What is considered
a small dog breed?
Small breeds are generally defined as dog breeds that weigh 10 kilo or under and can be found in almost every group. Famously classified as “toy”, “miniature” or “companion” dogs, they have special needs according to their biology, breed and disposition.

Caring for a small dog breed
Small and mini dog breeds wrap all the diverse traits of larger breeds up into a fun little package, along with some unique personalities and characteristics.

Caloric intake
Small breeds, whose metabolisms are faster than those of large dogs, require about 88 calories per kilogram per day, whereas larger dogs need just over half that amount.[1] Ask your veterinarian what your dog’s ideal weight is.
Oxidative stress
Due to their longer lifespans, small dogs also benefit from food containing high levels of antioxidants, which can help neutralise free radicals during their long lives.
Science-led ingredients
Ingredients like omega-6 fatty acids help support healthy skin and shiny coat.
At Hill’s, we go beyond kibble size to ensure that the nutritional needs of small breed dogs are met with every dedicated recipe. We formulate our small breed dry foods and wet foods for their unique calorie requirements and ageing needs.
DID YOU KNOW? A healthy small breed dog can live up to 20 years of age. It is important to remember that your dog’s lifespan can vary widely depending on several factors.

Dedicated to your small dog’s livelihood
To better understand the nutritional, social, emotional and behavioural needs of small breed dogs, Hill’s has created a dedicated Small Paws centre. Part of our global Pet Nutrition Centre, or PNC, this new facility uses state-of-the-art technology to create specially-formulated nutrition developed for the unique needs of small dogs.
The Small Paws Centre is home to 80 small dogs under 6 kg — each receiving exceptional veterinary care and a variety of indoor and outdoor enrichment activities throughout the day, including an outdoor Bark Park.
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.