Feeding with raw food is one of the best ways to promote your pet’s health, no matter what their specific needs are or what stage of life they’re in. If your fur baby is a puppy, you might be particularly concerned with getting them off to a good start, nutritionally speaking. And, as you may know, small-breed dogs have different dietary needs compared to medium and large dogs.
If you’re wondering what the best small-breed puppy food is, we can tell you right now that raw food takes the cake. The raw diet, based on the diets of dogs’ evolutionary ancestors, is packed with nutrients that their bodies can easily absorb. In this blog post, we’ll go over some benefits you can expect to witness in your small-breed puppy if you make the switch to raw food.
Improved digestion
Some small-breed dogs are predisposed to having digestive problems. For example, Scottish Terriers are known to be prone to allergies and have sensitive stomachs that don’t always digest grains and fiber well. Miniature Schnauzers may also have issues due to an inherited lipid metabolism disorder that disproportionately affects this breed.
Raw food tends to be easier for dogs to digest because it doesn’t contain the fillers and processed ingredients that are known to cause diarrhea and other digestive problems. If your small-breed dog is experiencing diarrhea, constipation, or other issues, try switching them to all-natural, high-quality raw food and you might find that their problems clear up very quickly.

Better dental health
Another reason we consider raw food the best small-breed puppy food: it works like a charm to eliminate stinky puppy breath and promote the overall oral health of your fur baby. Letting your dog chew on bones, in particular, is a tried-and-true method to reduce the plaque that leads to cavities and halitosis.
Pawfectly Raw makes many raw food blends that include bone; not only does this key ingredient boast impressive benefits for dogs’ oral health, but it’s also a good source of important minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
Increased nutrient absorption
Just like baby humans can be especially sensitive to complications that come from an inadequate diet, puppies can also develop serious health issues if they’re not getting all the nutrients they need. This point leads us to another reason why raw food is the best small-breed puppy food: it’s packed with vitamins since nothing is lost during the cooking process.
Remember that many small-breed dogs are prone to hypoglycemia, aka low blood sugar. Symptoms of this condition include tremors, lethargy, vomiting and lack of appetite. To help prevent it, feed your small-breed puppy nutritious food on several occasions throughout the day—a low feeding frequency can trigger hypoglycemia. Always consult your vet if you have any questions.
Boosted immune system
There’s plenty of evidence that a healthy diet helps improve immune function, both in humans and in puppies. So you may notice an increase in energy levels and less frequent illness once your furry friend makes the switch to the best small-breed puppy food, raw food.
The high-quality protein found in raw meat is essential for the production of immune cells. Raw meat also provides a hearty dose of vitamin B12, which plays a key role in the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of DNA. Zinc, which is also abundant in a raw food diet, is another important nutrient, as it helps to produce immune cells and protect against oxidative stress.

Healthy skin and coat
Unless your pup is a show dog, you might be thinking that the appearance of their fur is much less important than the previous items on this list. The truth is, besides the beauty factor, your dog’s skin and fur is something we recommend paying attention to, as it can be a good indicator of their overall health.
Many dog parents notice significant improvements in their fur baby’s coat after getting them on a healthier diet. Besides the previously mentioned vitamins and minerals that are abundant in raw meat, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play a particular role in reducing dry skin and increasing shine.
We all want the best for our dogs, so why feed them anything less than the best? Start your puppy on the track to a long, healthy life by making the switch to raw food today.