At Freshpet, we recognize that our furry friends need a diet that fully meets their needs, both on an individual basis and on a breed basis. This means that we must select high quality dog food recipes specially formulated for our dogs based on their breed, size, age and activity level.
One thing many pet owners don’t realize about small dogs is that their food needs to be tailored to their needs, and these factors can go way beyond what most can consider. Below we discuss some of the qualities of a great small dog food that is sure to provide everything your furry friend needs to stay happy and healthy.
Nutrient density
There are many reasons why small dog food recipes need to be nutrient dense. Something that surprises some pet parents is the fact that small dogs actually have higher energy requirements per pound than their larger counterparts due to their higher metabolic rates. When combined with their smaller stomachs capable of holding less food, recipes for small dogs tend to be higher in essential vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and carbohydrates per serving to give them everything they need. to maintain their health. Freshpet recognizes that it’s important for parents of small dogs to remember that small dogs can be prone to weight issues, which requires strict adherence to portion sizes recommended by the nutrition label or by a trusted veterinarian.
Quality ingredients
Smaller dog food recipes often contain high-quality, human-grade whole food ingredients that are instantly recognizable when reading the ingredient label. Our products formulated for small dogs, such as our Freshpet Select Small Dog line, contain ingredients such as chicken, turkey, sweet potatoes and blueberries. cranberry and spinach to provide a diverse range of nutrients. We want our dogs to have products made with the best ingredients, and because dogs need nutrient-dense meals, real-world foods that are proven to have a strong impact on ongoing health play a role. vital in the best food recipes for small dogs,
Lack of harmful preservatives
The highest quality dog food recipes will not contain harmful fillers or preservatives that can negatively impact our dogs’ health over time. Ingredients such as BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin and more are often used by lower quality manufacturers, which is why many pet owners have made the jump to meat products. and fresh ingredients. Some of the artificial fillers and ingredients featured in substandard recipes simply offer little or no nutritional value, and others can cause issues such as skin irritation, high blood sugar, and obesity that can be particularly harmful to small animals.
Solves health problems
It’s always a good idea to consider our dogs’ specific health status and needs when exploring small dog food options. Many small dog foods have been developed with consideration for common issues faced by small animals, such as dental, skin and coat, and weight issues as they age. It is however possible for our dogs to develop conditions that are not usually treated by the majority of small dog food brands available on the market. For example, certain health conditions can affect how our dogs break down food, receive nutrients, and go about their daily lives. Thorough research combined with the knowledge of a veterinarian can go a long way to ensuring that your small dog has food that properly supports their health, no matter what conditions they may develop.
small pieces
Pet parents may not think about the impact the size of a dog food has on the eating experience of our furry friends. Small dogs generally have smaller jaws, which can make breaking down large pieces of food much more difficult. For this reason, high-quality small dog food usually comes in the form of smaller kibbles that make chewing and processing easier. At Freshpet, we tackle the problem of small dogs needing smaller pieces of food with rolls that can be cut for customizable sizes and an easy-to-eat pâté designed for small mouths.
How can pet parents choose the best food options for small dogs?
Exploring the multitude of products available for our small dogs can be daunting for any pet parent who simply wants to offer the best options possible. Naturally, it can be helpful to consider the above factors, but there are many other steps that can also be taken to find the best fit.
Freshpet recommends researching your favorite options to better understand their ingredients and processing methods when researching new brands. Reviews can also be great for getting an idea of other pet owners’ experiences with foods you may be considering. When in doubt, veterinarians are great resources to help you choose a veterinarian-recommended pet food that also meets your small dog’s diverse needs. By deepening your understanding of what makes small dog food recipes suitable for our furry friends and the methods we have for evaluating them, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the best products possible!
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