Last updated: April 2025
Disclosure: This article is based on independent testing and personal experience with our test dogs. We are not sponsored by Purina; opinions are our own. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.
The best Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dog Food is the Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula because it combines real chicken as the first ingredient with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive health, and it's formulated specifically for dogs under 20 pounds. In our testing, we found that this formula consistently outperformed others in palatability and stool quality.
Quick answer
Purina Pro Plan Small Breed is a complete and balanced dry dog food for adult small breed dogs under 20 pounds. It comes in several formulas including Chicken and Rice, Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice, Shredded Blend Beef and Rice, and a Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice option. All include guaranteed live probiotics for digestive support. This small breed dog food is designed to meet the higher calorie density and smaller kibble size needs of small dogs, as recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for complete and balanced nutrition.
Key takeaways:
- Real chicken is the first ingredient in the chicken-based formulas.
- All recipes include guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive health (a benefit recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association).
- The Shredded Blend line mixes crunchy kibble with tender pieces, appealing to picky eaters.
- There is a Sensitive Skin and Stomach formula for dogs with food sensitivities.
Main explanation
I have been feeding small breed dogs for over a decade. My current pair is a 9-pound Chihuahua mix and a 14-pound Miniature Pinscher. They have very different needs. The Chi mix has a sensitive stomach. The Min Pin eats anything that doesn't eat him first. So I have tested a lot of food. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed is one I keep coming back to. Let me be clear about what this stuff is. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed is a complete and balanced dry dog food formulated for adult dogs under 20 pounds. That is the official line from Chewy. Real chicken is the first ingredient in the chicken and rice formulas. That matters. Small dogs need high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass, and chicken is a solid source.
But here is the thing. Not all small breed dogs are the same. Some need more calories per pound. Some have sensitive stomachs. Some are picky. Purina Pro Plan addresses this with multiple formulas. You have the standard Chicken and Rice formula. You have the Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice which adds tender pieces mixed in with the crunchy kibble. You have a Shredded Blend Beef and Rice option. And there is a Sensitive Skin and Stomach formula with Salmon and Rice. I have tried the Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice with my dogs. The kibble is small. That matters for little mouths. My Chihuahua mix struggles with larger kibble, she just pushes it around her bowl. The Pro Plan pieces are tiny enough for her to grab and crunch. The shredded pieces are a nice texture change. In our testing, we found that the texture variety significantly increased food intake in picky dogs, compared to the standard kibble. Casey's Reviews on Amazon Live did a full breakdown of this food. Real chicken, rice, and probiotics. That is the core formula. You can see the kibble up close in that video. It looks like what you would expect from a quality small breed kibble. Small pieces, consistent shape, not a ton of dust in the bag.
Now let me talk about the different options. Because this is where it gets confusing. We evaluated each formula based on ingredient quality, palatability with our test dogs, stool quality, and coat condition over a 6-week period.
What is the Chicken and Rice Formula?
This is the standard. Real chicken is the first ingredient. It is high-protein. It is designed for adult small breed dogs under 20 pounds. The Chewy listing says it offers 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition per AAFCO standards. I have fed this one. It works. My dogs have good energy, solid stools, healthy coats. No complaints.
What is the Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice?
This is the same base formula but with shredded pieces mixed in. The kibble is crunchy. The shredded bits are softer. My dogs prefer this over the standard. They pick out the shredded pieces first. Then they eat the kibble. It is a texture thing. If your dog is picky, this is the one to try.
What is the Shredded Blend Beef and Rice?
Same concept as the chicken shredded blend but with beef. Walmart lists this as an 18 lb bag option. It has guaranteed live probiotics. My dogs are not huge beef fans but some dogs love it. If your dog is bored with chicken, this is a good switch.
What is the Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice?
This one is for dogs with food sensitivities. Salmon is the protein source instead of chicken. It is a 4 lb bag. My Chihuahua mix has a sensitive stomach. This formula works well for her. No vomiting. No loose stools. The salmon smell is strong but dogs love it. If your dog has similar issues, you might find our guide to the best dog food for allergies and sensitive stomach helpful for exploring other options.
Every formula in the Pro Plan Small Breed line includes guaranteed live probiotics. That is a big deal. Probiotics help with digestion. They support the immune system. According to the American Kennel Club, live probiotics can improve gut health in dogs. Small dogs have fast metabolisms. Their digestive systems can be touchy. Live probiotics help keep things running smoothly. I have noticed less gas with my dogs on this food. That is a win for everyone in the house.
Amazon lists Purina Pro Plan Small Breed as natural dog food for small breeds. That is a broad claim. It does not mean organic or grain-free. It means the ingredients are natural with added vitamins and minerals. If you are looking for a grain-free option, this is not it. The formulas include rice. But for most small breed dogs, rice is fine. It is digestible. It provides energy. You can get this in 6 lb bags. You can get it in 18 lb bags. The 6 lb bags are good for trying it out. The 18 lb bags are better value if your dog likes it. I buy the 18 lb bag for my two dogs. It lasts about two months. Proper storage is key to keeping it fresh, see our guide on how to store dog food properly.
This food is for adult small breed dogs under 20 pounds. That is the target. If you have a puppy, look at the Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed formula. If you have a dog over 20 pounds, look at the standard Pro Plan formulas. This is specifically formulated for small dogs. The kibble size is smaller. The nutrient density is higher per calorie. Small dogs need more calories per pound than large dogs. This food accounts for that. If your dog has grain allergies, skip this. It contains rice. If you want a grain-free diet, look elsewhere. If your dog needs a prescription diet, this is not that. If you want a raw or freeze-dried food, this is not that. This is a standard kibble. It is good kibble. But it is kibble.
Practical takeaways
I have been using Purina Pro Plan Small Breed for about six months now. My dogs are healthy. Their coats are shiny. Their energy is good. Their poop is solid. I cannot ask for much more. If you have a picky eater, start with the Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice. The texture variety seems to appeal to fussy dogs. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, go with the Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon formula. If you want the standard option, the Chicken and Rice formula is a solid choice. One thing I will say. This food is not cheap. But it is not the most expensive either. It sits in the middle of the premium market. You get what you pay for. Real chicken first ingredient. Probiotics. Small kibble. My dogs are healthy. That is worth it. As of 2025, Purina Pro Plan Small Breed continues to be a top choice among small dog owners, ranking highly in our list of the best dog foods of 2025.
FAQ
Is Purina Pro Plan Small Breed good for picky eaters?
Yes, the Shredded Blend formulas with mixed textures often appeal to picky dogs. The combination of crunchy kibble and tender shredded pieces adds variety.
Does Purina Pro Plan Small Breed contain probiotics?
Yes, all formulas include guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive health and immune function.
What is the first ingredient in Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken and Rice?
Real chicken is the first ingredient in the chicken-based formulas, providing a high-quality protein source.
Is Purina Pro Plan Small Breed suitable for dogs over 20 pounds?
No, it is specifically formulated for adult small breed dogs weighing under 20 pounds. Larger dogs should use the standard Pro Plan formulas.
Does Purina Pro Plan Small Breed come in a sensitive stomach formula?
Yes, there is a Sensitive Skin and Stomach formula with Salmon and Rice that is designed for dogs with food sensitivities.
Where can I buy Purina Pro Plan Small Breed?
It is available at major retailers including Chewy, Walmart, and Amazon. Each retailer carries slightly different size options and formulas.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.
