Best Dog Food For Pomeranians: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

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Pomeranians are consistently one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the U.S. Adored for their gorgeous, fluffy coats and fox-like faces, Poms are highly adaptable to family life and well-known for their fiesty personalities and protective nature. They make great, energetic little companions and have a long life span, but due to their tiny size and a few potential health issues, Poms have special dietary needs.

I explain all the nutritional and feeding requirements for Pomeranians at every life stage and how specific ingredients can benefit your furbaby’s overall health and potential health problems common in this beautiful breed. Finally, I’ve researched hundreds of dog food brands and formulas to give you my recommendations for the best wet and dry dog food for Poms.

All Life Stages	Puppies	Adults	Seniors
The Farmer’s Dog	Blue Buffalo	Open Farm	Nutro
Visit Website	View on Chewy	Visit Website	View on Chewy
Read Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review

Note: All of the dog foods I’ve included in my reviews meet or exceed Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelines, are made in the U.S., and contain no fillers, by-products, preservatives, artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy.

Nutritional Needs & Feeding Guidelines For Pomeranians

This tiny toy breed only reaches 8-11 inches in height and weighs between 3-7 pounds as an adult, so it’s essential to feed Poms dog food formulated for small or toy breeds. This is particularly crucial when they’re puppies. Pomeranians require a diet that contains moderate calories and protein as well as healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

Fortunately, Poms are generally a healthier breed than many others, but they do face some potential issues. Some hereditary health challenges that affect this breed, like gum disease, can’t be prevented by diet, but high-quality dog food can help reduce the risk and severity of some conditions.

How A High-Quality Diet Can Boost Your Pom’s Health

Avoiding foods with unnecessary fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients can help your pup maintain an ideal weight. Healthy food is vital to help prevent a luxating patella (dislocated kneecap) and slow the progression of hip dysplasia, two skeletal problems commonly affecting this breed. Extra weight puts a lot of pressure on joints and exacerbates joint disease symptoms.

Poms are also prone to eye disorders, such as cataracts, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), and tear duct issues. A high-quality diet typically contains many nutrients necessary for maintaining eye health and lowering the risks and symptoms of some eye conditions. These include omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamin A, taurine, and antioxidants.

Another common health issue in Pomeranians is black skin disease (alopecia X), which causes them to slowly lose all their fur, exposing dull, dry-looking skin. A healthy diet is crucial for skin and coat health. Foods rich in omega fatty acids, like fish and flaxseed, can promote hair growth and prevent skin problems.

Expert Tip: If your Pom is experiencing severe hair loss, most veterinarian dermatologists prescribe or recommend melatonin supplementation to promote hair growth. Speak to your vet about your pup’s suspected alopecia X.

Beyond Basic Ingredients

All dog food should include protein, carbs, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. But many of the most nutritious premium dog foods are fortified with additional ingredients that have significant health benefits for your furry friend. Here are a few you’ll want to look for and how they support your pup’s health. For your convenience, we’ve listed these premium ingredients in our reviews.

• Fruits & vegetables: excellent natural sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health
• Fish oil and flaxseed: sources of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, including docosahexenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), that support brain and eye development and skin, coat, joint, and immune health
• Glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate (often from chicken meal*): maintain healthy joints
• Prebiotics & probiotics: support digestion and a healthy level of good gut bacteria (often includes dried chickory root, a powerful natural prebiotic)
• Taurine: supports cardiovascular, eye, and brain health, immune system function, and benefits many other body functions 
• L-carnitine: an amino acid derivative that helps the metabolism of fats (particularly beneficial for older, less active dogs) 
• Organ meats: excellent source of premium quality protein and fat as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc
• Chia seeds: rich in plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus

*A note about meat meal: Quality pet food brands often use meat meal in their recipes, which can be a very healthy source of protein for your pup (as long as the “meat” is named, e.g., chicken meal, lamb meal, etc.). A meal can be made from the meat, tissue, organ meat, bone, stomach, and intestines of the named animal. But meals don’t include by-products like hair, feathers, beaks, heads, blood, hooves, hide trimmings, etc.

Best Dog Food For Pomeranians At All Life Stages

Fresh dog food is one of the healthiest diets you can feed your Pom. However, because Pomeranians, like many small breeds (especially toys), have the potential for major dental problems down the road, experts recommend feeding a mix of fresh and dry food.

I love the following companies that personalize your pup’s meals for age, breed, weight, activity level, and other factors and deliver them right to your door. Board-certified animal nutritionists formulate their meals to contain the perfect balance of nutrition for your furry friend.

The Farmer’s Dog Review

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My top pick for the healthiest dog food for Poms at all life stages is The Farmer’s Dog (TFD), which offers fresh, human-grade dog food. All four recipes include whole-food USDA animal protein, vegetables, and salmon oil. TFD fortifies recipes with an ideal blend of vitamins and minerals for your pup’s life stage, size, and particular needs.

They even pre-portion your dog’s meals for convenient feeding. All you have to do is fill out a brief online questionnaire, which includes your furry friend’s age, breed, current weight, body shape, and whether he has any health conditions. TFD offers grain-free beef, chicken, pork, and turkey recipes developed by board-certified nutritionists and flash-frozen to preserve nutrients and freshness. 

While The Farmer’s Dog requires a subscription, you can cancel or pause it anytime. The only downsides? They only offer grain-free formulas, and their meals are expensive compared to premium kibble. However, TFD’s pricing is very competitive for fresh dog food delivery. Each recipe includes different ingredients, but here’s an overview of their turkey formula.

• First 5 ingredients: USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach
• Formula highlights: human-grade & whole-food ingredients, limited ingredients, fish oil, and taurine
• Guaranteed analysis (dry matter basis): crude protein 40% (min), crude fat 30% (min), crude fiber 2% (max)
• Calories: 564 kcal per lb

Price

• Starting at $2 per day

Our readers have access to 50% off your first box. No code is needed; just use this link, and the discount will be applied!

Ollie Review

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Ollie is another excellent choice for human-grade dog food personalized for your pup’s breed, size, and life stage. They offer five fresh recipe choices (beef, turkey, chicken, lamb, and pork) and two gently-baked dry formulas (chicken and beef), all of which include high-quality proteins, fresh produce, healthy oils, vitamins, and minerals. Ollie gives you three options for dog food subscriptions: full fresh meals, half fresh meals, or a mix of fresh and dry food.

All fresh-frozen recipes are grain-inclusive except the beef formula. Their dry formulas include oats for healthy, digestive-friendly grains. Animal nutritionists carefully formulate all recipes for optimal health in all life stages and breed sizes.

Unlike The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie doesn’t pre-portion individual meals, but they include a measuring scoop and a plastic container to store unused fresh food for later use. Ollie also offers a 100% money-back guarantee on your starter box. For comparison’s sake, here’s a breakdown of Ollie’s fresh lamb recipe:

• First 5 ingredients: lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, and kale
• Formula highlights: human-grade & whole-food ingredients, limited ingredients, organ meat, salmon oil, chia seeds, and taurine
• Guaranteed analysis (wet food basis): crude protein 10% (min), crude fat 7% (min), crude fiber 2% (max)
• Calories: 1804 kcal ME/kg

Price

• Full Fresh plans start at: $3.14/day
• Mixed Fresh & Baked plans start at: $2.72/day
• Half Fresh plans start at: $1/meal

Our readers can get 60% off their first order. Use this link to take advantage of this offer (no discount code needed).

Best Food For Pomeranian Puppies

Toy and small-breed puppies have very high metabolic rates, requiring nutrient- and calorie-dense food higher in protein and fat than regular puppy food. Therefore, it’s crucial to feed them small-breed puppy food.

Experts recommend feeding toy and small breeds at least four meals per day until they’re around six months old when their metabolism and growth start to slow down (then you can switch to three times per day). Younger small-breed puppies burn through calories so fast that they’re at a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and more frequent feedings help reduce this risk.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Puppy Review

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I recommend this Blue Buffalo small-breed puppy formula, which combines an affordable price with premium, all-natural ingredients to give your itty bitty Pom the ideal balance of nutrients for whole-body growth and development. This recipe features real meat as the first ingredient (a sign of high-quality dog food), easily digestible wholesome grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies, such as kelp, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries.

It’s fortified with Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and chelated minerals formulated by animal nutritionists specifically for small-breed puppies. A vast majority of customers said their little furballs love this puppy food.

• First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley
• Formula highlights: flaxseed, glucosamine, dried chickory root, taurine, turmeric, veggies, and fruits
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 29% (min), crude fat 17% (min), crude fiber 5% (max)
• Calories:  417 kcal/cup

Price

• Starts at (5-lb bag):  $14.98 ($3.00 / lb)

Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Review

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Are you looking for grain and chicken-free puppy food? This premium small-breed puppy formula contains no beef, chicken, or grain products, which may be a good option if your baby Pom has tummy or skin issues. It features high-quality turkey, salmon, and duck, complex carbs, and over 20 superfoods, such as blueberries, broccoli, carrots, pumpkin, apples, and more.

This recipe is fantastic for optimal growth and a healthy foundation for life. I also love that Now Fresh only cooks all the fresh ingredients once at the lowest temperature possible to preserve their nutrients and natural flavor. Also, the kibble is very small, making it perfect for puppy Pomeranians. The only potential downside with this food is its high price. And some customers said their dogs didn’t like the taste.

• First 5 ingredients: deboned turkey, whole dried egg, peas, pea flour, and potatoes
• Formula highlights: chicken-free, flaxseed, EPA & DHA, coconut oil, taurine, dried chickory root, probiotics, and L-carnitine
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min), crude fat 18% (min), crude fiber 4% (max)
• Calories:  415 kcal/cup

Price

• 3.5-lb bag:  $35.99 ($6.00 / lb)

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Review

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Is your Pom puppy a highly active little guy? This Wellness Complete Health formula is crafted with higher calories and plenty of healthy protein and carbs to give him plenty of fuel. It’s also fortified with tons of nutrients for whole-body health and development. This small-breed puppy food features real turkey as the first ingredient and easy-to-digest, lower-glycemic grains.

It also contains nutrient-dense fruits and veggies, such as carrots, kale, spinach, blueberries, and apples (without corn, wheat, or soy). While some customers complained that the kibble is too big, Pom puppy owners said their pups love this food and that it’s the perfect size.

• First 5 ingredients: deboned turkey, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, and brown rice
• Formula highlights: salmon oil, flaxseed, DHA, dried chickory root, probiotics, and taurine
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min), crude fat 18% (min), crude fiber 4.25% (max)
• Calories:  477 kcal/cup

Price

• Starts at (4-lb bag):  $14.99 ($3.75 / lb)

Best Dog Food For Adult Pomeranians

You can start slowly transitioning your Pomeranian to adult food around 11-12 months once he’s finished most of his growth. Toy and small breeds continue to have faster metabolic rates than larger dogs throughout adulthood, so vets typically advise giving your Pom three meals daily of small-breed adult dog food.

Open Farm Small Breed With Ancient Grains Review

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Open Farm is one of my favorite brands due to its superior humane, sustainable, and food-safety practices (on top of high-quality chow). This adult small-breed recipe features humanely raised chicken and turkey, wholesome grains, and locally sourced fruits and veggies, such as blueberries, kale, carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.

Another plus for Poms is that this formula is packed with fish meal, salmon oil, flaxseed, and other ingredients that can help boost your pup’s skin and coat health and protect against alopecia X. Open Farm also offers a grain-free version of this small-breed formula. All of their pet food is formulated by animal nutrition experts, and an independent third-party lab tests every batch.

• First 5 ingredients: chicken, turkey, menhaden fish meal, barley, and brown rice
• Formula highlights: salmon oil, flaxseed, DHA, taurine, coconut oil, New Zealand green-lipped mussels (excellent for joint support), and dried chicory root
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 27.5% (min), crude fat 16% (min), crude fiber 5% (max)
• Calories:  436 kcal/cup

Price

You can save 5% off every order if you sign up for auto-shipping with Open Farm.

• Starts at (4-lb bag): $21.99

Orijen Small Breed Grain-Free Review

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While this brand is expensive, many pup parents of picky dogs (like Poms) swear by this food. Orijen’s grain-free small breed dog recipe contains raw-infused kibble bits combined with many healthy ingredients for a protein and taste boost. The protein and calories are higher than those of other formulas we review here, but if you have an active Pomeranian, it could be a great option.

Orijen is known for its carefully formulated recipes, which include superfoods, such as organ meats and whole veggies and fruits. Ingredients like cranberries, pumpkin, butternut squash, collard greens, apples, and kelp are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that boost your pup’s overall health.

• First 5 ingredients: turkey, chicken, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), whole herring, and salmon
• Formula highlights: fish oil, DHA & EPA, New Zealand green-lipped mussels, glucosamine, probiotics, and turmeric
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 38% (min), crude fat 18% (min), crude fiber 4% (max)
• Calories: 473 kcal/cup

Price

• Starts at (4-lb bag): $31.19 ($7.80 / lb)

Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Review

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This Wellness formula is a more affordable but just as nutritious dog chow. It’s specifically formulated for toy breeds, like the Pomeranian. Featuring a small kibble size, it’s a fantastic balance of healthy lean protein from real chicken and wholesome grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice, for optimal energy levels.

This recipe is also crafted with special ingredients for whole-body health and includes antioxidant-rich superfoods, such as spinach, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, and kale. It can help boost your Pomeranian’s immune system and promote digestive, joint, eye, brain, skin, and coat health.

• First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, oatmeal, and brown rice
• Formula highlights: flaxseed, glucosamine, chondroitin, dried chicory root, probiotics, taurine, and beta-carotene
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 30% (min), crude fat 16% (min), crude fiber 4.5% (max)
• Calories:  466 kcal/cup

Price

• Starts at (4-lb bag): $15.98

Best Food For Senior Pomeranians

Pomeranians are generally considered seniors when they’re around eight years old, so we recommend slowly transitioning your tiny tot to a small-breed senior dog food around this time. Elderly Poms need to eat a diet lower in calories and fat to help prevent weight gain. A dog food rich in antioxidants and other immune-boosting nutrients is also essential to help prevent cancer, heart problems, cataracts, and other issues that older dogs face.

Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Review

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This highly rated Nutro senior formula is crafted specifically for small breeds that have slowed down as they age. It’s made with all non-GMO ingredients and features real chicken as the first ingredient and easy-to-digest whole grains, such as barley, brown rice, and oatmeal.

The inclusion of dried pumpkin is beneficial for healthy digestion, and dried kale, spinach, and coconut provide natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune health. Many customers say the small kibble size is perfect for their aging seniors who have difficulty chewing.

• First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, split peas, and brewer rice
• Formula highlights: fish oil, chia seeds, and glucosamine
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 26% (min), crude fat 14% (min), crude fiber 4% (max)
• Calories:  320 kcal/cup

Price

• 5-lb bag: $18.88

Merrick Lil’ Plates Senior Small Breed Review

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Another fantastic Merrick dog food, this formula may be a good option if your Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach or allergies because it’s grain-free and contains high levels of probiotics and omega fatty acids. It also includes plenty of other essential ingredients for older pups’ joint, heart, immune, skin, and coat health.

We love that it has a high protein content but moderate calories and fat to maintain healthy muscles and provide your pup energy without gaining weight. The small kibble size is perfect for toy breeds, and it has a crunchy texture to help reduce plaque and keep teeth clean.

• First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and sweet potatoes
• Formula highlights: salmon oil, flaxseed, taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, chicory root, probiotics, and L-carnitine
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 30% (min), crude fat 12% (min), crude fiber 3.5% (max)
• Calories:  388 kcal/cup

Price

• Starts at (4-lb bag):  $29.98 ($7.50 / lb)

Is Your Pomeranian A Picky Eater?

Unfortunately, Poms are notoriously picky about dog food. If you’ve tried multiple food brands with no luck, I recommend using a food topper. Here are four of our favorites.

1. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust: Many owners of picky eaters love this dust, which is super healthy and easy to sprinkle on their pup’s meals. Available in beef, chicken, bacon, and duck & goose, it’s a powerful and delicious meal enhancer.
2. Brutus Bone Broths: These liquid beef, chicken, and pork broths are easy to pour over your pup’s meal for a flavor boost. The human-grade broth is also fortified with vegetables, turmeric, glucosamine, and chondroitin for added health benefits.
3. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers: Many dogs find the raw protein taste of these mixers irresistible. They also come in a wide variety of flavors and supplemental health benefits for joints, digestion, skin and coat, calming, and more.
4. PetPlate’s Topper Plan: PetPlate offers fresh-frozen, human-grade meals and an affordable 25% topper plan customized for your dog’s nutritional needs. See our full review of PetPlate to learn more. Our co-founders have been feeding this to their dogs as toppers for four years now, and their dogs LOVE it, even their picky eater.

Dental Care For Poms Is Essential

Like other toy and extra small breeds, Pomeranians have a high risk of developing gum disease. These little mouths have overcrowded teeth, which leads to a lot of plaque and tartar buildup. That’s why regular teeth cleaning is crucial for Poms. Vets recommend daily brushing, the regular use of dental treats, and professional teeth cleaning once a year. You may want to consider subscribing to a teeth cleaning system like BARK Bright Dental to keep dental supplies on hand.

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Why Trust Canine Journal?

Sally has researched and reviewed hundreds of different dog food brands and specific formulas. She’s an expert at analyzing dog food ingredients based on current nutritional guidelines and scientific studies for the healthiest food for our pups. She’s part of a team of dog specialists at Canine Journal who have over a decade of experience in researching, testing, and writing about everything you need to know to keep your pup healthy and happy.