Papillons are occasionally referred to as 'little dogs for all reasons and seasons'. They are small yet protective, intelligent yet playful, and dainty yet hardworking. If you’re looking for a companion that will be by your side on snowy hikes and hot jungle treks, a Papillon dog is the perfect fit. The best dog food for Papillons will contain high-quality protein to keep them fueled through their daily adventures.
Because of their small stature, you won’t need to buy quality dog food in bulk, however, it is important to find a dog food that won’t cause an allergic reaction. Papillons have been on this earth for a long, long time, and are still a favorite breed among households today.
About Papillon
History
Papillon dogs can be found depicted in paintings dating back to the 16th century. It is believed they are a descendant from the toy Spaniel. It is suspected the name 'Papillon' is in reference to this breed’s large, wing-shaped ears, which resemble a butterfly’s wingspan. The French word ‘papillon’ translates to the English word ‘butterfly’.
Papillons are known to have small litters and breeders can have long wait lists as a result. Currently, the Papillon breed is ranked 54th in popularity according to the American Kennel Club.
Physical Appearance
A typical Papillon dog measures between 8 to 11 inches and 5 to 10 pounds. They are categorized into the toy dog breed group.
Their small stature is emphasized by unique ears and a stunning tail. A Papillon’s ears form a 45-degree angle to the head when erect and are the focal point of this breed. They have dark eyes with an alert expression and a skinny muzzle that leads to a small black nose. Overall, they have a very fine bone structure. Their long, silky, plumed tail is carried very high.
Papillons have a long silky coat that is usually white at the base and highlighted with a variety of colors, such as fawn, sable, red, chocolate, or black. Despite not having an undercoat, this breed is happy in warm or cold climates. Because of their silky coat, Papillons need to be groomed frequently. Consider brushing them daily and washing them at least every four weeks. This will ensure the hair doesn’t get tangled and they retain their soft, luxurious coat. The best dog food for Papillons will have balanced levels of fatty acids which will help maintain silky fur.
Demeanor
The Papillon breed is known for being alert, friendly, and happy. They will dainty and elegantly move across the room but aren’t afraid to aggressively chase rodents from your yard. Papillons are an active companion, they would rather curiously sniff around your house than sit on your lap. But they love being around humans and would not be happy to be alone for long parts of the day.
Bringing a Papillon into your household means that you will have a dedicated companion and guardian. Despite their small size they are extremely loyal and are known to have a ‘big dog’ attitude. This breed is usually very good with children, as long as their fragile bodies are treated gently by the youngins. They are also typically good with other animals, including large gentle dogs, and cats.
Papillons are considered to have moderate to intense energy levels. They are an extremely trainable breed and are very good at dog sports like agility. If they are not trained early, you may start to see a stubborn streak evolve. It is important to mold them into good habits early, so sign up for that obedience class to ensure you and your new companion live a happy life together.
How Much Food Should a Papillon Eat A Day?
A Papillon dog does not eat a lot because of their small stature. Their small body means they have a small stomach that doesn’t hold a lot of food. It also means their small bodies can’t store a lot of nutrients for later, so they do need to be fed more frequently than large dogs.
Papillons can be picky eaters, but their preferences are usually related to dog food allergies. It is recommended that you don’t buy food in bulk since this toy breed does not eat a lot in the first place. Especially for your first bag of dog food, or if you’re changing brands, buy the smallest size bag available, to ensure your pet likes the flavor and does not have an allergic reaction. The best dog food for Papillons will be the one they're excited to eat, so don't hesitate to try some unique proteins like rabbit, lamb, or salmon. So, how much do you feed a Papillon dog? Keep reading to find out daily calorie recommendations for adults, seniors, and puppies.
Adult
An adult Papillon, weighing around 10 pounds, requires approximately 400 calories per day. If your dog is extremely active on a daily basis, you should increase their food intake by up to 430 calories. As previously mentioned, a Papillon dog has a small stomach and requires at least 2, if not 3 meals per day to ensure they are receiving enough nutrients to sustain them.
Senior
Your senior Papillon will need a reduction in calories as their activity levels decrease. Most senior Papillons will need between 350 and 375 daily calories. When looking at the best dog food for Papillons, try to pick one that contains coconut oil or salmon oil. These oils contain something called 'medium-chain fatty acids' (MCFAs), which help older dogs feel younger. Also, choose a quality dog food that has high levels of protein that are easily digestible.
How to Feed a Papillon Puppy
A Papillon puppy requires special attention to its meal patterns. For this breed, they should be fed puppy food up until the time they are one year old. Then, they can begin to transition to adult dog food.
It is important to feed your pup 4 to 5 small meals per day. This breed is known to become hypoglycemic, which means to have low blood sugar if they are not fed often enough. Papillon puppies require between 300 to 340 calories per day, which should be increased according to their growth and activity levels.
When shopping dog foods, look for types that are specially made for small breed puppies. At this age, it is important to feed your Papillon balanced quantities of high-quality protein and fatty acids. If your pup is extremely active, you will want to increase their protein levels. Also, the best dog foods for puppies will contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This is a specific form of omega-3 fatty acids, that has proven to help with eye and brain development in all puppies.
Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, Fats Split
Macronutrients are an important part of your dog’s diet. Knowing how much protein, carbohydrates, and fat you feed your Papillon can help indicate if they are missing something essential in their diet, or if there is a health concern to monitor. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) researches and declares the percentage levels of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat that should be included in dog food. Here are the recommended levels for a Papillon:
It is really important to seek out dog food brands that offer formulas specifically for toy breeds and small breeds. While Royal Canin does have an X-Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, the formula contains a lot of filler ingredients, like corn, wheat, and protein by-products. To ensure your dog has the healthiest possible diet, the best food will list a protein as its number one ingredient (i.e. chicken, fish, turkey, lamb, rabbit, etc.).
Also, because of the Papillon’s small stomach, it is advised to avoid grain when possible. Sweet potato is an excellent carbohydrate alternative that has low glycemic levels and is packed full of nutrients.
What Common Health Problems Do Papillons Have?
As is the case with all animals, some breeds are more prone to certain illnesses. The Papillon breed is no exception. The lifespan of a Papillon dog is approximately 14 - 16 years, which means you will have your pet companion for a long time. That being said, this breed is especially prone to two common health problems; patellar luxation and dental disease.
Patellar Luxation
This is more commonly described as the dislocation of the knee cap. It is common for a lot of dog breeds to experience this, and particularly common in senior Papillons. While this breed doesn’t usually have obesity problems, keeping your pet at a consistent weight is a big part of avoiding patellar luxation. If you notice your dog is hopping or hobbling, take them to the vet to be examined for this condition.
Dental Diseases
Because of their small mouths, Papillon dogs frequently have dental diseases. It is very easy for tartar and plaque to build up, especially on the back teeth. The build-up, in addition to gum recession, can result in dental infections and diseases. It can be common for small dogs to require teeth extraction, especially as they age. Removing the tooth can reduce and eliminate any pain relating to dental disease. It is important to brush your dog’s teeth frequently, and even daily for a Papillon. Appropriately-sized chew toys will also assist in reducing plaque and tartar build-up. The best food for Papillons is dry dog food, as it will force your dog to use their back teeth.
Recommendations for the Best Dog Foods for Papillon
1. Small Breed Puppy Chicken and Rice Formula, Dry Dog Food by Diamond Naturals
With cage-free chicken as its first ingredient and a crude protein level of 32%, Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice Formula is the perfect dog food for a small breed Papillon puppy. The amino acids from the chicken will help keep your dog’s muscles strong and lean.
The Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food includes important ingredients vital to the development of a growing puppy. Superfoods like kale, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, and carrots will provide the necessary antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals your pup needs to develop a strong muscular skeleton and maintain healthy joints. Plus, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is found in the salmon oil, which will contribute to the overall development of a puppy’s brain.
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Food comes in a small kibble shape, which is optimal for toy breeds to chew and digest. It contains no artificial flavor, color, or added preservatives and does not have any filler ingredients like corn and wheat. Your Papillon puppy will love the flavor of Diamond Naturals, and you will love all the nutrients it provides for your pet.
2. Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Pumpkin Recipe by Nature’s Recipes
Nature’s Recipes Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Pumpkin Recipe will make your dog excited for mealtime, every time. The special blend of pumpkin and sweet potato provides excellent sources of grain-free, low-carbohydrate, and high-energy ingredients. With chicken as its first ingredient, this dog food will help keep even the smallest dog’s muscle mass strong.
The best food will have excellent sources of vegetables and fruits, and Nature's Recipes delivers these nutrients for adult Papillons. Ingredients like peas and apples, in addition to the sweet potato and pumpkin, will ensure your dog has a strong immune system and is receiving high doses of vitamins and minerals at each meal.
Specially formulated for dogs under 25 pounds, Nature’s Recipes Small Breed Dry Dog Food is grain-free, and only contains natural ingredients. There is no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors.
Filled with easy-to-digest ingredients, high levels of protein, and healthy fatty acids, Small Paws for Small Breed Dogs is must-try dog food for Papillon owners. The Lamb and Rice Recipe is a great alternative for dogs with allergies to traditional protein sources. Ingredients like beet pulp and flaxseed assist with easy digestion. Plus, the third ingredient, whole grain sorghum, has been suggested to have extraordinary health benefits to dogs, including high antioxidant levels, and is rich in B1, B2, zinc, iron, and digestive fibers.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food particularly formed their kibble for the comfort of toy breed and small breed dogs. The hard kibble will help remove plaque and tartar build-up and the small size will assist with easy digestion of the food. There is also a balanced blend of omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E, both of which will help keep your Papillon’s coat healthy and shiny.
For your active Papillon or your picky eater, Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe will be your pet’s favorite food. The first ingredient is real deboned beef, providing a high-quality source of protein, and an alternative for dogs allergic to poultry. Because of the high levels of protein, this dog food provides lots of energy and is an excellent option for very active Papillons. The signature Lifesource Bits, which are frequently found in Blue Buffalo products, contain antioxidants, essential vitamins, and vital minerals.
This dog food was designed for small dogs. This means the dry kibble is the best size for a small dog’s mouth. It is also an excellent choice for your active senior dogs, as the ingredients will sustain a healthy immune system. The Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe by Blue Buffalo is grain-free and contains no artificial preservatives or flavors. It is also wheat-free, corn-free, and soy-free.
Avoderm is dedicated to providing small breed dogs rich protein and high nutrition in each bite of dog food. The dog food bag proudly displays the top 10 ingredients contained in the food, all of which are natural and nutrient-dense. Made from real chicken, the more concentrated form of chicken meal is the primary source of protein in this dog food, which will sustain your dog with energy all day long.
The presence of avocado, dried plain beet pulp, and dried tomato pomace in the food provide antioxidants to keep your dog’s immune system strong. Plus, these vegetables and fruit contain fatty acids that will help your pup’s skin and coat stay healthy and soft. Avoderm’s Small Breed Dog Food, Chicken Meal and Brown Rice Recipe, is wheat-free, corn-free, soy-free, contains no animal by-products, and no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
Conclusion
The best dog food for Papillons contains natural ingredients, has high levels of protein, and low levels of carbohydrates. Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Pumpkin Recipe is the best choice for your adult and senior Papillon.
Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice Formula for a Small Breed Puppy is the best choice of dog food for Papillon puppies. This food will provide the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your puppy requires to grow into a strong, healthy adult.
A Papillon dog is the perfect companion regardless of your climate, lifestyle, or living arrangements. They want to be around you all the time but can entertain themselves if you’re lazing around on the couch. Their silky coat and distinguished perked ears will cause everyone to stop and pet your pooch. A Papillon is truly a little dog for 'all reasons and seasons'. Keep your pet fuelled with the best dog food and the two of you will enjoy a long, adventurous life.
