Vet-approved Pomeranian Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips

Pomeranians may look delicate, but their bold nature and busy minds demand a diet that keeps up with their lifestyle. They have fast metabolisms, small stomachs and high nutrient needs in every meal.

Breed-specific health concerns like dental disease, tracheal collapse, luxating patella and low blood sugar in young puppies can all be influenced by what they eat. Their dense double coats also require consistent support from inside out.

A vet-informed feeding plan helps deliver the right balance of protein, energy and specialised nutrients. The goal is to keep their coat full, their joints strong and their energy stable without tipping into overfeeding.

Related reading: The Vet’s Guide to Pomeranians: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Pomeranians need food that’s easy to chew, gentle on digestion and rich in nutrition. The wrong diet can cause more than fussiness — it can affect their coat, teeth, weight and long-term health.

Choose toy or small breed formulas

These diets are made for dogs under 10 kg and are designed with their small jaws and calorie requirements in mind. They contain more calories per gram to meet energy needs without large portion sizes.

Prioritise quality animal protein

Look for food that lists meat as the first ingredient. Poultry, fish or lamb are good choices to build muscle and support immune health. Avoid vague ingredients like “meat by-products” or “animal meal.”

Skin and coat benefits

Pomeranians benefit from diets that include fish oil, flaxseed or other sources of omega fatty acids. These help reduce dryness and promote a full, glossy coat. Added zinc, vitamin E and biotin can also support skin barrier function.

Steer clear of common fillers

Avoid products that rely heavily on corn, soy or artificial colours. These can bulk out a meal without delivering the nutrients your Pom actually needs. Some sensitive dogs may also react to grains or lower-quality additives.

There’s no one right answer when it comes to feeding style. Your Pomeranian’s health, age and preferences all play a role. Each approach has its own advantages.

Dry dog food (kibble)

Dry food is often the best choice for long-term dental health. It helps clean the teeth with every bite and is easy to portion. Look for extra-small kibble made for toy breeds to encourage proper chewing.

Wet dog food (cans or trays)

Wet food is rich in flavour and moisture, which can help with hydration and appeal to picky eaters. It's ideal for older Pomeranians who struggle to chew, but it should be balanced with regular dental care.

Mixed Feeding

Mixed feeding gives the benefits of both. You get hydration and taste from wet food, along with the dental and portion control advantages of dry food. Just be sure to keep an eye on total calories to avoid unintentional overfeeding.

Whatever style you use, always ensure the product is AAFCO-approved and appropriate for your Pom’s life stage. That means puppy food for growing bodies, adult formulas for maintenance, and senior blends to support ageing needs.

Pomeranians may be small, but they’re not low-maintenance. Their health can be affected by poor-quality food or an unbalanced diet. The right nutrition can help prevent and manage many common concerns seen in the breed.

1. Dental disease

Tiny jaws and crowded teeth make Pomeranians one of the most at-risk breeds for plaque buildup and gum infections. Dry kibble designed for toy breeds, along with dental-specific formulas, can help reduce tartar and promote oral health.

2. Tracheal collapse

This condition affects the cartilage of the windpipe, leading to coughing or wheezing. While not caused by food, excess weight can worsen symptoms. A calorie-controlled diet helps keep your Pom lean and reduces pressure on the airway.

3. Hypoglycaemia in puppies

Young Pomeranians can experience low blood sugar if they miss meals. Feeding small, frequent meals with energy-dense food helps maintain stable glucose levels. Puppy formulas for toy breeds are especially important during this stage.

4. Joint and mobility issues

Although small, Pomeranians can suffer from luxating patella or early signs of arthritis. Diets with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin can support joint health, particularly in seniors or dogs recovering from injury.

5. Skin dryness and coat thinning

Their thick coat is part of the breed’s signature look. Poor coat quality, itchiness or shedding can indicate dietary imbalance. Look for diets rich in omega-3s, zinc and biotin to restore coat condition and soothe skin.

These diets are selected to meet the unique needs of Pomeranians through each life stage, with added support for dental care, skin health and energy balance.

Royal Canin Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food

Designed for small breed puppies up to 10 months. It provides high energy density, antioxidants for immune support and prebiotics for digestive health, ideal for growing Poms with fast metabolisms.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Brown Rice

A gentle formula made for toy and small breeds. Supports brain and eye development with DHA, plus high-quality protein and balanced minerals for growing teeth and bones.

Advance Adult Small Breed Chicken with Rice

Tailored for dogs under 10 kg. Features smaller kibble for dental support, added zinc for coat health and a formula designed to limit tartar buildup. Ideal for maintaining weight and condition in active adult Poms.

Royal Canin Mini Adult Dry Dog Food

A high-protein formula with omega-3s and EPA/DHA for skin and coat support. The kibble texture helps reduce plaque, while the energy levels are balanced to match the lifestyle of a small but active dog.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice

Supports ageing small breed dogs with antioxidants for brain health, gentle fibres for digestion and protein to maintain muscle mass.

Royal Canin Mini Ageing 12+ Dry Dog Food

Formulated for toy and small dogs in their senior years. Softened kibble for easier chewing, balanced nutrients for heart and kidney support, and omega-3s to ease joint stiffness.

Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities

Ideal for Pomeranians with confirmed food allergies or chronic skin flare-ups. Made with hydrolysed protein and highly digestible ingredients to minimise adverse reactions.

Royal Canin Dental Small Dog Dry Dog Food

Helps control plaque and tartar while supporting skin and digestive health. A great choice for Poms with recurring dental concerns or mild sensitivity issues.

Pomeranians are small but energetic, with fast metabolisms that require consistent, balanced nutrition. Use the chart below as a general guide, then fine-tune with your vet based on your dog’s age, weight and activity level.

Feeding frequency guidelines:

• Puppies: 3 small meals daily to maintain energy and avoid hypoglycaemia
• Adults: 2 balanced meals per day to sustain energy and avoid overeating
• Seniors: 2 smaller meals to support digestion and joint comfort

These amounts refer to high-quality dry food. If you’re combining wet and dry, adjust the portions to avoid overfeeding.

Avoid leaving food out all day. Free feeding increases the risk of weight gain, especially in small breeds with a strong appetite. Always measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or cup.

Feeding mistakes can build up slowly, but they can have a big impact on your Pomeranian’s long-term health. Here’s what to look out for:

Overfeeding a small breed

Pomeranians don’t need large volumes of food, but it’s easy to overdo it with treats or mismeasured portions. Weight gain increases the risk of tracheal collapse, arthritis and fatigue. Stick to measured meals and limit extras.

Unsafe table scraps

Common human foods like chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, raisins and xylitol-containing products (like sugar-free gum) are toxic to dogs. Even salty or fatty scraps like bacon or sausages can trigger digestive upset or pancreatitis.

Abrupt food changes

Poms often have sensitive stomachs. Always transition to a new food over 7 to 10 days, mixing in increasing amounts of the new formula with the old one to avoid diarrhoea or vomiting.

Ignoring early signs of trouble

Itchy skin, a dull coat, loose stools or bad breath may be signs that the diet isn’t working. Early intervention with a diet review and vet check can prevent chronic issues from developing.

How do I know if my Pomeranian’s food is right for them?

Your dog should have good energy, consistent stool, a shiny coat and healthy weight. If they’re constantly scratching, have dry skin or frequent stomach upsets, it may be time to consider a different formula.

Do Pomeranians need special small-breed food?

Yes. Small breed formulas provide the right energy density and kibble size for toy dogs like Pomeranians. They also often include support for dental health, which is critical for this breed.

Should I rotate my Pom’s food for variety?

Rotation can be beneficial if your dog tolerates it well, but it’s not necessary. Always introduce new foods gradually and monitor for signs of sensitivity. Talk to your vet if your Pomeranian has a history of stomach upset or food allergies.

Can Pomeranians eat once a day?

It’s not recommended. Their tiny stomachs and high energy demands make two meals a day ideal for adults, and three meals essential for young puppies.

Do older Pomeranians need different food?

Yes. Senior-specific diets include joint support, easier-to-digest proteins, and lower calories to match slower metabolism. They may also have softer kibble or adjusted mineral levels for kidney support.

Feeding your Pomeranian well is about more than just keeping them full. With the right food and portion strategy, you’re actively protecting their teeth, joints, coat and long-term vitality. A personalised, vet-approved diet gives your Pom the best chance to thrive at every stage of life.

This article was written by Dr Carly Brownlow