Nutrition fit for the small & mighty

SCIENCE DID THAT.

Nutrition fit for the small & mighty

SCIENCE DID THAT.

What is considered a small dog breed?

 

From dachshunds to Yorkshire terriers, small breeds are generally defined as dog breeds that weigh 25 pounds or under as adults. Commonly classified as “toy”, “miniature” or “companion” dogs, they share some unique needs based on their biology, breed, and disposition.

small breed products

Hill’s offers small dog nutrition for a variety of needs and every stage of life.

We formulate our small breed dry foods and wet foods for their unique calorie requirements and lifestages. Small & Mini formulas contain vitamin C + E to help support a healthy immune system. Each with at least 8x more vitamin E than the required AAFCO minimum. 

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Caring for a small breed dog

Small and toy dog breeds might be little, but they're all dog, with all the diverse traits you can find in larger breeds all wrapped up in a tiny package, along with some unique personalities and characteristics.

Caring for a small breed dog

Small and toy dog breeds might be little, but they're all dog, with all the diverse traits you can find in larger breeds all wrapped up in a tiny package, along with some unique personalities and characteristics.

Many small dogs can be easily stressed
The big world can be overwhelming for a small dog, but you can help by reducing common stressors and providing familiar human company.

Common stressors include:

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Separation
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Loud noises
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Changes in routine
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Invasion of space
DID YOU KNOW?

A small dog should have their own space. A crate, carrier, basket, or mat, where they can feel safe and calm.

Many small dogs need special grooming
Small long-haired dogs — whether they’re fluffy poodles or silky-haired Yorkies — should be brushed daily to keep them in good condition and to prevent knots and tangles, which can be painful to remove.

Good grooming habits are important for small breed dogs:

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Be sure to use lukewarm water that feels comfortable for your pet
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Brush gently in the direction the hair grows
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Rinse well to prevent skin issues
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Use a specialized shampoo made for dogs
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Dry your dog by snuggling them with a warm towel
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Use a detangler brush designed for long-haired dogs
Small dog breeds need playtime
Playing with toys is a valuable time to bond with your dog and give them some physical and mental exercise.
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Give the right size toy: Too-big toys can be hard to hold and too-small toys can be choking hazards
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Closely supervise bigger playmates: Large dog breeds — especially puppies — can mistake small dogs for toys
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Keep an eye on children: Make sure your kids know how to play gently with a little dog
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There’s no need to baby them: Your little dog is still a dog, so give them lots of opportunities to run around and play

1. Coates, Jennifer. “Nutritional Differences for Small, Toy, and Large Breed Dogs.” Petmd.Com, PetMD, 3 Feb. 2012, 
www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/jcoates/2012/feb/nutrition_differences_for_small_toy_large_breeds-12459. Accessed 26 Oct. 2020.

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Changing lives through food

With a team of vets, nutritionists and food scientists, we develop nutrition driven by pets’ needs.

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Committed to innovation

Our forward-thinking approach is driven by science-led nutrition, sustainability & love.

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Quality

Our safety standards are modeled after human food manufacturers.