Is small kibble bad for big dogs? Here’s What to Do Next

Small breed dogs

Our four-legged friends on the smaller end of the spectrum have very fast metabolisms. From their puppy stage, through to when they’re fully grown, small breed dogs require a diet that accommodates their need for higher calorie foods. But despite these fast metabolisms, you should take great care when portioning your dog’s diet, as they can gain weight quickly. Follow the feeding guide on the food’s label or check in with your local Greencross Vets to be sure you’re giving your dog the optimum amount for good health.

It’s also important to take into account the size of the kibble. In order to minimise waste and help smaller breeds gain the most from their diet, the size of the kibble must also suit the size of the dog. Kibble formulated for small breeds will be smaller than kibble for larger breeds as it is made with the size of the dog’s jaw in mind. Smaller breeds can be more prone to gastrointestinal upsets and poor dental health, so feeding a diet specific to them can help manage these issues. This is why choosing a pet food tailored to your pet’s size, life stage and breed is the best choice, as it offers them a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay happy and healthy.

Did you know there’s more to small breed kibble than its size?

You might think that your small-breed dog needs a small-sized kibble because it fits better into their tiny mouth, but there’s a more important reason to feed your dog a kibble that’s tailored to their body size.

Smaller breeds need a kibble that’s packed full of nutrition and is easy to digest for optimal gut health. A few large-sized kibbles can fill your small dog’s stomach without providing enough fat and protein to properly fuel a faster metabolism. A smaller, dense kibble that can be quickly and efficiently digested gives your pet the best-balanced nutrition to lead an active life.

Similarly, loading your small dog up with low-quality kibble or human food can quickly fill the stomach without providing adequate nutrition. Many small dogs suffer from digestive issues like gas, vomiting or loose stool not because they’re genetically predisposed to these ailments, but because they’re being fed the wrong diet.

Is small kibble bad for big dogs?

When should you buy large breed puppy food?

Once a puppy is around 8 weeks old, we recommend starting your large breed puppy on a high-quality, natural diet that’s specifically formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs.

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Smaller breeds may choke on large pieces of food if they’re in too much of a hurry to chew their food into manageable bits. Large dogs may clog their own throats with fistfuls of too-small kibble as it hits the back of the throat.