Pomeranians are very special little dogs. What they lack in size, they sure make up for in personality. They have a thick, fluffy coat and adorable almond eyes. As soon as you see your Pom pup you will fall in love with them and will want to do all you can to keep them fit and healthy.
Their diet is very important in maintaining their health. They need calorie-rich food that is of very high quality. They cannot eat large quantities at one time so what they do eat has to do them a lot of good. They need a high protein content that is provided by a quality source such as lean meat or fish. They also need a kibble that is small in size to suit their delicate mouth and that smells great so even fussy eaters will be attracted to it.
Pomeranian dog food needs to provide a balanced diet formulated just for small dogs. To help you make the right decision for your Pom, here is our guide to the best dog food for Pomeranians.
At a Glance: The 10 Best Dog Food for Pomeranians
| Editor's Pick | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe | Check Price on Chewy | 4.6 |
| Best for Immune Support | Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food | Check Price on Chewy | 4.8 |
| Best Organic | Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe | Check Price on Chewy | 5 |
| Best Wet Food | Instinct Original Small Breed Wet Canned Dog Food | Check Price on Chewy | 4.7 |
| Best For Pomeranian Puppy | NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy Dog Food | Check Price on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best for Fussy Eaters | Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Adult | Check Price on PetSmart | 4.7 |
| Best for Healthy Joints | Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Salmon & Whitefish | Check Price on Chewy | 4.6 |
| Best Whole Grain | Natural Balance L.I.D. Lamb & Brown Rice Formula Small Breed | Check Price on Chewy | 4.6 |
| Best Nutrient Rich | Solid Gold Wee Bit Bison & Brown Rice Recipe with Pearled Barley | Check Price on Chewy | 5 |
| Also Consider | Nature's Recipe Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | Check Price on Chewy | 4.7 |
1 Best Overall: Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe
- Brand: Wellness CORE
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas
- Primary Protein Source: Turkey & Chicken
- Calories: 412 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey
- Life Stage: Adult
With a minimum crude protein content of 36 percent, this recipe has deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal and packs in 80 percent more meat than traditional dog foods. The high-quality carbohydrate content is provided by peas and potatoes and there are added antioxidants to protect against free-radical damage.
The calorie levels are matched exactly to the needs of a small dog and the kibble is reduced in size. It contains probiotics to maintain a healthy digestion and Omega oils for a healthy coat as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. It contains no grains and no soy and so is suitable for dogs with allergies.
Check out our detailed review of Wellness Core Dog Food.
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Spearmint, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
2 Best for Immune Support: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 371 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken Meal & Rice
- Life Stage: Adult
This kibble has a very specific formulation for small and toy breeds aged between one and six years old. It has high-quality protein and calcium to support strong bones and muscles in smaller dogs. There are also antioxidants and Vitamins C and E to support their immune system and fight disease over a longer life expectancy.
There are plenty of healthy vegetables including carrots and spinach but it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives to upset a Pom’s sensitive digestion.
Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Liver Flavor, Pork Liver Flavor, Flaxseed, Lactic Acid, Soybean Oil, Green Peas, Apples, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Cranberries, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Broccoli, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene.
3 Best Organic: Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe
- Brand: Castor & Pollux
- First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes, Organic Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Peas
- Calories: 387 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken, Sweet Potato, Poultry, Fruits & Vegetables
- Life Stage: Adult
An all-natural and organic recipe to support the sensitive digestion of small breed dogs. The primary ingredient is organic chicken which provides most of the 26 percent protein content.
To this are added organic fruit and vegetables including sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and peas, flaxseed, and blueberries which contain all the nutrients and micronutrients your little dog needs. There are probiotics and prebiotic fiber to further support your tiny dog’s digestion.
Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes, Organic Peas, Organic Tapioca, Organic Chicken Fat, Organic Sunflower Seed Meal, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Blueberries, Organic Chicory Root (source of Inulin), Salt, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D- Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Methionine Complex, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Organic Amaranth, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product. 8B35058.
4 Best Wet Food: Instinct Original Small Breed Canned Dog Food
- Brand: Instinct
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Cod, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 88 kcal/5.5 oz can
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: All
A wet small-breed dog food that is grain-free and contains no meat by-product meals, soy or artificial ingredients. It contains a minimum of 8.5 percent protein which comes from a cage-free chicken.
It has a taste and odor to tempt fussy eaters and provides all the vitamins and minerals that a small dog needs.
Take a look at our review of Dog Food for Picky Dogs.
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Cod, Peas, Eggs, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dried Kelp, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley
5 Best For Pomeranian Puppy: NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy Dog Food
- Brand: NutriSource
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Brown Rice, White Rice, Fish Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 535 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Life Stage: Puppy
Chicken is the primary ingredient in this protein-rich (32 percent) food that is formulated for small breed puppies who will be less than 50 pounds when they reach maturity. It also contains highly digestible rice and oatmeal and is palatable for fussy eaters.
The food provides carefully balanced vitamins and minerals suitable for small breeds and has probiotics and prebiotics. NutriSource Small & Medium Breed Puppy food is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the NutriSource Dry Dog Food.
Chicken Meal, Chicken, Brown Rice, White Rice, Fish Meal (a Source of Fish Oil), Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Flax Seeds, Beet Pulp-Dried, Sunflower Oil, Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Dried Brewers Yeast, Salt, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Cobalt Proteinate, Selenium Yeast), Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Lactic Acid, Lecithin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Choline Chloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Rosemary Extract, Yeast Culture (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae), Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract.
6 Best for Fussy Eaters: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition X-Small Adult
- Brand: Royal Canin
- First 5 ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 369 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
A food that provides complete nutrition for toy and very small breed puppies and dogs that are aged from 10 months to eight years of age and have a target weight of up eight pounds. The kibble has been reduced in size but still has a flavor, texture, and odor that will appeal to small dogs with fussy appetites.
It contains 22 percent protein and 18 percent fat to suit a small dog’s metabolism and has 3.5 percent carefully blended fiber to ease the transition of the food through the gut and help maintain regular bowel movements.
You may also like our Royal Canin Dog Food Review.
Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Gluten, Natural Flavors, Dried Chicory Root, Vegetable Oil, Fish Oil, Psyllium Seed Husk, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Salt, L-Tyrosine, L-Lysine, Calcium Carbonate, Dl-Methionine, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, L-Arginine, Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Magnesium Oxide, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
7 Best for Healthy Joints: Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Salmon & Whitefish
- Brand: Whole Earth Farms
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Meal, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Peas & Whitefish
- Calories: 381 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon & Whitefish
- Life Stage: Adult
Suitable for all breeds and all life stages, the protein content of this recipe is provided by salmon and whitefish. To this are added healthy fruit and vegetables including sweet potatoes, blueberries, peas, and alfalfa.
There are probiotics to support delicate digestion and antioxidants to fight off disease-causing free radicals.
Read our in-depth Whole Earth Farms Dog Food Review.
Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Flasxeed, Salmon, Whitefish, Natural Flavor, Apples, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Niacin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product.
8 Best Whole Grain: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Lamb & Brown Rice Formula Small Breed
- Brand: Natural Balance
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
- Primary Proteins: Lamb
- Calories: 370 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Lamb & Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Adult
This limited ingredient dry food formula designed for small dogs has real lamb as its single protein source to give a meaty taste your little pooch will love. Boosted by essential amino acids for energy and strong muscles, Natural Balance’s Small Breed Bites is also carefully balanced with vitamins and minerals for their all-around good health. And there is added taurine for a healthy heart.
While it does contain grains – and so may not be suitable for the more food-sensitive pom – the formula uses only whole grains that provide the fiber your dog needs for healthy digestion. All-in-all, Small Bites is a satisfying dry kibble for little dogs with a love for their food bowl! If you want to find out more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our overview of Natural Balance Dog Foods.
Lamb, Brown Rice, Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Brewers Dried Yeast, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
9 Best Nutrient Rich: Solid Gold Wee Bit Bison & Brown Rice Recipe with Pearled Barley
- Brand: Solid Gold
- First 5 ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Peas, Chicken Fat
- Primary Proteins: Bison, Peas & Chicken
- Calories: 420 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Bison & Brown Rice
- Life Stage: All
This food has one of the smallest kibble pieces available but packs in 28 percent protein (provided by bison and eggs) and 18 percent fat. The nutrient-rich superfoods such as blueberries and broccoli provide antioxidants and the all micro-nutrients your pooch needs.
The fiber and probiotics support digestion and there is no corn, wheat or soy.
Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Dried Eggs, Salmon Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Carrots, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dicalcium Phosphate, Pumpkin, Salt, Potassium Chloride, L-Threonine, Blueberries, Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
10 Also Consider: Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Nature’s Recipe
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 342 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin
- Life Stage: Adult
The high protein content (minimum 25 percent) and fat content (minimum 15 percent) delivers all the calories that a small dog needs. The meat protein is derived from chicken and chicken meal and the fiber content supports the digestive system.
There are plenty of antioxidants to help fight disease and minerals for strong bones. There are no grains, instead, the carbohydrate content is provided by sweet potato and pumpkin.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Canola Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pumpkin, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-methionine, Vitamins (vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (source Of Vitamin C), Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate , D-calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Minerals (ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate), Choline Chloride, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid (used As A Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
Best Dog Food for Pomeranians Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying Dog Food for Pomeranians
The huge choice of food for Pomeranians can be a little overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to start. Obviously, you want to choose the best food that you can but what should you look for? Here are some of the things you should consider when looking for when choosing Pomeranian dog food.
- Size of kibble. Small dogs like Pomeranians often suffer from dental problems. They have delicate jaws and teeth and cannot chew hard big kibble. Small kibble will scrape off the plaque from their teeth and will help to prevent gum disease.
- Protein content. Check out the minimum crude protein content. Pomeranians need food with high protein content because they cannot eat large quantities. Look for figures around 25 to 30 percent to build healthy muscle and to support cell repair. High-fat content is also preferable.
- Protein source. Protein can be provided by animal sources or plant sources. Your Pomeranian needs a high-quality animal protein source such as free-range chicken. Fish and bison are good options too.
- Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are necessary for a balanced Pomeranian diet but they need to be easy-to-digest and high quality. Look for ingredients such as peas, sweet potatoes, and protein.
- Will it trigger allergies? Pomeranians can have delicate digestions and can have food sensitivities and allergies. For this reason, many foods are free from wheat, soy, and corn and these are a good option for your Pom.
- Probiotics. These are colonies of bacteria that live in a dog’s gut and help to keep the digestive system healthy. Poms can suffer from digestive issues so look for a food that has probiotics such as Lactobacillus.
- Micro-nutrients. These are vitally important for small dogs’ health. Look out for Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Nutritional Needs of Pomeranians
Obviously, you want to do all you can to keep your dear little Pom as healthy as possible. Their diet plays a key role in this so you need to be aware of the nutritional requirements of a Pomeranian. The following need to be on your Pomeranian dog food list.
They Need Small and Regular Meals
When it comes to canine health, the general rule is that the smaller the dog, the faster the metabolism. Poms are very small and therefore have a very fast metabolism.
They use up calories quickly but cannot take much food in one sitting because their stomach is small. Therefore, they need calorie-dense food in small portions served at least twice a day. Pomeranian puppy food needs to be especially packed with calories.
They Need Their Calorie Intake to Be Controlled
Pomeranians can suffer from obesity and that is very bad for their health. For that reason, free-feeding is not advisable and they should have structured meals. If you notice that your pooch is gaining weight, you should include some dog foods for weight loss in their diet.
Also, Pomeranian dog food needs to be high in protein but lower in carbohydrates. The carbohydrates that they do consume should be very easy to digest and pumpkin and sweet potato are good options.
They Need Small Kibble
Poms have small, delicate jaws and they cannot cope with large kibble. Pomeranian food needs to be supplied in small shapes. Also, they can suffer from dental problems caused by a build-up of plaque.
Irregularly shaped kibble will help to scrape it off and keep their teeth healthy.
They Need Antioxidants
Pomeranians can live to a ripe old age which is fantastic news. Your task is to make sure that they stay healthy into their old age. Free radicals in the environment and in food can take their toll on an older dog’s body and cause diseases such as cancer. A diet packed with superfoods such as broccoli and blueberries will provide them with the antioxidants they need to stay healthy for many years. Check out our guide on the best supplements for older dogs for more info.
They Need Micro-Nutrients
Their diet must deliver exactly the right combination of micro-nutrients. In particular, probiotics will be helpful to maintain the healthy function of their delicate intestines. Omega oils are also essential to keep their coat healthy.
Ingredients to Avoid Feeding Your Pomeranian
There are some foods that you may want to avoid feeding your Pomeranian.
- Poor quality protein. Poms can only take in a small amount of food at a time so it must be of the highest quality. Avoid poor quality proteins such as that provided by meat by-product meals.
- Excess carbohydrates. Your Pomeranian may be tiny but they can get fat! Obesity is a real health concern in small dogs so you need the carbohydrates in their food to be high-quality. It is best to avoid grains and instead look for easy-to-digest carbohydrates such as pumpkin and sweet potato.
- Food allergens. Poms can have very delicate digestion and many are sensitive to certain food ingredients. Some Pom owners choose to avoid grains, corn, wheat, and soy because they can trigger allergic reactions.
Take a look at this guide on Dog Food for Allergies.
- Fillers. Cheap fillers will not provide the nutrition and calories that your little dog needs. Pom’s need nutrient-dense foods and cheap food packed with fillers will not suit them at all.
- Artificial additives. As they are sensitive little dogs, it is best to keep their diet as natural as possible to support the friendly bacteria in their intestine. Avoid foods that have artificial flavors and preservatives.
Potential Health Problems for Pomeranians
Pomeranians can grow up to 11 inches tall and reach seven pounds in weight. They can live for up to 18 years and like to be moderately active. As with many breeds, they can suffer from some health problems.
Dental Problems
Pomeranians have small, dainty mouths and their teeth are often overcrowded. Food gets stuck between them and plaque soon builds up. Without very careful dental care, which should include daily brushing, gum and dental problems can develop.
Hypothyroidism
Pomeranians can develop hypothyroidism because their thyroid gland does not make sufficient thyroid hormone. Their coat can become dry and brittle and they can put on weight.
Patellar Luxation
This is a problem with the knee joint where the bones in the hind leg do not align properly and the kneecap (patellar) gets pushed out of line. It causes pain and difficulty walking.
Eye Problems
Pomeranians can suffer from cataracts where the eye lens clouds over and retinal dysplasia which is a deformation of the back of the eyeball. One of the most common eye problems in Pomeranians is distichiasis. This is a congenital condition where eyelashes grow inward and touch the eyeball causing irritation, scarring, and eventually loss of vision.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition that can affect many small dog breeds. It occurs when the blood sugar level falls because it has been used up quickly by the dog’s fast metabolism. It can make them lethargic and weak and can lead to unconsciousness and death.
Our Top Pick – Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe
Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe – our top pick has a crude protein content of 36 percent which is provided by deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal. The carbohydrate content is carefully controlled and includes peas and potatoes.
There are antioxidants, Omega oils, and probiotics, and the calorie content is formulated just for small dogs. The kibble is small in size and contains no grains and no soy.
Sources:
- JunfuMao, Zhaofei Xia, Jiangnan Chen, Jinhai Yu, Prevalence and risk factors for canine obesity surveyed in veterinary practices in Beijing, China, ScienceDirect
- Canine Nutrition, National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Dog Food for Pomeranians FAQ:
There are numerous reasons why your Pom may be off their food, from the weather being too warm to dental problems and anxiety. There are also medical reasons and illnesses which can knock out their appetite so look out for other symptoms such as lethargy, pain and vomiting which could mean they need urgent attention. Alternatively, try feeding them little and often and if your pooch is still not interested in their food after a couple of days, take them to the vet so they can be checked out.
Pomeranians can become picky eaters and it can be tempting to indulge bad eating habits – treats and human tit-bits – just to get them to eat. However, you should avoid the temptation to give them table scraps or other delicacies that are not normally on their menu but look to address the issue at hand.
Check that their feeding station is in a comfortable and accessible position for them to eat and cut out any snacks or treats they may be given between meals. Then feed your little pooch their normal food and in its correct daily quantity for their age and size but try to break it down into smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
If you are still struggling to get your little one to eat more, then a trip to the vet is advised to get more advice as well as any possible underlying health issues ruled out.
Ideally, you need to keep your Pomeranian on his dog food diet and feed him consistent amounts twice a day. the odd treat is ok, but if it is human food then be careful what you give them. Whole and fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables as well as quality animal protein are safe, but only in small quantities as an occasional treat. And always avoid any processed food, or food that contains high levels of sugar, salt, or preservatives. For more information on what human food is safe to give to dogs, check out the American Kennel Club’s guide.
Pomeranians can be prone to food allergies, in particular sensitivities to peas, lentils, and other plant proteins and so it is important to know what symptoms to look for. Commons signs of a food allergy in dogs include tummy issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. Skin issues such as poor coat condition, hot spots, and itching, as well as yeast infections are all also signs of a food sensitivity. While food allergies are not generally life-threatening, they are unpleasant and so you will need to cut out the food culprit that is triggering a flair up. If you are in any doubt what may be causing your dog’s symptoms, seek professional veterinarian advice.
Pomeranian pups are tiny! This means that they have super-fast metabolisms and will burn up calories very quickly. They have small stomachs and cannot take much food on board at one time so they can quickly run out of energy.
They need regular small meals to keep their blood sugar levels topped up. The best food for Pomeranian pups needs to be calorie-rich so they are getting plenty of energy per pound of food. Food that is formulated specifically for small breed pups will have a high protein and fat content to deliver sufficient calories and carefully balanced micro-nutrients to support a growing pup.
Pomeranians burn off calories very quickly and cannot eat a large meal at one sitting because their stomachs are so small. It is important to get the balance right when it comes to feeding your Pomeranian. They can become obese if you overfeed them and this leads to several health issues including joint problems.
Your vet or an experienced breeder will be able to recommend a feeding schedule based on your Pom’s age, size, and activity level. As a general guide, Pom pups could need up to four meals a day but adult dogs will need two.
This depends on their age, their activity levels and how big they are. Feeding guides are usually included with specific food because they all have different calorie levels.
For many foods, you would be recommended to feed a one-pound puppy a half a cup of food a day but a six or seven-pound adult would need two cups a day. Pregnant, nursing and senior dogs may have different feeding requirements.
Small dogs like the Pomeranians can have problems with excess flatulence and often have a sensitive digestion. Many owners find that they can bring the problem under control by switching to a high-quality dog food that is high in protein and that has a carefully controlled fiber content.
Foods with probiotics can also help because they support the friendly bacteria in the intestine that help with digestion. If the problem continues, you should speak to your vet because your Pom could have a food allergy. Your vet can advise you on how to start an elimination diet.
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