Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Pomeranians: Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food
“This Pomeranian-friendly dry dog food is manufactured explicitly for small and toy breeds. Its high-quality protein and calcium inclusions help your Pomeranian develop strong bones and joints throughout every stage of your dog’s life.”
Best Grain Free Option: Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Dry Dog Food
“If your Pomeranian suffers from stomach sensitivities, Blue Buffalo’s grain-free options don’t contain corn, wheat, soy, or other artificial flavors that can cause irritable bowel movements. It also eliminates any animal by-products and artificial preservatives or fillers.“
Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Dog Food
“This affordable small-breed dog food contains all the nutrient-dense ingredients your Pomeranian needs. It has healthy fruits and vegetables and also includes antioxidants for combatting disease-causing free radicals.”
The smallest of the Spitz breeds, the highly energetic Pomeranian, requires a unique and carefully curated diet to sustain their metabolic needs.
These charismatic dogs demand high levels of protein to maintain healthy muscles and support their hyper-fast metabolism. Because Pomeranians often suffer from musculoskeletal issues, they will also benefit from dog food containing joint-supporting nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Understanding your Pomeranian’s dietary requirements can be challenging, so we’ve curated a list of the top ten dry dog foods that best suit your Pomeranian’s nutritional needs.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food for Pomeranians
- 1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- 2. Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 3. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 4. Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- 5. Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 6. Solid Gold Holistic Dry Dog Food
- 7. Natural Balance Dry Dog Food
- 8. Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 9. Castor & Pollux Organix Dry Dog Food
- 10. Royal Canin X-Small Adult Dry Dog Food
- 1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- Basic Nutritional Needs of Pomeranians
- What to Consider When Buying Dog Food for Pomeranians
- Common Health Problems Pomeranians Suffer from
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Food for Pomeranians
Here are the best dog food for Pomeranians on the market:
- Best Overall for Pomeranians: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- Best Grain Free Option: Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Value for Money: Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best for Senior Pomeranians: Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- Best Holistic Option: Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best with Healthy Grains: Solid Gold Holistic Dry Dog Food
- Best Limited Ingredient Option: Natural Balance Dry Dog Food
- Best High-Protein Dog Food: Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Organic Dog Food: Castor & Pollux Organix Dry Dog Food
- Best Small Dog Formula: Royal Canin X-Small Adult Dry Dog Food
1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Pomeranians: These bite-sized bits are specially formulated for small dogs and are perfect for your Pomeranian
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Key Features
- High-quality protein content to help support fast metabolism
- All-natural ingredients help limit complications for allergies
- Small, chewable bits are easier to digest
Energetic Pomeranians of all life stages will benefit Hill’s Science’s high-quality protein inclusions, ideal for smaller dogs with hyper-fast metabolism. Among this dog food’s primary ingredients is calcium, which supports growing bones and muscles in toy-sized pets.
The remainder of its ingredients is all-natural, allowing owners to prevent digestive complications and allergies. Its antioxidant and vitamin contents help your Pomeranian fight off unwanted diseases over a longer life expectancy.
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Pomeranians with sensitive digestive systems will have no trouble enjoying these bite-sized bits, as it does without artificial flavors and preservatives that can cause upset stomachs.
Overall, Hill’s small dog formula has an impressive ratio between proteins and fats and boasts moderate calorie content. Compared to other specialist diets, Pet parents can purchase Hill’s for relatively affordable.
2. Blue Buffalo Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best Grain Free Option: All-natural, grain-free dog food perfect for Pomeranians that require additional digestive support
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Key Features
- Doesn’t contain any grains, including corn, wheat, or soy
- Its protein and carbohydrate inclusions help smaller breeds maintain high energy levels
- Omega-3 fatty acids ensure soft, healthy, and silky fur
This adult-specific formula supplies your dog with essential proteins, complete with deboned chicken and chicken meals. It is absent of by-product meals and artificial additives. Its nutritional levels meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in this dry kibble also promote healthy skin and coats, essential to Pomeranians with thick, lush fur.
Introducing this dry dog food into your Pomeranian’s diet supports immune health and helps achieve the perfect oxidative balance.
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Free from corn, wheat, and soy, eliminating allergies or sensitivities, which tend to occur in older Pomeranians. Instead of wholesome grains, Blue Buffalo’s Freedom line is chock-full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals handpicked by veterinary professionals.
Though free from allergy-causing grains, this food does contain brown rice and barley. However, they are among the easiest to digest.
3. Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best Value for Money: Affordable dog food that is jam-packed with all the nutritional needs that support a healthy Pomeranian
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Key Features
- More affordable per pound yet is rich in superfoods
- Wholesome, natural, and grain-free ingredients
- Multiple protein sources, vitamins and minerals, from naturally nutritious ingredients
This low-cost solution to your Pomeranian’s dietary needs doesn’t disappoint. Primarily manufactured with a flavorful blend of salmon and whitefish, this tasty kibble supports little joints in smaller bodies.
It also contains probiotics to aid delicate digestion, while antioxidant inclusions help stave off disease-causing free radicals.
For what you pay, this dry dog food contains an impressive range of high-quality proteins. Its variety includes real chicken and turkey, rich in amino acids that support muscle nourishment.
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A single cup of Whole Earth includes energy-sustaining carbohydrates like peas, sweet potatoes, and organic alfalfa.
It’s important to note that this dry dog food contains higher-than-average fiber levels and chicken, which may not be appropriate for dogs with severe allergies.
4. Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Best for Senior Pomeranians: Nutrition-dense formula packed with pro- and prebiotic fibers making it easier for your older dog to digest food
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Key Features
- Grain-free recipe is suitable for older dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Developed with omega fatty acids to sustain older muscles
- Smaller kibble sizes are easier to chew and swallow
As your Pomeranian ages, its dietary requirements change. Fortunately, the Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Dry Dog Food features a highly digestible recipe that is easy for older dogs to consume. It is also free of artificial preservatives and low-quality fillers.
This senior dry food also contains prebiotics and probiotics, helpful in aiding digestion and reducing plaque in the teeth. Its high levels of omega fatty acids also help your aging Pom maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.
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Because less active Pomeranians tend to put on weight enquirer than usual, this Lil Plates diet has a lower calorie content. Vitamin and mineral supplements also ensure that your older Pom is getting the energy sources and immune system support it needs.
5. Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best Holistic Option: Impressive crude protein levels for high-energy play and calorie content that perfectly matches your smaller pup
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Key Features
- Specially formulates with optimal calorie levels to suit your Pomeranian
- Manufactured locally with globally sourced, high-quality meats
- Packed with proteins and wholesome grains to support higher energy levels
Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food packs in 80% more meat than traditional formulas, allowing your active Pomeranian to maintain bursts of energy throughout the day. Its proteins include deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal, crafted into a smaller kibble size for easy digestion.
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Energetic dogs will also love Wellness CORE’s carbohydrate inclusions. It contains peas and sweet potatoes combined with other antioxidants to protect against harmful free radicals.
Missing in this dry kibble recipe are any meat by-products, soy, grain, wheat gluten, corn, and artificial additives, so you won’t have to worry about any filler ingredients. However, dogs with chicken allergies may not take well to this food.
6. Solid Gold Holistic Dry Dog Food
Best with Healthy Grains: Brown rice and probiotic inclusions help improve gut health
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Key Features
- Brown rice and pearled barley support healthy digestion
- Formulated with patented prebiotics to support gut health
- Contains a blend of over 20 superfoods, which improve your dog’s overall wellbeing
Solid Gold Holistic Dry Dog Food is ideal for Pomeranians that don’t suffer from grain allergies. Contrary to popular belief, its brown rice inclusions can do wonders for aiding digestion and are also an excellent carbohydrate source.
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This iron-rich dog food also contains optimal levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, keeping your Pomeranian’s wistful coat shiny and healthy. These fatty acids boost their immune system and cardiovascular health.
Amid the vast majority of petite-breed-specific dog foods, Solid Gold’s Wee Bit line is formulated with the smallest kibble sizes on the market, making it ideal for Pomeranians of all life stages.
7. Natural Balance Dry Dog Food
Best Limited Ingredient Option: Pomeranians with food aversions won’t be able to resist this mouthwatering limited ingredient kibble
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Key Features
- Limited-ingredient formula contains high-quality proteins like farm-raised duck
- Jam-packed with easily digestible starches and carbohydrates
- Quality-controlled and regularly tested via Buy with Confidence programs
This limited ingredient dog food is perfect for Pomeranians with allergies, irritable bowels, and picky personalities. It includes highly digestible proteins and fibrous carbohydrates such as potatoes and doesn’t contain any grains.
Natural Balance’s limited formula is fortified with essential nutrients such as niacin, vitamin A, and biotin to maintain optimal health, healthy skin and coat, and a hardened immune system. Its omega-3 and omega-6 inclusions are perfect for show dogs or Pomeranians with lush, full coats.
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Natural Balance kibble is also particularly shaped and textured to maintain excellent dental health in smaller breeds and for easier consumption. It is a godsend for smaller jaws and crafted with fun, crunchy textures.
8. Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best High-Protein Dog Food: Enhances and satisfies your Pomeranian’s hyperactive instincts and keeps their energy levels balanced
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Key Features
- Minimum protein levels are at 25%, perfect for smaller, hyperactive dogs
- Includes healthy fibers to aid digestion
- Does not contain any corn, wheat, or soy
Pomeranian owners know the energy this dog has packed into its tiny body. As such, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Dry Dog Food is ideal for active pups that require a higher protein count.
This food’s first ingredient is real chicken, which helps support healthy muscle development and is also a delicious treat for pickier dogs! Carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and pumpkins are grain-free sources that you’ll find in this kibble—a welcome addition to your dog’s energy needs.
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Nature’s Recipe is also jam-packed with antioxidants and minerals to sustain smaller bones that handle a lot of pressure.
Other than its impressive list of proteins, this food also contains antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, peas, and beans to strengthen your growing dog’s ever-changing immune system.
9. Castor & Pollux Organix Dry Dog Food
Best Organic Dog Food: All-natural organic recipe aids sensitive digestion, fills your Pomeranian with pure energy and meets all its nutritional needs
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Key Features
- USDA-certified organic, containing free-range chicken as the first ingredient
- Incorporates a blend of superfoods such as blueberries and flaxseed
- Extremely safe dog food that’s 100% free of grains, corn, and wheat
Castor & Pollux ORGANIX is organically certified and contains chicken raised without added growth hormones. Manufacturers avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides in developing this kibble’s primary protein sources.
This kibble is free of any GMOs and artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. Without any grains, ORGANIX is ideal for dogs with chronic stomach issues.
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It is also made with 26% crude protein, which can comfortably sustain a hyperactive Pomeranian’s boundless energy levels. To boost your dog’s immune system, this food contains organic fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, chickpeas, blueberries, and other micronutrients your dog will benefit from.
Its smaller-sized kibble is ideal for dogs with tiny jaws and who experience trouble chewing.
10. Royal Canin X-Small Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Small Dog Formula: Manufactured to meet the nutritional needs of extra small dogs such as Pomeranians
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Key Features
- Specifically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs weighing roughly 8 pounds or less
- Highly palatable formula will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters
- Digestible proteins suit dogs with sensitive stomachs
As one of the most reputable dog brands in the United States, it’s no wonder Royal Canin’s X-Small Adult dry dog food is a crowd favorite. This specially formulated food suits smaller dogs with petite jaws, diminished bone strength, and sensitive digestive systems.
Though reduced in size, this kibble is highly flavorful, well-textured, and appealing to dogs with less than adventurous palettes.
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Its 22% protein content and 18% fat inclusions suit dogs with faster metabolisms. To aid in digestion, this food has 3.5% blended fiber.
If your dog suffers from poor dental health and is prone to tartar, this food contains calcium chelators to prevent plaque. It is also enriched with added vitamins and minerals.
Basic Nutritional Needs of Pomeranians
Puppy
Pomeranian puppies have hyper-fast metabolisms that burn up calories quickly. To complicate matters, these tiny pups can only consume so much food at a time. Thus, they need smaller and more frequent meals to keep their blood sugar up. Consider feeding your Pomeranian puppy 3 to 4 times a day to support optimal growth.
If you’re unsure about your options, a specifically formulated for smaller breeds has ideal fat and protein levels, is easily digestible, and palatable to picky eaters (if your dog is particularly selective, refer to this guide for picky pups!). On average, a growing Pomeranian puppy will need at least 55 calories per pound.
Adult
Unlike their younger counterparts, Pomeranian adults only require 40 calories per pound, especially if they are already at an optimal weight. Feed your adult Pomeranian a calorie-dense food in smaller portions at least twice a day.
Ensure that this food is rich in micronutrients, antioxidants, and high in protein and fat to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
Senior
If your senior Pomeranian is relatively active and enjoys activities such as running, playing, or even swimming, you can stick to a 40-calorie-per-pound diet. On the other hand, less energetic older Pomeranians might benefit from a lower calorie count, such as 30 per pound.
You can further reduce their meals to once or twice-a-day feeding, depending on their appetite and overall health.
Never overfeed an older pomeranian, as obesity can lead to other health issues such as joint problems, diminished mobility, and even heart disease.
What to Consider When Buying Dog Food for Pomeranians
Proteins & Carbohydrates
Because of their boundless energy and love for play, proteins and carbohydrates are essential to a Pomeranian’s diet. These ingredients help boost your dog’s immune system, repair damaged cells, and build muscle tissue. You can read more about muscle-building ingredients here.
While some all-natural dog foods that contain plant-based proteins such as chickpeas and lentils will suffice, Pomeranians tend to suffer from stomach sensitivities and don’t take well to such ingredients. Thus, you should prioritize high-quality proteins such as poultry, red meat, fish, and eggs.
Consider an option high in fat, as increased levels can help fuel your dog’s energy levels and allow them to maintain regular activity. If your dog is allergic to whole grains, you can replace this carbohydrate source with alternatives like sweet potatoes.
Vitamins & Minerals
As with human supplements, vitamins and minerals can significantly enhance your Pomeranian’s diet. Natural vitamins in fruits and vegetables can support healthy skin and coat nourishment, a robust immune system, and proper function in the eyes, heart, stomach, and brain.
Because some nutrients become destroyed in the heating process, some manufacturers compensate with chemically-derived alternatives. However, these ingredients aren’t detrimental to your dog’s health, like most popular opinions hold. In fact, chelated minerals can ease any digestive problems your Pomeranian might be experiencing.
Fats
Similar to proteins, fats nourish the skin and coat and support more frequent bursts of energy. As such, high levels of it in your Pomeranian’s food is essential.
Other fats you’ll want to keep an eye out for are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which protect the heart, slow the progression of kidney disease, prevent the occurrence of arthritic joints, and improve neurologic development.
Where these fats are sourced will matter to your dog’s health. Ensure that these fats are derived from sources like chicken fat and salmon oil.
Common Health Problems Pomeranians Suffer from
1) Joint & Bone Issues
Though joint and bone issues are more common in larger breeds such as Great Danes and Labrador Retrievers, they also frequently occur in Pomeranians. Because they are incredibly active, health problems such as patellar luxation, which can cause decreased mobility in the hind leg, tend to occur.
Another joint problem Pomeranians are particularly prone to is Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which causes the femoral bone to deteriorate and severely reduce mobility.
Along with regular exercise, a well-curated diet rich in fish oil, proteins, carbohydrates, and fat can help these diseases from occurring. Unfortunately, in some cases, surgery is necessary.
2) Dental Problems
Dental issues such as tartar build-up are prevalent in Pomeranians. Without immediate treatment, tartar can cause infections in the gum and roots and even occasionally lead to cancer in the mouth.
Signs you’ll want to look out for when introducing a new diet to your Pomeranian are swollen gums, bleeding, and build-up. Tooth sensitivity will typically occur in older Pomeranians.
Other than extraction, one way to support a Pomeranian with dental issues is to introduce smaller, softer, and easy-to-chew kibble into their diet. Throw in these dental additives and you won’t have to worry about your Pom’s growing teeth!
3) Eye Disease
Older Pomeranians are at significant risk of developing cataracts as early as four and eventually leading to blindness. Cataracts occur when the eye lens becomes cloudy and are treatable via surgery and maintenance medication.
Another eye problem in Pomeranians is Entropion, which causes the eyelid to roll inwards and rub against the eyelash. The disease is excruciating and can also eventually lead to blindness. Unfortunately, Entropion is hereditary and often difficult to prevent.
Still, you can keep your Pomeranian’s vision sharp by introducing certain ingredients to their meals, such as blueberries, carrots, kale, eggs, and pumpkin, all of which prevent cataract formation.
Questions & Answers
What should you avoid feeding your Pomeranian?
While many budget-friendly diets will meet your Pomeranian’s dietary needs, others contain low-quality ingredients that you should avoid at all costs. These include:
- Fillers: Corn bran, wheat mill run, soybean hulls, and nuts might make a specific kibble look more nutritious but don’t deliver any health benefits. They can also trigger reactions in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Meat by-products: While inherently consumable, meat by-products such as kidneys, hearts, lungs, and intestines don’t provide any additional nutritional value.
- Artificial ingredients: Chemical preservatives and additives such as BHT and BHA tend to cause allergic reactions in Pomeranians.
How can you tell if your Pomeranian is allergic to a specific food?
If your Pomeranian is allergic to a specific kibble, it’ll usually manifest in red, itchy spots, bumps, hair loss, and even vomiting. To determine the cause of the allergy, it’s best to put your Pomeranian on an elimination diet for at least eight weeks.
Remove one ingredient at a time to get the most accurate diagnosis possible. If you don’t see a reduction in symptoms, consult with a veterinary professional immediately.
You can also consult this guide to determine what food alternatives you can introduce into your dog’s diet.
How can you stop your Pomeranian from eating too quickly?
Because of their boundless energy, Pomeranians tend to eat too quickly, leading to indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
To keep your Pomeranian from overeating, keep their bowl in an isolated, quiet, and peaceful area of your home. Ensure that you feed them on time or whet their appetite with a wet food topper.
Alternatively, you can purchase a portioned automatic feeder or spiral bowl.
Can you make home-cooked meals for your Pomeranian?
Yes—because you have total control over what you are feeding your dog, it can benefit their health. Include ingredients such as:
- Proteins: To help your dog sustain frequent bursts of energy, cook using turkey meat, fish, eggs, or lean beef.
- Vegetables: Ingredients like carrots, spinach, cucumbers, green beans, and zucchini can help soothe easily upset stomachs.
- Fruits: Like vegetables, fruits can help prevent diarrhea, cancer, heart disease, eye problems, and tooth decay.
- Carbohydrates: Carbo-load your dog’s meals with healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oatmeal.
Should you feed your Pomeranian wet food?
Some Pomeranians will prefer wet food over dry kibble. However, it isn’t advised that you feed your Pomeranian wet food exclusively, as its high moisture content can exacerbate unwanted bowel movements.
Instead, you can incorporate wet food two to three times a week to make your dog’s kibble more palatable and easier to digest. Alternatively, you can increase your dog’s appetite by mixing in chicken or bone broth with their regular kibble.
