The Havanese is a small charmer with a big heart: playful, affectionate and almost always in a good mood. However, his long, silky coat and his dainty build mean he has particular dietary requirements. Anyone wanting to do right by their Havanese should know what matters when it comes to food and chews for this small breed, especially if the skin, coat or digestion are sensitive. In this guide, you will find out everything about Havanese nutrition, from the correct nutrient density through allergies to suitable chews.
🛒 Straight to the shop: Dry food for small breeds small kibble, grain-free, well tolerated.
Profile: the Havanese as a Bichon breed
The Havanese belongs to the Bichon family of dogs and is considered one of the oldest Cuban dog breeds. With a shoulder height of around 23 to 29 centimetres and a weight between 3 and 7 kilograms, he is a true small companion dog. In character, he is calm, loyal and extremely people-oriented, an ideal family dog for flats and houses alike.
His trademark is his long, silky, slightly wavy coat, which has no undercoat. This very coat needs particular care from within: without sufficient nutrients, it quickly becomes dull, brittle or prone to matting. The Havanese is also considered a breed that is more prone than average to skin and food allergies, which makes the choice of food an important decision for your dog's health.
The right food for the Havanese
Small dog breeds such as the Havanese have a comparatively fast metabolism combined with a small stomach. This means his food has to deliver plenty of high-quality nutrients in a small space. A nutrient-rich, easily digestible dry food with a high meat content and no unnecessary fillers is therefore often the better choice for the Havanese than a heavily bulked-out standard food.
Because the stomach is so small, several small portions spread throughout the day are recommended rather than two large meals. This keeps blood sugar levels more stable and avoids overburdening the digestion. Also look out for grain-free food: grain provides comparatively few high-quality nutrients but can encourage intolerances in sensitive dogs. Single-protein, grain-free food with a clearly identifiable protein source is therefore the basis of a species-appropriate Havanese diet.
For dogs with a particularly sensitive stomach or known intolerances, it is worth looking at a wet food for allergy sufferers. It provides additional moisture, is usually easier to digest and can be combined with dry food or fed on its own, entirely according to your Havanese's preferences.
Skin, coat & allergies: feeding single-protein
Hardly any breed benefits as much from single-protein feeding as the Havanese. Single-protein means that a food contains only one single animal protein source, with no hidden by-products, additives or flavourings. For dogs with a food allergy or sensitive skin, this is often the decisive difference: the fewer ingredients, the easier it is to identify a possible trigger and the lower the risk of a new reaction.
If your Havanese shows symptoms such as itching, sore paws, ear infections or a dull coat, a structured elimination diet can help identify the culprit. This involves feeding exclusively a new protein source that has not previously been fed, with no additives whatsoever, over several weeks. Only once the symptoms improve are individual ingredients gradually reintroduced and monitored.
Another typical issue with the Havanese is tear staining, which shows up as reddish-brown discolouration beneath the eyes. It is often caused by excessive tearing, which in turn can be linked to intolerances, additives in the food or generally reactive skin. A single-protein, additive-free diet reduces these irritants from within and is therefore an important building block in preventing or easing tear staining, alongside regular eye care.
Dental health in small breeds
Small breeds such as the Havanese often have a dense, closely spaced set of teeth relative to the size of their jaw. This makes them considerably more prone to tartar and gum problems than larger dogs. Regular chewing is therefore not just a pastime but an active contribution to dental care: gnawing mechanically removes plaque while also stimulating saliva production, which further supports the environment in the mouth.
The right size and hardness of the chew is important here. Chews that are too large or too hard put excessive strain on the Havanese's small jaw joint and, in the worst case, can damage teeth. Always look out for chews specifically developed for small dogs, as well as a short, manageable ingredients list with no unnecessary additives.
Suitable chews for small dogs
Small, well-tolerated chews made from a single protein source are particularly suitable for a Havanese. Buffalo is a good option here, as it is considered a less common type of meat and is suitable for dogs that react sensitively to classic proteins such as beef or chicken.
- Buffalo tendons: slim, flexible and, in a small size, ideal for longer chewing sessions without overloading the jaw.
- Buffalo skin (natural or rolled, thin): a gentle, easily digestible chewing option that is also well suited to beginners among small chewers.
- Buffalo strips (small): a natural, compact snack with a pleasant texture for small breeds.
All of these chews are single-protein, grain-free, air-dried and free from additives, exactly the criteria that matter for the sensitive Havanese. In the chews category, you will find a suitable selection in small sizes. For shorter reward moments in between, for example during training, small, soft treats are also a good option, as they are eaten quickly and do not overburden the small stomach.
As Havanese are often considered fussy, it is worth trying out different textures and shapes. Some dogs prefer somewhat softer chews, others like them a bit chewier. If you are unsure which chew suits your dog, our chew finder will help you find the right recommendation for size, hardness level and tolerance in just a few steps.
The Havanese puppy: the start of a healthy dog's life
For the Havanese puppy, nutrition is especially crucial, as the skeleton, immune system and later coat all develop during the first months of life. Choose a food that is specifically tailored to small breeds and growth requirements, with a high nutrient density in a small volume. For puppies too, the rule applies: several small meals a day are better than a few large ones, as the stomach is still correspondingly small.
If a tendency towards sensitive skin, frequent itching or soft stools already shows up at puppy age, an early switch to single-protein, grain-free food can make sense, so that possible intolerances do not become chronic in the first place. Introduce chews to puppies carefully and in small, soft varieties, so as not to overload the still-growing teeth.
If you are unsure which food best suits your young Havanese, our food finder can help. Based on age, weight and any sensitivities, you will receive an individual recommendation tailored to your dog.
Frequently asked questions about Havanese nutrition
How much should a Havanese eat each day?
The exact amount depends on your dog's weight, activity level and age and is given as a guideline on the food packaging. As a general rule for small breeds such as the Havanese: two to three smaller portions a day are better than one large meal, so as not to overburden the small stomach.
Is buffalo meat suitable for Havanese with allergies?
Buffalo is considered a less common protein source that many dogs have not yet come into contact with. This often makes buffalo meat and chews made from it a good option for Havanese with existing food allergies, particularly as part of an elimination diet.
What helps against tear staining in the Havanese?
Besides regular eye care, nutrition plays an important role. A single-protein, additive-free food reduces possible irritants that can encourage increased tearing, supporting a clearer coat around the eyes from within.
From what age can my Havanese have chews?
Once the milk teeth have largely been replaced by the permanent teeth, usually from around six months, small, soft chews can be introduced gradually. Always observe how your dog takes to the chew, and choose particularly gentle varieties first for younger puppies.
Character & who the Havanese suits
In short, the Havanese is best suited to: families/older owners, a cheerful, affectionate companion.
- Size: small
- Energy level: calm
- With children: excellent with children
- Flat living: suitable for flats
- For beginners: suitable for beginners
- Coat care: high-maintenance coat care
- Trainability: eager to learn
- Watchfulness: not a pronounced watchdog
Not sure whether this breed suits your life? Find out with our breed finder "Which dog breed suits me?"
Frequently asked questions
Is the Havanese a good dog for beginners?
Yes, the Havanese is considered eager to learn, friendly and uncomplicated in character. He is well suited to people without much experience of dogs.
How much coat care does a Havanese need?
His long, silky coat should ideally be brushed daily to prevent matting. Many owners also opt for a regular trim.
Is the Havanese suitable for flat living?
Yes, he is an ideal flat dog and also suitable for older owners. Nevertheless, he needs daily walks and activity.
Which food suits the Havanese?
Small kibble in high-quality, grain-free quality suits his small jaw. A well-tolerated recipe keeps digestion and coat in good shape.
How old does a Havanese get?
Havanese are long-lived and often reach an age of 13 to 15 years.
Food for small breeds like the Havanese
Small dogs have a delicate stomach and small teeth. Our dry food for small breeds is tailored accordingly, with gentle soft treats to match.
