salmon dog food small breed
Kirkland Signature Natures Domain Small Breed Salmon & Lentil Dog Food
Salmon, salmon meal, lentils, chickpeas, peas, pea flour, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), fava beans, sweet potatoes, tomato pomace, flaxseed, natural flavor, dicalcium phosphate, salmon oil, ginger, psyllium seed husk, salt, DL-methionine, choline chloride, taurine, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, dried chicory root, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid
5 Best Salmon Dog Foods (2024)
How to Choose the Best Salmon Dog Food
Salmon is a powerhouse protein that dogs just love. There are many reasons to consider making the switch to a food that lists salmon as one of its protein sources. It is an extremely healthy meat filled with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, critical nutrients to nourish skin and coat and provide dogs with the energy they need to maintain an active lifestyle.
Joint health is also supported by the oils found in this flavorful fish. With so many benefits to be gained from a switch to a salmon-based diet, it is not hard to see why dog foods with salmon are among the best diets around!
Salmon is also believed to act as a powerful brain booster, encouraging cognitive function through its healthy fats such as DHA and APA. This is particularly helpful for young puppies undergoing sensitive periods of growth as well as for senior dogs experiencing some brain impairment.
Many types of fish contain ample servings of amino acids, and salmon is no exception. These vital nutrients assist with such important things as ensuring proper hormone function and building cartilage.
Salmon is also extremely rich in many important vitamins and minerals required for health and wellness both in people and in dogs. These include magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
But perhaps the biggest selling point when it comes to dogs is salmons potent flavor. Dogs love it canned, grilled on the barbecue, oven-baked, or as part of their daily kibble quota.
When selecting the best salmon food for a dog, it is important to carefully read labels to understand what the diet contains. Whole salmon is the best choice for dogs, and this is particularly important for dogs suffering from allergies or skin and stomach sensitivities as any additional ingredients may incur further health problems.
When it comes to choosing the best salmon dog food, one of the biggest considerations is whether you opt for wild-caught salmon or farm-raised salmon. Wild-caught salmon is considered to be the most natural and has fewer ingredients added to it, making it a healthier choice for your pup.
Additionally, wild-caught salmon is typically sourced from sustainable fisheries and contains a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids than farm-raised salmon. On the other hand, farm-raised salmon is often raised in large tanks with more added ingredients and a lower omega-3 content.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Dog Foods with Salmon
Determining the correct amount of the best salmon food to feed a dog can be difficult. The best course of action is to consult the bag of food and follow the suggested serving size as a basic guideline. This can be adjusted with the dogs weight, appetite, and activity serving to help with ascertaining the proper portion size.
Care should be taken not to overfeed the dog as weight gain can occur rapidly. Measure all food and monitor intake to prevent the dog from becoming overweight.
Dietary Requirements for Dog Foods with Salmon
Any salmon-based diet that is ideal for dogs to enjoy should contain salmon or salmon meal as its first ingredient. Whole salmon is the best choice, but meat meals offer dogs excellent quality nutrition as well. By-products are not often seen in salmon; however, should a label list them, they should be avoided.
Should a diet contain plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, or soy, they are best left on the shelf. These are common allergens for many dogs and can neutralize some of the positive effects of salmon. Diets containing these ingredients cannot be considered among the best foods with salmon for dogs.
Carbohydrates included in a salmon-based diet should be easy for dogs to digest. Unless a dog has expressed sensitivity to grains, they may freely eat a grain-inclusive or grain-free formula without any ill effects.
The primary importance of any food included in a salmon-based diet is its fiber and antioxidant content. These items promote good digestion and a strong immune system to protect against disease.
Healthy fats are a vital element in a dogs diet. Salmon contributes a powerhouse punch of this all on its own; however, the addition of such ingredients as chicken fat, salmon, or herring oil provides additional benefits through their omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to encourage healthy skin and coat.
Any salmon-based diet that is optimal for a dogs daily food should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Things to Look for in the Best Salmon Dog Food
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in premium salmon dog food:
- Whole meat or meat meal proteins heading up the ingredients list
- Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
- Enriched with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and helpful supplements
- Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
- Includes healthy fats such as chicken fat or salmon oil
Best Dog Food for Small Dogs
Turkey Fresh is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of The Farmers Dog product line.
This Farmers Dog formula takes the majority of its meat protein from fresh turkey. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 18% fat and 42% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
A fresh, human-grade recipe custom designed and packaged to fit the nutritional needs of all puppy breeds. As close to a homemade dog food as you can get. Not cheap. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients USDA Turkey, chickpeas, carrot, broccoli, spinach Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and adults (including large breed puppies) Raised Right Beef is one of11 fresh recipesincluded inour reviewof the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein fromfresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Appalachian Valley Small Breed is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
Appalachian Valley Small Breed derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh venison and lamb meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
A fully balanced, grain-free recipe containing no artificial colors, flavors or toxic chemical preservatives. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Venison, lamb meal, garbanzo beans, peas, lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I realize that pugs eat just about anything you put in front of them, however, this small kibble really fits their mouths to a 'T'! Sometimes when I want to spoil them, I'll mix in some cooked chicken breast, and a little hot water to make a gravy. They love this! The small kibble is easier for them to eat, and they are healthy as small horses! Never had a problem, and vet visits are always top notch! I highly recommend this food for small breeds with small mouths!"
Classic Small Breed is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Classic product line.
This Merrick Classic recipe takes the major portion of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Merrick Classic Small Breed is a solid grain-inclusive recipe with fiber-rich quinoa to help maintain digestion. Easily recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, turkey meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My little 3 yr old yorkie mix Zoey loves this food. I get both the wet and dry food of Merrick for her. I started slowly switching her over to eating more kibble portion in order to save money, since the wet food cans get so expensive. Zoey eats all of her food like a champ even now that her bowl is 3/4 dry kibble. I mix water in there to moisten it. She loves it! Her bowels are regular with no issues (sorry if TMI!). We are definitely fans."
Turkey Fare is one of 4 fresh wet recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare derives most of its animal protein from fresh turkey as well as whole eggs. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
If youve ever wished you could serve your small dog a fresh home-cooked meal but without all the fuss then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
Top level, human-grade ingredients and a balanced recipe designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Not cheap. But highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive, fresh Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Jones is a rescue and he came to us with a *very* sensitive stomach. Since starting Nom Nom, his stomach has been doing well, and I didn't think his fur could get any softer."
Freestyle Small Breed is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nulo Freestyle product line.
This Nulo formula gets the lions share of its meat protein from fresh salmon as well as turkey and menhaden fish meals. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34% protein, 19% fat and 39% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
Nulo Freestyle Small Breed is designed to support the higher metabolism and energy levels of smaller dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, salmon meal, red lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 34% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My Corgi/Ruby Spaniel mix just turned 9 and has lost a couple of teeth. This small kibble works GREAT for her- she only has to bite once-- she loves the flavor and I love the formula. It's good for her joints and skin with the Omegas in this formula. Easy to digest and this brand has NEVER had a recall. Highly recommend this for small breed fur babies!"
Original Small Breed is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
This Instinct Original formula derives the greatest part of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 22% fat and 31% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Instinct Original Small Breed provides an optimal balance of protein, fat and calories to ensure a balanced nutrition for your small dog. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Instinct Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, chickpeas, tapioca, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Small breed adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I love this dog food, and so does my dog. I like all of the ingredients and trust the company. My dog begs for it and devours it. He's doing very well on it. His coat is shiny, his muscles are defined, and his stools are firm. I rotate this brand with a few other brands so he has some variety, but I'm very picky with which foods I include in the rotation, and only choose brands and formulas of the highest quality."
Life Protection Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 21 dry recipes as well as 5 small breed formulas included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
A small breed formula boasting a fully balanced blend of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins to promote a healthy immune system.
Whats more, Blue is one of the few major brands offering multiple flavor options specifically designed for small dogs
Which makes Life Protection an ideal choice for those who like to routinely rotate their pets diet.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our cockapoo was on a mainly prescription wet food diet for the first year of her life due to persistent digestive issues (read: diarrhea). We tried a number of other premium dry food brands mixed in slowly with her food and this one has been the best by far. She's now fully on this dry food and has had normal digestion for the last three months."
Small Breed Turkey is one of 11 dry recipes included in our review of the Now Fresh product line.
Now Fresh Small Breed derives the largest share of its meat protein from fresh de-boned turkey and dried egg. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 19% fat and 43% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Small-size, clover-shaped kibble ideal for small to medium breed dogs. Contains probiotics and pre-biotic fiber to support healthy gut bacteria and better digestion. The recipe also includes taurine and L-carnitine for healthy heart function.
Also contains whole dried eggs, natures most complete protein. Which means this ingredient alone naturally includes every essential amino acid a dog needs for optimal health.
A bit pricey. But an excellent, nutritionally balanced design optimized for small and medium breed dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Now Fresh Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients De-boned turkey, whole dried egg, peas, potatoes, potato flour Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My small dogs love this food! They will eat it dry, without anything in it! It is really small kibble (maybe too small for my Dorkie!) but unlike other dry food, they love the taste!"
Halo Small Breed Turkey and Duck is one of 3 wet recipes included in our review of the Halo Grain Free product line.
This Halo canned formula derives the major portion of its meat protein from fresh turkey and turkey liver. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 50% protein, 23% fat and 19% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
A top canned pick for small breed dogs. Highly recommended
Read our review of the full Halo Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey broth, turkey liver, ground peas, duck Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 50% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"After 6 years on another brand, my 5 lb. Yorkie decided she needed a change and stopped eating as well. A checkup revealed no health issues. Lots of research for high quality food led me to Halo for small breeds. She snarfed down the first taste and has never looked back. Its obviously quite tasty with what I feel is a perfect protein to fat and carb combination for little dogs. Im very happy with my choice to change to Halo and so is my Yorkie!"
Diamond Small Breed Chicken and Rice is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
This Diamond Naturals formula obtains the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
A solid, budget-friendly option ideal for small breed adult dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, grain sorghum Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"So I switched to this dog food on chewy as the review was right, the price was right and I did not have to haul large bags of dog food home. Auto shipment is a plus. Most important is my dogs love it. I didn't realize before researching these brands of dog food that the size of the kibble could be a health issue for the dog. Hard to find small kibble that is healthy. My dog usually has ear issues as well. None seen since starting the new kibble. Hopefully the skin issues will clear up as well!"
Nutro Small Breed Adult Chicken is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Wholesome Essentials product line.
This Nutro Wholesome Essentials formula derives the lions share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
A complete and balanced dog food designed to provide optimal nutrition for smaller dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, split peas, brewers rice, whole brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Small breed adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I like BBQ chicken and sweet potatoes and so do my dogs. Okay so maybe this isn't barbecue chicken flavor but it's still chicken. My min pin and my chiweenie both love home cooked sweet potatoes so I'm glad that there are sweet potatoes in this dog food. And with all Nutro products this food shines up their coat and decreases shedding and is made with top-quality ingredients. I feel good about feeding Nutro to my dogs."
