When it comes to feeding your dog, there are many factors to consider. One key decision is whether to feed your dog kibble made by a large commercial pet food manufacturer or to go with a small batch, specialty dog food brand. Small batch dog foods are produced in smaller quantities and with greater attention to ingredient quality. But what exactly constitutes “small batch” when it comes to dog food production? Let’s take a closer look at what small batch dog food is and what sizes it typically comes in.
What is Small Batch Dog Food?
Small batch dog food refers to dog kibble or wet food that is made in small quantities, usually by small companies. It is the opposite of large-scale commercial pet food production. While big name brands may produce millions of pounds of dog food at a time, small companies focus on crafting food in batches of just hundreds or thousands of pounds.
This allows small pet food makers to focus more on quality ingredients. They often avoid using by-products, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Small batch brands highlight fresh meats, whole foods, and locally sourced ingredients. With less emphasis on mass production, they can take the time to make nutritious and palatable recipes.
Many small companies let their customers know the date each formula was made and the exact source of their ingredients. This focus on transparency helps consumers feel good about what their dogs are eating. It also allows pet owners to switch up proteins or recipes more easily if their dog seems bored.
Benefits of Small Batch Dog Food
There are a few key advantages that small batch dog foods may offer over traditional kibble:
- Ingredient quality – Less processed ingredients, real meats, whole foods.
- Customization – Ability to rotate proteins, match food to dog’s needs.
- Transparency – Clear sourcing, production dates.
- Less storage – Food is made fresh, reducing the need for preservatives.
While these boutique brands often come with a higher price tag, many pet owners feel the benefits are worth it. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies may do better on these simpler formulas too.
Common Small Batch Dog Food Sizes
Most small pet food companies offer their kibble or wet food in a variety of package sizes. This gives dog owners flexibility in choosing how much to purchase at a time. Here are some of the most common sizes you’ll see:
5 lb Bags
The 5 pound bag is a very popular size for small batch dog foods. This size gives owners a chance to try out a new formula without committing to a huge amount. Many dogs eat around 1 cup of dry food per day, so a 5 lb bag will last a smaller dog a month or longer. For larger dogs or multi-dog households, a 5 pounder may only last 2-3 weeks.
10 lb Bags
The next step up, the 10 pound bag provides a happy medium for many pet owners. A 10 lb bag of kibble typically lasts an average sized dog about a month to 6 weeks. Buying this larger size can mean saving a couple dollars per pound compared to the smaller bags. You also reduce packaging waste by not having to open a new bag as often.
15-25 lb Bags
For owners feeding multiple dogs or large breeds, the 15+ pound bags help lower the cost per pound. While the upfront cost is higher, the kibble often comes out a little cheaper by buying in this bulk size. Just be mindful that kibble can start to lose freshness around 3 months after production. Make sure to check the date on the bag before purchasing more than your dog can eat in a reasonable timeframe.
Sample Sizes
Some pet food companies also offer smaller 1-2 lb sample sizes. This gives owners a chance to try a new recipe before investing in a bigger bag. Things like protein allergies or taste preferences can be hard to predict, so samples are great when you are still figuring out your dog’s ideal diet.
Common Small Batch Wet Food Sizes
When it comes to wet, canned food, you’ll see many of the same size options as dry kibble. The most popular can sizes include:
- 5 oz cans
- 13 oz cans
- 24 oz cans
You may also spot some canned recipes packed in 8 oz or 16 oz pouches. These soft packages help reduce waste compared to traditional metal cans. Just be sure to use up open wet food promptly since it has less preservatives.
Key Considerations by Size
To recap, here are some key points to help choose what size matches your needs:
| Size | Best For… |
|---|---|
| 5 lb bags | Trying new recipes, small dogs |
| 10 lb bags | Single dogs, storage space |
| 15-25 lb bags | Multiple dogs, large breeds |
| 1-2 lb samples | Testing new proteins |
| 5 oz wet food cans | Small dogs, trial sizes |
| 13 oz cans | Average dogs |
| 24 oz cans or pouches | Large dogs, multi-dog homes |
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the “right” size small batch dog food depends on your dog’s unique needs. Key factors to consider are your dog’s size, their daily calorie needs, if they tend to have sensitivities, how often you place kibble orders, and your available storage space. Be sure to check the production date before purchasing more than a 2-3 month supply. But otherwise, you can’t go wrong feeding your pup a high quality, small batch diet!