Contents
- Calories for Your Cup-Sized Canine
- The Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas
- 1. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Toy Breed Grain Free Chicken Meal Formula Dry Dog Food
- 2. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Dog Food
- 4. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 5. Taste of the Wild, Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Formula with Venison & Garbanzo Beans
- Conclusion
Our Top 5 Food Choices for Chihuahua
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Toy Breed Grain Free Chicken Meal Formula Dry Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Dog Food
- Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild, Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Formula with Venison & Garbanzo Beans
The Chihuahua is a tiny toy breed of dog that is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. These tiny mutts include both long and shorthaired varieties, although mating the two does not result in what is considered a purebred Chihuahua.
The high energy of a Chihuahua can make them skittish and seemingly nervous and so not necessarily great for a family home, while their tiny size makes them fantastic apartment dogs and easy to transport around, even in a purse a la Paris Hilton.
In this article, we will examine the best types of dog food for your Chihuahua, while also giving you some dietary advice in general for these tiny pups. As an owner, it is important that you research your dog’s diet to find out what is best for your dog’s health. This article will give you the things you need to know about the Chihuahua’s diet, and give you our choices for the best high-quality dog food for your pup. Let’s get started.
BEST CHIHUAHUA FOOD PRICE POINT COMPARISION
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why It Matters – A Chihuahua Nutritional Outline
Many pet parents take one-size fits all approach to feeding their dogs. However, it should be clear by looking at them that a Chihuahua diet compared to a Rottweiler diet is going to have different nutritional requirements. So, why don’t we feed them that way? Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog on earth and they need special food to accommodate them.
Chihuahuas require a high-calorie count for a pup of their size due to extra high-energy levels. They are also prone to heart problems and a small, hard kibble shape is essential for scraping tartar and plaque off a Chihuahua’s teeth as these little rascals are ultra prone to dental problems.
Therefore, it is quite crucial that as an owner of a Chihuahua you pay special attention to your dog’s diet, and be careful in choosing the dog food brands that you feed it. In taking your time and researching the best food for your dog, you can help to avoid health problems down the line.
Calories for Your Cup-Sized Canine
Chihuahuas have unique calorie requirements. Although they do not need much exercise, they still have high-energy needs. The average Chihuahua needs about 40 calories per lb of body weight, which is similar to what a puppy of a larger breed needs.
Protein
Because a Chihuahua burns energy so quickly but are also prone to eat like tiny pigs and gain weight, a high protein diet is ideal for a Chihuahua. Protein should always be the first macronutrient on the crude analysis and food for a Chihuahua should have at least 30% protein to sustain those energy levels.
Fats
Despite the fact that Chihuahuas can get a little chubby, they still ne
ed fat in
their diet. Fat provides a lot of energy, as well as supporting cognitive function. Oddly enough, fatty acids are good for your heart and will also provide your mini mongrel with healthy skin and a smooth shiny coat. Chihuahua’s food should be made up of ideally 20-30% fat.
Carbohydrates
There is no required amount of carbs in dog food, but you should always check and ensure quality sources of carbohydrates. These include flaxseed, root vegetables, and brown rice. Not only are these easy on your pup’s sensitive stomach but they also provide fiber and have antioxidant properties. The source of the nutrients is quite crucial in selecting between dog food brands, so it is important to know where ingredients such as carbs come from.
Necessary Nutrients
Important vitamins and minerals to look for in you Chihuahua’s food include:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 for healthy skin, coat, heart and for cognitive function
- Antioxidants for immune support
- Probiotics to aid in digestion
No Way, Jose!
Like with all dog breeds, you should avoid dog foods with wheat, soy, or corn in the formula. These cheap fillers have absolutely no nutritional value to your pet and, as your Chihuahua has a very tiny tummy, you need to pack all the goodness you can in there.
Your Chihuahua’s digestive system is not designed to accommodate these kinds of fillers, so you could really create some problems for your pet if his food includes any of them.
Finally, meat not fit for human consumption (because it has expired or for another reason), as well as bone meal should be excluded from a Chihuahua’s diet. Bone meal is not to be confused with meat meal, which is actually just a concentrated version of meat and a great source of protein.
Bring It On!
Like any other dog, you want to search for high-quality ingredients in your dog’s food. This means high-quality proteins, as your dog is a carnivore by nature. You may want to steer clear of chicken if your dog has certain food allergies, but venison, lamb, and fish are all great sources of protein.
You’ll also want to make sure your pup is getting the essential fatty acids it needs. Flax and fish are both great sources. A dog that is lacking Omega-3 and Omega-6 can suffer from dry, itchy skin, a lackluster coat, or hair loss, as well as heart problems down the road.
You also want to search for good quality sources of carbohydrates. So, what does that mean exactly? Well, let’s take a look. Dogs—especially Chihuahuas—shouldn’t have wheat, corn, or soy product in their diet.
However, they still need fiber. High-quality sources of fiber such as barley, brown rice, and sweet potatoes can help your dog’s digestive system stay on track and help it avoid unnecessary weight gain.
Antioxidant superfoods, such as cranberries, blueberries, and flaxseed can also get those bowels moving while providing a boost to your Chihuahua’s immune system and protecting him from disease and infection.
Problems for Your Pocket Pup
As the world’s smallest dog breed, your pet is prone to a whole slew of health issues. OK, so now you might be wondering what you can do to help prevent these problems. Well, nutrition actually plays a huge role in this.
Chihuahuas are prone to lots of problem with their teeth. Their tiny jaws mean weaker teeth, which can lead to decay and breakages.
Chihuahuas are also prone to diabetes, hypoglycemia, and obesity. You can prevent these problems by ensuring your dog food contains appropriate levels of fat, making sure your pooch gets exercised (even if you have to force them, a Chihuahua may not be naturally drawn to exercise like, for instance, a border collie) and that you keep a keen eye on them for unusual symptoms of lethargy. Get them to a vet if you notice this as hypoglycemia can be controlled.
Chihuahuas are also prone to itchy, flaky skin, hair loss, and a dull, dry coat. So, what does that mean exactly? Well, let’s take a look. This could be one of two things.
Either your dog is lacking fatty acids, which you can correct by changing his food. He may also be suffering from food allergies, which Chihuahuas are prone to. You can also, most of the time, control this by changing his food. Some Chihuahuas also suffer from seasonal allergies.
Surprisingly, despite their tiny size, your Chihuahua can also suffer from joint damage. Choose a food with glucosamine and chondroitin, or use a supplement to prevent this.
As you can see, Chihuahuas are quite susceptible to numerous health issues. That is why it is your job as an owner to not only keep a careful eye on their diet, but other symptoms as well. As with any health issue, it is always best to take them to a vet if you suspect any irregularities. A vet can identify the problem better than you can.
When to Feed ‘Em
Chihuahuas have tiny tummies. This means that, in comparison to a larger dog, your pooch may require several smaller feeding to get all his nutrients. A puppy may require 4-6 feeds a day while an adult Chihuahua will probably do well with 3.
Health Wrap-Up
As you can see, the Chihuahua has many special needs, largely due to its small stomach and fragile nature. However, with careful research and attention to your dog’s needs, you can meet these strict guidelines and keep your pup happy and healthy.
As mentioned, it is important to be aware of your dog’s special needs, but a trip to the vet can help you identify these needs if you are unsure. It is always better safe than sorry.
Next, we will examine, in our opinion, the best dog food brands for your Chihuahua, to help you to continue on the path toward a happy, healthy dog.
The Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas
1. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Toy Breed Grain Free Chicken Meal Formula Dry Dog Food
- High protein, grain-free, freeze dried raw coated kibble plus freeze dried raw pieces provide a great tasting, naturally nutrient rich diet
- Balanced levels of calories, fat, and protein perfectly tailored for the lifestyle of toy breed dogs plus the perfect kibble size for smaller mouths
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This grain-free dog food formula features frozen raw kibble with additional frozen raw pieces, allowing your dog to enjoy a rich, high-protein diet that tastes amazing and mimics the way a dog would naturally eat. Besides being grain-free, this dry dog food is also gluten-free and free of corn, soy, wheat, and any type of filler product.
The kibble size is also ideal for small or toy breeds and offers the additional benefit of being well sized to assist in scraping disease-causing plaque and tartar off tiny teeth. Chicken meal, which is the main source of protein and has the added benefit of being an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin, makes this dog food ideal for promoting joint health as you pup ages.
Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids help to keep skin healthy, as well as promoting a soft, shiny coat while added probiotics and healthful sources of fiber, such as peas, chickpeas, and flax seeds assist in digestion. This Nature’s Variety formula also contains added antioxidants to help ward off diseases and keep your tiny toy breed’s immune system working optimally.
Doggy parents also reported that even the pickiest eaters hungrily gobbled this food down. Finally, this brand will appeal to your charitable side as instinct partners with Best Friend Animal Shelters and provides meals to the animals staying in their shelters.
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Although this formula does contain chicken, which is a common dog allergen, it is corn, soy, wheat, and grain-free. The kibble size is perfect for a smaller pet and will promote oral health. It is also enriched with a slew of extra vitamins and minerals for your dog’s ultimate health!
This is a great all-around source of nutrition for your Chihuahua, and contains the necessary ingredients to help ward off and fight the many unique health complications common to this breed.
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2. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Grain Free: 100% Grain Free, Complete And Balanced Everyday Nutrition For Your Small Breed Dog
- Small Breed: Naturally Grain Free And Protein Rich, Made With Premium Turkey & Chicken, And The Optimum Calorie Levels To Support Higher Energy Needs Of Small...
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This kibble designed for a small breed is grain-free, corn-free, wheat-free, and soy-free. It also contains no preservatives or artificial colors and flavors. This dog food is designed for toy breeds and contains high-quality sources of protein such as turkey and chicken to sustain high energy levels.
Enriched with fruit and vegetable-based antioxidant ingredients, this small breed dog food is a great secret weapon to boost your pup’s immune system and help keep your pet healthy. It also contains live probiotics, prebiotics, and high-quality sources of fiber, which not only keeps your dog’s tummy happy but also helps provide slow-burning energy.
Fish and flax seed blends provide fatty acids to help keep your dog’s coat shiny and his skin healthy. Every bite of this kibble will also provide glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain your pup’s bones and keep its joints healthy. Many users indeed claimed that this dog food helped ward off oncoming arthritis is their older pet.
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This small breed kibble is free of grain, soy, wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It features high-quality proteins and fats, as well as being enriched with a variety of healthful nutrients to promote and maintain your dog’s ongoing well-being.
The ingredients are largely natural, nutritious, and balanced to suit the needs of your Chihuahua. If you are concerned about fending off current and potential health problems, this could be the food your dog needs.
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3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Dog Food
- HIGH QUALITY DOG FOOD: Blue Buffalo always features real meat as the 1st ingredient. BLUE Toy breed dog food features high-quality, protein from Deboned Chicken...
- TOY BREED DOG FOOD: Specially formulated for the wellness of adult toy breed dogs, BLUE Life Protection Formula Toy Breed Dog Food contains an optimal blend of...
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Blue Buffalo dog food is specially formulated for a toy breed. This means that it has ideal fat and protein content to support the typical high energy of a toy breed, as well as containing fatty acids to soothe dry itchy skin and a flaky coat and the extra small kibble is perfect for a tiny mouth and scraping tartar and plaque off tiny teeth.
A healthy mouth means a healthy hound! This food also encompasses high-quality, complex carbohydrates like brown rice and oats, which provide slow burning energy as well as fiber to help keep your dog’s digestive tract regular.
This toy breed kibble also contains Blue Buffalo’s unique LifeSource bits, which contain an exclusive blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The LifeSource bits are cold-pressed with the intention of preserving as much nutritional potency as possible! This dry dog food contains no artificial colors or flavor and also contains no preservatives.
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This small breed dog food has tiny kibble sizes for a healthy mouth and easy feeding. It also has high fat and protein levels, as well as being enriched with an assortment of other nutrients for a supremely healthy dog!
This food is optimally balanced to suit the unique needs of your high-energy small dog. The LifeSource bits will help you feel secure that your pup is getting the nutritional components that they need.
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4. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Grain Free With Real Organic Chicken As The #1 Ingredient For 32% Protein
- Features Organic Chicken, Organic Peas, Organic Potatoes And Organic Lentils
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This grain-free dog food is also free of wheat, corn soy, and fillers. It contains high levels of protein to support a toy breeds special energy needs, sourced from 100% organic chicken. This healthy dog food also contains high-quality complex carbohydrates for energy maintenance, derived from all organic vegetables such as potatoes, peas, and lentils.
This delicious dog kibble is also enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin, which will not only maintain your dainty pups bones but also support joint health as your dog ages. This balanced formula also provides your dog with essential fatty acids, which keeps its skin healthy and its coat luscious and silky.
This organic dog food is also formulated in the USA, using only ingredients from the USA. This food apparently appeals to even the pickiest pet palate. This dog food also features a smaller kibble size, so your petite pooch will have no trouble consuming this food and, as an added bonus, this hard kibble will help keep your dog’s mouth healthy by scraping tartar off their teeth.
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If eating organically is a priority for your family, your dog should be included! This food is sourced from all-organic ingredients and prepared in an organic certified kitchen. In addition to this, this dog food is made in the USA and enriched with a multitude of additional nutrients for a healthy, happy pup! Another great option for your small dog, that is specially suited to their needs.
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5. Taste of the Wild, Appalachian Valley Small Breed Canine Formula with Venison & Garbanzo Beans
- A taste of the wild with REAL VENISON as the #1 ingredient; optimal amino acid profile, protein rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This dog food is high in protein and based on your dog’s ancestral diet, meaning this brand tries to stay as close to what a canine would naturally eat in the wild as possible. This high-protein and high-fat formula is ideal for a toy breed as it supports their higher energy needs and best of all it contains no chicken!
This feature makes it ideal for a dog that suffers severe food-related allergies. The small kibble size of this food also makes it perfect for your minuscule mutt, as it will be easy to consume and also will promote oral health.
Even fussy eaters wolf down this tasty food. It also contains complex carbohydrates that supply a high-quality source of fiber, as well as pro and prebiotics to aid in digestion.
Check Price & AvailabilityThe Bottom Line?
Although expensive, this dog food is the only one on the list that does not contain chicken, so if your dog suffers from severe allergies, this food may be the magic bullet for him. The small kibble size keeps a dog’s teeth clean and is easy to eat. This food contains high levels of protein, fat, and complex carbs, which are all important to factor in when you consider a Chihuahua’s additional energy needs.
A pricy option for sure, but this food might be the most “natural” on the list, made to replicate what a wild canine might eat. Thus, if you want your dog on a pure, natural diet, then Taste of the Wild might be the perfect choice.
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Conclusion
Chihuahuas are picky by nature and it may take a few tries to select the best food for yours. Consider your budget, as well as any particular health problems or allergies you worry about in your Chihuahua when picking a food.
As with any choice of this nature, the decision will depend on your dog and their individual needs. So while it is very important to know the specifics of your breed’s dietary guidelines, and it is great to know what each brand of dog food offers, it is always best to take your dog to a vet to see which choice is best for them.
We hope this list will assist in selecting chow your dog loves! Do you have a Chihuahua? Let us know if you think we missed anything, what grub your pup loves, or even a funny dog story in the comments below!
I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. There was no choice but to take care of and learn about dog habits and the best animal care practices — otherwise, I’d be clueless about how to go about the creatures I was surrounded by day and night.
As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Although I’m not a professionally trained dog behaviorist, trainer, or veterinarian, all of my knowledge and experience with canines comes from a place of love and a deep-rooted passion for dogs and animals in general.
Seeing as dogs kept me company throughout every stage of my life, I decided to follow a different path in my academic life and obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing Management and Digital Advertising, which ultimately allowed me to combine my professional training and personal experience by creating the ultimate dog lover’s resource website! Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being.
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My chihuahua is obese
What dry food is good for weight loss?
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Canine obesity has become a huge problem today. Consult with your veterinarian for a full health check, to make sure that there are no health issues related to his or her weight gain. If you are feeding her human foods as well, try only to feed her bits of grilled chicken or beef, and no fatty foods. Small dog breeds tend to get super spoilt, and very much enjoy table foods.
would you recommend Fresh Pet Select for an 8 1/2 yr old yorkie/chihuahua. I just started feeding this to Lexee and she really likes it. She’s not a fan of dry food. thanks
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
If your dog is doing well on this dog food, don’t change it.Look for high-quality ingredients such as whole meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains, and take heed of the different macronutrients.(proteins, fats and carbs) AAFCO model regulations and the federal feed laws stipulate that all pet food labels need to list all the ingredients in their pet food. This is done in descending order according to the weight of each ingredient listed. With that said, it’s easy to see where the most important sources of calories and proteins are coming from-the first five ingredients listed. The first ingredient is the one ingredient that is present in the highest amount.Providing Lexee with the most appropriate diet, that is healthy and beneficial to her life stage will help give your furbaby a long and healthy life.
Hope this helps!
Great info thanks
I have a ten month old Female Chihuahua and I have tried a lot of different brands dog food with her. she was eating Wellness Small Breed, now she will not even touch it. I need to know what is the healthiest food to give her. Right now I am cooking for her every day . She is not a big chicken eater but loves sweet potatoes a lot! She will also eat fresh cooked lean hamburger.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Chihuahuas are awesome. They are also picky eaters, and you’ll find it hard to switch her back to kibble after homecooking.You can choose any highly-rated (4-5 star) dog food for PUPPY toy breeds, and slowly introduce her back to kibbles by combining the kibble with some steamed chicken and veggies… You can also add a chicken broth or bone broth (slightly warmed) to your pup’s kibble. Make sure to always feed a small breed puppy dog food formula that is of the highest -quality. There is no “best dog food” since each dog is an individual, and will have different health requirements. If you’re dealing with a super picky eater that won’t accept kibble, dehydrated dog foods are a good option. Opt for free-range chicken, cage-free turkey, and look for ingredients that are not sub-standard in the ingredients list. Make sure that the dog food you choose is AAFCO approved. Consult with your veterinarian for the best nutritional advice! Hope this helps!
i have a 9 yr old yorkie/chihuahua – very picky eater – been feeding royal canin gastro/low fat canned which i think has something in it that she has developed a sensitivity to – she constantly licks her pee area, which started a few months ago – i have had her at the vet for an ultrasound due to her vomiting and diarrhea about a month ago – results came back with her having possibly IBD but no tests have been done to confirm this – i am wondering if it is allergies that is causing this – she’s been really good the last couple of weeks, no tummy issues – but i wonder if i should put her on a grain-free food – it’s hard to get her to eat dry food – been thinking of orijen freeze dried but concerned about weight gain – she’s about a lb overweight now – i live in Calgary, Alberta and we are having a very cold and a lot of snow type winter, so it’s hard to get her out for her walks….thankyou
I have 2 full blooded chihuahua,and 3 Chihuahua and pawm mixed,and a outside dog will this food work for all of them
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Yes, all the dog food formulas mentioned on our Chihuahua dog food guide will work for all of them. They are all high-quality dog food formulas, especially formulated for small dog breeds. As usual, if you have any concerns, please consult with your veterinarian for the best advice. But dogs which have diseases which are heavily impacted by their diet, such as atopic allergies or inflammatory bowel disease, have more stringent requirements than the average dog, and they must be on a diet appropriate to their problems in order to control that disease. That’s why it’s always best to get veterinary advice when choosing a dog food formula for dogs with health issues.Hope that helps!
Thanks so much for the information on the dog food, it really helps
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Should “Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free Toy Breed Dry Dog Food” be on this listI was thinking changing to a lower calorie, this one has 462 kcal/cup. Possibly one of the five that you listed above! The higher the protein the better for your chihuahua or just stay in the range of 30% & above? I noticed “Castro & Pollux Organix Small/Toy Breed has only 26% but the calories are 368 kcal/cup & my chihuahuas like chicken!
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Please consult with your veterinarian as to the best dog food brand for your toy breed. There is no ” best dog food”, since each dog has individual requirements. A diet that works for one dog, may not work for another. Age, energy level, and individual medical concerns play a large role for each dog. Try feeding the lower end of the feeding guideline recommendation, since the recommended guidelines on bags often contain more calories than some dogs need. It is necessary to feed a balanced and complete dog food for the appropriate lifestage of your dog.
Will any of these 5 best dog foods help my Chihuahua lose weight? She is 5 years old and 10 pounds overweight. We feed her dry food with venison, potatoes, and pumpkin and add a tbsp of shredded chicken and sodium free brothers. What can I do to help her?
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Chihuahuas enjoy their food, most especially shredded chicken with broth added to kibbles. I would recommend the Wellness Core with frequent mini walks to keep her well-exercised. Treats should be low -fat, with no table food snacks included. I know how hard this must sound, but Chihuahuas love human food and tend to get super spoilt in every household. Also consult with your veterinarian for the best advice as to how to get her to loose weight.
Best article I have read on Chihuahuas. I have tried several expensive quality dog foods for my 4 C….I have yet to find one they actually like and will eat unless they are starving. They wait for 2 days to eat real deboned chicken beef sausage that I eat. I would like some suggestions. Thank you.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.You will need to assess your Chihuahua’s age, activity level,and any medical conditions that they may be prone to, prior to choosing the appropriate dog food for your Chihuahua.Once a small dog breed starts eating people food it becomes really hard to transition to dog food. Your best bet would be to start adding in a small amount of high-quality canned dog food to the kibble. You can also add in a low -sodium chicken or beef broth that has been slightly warmed. (not hot) As usual consult with your veterinarian for advice. Always feed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate to you dog’s lifestage. Opt for one or two dog food brands of the highest- quality, and see which ones he or she prefers. If your dog’s are used to you caving in shortly afterwards when they refuse to eat kibbles, it may take up to 2 weeks to transition. Chihuahuas are smart, and they will know that the “real deboned chicken” will be in their dish soon. It’s best to leave the food out for him to eat without giving in to him. Keep in mind that age, energy level, and individual medical concerns are important factors to consider when choosing the appropriate dog food for your Chihuahuas. Also make sure that the dog dishes are the appropriate size for toy breeds, and that the height of the dishes is not too high. Discuss homemade food for your Chihuahua with your veterinarian to ensure feeding a complete and balanced high-quality food at all times. Smaller dog breeds like the Chihuahua may develop skin conditions and digestive problems if they don’t receive the right balance of nutrients.Hope this helps!
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Hi, I have a 3 yr old long hair chih that weighs in around 12 lbs, I thought he may be over weight but the vet says he’s ok but dont let him get any bigger.He was 9 months old when we got him and only weighed 5 1/2 lbs he was being fed Royal Canin food, when I went to the pet store to purchase more I was told that it was not a good food for him and she recommended Acana Adult small breed and that’s what he’s been on ever since. He is not a picky eater and will eat whatever you mind to give him, we do give him treats as well ( maybe too many ). He dont get much of our food besides a little bit of toast in the morning and 4or5 small pcs of plain cracker in the evening.I feed him 3 times a day with approx an oz. of Acana each time. That dont seem like much food but the vet says he’s healthy and big enough. I’m afraid with that amt of food he might be always hungry. Would love to hear you expert opinion or suggestions on what you think we should be doing and what change is necessary.
Thanks
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Chihuahuas have fantastic appetites. This is a small toy dog breed that should not be overweight.The correct amount of dog food will depend on how many calories your dog needs. Is he super active? Consider his age, life style, metabolism, and medical conditions, if any. Wet and dry dog food will contain different calories. If you’re feeding a wet dog food, here are some pointers.
•May contain unclean or unrefrigerated meat byproducts
•May contain unnamed animal and protein sources
•Some brands may contain wheat gluten
•Water may be first ingredient, with the second being wheat gluten, especially with cheaper brands
•Vegetables may come in as the eighth or ninth ingredient, which means that there are hardly any vegetables in the formula
•May contain sweeteners or sugars
•May contain preservatives, flavors, artificial colors, and additional hormones
•Fat content may be high
•A need to check ingredient labels repeatedly, most often when switching brands
Dry dog foods also need to be monitored. Here’s what to look out for:
•Can be heavy to carry or costs more to ship
•Can become contaminated with mold if not stored properly
•Numerous recalls due to bacteria, salmonella, mycotoxins and nutrient concerns.
•Cheap dry dog food brands may have lower- quality ingredients
•Constant need to check for a balanced ingredient list
•Some by-products used in formulas
•Can cause obesity in dogs. Always read the feeding instructions on the back.
•Dog food should not be made in China, nor should any of the ingredients originate from China.
•Formulas should contain antioxidants, Omega 3’s, healthy ingredients and a balanced diet for the appropriate life stage.
Finally, always consult with your veterinarian for advice about nutrition. Your veterinarian will take into consideration your dog’s age, medical conditions, activity levels…
For more on dog food, visit:https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/AnimalFoodFeeds/PetFood/default.htm