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10 Best Dog Foods for Toy Breeds — 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

yorkshire terrier

As a toy breed owner, you know that even though this breed is small in size, they make up for it in their personality and spark for life. Keeping your dog healthy is a priority, and it starts with providing them with an optimal diet. It can be frustrating to navigate the dog food market because there are countless brands available.

This review list is here to help you narrow down your search so you can find the ideal formula for your dog that you both can be happy with. Each review provides information about the food, as well as the pros and cons. Read through the buyer’s guide at the end of the article to help you consider different features that can help you make a decision.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription
  • Prepared and cooked fresh with simple ingredients
  • Formulated to your dog’s precise nutritional requirements
  • Ships directly to your home
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Iams ProActive Health Adult Small Breed Iams ProActive Health Adult Small Breed
  • Affordable
  • Includes L-Carnitine
  • Supports skin and coat
  • Best for Puppies
    Third place
    Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy
  • Provides DHA
  • Easy to digest
  • Supports the digestive system
  • Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health
  • Small kibble
  • Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Cleans teeth
  • Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult
  • Meets energy needs
  • Glucosamine included
  • Builds lean muscle
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Toy Breeds

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

    Our choice for the overall best dog food for toy breeds is The Farmer’s Dog. This food is crafted and formulated to meet the individual needs of your tiny canine. The Farmer’s Dog builds recipes from simple, fresh meat and vegetable ingredients, then works with veterinary nutritionists to ensure each meal is balanced and proportioned to your dog’s requirements. Your toy breed dog won’t have the same nutritional needs as a giant Great Dane, for example, and The Farmer’s Dog allows you to pinpoint and feed just what your pup needs to stay healthy.

    The Farmer’s Dog is an online subscription-based food delivery service, so you will need reliable internet access to easily manage your account, which could be an issue for some owners. The food is shipped fresh, without preservatives, and must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Because of this, the company only ships to the lower 48 states, leaving toy breeds in Alaska or Hawaii out of luck. Many toy breed owners like the idea of preparing fresh food for their pups, but some homemade diets don’t contain all essential vitamins and minerals in the correct amounts. The Farmer’s Dog solves that dilemma by offering made-to-order, slow-cooked meals, developed with the help of veterinary professionals to ensure adequate nutrition.

    Pros
    • Prepared and cooked fresh with simple ingredients
    • Formulated to your dog’s precise nutritional requirements
    • Ships directly to your home
    Cons
    • Doesn’t ship to Alaska or Hawaii

    2. Iams ProActive Health Toy Breed Dog Food — Budget Buy

    Iams ProActive Health Dry Dog Food

    Iams ProActive Health is the best dog food for toy breeds for the money because it provides adequate nutrition for your dog while remaining at an affordable price. The recipe contains chicken and chicken by-product meal as the main ingredient for a total amount of crude protein at 27% to help build strong muscles and bones.

    The fiber total is 4%, and the sources include beet pulp and flaxseed — with the added probiotics, your dog’s digestive system will remain healthy. The recipe does not contain fresh fruits or vegetables, but the seven essential nutrients nourish the heart and support healthy skin and coat. Finally, the addition of L-Carnitine burns fat and keeps the metabolism active so your dog stays trim and fit.

    This is not a food for dogs with sensitivities because it contains chicken, brewer’s yeast, grain, and dried egg. However, it is a food that offers a complete and balanced formula so your dog has plenty of energy and vitality.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • High in protein and fat
    • Great source of fiber
    • Supports skin and coat
    • Includes L-Carnitine
    • Probiotics for digestive health
    • Ideal for optimal heart health
    Cons
    • Not ideal for dogs with allergies

    3. Eukanuba 90769 Puppy Toy Breed Dog Food – Best for Puppies

    Eukanuba 90769 Puppy Dry Dog Food

    This formula from Eukanuba is ideal for small breed puppies because it contains the ideal nutrition to support growth and activity. This is a chicken-based recipe that uses chicken by-product meal, corn, and wheat, so it is not ideal for dogs with food allergies. However, it has a high amount of protein at 32% and fat at 21%, so your puppy can build lean muscle and strong bones and have plenty of energy to get through the day.

    Puppies need to receive adequate amounts of DHA for brain development, and Eukanuba provides this in the recipe. The blend of natural fibers and prebiotics makes it easy to digest while supporting the digestive health of your pup. Antioxidants are included to support the immune system for increased vitality and to prevent sickness.

    Pros
    • Ideal for small breed puppies
    • High in protein and fat
    • Provides DHA
    • Antioxidants for immune health
    • Supports the digestive system
    • Easy to digest
    Cons
    • Not ideal for puppies with food allergies

    4. Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Dog Food

    Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food

    This formula by Wellness Complete is designed to meet the needs of toy breeds for all life stages. The kibble is just the right size for their small mouths and cleans the teeth because of the crunchy texture. Since your toy breed has higher energy needs, the recipe has 30% protein and 17% fat.

    Your dog will love the flavor combination of chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and brown rice. The vegetables and fruit add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will keep your dog healthy and full of life. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added to aid in supporting healthy joints, and omega fatty acids are great for skin and coat health.

    Toy breeds need extra support for healthy digestion, so Wellness includes prebiotics, probiotics, and plenty of fiber. On the downside, this formula is pricier when compared to others. However, it offers ideal nutrition for toy breeds.

    Pros
    • All life stages
    • Small kibble
    • Cleans teeth
    • High in protein and fat
    • Tasty
    • Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
    • Supports healthy digestion and immune system
    Cons
    • Pricey

    5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo life protection formula is ideal for adult toy breeds because it offers small-bite kibble and meets the high energy requirements of these dogs. It is a flavorful chicken and brown rice recipe with oatmeal, barley, and flaxseed for added fiber and other nutrients.

    It provides 26% protein to help build lean muscles and 15% fat to provide plenty of energy throughout the day. Blue Buffalo uses LifeSource Bits that are a blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients to support the immune system. Omega fatty acids are included for healthy skin and coat, while glucosamine offers joint protection for your little dog. On the downside, this food is pricey but doesn’t contain corn, wheat, soy, or any by-product meals that aren’t ideal for some dogs.

    Pros
    • Tasty and easy to chew
    • Builds healthy skin and coat
    • Meets energy needs
    • Supports digestion
    • Builds lean muscle
    • LifeSource Bits
    • Glucosamine included
    Cons
    • Pricey

    6. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food

    Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

    Diamond Pet Foods offers a formula for small breeds that has balanced nutrients that are necessary for small breed dogs. The small kibble is easy for your dog to chew and helps keep their teeth clean by reducing plaque. The main ingredient is chicken and chicken meal, followed by barley and white rice. The flavor combination is enjoyed by most dogs, and the added vegetables and fruit provide vitamins and phytonutrients to keep your dog healthy.

    This recipe has 27% protein, 16% fat, and 3% fiber with antioxidants for immune health and omega fatty acids to keep the skin and coat shiny and healthy. Since small dogs can have sensitive digestive systems, the use of soluble and insoluble fiber helps support and maintain this system. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives used, and the proprietary blend of K9 Strain Probiotics supports the digestive and immune systems.

    On the downside, this is not a recipe for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies, but otherwise, it is a great option to provide optimal nutrition for dogs who don’t need grain-free food.

    Pros
    • Optimal nutrition for small breeds
    • Easy to chew
    • Tasty
    • Supports immune and digestive health
    • No artificial ingredients
    • Includes fruits and vegetables
    • High in protein and fat
    Cons
    • Not ideal for dogs with food sensitivities

    7. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy Breed Dog Food

    Solid Gold Mighty Mini Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    This dog food is specifically made for toys and small breeds in all life stages by Solid Gold. It is a grain-free and gluten-free recipe that is ideal for those with digestive issues and/or food sensitivities. It has a high amount of protein to help build lean muscle and plenty of fat for your high-energy dog.

    The kibble is the perfect size for little mouths and is formulated with fruit and vegetables to provide antioxidants and other nutrients for optimal nutrition. Chicken is the single source of protein, and the added pumpkin, it makes it gentler on the digestive system.

    On the downside, it doesn’t contain chondroitin or glucosamine to help protect your dog’s joints, but it does contain probiotics that are essential for the digestive system.

    Pros
    • Grain-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Ideal for sensitive stomachs
    • Probiotics included
    • Fruits and vegetables used
    • Great for food sensitivities
    Cons
    • No joint support

    8. Hill’s Science Diet Toy Breed Dog Food

    Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

    For your senior toy breed, Hill’s Science Diet offers food that is formulated for dogs older than seven years. The main ingredients are chicken meal, rice, and barley that provide lower amounts of protein and fat to prevent weight gain as your dog becomes less active. The amount of fiber is high at 7%, so the digestive system is supported to remain healthy and functioning correctly.

    The addition of omega-6 fatty acids provides nourishment to your dog’s skin and coat, and antioxidants help support the immune system to prevent illness. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and it is made from natural ingredients so you can rest assured that you are providing healthy food for your senior pet.

    On the downside, it is not formulated with supplements to protect and support healthy joints. But it includes Taurine, which is great for heart health.

    Pros
    • Ideal for senior toy breeds
    • Low in protein and fat
    • High in fiber
    • Includes omega-6 fatty acids
    • Supports the immune system
    • No artificial ingredients
    • Taurine added for heart health
    Cons
    • No joint support

    9. Nutro Ultra Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

    Nutro Ultra Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

    Nutro Ultra is an adult food formulated for toy breeds that includes chicken, lamb, and salmon, which are lean sources but high in protein. The salmon provides amino acids that are essential for optimal growth and to stay healthy, while the blend also provides a robust flavor that dogs love.

    Taurine is included for heart health and benefits eyesight and hearing. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and it is manufactured in its own facility to ensure the highest safety and quality. Nutro Ulta contains whole brown rice, rice bran, and oatmeal, which are great sources of fiber but aren’t always ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

    The company takes pride in using non-GMO ingredients that can be traced back to the supplier.

    Pros
    • Ideal for adults
    • Lean protein sources
    • High in protein
    • Robust flavor
    • Includes Taurine
    • No artificial ingredients
    • High in fiber
    • Non-GMO ingredients
    Cons
    • Not grain-free for food sensitivities

    10. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Toy Breed Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Toy Breed Formula Dry Dog Food

    This formula is suitable for adult toy breeds because it has whole grains that are easy to digest and chicken as the main ingredient for lean protein. The kibble is a great size for small mouths, and it has natural prebiotic fiber to support the digestive system.

    It contains brewer’s rice and corn, which is not ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. It has a high amount of protein at 30%, and crude fat sits at 17%. The fiber content is somewhat lower compared to other toy breed foods, so it does not provide a high amount of digestive support. Antioxidants are included to keep the immune system healthy, and omega fatty acids help keep the skin and coat in top-notch shape.

    On the downside, it contains poultry by-product meal, which is a controversial ingredient, with some claiming that it offers inferior nutritional value.

    Pros
    • Ideal for adults
    • Whole grains
    • Small kibble
    • Supports the immune system
    • Fatty acids included
    Cons
    • Contains poultry by-product
    • Not ideal for food sensitivities
    • Low fiber content

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Toy Breed Dog Food

    This section offers considerations to keep in mind when deciding which dog food is best for your toy-sized pet. Small dogs require different nutrition than larger ones, and they can suffer from health issues that need to be addressed to prevent illnesses from occurring.

    Also, find a kibble that is small in size so it is easy for your little dog to eat to prevent choking or other digestive concerns if they don’t chew their food thoroughly. Speak to your veterinarian if you have specific concerns regarding the right diet for your toy dog.

    Life Stage of Your Toy Breeds

    Toy breeds require protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, just like other dogs. However, they have specific nutritional needs to keep in mind. Toy breeds require more calories per pound due to their higher metabolic rate.

    • Puppies: With a faster metabolism, they require more energy to sustain themselves. You will find that some breeds are more active than others. The more active they are, the more calories will be required. Since they don’t have a large amount of fat stored, they can experience low blood sugar, so it’s important to feed them small meals throughout the day. Purchasing a puppy food that is specific to their size is the ideal choice, so they can receive the appropriate amount of nutrients needed for a growing dog.
    • Adults: As adults, toy breeds still have faster metabolisms compared to larger breeds. But you have to be careful not to overfeed them because they can become obese, which will bring forth other health concerns, such as diabetes and arthritis. As your adult dog matures into a senior, less protein and fat will be needed to maintain their weight. Since they aren’t as active, it is ideal to find food geared toward senior toy dog breeds.

    Nutritional Needs

    • Protein: High-quality protein is essential for developing lean muscles and providing energy. Most of the protein will ideally come from animal protein, and if you have a dog that has a sensitive stomach, you should choose a food with only one protein source. A growing dog requires more protein to help build muscles, and a senior dog won’t need as much to maintain their muscle mass.
    • Fat: This is an essential ingredient because it provides your dog with energy, as well as fatty acids. Fish and flaxseed provide omega fatty acids. A high amount of crude fat is fine if your dog is young and active. As your dog ages, you will want to reduce the amount of fat to prevent obesity.
    • Vitamins and other nutrients: Small dogs don’t suffer from joint issues the same as large dogs, but they benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin in their diets. Vitamins and minerals are essential for optimal health, and your dog needs antioxidants to prevent free radical damage and to protect the immune system.

    Ingredients to Avoid

    Try to avoid fillers and artificial ingredients because these don’t provide any nutritional benefits. Be careful of foods that use fillers as the main ingredients. You don’t need grain-free food unless your dog suffers from food sensitivities or other allergens because grains are a great source of fiber otherwise.

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    Conclusion

    It can be difficult to find a well-balanced, quality food that is ideal for toy breeds. This review list highlights 10 of the best dog foods that are ideal for toy breeds, so you can choose the right one for your dog.

    The best overall dog food for toy breeds is the The Farmer’s Dog because it provides optimal nutrition using protein and vegetables. The best value is the Iams ProActive health, which is formulated for small breeds to support the heart, immune, and digestive systems while remaining affordable price.

    We hope our list and buyer’s guide help you find food that fits your expectations and provides optimal nutrition for your dog. We know that you, as a dog owner, strive to provide the best for your pet, and a good start is to feed them a good diet so they stay healthy and vibrant throughout their life.


    Featured Photo Credit: Pezibear from Pixabay

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