What are the Best Dog Foods for Pomeranians?
The sweet natured Pomeranian is the picture of personality and spunk. From its fox-like head to its fluffy mane, it’s hard to resist the charms of this sassy breed. Keeping the Pomeranian in excellent health can only be achieved through a diet of exceptional quality that has been designed to meet the needs of toy breeds like the Pom. What is the best food to feed a Pomeranian? Find out with the free Petabolix Pomeranian feeding guide for puppies, adults, and seniors.
AKC Classification: Toy Group
Exercise Required: 30 minutes/day
Ideal Weight
Healthy Male: 3-7 lbs
Healthy Female: 3-7 lbs
Breed Summary
The Pomeranian is a member of the toy group. The breed is known by a number of different names including Zwergspitz, Dwarf Spitz, Loulou, or even simply Pom. A tiny dog, the Pomeranian’s average weight ranges from three to seven pounds. But what the Pomeranian lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.
The Pomeranian traces its roots to a small region of Germany known as Pomerania. The breed gained popularity when Queen Victoria took an interest in them and permitted them to participate in a local conformation event, marking the first time the Pomeranian entered the show ring.
A breed full of spunk and charm, the Pomeranian has attitude to spare. Pomeranians are intelligent and devoted family companions but also possess a fierce independence that can make them a challenge to train. Friendly and brave, the Pomeranian is not a dog to back down from new things. Unfortunately, the Pom believes it is far larger than it is; a trait that does not serve it well in a provoked confrontation with larger dogs.
Though a toy breed, the Pomeranian enjoys an active lifestyle. The breed excels in any living condition including apartment life so long as the dog receives regular daily exercise.
Physical Traits
Double-coated, diminutive, fluffy, sturdy, fox-like head
Personality Traits
Active, extroverted, mischievous, intelligent, sociable
Health Considerations for Pomeranians
The Pomeranian is a breed that typically enjoys excellent health. However, as with all dogs, this spicy toy dog can be predisposed to a few different health conditions. With proper diet, exercise, and excellent veterinary care, the Pomeranian can live up to 16 years of age with exceptional quality of life.
Some of the health issues that often affect the Pomeranian are hypoglycemia, tooth decay, and tracheal collapse.
Since they are toy in size, the Pomeranian’s teeth are clustered close together in the jaw. This can result in cavities and gum disease which can affect Pomeranian heart health. The right diet for a toy breed like the Pomeranian can help promote good oral hygiene.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when canine blood sugar levels become abnormal, often as a result of overeating or the consumption of inappropriate foods. Smaller, more frequent meals can help with keeping blood sugar levels consistent.
Tooth Decay
Overcrowding of teeth in the jaw can result in food debris getting trapped. Make sure to brush your Pomeranian's teeth regularly and use supplements or treats in addition to food that help remove plaque and tartar. Diets with these ingredients are healthy as well.
Tracheal Collapse
Tracheal collapse is a genetic disorder where rings of cartilage in the windpipe weaken and make breathing difficult. This is a genetic condition, but we mention it here because Pomeranians are especially susceptible, and preventing obesity can also mitigate symptoms.
Foods We Recommend: Pomeranian Puppies
How long do Pomeranians need puppy food?
Until they're 12 months old
As a toy breed that is prone to dental problems, it is vitally important that the Pomeranian puppy be fed a diet that has been specifically formulated to address the challenges faced by small breed pups. These puppy foods typically contain small pieces of kibble that are texturized to help keep tartar and plaque from accumulating on the teeth.
Any diet suited to the Pomeranian puppy should contain moderate amounts of protein and fat as well as the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorous to support a healthy rate of growth. These are some of our nutrition team's top picks:
Foods We Recommend: Pomeranian Adults
When do Pomeranians become adults?
12 months old
The adult Pomeranian benefits from a diet that is well-balanced and based on a lean meat as its foundation. The best foods to look for include helpful ingredients to support digestion and a strong immune system as well as carbohydrates that are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants. Here are some of our top picks right now:
Foods We Recommend: Pomeranian Seniors
When do Pomeranians become seniors?
Around 8 years old
As the Pomeranian ages, the breed becomes less and less active, meaning fewer calories are needed to maintain a healthy body weight. The best diets for senior Pomeranians are lower in calories while still maintaining flavor and helping them feel full. Lean proteins are the best option to support good digestion. Foods that contain supplements to promote cardiac, eye, and joint health are an excellent idea for older dogs as well. Some of our favorites are: