Barking Heads · Small Breed Food

Little Paws

Complete adult food specially designed for small and toy breeds

Barking Heads Little Paws is formulated with the unique nutritional needs of small and toy breeds in mind. Smaller dogs have faster metabolisms and need more calories per kilogram of body weight than large breeds. The smaller kibble size is also easier for small mouths and jaws to manage.

Pros and Cons

What we like

  • Higher calorie density to meet small breed metabolic needs
  • Smaller kibble size suited to small jaws
  • Real chicken as primary ingredient
  • Added nutrients supporting dental health common in small breeds
  • No artificial additives or preservatives

Honest downsides

  • Not suitable for dogs over 10kg
  • Higher calorie density means portions can look very small
  • Small breed dogs can be fussy, may need a trial period

Key Ingredients

Chicken, sweet potato, peas, salmon, linseed, alfalfa. Smaller particle size for easy chewing in small breeds.

Ingredient Breakdown

Small breed kibble is physically smaller in diameter to suit smaller mouths and prevent dogs swallowing pieces whole. The higher calorie density is achieved through a higher fat inclusion, which is appropriate for small breeds with their faster metabolism.

Who Is This Food For?

Good for

Adult dogs under 10kg. Small and toy breeds including Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Jack Russells, Dachshunds, and similar sized dogs.

Not ideal for

Medium, large or giant breed dogs. The higher calorie density of small breed food can contribute to weight gain in bigger dogs. Also not suitable for puppies under 12 months.

How to Transition Your Dog onto This Food

Transition over 7-10 days, especially important for small breeds with sensitive digestion. Days 1-2 at 25% new, days 3-4 at 50%, days 5-6 at 75%, day 7 full switch. Small breeds can be more prone to digestive upset from sudden food changes.

Feeding Guide

Small breeds can be fed 2-3 times daily. Follow pack guidelines but measure carefully as small dogs can gain weight quickly with even small overfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do small breeds need different food to large breeds?▼
Small breeds have a faster metabolic rate and need more calories per kilogram of body weight. They also have smaller mouths, making standard kibble sizes difficult to chew. Their shorter intestinal tracts mean highly digestible ingredients matter more.
Is Little Paws suitable for Chihuahuas?▼
Yes. Chihuahuas are one of the breeds that benefit most from small breed-specific food due to their tiny jaws and fast metabolism. The smaller kibble size and higher calorie density both suit them well.
My small dog is overweight. Should I use Little Paws or Fat Dog Slim?▼
For an overweight small dog, Fat Dog Slim is the better choice. The higher calorie density of Little Paws could make weight management harder. Discuss the target weight and feeding amount with your vet.
Can I feed Little Paws to a puppy?▼
No. Little Paws is formulated for adult dogs. Puppies have different nutritional needs, especially for protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus ratios. Choose a dedicated puppy formula until your dog reaches adulthood.
How many grams per day does a 4kg dog need?▼
Feeding amounts vary by individual food formulation. Always use the feeding guide on the specific pack as a starting point, then adjust up or down based on your dog's body condition and energy level.
Always transition to a new food gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upset. Consult your vet before changing diet if your dog has a health condition or food allergy.
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