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My Papillons have dry fur & won't eat their food. What's best?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

What dry dog food is best for two 5 year old papillons? They don't seem to have allergies to anything food-wise. I'm looking for something to improve their fur. Right now it feels dry and looks messy. Right now they are on Canidae Grain Free Pure Petite: Adult: Salmon but they don't seem to want to eat it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 28th, 2019

This is a great question, and one which does not have a simple answer, as there is no one pet food that is best for all dogs, even within a specific breed. Certain types of specialty dog foods, including grain free diets may be linked to heart disease in dogs, so I recommend talking to your vet about potential risks for Lilly and her sibling. I recommend a small breed adult food until they reach 7-8 years old, and then switching over to a senior formula slowly over the course of a week. You can mix a small breed adult wet food in with the dry if you think they'd prefer it, and a skin support formula such as the one below with omega 3 fatty acids can help support the skin https://www.royalcanin.ca/products/catalog/Royal-Canin-Veterinary-Diet-Canine-SKIN-CARE-SMALL-DOG-dry-dog-food/223038 See the links below for more information: https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/newsevents/cvmupdates/ucm613305.htm https://talkspetfood.aafco.org/rightpetfood https://www.hillspet.ca/en-ca/dog-care/nutrition-feeding/how-to-transition-my-dogs-food If your dogs are overweight or have other health issues, I recommend speaking to your vet as there may be other diets they recommend that can both help the skin and help manage their other conditions. I hope that helps!

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would stick to food from a reputable company that does a lot of research finding the right formula for the animals in their various life stages. I would recommend a food manufactured by Iams, Royal Canin, Hills, or Purina Proplan for small breed adult dogs. such as Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini Adult Dry Dog Food, Hill's Science Diet Small & Toy Breed Adult Dog Food, Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Dog Food, Purina Pro Plan Focus Toy Breed Formula Adult Dry Dog Food. Any petshop should carry these and you can also order them via the internet. Limiting human food treats and regular brushing or combing will also help. Do not bathe more than once a month , or better, even less.

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