Top 10 Best Dog Kibbles for small dogs

Top 10 Best Dog Kibbles

Dry kibble for dogs is, without a doubt, the easiest and most cost-effective way to feed your dog. But not all dry dog food is created equal.

First, you need a kibble that will deliver the vitamins and nutrients a strong and healthy pup craves. Second, it must have a flavor your dog can’t wait to devour at mealtimes. If one of these requirements isn’t met, then your dog isn’t getting the best from their dry food.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of dog kibble formulas available right now. With so many to choose from, how do you weed out the duds and find the perfect recipe for your beloved pooch? Well, we’ve put together reviews of some of the best dog kibbles currently on the market so you don’t have to sift through the hundreds of options out there.

The 10 Best Kibbles for Dogs

Kibbles ‘n Bits Dry Dog Food – Best Value

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If you’re on the hunt for the best kibble for dogs for the money, then the Kibbles ‘n Bits Bistro Dry Dog Food offers plenty of nutritional power without taking a chunk out of your wallet. This formula contains both crunchy kibble and soft bits of meat to add even more flavor to your dog’s daily meals.

This kibble contains 23 different vitamins and minerals, including a range of antioxidants. While this kibble is appropriate for dogs of all sizes, it’s not well-suited to the nutritional needs of puppies or senior dogs.

Unfortunately, this kibble seems to trigger stomach upset in dogs with sensitive digestive systems. Some owners report increased gas, excessive potty trips, and even vomiting in some cases. While these issues don’t affect most dogs who eat this kibble, you should transition your dog slowly and watch for any symptoms.

Cons
  • May cause stomach upset
  • Some dogs have no interest in the flavor
Pros
  • Balanced range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
  • Appropriate for any size of dog
  • Nutritional and affordable
  • Combines dry kibble with softer meaty pieces

I and love and you Kibble – Best Overall

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The I and love and you Grain Free Kibble is our choice of the best kibble for dogs because of its variety of flavors, versatile formula, and rich nutrition. This formula comes in three different flavors — Chicken + Duck, Lamb + Bison, and Salmon + Trout — and, as the name implies, is grain-free. Instead of traditional grains, the carbohydrates in this recipe include chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes.

This grain-free kibble contains 30 percent protein sourced directly from real meat. It also includes prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion and a range of Omega fatty acids sourced from fish oil and flaxseed oil.

The biggest concern with this kibble recipe is its grain-free formula. Per recent research from the FDA, there may be a connection between feeding your dog a grain-free diet and the development of heart problems. Also, all flavors of this kibble contain chicken and turkey so it may pose a problem for dogs with food allergies.

Cons
  • All flavors contain chicken and turkey by-products
  • Grain-free kibble under investigation by the FDA
Pros
  • High protein content from real meat
  • Supports healthy digestion
  • Multiple flavor options
  • Safe for all life stages
  • Contains Omega fatty acids for your dog’s skin and coat

Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food – For Puppies

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Just like human children, puppies require specific nutrition to grow into the healthiest adult dogs possible. If you’re looking for a high-quality kibble to feed your little one, the Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food is our top choice of the moment.

This formula is available in a variety of recipes, including specific ones for toy breeds, small breeds, and large breeds. Chicken is the top ingredient in this kibble, offering plenty of nutritional protein for growing pups. This food also contains DHA, which is essential to your puppy’s vision and brain development.

Depending on your puppy’s digestive system, there’s a small chance that this formula could make them sick. Some dogs also decide they no longer want to eat this food, even in the middle of a bag. Also, this formula may cause bad breath.

Cons
  • Can cause stomach upset
  • May result in bad breath
  • Some dogs suddenly stop eating this food
Pros
  • Fortified with DHA
  • Helps support puppies’ immune systems
  • Specially formulated for puppies
  • Available in specific recipes based on breed size

Instinct Raw Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice

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Sometimes, feeding your dog the best means spending a little more. The Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog Food is a perfect example. While this formula might cost a little bit more than the competition, it offers an irresistible flavor and tons of nutrition.

This grain-free formula isn’t just made up of dry kibble. It also contains pieces of raw, freeze-dried beef to satisfy your dog’s craving for real meat. These pieces contain plenty of protein, probiotics, and Omega fatty acids.

Like other grain-free formulas, it’s important to look into the research connecting grain-free diets to heart problems before switching to this kibble. Also, while many owners have raved about this food in the past, it appears that the formula has recently changed. Some dogs enjoy the new formula while others will no longer touch their food.

Cons
  • Grain-free formula may cause heart problems
  • Formula was recently changed
Pros
  • Made in the USA
  • Balanced nutrition for all dogs
  • Boosted with raw, freeze-dried beef
  • Loaded with vitamins, healthy fats, and probiotics

Halo Natural Dry Dog Food

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For small breed dogs and their unique nutritional needs, the Halo Natural Dry Dog Food is definitely worth checking out. This formula is designed to be super easy to digest, ensuring your small dog can access all of the nutrients contained within. Because this food is made with small breeds in mind, the kibble pieces are also small enough for easy chewing and digestion.

This dry kibble recipe is based around whole chicken and chicken liver — there is no chicken meal in this formula. Because Halo sources its ingredients from responsible farmers and ranchers, you can also feel good about where your dog’s food comes from.

Many dog owners report that their dogs won’t eat this food, either because of the smell, flavor, or another reason entirely. Unfortunately, the only way to know if your dog will eat this food is to purchase some and try it. While many dog owners still purchase this food for their dogs, it appears that the older version of the formula was more popular.

Cons
  • Not filling enough for some dogs
  • Flavor is very hit-or-miss
  • Recent formula change
Pros
  • Designed for the needs of small breeds
  • Does not contain chicken meal
  • Ingredients sourced from responsible farmers

Purina ONE Dry Dog Food

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Of course, Purina doesn’t just produce kibble for puppies. The Purina ONE SmartBlend Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for owners of adult dogs who are on the hunt for a new kibble formula. Plus, your dog is sure to love the combination of normal kibble with tender meaty pieces.

This kibble uses lamb, beef, or chicken as its main source of protein. It’s also free of poultry by-product meal, though it does contain normal chicken meal. You’ll also find antioxidants that help support a strong immune system and a high concentration of protein for strong muscles and overall lean body mass.

As with any food, there’s a chance this food will make your dog sick when transitioning. Some owners reported diarrhea and vomiting after feeding their dog this kibble, which forced them to switch to something else. The flavor is also hit-or-miss, with some dogs loving it and others refusing to eat it. Some dogs will pick out the pieces of meat and leave behind the dry kibble.

Cons
  • May cause stomach upset
  • Not all dogs love the flavor
  • Some dogs pick out the pieces of meat
Pros
  • Formulated with dry kibble and meat pieces
  • No poultry by-product meal
  • Full of antioxidants and protein

Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food

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If you’re looking for a healthy dog food that you can find practically anywhere, then the Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food is a reliable option. This formula features a steak and vegetable flavor that is packed with vitamins and other nutrients your dog craves. This kibble is made in the United States without artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup.

If your dog’s bathroom schedule is less-than-stellar, the healthy fiber in this kibble can help keep their digestive system on the right track. Plus, the Omega-6 fatty acids will boost the appearance of their skin and fur.

Keep in mind that there are some reports of dogs getting sick after eating this food. This might be because of a singular bad batch, but it’s something to take into consideration when switching to this food. Also, some dogs just aren’t fans of the flavor, despite the inclusion of steak and vegetables.

Cons
  • May cause dogs to vomit or have diarrhea
  • Potential quality control issues
  • Not all dogs love the flavor
  • May trigger allergies in sensitive dogs
Pros
  • Widely available and made in the USA
  • No artificial flavors or added sweeteners
  • Packed with healthy fiber and fatty acids

Simply Perfection 130 Dog Kibble

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You may not have heard of this brand before, but the Simply Perfection Dog Kibble found its way onto our list for a reason. This premium kibble is made with real chicken and contains zero wheat-, corn-, or soy-based ingredients. However, because of the brown rice in this recipe, it’s not truly grain-free.

Along with healthy proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, this kibble contains a balance of vitamins A, E, B12, and D3. The actual kibble pieces are designed for easy digestion, no matter your dog’s size. If your dog has food sensitivities, then you’ll be excited to learn that there are no artificial ingredients in this recipe.

While the kibble pieces are small enough for smaller breeds to eat, the size of this food might be an issue for large dogs and fast eaters. If you’re set on giving this food to your overly eager dog, you may need to invest in a slow-feeding bowl. Because this is a smaller brand, it may be hard to track down this food in a pinch.

Cons
  • Small kibble pieces can be an issue for fast eaters
  • Not always easy to find
  • Unclear which ingredients are imported
Pros
  • Contains brown rice instead of other grains
  • Packed with vitamins
  • Good for dogs with food sensitivities

Crave Grain Free Dry Dog Food

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Our last pick for the best dog kibble is another grain-free formula, Crave Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food. It contains beef as the first ingredient, providing plenty of healthy protein for your pup. Overall, this formula contains 34 percent protein.

If you’re looking to eliminate common allergens and sensitivity triggers from your dog’s diet, then this kibble might be worth a try. There is no chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat in this formula. There are also no artificial preservatives or other additives.

While this food is free of chicken by-products, it does contain regular chicken meal. If you’re trying to avoid this ingredient in your dog’s food, stay away from this formula. Some owners of large breeds reported that this kibble is too small and therefore difficult for their dogs to eat. Also, there are some reports of dogs getting sick when switching to this food or just not having an interest in it.

Cons
  • Kibble is too small for some dogs
  • May cause an upset stomach
  • Does contain chicken meal
  • Grain-free formula may be a health concern
  • Some dogs dislike the flavor
Pros
  • Beef is the first ingredient
  • High level of protein
  • Excludes common allergens

Wellness Core Rawrev Kibble

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The Wellness Core Rawrev Kibble is another food that’s based on a grain-free, raw meat diet. The combination of dry kibble and freeze-dried meat pieces is popular among many pups and their owners. This food features animal protein sources like duck, lamb, rabbit, and boar, among others.

This raw-infused kibble is appropriate for puppies and adult dogs, but not the best choice for the nutritional needs of senior dogs. Depending on your dog’s size, though, there are different formulas available for both small and large breeds.

As far as downfalls of this kibble go, many dog owners have complained about the number of freeze-dried meat pieces in their bags of food. While it’s unknown whether this is an isolated issue or not, it’s something to keep in mind. Also, this tends to break down into crumbs quite easily. The triangular kibbles pieces are also uncomfortable for some dogs to chew.

Cons
  • Turns into crumbs during storage
  • Low amount of freeze-dried meat in some bags
  • Not good for dogs with protein allergies
  • Kibble pieces are painful for some dogs to eat
  • Subject to grain-free controversy
Pros
  • Features dry kibble and freeze-dried meat
  • Suitable for puppies and adult dogs
  • Multiple sources of wild game meat

Final Thoughts

There are countless options out there when it comes to choosing a high-quality kibble for your dog. At the end of the day, though, some are better than others.

Our choice of the best kibble for dogs is the I and love and you Grain Free Kibble. This food comes in several flavors, is appropriate for dogs of all ages, and is easy to digest. Also, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats.

If you’re searching for the best dry dog food that fits into your budget, then try the Kibbles ‘n Bits Bistro Dry Dog Food. This formula combines traditional kibble with pieces of meat for added flavor and nutrition.

The Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog Food is a great choice if you’re looking for premium dog food. This dog kibble also contains pieces of raw, freeze-dried meat and contains plenty of vitamins and probiotics.

Finally, if you’re feeding a young puppy and aren’t sure which kibble is best, our pick is the Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food. This food comes in different formulas for different sizes and is fortified with DHA. It will also help support your puppy’s immune system.

While we hope our reviews of the best kibble for dogs have helped you narrow down your list, but remember, your veterinarian should always be your number one source for health information. With their help, you’ll be able to choose the best dog food from our list and keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come!

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.