It’s only natural that small breed dogs have smaller mouths and stomachs. But that makes things tricky when you’re faced with cramming in so much energy. Smaller stomachs mean they can't effectively digest a lot of food at one time. So feed your small dog little, but often. Small breed dogs often need to be fed two to four times a day to meet their specific nutrient and calorie needs.

Resist the temptation to feed kitchen or table scraps to fill the gap. Specially formulated small-breed foods suchs as Purina ONE - Small breed are a far healthier alternative. Manufactured small breed foods contain more high-quality protein, more fat and more carbohydrates, packed into a smaller kibble size to encourage chewing and improve digestion.

One of the best things about small breed dogs is that they mature more quickly and age more slowly. Small breed puppies start the weaning process at around three to four weeks and are considered mature by their first birthday. Their large breed counterparts, by contrast, can take twice as long to reach adulthood.

But beware! Small breed dogs have a particular tendency to become fussy eaters, especially if their owners give in easily. Sticking to a regular feeding routine throughout their adult lives is the best way to avoid finicky eating.

Options for your small breed dog

A number of leading Purina brands offer formulas specifically developed to meet the needs of small breed dogs.

Supercoat      Pro Plan      PURINA ONE      Beneful      Lucky Dog