CARE — DIET

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Puppyhood

  3. Adulthood

  4. Senior Years

  5. Raw Diets

  6. Grain-Free Diets

  7. WSAVA Principles

  8. WSAVA Guidelines

WSAVA logo with a pink and blue globe graphic and the words 'WSAVA World Small Animal Veterinary Association' in blue and pink text.

WSAVA Diet Guidelines for YOUR DOG

Pomeranians are a toy‐breed with unique metabolic demands and predispositions—hypoglycemia in puppies, tracheal collapse, dental overcrowding, adult obesity, and patellar luxation. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Guidelines offer a framework for tailoring diets that support growth, maintenance, and healthy aging in Pomeranians, mitigating breed‐specific issues when applied judiciously.

A young man in an apron preparing snacks for four fluffy dogs with bowls of food.

Puppyhood: Preventing Hypoglycemia & Supporting Development

Pomeranian puppies burn energy rapidly but have small stomachs and limited glycogen reserves, making them prone to hypoglycemia. WSAVA recommends:

  • High‐Energy, Nutrient‐Dense Diets: Formulated for growth (puppy formulas) providing ~2× adult energy per kg body weight until ~40% adult size, then tapering to ~1.6× and 1.2× respectively.

  • Frequent, Small Meals: 3–4 feedings daily to maintain stable blood glucose.

  • Balanced Calcium: Phosphorus (Ca:P): A ratio of ~1.2–1.4:1 supports skeletal health without overloading developing bones.

  • DHA & Vitamin E: Essential for neural, visual, and immune development; aim for ≥0.05% DHA and ≥500 IU/kg vitamin E in diet dry matter.

Please see our Care — Puppy page for more in-depth information about caring for your puppy.

A black and white cartoon illustration of a woman with long hair, wearing a sleeveless dress, holding a bowl of food, and a fluffy dog, possibly a Pomeranian, standing on its hind legs. The woman appears to be feeding the dog a treat or snack.

Adulthood: Managing Energy & Supporting Respiratory Health

Adult Pomeranians are susceptible to obesity—which exacerbates joint stress and tracheal collapse—plus chronic cough from tracheal ring weakening. WSAVA adult maintenance guidelines advise:

  • Caloric Targeting: Use WSAVA’s calorie tables (e.g., 130 kcal × BWkg^0.75 for active adults) and adjust for individual activity.

  • Portion Control: Larger portions drive overconsumption; studies show dogs eat more when served extra food.

  • High‐Quality Protein & Moderate Fat: Maintain lean muscle mass and skin/coat health; avoid excess fat to limit weight gain.

  • Joint & Airway Support: Include glucosamine/chondroitin for patellar luxation risk; keep body condition ideal to reduce tracheal pressure and cough severity.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: EPA/DHA (≥0.1% diet DM) to modulate inflammation in joints and airway tissues.

Senior Years: Preserving Muscle, Cognition & Dental Health

Seniors face reduced metabolism, sarcopenia, dental attrition, and cognitive slowing. WSAVA suggests:

  • Adequate Digestible Protein: ≥25% of kcal from high‐biological‐value protein prevents muscle wasting.

  • Calorie Reduction with Nutrient Density: Decrease total kCal by ~20% while maintaining micronutrients to avoid obesity.

  • Antioxidants & L-Carnitine: Support cognitive function and counter oxidative stress.

  • Soft or Moist Foods: Accommodate worn teeth and encourage intake.

  • Prebiotics/Probiotics: To maintain gut microbiome balance and nutrient absorption.

Raw Diets: Weighing the Risks

While some advocate for raw diets, it’s important to consider potential risks:

  • Pathogen exposure: Raw meats can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria, posing health risks to both pets and humans.

  • Nutritional imbalances: Without proper formulation, raw diets may lack essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies.

Consulting with a veterinarian before transitioning to a raw diet is crucial to ensure safety and nutritional adequacy.

Grain-Free Diets: Understanding the Concerns

Grain-free diets have gained popularity, but recent studies have raised concerns:

  • Heart health implications: The FDA has investigated potential links between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

  • Nutritional considerations: Grains can be a valuable source of nutrients; eliminating them without suitable alternatives may lead to deficiencies.

It’s essential to evaluate the necessity of grain-free diets on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual dog’s health and dietary needs with your veterinarian.

Evidence Supporting WSAVA Principles

  • Digestive & Metabolic Differences: Small breeds digest nutrients differently and have distinct amino acid profiles, underscoring the need for breed‐tailored diets.

  • Feeding Frequency: Once‐daily feeding links to health benefits in adult dogs, but toy breeds benefit from multiple meals to stabilize glucose.

  • Tracheal Collapse Management: Weight control and meal size reduction alleviate cough severity in small breeds like Pomeranians.

    • WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
      World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2020.

    • Calorie Needs for Healthy Adult Dogs
      WSAVA Nutrition Committee, July 2020.

    • Bray EE, Zheng Z, Tolbert MK, McCoy BM, Dog Aging Project Consortium, Kaeberlein M.
      “Once‑daily feeding is associated with better health in companion dogs.” GeroScience. 2022.
      (PMID: 35484470; PMCID: PMC9213604).

    • Teng KPH, Jolley KD, Stewart AM, et al.
      “Metabolic differences between dogs of different body sizes.” PLoS One. 2017.

    • National Research Council (NRC).
      Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats, 2006.

    • FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. “Managing canine coat and skin health through nutrition.” FDA Health Alert, 2021.

    • FDA Veterinary Advisory Committee. “Investigation into potential link between grain‑free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy.” Reports from 2019 and 2022.