FREEZE-DRIED RAW FEEDING GUIDE
How to feed a Volpino Italiano
The Volpino Italiano is a tiny Italian Spitz with a big, busy metabolism and a profuse double coat that demands real nutrition — so how, and how much, you feed one matters more than its 9-to-12-pound frame suggests.
Here is exactly how to feed a Volpino Italiano on freeze-dried raw: by weight and life stage, with the nutrient-dense nutrition that protects their coat, heart, and small but lively body.
- Adult weight9–12 lb
- SizeSmall
- EnergyModerate to High
- Lifespan14–16 years
- CoatThick, soft double coat — regular shedder
What a Volpino Italiano's body needs
Every Volpino Italiano trait comes back to one thing: how you feed them. Here's what matters most.
Profuse white double coat
Needs: Omega-3 fatty acids
Whole-food animal and fish fats feed the skin barrier from the inside, keeping the Volpino's thick stand-off coat glossy and easing the regular shedding this Spitz is known for.
Tiny frame, lively metabolism
Needs: Calorie-dense, nutrient-rich food
Small dogs burn energy fast and have little room in the bowl — 83% meat, organ and bone delivers complete nutrition in small, measured servings, with no carb fillers to crowd it out.
Prone to carrying weight if overfed
Needs: Precise, weighable portions
At 9–12 lb, every ounce counts. Measured freeze-dried raw — fed by weight, not by the begging — keeps a Volpino lean, the single biggest lever for a longer, healthier life.
Heart watch-out with age
Needs: Lean weight + clean whole-food diet
A minimally processed, low-filler raw diet keeps body weight in check, which eases the workload on a small heart over the years.
Small mouth, fine teeth
Needs: Clean, low-starch nutrition
Small breeds are prone to dental tartar; a whole-food raw diet skips the sticky, starchy fillers that feed plaque, supporting cleaner teeth and gums.
How much to feed a Volpino Italiano
Quick answer: a healthy adult Volpino Italiano (9–12 lb) needs about 1.3–1.8 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split across two meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry — so it's much less by volume than kibble. Feed to a lean waistline and adjust every few weeks.
| Ideal adult weight | Freeze-dried per day | Per meal (×2) |
|---|---|---|
| 9 lb | 1.3 oz | 0.7 oz |
| 10 lbtypical Volpino Italiano | 1.5 oz | 0.8 oz |
| 11 lb | 1.7 oz | 0.8 oz |
| 12 lb | 1.8 oz | 0.9 oz |
Starting points for a moderately active adult (~0.15 oz of freeze-dried per lb of ideal weight). Active pets need a little more, couch companions a little less — always adjust to body condition, not the bag.
What to feed a Volpino Italiano
For a Volpino Italiano we recommend complete freeze-dried raw as the daily base — real meat, organs and ground bone with no heat-processed filler — or as a nutrient-rich topper while you transition.
Their small mouths and quick energy needs suit calorie-dense raw served in small, measured amounts. Lean single proteins like Chicken or Wild-Caught Cod are gentle and easy to portion, while omega-rich Salmon feeds that signature white coat from the inside. Just add water and serve.
Recipes for Volpino Italianos
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Feeding a Volpino Italiano by life stage
- Puppy: Volpino puppies are tiny and burn energy fast, so feed small, frequent meals — roughly 5–8% of current body weight across 3–4 feedings a day — to keep blood sugar steady and fuel steady growth.
- Adult: Feed to a lean, visible waist, split across two small meals. Use the chart below as a starting point and adjust to body condition, not the bag — the thick coat can hide weight gain.
- Senior: Activity slows but appetite often does not. Trim portions, keep protein high to preserve lean muscle, and lean into heart- and coat-supporting whole-food nutrition through their long teens.
Common Volpino Italiano concerns — and the diet connection
- Heart conditionsA watch-out in the breed with age; keeping a Volpino lean on a clean, low-filler raw diet eases the day-to-day load on a small heart and supports overall cardiovascular health.
- Cataracts & eye healthReported in the breed; a whole-food diet rich in natural antioxidants and omega-3 from real meat and fish supports general eye and tissue health.
- Coat & skin upkeepThat dense white double coat thrives on omega-rich whole-food fats, which support a strong skin barrier and a glossy coat while easing routine shedding.
- Weight & dental healthSmall breeds tip into overweight easily and are prone to tartar — measured raw feeding keeps the waistline honest, and a low-starch whole-food diet supports cleaner teeth.
Diet supports health but doesn't replace veterinary care — ask your vet about any specific condition.
Feeding a Volpino Italiano: what to know
A Volpino is small but spirited, and a tiny dog has very little margin for error — a few extra treats can quickly tip an 11-pound dog into overweight. Feed to body condition: you should feel the ribs easily under that thick coat and see a waist from above.
Because the coat hides their true shape, weigh portions rather than eyeballing them, and re-check the amount every few weeks — especially as activity changes with age.
Volpino Italiano feeding questions
How much should I feed my Volpino Italiano?
What is the best food for a Volpino Italiano's coat?
How do I switch my Volpino to raw?
Is raw food good for small breeds like the Volpino?
How do I keep my Volpino from gaining weight?
THE CLEAN BOWL GUARANTEE
If your dog won't eat it, it's on us
Try Volpino Italiano's first plan risk-free. If they turn up their nose, we'll make it right — money-back, and skip, pause or cancel anytime.
- Vet-formulated
- AAFCO complete & balanced
- Pathogen-tested every batch
“Knowing exactly how much to feed took all the guesswork out. He’s leaner, with more energy on our walks.”
— Jenna & Cooper“My picky rescue finally runs to the bowl — and cleanup in the yard is a fraction of what it was.”
— Priya & Luna
Portions are starting points for freeze-dried raw and AAFCO complete-and-balanced recipes. Always feed to your individual dog's body condition and ask your vet about specific health needs.