The Best Dog Food for Pomeranians: Reviews and Recommendations

While Queen Victoria was vacationing in Italy in 1888, she fell in love with the charismatic Pomeranian breed. They became popular soon after, and the rest, as they say, is history…

The average Pom weighs less than 7 pounds — but don’t tell them that! These feisty little dogs think they’re big, and their prominent personalities show it. They’re athletic, bright, lively, and always up for an adventure.

Because they’re so active, Pomeranians need a diet to fuel their healthy appetites. With that in mind, here’s a quick guide and some recommendations for the best dog food for Pomeranians:

The Best Dog Foods for Pomeranians Are:

Product	Details
1. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed	Top Pick	Formulated for adult dogs Especially made for small and toy breeds Comes in chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato and lamb and rice blends Dry kibble consistency	Check Current Price
2. Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Dry Dog Food		Small kibble consistency Comes in chicken and rice, or lamb and brown rice flavors Made specifically for small breeds Formulated for adult dogs	Check Current Price
3. Natural Balance L.I.D. Small Breed Bites		Small, dry kibble consistency Multiple flavor variants Formulated for small breeds Grain-free Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs	Check Current Price
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Bites		Selection of flavors includes chicken and brown rice, fish and brown rice, and lamb and brown rice Dry kibble consistency Formulated for small breeds Formulated for adult dogs	Check Current Price
5. Wellness CORE Small Breed		Grain-free formula Recommended for small breed dogs Small, dry kibble consistency Formulated for adult dogs	Check Current Price
6. Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula		Formulated for adult dogs Specifically formulated for small and toy breeds Shredded texture formula	Check Current Price
7. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Indoor Small Breed		Designed specifically for indoor dogs Small dog formula Adult formula Dry kibble consistency	Check Current Price
8. Pedigree Small Breed		Formulated for adult dogs Specifically for small breed dogs Dry kibble consistency Comes in steak and vegetable, and roasted chicken, rice, and vegetable variations	Check Current Price
9. Nature's Recipe Small Breed		Formulated for small breeds Intended for adult dogs Dry kibble consistency Grain-free formula	Check Current Price

1. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed

Pom owners say even the fussiest eaters love this food, and upon looking at the ingredients, it’s not hard to see why.

Many of them read like something we’d have at our human dinner tables, only theirs are certified non-GMO! (Sadly, I don’t always get that wholesome — towing a bunch of kids at the grocery store can interfere with details if you know what I mean.) 

Chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato seems to be the most popular, but they’ve also got other flavor combinations. The first ingredient in their food is always clean animal protein, which is a good sign.

It’s packed with clean sources of quality protein, whole grains, veggies, antioxidant-packed fruits, and omega fatty acids, AND it’s all non-GMO which translates to easier digestion (particularly important for a happy Pomeranian) and better overall health.

Also, it’s free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You probably already guessed that, though. Most importantly it passed the Pomeranian gold standard. And that’s sayin’ something!

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2. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Dry Dog Food

With nibble-sized kibble, this food is made especially for small adult dogs between 1 to 8 years old.

Owners everywhere give this brand a consistent thumbs-up for its great flavor. (Poms seem to love it, anyway. Not sure about the humans.) Its ingredients are formulated for easy digestion, accommodating a little dog’s belly.

**Note: This food is not for puppies or dogs who are pregnant or nursing. Always consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns about your dog’s nutrition.

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3. Natural Balance L.I.D. Small Breed Bites

Natural Balance L.I.D. takes pride in keeping it simple by formulating foods with a limited list of ingredients (L.I.D. stands for Limited Ingredient Diets).

Removing unnecessary additives and fillers with no nutritional value (which would probably just give them an upset gut anyway) leaves room for quality protein and carb sources in the formula. It’s no surprise that many Pom enthusiasts swear by Natural Balance because it’s formulas are so digestible.

There are a variety of flavors from which to choose, including potato and duck, sweet potato and fish, chicken and sweet potato, and beef, giving picky eaters a veritable buffet from which to choose.

**Note: This is a great grain-free option, just consult your vet to make sure grain-free is OK for your dog’s needs.

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4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Bites

Without junk carbs and fillers, dog owners report that Blue Buffalo is easy on the digestion, and is a great food to keep your dog happy and satiated, which is fabulous, because no one wants to answer to a hangry Pomeranian. This recipe gets good marks for energy support as well.

Blue Buffalo uses a “cold-formed” manufacturing process. The reasoning behind this method is simple: think about what happens when we cook vegetables at high heat. You lose a lot of their nutrients, right? Well, exposing dog food to excessive heat breaks down nutrients in much the same way. By reducing the amount of heat during processing, nutrients are better preserved.

With a selection of flavors, including chicken and brown rice, fish and brown rice, and lamb and brown rice, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is an excellent option if your dog has a diverse palate.

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5. Wellness CORE Small Breed

Wellness CORE touts quality proteins and nutrition, but it also delivers chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health. Issues with poor joint health is common among older dogs, and even though this particular formula isn’t crafted specifically for senior dogs, it’s never a bad idea to look for this feature in a quality dog food.

If your Pomeranian is a senior citizen, be sure to consult your vet to make sure he or she doesn’t need to adhere to a formula specifically for senior dogs.

Even young Poms can have joint issues, and if your dog is pedigreed and you know he or she has joint problems in the family, it doesn’t hurt to be proactive about supporting their joint health now.

Owners say Wellness CORE Small Breed Dog Food is great for their dogs’ levels of energy and mood, as well. When the Pomeranian of the house is happy, everyone’s happy!

Another helpful addition to this particular food: spearmint to freshen breath. If your dog is anything like mine, he can definitely use that every once in a while…

Wellness CORE also contains Omega fatty acids, so your Pom will sport a gorgeous, shiny coat for those walks with the humans. Everyone loves a little extra attention, right?

**Note: This food is grain-free, so be sure to get the green light from your vet to give it to your fur baby before giving it a try.

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6. Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula

Because it’s a shredded formula, this food got accolades from doggos who have trouble chewing hard foods, or who just don’t love kibble. Since their Poms were happy, the humans concurred.

A dry food with a shredded consistency is another feature that’s beneficial for older dogs who may have issues with their teeth and haven’t gotten dentures yet. This particular formula isn’t made specifically for senior dogs, so if you’re thinking about trying it out, ask your vet if your little old lady (or man) needs to eat a senior dog formula exclusively.

99% of their products are produced in the US, ensuring careful sourcing of ingredients, tight controls of manufacturing, and sound distribution methods, facilitating a high standard of quality.

It’s also a bit comforting to see that many experts endorse Purina products. In fact, you may have noticed that Purina sponsors several different dog shows, and their reputation has garnered praise from generations of dog handlers.

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7. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Indoor Small Breed

This food is specially designed for your Pombody (Pomeranian homebody… I just made that up…) who prefers lap napping to running laps.

Foods designed for the metabolism of high-activity small breeds usually contain the extra calories they’ll need. Food for indoor dogs adjusts for that with fewer calories.

Fewer calories keeps your exclusively indoors-dwelling Pom trim and healthy. This is also a regularly-recommended food by a LOT of veterinarians. That’s a good sign.

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8. Pedigree Small Breed

Dogs with sensitive tummies seem to do well with Pedigree foods, and the small breed variety will be especially palatable for your Pomeranian because it’s the perfect size for tiny teeth. Also, the kibble is formulated with oral care in mind, so it cleans their teeth as they crunch away.

Interesting factoid: if you’ve never heard of them, The WALTHAM® Center for Pet Nutrition does research on pet care requirements, and is a respected authority on developing healthy food formulas. Pedigree products have integrated that research into improving their foods. 

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9. Nature’s Recipe Small Breed

Overwhelmingly, humans reported this food is fantastic for Poms with digestive issues, which is a win for them, but also for those of us who have to pick up after them. Also, easy digestion (usually) means good appetites.

Nature’s Recipe has 35 years under their belt of creating foods to support not only a dog’s nutritional needs for physical performance but also ingredients that help keep them mentally sharp and in a good mood. If you’ve got a pint-sized diva (or divo) on your hands, that helps.

***Again, this is a grain-free food, so talk to your vet to make sure grain-free foods are suitable for your fur baby.

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Best Dog Food for Pomeranians — Buying Guide

At its simplest, the best food for your Pomeranian has some features that are preferable for any breed:

No Fillers (or at least good quality ones)

Doggos are meant to digest protein, not cheap fillers with no nutritional value that’ll just run straight through them, leaving them with dietary deficiencies.

No Artificial Preservatives, Colors, or Flavors

While the FDA does approve some artificial ingredients if they’re used according to standards, it’s just a safer bet to leave them out of your dog’s food. Pet owners have reported a host of issues they’ve attributed to foods with artificial ingredients, including potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.

Well Sourced Proteins

Good sources of protein like eggs, poultry, fish, and red meats give dogs the wealth of amino acids they need to stay healthy that vegetable proteins can’t on their own.

Pomeranians are unique, however, so there are other things to consider:

• Their size makes them a little less hearty than some other breeds, which means they tend to be sensitive in the digestive department.

• The AAFCO (or Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines recommend an 18% minimum of protein for an adult Pomeranian, 20% for pups.

• As a small breed, Pomeranians burn through their nutrients pretty quickly. They really need their fruits and veggies for vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so keep that in mind when reading labels.

• Fats matter! Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential for your Pom’s tiny heart, active brain, and absorption of vitamins, so make sure she gets them, preferably from animal sources.

• Pomeranians can be prone to allergies and sensitivities. Watch out for how he digests plant proteins in particular. Additives like lentils, peas, potato, and some grains require digestive enzyme additives. Usually, that’s fine, it’s not unhealthy, it’s just that some Poms don’t tolerate these well.

So How Much Should I Be Feeding My Pomeranian? Here Are Some Guidelines:

• 1 lb puppies (give or take a few ounces) need about ½ cup of food. (Or 4 ounces.)
• 3 lb young adult Poms need about 1 cup of food. (Or 8 ounces.)
• 5 lb adult Pomeranians need about 1.25 cups of food. (Roughly 10 oz.)
• 6 lb adult Pomeranians need approx. 2 cups of food. (16 oz.)

These guidelines are just that, guidelines- not gospel. Use common sense when feeding your pint-sized buddy, as their eating habits will probably fluctuate from puppyhood to adulthood.

Puppy Poms need an average of 3-4 smaller portioned meals a day. They’ve got tiny tummies, but require significant nutrition to grow. After 6-ish months, or until he starts eating a little more during mealtimes, feed him 2-3 meals a day.

He’s technically an adult at one year, so 1-2 meals a day should suffice if he eats heartily. For twice a day meals, divide your total RDA of food in half for each meal. For instance, if he’s eating 10 oz a day, feed five at mealtime #1 and five at mealtime #2.

Daylong grazing isn’t recommended. If he eats everything within 10-15 minutes and is begging for more, go ahead and give him more in small, measured increments.

If your baby is eating a ton, then vomiting after, or is not eating at all and losing weight, take him to the vet!

Poms love treats (don’t we all?) but use them only as a training tool and a reward for when they’ve been good! This secret weapon will save your sanity (and your rug) when potty training in particular.

Wet Foods vs. Dry Foods

This is usually up to your Pom unless your vet says otherwise. If you’re feeding primarily dry food and she doesn’t love it, an excellent way to bribe her is to add some low sodium meat broth.

You can introduce canned food in small increments into her dry food as well. Remember, Pomeranian’s tummies are tiny and sensitive, so any sudden change could result in digestive discomfort for her. And smelly messes for you.

If your vet recommends wet food, ask how much you’ll need to feed her per day, and monitor her appetite levels. Introduce new foods gradually, and watch for any intolerances.

Should I Feed High-Protein? Grain-Free? Regular Food? Does It Make Any Difference?

In a nutshell… it depends. I know this isn’t very helpful, but since there’s conflicting data about this topic, you should consult your vet and let your Pom take the lead.

High-protein diets have been an object of scrutiny in the past. The opposition to a high-protein diet is fueled by the belief that dogs are omnivorous and need a balanced diet.

Some studies claimed that dogs on a high-protein diet were more prone to obesity, and a high-protein diet contributed to the exacerbation of pre-existing liver or kidney issues.

Plenty of veterinary experts out there disagree with these findings because, among other things, most of the studies weren’t actually conducted on dogs.

Grain-free dog foods have also been under scrutiny lately, particularly boutique-brand, grain-free food. Opposition to the inclusion of grains in dog food is fueled by the belief that dogs are inherently carnivorous, and grains are harmful to their diet. (Sound familiar?)

That said, I do know some dog owners (myself included) who have attributed certain kinds of allergies and digestive intolerance to food with grains, particularly wheat and rye.

If you do decide to go grain-free, your Pomeranian needs a food with a moderate amount of fiber and plant proteins; otherwise, he’ll very possibly end up suffering from irritable tummy problems. Again, gross clean-ups.

Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that grain-free diets, particularly involving foods where peas, legumes, potatoes, and lentils are among the top five ingredients, can lead to a severe condition called DCM, or dilated cardiomyopathy — even if your dog wouldn’t ordinarily be prone.

So far, it appears DCM affects certain breeds more than others. Pomeranians aren’t on the list, for now, but studies on the topic are always evolving and changing. It’s best to partner closely with your vet for advice on possible risks.

Final Thoughts

Pomeranians are delightful little doggies, and if you choose to own one, you’ll have a ride-or-die bestie. Their sparkling personalities guarantee they’ll quickly take their place as a beloved member of the family, fitting right in with kids and other fur babies in the house.

Pomeranians are very loyal, but most also love the inevitable attention they’ll get from others. (I dare you to take one on a walk without at least one person squealing about how cute they are!)

To provide your Pom with the very best nutrition, do check out Nutro Wholesome Essentials. It’s got clean protein and healthy non-GMO ingredients packed into yummy kibble — definitely worth a try.