Finding the Best Nutrition for Your Pint-Sized Pup

As a small breed dog owner, you want to make sure you’re providing the very best nutrition tailored to your furry friend’s needs. After all, your small pup has some big health considerations that need to be addressed through diet. That’s where a high-quality small breed dog food like Wholehearted Small Breed can make all the difference.

But with so many pet food options on the market, how do you know if Wholehearted truly is the best choice for your petite pooch? This buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know to decide if Wholehearted Small Breed is the right formula for your small dog.

What Makes Wholehearted Ideal for Small Breeds?

Wholehearted uses premium natural ingredients to create recipes optimized for the unique needs of small breed dogs. Some of the key benefits include:

• Small kibble size: Wholehearted’s kibble is perfectly sized for small mouths and throats, making it easy to pick up and chew. This helps reduce the risk of choking.
• Protein-packed: With a minimum of 27% protein from quality animal sources, Wholehearted Small Breed provides the extra protein small dogs need to maintain lean muscle mass.
• Low-fat: To meet small dogs’ slower metabolism, Wholehearted contains lower fat levels to prevent weight gain.
• Natural ingredients: Wholehearted contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives – only high-quality natural ingredients.
• Digestive care: The guaranteed probiotics and fiber help support healthy digestion, which is especially important for petite pups.
• Joint support: Added glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy joints, mobility, and cartilage.
• Dental health: The kibble size and texture help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
• Antioxidant-rich: Ingredients like blueberries and carrots provide antioxidant support to boost immune health.

So in summary, Wholehearted Small Breed provides tailored nutrition in a crunchy, bite-sized kibble to meet and exceed the unique needs of pint-sized pups. It truly is a premium small breed formula.

How Does Wholehearted Compare to Other Brands?

When it comes to small breed dog food, you’ll find many brands make size-specific recipes. So how does Wholehearted truly stand out from the competition? Here’s an overview:

• More meat-based protein: Wholehearted contains 27-29% protein from quality meat and fish ingredients. Many competing brands use more plant proteins.
• Natural ingredients: Wholehearted contains no artificial additives, whereas some brands use artificial colors and flavors.
• Lower carbohydrates: At 35-38% carbs, Wholehearted has fewer fillers and more nutrition. Some brands exceed 45% carbs.
• Better omega fatty acid ratio: Wholehearted boasts an optimal balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
• Made in the USA: Wholehearted is manufactured in US-based facilities under strict quality control. Some competitor brands produce food overseas.
• Competitive pricing: Though premium, Wholehearted costs less than brands like Orijen and Stella & Chewy’s but more than budget brands like Pedigree.

So while every brand has its own take on small breed nutrition, Wholehearted sets itself apart with its focus on natural, protein-rich ingredients in optimal ratios for small dog health.

Is Wholehearted Suitable for Puppies?

With its tailored nutrition and digestibility, Wholehearted Small Breed is a fantastic option for small breed puppies. The crunchy kibble texture is great for developing young jaws while helping clean growing teeth. And the guaranteed probiotics support digestive health during this sensitive life stage.

Of course, you’ll want to follow feeding guidelines carefully based on your puppy’s projected adult weight. Small breed puppies can be prone to obesity, so proper portion control is key. The bag provides a puppy feeding chart to help you determine the right daily amounts as your pup grows.

With its premium nutrition packed into a tiny, crunchy bite, Wholehearted Small Breed puppy food gives your pint-sized pup a healthy headstart. Just be sure to transition slowly from any previous food to avoid digestive upset.

Where to Buy Wholehearted Small Breed Dog Food

Wholehearted dog food is sold at select independent pet retailers across the United States. You can use the store locator on their website to find a seller near you.

Some independent online pet food retailers may also carry Wholehearted formulas. You can often save a bit on shipping costs and take advantage of autoship discounts when ordering online.

Prices at local stores and online will vary, but expect to spend $50-70 for a 25 lb bag. Subscribing for regular autoship deliveries can help you save 10-15%.

For the widest selection of recipes, including newer formulas and trial sizes, check Chewy.com. They frequently run discounts and promos on Wholehearted products as well.

Wherever you choose to shop, be sure to browse both in-store and online to find the best deal on your desired recipe. With a high-quality food like Wholehearted, your small pup is worth it!

Key Ingredients in Wholehearted Small Breed Dog Food

Wholehearted uses purposefully chosen natural ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of small dogs. Here are some of the key components:

• Deboned chicken, turkey, or fish: Quality animal proteins provide amino acids for lean muscle mass.
• Chicken, turkey, and fish meals: Concentrated meat meals add more protein while enhancing flavor.
• Oatmeal: A nutritious whole grain source of fiber to support digestion.
• Peas and chickpeas: Legumes add plant protein and important carbohydrates for energy.
• Blueberries and carrots: Antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies support nutritional balance.
• Flaxseed: A plant-based source of omega-3s for skin and coat health.
• Dried chicory root: Adds prebiotic fiber to feed good gut bacteria.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin: Joint supplements to maintain mobility and flexibility.
• Sunflower oil: A natural source of vitamin E and linoleic acid.
• Natural flavor: Derived from real meat and veggies to optimize palatability.

By avoiding artificial additives, Wholehearted lets these natural ingredients really shine through to provide complete and balanced small breed nutrition.

Feeding Guidelines Based on Your Dog’s Size

Since small breed dogs range greatly in size, from tiny Chihuahuas to sturdy Corgis, Wholehearted provides detailed feeding guidelines based on your pup’s weight. Here are the recommended daily servings:

• 1 – 5 lbs: 1/4 to 1/2 cup
• 6 – 10 lbs: 1/2 to 3/4 cup
• 11 – 15 lbs: 3/4 to 1 cup
• 16 – 20 lbs: 1 to 1 1/4 cups

Puppies should be fed at the higher end of the range based on projected adult weight. Feed adults near the lower end for less active dogs or higher amounts for active lifestyles. Always adjust amounts based on your individual dog’s body condition.

For puppies, divide the daily portion into 3-4 smaller meals. Adult dogs can be fed just once or twice a day. But remember, these are just general guidelines. Monitor your dog closely and adjust as needed to maintain optimal weight and health.

Available Flavors and Recipes

One great perk of Wholehearted’s small breed line is that it comes in a variety of flavors to please even the pickiest pup!

Dry recipes include:

• Small Breed Chicken & Pea Recipe
• Small Breed Turkey & Lentil Recipe
• Small Breed Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
• Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe (for sensitive tummies)

Wet food offerings feature:

• Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew
• Beef and Vegetable Stew
• Chicken and Rice Stew

With recipes focused on quality protein sources like chicken, turkey, salmon, and beef, you can find a flavor sure to tempt your tiny dog’s tastebuds.

And for pups with food sensitivities, they offer grain-free and limited ingredient recipes too. Overall, Wholehearted’s variety helps keep even little pups excited about mealtime.

Is Wholehearted Small Breed Completely Grain-Free?

While Wholehearted does offer select grain-free varieties, not all of their small breed recipes are completely grain-free. Their regular line contains grain ingredients like oatmeal, barley, and brown rice.

So if your dog needs a completely grain-inclusive diet, be sure to choose one of their designated grain-free recipes like:

• Small Breed Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Recipe
• Small Breed Grain-Free Salmon & Lentil Recipe

Otherwise, their standard recipes utilize grain ingredients deemed highly digestible and nutritious for dogs. Unless your pup has a specific sensitivity, these grain-inclusive recipes are perfectly healthy.

Just check each formula’s ingredients list closely since grain content varies slightly between recipes. But whether you go grain-free or not, all of their recipes are free from corn, wheat, and soy.

Transitioning Your Dog to Wholehearted Small Breed

When introducing any new food, it’s important to transition gradually over 7-10 days. Here are some tips for switching your small breed dog to a Wholehearted diet:

• Slowly mix increasing amounts of the new food into your dog’s current food.
• Try ratios like 25% new and 75% old for a couple days, then 50/50, then 75% new food.
• Gradual change allows your dog’s digestive system to adapt to the new protein sources and fiber content.
• Keep an eye out for any digestive upset like loose stool or excess gas. Slow the transition if needed.
• Cut back slightly on total volume to account for increased calories and nutrient density of Wholehearted.
• Once fully switched after 7-10 days, monitor your dog for improved energy, skin and coat!

Transitioning properly is key, but soon your small pup will be enjoying all the tailored nutrition in Wholehearted Small Breed formulas.

Are There Any Recalls of Wholehearted Pet Food?

As a pet owner, you want reassurance that the brand you choose values food safety. The good news is Wholehearted dog food currently has no recalls according to the FDA. This gives you peace of mind that they follow rigorous quality control from ingredient sourcing to final production.

Wholehearted is manufactured in the USA in facilities adhering to strict standards. And every batch is tested for contaminants and proper nutrition. Their commitment to safety will ensure your small pup only gets the very best.

Of course, it’s smart to stay updated since the pet food industry can be unpredictable. But you can feed Wholehearted’s natural recipes with total confidence thanks to their excellent track record.

What Reviews Say About Wholehearted Small Breed

Unsurprisingly, Wholehearted recipes receive glowing reviews from most pet parents of small breed dogs. Just look at these rave reviews:

• “My anxious Yorkie has much more energy and less upset stomach on this food.”
• “It has everything my picky Maltese needs in a bite-sized piece he loves.”
• “My senior Chihuahua’s coat looks amazing now and she’s acting years younger.”
• “My Pom’s teeth are so much cleaner and eyes brighter after switching to Wholehearted.”
• “The variety of flavors makes it easy to rotate and keep my tiny dog interested.”
• “My min pin puppy loves the taste and thrives on the small kibble size.”

Based on most reviews, the natural ingredients, tailored nutrition, digestibility, and palatability of Wholehearted are ideal for pleasing small pups and pet parents alike. Just be sure to transition slowly between recipes.

How Wholehearted Supports Small Dog Health

From tiny teacup breeds to petite but energetic companions, small dogs have some unique health needs that Wholehearted is designed to address, including:

• Dental health: Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so Wholehearted’s crunchy kibble texture helps scrub away plaque and tartar for cleaner teeth.
• Joint health: A lifetime of play can stress small joints, so added glucosamine/chondroitin keeps joints flexible. Smaller kibble pieces also cause less joint strain during chewing.
• Muscle mass: Higher protein levels allow tiny pups to maintain more lean muscle mass despite their size and faster metabolism.
• Weight management: Lower fat content coupled with fiber and protein provides a leaner calorie profile ideal for small dogs’ slower metabolism.
• Digestion: Guaranteed probiotics and prebiotic fiber support healthy and regular digestion in petite digestive systems.

By tailoring key nutritional factors to meet small breeds’ needs, Wholehearted provides complete health support.

What’s the Price Range for Wholehearted Small Breed?

Made with premium natural ingredients, Wholehearted Small Breed sits at a mid-range price point compared to competitors. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

• MSRP: $50-70 per 25 lb bag
• Store prices: $48-65 per 25 lb bag
• Online prices: $45-60 per 25 lb bag
• Chewy price: $50-68 per 25 lb bag

As you shop around, Chewy tends to offer the most competitive pricing. Signing up for autoship subscriptions can also save you 10% or more.

Compared to budget brands, Wholehearted costs more. But it’s lower than ultra-premium brands like Orijen for small breeds. Considering the quality, Wholehearted offers great value for natural nutrition tailored to your petite pup!

Is Wholehearted Good for Dogs with Allergies?

Thanks to its limited ingredient recipes with novel proteins, Wholehearted can be an excellent solution for small dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.

Options like the Small Breed Grain-Free Salmon & Lentil formula contain a single novel protein and carbohydrate source. Great for eliminating ingredients that may be causing an adverse reaction.

The Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is designed for gentle digestion with easily digestible rice and protein.

And all recipes are free of corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives. Limiting the ingredient panel helps minimize risk of triggering food allergies.

As with any pet food change, transition slowly while watching for allergic symptoms. But for allergy-prone pups, Wholehearted can provide welcome relief. Be sure to consult your vet for tailored diet advice.

How is Wholehearted Packaged for Freshness?

To preserve the delicate nutrients within, Wholehearted uses specialized packaging:

• Dry food is packaged in bags made with foil barriers to block oxygen and light. This prevents vitamin degradation and staleness.
• Cans used for wet food have BPA-free liners to avoid chemical contamination.
• Lids provide an airtight seal to lock in moisture and flavor while preventing spoilage.
• Natural preservatives like tocopherols (from vegetables) help maintain freshness.
• Lot numbers and Best By dates are printed on each package for tracking purposes.

By focusing on high-quality packaging suited to pet food, Wholehearted retains nutrients and minimizes environmental impact. Their packaging keeps ingredients at their freshest for your dog’s optimal nutrition.

Does Wholehearted Provide a High-Protein Diet?

With a minimum of 27% protein from quality animal sources, Wholehearted Small Breed contains significantly higher protein than many competing brands.

This meets the increased protein needs of small dogs to maintain healthy muscle mass. High protein also helps keep small dogs feeling satisfied between meals.

And unlike some high-protein diets, Wholehearted derives protein from fresh meats like chicken, turkey, and fish rather than plant sources. This provides more complete amino acid nutrition.

So while the fiber blend adds some plant proteins, the bulk comes straight from quality animal ingredients. Giving your small pup a protein-packed nutrition boost.

What is the Shelf Life of Wholehearted Small Breed?

Unopened, Wholehearted Small Breed has an excellent shelf life of:

• Dry dog food: 15 months
• Canned/wet food: 18 months

This shelf life duration from the manufacturing date allows good stock rotation in stores. And gives you plenty of time to use it at home once opened.

For dry food, once opened, seal the bag tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Use within 4-6 weeks for optimal freshness and to avoid degradation of oils and fats over time. Canned food must be refrigerated once opened and used within 5-7 days.

Follow “best by” dates on the packaging and your nose for freshness. But thanks to airtight packaging, Wholehearted stays fresher for longer than many competitor brands.

Proper Storage to Keep Wholehearted Food Fresh

Storing your Wholehearted dog food correctly helps retain its nutritional integrity:

• Dry food: Seal the bag tightly between feedings to block moisture and air. Store in a cool, dry pantry or cabinet away from light sources like appliances.
• Canned food: Refrigerate unused portions immediately after opening, or transfer to airtight containers for minimal air exposure. Use ice cube trays to freeze small single-serving portions.
• Avoid temperature extremes: Don’t store anywhere with high humidity or temperature fluctuations from hot garages to freezing basements.
• Use within 4-6 weeks after opening dry food for optimal flavor and nutrition. Finish cans within 5-7 days.
• First in, first out: Feed oldest packages first and check “best by” dates frequently.

By keeping air and moisture out and avoiding extreme temperatures, you’ll keep those healthy ingredients at their very best!

Any Coupons Available for Wholehearted?

As a newer brand, Wholehearted doesn’t always offer as many regular discounts and deals compared to big names. But here are some tips for savings:

• Browse the Wholehearted website for any promotions, freebies, and coupon codes. Sign up for their newsletter to receive special offers.
• Check your local pet supply stores for any in-store sales, discounts, or coupons on Wholehearted recipes. Sometimes you can save when buying in bulk.
• Online retailers like Chewy frequently run promotions where you can save 10-15% on Wholehearted. Watch for sitewide sales, auto-ship discounts, and product bundles.
• Buy larger bags which offer a lower cost per pound. Split into smaller portions to maximize freshness.
• Considering the premium ingredients, Wholehearted offers solid value. Focus on quality over cost.

While deals aren’t always available, you can find the occasional promotion if you’re patient. But rest assured your small pup is worth paying a little extra for top-notch nutrition.

Nutritional Analysis of Wholehearted Small Breed

Guaranteed analysis provides key details about the nutritional makeup of Wholeheart Small Breed formulas:

• Crude protein – min. 27%
• Crude fat – min. 15%
• Crude fiber – max. 5%
• Moisture – max. 10%
• Calorie content – around 408 kcal/cup
• Glucosamine – min. 250 mg/kg
• Chondroitin – min. 100 mg/kg
• Omega-6 fatty acids – 1.5-2.5%*
• Omega-3 fatty acids – 0.5-1%*

*^(Ratios may vary slightly between recipes)_

This analysis highlights the higher protein, lower fat, natural fiber, and balanced omega fatty acid levels optimal for small breed nutrition. Providing complete details of the tailored nutritional makeup in every ingredient.