Small Breed

Small dogs bring immense joy with their boundless energy, adorable antics, and pocket-sized cuddles. However, they also come with some health challenges that every pet parent should understand. From dental health to joint issues, this blog dives into the top five health issues in small dogs and offers prevention tips to keep your furry companion thriving.    1. Dental Health: A Pressing Concern for Small Breeds  Dental problems are one of the most common health issues in small dogs. Their petite mouths often lead to overcrowded teeth, which increases the risk of tartar buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.  Prevention Tips:  Brush Their Teeth Regularly: Use a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain oral hygiene. Aim for daily brushing or at least three times a week.  Feed a High-Quality Diet: A well-balanced diet with the right texture and nutrients can promote better oral health.  Schedule Professional Cleanings: Routine vet visits for dental cleanings can prevent severe issues like periodontal disease.    2. Joint Issues: Managing Tiny Bodies on the Move  Small dogs are susceptible to joint issues like luxating patella (dislocated kneecaps) and arthritis, especially as they age. Jumping off high surfaces or engaging in strenuous activities can exacerbate these conditions.  Prevention Tips:  Control Their Weight: Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on their joints.  Incorporate Joint Support into Their Diet: Ensure their meals provide adequate nutrients to support joint health.  Provide Soft Surfaces: Ramps and cushioned beds can protect their joints during play and rest.    3. Weight Management: Keeping Tiny Tummies Healthy  It’s easy to overfeed a small dog, but even a little extra weight can significantly impact their health. Obesity can lead to diabetes, joint problems, and heart issues.  Prevention Tips:  Feed the Right Portions: Use a measuring cup to ensure you’re feeding them appropriately. Refer to your dog food packaging or consult a vet for guidance.  Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Choose a diet tailored to small dogs with balanced calories and essential nutrients.  Encourage Playtime: Regular exercise, such as fetch or walks, helps maintain a healthy weight.    4. Hypoglycemia: A Risk for Tiny Pups  Small dogs, especially puppies, are prone to low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. This condition can cause lethargy, weakness, and in severe cases, seizures.  Prevention Tips:  Feed Small, Frequent Meals: Ensure their blood sugar remains stable throughout the day.  Monitor Energy Levels: If your dog appears weak or shaky, consult a vet immediately.  Choose Foods with Balanced Energy: Providing high-quality, nutrient-rich meals can help maintain consistent energy levels.    5. Respiratory Issues: Protecting Those Tiny Airways  Breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians can be prone to respiratory issues due to their narrow windpipes or flat faces.  Prevention Tips:  Avoid Overexertion: Limit intense activity, especially in hot or humid conditions.  Use a Harness: Collars can strain their delicate necks, so opt for a harness during walks.  Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can ease pressure on their airways.    Small dogs might have big personalities, but their health needs are unique and require careful attention. By focusing on dental care, joint health, weight management, and more, you can ensure your little companion enjoys a long, happy life.  For a range of foods specially crafted for small dogs, designed to support their health and vitality, check out Addiction’s Small Dog Food Range. With balanced nutrition in every bite, your small dog is in good hands. 

Small dog breeds have unique nutritional needs that reflect their distinct builds and health challenges. At Addiction Pet Foods, we understand these requirements and have crafted our Small Dog Range to deliver precise nutrition to help your pint-sized companion thrive. From supporting dental health in Chihuahuas to maintaining joint health in Dachshunds, our range ensures that every small breed gets the tailored care they deserve.    1. Chihuahua: Tiny Pup, Big Dental Needs  Chihuahuas may be small in size, but they’re big on personality—and dental challenges. Their tiny mouths are more prone to plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to long-term health concerns.  Nutritional Solution:  Our Le Lamb for Small Dogs features small-sized kibble that’s perfect for their petite jaws, helping reduce plaque buildup while supporting overall oral health. This formula also includes chelated minerals for better nutrient absorption, promoting stronger teeth and overall wellness.  Bonus Tip: Pair their meals with dental chews to keep their teeth in pristine condition.    2. Pug: Managing the Love for Food  Pugs are known for their hearty appetites, which often lead to weight gain if not managed properly. Excess weight can exacerbate health issues like breathing difficulties and joint stress.  Nutritional Solution:  Our Viva La Venison for Small Dogs is a lean and nutritious option, featuring New Zealand venison as the primary protein source. It’s lower in calories than traditional proteins and free from common allergens like chicken, wheat, corn, and soy, making it gentle on sensitive stomachs while promoting a healthy weight.  Bonus Tip: Monitor portion sizes and balance their diet with regular exercise to help keep their weight in check.    3. Shih Tzu: A Luxurious Coat Deserves Luxurious Care  Shih Tzus are beloved for their flowing, silky coats, which require the right nutrients to stay shiny and healthy. Omega fatty acids are essential to supporting skin health and enhancing coat quality.  Nutritional Solution:  Our Duck Royale Entrée for Small Dogs is enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseed and fish oil, helping maintain a glossy, healthy coat. This recipe also features New Zealand superfoods like kiwifruit, known for its antioxidant properties, to support overall health and vitality.  Bonus Tip: Regular grooming, combined with this omega-rich diet, will keep their coat looking show-ready.    4. Dachshund: Supporting Those Long Spines  Dachshunds’ unique long backs can make them prone to spinal issues. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing balanced nutrition are critical for reducing strain on their spines.  Nutritional Solution:  Our Small Dog Range is designed to deliver complete and balanced nutrition. High-quality proteins and essential nutrients support muscle strength and overall vitality, helping your Dachshund stay active and healthy.  Bonus Tip: Encourage low-impact exercises like gentle walks or swimming to keep them mobile without putting undue stress on their backs.    Why Choose Addiction Pet Foods for Your Small Breed?  At Addiction Pet Foods, we’re committed to delivering premium, tailored nutrition for your beloved small dog. Our Small Dog Range offers:  Smaller Kibble Size: Perfectly designed for tiny teeth, ensuring easy chewing and digestion.  High-Quality Proteins: Featuring premium meats like New Zealand lamb, venison, and duck for optimal nutrition.  Natural Ingredients: Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives to support holistic health.  Targeted Nutrition: Including essential vitamins, minerals, and Omega fatty acids to address breed-specific needs.  With our expertly formulated recipes, your small dog can enjoy delicious meals while receiving the nutrients they need for a happy, healthy life.    Give your small dog the nutrition they deserve with Addiction Pet Foods. Explore our Small Dog Range here and discover the difference that tailored nutrition can make! 

Small dogs may have petite frames, but their nutritional needs are anything but small! These tiny powerhouses are often brimming with energy, curiosity, and a zest for life. To support their active lifestyles, small breed dogs require a diet tailored to their unique needs. Let’s explore the essential nutrients that help your little companion thrive.    Protein Needs: High-Quality Fuel for Tiny Dogs  Small breed dogs have a faster metabolism compared to their larger counterparts, making high-quality protein a must-have in their diet. Protein is vital for muscle maintenance, energy levels, and overall health.  Top protein sources:  Lamb: A nutrient-dense protein that’s rich in essential amino acids and gentle on sensitive stomachs.  Venison: A lean, high-protein option ideal for active dogs and those with allergies to more common meats.  Duck: Packed with iron and amino acids, it’s a flavorful protein that supports muscle health and energy.  Addiction Pet Foods offers small breed formulas featuring these premium proteins, ensuring your small pup receives the nutrition they deserve.    Healthy Fats: Energy and Shine in Every Bite  Fats are more than just an energy source for small dogs—they’re essential for overall well-being. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are particularly important for maintaining a healthy coat, supple skin, and optimal brain function.  Benefits of healthy fats:  Shiny coat: Keeps your pup’s fur soft and glossy.  Energy boost: Provides concentrated energy for their high activity levels.  Joint support: Reduces inflammation, enhancing mobility.  Addiction’s small breed range incorporate sources like flaxseed and fish oil to provide these vital nutrients, making meals both nutritious and irresistible.    Joint Support: Keeping Your Pup Active and Agile  Small breed dogs are known for their agility and boundless energy. However, their joints can suffer from wear and tear over time. Nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin are key to maintaining joint health and preventing stiffness.  Why joint health matters:  Supports cartilage repair and reduces degeneration.  Improves mobility for an active lifestyle.  Prevents joint discomfort, especially in older dogs.  While specific formulations may vary, many high-quality dog foods include these nutrients to support joint health.    Digestibility: Gentle on Small Stomachs  Small dogs often have sensitive stomachs, so easily digestible ingredients are crucial for their diet. Whole-food sources that are gentle yet nutrient-rich provide sustained energy without causing digestive upset.  Digestive-friendly ingredients:  Potato: A highly digestible carbohydrate that’s easy on sensitive stomachs and provides steady energy.  Flaxseed: Rich in fiber and omega-3s, it supports gut health and promotes regular digestion.  Manuka honey: Known for its natural antibacterial properties, it can soothe the stomach and support immune health.  Addiction’s small breed range is designed with digestibility in mind, ensuring your dog enjoys their meals without discomfort.    Small breed-specific dog food is specially formulated to meet their unique needs. These recipes feature:  Smaller kibble sizes for easier chewing.  Higher calorie density to support their fast metabolism.  Balanced nutrients for sustained energy and long-term health.  Addiction Pet Foods’ small breed range offers tailored nutrition to meet these specific requirements.    Your small dog’s vibrant personality deserves nutrition that matches their energy and enthusiasm. By prioritizing high-quality proteins, healthy fats, joint-supporting nutrients, and digestibility, you’ll ensure your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and ready for every adventure.  Ready to give your pup the best? Click here to explore Addiction’s Small Breed Recipes for balanced nutrition tailored to small dogs’ big needs! 

If you’re the proud pet parent of a pint-sized pooch, you’ve likely noticed your small breed dog has unique needs compared to their larger canine counterparts. While they may be small in stature, their nutritional requirements are anything but tiny. Feeding your small dog breed-specific food can make a world of difference in their overall health, happiness, and vitality. Here’s why:  1. Smaller Kibble Size for Smaller Jaws  Small dogs, like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians, have petite mouths and teeth. Standard kibble sizes can be difficult for them to chew, leading to frustration or even potential choking hazards. Small breed dog food features smaller kibble pieces that are easier to chew and digest, ensuring your furry friend gets the nutrition they need without a struggle.  2. Higher Metabolic Rate Requires Nutrient-Dense Food  Small dogs are bundles of energy, and their higher metabolic rate means they burn calories faster than larger dogs. This makes nutrient-dense food essential for keeping their energy levels stable and preventing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Specialized small breed food provides the right balance of calories, protein, and fats to fuel their active lifestyles.  3. Tailored Nutrition for Specific Health Needs  Small breeds are prone to health concerns like weight gain, joint issues, and dental problems. Small breed-specific formulas often include targeted ingredients such as:  L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism and manage weight.  Glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain joint health and mobility.  Calcium and phosphorus to strengthen their tiny teeth and bones.  These tailored ingredients help your small dog thrive at every stage of life.  4. Portion Control to Prevent Overfeeding  It’s easy to overestimate how much food a small dog needs, especially when they look at you with those adorable, begging eyes. Specialized small breed food helps simplify portion control by providing calorie-appropriate servings. This reduces the risk of overfeeding and prevents obesity, which is especially dangerous for small breeds due to their petite frames.  At Addiction Pet Foods, we understand the unique needs of small breed dogs. Our small breed-specific formulas are thoughtfully crafted to meet their unique nutritional and lifestyle requirements:  Nutrient-Packed Recipes: Specially designed to support the high energy needs and overall health of small breeds.  Bite-Sized Kibble: Perfectly sized for small jaws, making every meal easier to chew and digest.  Enjoyable and Beneficial: Balanced to ensure your small dog thrives while enjoying every bite.  Discover the perfect fit for your furry friend in our small breed-specific food offerings.  Your small dog may have a tiny tummy, but they deserve big love and even bigger care. Feeding them the right food ensures they’ll be by your side, happy and healthy, for years to come. Click here to explore Addiction’s Small Breed range.  

A walk with your dog is more than just exercise—it’s an opportunity for shared adventure, connection, and joy. Regular walks keep your pet active and healthy, support mental well-being, and strengthen your bond. For you, it’s a chance to de-stress, enjoy fresh air, and explore the great outdoors with your best friend by your side. Pet parents, get ready to upgrade your walking game! Walks with your pet just became more fun and adventurous with our hand-picked list of New Zealand’s Great Pet Walks. This guide is your source to the timeless joy of exploring nature alongside your best friend. No more guessing if a trail is pet-friendly! Our guide highlights: Trail Details (length, difficulty level) Distance and Time Route Type Parking Availability Addiction Product Pairing with Each Walk Map Featuring the Trail Route Elevation On Leash or Off Leash trails With the Great Pet Walks guide, you gain access to handpicked pet-friendly walks across New Zealand. Here are a few highlights: Tongariro River Trail, Tūrangi This walk alongside the Tongariro River includes a few gentle uphill climbs and stunning views. Enjoy a serene walk alongside the river, farmlands, and through native bush. The path is shared with cyclists. As the river is home to the endangered whio, dogs need to be kept on a leash during whio nesting season (August to October). Barrett Lagoon Loop Track, New Plymouth This easy and enjoyable walk is perfect for a quick outing. The trail showcases a lagoon, wetlands, native bush, plantations, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a gentle stroll with many walking options, including scenic loop tracks through the forest—an ideal spot for nature lovers of all ages. Dogs and cats must be kept on a leash. Ready for your next adventure? Don’t let your next pet outing be just another walk. Take it to the next level with the Great Pet Walks Guide! Plan your walks with confidence using our walk insights. Discover new walks perfect for you and your furry friend. See Addiction product pairings for every walk to make your adventures even more special. Read about the rest of the Great Pet Walks and start exploring New Zealand’s best pet-friendly walks here: https://greatpetwalks.addictionpet.co.nz/

Imagine the purity of New Zealand’s wilderness— pristine, abundant, and teeming with life. That’s the freshness we capture in every bag of Addiction Pet Foods. We believe that food is medicine: it must be nutritious and delicious! Just how we do we deliver the bountiful provenance of New Zealand along with delicious flavor in each bite? It is through painstaking process of science and thoughtfulness with each step.   At Addiction Pet Foods, we ensure that the meat used in our recipes meets the highest standards for both taste and nutrition. This article explores how oxidation affects palatability, the role of peroxide values in freshness testing, and the importance of nutrient-rich meat in delivering both taste and health benefits.  The Hidden Enemy – Oxidation   In food preservation, oxidation is a hidden challenge, degrading flavor and nutrients. Oxidation occurs when fats and proteins in meat interact with oxygen, causing chemical changes that reduce flavor and nutritional quality.  Impact of Oxidation on Flavor and Nutrition Oxidation is a natural process where oxygen interacts with fats and proteins in food, slowly reducing its flavor and nutrition.  Impact on Palatability: Oxidation creates off-flavors and unpleasant odors that dogs and cats are quick to detect. Even minor oxidation can discourage pets from eating, especially in cats, which are highly sensitive to changes in smell.  Nutritional Degradation: Oxidation breaks down essential fats, like omega-3s, and depletes vitamins such as A and E. As a result, the food loses both flavor and important nutrients.  Formation of Biogenic Amines: As oxidation progresses, compounds like histamine and cadaverine—known as biogenic amines—are produced. These not only affect flavor but can also pose safety concerns if they accumulate in high levels.  Freshness Testing: Using Peroxide Value (PV) and Quality Checks At Addiction Pet Foods, we’re committed to keeping each meal fresh and flavorful. One of our methods is Peroxide Value (PV) testing. At Addiction Pet Foods, we rigorously monitor meat quality through a range of tests, including the peroxide value (PV) test and a biogenic amine screening.   What is Peroxide Value? Peroxide value measures the early byproducts of fat oxidation. A low PV indicates that the meat is fresh, while a high PV suggests the fats are starting to break down. This helps us guarantee that only the freshest ingredients are used.  Biogenic Amine Screening We also test for compounds like histamine and putrescine, which are signs that the meat is starting to degrade. Any batch that exceeds our strict limits does not proceed to production.  Fresh Meat Retains Nutrients and Enhances Taste Freshly sourced meat offers many advantages, both for health and palatability such as:   Superior Nutritional Content Fresh meat retains its natural proteins, fats, and vitamins, ensuring that every meal offers both taste and essential nutrients.  Moisture and Texture: High moisture content enhances the texture and aroma of the food, making it more appetizing for pets. Pets are naturally drawn to moist, tender food, which mimics the texture of prey. Sensory Testing: Guaranteeing Fresh Taste in Every Batch We don’t just rely on machines; our experts conduct sensory testing on every batch to check taste, aroma, and texture. Pets, especially cats, are highly sensitive to taste and aroma. Our sensory testing ensures every meal is one they’ll eagerly enjoy, with a taste and texture that keeps them coming back. This careful approach means each meal meets our high standards for freshness and palatability, ensuring every bowl is something pets look forward to.  How Sensory Testing Works: Our experts evaluate each batch of meat for smell, texture, and appearance—just as a chef would taste food in a kitchen. This helps us confirm that the meat is fresh and has the right characteristics to make our pet food irresistible.  Continuous Improvement through Feedback: Sensory testing allows us to fine-tune our processes by identifying subtle changes in flavor profiles, ensuring that pets enjoy a consistent eating experience with every bite.  New Zealand Meat: A Higher Standard of Quality Addiction Pet Foods sources many of its meats from New Zealand, known worldwide for its high animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.  Sustainable and Ethical Farming: New Zealand livestock are raised in free-range, low-stress environments, leading to tender, flavorful meat. These practices ensure animals are hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and naturally fed on grass pastures.  Quality from Farm to Plant: By working with trusted suppliers, we ensure that meat is carefully handled and promptly delivered to our facility to maintain its freshness and nutritional integrity.  Addiction Pet Foods is committed to giving pets the quality they deserve, with a focus on freshness and irresistible taste. By using only premium New Zealand meat and prioritizing freshness, we ensure that each meal is packed with the nutrients and flavors pets love. Our dedication to quality and palatability means pet owners can feel confident that every bowl of Addiction is a delicious, wholesome choice that supports your pet’s well-being Through these efforts, we give pet owners the confidence that their companions are getting the best-tasting, highest-quality food available. Addiction Pet Foods delivers uncompromising quality and irresistible taste, capturing New Zealand’s unmatched freshness in every bowl.   Find out more about Addiction Pet Foods today and discover how Addiction can help you provide the best nutrition and delicious food for your best friend. Follow us on our Official Pages: Facebook: Addiction Pet Foods NZ Instagram: @addictionpetnz TikTok: @addictionpetnz 

From the tiny Chihuahua to the towering Great Dane, our beloved canine companions come in all shapes and sizes.