From dachshunds to Yorkshire terriers, small breeds offer an abundance of personality and companionship. There are many types of small dogs out there, but they all share the same unique needs.
What is considered
a small dog breed?
Small breeds are generally defined as dog breeds that weigh 21 pounds or under and can be found in almost every group. Famously classified as “Toy”, “Miniature” or “Companion” dogs, they have special needs according to their biology, breed and disposition.
Caring for a small dog breed
Small and toy dog breeds wrap all the diverse traits of larger breeds up into a fun little package, along with some unique personalities and characteristics.
Small dog breeds have their own nutritional needs
Small breed dogs have their own biology compared to large breed dogs, and the right food can help to promote balance for your little furry friend. Some nutritional needs to consider include:
Caloric intake
Small breeds, whose metabolisms are faster than those of large dogs, require 40 calories per pound per day, whereas larger dogs need just over half that amount.1 Ask your veterinarian what your dog’s ideal weight is.
Oxidative stress
Due to their longer lifespans, small dogs also benefit from food containing high levels of antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals during their long lives.
Science-led ingredients
Ingredients like omega-6 fatty acids help support a healthy skin and shiny coat.
Hill’s small breed dog foods are designed for lifelong health
At Hill’s, we go beyond kibble size to ensure that the nutritional needs of small breed dogs are met with every dedicated recipe. We formulate our small breed dry foods and wet foods for their unique calorie requirements and aging needs.
DID YOU KNOW? A healthy small breed dog can live up to 20 years of age. It is important to remember that your dog’s lifespan can vary widely depending on several factors.
Dedicated to your small dog’s livelihood
To better understand the nutritional, social, emotional and behavioral needs of small breed dogs, Hill’s has created a dedicated Small Paws center. Part of our global Pet Nutrition Center, or PNC, this new facility uses state-of-the-art technology to create specially-formulated nutrition developed for the unique needs of small dogs.
The Small Paws Center is home to 80 small dogs under 12 pounds — each receiving exceptional veterinary care and a variety of indoor and outdoor enrichment activities throughout the day, including an outdoor Bark Park.
1 Coates, Jennifer. “Nutritional Differences for Small, Toy, and Large Breed Dogs.” Petmd.Com, PetMD, 3 Feb. 2012, www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/jcoates/2012/feb/nutrition_differences_for_small_toy_large_breeds-12459. Accessed 26 Oct. 2020.