The 13 Best Dog Foods for Pomeranians in 2023

By Kevin Myers | 2023 Update

This ultimate guide lists all of the best dog foods for Pomeranians this year.

It is easy to get confused, misled, and eventually try many different brands without finding the right dog food for your Pomeranian. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated.

This guide reviews our top picks, a detailed buyer’s guide, and an FAQ section to answer your questions. These top choices are based on our 40-point inspection list to ensure you get the best food for your Pomeranian without compromise.

Let’s dive in.

The Best Dog Foods for Pomeranians Reviewed

Top PicksRatingTop Ingredients
#1. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Dog Food
(Editor’s Choice)
4.9Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas
#2. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Dog Food4.9Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat, Cracked Pearled Barley
#3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dog Food4.8Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
#4. Purina Bella Small Breed Lamb, Peas & Sweet Potatoes Dog Food Tray4.8Water, Chicken, Meat By-Product, Lamb, Liver
#5. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Indoor Small Breed Dog Food4.8Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat
#6. Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dog Food4.7Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Chicken Fat, Sweet Potatoes
#7. Purina ONE +Plus Small Breed Lamb & Rice Dog Food4.7Lamb, Chicken Meal, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn
#8. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites Dog Food4.7Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn

#1. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Lentils, 5. Peas

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,746 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 36% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

The Wellness Core recipe uses deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal as the primary sources of protein to provide the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and a healthy body. This formula uses potatoes and peas to provide your dog with plenty of carbohydrates for energy and also includes salmon oil to supply the omega fatty acids needed to maintain the luscious coat of the Pomeranian.

Chicken fat supplies glucosamine and chondroitin to support your pom’s joint and bone health. This dog food also contains plenty of antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, detoxifying your pup’s body and making them healthier.

#2. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Ground White Rice, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Cracked Pearled Barley

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,995 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 22% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

This recipe from Diamond Naturals is for puppies who need quality nutrition to grow into healthy adults. The formula starts with real chicken as the primary protein source for optimum muscle growth and cell replenishment. It also contains multiple fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, blueberries, and kale, supplying your puppy with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to maintain health and support growth.

This dog food is also rich in probiotics for digestive health and DHA for the brain and vision health a growing puppy needs.

#3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Barley, 5. Oatmeal

  • Life Stage: Senior
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,552 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 23% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

As Poms grow older, their nutritional needs change. Blue Buffalo has prepared this formula to aid adult Pomeranians in transitioning smoothly into their golden years. To supply your dog’s body with essential proteins, Blue Buffalo uses deboned chicken and chicken meal. These high-quality proteins provide the muscle-rebuilding nutrition they need. This recipe also contains wholesome grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley to supply carbs for energy without putting on unwanted pounds.

Blue Buffalo recognizes the importance of joint and bone health for senior Pomeranians and uses chicken fat to supply what they need. The smaller kibble size of this dog food helps remove tartar and promotes dental health, a common concern for Pomeranian owners.

Additionally, it supplies vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables for antioxidants to keep your senior pom’s immune system going. This recipe is free from corn, wheat, and soy.

#4. Purina Bella Small Breed Lamb, Peas & Sweet Potatoes Dog Food Tray

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Water, 2. Chicken, 3. Meat By-Product, 4. Lamb, 5. Liver

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 971 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 7% | Fat (min.) 3.5% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 82%
  • Form: Wet Food

Power your pom with the delectable and protein-rich Purina Bella Small Breed Dog Food. It uses lamb and chicken meat for a mouth-watering taste, plus tons of amino acids for lean muscle growth. You can also confidently put the food in front of sensitive or allergic Pomeranians because it’s free from grains and artificial additives.

Besides being highly delicious, Purina Bella is 100% nutritionally balanced so that you can feed it in place of regular kibble. It’s also filled with tasty veggies like sweet potatoes and peas that will give your dog an energy boost after each meal. According to reviews, picky eaters welcomed the food enthusiastically and became more active after switching

#5. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Indoor Small Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brewers Rice, 2. Chicken By-Product Meal, 3. Corn, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Chicken Fat

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,609 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 19% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 3.7% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Less active dogs have different nutritional needs than those who are more active. So Royal Canin came up with a unique formula focusing on weight management and digestive health for indoor Pomeranians. 

It contains a mix of highly digestible proteins and carbohydrates, such as chicken by-product meal and brown rice, to ensure your dog receives its essential nutrition without the excessive calories that can cause weight gain. It also includes Omega-3 fatty acids that give your pom’s coat a lustrous shine and softness.

#6. Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Potatoes, 3. Peas, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Sweet Potatoes

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,503 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 27% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
  • Form: Dry

This offering from Whole Earth is yet another low-cost solution to your dog’s dietary needs that’s good for all life stages of Pomeranians and other small breeds. The primary protein sources are real chicken and turkey, filled with amino acids for muscle nourishment. Salmon oil containing Omega-3 fatty acids helps promote skin health and makes your pom’s coat softer and shinier. 

The grain-free recipe sources carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, peas, and organic alfalfa, so your pup stays energetic all day. It also includes antioxidant and vitamin-rich fruits like blueberries to deliver and balanced and wholesome diet.

#7. Purina ONE +Plus Small Breed Lamb & Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Rice Flour, 4. Corn Gluten Meal, 5. Whole Grain Corn

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 4,093 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 12%
  • Form: Dry

Purina One Plus Small Breed Dog Food is the perfect option to get your dog back to a healthy weight, whether your Pomeranian lost some pounds due to a sickness or post-surgery. Purina designed this recipe with wholesome ingredients like lamb meat, grains, beef fat, and various vitamin and mineral supplements. 

Each macro ingredient is precisely balanced to help your dog put on lean muscle mass, stay energized, and digest their meals without stomach problems. Omega fatty acids ensure that your Pomeranian’s coat remains shiny and soft, while calcium keeps their bones and joints strong in the long run. Lastly, the meaty morsels make the food irresistible to fussy eaters!

#8. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Cracked Pearled Barley, 3. Pea Fiber, 4. Whole Grain Wheat, 5. Whole Grain Corn

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per cup): 271 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 5.5% | Fiber (max.) 14% | Moisture (max.) 10.5%
  • Form: Dry

Pomeranians can never have enough food, which puts them at risk of obesity. In this case, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dog Food to keep your pom slim and satisfied after every meal. You will find plenty of protein, carbs, and essential micronutrients in the recipe needed by dogs to stay active and muscular.

Since it has 18% fewer calories than the standard adult recipe, your Pomeranian will be able to lose excess fat and become leaner. The formula contains vitamins E and C for strong immunity and taurine for optimal heart health. Hill’s Science only puts the highest-quality foods in their recipe so your dog can digest the food effectively and stay in peak condition in the long run.

#9. Blue Buffalo Freedom Small Breed Adult Chicken Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Potatoes, 5. Pea Starch

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,646 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Blue Buffalo’s Freedom dog food is designed especially for Pomeranians with sensitive stomachs and digestive problems. This recipe eliminates common allergens found in dog foods to ensure that your dog can digest everything it consumes. The kibble is grain and gluten-free and doesn’t contain corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meals, artificial flavors, or preservatives. 

Apart from this, the dog food uses deboned chicken for proteins and a combination of peas and potatoes to provide plenty of carbohydrates. It contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and has a unique, smaller kibble size for breeds like Pomeranians. It contains Lifesource bits rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

#10. My Ollie Beef Recipe

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef, 2. Peas, 3. Sweet Potato, 4. Potato, 5. Carrot

  • Life Stage: All
  • Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,540 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 9% | Fat (min.) 7% | Fiber (max.) 2% | Moisture (max.) 70%
  • Form: Dry

My Ollie allows you to create a tailor-made meal plan to keep your Pomeranian in peak condition and deliver it to your doorstep. You supply your dog’s weight, breed, age, and activity levels, and My Ollie prepares a unique diet plan with the help of expert veterinary nutritionists.

For Pomeranians, we recommend the Beef Recipe loaded with protein for this hyperactive breed. It uses sweet potatoes for carbs and is free from ingredients that could aggravate allergies or sensitivities your dog may have. Each batch of fresh food arrives in airtight packages that you can feed or freeze. It’s the best-tasting food your dog can eat and is affordable compared to other fresh-food services.

#11. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Small Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Organic Chicken, 2. Organic Chicken Meal, 3. Organic Sweet Potatoes, 4. Organic Chickpeas, 5. Organic Peas

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,659 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
  • Form: Dry

Castor & Pollux Organix dog food is probably as good as it gets when it comes to an organic and completely natural diet. The recipe’s base is organic chicken filled with proteins and organic sweet potatoes and peas, which provide a healthy dosage of carbohydrates to fuel your Pomeranian with pure energy.

Additionally, this recipe includes probiotics and prebiotic fibers that encourage the growth of good gut bacteria leading to better digestive health. The small kibble size is easier to consume for small dogs like the Pomeranian, and this Castor & Pollux formula uses at least 95% organic ingredients, so you can be sure that your pup is consuming only the most nutritious diet possible.

#12. Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Small Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Liver, 3. Dried Egg Product, 4. Dried Peas, 5. Oatmeal

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,760 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 27% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Halo Holistic dog food aims to provide a complete and balanced diet. But they go further than anybody else to ensure that the dog food only contains the best ingredients possible. This recipe includes whole chicken and excludes all types of rendered meat meals. 

It contains a mix of wholesome, non-GMO veggies and fruits like sweet potatoes, carrots, and blueberries that are rich in vitamins and fiber. This dog food is fit for all life stages and free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors. The smaller-sized kibble is easy for dogs like Pomeranians to eat and chew.

#13. Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Shredded Blend Small Breed Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Ground Rice, 3. Poultry By-Product Meal, 4. Soybean Meal, 5. Beef Tallow

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Extra Small & Toy, Small breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,824 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 29% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 12%
  • Form: Dry

Purina Pro Plan knows the right way to meet the needs of your Pomeranian, especially if they’re picky eaters. It uses deboned chicken as the primary protein source, but that’s not the main highlight here. Tender meaty bites paired with kibble give this food a unique texture, appealing to picky Poms.

This recipe also includes ground rice and whole-grain wheat, which provides plenty of high-quality carbs to keep your pom active throughout the day.

Purina Pro Plan also includes beef tallow, a natural source of fats. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin A, and linoleic acid to keep your pup’s coat and skin shiny and nourished. Fishmeal provides glucosamine for joint health and mobility and prebiotic fibers, which help support the digestive health of your pom.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Best Dog Food for Pomeranians – A Buyer’s Guide

If you’re lucky enough to share your life with one of these pint-sized wonders, you already know that they’re more than just adorable companions – they’re a bundle of energy. To keep your Pomeranian bouncing with vitality and exuberance, you need to choose the right dog food that caters to their unique needs. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll discuss Pomeranian nutrition in detail, exploring the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect dog food for your tiny friend.

Basic Dietary Requirements of the Pomeranian Breed

First off, you need to know what their basic dietary requirements are. Learning about the dietary needs of your Pomeranian will help you better choose a dog food suited to the needs of your particular pooch.

The Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Fats

All diets consist of three basic nutritional groups, which are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. A Pomeranian should eat a quality diet that is rich in mainly Proteins and Fats. Proteins help in repairing and building muscle tissue, support the immune system, and repair cells, which is why they should make up the majority of your Pomeranian’s diet.

However, some dog food manufacturers insist on using plant-based proteins from sources like peas, chickpeas, and lentils. The problem with these ingredients is that they do not provide all of the essential amino acids needed by dogs, plus they’re harder to digest. Therefore, nutritional experts recommend that you only purchase dog food, in which the majority of protein comes from real meats like poultry, fish, red meat, and eggs.

Meat meal is also another ingredient that is just a concentrated version of normal meat and has a higher protein content. Also, it’s okay to have some protein sourced from peas and lentils, but most of it should still be from meat.

Similarly, fats are also an essential part of your dog’s diet as they provide energy, nourish the skin and coat, and are important for brain and heart health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are two very important ingredients that nourish your Pomeranian’s skin and make their coat soft and shiny. And just like proteins, fats from meat sources like chicken and fish, such as chicken fat and salmon oil, are much better than fats from plants.

Lastly, carbohydrates are also an important part of a Pomeranian’s diet and aren’t as bad as the reputation they’ve gotten. Carbs are essential as they fuel your dog and allow them to stay active throughout the day. Whole grains are a great source of carbs, but some dogs tend to be allergic to grains. In this case, there are plenty of grain-free options that source carbs from vegetables like sweet potatoes.

Vitamins and Minerals

Like every other nutrient, vitamins and minerals also form an integral part of a balanced diet for Pomeranians. They have a wide range of benefits such as skin and coat nourishment, digestion and immune system support, and ensuring the healthy functioning of eyes, brain, heart, and stomach, among other organs.

There are two basic types of vitamins: chemically derived and natural vitamins. Natural vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables. However, during the high-temperature cooking process, many of these nutrients can be destroyed. Therefore, dog foods have to use some chemically derived vitamins to compensate for those found in whole foods. Note that it’s not a bad thing to use some chemically-derived vitamins when the rest come from whole foods. But when the majority of vitamins come from chemicals because of the low quality of other ingredients, that’s a problem.

Chelated minerals are another common source found in dog foods, which are a better version of chemically derived vitamins and minerals. These minerals are bonded to the proteins in dog food through a chemical process that makes them easier to absorb by your Pomeranian’s digestive system.

Health Problems in Pomeranians

Pomeranians are considered a healthy breed, but that doesn’t make them immune to all health problems. Just like any other breed, there are health issues that affect Pomeranians more commonly, and thus require attention when planning their diet. Here is a grouped list of the problems that affect Pomeranians in particular:

Dental Problems

Although dental problems are common in most dogs, they’re more likely to affect your Pomeranian. Tartar buildup is the root cause of all the dental problems in this breed. It usually worsens with time and can cause infection of the gums and roots. So if you ever notice any sign of swollen gums or bleeding, consult your vet so you can stop it from getting any worse.

Luckily, dental problems are easily avoidable by practicing regular dental hygiene on your dog. Get a toothbrush and toothpaste for canines and brush their teeth every once in a while to prevent dental issues altogether.

Joint and Bone Issues

Bone and joint issues usually affect larger breeds, but surprisingly they’re common in Pomeranians too. Among these, patellar luxation is a more common issue in this breed, which causes the dislocation of the kneecap from its normal position. However, through proper diet and regular exercise, patellar luxation can be avoided.

Another joint disease that affects Pomeranians is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which causes the degeneration of the femoral bone and atrophy of the leg muscle, reducing mobility. It’s more common in puppies and usually requires surgery to correct.

Skin Issues

Dermatitis is a very common skin problem affecting Pomeranians. It can cause the skin to become dry and itchy and will progress into hair loss. Food allergies are a common cause of dermatitis, which is why you need to be wary of what you’re feeding your dog.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar can affect Pomeranians and will cause them to become lazy, disoriented, and tired. Fat is the body’s fuel, and this breed often lacks fat storage in their body, and this can cause their blood sugar level to drop, and they become lazy and slow. Hypoglycemia affects puppies more commonly because they have almost no fat stored in their bodies. So it’s highly important to give them treats and feed them a diet high in fat.

Eye Problems

Pomeranians are particularly at a higher risk of developing eye problems. Among these, cataracts are particularly more common, especially in older Poms. A cataract causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, which blurs their vision. Luckily, cataracts are usually treatable through corrective surgery.

Another common eye issue in this breed is Entropion, which causes the eyelid to roll inwards, causing the cornea to rub against the eyelashes. It’s a very painful and irritating disorder, which can eventually lead to blindness if not treated. Entropion is a hereditary disease and is more common in Pomeranians but can be surgically treated if recognized early on.

Feeding Guide for Pomeranian

Now that we know what to feed your pup, one question remains, how much should I feed my Pomeranian?

Pomeranians are a toy-sized breed, but they’ve got tons of personality. They’re active, energetic, and love to play around, which is why they’re perfect for families and individuals alike. Before we get deep into the topic of how much to feed, let’s go over the basic attributes of this breed:

  • Size: 7 – 12 inches tall (Toy Breed)
  • Average Lifespan: 12 – 16 years
  • Weight: 3 – 7 pounds
  • Personality: Active, Playful, and Friendly
  • Metabolism: Fast

You need to take all of these things into account when estimating how much to feed your Pom, but it’s still not very precise. That’s because each puppy is different and has different attributes that can affect the amount of food they need. The three main factors which affect the intake requirement of Pomeranians are:

Age

Your Pom’s age plays an important role in determining how much food they require daily. Of all age groups, puppies require the most calories because of their high energy levels and super-fast metabolism. Because their body is changing in both size and weight, they’re going to be hungrier and will tend to eat more to support the growth of their muscles and bones.

Adult Pomeranians, on the other hand, require fewer calories than puppies because the growth process is over. However, they still may go through growth spurts here and there, causing their food requirement to increase. Seniors require the least amount of calories as their metabolism is now gradually slowing down, and they are becoming less active with age. They’re burning fewer calories, and so need less food to maintain their weight.

Weight

Because caloric intake is calculated per pound of body weight, heavier Poms will require more calories to maintain their size. Similarly, those pups who weigh less will need fewer calories to maintain their size.

Activity Level

As we said earlier, Pomeranians have a big personality, and they can either be highly energetic or calm and mellow. The activity includes both exercise, for example, walking, and normal activity, such as playing, running, or any activity they do on their own.

So a Pom that runs around all day long will burn more calories and thus will need more food to maintain its energy levels. In contrast, a Pom that prefers resting on the couch will burn fewer calories and need a lesser amount of food.

Caloric Requirement

Thanks to research, there is an estimated amount of caloric requirement for Pomeranians of each age group. However, one must note that these estimates can differ from one puppy to another depending on factors such as activity levels.

  • Puppies: 55 calories per pound of body weight
  • Adults: 40 calories per pound of body weight
  • Senior: 30-40 calories per pound of body weight

Feeding Frequency

Once you have a good estimate of how many calories you need to be feeding, it’s time to divide these into smaller meals, which you’ll be feeding them throughout the day.

Puppies usually need more frequent meals to cope with their high energy levels. Normally, you should feed your Pomeranian puppy 3-4 meals a day to support their growth. Once they’ve reached the age of six months, you can lower the number of meals but not too much as they’re still growing. A puppy that’s 6-12 months old should be fed 3-2 meals a day.

Until the age of 12 months, you need to keep your Pom on puppy food. Once they’ve crossed the year mark, most of the growth process is over, and they’re into the adult or young adult stage. Here, you need to cut down on their meals even further and reduce them to 1-2 meals a day, depending on their activity levels, metabolism, and appetite.

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Pomeranians

Once you’ve done your research, it’s now time to choose the best dog food for your Pomeranian. And although this is the most difficult step, it’ll be a piece of cake if you’ve carefully gone through the previous steps.

Dietary Requirements for Pomeranians

For every dog food, there is a specific quantity of each food group in the recipe listed in terms of percentages on the back of the package in the nutritional information box. These are Protein, Fat, and Fiber. For each age group of Pomeranians, these nutritional requirements can vary. So it’s your job to make sure that your choice of dog food meets your pooch’s requirements. Here are the minimum required amounts per age group:

  • Puppy: Proteins – 22% (min), Fats – 8% (min), Fiber 5% (max)
  • Adults: Proteins – 18% (min), Fats – 5% (min), Fiber 5% (max)
  • Seniors: Proteins – 18% (min), Fats – 5% (min), Fiber 5% (max)

These are the recommended nutritional requirements for the Pomeranian breed by AAFCO. Whenever you purchase dog food, make sure that the content is always above the minimum and below the maximum percentages. For example, it’s always a better idea to purchase dog food with 25 – 32% protein and 10 – 15% fat for a puppy so they stay healthy and nourished.

Best Ingredients for Pomeranians

While it’s important to meet the specific nutritional requirements for your dog, it’s even more important that quality ingredients supply the nutrition. Whenever you purchase dog food, pay close attention to the name of every ingredient.

In the case of proteins, always look for whole meat like whole chicken, whole fish, etc. These are natural and whole meat sources and provide quality nutrition. Another great protein source is meat meals like chicken meal, turkey meal, or fish meal. These are proteins with moisture removed to make them into a concentrated version of regular meat.

For carbohydrates, try to look for whole grains such as whole rice, barley, oatmeal, etc. However, grains can be an issue if your dog has a sensitive stomach or an allergy to grains. In that case, look for grain-free formulas that source their carbohydrates from vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, or regular potatoes. These are often equally nutritious plus easily digestible by dogs.

Fats are also an essential part of a Pomeranian diet. They provide the essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and also act as a source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Meat-based fats such as chicken fat and salmon oil are a much better choice over other options. Some dog foods also contain plant-based fats such as sunflower oil and canola oil. And although these are acceptable, they’re not as digestible and nutritious as meat-based fats.

As for fiber and other vitamins and minerals, natural sources such as fruits and vegetables are best. A great source of fiber and prebiotics is dried chicory root, while fruits and veggies like blueberries, cranberries, apples, kale, and broccoli are all excellent sources of both vitamins and minerals. Dog foods also tend to contain vitamin and mineral supplements, and those are perfectly acceptable too. But natural sources are always more nutritious and healthy.

Worst Ingredients for Pomeranians

Although there are plenty of nutritious choices of dog foods in the market, some are just straight-up cheap and unhealthy. If you’re opting for cheaper dog food, the chances are that it’s going to be full of low-quality ingredients and cheap fillers. These will only make your dog feel full but won’t provide them with any nutritional benefit.

Here are some of the worst ingredients for Pomeranians:

  • Fillers: These ingredients make the food look richer and more nutritious than it is. The purpose of these ingredients is to make your dog feel fuller, but in reality, they do no nutritional benefit and pass right through your dog. Some of these include corn bran, rice bran, peanut hulls, oat hulls, wheat mill run, soybean hulls, and others.
  • Meat by-products: Whole meat is usually proteins that are consumable for both humans and dogs, but meat by-products are different. The term by-product means that the source of protein is meat that is inconsumable by humans and thus does no actual nutritional benefit to dogs either. By-product usually contains kidneys, lungs, heart, intestines, eyes, or any body part normally discarded. So watch out for ingredients that say chicken by-product, turkey by-product, fish by-product, etc.
  • Artificial additives: Most dry dog foods contain flavoring, coloring, and preservatives to make them more appealing and to keep them fresher longer. However, are known allergens in dogs, especially Pomeranians. Also, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, these artificial additives are likely to cause digestive upsets. These are listed as BHT, BHA, and Ethoxyquin. Most quality dog foods these days use natural additives, which are harmless and are much better suited for consumption by dogs.

Wet Dog Food vs. Dry Dog food

It’s no discovery that most dogs, including Pomeranians, prefer wet dog food over dry dog food. However, feeding wet dog food continuously for long periods can cause digestive problems in your dog, which include a wet bowel due to the high moisture content.

But sticking with dry dog food can also seem like a problem at times. Especially Pomeranians who are finicky eaters, who will often seem disinterested in eating dry food from time to time. In that case, you can try a few things.

First, you can try mixing the dry dog food with some chicken or bone broth, which will give the dry dog food an appetizing look and will often trick your pup into eating it. If that doesn’t work, try mixing some wet dog food with the dry dog food for a change. If none of these are successful, you can try adding moisture to the dog food and microwaving it for some time. Make sure that the dog food is at the right temperature to appease your pooch and not so hot as to burn its mouth.

Home Cooking Dog Food for Pomeranians

Home cooking for your Pomeranian is a great idea for several reasons. If you love to cook, making food for your pooch will not only be a fun activity but will also potentially save you money in the long run when you purchase ingredients in bulk.

Another great benefit of home-cooking dog food is that it gives you 100% control over what you’re feeding your dog. When you purchase packaged dog food, you can never be sure that what you’re buying contains only wholesome ingredients. But with home cooking, you choose what goes into the recipe, which is a great advantage.

Here is a list of some of the best ingredients you can choose from when home-cooking your Pomeranian’s dog food:

  • Proteins: Deboned chicken or turkey meat, fish meat (salmon, whitefish, mackerel), lamb meat, eggs (scrambled), lean beef
  • Carbohydrates: Grains like whole rice, brown rice, quinoa, or oatmeal. If your Pom is allergic to grains, you can use regular potatoes or sweet potatoes too.
  • Fruits: Blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries (rich in antioxidants), bananas, apples (without seeds), pineapples, strawberries, kiwi, melon, plums (without pit), and mangoes.
  • Vegetables: Carrots, spinach, peas, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini. You can also use broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, and kale (in moderation). Pumpkins are also a great option as they help soothe the stomach, but use them in moderation.

Also note that if you are home cooking, you might need to provide your Pomeranian with some dietary supplements if they’re suffering from any health issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I not feed my Pomeranian?

Here are some of the things that you should never feed your Pomeranian or any other dog. These include chocolate, avocadoes, onions, eggplant, garlic, grapes, plums, nutmeg, fat trimmings, and macadamia nuts, among others.

How do I know if my Pomeranian is eating enough?

The best way to know if your Pom is eating enough is to keep track of their weight. For puppies, the weight should be gradually increasing, especially in the first six months. For adults, they should be eating enough to maintain a healthy weight.

Why is my Pomeranian not eating?

There can be several reasons why your Pom is suffering from a decreased appetite. These can include dental issues, stress or anxiety, and even hot weather. If your Pom is off their food for more than a day or so, consult with your veterinarian.

How do I get my Pomeranian to eat more?

Here are a couple of tips to try. First, make sure that their food bowl is in a comfortable position for them to eat. And second, cut down on the snacks they receive between meals.

Can I feed my Pomeranian milk?

Milk can upset your dog’s tummy because it contains lactose, and most Poms are lactose intolerant. Poms that are lactose intolerant will suffer from digestive upsets and most probably diarrhea if fed milk.

Why is my Pomeranian eating grass?

There are many myths and guesses about this particular puppy behavior, but one thing that seems clear is that it is common canine behavior. Some see it as something your dog does to calm its stomach. Others see it as a dog adding fiber to its diet. Other dogs may like the taste. Whatever the reason, it is common for dogs to do this.

Are carrots good for Pomeranians?

Yes, carrots contain many minerals and vitamins, which are good for your dog’s health. You can cut them up into small, bite-sized pieces so your Pom can easily chew and digest them.

Can you feed your Pomeranian wet food?

Yes, you can feed your Pomeranian wet food, but in moderation. Although wet food is typically more appealing than dry food, too much of it can cause a runny bowel and digestion problems.

What should I feed a Pomeranian with dental issues?

If you suspect your Pomeranian is having trouble eating because of bad teeth, you should take them to visit your veterinarian. For maintaining good dental hygiene, dry dog food with a crunchy kibble texture helps to remove tartar and massages your dog’s gums, which is a major component of a healthy mouth.

How do I know if my Pomeranian is allergic to certain foods?

One of the most common symptoms of an allergy in Pomeranians is itchy and dry skin. Keep a close eye on this, and if you suspect your Pomeranian is suffering from food allergies, you may want to consult with your veterinarian about changing your dog’s diet.

Can you feed your Pomeranian grains?

It’s generally safe to feed your Pomeranian dog food containing grains. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, it may be better to buy grain-free dog food as they’re less likely to trigger an allergy.

Why is my Pomeranian eating so fast?

As a puppy, your dog was probably competing with littermates for food, and some of them never quite grow out of this habit. Having other pets or even people around your dog while they are eating can encourage them to eat quickly as well.

How to stop a Pomeranian from eating fast?

One thing you can do is to make sure your dog’s food bowl is in a quiet and peaceful place. Also, make sure that you’re feeding them their meals on time.

Why doesn’t my Pomeranian eat dry food?

If you regularly feed your Pom wet food, they may end up rejecting dry food simply because wet food is often more appealing, and it’s more work to chew.

How do I make my Pomeranian eat dry food?

The best way to change to dry from wet dog food would be to switch by mixing them together over time. Gradually change the ratio of dog food by reducing the amount of wet and increasing the amount of dry food.

How to deal with a Pomeranian who’s a picky eater?

Probably the best way to deal with a Pom who’s a picky eater is to allow putting out all of their options and make them choose on their own. Make sure the portions are of the correct amount and stand near them to show them you’re concerned.

Should you home cook or buy your Pomeranians dog food?

The answer to this question can vary between owners. If you have free time and would like to have complete control over what you’re feeding your dog, home cooking would be the better option. But if you’re on a busy schedule, buying dog food might be the best choice.

Conclusion

This article contains all the necessary information needed to purchase the best dog food for Pomeranians. Whenever you’re choosing dog food, you should read the list of ingredients to ensure proper nutrition while ruling out allergens. This buyer’s guide contains all the essential information you need, and once you’ve gone through it, you’ll be able to choose the best possible dog food for your Pom pal.

So which food do you consider to be the best dog food for Pomeranians? Let us know!