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Not all small dogs have the same nutritional needs. Giving your dog a food specially formulated for her size and activity level is the easiest way to make sure you’re providing complete and balanced nutrition. Here’s how to provide the right nutrition for your small dog.

How to Select a Food for Your Small-breed Dog

Small adult dogs require a food that offers complete nutrients essential for health and vitality. Here’s what to look for:

• Vitamin-rich fish oils for a healthy skin, a shiny coat and overall health
• Essential vitamins and minerals to help support the immune system and help maintain good health
• High-quality animal-based protein sources to help maintain muscles
• A fiber source to promote intestinal health, enhance nutrient absorption and reduce backyard cleanup
• A special carbohydrate blend of select healthy grains to help maintain normal blood sugar levels for sustained energy

These ingredients are the keys to nutrition whether you feed dry or wet dog food or give your dog treats.

Dietary Considerations for Small-Breed Dogs

Small dogs have small mouths and stomachs. You may want to feed your dog a formula with a small bite size for easy chewing. A nutrient-dense food will help make sure she’s absorbing essential nutrients even though her stomach can only accommodate what seems like a small volume of food.

When choosing a food for your small-breed dog, also ask:

• Has she been spayed, is she not getting enough exercise or is she overweight?
• Is she about to have puppies?
• Is she considered mature or senior (7 years or older)?

Special conditions like these dramatically affect your dog’s nutritional demands.

Controlling Your Small Dog’s Weight

Less-active dogs and dogs who have been neutered or spayed are prone to weight gain. Controlling your dog’s weight is an important step toward protecting against complications of excess weight, such as diabetes or joint health problems. If you use a weight-control food, look for these ingredients:

• A reduced fat level that still offers essential nutrients for skin and coat health
• L-carnitine, a key nutrient that helps burn fat during weight loss
• Special carbohydrate blends that help maintain energy while managing weight
• Vitamin-rich fish oils for overall health

Providing Nutrition for Pregnant Small-Breed Dogs

Starting in the seventh week of her pregnancy, a mother dog will need to increase her energy intake up to 50% by the time she gives birth and increase it even more when she starts nursing her puppies. Because she may lose her appetite at times, it’s important that she eats a nutrient-dense food. A complete, balanced small-breed puppy formula can give her the extra nutrients she needs.

Switching to a Mature Diet

Unlike larger dogs that are considered mature at age 5, your small dog can remain on an adult diet until age 7. In fact, small-breed dogs tend to live longer and don’t experience age-related changes as early as bigger dogs. However, it is important to make a proactive transition to a specially formulated mature diet, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Mature Adult Small & Toy Breed, so you can help keep your dog healthy and active for years to come.