At Freshpet, we recognize that our furry friends need a diet that fully meets their needs on an individual and breed basis. This means that we need to choose high-quality dog food formulas that are specially formulated for our dogs based on their breed, size, age and activity level.
One thing many pet parents don’t realize about smaller dogs is that their food must be tailored to their needs, and these factors can go beyond what most might consider. Below, we’ve only covered some of the qualities of a small dog food, guaranteed to provide everything your furry friend needs to stay happy and healthy.
Nutrient density
There are many reasons why a small dog food formula should be rich in nutrients. What comes as a surprise to some pet parents is the fact that smaller dogs actually have higher energy requirements per pound than larger ones due to their higher metabolic rates. . When combined with their smaller stomachs capable of holding less food, small dog recipes tend to contain more essential vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and carbs per serving to provide give them all they need to stay healthy. Freshpet acknowledges that it is important for parents with small dogs to remember that small dogs can be prone to weight problems, which requires strict adherence to the recommended portion sizes. trusted nutrition label or veterinarian.
Quality ingredients
Smaller dog food recipes often feature high-quality, whole food ingredients that are instantly recognizable when reading the ingredient label. Our products are formulated for small dogs like our Freshpet Select Small Dog line which has ingredients like chicken, turkey, sweet potatoes, blueberries. cranberries and spinach to provide a variety of nutrients. We want our dogs to have products made with the best ingredients, and since dogs need nutrient-rich meals, real-world foods are proven to have a powerful impact. health continues to play an important role in the best recipes for small dogs,
Lack of harmful preservatives
The highest quality dog food formulas will be free of harmful fillers and preservatives that can negatively affect our dogs’ health over time. Ingredients like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, among others are often used by lower quality manufacturers, which is why many pet parents have turned to exploring products that do. fresh meat and ingredients. Some of the artificial fillers and ingredients found in lower-quality recipes provide little or no nutritional value, and others can cause problems such as skin irritation, high sugar levels, etc. High blood pressure and obesity can be especially harmful to smaller pets.
Solve your health condition
It’s always a good idea to consider your dog’s specific health conditions and needs as we explore small dog food options. Many small dog foods have been developed with common problems that small pets face such as dental, skin and coat concerns, and weight gain as they age. However, it is possible that our dogs may develop conditions that are not addressed by most commercially available brands of small dog food. For example, certain health conditions can affect the way our dogs break down food, receive nutrients, and conduct their daily lives. Careful research combined with insights from your veterinarian can help ensure that your young dog has the right food to promote their continued health regardless of the condition they may develop. how to develop.
Smaller piece
Pet parents may not think about how the size of dog food affects the eating experience for our furry friends. Small dogs often have smaller jaws, which can make breaking down large pieces of food much more difficult. For this reason, high-quality small dog foods are often in the form of smaller crumbs that are easier to chew and prepare. At Freshpet, we solve the problem of small dogs in need of smaller pieces of food through custom-size rolls and easy-to-eat patés designed for smaller mouths.
How can pet parents choose the best small dog food options?
Exploring the multitude of products available for our small dogs can be daunting for any pet parent who just wants to offer the best options possible. Of course, it can be helpful to consider the above factors, however, there are also many other steps that can be used to find the best fit.
Freshpet recommends researching your favorite picks to better understand their ingredients and cooking methods when looking at new brands. Reviews can also be a great way to get an idea of other pet parents’ experiences with the foods you may be considering. When in doubt, your vet is a great resource to help you choose a vet-recommended pet food that’s right for your small dog’s different needs. By improving your understanding of what makes small dog food formulations suitable for our furry friends and the methods available to us to evaluate them, you will be able to choose the right product. Best product possible!
