Raw Dog Food for Small Breeds: What to Feed a Chihuahua, Shih Tzu or Pomeranian in Canada

Raw dog food for small breeds in Canada is a growing topic among pet owners who want more than a bowl of kibble for their compact, energetic companions. If you share your home with a Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, or another small dog, you may already know that their nutritional needs are different from larger breeds — higher metabolic rates, smaller stomachs, and a tendency toward dental issues all play a role in choosing the right food. This guide breaks down exactly what raw feeding means for small dogs, how to get started safely, and which brands available at Ashario Pets in North York are worth considering.

Why Small Breed Dogs Have Unique Nutritional Needs

Small breed dogs — typically those weighing under 10 kg — burn calories faster per kilogram of body weight than large breeds. This means they need energy-dense food that delivers concentrated nutrients in smaller portions. A raw diet can be well-suited for this because whole-food ingredients tend to be nutrient-dense by nature, without the fillers or starchy binders often found in conventional dry kibble.

Common concerns for small breeds that a carefully planned raw diet may help address — always in consultation with your veterinarian — include:

• Dental health: Small dogs are disproportionately prone to tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Raw meaty bones and certain raw textures can provide mechanical cleaning action on teeth.
• Digestive sensitivity: Breeds like Shih Tzus are known for sensitive stomachs. Raw diets with minimal processing and no artificial additives can be easier for some dogs to digest.
• Coat and skin quality: Pomeranians in particular are known for their lush double coats. The omega fatty acids found in raw proteins like salmon and sardines can support coat health.
• Weight management: The absence of high-glycemic fillers in raw food can help maintain lean body condition, which is important for small breeds that are prone to obesity.

That said, raw feeding is not automatically correct for every dog. Always consult your veterinarian before making major dietary changes, especially if your small breed has a pre-existing health condition.

Understanding the Types of Raw Dog Food Available in Canada

As of 2026, Canadian pet owners shopping for raw dog food have several format options. Each has pros and cons depending on your lifestyle, storage space, and your dog's preferences.

• Fresh frozen raw: Typically ground meat, organ, and bone blends sold in patties, rolls, or medallions. This is the most traditional raw format and tends to be the most affordable per serving. Requires freezer storage and thawing before serving.
• Freeze-dried raw: Raw ingredients that have been frozen and then had moisture removed under vacuum. Shelf-stable, lightweight, and easy to portion. Can be served dry or rehydrated with water. Ideal for travel or for small breed owners with limited freezer space.
• Air-dried raw: Gently dried at low temperatures to preserve nutrients while removing moisture. Has a jerky-like texture and a long shelf life without refrigeration. Easy to portion for small breeds.
• Dehydrated raw: Similar to freeze-dried but uses heat drying at low temperatures. Usually requires rehydration before serving.

Explore the full range of formats at Ashario Pets: raw dog food, freeze-dried dog food, and air-dried dog food are all available in-store and online.

Portioning Raw Food for a Small Breed Dog

One of the most common mistakes small breed owners make when starting a raw diet is overfeeding. Because raw food is more calorie-dense than kibble, the portions look much smaller — and that is normal.

A general starting guideline used by many raw feeders is 2–3% of the dog's ideal adult body weight per day, split across two meals. For a 4 kg Chihuahua, that works out to approximately 80–120 grams of raw food daily. However, this is a starting point only. Factors like activity level, age, reproductive status, and metabolism all affect how much your dog actually needs. Monitor your dog's weight and body condition regularly, and adjust accordingly — always with veterinary guidance.

Freeze-dried and air-dried formats are particularly convenient for small breeds because they often come in resealable pouches and are easy to weigh or measure in small quantities without the mess of thawing frozen patties.

Top Raw Dog Food Brands for Small Breeds at Ashario Pets

Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario, open 9 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. As of 2026, the store carries a curated selection of verified raw and minimally processed dog food brands suited to small breed dogs. Here are brands from our verified list worth exploring:

• Big Country Raw — A Canadian brand offering frozen raw blends in a range of proteins. Their smaller patty and medallion formats are practical for portioning small breed meals. Big Country Raw is widely regarded among Canadian raw feeders for its transparency in sourcing. Browse raw dog food options to find Big Country Raw at Ashario Pets.
• Primal — An international brand known for its freeze-dried raw nuggets, which are ideal for small breed owners who want the benefits of raw without daily thawing. Primal's nuggets are easy to break into small portions and can be served dry or rehydrated.
• Instinct Raw — Instinct Raw offers freeze-dried raw meals and raw bites that work well for small dogs. Their formulas are typically crafted around a single protein source, which is useful when identifying food sensitivities in breeds like Shih Tzus.
• Red Dog Blue Kat — A Canadian brand offering raw frozen food with simple, clean ingredient lists. Their smaller format options make portioning manageable for toy and small breeds.
• Stella & Chewy's — Known for their freeze-dried raw patties and meal mixers. The small kibble-sized freeze-dried pieces are easy for Chihuahuas and other toy breeds to manage.
• ZIWI — New Zealand-based air-dried food with a very high meat, organ, and bone content. ZIWI's air-dried format is extremely nutrient-dense, meaning very small portions are needed — a significant advantage for small breeds.
• Open Farm — A Canadian brand offering ethically sourced freeze-dried raw and dehydrated options. Open Farm is transparent about its supply chain, which appeals to conscientious small breed owners.
• Raw Performance — A Canadian raw frozen brand with a straightforward formulation approach and a variety of single and multi-protein options suitable for small dogs.

For a comprehensive look at all the brands Ashario Pets carries, visit the top pet brands in Canada page or explore made in Canada pet products to find Canadian-sourced options specifically.

Transitioning Your Small Breed to a Raw Diet Safely

Switching a Chihuahua, Pomeranian, or Shih Tzu from kibble to raw should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Small breeds can have particularly sensitive digestive systems, so a slow transition over 10–14 days is generally recommended. A common approach:

• Days 1–4: Serve 75% of the current food and 25% of the new raw food.
• Days 5–8: Move to a 50/50 split between old and new food.
• Days 9–12: Serve 25% old food and 75% raw food.
• Days 13–14: Transition fully to raw if your dog is tolerating the change well.

Watch for loose stools, vomiting, lethargy, or changes in appetite during the transition. If any of these occur, slow the transition pace and speak with your veterinarian. It is also worth noting that starting with a single protein source — such as chicken or turkey — makes it easier to identify any intolerances before introducing variety.

For further guidance on specific dietary needs by breed or health condition, visit the best pet food for specific needs page on the Ashario Pets website.

Supporting Raw-Fed Small Breeds with Supplements

Even a well-formulated raw diet may benefit from supplementation in some cases. Small breeds have particular vulnerabilities — joint health in older Chihuahuas, skin and coat support for Pomeranians, and digestive enzymes for sensitive Shih Tzus are common concerns. Ashario Pets carries a selection of dog health and wellness products, including pet supplements from brands such as Canine Matrix, MOJO Pet Supplements, Canine Life, and Pawtanical.

Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog's diet. Some nutrients, when over-supplemented, can cause imbalances — this is especially relevant when feeding a raw diet that may already be higher in certain minerals than commercial kibble.

You can also explore the dedicated dog wellness needs page and the dog health supplements guide for more information on what Ashario Pets carries.

Frequently Asked Questions: Raw Feeding Small Breed Dogs in Canada

Is raw dog food safe for small breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians?

Raw dog food can be safe for small breeds when handled correctly and fed in appropriate portions. Key food safety practices include keeping raw food frozen until use, thawing in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature, washing food preparation surfaces thoroughly, and not leaving uneaten raw food in the bowl for extended periods. Always consult your veterinarian before starting a raw diet, particularly if your small breed has any underlying health conditions.

How much raw food should I feed my small breed dog per day?

A commonly used starting guideline for raw-fed dogs is 2–3% of the dog's ideal body weight per day, divided across two meals. For a 3 kg Pomeranian, this means approximately 60–90 grams of raw food daily. This is a starting point and should be adjusted based on your dog's age, activity level, and body condition under veterinary guidance.

Which raw dog food brands are available for small breeds at Ashario Pets in North York?

Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario, carries raw and minimally processed dog food brands including Big Country Raw, Primal, Instinct Raw, Red Dog Blue Kat, Stella & Chewy's, ZIWI, Open Farm, and Raw Performance, among others. The store is open 9 AM to 11 PM, 365 days a year, and offers delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan.

Can I feed my Shih Tzu freeze-dried raw food instead of fresh frozen raw?

Yes. Freeze-dried raw food retains most of the nutritional profile of fresh frozen raw while offering greater convenience. For small breed owners with limited freezer space, or those who travel with their dogs, freeze-dried formats from brands like Primal, Instinct Raw, and Stella & Chewy's can be a practical alternative. Freeze-dried food can be served dry or rehydrated with warm water, and it portions easily for small dogs. Explore the freeze-dried dog food collection at Ashario Pets.

Does Ashario Pets offer delivery for raw dog food in the North York area?

Yes. Ashario Pets offers same-day delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. Raw and freeze-dried dog food options are available for delivery from the North York store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7. You can also call the store at +1-647-564-4433 for product availability questions.

Visit Ashario Pets for Small Breed Raw Food in North York

Whether you are just beginning to explore raw feeding for your Chihuahua or you are an experienced raw feeder looking for a wider selection of brands, Ashario Pets carries a carefully selected range of raw, freeze-dried, air-dried, and dehydrated dog food options from trusted Canadian and international brands. The team at Ashario Pets is knowledgeable about the products they carry and can help you find a format and brand that suits your small breed's size, preferences, and lifestyle.

Stop by the store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York — open every day of the year from 9 AM to 11 PM — or order online for delivery through your preferred platform. For more information, visit the Ashario Pets contact page or browse the pet store FAQ. You can also explore the full dog product collection to see everything available for your small breed companion.