Just like humans, dogs have different nutritional needs based on their size.
When you have a teacup dog, a toy dog, or a dog with a weight of 4kg maximum, it’s important to know the right food to give them.
Small-breed puppies need different nutrients and calories than medium and large-breed dogs. That’s why it’s best to start feeding a small-breed puppy small-breed food from the start!
In this article, we’ll go over why it's important for your dog's health that you choose the right kind of food for them.
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS FOR SMALL BREED DOGS
Small-breed puppies need different food than medium and large-breed dogs.
They have higher energy requirements than other types of puppies, so their diets should contain more calories per pound. They also need more protein per pound than larger breeds, as well as less calcium and phosphorus.
In addition to these requirements, small breeds often have sensitive digestive systems that can be upset by a high fat or grain content in their food.
You need to choose a formula that has been formulated specifically for your puppy's needs based on his size, age, breed, and temperament (i.e., whether he has sensitive stomachs).
WHY DO SMALL-BREED DOGS REQUIRE SPECIAL DOG FOOD?
Small dogs tend to have faster metabolisms than larger dogs. This means that the energy from their food is absorbed and used quickly. Because their stomachs are small, small dogs often need to eat more often, although they will almost certainly have a smaller portion size than their larger canine friends.
Small breed puppies, especially toy breeds, require careful feeding to prevent a condition called hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is the scientific word for low blood sugar, and small breed puppies are prone to developing this condition as a result of high metabolic rates and low sugar and body fat reserves.
This means they need to be fed calorie-dense, small-breed puppy food anywhere from four-to-six times a day and watched closely for symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia in dogs:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
Also, while small dogs might need more calories per pound than larger dogs, that does not mean that owners should overfeed them. One of the biggest concerns regarding dog nutrition is obesity. Obese dogs are more prone to a variety of health issues, and it is estimated that obesity takes as many as two years off of our dogs' lives.
Diseases associated with obesity in dogs:
- Osteoarthritis
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart and respiratory disease
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Cranial cruciate ligament injury
BEST DRY DOG FOOD FOR SMALL BREED DOGS
Your small dog is a special little creature, and they deserve the best. That's why here at Petshop.ph, together with trusted vets, we recommend ROYAL CANIN® X-Small Adult Dry Dog Food.
This dog food contains very high-quality protein, specifically chosen for its easy digestibility—so you can rest assured that your dog will be able to digest its meal easily and quickly. In addition, this formula contains psyllium fibers, which help to facilitate healthy intestinal transit.
ROYAL CANIN® X-Small Adult also helps support a healthy urinary system in very small breeds of dogs like yours. Enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), this dog food helps to support good coat condition while boosting your dog’s immune system.
Finally, the kibble in ROYAL CANIN® X-Small Adult has been specially adapted to cater to this particular breed; its shape, size, and texture are perfectly suited for tiny jaws.
