Best Dry Foods for Small Dogs

Royal Canin have done it again with a senior specific small breed formula for dogs over 12 years old. Many of our small breed dogs have a much longer life expectancy, and this food has been designed to account for that particular life stage, Being highly palatable, with extra small kibble sizes and rehydratable, pet owners of senior dogs can rest easy that they are feeding only the best. 

This range also comes with a accompanying wet food, and the added antixodiant can help neutralise free radical for a healthy ageing process. The adapted phosphorus content of these foods are particuolarly handy for supporting kidney health in these twilight years. 

What our customers say: "After trying ALL the other aged dog foods this one excelled. Dry food was gentler on his teeth and the wet food he loved. Pricey, but compared to all I have wasted over the years - I am now saving... anyone who is in the same boat and has tried everything including gourmet chicken and raw should try this"

What our vets say: "I love recommending the Royal Canin Mini Ageing 12+ for small senior dogs because it provides optimal and tailored nutrition at this advanced stage in life. It has an adapted phosphorus content for urinary and renal health, calcium chelators for dental health, as well as a blend of beneficial omega fatty acids and antioxidants for healthy ageing. You can also add a bit of warm water to rehydrate the kibble and boost the aroma and palatability of the diet, offering a unique choice of texture for fussier pooches." - Dr. Antonella

Hill's Pet Nutrition formulations are firmly rooted in science with the main mission of creating the highest-quality dog food, backed by evidence based research. Their range encompasses a variety of wellness and health profiles and they are leading the industry with their innovative product range - transforming lives through nutrition, for every lifestage and health condition. 

Neutered dogs are often more prone to weight gain, and our small breeds in particular can be quite the lazy lap dogs at home. This diet is designed to help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of joint disease and straining the heart long term. Obesity in pets can increase the risk of diabetes. pancreatitis and worsen pre-existing health conditions. Feeding this food long-term can help lengthen and improve your dog's quality of life. The smaller kibble size is perfect for even the smallest of dogs! 

What our customers say: "Our two mini fox terriers eat this food faster than a speeding bullet, burp and then sleep. They are healthy active and very entertaining. I think their diet is of Hills has a lot to do with their excellent health"

Royal Canin has specially crafted this diet to not only support your dog's overall health and well being but also to keep them trim, active and light on their paws! Their testing showed that 80-90% of slightly overweight dogs fed on Light Weight Care achieved a healthy body condition in 8 weeks. 

Only the highest quality proteins have been used to ensure they maintain lean muscle mass, whilst utilising proven supplements like Omedga 3 fatty acids to help support your dog's joints. 

For dogs with significant amounts of body weight to lose, the prescription weight loss diets are more effective, however they do need to be used only on the recommendation of your vet. For more tips on weight loss, check out our article on How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight. We also recommend learning how to tell if your dog is overweight.

What our customers say: "Love it! We have 2 pugs, One which was getting very Fat on the Royal Canin Pug. In one month after switching to Light Weight Care she's back to a very healthy weight! They seem to love the taste, and the small size helps them to chew it better."

What our vets say: "I love recommending this premium diet for those more sedentary small breed dogs prone to weight gain. This diet helps your dog maintain a healthy weight by containing reduced energy and fat levels to limit the number of calories your dog is consuming, whilst also providing high levels of quality protein to maintain lean muscle mass. The addition of soluble and insoluble fibres in this diet leaves your dog feeling fuller for longer and helps prevent them from begging for snacks between meals!" - Dr. Jacqui

Air-dried to retain raw nutrition, all Ziwi recipes are high in meat, organs and bones with beneficial inclusions like green-lipped mussel. With complete and balanced recipes, they are also grain free and all ingredients are sourced sustainably. Ziwi recipes are highly palatable, making them a great choice for fussy eaters.

Ziwi-Peak dry foods have a firm jerky texture, so are an excellent choice as treats, for training or as a topper to provide variety to other foods.

Ziwi-Peak dry foods should be stored in their original packaging after opening, and away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.

Like freeze-dried foods, the air-drying process is not an equal substitute for cooking with heat in terms of bacterial and parasitic control, so extra caution must be taken in the handling of air-dried foods and hygiene control.

What our customers say: " My toy poodle has been on Ziwi Peak for six years. Her coat is excellent, poops firm and her gut has remained calm. Previous pets (prior to Ziwi) over the decades have suffered from dodgy tummies but Ziwi has been a consistent benefit for general health and satiety (they eat less) with only benefits over the year "

What our vets say: "Ziwi Peak is peak premium air dried nutrition - they have a reputation and it has been earned through many happy pet parents that want to feed a balanced more natural diet. The Lamb and Mackerel formulation provides a different taste profile for fussy small breed dogs. It can be used as a main meal, a treat or even a topper"- Dr. Nicole

Prime 100 has a fantastic range of dog rolls and have extended their knowledge in producing quality, tasty, premium foods into the air dried sector. This food is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin and stomach issues. Unlike other air dried foods they have tailored the nutrition to specific life stages, ensuring pet owners are feeding only the best.

As an added bonus it is 100% Australian Made with ingredients sourced from Australia. Their novel protein, hypoallergenic formulations are perfect as a complete diet, as a topper or even as a treat for dogs with allergies.

Like freeze-dried foods, the air-drying process is not an equal substitute for cooking with heat in terms of bacterial and parasitic control, so extra caution must be taken in the handling of air-dried foods and hygiene control.

What our customers say: "My two loved this the first time so had to try again. Used as a topper and they would never eat anything with Kangaroo - but they love this"

Taste of the Wild bases it formulations on the concept of creating high quality, grain free diets that mimic ancestral diets of our pets. Their range is quite extensive and other protein profiles include quail, turkey, wild boar and even bison. This is perfect for dogs with allergies to common proteins and who need to be on a novel protein diet.

Their use of a proprietary blend of K9 strain probiotics specifically developed for dogs provides maximum support for a healthy digestive system and immune function. In addition their formulas are made with non GMO ingredients with no rendered meats or by products. 

On the down side, the Taste of the Wild foods are expensive options, though you do 'get what you pay for' - a premium quality grain free diet. 

What our customers say: "I've tried 4 different adult brands of biscuits to get 3 very fussy chihuahuas off another puppy brand . With very sensative tummies I have to be careful what I feed them.. After days on petfood reviews I decided the small breed was worth a try. My 3 chihuahuas took to it straight away. Very happy with tiny tummies you need a Great product... Very happy great ingredient list . Low carbs and low allergy."

Black Hawk foods are a favourite among dog-owners looking to feed their dogs locally made diets. The other Black Hawk grain-free dog ranges includes kangaroo, salmon and lamb options. Unfortunately, these varieties do not come in a smaller kibble size. The foods are also only suitable for adult dogs over 12 months of age.

Black Hawk is a premium, natural brand with a focus on quality ingredients, and where every product is free of wheat, corn, soy, gluten, artificial colours, preservatives and flavours. It is 100% Australian-made, giving you peace-of-mind about the manufacturing quality of the food, and that you are supporting local industry.

Black Hawk diets are a very reasonably priced premium option compared to other grain-free options for dogs.

What our customers say: "My little family love this kibble. Olly talks and dances in the kitchen as soon as the tv is turned off at night until they all have scatters. I've had to adjust their meals so they don't over indulge. haha What a fun way to end the day, we all go to bed on a smile"

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Thats what Advance is all about, delivering optimal nutrition by cominging their scientific knowledge, wholesome ingredients and vast experience to produce only the best. This dental specific diet has a three fold approach to maintaining good dental health - by not only having larger kibble compared to their standard small breed range - but added Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Green Tea to inhibit tartar and bacterial growth. 

It’s also great to see that this particular formulation has also considered the entire dog - having natural prebiotics, to help promote a healthy gut, vitamin E to boost the immune system and zinc and linoelic acid to a shiny coat - truly an all rounder. This food is available in a range of sizes to suit the needs of different households. 

What our customers say: "I have 2 maltesse/Shih Tzu They eat this one combined with some meat. They like it and vet said that their dental health is very good. I am grateful that I was recommended this food 2 years go, as it keep my babies healthy"

What our vets say: "Having an army of pomeranians at home - ensuring their teeth are in tip top shape is a must. This diet is perfect and doesn’t break the bank either - also it has to be super tasty because they gobble it down without much fuss."

You know that Hill’s has done it again given that this is one of our most highly rated over the counter dog foods for dental health. Small breed dogs are particularly prone to dental disease, and this diet is perfect for maintaing good oral health as well as ensuring that they are still receiving a premium quality, nutritionally balanced diet.

The larger kibble size compared to other Hills standard small breed adult foods encourages dogs to chew their food, which can help with dental health via the mechanical action of crunching through the kibble helps to scrape plaque from the teeth. However, the larger kibble size may not suit all dogs.

This food is available in a range of sizes to suit the needs of different households. 

What our customers say: "My 9kg dog loves the oral care Hills diet. I've been using this since he was 1 years old. At most recent vet visit, the vet was surprised to see no signs of peridontal disease (my dog is now aged 4 years)"