Pomeranian: The Little Whirlwind

The Pomeranian diet presents owners with a particular task: a Pomeranian often weighs no more than three kilograms, yet has just as great an energy requirement per kilo of body weight as many a considerably larger dog. Anyone looking for the right food for the Pomeranian therefore needs to pay attention to nutrient density, portion size and this small breed's sensitive dental health. In this guide we show you what really matters with Pomeranian nutrition, from the right feeding routine through suitable chews to dental care.

The Pomeranian at a glance: small fluffball with a big character

The Pomeranian, known in German-speaking countries as "Zwergspitz", is one of the smallest spitz breeds of all. With a shoulder height of only 18 to 22 centimetres and a weight of between 1.5 and 3.5 kilograms, it counts among the true toy breeds. Its lush, double coat makes it look bigger than it actually is, making it one of the most striking small companion dogs. In terms of character, the Pomeranian is anything but a calm lapdog: it's considered bright, alert and at times highly strung, with a pronounced self-confidence that often belies its size. This combination of tiny build and lively temperament has direct consequences for its diet, as a small stomach, an active metabolism and a pronounced tendency towards dental problems call for a well thought-out feeding concept.

The right food for the Pomeranian

Because a Pomeranian's stomach is so small, Pomeranian nutrition is less about quantity than about the quality and nutrient density of the food. A high-quality, single-protein dry food with concentrated nutritional values delivers what your dog needs in the smallest of spaces, without it having to eat huge portions that its tiny tummy simply couldn't hold. Wet food is a good alternative or addition, as it also provides moisture and often tastes better to fussy small eaters.

Grain-free food is the better choice for many Pomeranians, as grain in large quantities can unnecessarily burden the sensitive digestive tract of small dogs and often provides less animal protein per portion. Single-protein recipes with just one protein source also help to identify food intolerances early and counter them in a targeted way.

One point that should be taken particularly seriously with toy breeds like the Pomeranian is the risk of hypoglycaemia. Puppies and very small, young Pomeranians in particular have only low energy reserves and can slip into dangerous hypoglycaemia if feeding gaps are too long. Rather than two large meals a day, three to four smaller portions that keep blood sugar levels stable therefore make more sense. If you're unsure which food best suits your Pomeranian, the food finder provides an individual recommendation.

Dental health: the big issue for the Pomeranian

Hardly any breed is as prone to dental problems as the Pomeranian. The reason lies in its build: a tiny jaw has to fit in just as many teeth as a large dog, which leads to malpositioning and crowded teeth. As a result, food debris and plaque collect particularly easily in the hard-to-reach gaps between teeth, and tartar forms more quickly than in larger breeds. Left untreated, this can lead in the long term to gum inflammation, gum recession and even premature tooth loss, a problem that affects many Pomeranians as early as middle age.

This is exactly why dental care is not a side issue in Pomeranian nutrition but a central building block. Regular chewing naturally supports the mechanical cleaning of the teeth: chewing wears away plaque, massages the gums and stimulates saliva production, which in turn helps reduce bacteria in the mouth. It's important that the chews match a Pomeranian's tiny jaw in size and consistency, as pieces that are too large or too hard are either not accepted at all or carry a risk of injury to teeth and jaw. In addition to daily chewing, it's worth regularly checking the gums and, if necessary, having a professional dental clean done by the vet.

Why small, thin chews are particularly useful for the Pomeranian

A dog this small needs chews that are specifically cut to match its jaw size. Pieces that are too thick or too long quickly overwhelm the small jaw muscles or aren't worked on at all. Thin, easily portioned chews, on the other hand, can be grasped without any trouble and chewed over a longer period, which is exactly the cleaning effect that sensitive Pomeranian teeth need.

Suitable chews for very small dogs

With natural chews for the Pomeranian, the right size and consistency matter above all. Thin goat sinews are ideal for toy breeds: they're slim enough for the small jaw, pleasantly chewy, and provide high-quality, easily digestible protein on the side. A thin goat skin plait is also excellent for the Pomeranian, as it stays chewable for a long time without overwhelming the small jaw, while gently cleaning the teeth.

In general, for Pomeranian chews the rule is: smaller is better. Make sure the chews are single-protein, grain-free and air-dried, without artificial additives, flavourings or preservatives. That way your Pomeranian gets a natural snack that serves its dental health rather than burdening its sensitive stomach. For training in between, lean training treats in mini size are also suitable, as they can be given in seconds without throwing the daily ration off balance. If you're unsure which chew best suits your Pomeranian's jaw size, the chew finder will help you choose.

Coat & nutrients: care from within

The Pomeranian's dense, flowing double coat is its trademark, but it also calls for the right nutrient supply. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as found in high-quality oils and animal fats, support the skin barrier and ensure a glossy, resilient coat. Sufficient high-quality protein also plays a role, since coat largely consists of keratin and is constantly regrowing. An unbalanced diet often shows up first in the Pomeranian's coat, for example through dullness, increased hair loss or dry skin. A single-protein, high-quality food with a balanced fatty acid profile is therefore good not only for digestion but also for the coat that many Pomeranian owners are especially proud of.

Sensitive digestion: when the Pomeranian reacts sensitively

Many small breeds, including the Pomeranian, react sensitively to certain food ingredients. Typical signs are soft stools, frequent vomiting, itching or recurring ear infections. If you notice such symptoms in your Pomeranian, switching to single-protein, grain-free recipes with one single, clearly defined protein source can help. To systematically narrow down a possible food intolerance, an elimination diet is suitable: over several weeks, only a new protein source that hasn't been fed before is given, to find out which ingredient is triggering the symptoms. Always discuss a change of food for persistent symptoms with your vet.

The Pomeranian puppy & the senior

In the first months of life, a Pomeranian puppy needs particular attention when it comes to feeding. Because of its low body weight and its still-immature ability to store energy, it should be given four to five small meals spread across the day, to keep the risk of hypoglycaemia as low as possible. Puppy food with a high nutrient density also supports the rapid growth and development of bones, muscles and the immune system during this sensitive phase.

In senior age, which often begins for the Pomeranian from around eight to ten years, nutrient needs change again. Metabolism slows down, joints and teeth come under greater strain, and many older Pomeranians move less. A slightly reduced calorie intake with consistently high nutrient density helps prevent obesity, while soft or particularly easy-to-chew chews continue to provide enrichment and dental care even as dental health declines.

Frequently asked questions about Pomeranian nutrition

How often should I feed my Pomeranian?

Because of the low body weight and the risk of hypoglycaemia, several small meals spread throughout the day make more sense than one or two large portions. This applies even more to puppies than to adult Pomeranians.

Why is the Pomeranian particularly prone to tartar?

The crowded teeth in the tiny jaw encourage plaque build-up, because food debris is harder to remove from the gaps between teeth. Regular chewing of suitable chews considerably supports natural tooth cleaning.

Which chews are suitable for a Pomeranian's small jaw?

Thin, small chews such as goat sinews or a thin goat skin plait are well suited, as they're easy to grasp and don't overwhelm the small jaw.

Is grain-free food always necessary for the Pomeranian?

Not strictly necessary, but sensible: grain-free, single-protein food less often burdens the sensitive digestion and makes it easier to identify a food intolerance early on.

Character & who the Pomeranian suits

In short, the Pomeranian is best suited to: city/flat living, small fluffball, loves being groomed.

• Size: small
• Energy level: medium
• With children: good with children
• Flat living: suited to flat living
• For beginners: with some experience
• Coat care: high-maintenance coat
• Trainability: eager to learn
• Alertness: watchful

Not sure whether this breed suits your life? Find out with our breed finder "Which dog breed suits me?".