Happy Dog Mini Irland, 10 kg is a super-premium dry food from the German brand Happy Dog for adult small-breed dogs that are sensitive or picky eaters. The animal protein comes from salmon meal (12.5%) and rabbit protein (12.5%). The recipe contains no lamb or poultry protein and no rice, soy or wheat. Barley and potato supply the carbohydrates. The kibble is very small to suit a small dog's jaw. Energy: 361 kcal per 100 g.
What it is and who makes it
Happy Dog is a German dog food brand. Irland belongs to the Sensible series, foods for sensitive dogs with unusual protein sources. Mini Irland is its small-breed version, with small kibble and optimised protein and calorie levels. The recipe adds a herb blend under the maker's Natural Life Concept.
Ingredients and analysis
Barley, salmon meal (12.5%), rabbit protein (12.5%), potato flakes, poultry fat, dicalcium phosphate, hydrolysed liver, beet pulp, apple pulp (0.8%), sunflower and rapeseed oil, dried whole egg, salt, yeast, potassium chloride, seaweed, flaxseed, mussels, yucca, and herbs (milk thistle, artichoke, dandelion, ginger, birch leaves, nettle, chamomile, coriander, rosemary, sage, liquorice root, thyme).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 24% |
| Fat | 12% |
| Fibre | 3% |
| Calcium / phosphorus | 1.3% / 0.9% |
| Omega-6 / omega-3 | 2.8% / 0.3% |
| Energy | 361 kcal per 100 g |
Pros
- Salmon and rabbit. An alternative to chicken, beef and lamb.
- No wheat, rice or soy. Barley and potato instead.
- Small kibble. Easy for dogs with small mouths.
- Herbs and mussels. 12 herbs, seaweed, flaxseed and mussels.
- Moderate calories. 361 kcal per 100 g makes weight easier to manage.
- Big bag. 10 kg lasts a small dog several months.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- Contains poultry fat and egg. Note this with a strict allergy.
- Not grain-free. Barley is the first ingredient.
- A long-lasting bag. Store it properly so it doesn't go stale.
- Not a therapeutic food. A marked allergy needs a vet-selected diet.
How to feed
Pick the amount from the table on the pack by your dog's weight and adjust by body shape. Small dogs do better with 2–3 small meals a day. Switch gradually over 7–10 days, mixing with the old food. With picky dogs, avoid constantly changing foods or adding table scraps, as that only makes fussiness worse. Fresh water always available.
If your dog is a picky eater
Fussiness in small dogs is often learned: the dog refuses its food, gets something tasty and learns to hold out. A routine helps: put the bowl down for 15–20 minutes and remove what's left until the next meal. Use treats only as rewards and within the daily allowance. If your dog suddenly loses its appetite, loses weight or has other symptoms, see a vet. How to choose food for a small dog is covered in food for small-breed dogs.
Storing a big bag
For a 3–7 kg dog, 10 kg is a supply for several months. Keep the food in its original bag, tightly closed, somewhere cool and dry. It helps to decant a 1–2 week supply into a small container and open the main bag less often. More in how to store dry food.
Who it suits
Adult small-breed dogs with sensitive digestion or skin, picky eaters, and dogs that don't do well on chicken, lamb or wheat foods. Bigger dogs have Happy Dog Sensible Irland. More on choosing food for allergies in hypoallergenic dog food; all foods are in dry dog food.
Verdict
Happy Dog Mini Irland is a salmon and rabbit food without wheat, rice or soy, with small kibble and herbs for sensitive and picky small dogs. A good choice when regular chicken foods don't suit, and the big bag offers good value per kilogram.
Frequently Asked Questions
What meat is in Happy Dog Mini Irland?
Salmon and rabbit, 12.5% each.
Does it contain chicken?
No poultry protein, but it does contain poultry fat.
Does it contain grains?
Yes, barley. No wheat, rice or soy.
Which dogs is it for?
Adult small-breed dogs that are sensitive or picky eaters.
How many calories?
361 kcal per 100 g.
How many meals a day?
Small dogs do well with 2–3 meals a day.
