One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a Pomeranian owner is what to feed your furry companion. With so many options available—dry kibble, wet food, raw diets, and everything in between—it can feel overwhelming to choose the right nutrition for your pup.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each feeding method has its own benefits and drawbacks, and what works best depends on your Pomeranian’s individual needs, your lifestyle, and your budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the three main feeding options—kibble, wet food, and raw diet—to help you make an informed decision for your beloved Pomeranian.
Understanding Your Pomeranian’s Nutritional Needs
Before diving into food types, let’s cover the basics of what your Pomeranian needs nutritionally.
Essential Nutrients
All dogs, including Pomeranians, require:
- Protein: For muscle development and maintenance (chicken, beef, fish, lamb)
- Fats: For energy and healthy skin and coat (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids)
- Carbohydrates: For energy (rice, sweet potatoes, oats)
- Vitamins and Minerals: For overall health and immune function
- Water: Always available and fresh
Special Considerations for Pomeranians
Pomeranians have unique dietary needs due to their small size:
- Small kibble size: Easier for tiny mouths to chew
- High calorie density: Small stomachs need nutrient-rich food
- Dental health: Food that helps reduce plaque and tartar
- Hypoglycemia prevention: Regular, frequent meals to maintain blood sugar
- Weight management: Prone to obesity, so portion control is crucial
Life Stage Matters
Nutritional needs change throughout your Pomeranian’s life:
- Puppies (8 weeks – 12 months): Need higher protein and fat for growth
- Adults (1-7 years): Require balanced maintenance nutrition
- Seniors (7+ years): May need lower calories and joint support
Option 1: Dry Kibble
Dry dog food (kibble) is the most popular choice among dog owners, and for good reason.
Pros of Kibble
✅ Convenient and Easy to Store
- Long shelf life
- No refrigeration needed
- Easy to measure portions
- Perfect for travel
✅ Cost-Effective
- Generally the most affordable option
- Less waste than wet food
- Bulk buying saves money
✅ Dental Benefits
- Crunchy texture helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup
- Promotes healthy teeth and gums
- Reduces bad breath
✅ Nutritionally Complete
- Formulated to meet AAFCO standards
- Balanced vitamins and minerals
- Consistent nutrition in every serving
✅ Variety of Options
- Multiple brands and formulas available
- Specialized diets (grain-free, limited ingredient, breed-specific)
- Easy to find in stores
Cons of Kibble
❌ Lower Moisture Content
- Only 10% water content
- Dogs need to drink more water
- Can lead to dehydration if water intake is insufficient
❌ Processing
- High-heat processing may reduce some nutrients
- Contains preservatives to extend shelf life
- Some dogs find it less palatable than wet food
❌ Quality Varies Widely
- Cheap brands may use fillers and by-products
- Requires careful label reading
- Not all kibble is created equal
❌ Potential Allergens
- May contain grains, corn, or soy
- Some dogs have sensitivities to certain ingredients
Best Kibble Practices for Pomeranians
- Choose small breed formulas with appropriately sized kibble
- Look for high-quality protein as the first ingredient (chicken, beef, fish)
- Avoid foods with excessive fillers (corn, wheat, soy)
- Select brands that meet AAFCO standards
- Consider grain-free options if your Pomeranian has sensitivities
- Always provide fresh water alongside kibble
Recommended Kibble Characteristics
- Protein content: 25-30% for puppies, 18-25% for adults
- Fat content: 15-20% for puppies, 10-15% for adults
- First ingredient: Named meat source (not “meat meal” or “by-products”)
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Option 2: Wet Food (Canned Food)
Wet dog food comes in cans, pouches, or trays and has a much higher moisture content than kibble.
Pros of Wet Food
✅ High Moisture Content
- 75-80% water content
- Helps keep dogs hydrated
- Beneficial for dogs who don’t drink enough water
- Good for kidney and urinary health
✅ Highly Palatable
- Strong aroma and flavor
- Great for picky eaters
- Easier to eat for dogs with dental issues
- More appealing texture
✅ Easier to Digest
- Softer consistency
- Less processing than kibble
- Gentler on sensitive stomachs
- Good for puppies and senior dogs
✅ Fewer Preservatives
- Sealed packaging preserves freshness
- Often contains more natural ingredients
- Less reliance on chemical preservatives
✅ Portion Control
- Pre-portioned servings available
- Easy to see exactly how much you’re feeding
- Less risk of overfeeding
Cons of Wet Food
❌ More Expensive
- Significantly higher cost per serving
- Can strain budget for daily feeding
- Premium brands are very pricey
❌ Shorter Shelf Life
- Must be refrigerated after opening
- Spoils quickly (use within 2-3 days)
- Cannot be left out for extended periods
❌ Less Convenient
- Heavier to transport and store
- Requires refrigeration
- Messier to serve
- Not ideal for travel
❌ Dental Concerns
- Doesn’t provide teeth-cleaning benefits
- May contribute to plaque buildup
- Can lead to dental disease without proper care
❌ Digestive Issues
- Sudden switch can cause upset stomach
- Some dogs develop loose stools
- Requires gradual transition
Best Wet Food Practices for Pomeranians
- Use as a topper mixed with kibble for best of both worlds
- Choose high-quality brands with real meat as first ingredient
- Refrigerate opened cans and use within 2-3 days
- Warm to room temperature before serving
- Maintain dental care routine (brushing, dental chews)
- Watch for weight gain as wet food is calorie-dense
Recommended Wet Food Characteristics
- Protein content: At least 8-10% (on wet basis)
- Named meat sources: Chicken, beef, turkey, salmon
- Minimal fillers: Limited grains and by-products
- No artificial additives
- Complete and balanced nutrition statement
Option 3: Raw Diet (BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
Raw feeding involves providing uncooked meat, bones, organs, and vegetables, mimicking what dogs’ ancestors ate in the wild.
Pros of Raw Diet
✅ Natural and Minimally Processed
- No cooking or processing
- Preserves natural enzymes and nutrients
- Closest to ancestral diet
- No artificial additives
✅ Potential Health Benefits
- Shinier, healthier coat
- Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
- Improved digestion
- Increased energy levels
- Smaller, firmer stools
- Reduced allergy symptoms
✅ Complete Control
- You know exactly what your dog is eating
- Can customize for allergies or sensitivities
- Choose quality of ingredients
- Adjust portions precisely
✅ High Palatability
- Most dogs love raw food
- Strong natural flavors
- Satisfies natural chewing instincts
Cons of Raw Diet
❌ Safety Concerns
- Risk of bacterial contamination (Salmonella, E. coli)
- Dangerous for immunocompromised dogs
- Risk to humans handling raw meat
- Bone fragments can cause choking or internal damage
❌ Nutritional Imbalance Risk
- Difficult to achieve proper balance without expertise
- Risk of deficiencies or excesses
- Requires extensive research and planning
- May need supplements
❌ Expensive
- High-quality raw ingredients are costly
- Pre-made raw diets are premium-priced
- Requires freezer space
- Can be wasteful
❌ Time-Consuming
- Requires meal prep and planning
- Must source quality ingredients
- Needs proper storage and handling
- Not convenient for busy lifestyles
❌ Not Widely Accepted
- Some veterinarians advise against it
- Limited scientific research supporting benefits
- Controversial in veterinary community
❌ Travel Challenges
- Difficult to maintain while traveling
- Requires refrigeration/freezing
- Not practical for boarding
Best Raw Diet Practices for Pomeranians
- Consult a veterinary nutritionist before starting
- Use commercially prepared raw diets for balanced nutrition
- Practice strict food safety (separate cutting boards, thorough cleaning)
- Start with small portions and transition gradually
- Include appropriate bone content (10-15% of diet)
- Add organ meats (5-10% liver, kidney, heart)
- Include vegetables and fruits (small amounts)
- Monitor health closely with regular vet check-ups
- Consider pre-made raw patties for convenience and safety
Raw Diet Components
A balanced raw diet typically includes:
- Muscle meat: 70-80% (chicken, beef, turkey, lamb)
- Raw meaty bones: 10-15% (chicken necks, wings)
- Organ meat: 5-10% (liver, kidney, heart)
- Vegetables/fruits: 5-10% (carrots, spinach, apples)
- Supplements: As needed (fish oil, vitamin E)
Combination Feeding: The Best of All Worlds
Many Pomeranian owners find success with combination feeding, mixing different food types.
Popular Combinations
Kibble + Wet Food Topper
- Provides dental benefits of kibble
- Adds moisture and palatability of wet food
- Cost-effective compromise
- Easy to implement
Kibble + Raw Topper
- Convenience of kibble
- Natural nutrition boost from raw
- Easier than full raw diet
- Good introduction to raw feeding
Rotating Diet
- Different protein sources throughout the week
- Prevents food boredom
- Reduces risk of developing sensitivities
- Provides nutritional variety
Benefits of Combination Feeding
- Nutritional variety
- Increased palatability
- Flexibility based on schedule and budget
- Easier transitions if one food becomes unavailable
- Satisfies different needs (dental health, hydration, nutrition)
How to Choose the Right Food for YOUR Pomeranian
Consider these factors when making your decision:
1. Your Pomeranian’s Health
- Allergies or sensitivities: May require limited ingredient or novel protein diets
- Dental issues: Wet food or raw may be easier to eat
- Weight concerns: Kibble offers better portion control
- Age and activity level: Puppies and active dogs need more calories
2. Your Lifestyle
- Busy schedule: Kibble is most convenient
- Travel frequently: Kibble is easiest to transport
- Time for meal prep: Raw diet requires commitment
- Storage space: Raw diet needs freezer space
3. Your Budget
- Tight budget: Quality kibble is most affordable
- Moderate budget: Kibble with wet food topper
- Flexible budget: Raw diet or premium wet food
4. Your Pomeranian’s Preferences
- Some dogs are picky and prefer wet food
- Others love the crunch of kibble
- Many dogs thrive on variety
Reading Dog Food Labels
Regardless of which type you choose, learn to read labels:
What to Look For
✅ AAFCO Statement: “Complete and balanced” for specific life stage ✅ Named protein source: “Chicken” not “poultry” or “meat” ✅ Protein as first ingredient: Indicates high-quality food ✅ Whole ingredients: Sweet potatoes, brown rice, vegetables ✅ Healthy fats: Chicken fat, fish oil, flaxseed ✅ No by-products: Avoid “meat by-products” or “animal digest”
Red Flags
❌ Vague ingredients: “Meat meal,” “animal fat” ❌ Excessive fillers: Corn, wheat, soy as main ingredients ❌ Artificial additives: Colors, flavors, preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin) ❌ Sugar or sweeteners: Unnecessary and unhealthy ❌ Generic terms: “Poultry” instead of specific meat
Transitioning Between Foods
When changing your Pomeranian’s diet, do it gradually to avoid digestive upset:
7-10 Day Transition Schedule
- Days 1-2: 75% old food + 25% new food
- Days 3-4: 50% old food + 50% new food
- Days 5-6: 25% old food + 75% new food
- Days 7+: 100% new food
Signs of Successful Transition
- Normal stool consistency
- Good energy levels
- Healthy appetite
- No vomiting or diarrhea
- Shiny coat
When to Slow Down
If you notice digestive issues, slow the transition and spend more days at each ratio.
Special Dietary Considerations
Puppies
- Need puppy-specific formulas with higher protein and fat
- Feed 3-4 small meals daily to prevent hypoglycemia
- Choose small breed puppy food for appropriate kibble size
- Ensure DHA for brain development
Senior Pomeranians
- May need lower calorie food to prevent weight gain
- Look for joint support ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin)
- Consider softer textures if dental issues exist
- May benefit from senior-specific formulas
Dogs with Health Issues
- Allergies: Limited ingredient or hypoallergenic diets
- Sensitive stomach: Easily digestible proteins (chicken, turkey)
- Kidney disease: Low protein, low phosphorus diets
- Diabetes: High fiber, complex carbohydrates
- Dental disease: Softer foods or dental-specific kibble
Always consult your veterinarian for medical dietary needs.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overfeeding: Pomeranians are prone to obesity ❌ Free feeding: Can lead to overeating and weight gain ❌ Too many treats: Should be less than 10% of daily calories ❌ Table scraps: Can cause digestive issues and bad habits ❌ Inconsistent feeding times: Disrupts digestion and routine ❌ Ignoring water intake: Always provide fresh water ❌ Sudden diet changes: Can cause stomach upset
Our Recommendation
While every Pomeranian is unique, here’s our general recommendation for most healthy Pomeranians:
Best Overall Approach: High-Quality Kibble with Wet Food Topper
Why this works:
- Provides dental benefits from crunchy kibble
- Adds moisture and palatability from wet food
- Cost-effective and convenient
- Nutritionally complete and balanced
- Easy to adjust portions
- Practical for most lifestyles
Feeding Schedule
- Morning: Kibble with small amount of wet food
- Evening: Kibble with small amount of wet food
- Ratio: 80% kibble, 20% wet food
For Picky Eaters
- Increase wet food ratio to 50/50
- Warm wet food slightly to enhance aroma
- Try different protein sources
- Add low-sodium broth for extra flavor
For Active Dogs
- Higher protein kibble (25-30%)
- Slightly larger portions
- Consider adding raw topper for extra nutrition
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right food for your Pomeranian is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for their health and longevity. Whether you choose kibble, wet food, raw diet, or a combination, the key is to:
- Select high-quality ingredients
- Ensure complete and balanced nutrition
- Monitor your dog’s health and adjust as needed
- Consult with your veterinarian regularly
- Stay consistent with feeding routines
Remember, what works for one Pomeranian may not work for another. Pay attention to your dog’s individual needs, preferences, and health status. A shiny coat, healthy weight, good energy levels, and normal digestion are signs you’ve found the right food.
When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your Pomeranian’s specific needs.
Happy feeding! 🐾
Have questions about feeding your Pomeranian? Contact us at info@bettypomeranianpuppy.com—we’re here to help!
