Top 7 Best Dog Foods for Pomeranians (Adults, Seniors & Puppies)

Whether you have a mature Pomeranian or a brand-new puppy, providing a top-notch diet is paramount. All dogs need a well-balanced diet filled with premium ingredients that meet their nutritional needs.

But with small breeds like the Pomeranian, food has significant weight on their overall health.

Pomeranians don't eat a ton of food compared to larger breeds.

However, they can easily outpace a dog three or four times its size when it comes to energy usage! To truly thrive, these pups need nutrient-dense food that fulfills their needs across the board.

Not sure where to start? We have you covered. Check out our picks of the best dog foods for Pomeranians below.

The Best Dog Food for Pomeranians - Top 7

1. Wellness CORE Grain Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food - Best Overal

4. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

Merrick is no stranger to creating high-quality food. This Classic Healthy Grains recipe is for small breeds like the Pomeranian. It can cover the needs of your dog throughout their life.

As an adult, they'll benefit from the high protein content and healthy grains. The grains do wonders to support the digestive system. Meanwhile, the wholesome protein source is great for muscle development. Pair that with the supply of omega fatty acids, and you have a recipe that will help your Pomeranian look and feel its best!

Once your Pom gets a little older, the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin alleviates joint pain and stiffness.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal.
• Caloric Content: 3711 kcal/kg, 404 kcal/cup
• Best For: Helps promote healthy skin and a shiny coat
• Life Stage: Adult

Best for Older/Senior Pomeranians

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Support your older dog's health and well-being with this recipe from Blue Buffalo. It's made for small breeds and addresses the many challenges that older dogs face. For example, it helps combat joint pain by providing a dose of glucosamine and chondroitin.

It also has calcium and phosphorus. Those minerals support the teeth and work alongside the small-sized kibble to promote tartar removal.

Like many other Blue Buffalo recipes, this one has the signature LifeSource bits. The tiny morsels are packed with antioxidants to improve the immune system and provide a generous supply of vitamins and minerals.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Peas
• Caloric Content: 3,552 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup
• Best For: Senior Pomeranians
• Life Stage: Senior

Best dog food for Pomeranian Puppies

6. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe

Also from Blue Buffalo is this puppy Life Protection Formula. Just like the previous senior-focused recipe, this one contains ingredients that support the needs of smaller dogs. However, it's geared toward the developing body of a puppy.

You're getting many of the same premium ingredients. That includes the high-quality protein, the signature LifeSource Bits, and more.

On top of that, this kibble has DHA and ARA. They work to promote healthy eye, brain, and muscle development. The recipe also has the right amount of calcium and phosphorus for skeletal growth.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids)
• Caloric Content: 3,733 kcal/kg, 417 kcal/cup
• Best For: Pomeranian Puppies
• Life Stage: Puppy

7. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Turkey, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal

Featuring premium ingredients and all the extras puppies need to grow, this Wellness puppy formula has all it takes to support your growing pooch. 

Ingredients like deboned turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal make up the generous 28 percent protein. Meanwhile, flaxseed and salmon oil provide the right amount of healthy fat.

You're not going to find any unnecessary fillers in this mix. Instead, the food is fortified with DHA for brain health and probiotics for gut health. The food is well-balanced and checks off all the boxes for Pomeranian puppy health.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Salmon Meal, Barley, Ground Brown Rice
• Caloric Content: 3,881 kcal/kg or 489 kcal/cup
• Best For: Pomeranian Puppies
• Life Stage: Puppy

All About Pomeranians

There's a good chance that you've encountered a Pomeranian at some point. These dogs are some of the most recognizable. Not only are they famous around the world, but they have a bit of a reputation for being pampered in the lap of luxury!

Originally, Pomeranians come from a historical region that splits Poland and Germany called Pomerania.

The smallest of the spitz breeds, Pomeranians are a product of selective breeding. They are thought to be descendants of the German Spitz. However, official records are scarce.

Interestingly enough, Pomeranians used to be fine herders and sled-pullers. Of course, they were a lot larger back then.

Through centuries of continued selective breeding, the Pomeranian became smaller and smaller. In 1898, the first Pomeranian was registered with the AKG.

Two years later, the breed standards we know today came to be!

Pomeranians are classified as a toy breed. Toy breeds only reach heights of about seven to 12 inches tall. In terms of weight, these dogs tip the scales at a mere three to seven pounds!

Feeding Guidelines for Pomeranians

Feeding a Pomeranian isn't so cut and dry as some might think. Many other small breed dogs do with a more relaxed "free-feeding" schedule. Some can also consume a single large meal to keep them going throughout the day.

That's not the case with this tiny breed! Pomeranians need frequent multiple small meals throughout the day to support their constant need for energy.

They require a bit more structure than other dogs. Despite their on-the-go attitudes, these dogs can and will overeat if given a chance.

Adults should consume their daily caloric requirements in two meals. However, puppies generally need three of four meals!

Related: When to Switch Your Puppy to 2 Meals a Day

When planning meals, create portions based on calories instead of volume. All dog foods contain different ingredients and unique caloric measurements.

A cup of food from one formula could have fewer calories than half a cup of another. It all depends on the recipe!

So, how much food does a Pomeranian need?

The general consensus for this breed is around 40 calories per pound of body weight. So, a five-pound Pom will need roughly 200 calories a day to stay healthy.

That figure reflects the average needs of an adult Pomeranian. Of course, all dogs are different. Lifestyle, body condition, and overall health can increase or decrease their food needs.

Puppies will need even more food. Young pups go through a pretty drastic growth spurt as their bodies develop. To support that process, they'll need about 55 calories per pound of body weight.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have older dogs. Most Pomeranians slow down a bit when they reach senior status. This can occur at any point between seven and nine years old.

Because they are less active than before, you'll need to cut back on the food. The average requirement for older dogs is around 30 to 40 calories per pound of body weight.

Unique Pomeranian Needs

Pomeranians are usually willing to eat whatever you put in front of them. However, there are a few unique needs you have to meet.

The breed's small size presents distinct challenges you don't find with other dogs. To keep your pooch happy and healthy,

keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for that perfect Pomeranian formula.

Calorie Density

First and foremost, Pomeranians need kibble that's relatively dense in calories. In the dog food world, caloric density refers to how much usable nutrition is in each morsel of food.

Cheaper products tend to include unnecessary fillers and additives.

Those fillers do a lot to beef the food up and make your dog feel full. But when it comes to actual nutritional content, they rarely stack up.

Look for food that has more calories per piece. A higher density ensures that your dog doesn't have to eat a ridiculous amount of food every day to stay healthy.

The product should have a good bang for your buck as far as nutritional content is concerned.

Small Kibble Size

Unfortunately, dental problems are common with Pomeranians. Their tiny teeth are susceptible to periodontal disease, breakage, and a host of other issues.

While regular brushing is the best way to combat those conditions, the food you provide can help, too. Stick to food that's catered to smaller breeds.

They offer smaller kibble sizes that are manageable for Pomeranians.

Not only is the food easier to eat, but the mechanical action of chewing may help to scrub the teeth clean with every bite.

Related: How to Stop Your Pomeranian From Barking

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Pomeranians

The dog food market is a pet parent's market these days. You're no longer restricted to a handful of brands and basic formulas. There are thousands of recipes for the taking!

Better yet, the industry is more in tune with the needs of dogs than ever before. Dog food isn't just a way to get rid of meat scraps and butcher floor leftovers anymore.

Some of the biggest names in the game are using ethically sourced ingredients that rival even human-grade foods!

With all the choices out there, it can be a little overwhelming to choose suitable kibble. To help you stay on track, here are some of the most important things to look for when shopping for Pomeranian dog food.

High-Quality Animal Proteins

The most important metric to pay attention to is the protein content. Dogs need protein to support their muscles. It also provides energy and facilitates better overall health.

At the very least, the dog food you choose should meet AAFCO standards. It needs to contain no less than 18 percent protein. But if you want something even better than the bare minimum, go with a formula that has somewhere between 25 and 32 percent.

Dogs need all the protein they can get, and the Pomeranian breed is no different.

The quality of the protein source matter, too. Stick with wholesome meats like beef, chicken, bison, and fish. Anything that's an identifiable animal will do.

Many formulas out there utilize plant proteins. While not the worst thing in the world, those proteins don't provide a complex amino acid profile as animal meat does.

Healthy Fats

Believe it or not, fat is a beneficial thing in dog food! Adults need around five percent fat. Meanwhile, growing puppies need approximately eight percent.

The fat should come from all-natural sources. It can come from the protein animal source. Alternatively, you can look for foods that contain flaxseed or salmon oil.

Those two ingredients are chock-full of omega fatty acids. The fatty acids can supplement your dog's coat, keep their skin healthy, and support their cardiovascular health.

Digestible Carbohydrates

Manufacturers don't have to provide carbohydrate information in the crude nutrient analysis profile. However, there are ways to gauge whether a product contains good or bad carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates provide an ongoing supply of energy throughout the day. However, simple carbs act more like filler than anything else.

They offer up a boost of energy shortly after eating. But sooner or later, your dog's energy will crash sharply.

It's better to go with complex carbohydrates. They burn slowly, resulting in more stable energy and a slimmer chance of experience diabetes-like symptoms.

Common complex carbohydrate ingredients include sweet potatoes, oatmeal, barley, and more.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Micronutrients

A healthy supply of micronutrients can support your dog's body and health throughout its life.

Look for recipes that have a decent supply of fruits and vegetables. Those plant-based ingredients aren't as crucial as proteins. But, they can provide valuable vitamins, nutrients, and minerals.

Antioxidant-rich ingredients like raspberries and blueberries are good, too. They can fight off free radicals and keep your dog's immune system in check.

Things to Avoid When Feeding Pomeranians

Now that you know what good things to look for, let's go over some of the ingredients you should avoid. The dog food industry has made some great strides in recent decades. But, there are still some low-quality brands that refuse to change!

Unnecessary Fillers

Filler like corn, wheat, and soy have no place in your dog's meals. Any ingredient that doesn't serve nutritional value should be avoided.

Corn, wheat, and soy are common ingredients that cheaper dog foods use. They are cost-efficient and help to add some bulk to the kibble. Unfortunately, many dogs have a hard time processing fillers.

The digestive system may suffer. More importantly, however, is the lack of nutrients. You're better off getting something that's nutritionally dense than saving money with cheap fillers.

Additives and Chemical Preservatives

Some brands still rely on artificial additives to impact taste, smell, and longevity.

Natural preservatives are available through tocopherols, so there's no excuse why a dog food contains chemical variants.

As for taste and color, those factors shouldn't come into play at all if the formula is right. Dogs will find the food tasty if it contains a good amount of protein.

Natural fats and animal meat ingredients should take care of the taste and smell.

The color of the kibble shouldn't matter either. Food coloring is purely cosmetic. Plus, dogs can't see the same color spectrum as us humans anyways!

It's best to avoid artificial colorants altogether.

Inferior Protein Ingredients

Take a look at the ingredients list of every food you consider. The first couple of items should be pure animal meat. Meat meals are acceptable, too.

However, animal byproducts and mystery meats are a no-go! There's no guarantee that those items come from safe and reliable sources. They could be laden with hormones or chemicals.

To err on the side of caution and avoid things like food allergies, stick to identifiable meat products only.

Pomeranian Dog Food FAQs

1. Should I feed my Pomeranian wet or dry food?

Whether you provide wet or dry food is up to you! Both have their perks.

Wet food is flavorful and full of moisture. It has more wholesome ingredients, less processing, and wonders to keep your dog hydrated.

Most owners will stick to dry kibble. It's more accessible, easier to store, and cost-efficient. Plus, small kibble can help improve dental health. It scrubs those pearly whites clean with every chew. Considering how Pomeranians are susceptible to dental issues, it's a perk you can't ignore.

2. Does kibble size and shape matter for Pomeranian food?

Pomeranians are tiny dogs with tiny jaws. While strong, their teeth aren't anything compared to a giant breed's. The teeth can get damaged when trying to chew large food.

This breed needs small, specially designed kibble. The individual morsels should be small enough for the dog to chew safely without causing jaw pain or injury.

3. How often does a Pomeranian need to eat?

These balls of fluff have tons of energy. They're a lively breed, but their small stature prevents them from storing the energy they can use throughout the day. As a result, you'll need to feed your Pomeranian up to five times daily!

The norm for Pomeranian owners is to provide three well-portioned meals. However, some may provide five for more active performance dogs. Regular small meals throughout the day keep your dog going, ensuring they have all the energy they need.

4. Why isn't my Pomeranian eating, and how do I improve their appetite?

Pomeranians sometimes skip meals or don't show tons of interest in their food. That's OK! It's perfectly normal for this breed to show a bit of pickiness. Most will continue eating when they get hungry enough. However, you can take steps to make meals more enticing.

Adding a flavorful topper can turn an otherwise drab meal into something tasty. The same goes for mixing a little wet food into dry kibble. Try that, and your dog should start eating in no time.

5. Do Pomeranians frequently suffer from food sensitivities?

Allergies are relatively common in the Pomeranian breed. The usual symptoms like diarrhea and stomach upsets will occur if your dog eats something its system doesn't agree with.

However, the more obvious signs of sensitivities are skin and coat issues. You might notice rashes developing as your pup's precious coat starts to fall out!

Fortunately, many limited-ingredients formulas are available. You can also find products geared towards dogs with allergies. Choose one of those, and your dog will be fine! You can also work with your vet to narrow down the allergen and understand what to avoid.

6. Are grains safe for Pomeranians?

On your search for the perfect dog food, you'll encounter many grain-free options. Grain-free formulas are plentiful nowadays. However, that doesn't mean grains are inherently evil.

High-quality grains like sorghum, barley, and whole oats are fantastic for Pomeranians! They offer tons of nutritional value, act as a source of fiber, and deliver a good amount of energy.

The problem is low-quality filler grains. When choosing a food, pay attention to the types of grains utilized. As long as your dog isn't allergic to anything, they'll do fine on healthy grains.

7. How do I slow down my Pomeranian when eating?

Does your dog eat super fast? That might seem cute, given the Pomeranian's small stature. However, fast eating can result in life-threatening health problems.

Excess air and gas can cause Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). The condition turns the stomach on itself, essentially cutting off oxygen and blood circulation.

Fortunately, avoiding GDV is easy. You can slow your Pom down using a maze-like bowl insert. Small cavities create pockets for food to fall into, forcing your dog to slow down as they chow down.

8. What types of proteins should my Pomeranian get?

Pomeranians need at least 22 percent protein. Where that protein comes from is up to the manufacturer. There are many great sources. Whole meats are your best bet, while identified meat meals come at a close second. As long as you know what animal the protein comes from, it's good to go!

Some of the most common proteins you'll see in dog foods include:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Salmon
• Ocean fish
• Beef
• Venison
• Lamb
• Organ meat

Novel proteins like kangaroo meat, wild boar, and more are available for dogs with food allergies.

9. What ingredients should I avoid when finding food for my Pomeranian?

You already know what ingredients to look for when shopping. However, there are many problematic dog food ingredients to avoid. The most common include:

• Low-quality meats
• Mystery protein sources
• Unnamed animal byproducts
• Unhealthy fillers like corn, wheat, or soy
• Artificial flavors and colors
• Synthetic preservatives

10. Do Pomeranians need any additional supplements?

Whether or not your precious Pom needs supplements depends entirely on the food you get. Ideally, your dog won't need anything extra! High-quality dog food will fulfill their nutritional needs and include additional ingredients to address whatever issue they face.

That said, it doesn't hurt to boost specific health and cosmetic areas. It's not uncommon for Pomeranian owners to add salmon oil, joint supplements, and eye supplements if the dog food formula their dog loves doesn't have it already.

Speak with your vet to see if that's the correct route for you and your dog.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog food for your Pomeranian can make all the difference. Your little ball of energetic fluff needs the very best fuel to stay happy and healthy. That all starts with a diet that meets their needs.

Try one of our recommended picks. It won't be long until you see how much of a difference premium food can make.

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