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Best Puppy Food for Small Dogs 2025
Written by Wag! Staff
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 10/11/2023, edited: 01/30/2025
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
If you’re just about to welcome a small dog into your family, you’ll no doubt want to make sure that your pint-sized pup gets the best possible nutrition to set them up for a long and happy life. Like all puppies, your fur-baby needs a high-quality diet that provides all the protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals they need to grow into a happy and healthy dog. Other features, such as smaller kibble pieces designed to be easy for small mouths to chew, are also beneficial.
But with so much choice available to new pet parents, choosing the best puppy food can be a challenging task. To help make your next pet food shopping experience easier, we’ve put together this guide to the best puppy food for small dogs.
Overview
Ollie
5
Best fresh food
If you’re a fan of feeding fresh, there are lots of good reasons why you and your small-breed pup will love Ollie. This fresh food delivery service dishes up delicious food for dogs, with recipes prepared in US facilities with minimal processing.
Once you’ve provided some details about your dog’s breed, age, activity levels, and nutritional needs, Ollie creates a customized meal plan designed to provide all the goodness your pup needs to stay happy and healthy. The food is then delivered to your door on a regular basis, with fresh and baked recipes to choose from.
And because all recipes are formulated to meet the AAFCO nutrient profiles for all life stages, they’re the “pawfect” way to provide high-quality nutrition for your pup.
Ollie Dog Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Human-grade ingredients.
- Made in US facilities
- Meal plans to suit your pup’s nutritional needs
Considerations & concerns
- Not the most budget-friendly option
- Some complaints about unwanted deliveries
- Some complaints about disappointing customer service
What pet parents say about Ollie
“Not only do my dogs thrive on Ollie, but I get peace of mind. Not just from the food quality, but the assistance they give. Ollie customer service is excellent. They truly listen to your needs, and work hard to resolve them. Always personable and professional.”
“This company is amazing. They made a very difficult time for our family much easier. After we lost our male English Bulldog our female wouldn't eat. We tried everything. I decided to give Ollie a try and not only is she eating, she's thriving. She has allergies and every other food just exacerbated them. Her skin and eyes look amazing and her energy is increased. I'm so happy and would recommend Ollie to anyone who wants their pet to be happy and healthy.”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from the OIllie website. Copyright Ollie Pets, Inc.
Spot & Tango
5
Vet recommended
If you want to craft a diet to meet your pup’s unique nutritional needs, look no further than Spot & Tango. It offers a mix of fresh and UnKibble recipes that are cooked fresh, made with no artificial nasties, and are sure to disappear from your pup’s bowl quicker than you can say “dinner time.”
Spot & Tango is also recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert and one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants. “Spot & Tango offers customized human-grade meal plans for pups with the added benefit of being shelf-stable,” she explains.
“Nutrient profiles are preserved through low-temperature dehydration, products have guaranteed nutrient analysis, and all recipes are developed by certified veterinary nutritionists. If your pup turns their nose up, Spot & Tango also offers a ‘Happy Pup Guarantee’ and will give you 100% of your money back after your 2-week trial.”
Spot & Tango creates a personalized meal plan based on your fur-baby’s nutritional needs, and the food is then delivered right to your door.
Spot & Tango Dog Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Recommended by Dr. Georgia Jeremiah
- Each meal plan is customized to satisfy your pup’s unique nutritional needs
- Made using whole food ingredients that are sourced in the USA
- All recipes suitable for all life stages
Considerations & concerns
- There are cheaper ways to feed your pup
- Some buyers complain about delivery issues
- Some pet parents report customer service issues
What pet parents say about Spot & Tango
“Switched from fresh, frozen dog food to the kibble. We wanted something that was easier, but still of high quality for our 2 medium-sized dogs. Spot & Tango fit what we were looking for! Our dogs have moved to the new food with no issue, are excited for their meals, and their coats are soft and shiny.”
“We’ve been issuing Spot & Tango for about 3 months now and although it is more expensive than kibble, we have found it to be so helpful for our little guy. Our dog has had GI issues the first year of his life and we have tried countless kibble, raw diets, and proteins. Nothing was working until we tried Spot & Tango and we will never go back! He finally has solid stool and is getting all the nutritional value he needs and he actually likes the food. Everything else he’d turn away from. If you are struggling to get your dog to eat or [if they have] GI issues, I highly would recommend giving Spot & Tango a try because it’s paid off in not having to go to the vet every month for more testing. We will be forever customers with the results we’ve seen!”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from the Spot & Tango website. Copyright Spot & Tango.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy
4.5
Vet recommended
This puppy formula from Blue Buffalo is our top pick as the best puppy food for small dogs — for several reasons.
Featuring deboned chicken as the first ingredient, this wholesome small-breed recipe provides everything your pup needs to put their best paw forward. It contains DHA for brain development, fruits and veggies for immune system-strengthening antioxidants, and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Blue Buffalo is also a brand that Dr. Georgia Jeremiah recommends to her clients. “Blue Buffalo dog food products cater to different life stages, sizes, and breeds of dogs,” she explains. “They offer formulations containing limited ingredients, which may be beneficial for dogs with certain dietary sensitivities.”
So if you’re shopping for a small-breed puppy food, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is definitely worth a closer look.
Blue Buffalo Puppy Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits provide important antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Supports healthy muscle and bone development
Considerations & concerns
- Not popular with some picky eaters
- Some complaints about upset stomachs
- Some pet parents report that their dog doesn’t like the LifeSource Bits
What pet parents say about Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy
“My breeder sent home a different food I suspected was causing gas and other GI issues. I've transitioned my pup to this variety of Blue Buffalo and he is thriving! He's putting on over an ounce a day, is bright and energetic, and no GI issues!”
“My Shih Tzu loves this kibble puppy dry dog food. With vet's instructions, I weaned her off what the breeder had been feeding her. She took to it easily without any stomach issues and was eager to eat it, unlike the food the breeder sent home with us. Best decision ever to make this switch. Our vet stamp-approved the decision 100%.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Pint-Sized Puppy Plate in Gravy
4.5
Vet recommended
If you’re searching for a wet food your pup will love, look no further than this Merrick Lil’ Plates recipe. Featuring deboned chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, chicken liver, and deboned turkey as its first 5 ingredients, it’s sure to have your pup licking their lips.
“Merrick products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and they use no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors,” says Dr. Georgia Jeremiah.
This recipe features omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, glucosamine and chondroitin for strong joints, and comes in serving sizes designed with small-breed pups in mind. So if you’re shopping for the best wet food for a small-breed puppy, be sure to add this to your cart.
Merrick Lil' Plates Puppy Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Cooked in the USA.
- Features prebiotics and probiotics to aid healthy digestion.
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
Considerations & concerns
- Some complaints about this food causing an upset stomach.
- The fact that it’s grain-free won’t please all pet parents.
- Some buyers report that their puppy would not eat this food.
What pet parents say about Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Pint-Sized Puppy Plate in Gravy
“My 12-week-old Pomeranian puppy absolutely loves this food! We've been transitioning it into his diet for a few days now and he hasn't had any digestive issues either. Goes absolutely crazy when he smells me opening one of these on the counter — will definitely be trying other Merrick wet foods when he's not a puppy anymore.”
“I was having trouble finding my puppy food that she enjoyed eating. I thought I would give this food a try and she loves it. I no longer have to coax to eat her meal. She gobbles this up.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Diamond Naturals Small and Medium Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice
4.5
Best affordable option
If you’re shopping for a small-breed puppy formula that won’t break the bank, this Diamond Naturals recipe has got you covered.
It features chicken as a lean source of protein, and a host of “superfood” ingredients like kale, pumpkin, and blueberries to provide all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your growing puppy needs.
Salmon oil is included to provide the DHA pups need for brain and vision development, while coconut, chia seed, and flaxseed provide omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health. With this recipe available in bag sizes of up to 40lb, and at a reasonable price, it’s well worth a look for pet parents on a budget.
Diamond Naturals Puppy Food
Why Wag! loves it
- Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient
- Features probiotics to aid healthy digestion
- The most affordable option in this list
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents complain that this food caused an upset stomach for their pet
- Some picky eaters aren’t a fan
- Diamond has been the subject of pet food recalls in the past
What pet parents say about Diamond Naturals Small and Medium Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice Formula
“We raise puppies and have been using this food for probably 18 years. It’s small enough for the babies to eat and is the only one they continue to like. We tried other brands during those years but the puppies wouldn’t eat the other food as well. Diamond gives our pups great nutrition for a reasonable price.”
“We have two Corgi puppies and both love this food and are doing great [on] it! Vet has given them both outstanding health remarks at their check-ups and vaccination appointments. Highly recommended!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product images sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.
Open Farm Puppy Chicken, Salmon and Ancient Grains
4.5
Vet recommended
Next on our list of the best puppy foods for small dogs is this chicken and salmon recipe from Open Farm. Featuring chicken, whitefish meal, oats, salmon, and millet as its first 5 ingredients, this ancient grains recipe is loaded full of goodness your fur-baby will love.
“Open Farm dog food is formulated with high-quality ingredients and does not contain any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors,” says Dr. Jeremiah. “The company also prioritizes the use of ethically sourced and humanely raised ingredients.”
Available in 4lb and 22lb bags, this Open Farm puppy recipe has no artificial flavors or preservatives, and meets the AAFCO nutritional requirements for all life stages, including the growth of large-size dogs. And with the ability to trace each ingredient in the bag back to its source, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your pup.
Open Farm Puppy Food
Why Wag! loves it
- You can trace every ingredient in a bag of food
- Open Farm is committed to animal welfare and sustainability
- Contains pumpkin for fiber and beta-carotene
Considerations & concerns
- A bit pricey.
- The use of multiple protein sources may not suit all dogs
- Not as widely available as some other products on this list
What pet parents say about Open Farm Puppy Chicken, Salmon and Ancient Grains
“Our puppy loves this food and it is perfect for him. He is a typical puppy and eats fast, so the smaller size works well. I love that the ingredients are sustainably sourced and good quality. I highly recommend this dog food for growing puppies!”
"Open Farm's Ancient Grains High-Protein Puppy Food has truly exceeded my expectations! As a conscientious pet parent, I've been on the lookout for a wholesome, nutritious option for my furry friend, and this food has been a game-changer."
Read more reviews on Open Farm.
Product image sourced from the Open Farm website. Copyright Open Farm.
FAQ
Why is it important for puppies to eat puppy food?
How long should small-breed dogs eat puppy food?
How can I tell if my small-breed puppy has a food allergy?
Is wet or dry food better for puppies?
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for dog food?