Best Dog Food for Small Dogs in Australia
The best dog food for small dogs in Australia is ZIWI Peak, scoring 81/100 in our index — its very high named-meat air-dried formula is manageable per-serve for a small breed. Prime100 (78/100), Hill's Science Diet (66/100), Royal Canin (68/100) and Black Hawk (76/100) round out our five picks for small-dog feeding.
By the Dog Food Reviews Editorial Team
Independent scoring · Not pay-to-rank · Last updated June 2026 · Not veterinary advice
Our top picks for small dogs
Small dogs eat less — but need more per kilogram.
Toy and small breeds have faster metabolisms than large dogs, so they need a calorie-dense, nutrient-rich formula rather than a high-volume one. That's why high-meat-content foods like ZIWI Peak and Prime100 can suit small dogs even at their premium price point — the daily serve cost is far lower than feeding a large breed.
Small-dog picks compared
What to look for in small-dog food
Appropriate kibble size
Small-breed kibble is smaller and lighter — important for small mouths and jaw alignment.
Calorie density
Small dogs need more calories per kg of body weight. A dense, high-meat formula delivers more fuel per gram.
Named meat first
A named single-source protein (e.g. lamb, chicken) as the first ingredient is the baseline for a quality panel.
Complete & balanced
Confirm the food meets AAFCO or PFIAA standards for your dog's life stage.
Per-serve cost, not per-kg
A premium food with high meat density can cost less per serve than a cheaper, bulkier formula for a small dog.
Vet input for specific breeds
Some breeds (e.g. Cavaliers, Dachshunds) have specific needs. Ask your vet before switching foods.
Frequently asked questions
ZIWI Peak leads our picks for small dogs — its very high named-meat air-dried formula is manageable per-serve for a small breed. Prime100 is the top choice for single-protein limited-ingredient feeding. Hill's Science Diet Small & Mini and Royal Canin both offer dedicated small-dog formulas with appropriately sized kibble, while Black Hawk gives solid everyday value in smaller bags.
Yes, for a few practical reasons. Small dogs have faster metabolisms and typically need more calories per kilogram of body weight. Kibble size matters — small mouths and teeth struggle with large-breed kibble. And if you're serving an air-dried or fresh food like ZIWI Peak or Prime100, the per-serve cost is more manageable for a small dog than a 40 kg retriever.
This varies by brand, formula and your dog's exact weight and activity level. Always follow the feeding guide on pack as the starting point — most brands publish a guide per kg of body weight. Your vet is the right person to confirm ideal daily intake, especially for toy and miniature breeds.
Not automatically. Grain-free suits small dogs with grain sensitivities or who do better on limited-carbohydrate diets, but a grain-inclusive formula with a named meat first ingredient can be just as good — or better value. Assess the whole ingredient panel, not just the grain-free label. If you're unsure, ask your vet.
No. Dog Food Reviews is an independent comparison resource, not veterinary advice. Small dog nutrition can vary significantly by breed, age and health status. Always check with your vet before changing your dog's diet.