Best Dog Food for Pomeranians [2023] : 15 Healthy Recipes Ranked for Budget, Diet, and Life Stage

The Pomeranian is the tiniest of the Spitz breeds, identifiable as such for his double coat, his foxlike face, and the fact that he carries his tail curled up over his back.

Pomeranians are the epitome of the large dog personality in a small dog’s body. They are spunky and full of life, just as eager to spend time with family at home or to go out and explore the world. This breed is ideal for apartment and condo life and for people who want the feel of a big dog without the challenges that come with owning a large-breed dog. Just know that this breed requires a lot of attention and affection on a daily basis.

The Pomeranian is thought to have been bred down in size from larger Spitz breeds in Northern Europe and early specimens of the breed weighed between 20 and 30 pounds. The modern Pomeranian stands 8 to 12 inches tall and weighs 3 to 7 pounds.

Though the Pomeranian may be small, his needs for a high-quality diet are just as high as for any other breed. These dogs need plenty of protein for healthy muscles with high levels of fat in their diet to support their fast metabolism. They can also benefit from joint-supporting nutrients to prevent musculoskeletal issues and they tend to do best on dry food due to their propensity for dental issues.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

Understanding a Pomeranian’s Diet Requirements

Your Pomeranian requires a high-quality diet rich in calories and nutrients. The majority of his nutrition should come from animal sources like meat, poultry, and fish because his body is evolved to derive nutrition more efficiently from animal than from plant sources. Animal proteins are also complete proteins which means that they provide all 10 of the essential amino acids your dog needs. Fats should also come from animal sources like chicken fat and salmon oil.

Dogs do not have specific needs for carbohydrate in their diet. The most important thing is that the carbohydrates are easy to digest. This might mean whole grains or it might mean grain-free carbohydrates like vegetables, beans, and legumes – it all depends on whether your dog is allergic to grains or not. Just make sure carbohydrates come from high-quality sources and that the total fiber content of the diet doesn’t exceed 5%.

• Puppy Pomeranians Diet – When your Pomeranian is a puppy, he needs a lot of protein and calories to fuel his growth and development. His minimum requirements are 22% protein and 8% fat, though a fat level between 15% and 20% is better and more protein is better as well. The best way to make sure his needs are met is to feed him a toy- or small-breed puppy food.
• Adult Pomeranians Diet – As an adult, your Pomeranian still needs plenty of protein and fat, but his minimum requirements go down to 18% protein and 5% fat. Look for a high-quality toy- or small-breed adult recipe and follow the feeding recommendations according to his age and body weight.
• Senior Pomeranians Diet – Some Pomeranians slow down as they age, while others do not. It is always a good idea to revisit your dog’s feeding recommendations as he gets older – you may find that you need to reduce his feeding a little bit to prevent obesity. Joint-supporting nutrients may also become more important for your Pomeranian as he gets older.

In addition to the optimal balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrate in his diet, your Pomeranian can also benefit from certain supplements. Chelated minerals provide a biologically valuable source of key minerals and vitamin supplements help ensure nutritional balance. Prebiotics support healthy gut flora and probiotics support regular digestion. All of these can be beneficial for your Pomeranian.

Special Dietary Considerations for Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is generally a very healthy breed, though all dog breeds are prone to developing certain health problems. Many of the health problems seen in this breed are related to his small size, though there are some inherited health problems to consider as well. Pomeranians also seem to have a higher risk for food allergies and sensitivities than other breeds.

Here is a quick list of the health problems to which the Pomeranian may be prone:

• Allergies
• Cataracts
• Collapsed Trachea
• Dental Problems
• Epilepsy
• Hip Dysplasia
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
• Patellar Luxation
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Most of the Pomeranian’s health problems can be grouped into categories such as eye problems, musculoskeletal issues, and allergies. Let’s take a closer look at some of these health problems.

Some of the eye problems to which the Pomeranian breed is prone include cataracts, tear duct problems, and progressive retinal atrophy. A cataract is an opacity that forms in the lens of the eye, causing a partial or total obstruction of vision. They are not painful and generally don’t require treatment unless they luxate. Tear duct problems can lead either to dry eyes or to tear stains, both of which are treatable. Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition that leads to a progressive loss of vision.

It is somewhat surprising that Pomeranians are prone to several musculoskeletal problems most commonly seen in larger breeds, but it is likely due to their small size. Hip dysplasia is characterized by a malformation of the hip joint which causes the femoral head to slip in and out of place. Patellar luxation is a similar problem affecting the kneecap. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is different – it is caused by reduce blood flow to the femoral head which results in progressive bone deterioration and atrophy of the leg muscle.

Other problems to which the Pomeranian is prone include dental problems caused by their small anatomy and allergies. Pomeranians suffer from a wide range of allergies including skin reactions to environmental allergies and allergies to food ingredients. Feeding your Pomeranian a limited ingredient diet free from artificial additives will greatly reduce the risk for triggering food allergies. High-quality and digestible ingredients are important as well.

Pomeranian Feeding Chart

The Pomeranian is a toy breed by size but a big breed by heart. These dogs do not have high needs for exercise, but they can be very active and energetic. This, combined with their fast metabolism, equates to a need for a steady influx of energy in the form of a calorie- and nutrient-dense diet. The best dog food for Pomeranians is a toy- or small-breed diet formulated for dogs of your Pomeranian’s life stage.

As a puppy, your Pomeranian needs at least three but probably four meals a day to fuel his growth and development. You could also keep your dog’s food bowl full as long as he doesn’t have a tendency to overeat. When he reaches full size, you may still want to keep him on the puppy food until he reaches 8 to 12 months of age, just to make sure he gets the right nutrients in the right ratios.

When your Pomeranian is an adult, feed him a toy- or small-breed adult recipe and divide his daily portion into three or four meals, depending on his activity level. Refer to the feeding recommendation on the package to determine his total daily portion and divide it by the desired number of meals. When your Pomeranian becomes a senior, around 7 to 9 years, you might need to go down to two meals a day or simply reduce the amount you feed him at each meal to prevent obesity.

The Best Dog Food for Pomeranians: Our Top 15 Picks for 2023

Now that you have a better understanding of your Pomeranian’s nutritional needs, you can start shopping for a dog food to meet those needs. The best dog food for Pomeranians will be made with healthy, wholesome ingredients including animal-based proteins and fats with digestible carbohydrates.

Keep in mind that Pomeranians have a high risk for food allergies, so a limited ingredient diet may be best, and some dogs may do well with a grain-free diet. Here are our top 15 picks:

Our 2023 Picks: Best Pomeranian Food Recommendations:
Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	FirstMate Small Bites Australian Lamb Meal Formula LID Dry Food Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.96/lb	A+
Most Affordable	Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Small Breed Salmon & Whitefish Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.09/lb	A+
Most Popular	Taste Of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.69/lb	A+
Super Premium	NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Buy Online Customer Reviews	Varies	A+
Allergies	Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.00/lb	A
Sensitive Stomachs	Blue Buffalo Wilderness Toy Breed Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.79/lb	A

FirstMate Small Bites Australian Lamb Meal Formula LID Dry Food

Overall Best Food for Pomeranians: Though it is very expensive, this FirstMate Small Bites Australian Lamb Meal Formula LID Dry Food is worth every penny if your Pomeranian has food allergies or you simply want to feed him the highest quality diet you can afford. This recipe features a single source of novel protein (Australian lamb) and is made with a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk for food allergies and sensitivities. It contains 78% animal-based ingredients and 22% vegetables and supplements, making it highly digestible as well. Plus, it is supplemented with glucosamine for joint support and prebiotics for digestion.

• Pros: Single source of novel protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, limited number of ingredients, no artificial additives, fresh fruits and vegetables, prebiotics, chelated minerals, glucosamine
• Cons: Very expensive as a staple diet, some dogs may be sensitive to potatoes

Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Small Breed Salmon & Whitefish Recipe

Most Affordable Food: If you have a limited budget to work with but you still want to do what’s best for your Pomeranian, consider this Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Small Breed Salmon & Whitefish Recipe. This formula features salmon meal as the main ingredient which is a highly concentrated source of protein and a good source of omega fatty acids. This recipe also contains nutrient-rich chicken fat for energy and grain-free carbohydrates like peas, potatoes, and chickpeas. It is formulated specifically for small breeds and, because it is free from artificial additives, it has a low risk of triggering food allergies.

• Pros: Protein-rich salmon meal as first ingredient, rich in omega fatty acids, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, nutrient-rich chicken fat, chelated minerals, probiotic supplements
• Cons: May be too high in fiber for some dogs, some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe

Most Popular Food: If you’re not sure what kind of dog food is best for your Pomeranian, you can’t go wrong with a popular choice like Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe. This formula is designed for small breeds and made with an assortment of high-quality, all-natural ingredients. This, combined with the fact that it is naturally grain-free, means that there is a low risk for triggering food allergies or sensitivities. This recipe features real venison as the main ingredient with supplemental proteins like lamb, duck, and ocean fish. It also contains plenty of essential fatty acids, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, and probiotic supplements for healthy digestion.

• Pros: Formulated for small breeds, all-natural and grain-free, low risk for food allergies, real venison first ingredient, several supplemental proteins, rich in healthy fats, probiotics
• Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein), first source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)

NomNom Fresh Food Delivery

Super Premium Food: If you want to give your Pomeranian the best of the best and money is no object, consider NomNom, a fresh dog food delivery service. This service provides freshly prepared meals for dogs delivered right to your doorstep. All you have to do is fill out a profile online and select a recipe then you get automatic shipments that are ready to feed. You’ll receive your order automatically each month and you can refrigerate or freeze the packets until you need them. Every packet is customized according to your dog’s needs and made from the freshest ingredients.

• Pros: Fresh ingredients, delivered monthly, automatic deliveries, recipes customized to your dog’s needs, high in nutritional quality, prepared fresh every time
• Cons: May not be as good for dental health as dry food, very expensive to feed everyday

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food

Best Food for Pomeranians with Allergies: If your Pomeranian suffers from food allergies, you want to limit the number of ingredients in his diet to avoid triggering them. This Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food is a good idea because it is a grain-free and limited ingredient diet made only with all-natural ingredients. Featuring protein-rich salmon and salmon meal, this recipe is also rich in omega fatty acids to support your Pomeranian’s skin and coat plus it has probiotics for healthy digestion. All in all, this recipe provides 29% protein and 14% fat with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

• Pros: Made with a limited number of ingredients, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, all-natural ingredients, real salmon as main ingredient, chelated minerals, probiotics
• Cons: First source of fat is plant-based (canola oil), could be a little higher in fat

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Toy Breed Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe

Best Food for Pomeranians with Sensitive Stomachs: For Pomeranians with sensitive stomachs, you need a highly digestible recipe free from low-quality fillers and artificial additives. This Blue Buffalo Wilderness Toy Breed Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is a good option because it is very rich in protein and healthy fats but made with highly digestible ingredients. This formula is uniquely designed for toy breeds and it also has an ideal blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Overall, this recipe provides 36% protein and 16% fat with chelated minerals for nutritional support and probiotics for digestion.

• Pros: All-natural ingredients free from additives, highly digestible, high-quality protein, blend of omega fatty acids, designed for toy breeds, chelated minerals, probiotics
• Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein), some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients

3 more Top Rated (5 Star) Pomeranian Adult Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Adult Food	Solid Gold Mighty Mini Chicken, Chickpeas, & Pumpkin Grain-Free Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.84/lb	A+
Adult Food	Holistic Select Small & Mini Breed Adult Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meal Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$4.74/lb	A
Adult Food	Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Adult Deboned Chicken Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.49/lb	A-

Solid Gold Mighty Mini Chicken, Chickpeas, & Pumpkin Grain-Free Recipe

Formulated specifically for small and toy breed adults, this Solid Gold Mighty Mini Chicken, Chickpeas, & Pumpkin Grain-Free Recipe would make a great option for your Pomeranian. Not only is it made with all-natural ingredients, but it is grain-free and supplemented with probiotics for healthy digestion. You’ll also be glad to know that it is very rich in protein and fat – 30% and 20%, respectively.

Holistic Select Small & Mini Breed Adult Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meal Recipe

To make sure your Pomeranian’s nutritional needs are met with the lowest risk for food allergies, try this Holistic Select Small & Mini Breed Adult Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meal Recipe. This formula features all-natural ingredients including anchovy and sardine meal, chickpeas, and fresh fruits and veggies to ensure optimal nutrition. It also contains chelated minerals and probiotics for healthy digestion.

Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Adult Deboned Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food formulated specifically for toy breeds like your Pomeranian, try this Wellness Complete Health Toy Breed Adult Deboned Chicken Recipe. This recipe features deboned chicken as the main ingredient with the ideal balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrate to meet your dog’s needs. It also contains glucosamine for joint support, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and the crunchy texture keeps your dog’s teeth clean.

3 More Top Rated (5 Star) Pomeranian Puppy Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Puppy Food	Canidae PURE Petite LID Salmon Formula Small Breed Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.13/lb	A+
Puppy Food	Lotus Oven-Baked Small Bites Chicken Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$4.37/lb	A
Puppy Food	Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Turkey, Oatmeal, & Salmon Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.63/lb	A

Canidae PURE Petite LID Salmon Formula Small Breed Puppy Recipe

Because Pomeranians have a higher risk for food allergies than other dogs, you may want to start your puppy with a limited ingredient diet like this Canidae PURE Petite LID Salmon Formula Small Breed Puppy Recipe. Not only is it made with a limited number of ingredients, but it is formulated especially for small breeds and contains an ideal blend of animal protein and fat. Plus, it has a freeze-dried raw coating for a boost of nutrition and natural flavor.

Lotus Oven-Baked Small Bites Chicken Puppy Recipe

Your Pomeranian puppy deserves the best and this Lotus Oven-Baked Small Bites Chicken Puppy Recipe is a great option. This recipe features plenty of high-quality protein from chicken and fish ingredients with digestible whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal. It also contains plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber and to provide natural sources for key nutrients.

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Turkey, Oatmeal, & Salmon Recipe

To nourish your Pomeranian’s body from the inside out, choose a recipe made with all-natural ingredients like this Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Turkey, Oatmeal, & Salmon Recipe. Featuring deboned turkey and chicken for premium animal protein and salmon meal as a natural source of DHA, this recipe provides everything your puppy needs to grow properly. You’ll also be glad to know that it contains probiotics for digestive support.

2 More Picks for Senior Pomeranian Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Senior Food	Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Senior Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.84/lb	A
Senior Food	Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.27/lb	A

Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Senior Recipe

As your Pomeranian gets older, his risk for developing food allergies increases so you might want to choose a grain-free recipe like this Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Senior Recipe. This formula features premium animal protein with no by-products or artificial additives and it contains L-carnitine for heart health. It is also rich in immune-boosting antioxidants and prebiotics and probiotics for healthy and regular digestion.

Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior Recipe

Formulated to meet your Pomeranian’s changing dietary needs, this Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior Recipe is a great option. This formula features real chicken and sweet potato in a highly digestible recipe that is free from artificial additives and low-quality fillers. It also contains ideal levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Our FAQ and Pomeranian Feeding Guide

The quality of your Pomeranian’s diet is extremely important but even the highest quality dog food won’t do your dog any good if it loses its nutritional value. After you open a bag of dog food, it starts to go bad. Dry food has a much longer shelf-life than other types of food, but exposure to air can cause it to lose some of its nutritional integrity. The best way to keep dog food fresh is to place the entire bag in an airtight container because the inside of the bag is treated to help keep the food fresh.

When it comes to feeding your Pomeranian, choose a high-quality bowl that is easy to clean. Because your dog is only eating a half cup at a time (give or take), you’ll only need a small bowl, so it shouldn’t be expensive to buy one of high quality. Look for stainless steel and ceramic materials because they are easy to clean, and they don’t scratch. Scratches can harbor dangerous bacteria and that’s not something you want to expose your dog to. You should also wash the bowls on a regular basis.

And now, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about feeding a Pomeranian:

How much food should I feed my Pomeranian?

Generally speaking, your Pomeranian will only be eating about ½ to 1 cup of food per day, depending on the calorie content. The most important thing is to choose a dog food formulated for toy or small breeds to ensure that it is rich in calories and nutrients. From there, follow the feeding recommendations according to your dog’s age and body weight. Remember, these recommendations are for the whole day, so you’ll need to divide that amount by the number of meals you feed your Pomeranian.

How many times a day should I feed my Pomeranian?

Most Pomeranians do well on three meals a day, though your dog’s needs may vary according to his activity level. Most Pomeranians have low needs for exercise, but some can be very active. Make sure your puppy gets three or four meals a day to fuel his growth and development, then reevaluate when he reaches full size. You may need to revisit your dog’s feeding schedule again when he becomes a senior around 7 to 9 years, but three meals a day may still be right.

What kind of food do Pomeranians eat?

The quality of your Pomeranian’s diet is more important than the type of food you choose. Keep in mind, however, that these dogs are highly prone to dental health issues, so dry food is preferable to wet food because it helps keep your dog’s teeth clean by scraping away plaque and tartar. Pomeranians are also prone to allergies, so a high-quality diet such as a raw food, freeze-dried, or dehydrated food may be a good choice. You can also mix it with kibble to get the dental benefits of dry food.

What vegetables are good in a Pomeranian food?

Many high-quality dog foods contain fresh fruits and vegetables as supplemental fiber and to provide natural sources for key vitamins and minerals. You can also feed your dog fresh vegetables as a healthy snack. Here are some of the best vegetables for dogs:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Sweet potato
• Zucchini

If you’re going to feed your Pomeranian fresh vegetables, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned and only feed small amounts. Any treats, even if they are healthy, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily diet.

Do Pomeranians need grain-free dog food?

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding grain-free dog food these days because there is some evidence to suggest that it may increase the risk of heart problems. Pomeranians are not particularly prone to heart problems, however, and they are prone to allergies, so a grain-free diet might be the right fit for some dogs. If your dog has recurrent ear infections or skin problems, it could be a sign of a grain allergy and switching to a grain-free diet could help.

Pomeranian Dog Food – A Final Word

To make sure your Pomeranian enjoys a happy and healthy life, take the time to learn everything you can about his nutritional needs and make sure you pick a high-quality dog food. The best dog food for Pomeranians is made of wholesome ingredients, ideally a limited number of them, with a focus on premium protein, healthy animal fats, and digestible carbohydrates with beneficial supplements as needed to ensure balanced nutrition.

If you’re still not sure where to start in choosing the best Pomeranian dog food, try one of our top 15 picks reviewed above!