.";)

tzu_mom

Posted : 9/19/2010 7:25:09 PM

In general, small breeds have a higher metabolism, and require more calories per pound than the average dog. A food that is higher in protein and fat is first and foremost. Palatability seems to be an issue with a lot of smaller breeds, as well. I prefer a fresh or raw diet, but if kibble is to be served, the smaller kibble size is preferable.

garybedwell

Posted : 10/9/2010 1:42:55 AM

The size of a breed can provide useful information since certain characteristics are shared by most big dogs, and other features are shared by small dogs. For example,large dogs are more prone to certain health issues like bloat.

Dawnben

Posted : 10/9/2010 1:38:12 PM

wellness has a small breed food so does blue buffalo I have used both and think they a quality foods