10 Best Dog Foods for Chihuahuas in 2024
A Chihuahua is a small lapdog renowned for its charm and large character. Many pet owners who keep them as household pets are aware of how Chihuahuas make excellent companions due to their unwavering loyalty to their owners.
It’s not surprising to know that Chihuahuas are highly active dogs who are always on the go and most of the time they love to keep busy doing anything and everything.
Small breed dogs with highly energetic personalities require special attention when it comes to their food. Of course, every fur parent wants only what’s best for their fur baby. That’s why it’s important to get only the best dog foods for Chihuahuas that will satisfy your pup’s nutritional needs and at the same time their tummies.
Still, every Chihuahua is different. What your dog eats and how much food they take will depend on their age, size, metabolism, and activity level.
That’s what we are here for, to give your beloved Chihuahua the proper care they need by providing you the top-rated dog foods for a Chihuahua. But before we give you our top 10 recommendations, here are the key components of how we graded the Chihuahua dog foods and what to look for in your next purchase for dog food.
Notes from our DVM, Sara Ochoa: “These are all the foods I recommend for my chihuahuas [at the practice]. “
Table of Contents
Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best food for your Chihuahua dog, read our in-depth reviews below. Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.
Best Dog Foods For Chihuahuas
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
Are you ready to give your furbaby that fresh nutrition he or she deserves? Farmer’s Dog Food is a canine food subscription service that will deliver freshly cooked meals to your door. All of the ingredients used for each carefully tailored meal are human-grade and crafted in safe USDA kitchens.
All the recipes are vet-approved without any fillers, meals, or preservatives. What you get is clearly labeled on the packaging and each recipe is catered to your pet’s specific needs. Choose from these three formulas you think your chihuahua will like most: Pork recipe, Beef recipe, or Turkey recipe.
Why We Like It – We love Farmer’s Dog Food and the care they take to make sure each recipe targets your dog’s specific dietary requirements.
Nutrition Information (Calorie Weighted Basis):
| Protein | 27% |
| Fat | 37% |
| Carbs | 36% |
Pros:
+ Freshly made
+ Free of unhealthy fillers
+ Vet-approved recipes
+ Made in USDA kitchens
+ Made with real vegetables and animal ingredients
Cons:
– Shorter shelf life
– Needs to be kept frozen
Fresh dog food is the better, healthier option for your fur baby.
The Farmer's Dog a service that delivers balanced, freshly made pet food with simple recipes, guided by science, and driven by love.
It's loaded with quality human-grade meat, fruits, veggies and superfoods in a vet-approved recipe.
2. ROYAL CANIN Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua
The Royal Canin Chihuahua food contains all the nutrients your miniature friend needs to stay healthy! It is made to fit both the Chihuahua’s needs and their often somewhat picky taste so that you will no longer have to worry about whether your pup eats as much as he or she should since that tends to be an issue with Chihuahuas.
The kibble size of Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition for Chihuahuas is small enough to help promote a healthy mouth, gums, and teeth, it has added vitamins and minerals for healthy skin and a shiny puppy coat.
Why We Liked It – This Royal Canin breed-specific food for Chihuahuas is made to appeal to the breed taste-wise, which is great since Chihuahuas can be picky eaters, and it also provides small dogs with all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Read more reviews about Royal Canin dog food to learn more about this brand.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3758 kcal/kg, 334 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 14.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.3% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Perfect kibble size for small dogs
+ With vitamins and minerals
+ Protects small jaws
+ Fortifies the immune system
+ Rich with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Cons:
– Contains corn and chicken by-product meal
Want to know more about Royal Canin? Check out our Royal Canin Dog Food Review.
3. EUKANUBA Breed Specific Adult Chihuahua
Quality doggy foods for Chihuahuas need to be properly adapted to the size of their small mouths, which Eukanuba has seen with this breed-specific kibble. This This EUKANUBA breed-specific Chihuahua Adult Dog food is a premium dry dog food for Chihuahuas that provide them with antioxidants, reduces tartar to prevent teeth loss and gum disease, boosts their immune response and tastes delicious – so that even the pickiest of eater won’t be able to resist.
With a specialized fiber system made with prebiotic FOS and natural beet pulp – this Eukanuba breed-specific Chihuahua Adult pet food promotes healthy digestive systems, which is crucial for small dogs, and it increases the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Why We Liked It – Many small dogs suffer from stomach problems and upset stomachs, and the best dog food for Chihuahuas is one that tries to combat this. EUKANUBA Chihuahua Adult has a unique mix of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, which together with the specialized fiber system can help promote healthy and well-functioning digestion.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 397kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 28.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Promotes a healthy digestive system
+ Reduces tartar build-up in 28 days
+ Full of easily absorbed nutrients
+ Appropriate kibble size
+ Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a strong and healthy immune system
Cons:
– Not suitable for picky eaters
4. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Puppy
Looking for the best dog food for Chihuahua puppy pals? Look no further! This dog food for Chihuahua puppies is small in size and easy to chew, gentle on the stomach, tastes delicious and it provides your new family member with the nutrients he or she needs to grow up healthy and strong.
The Chihuahua is a miniature breed that is fragile due to its size, and it is important to keep their bones as strong as possible, their teeth clean and their eyes clear, which can be partially achieved with a proper Chihuahua diet. It is important to start preventing problems rather than to treat them when they appear, and this Royal Canin Chihuahua puppy food has the right ingredients to give your pup a good start in life.
Why We Liked It – When bringing a new fur friend home, you want to set it off on the right track with the best food for Chihuahua puppies that there is. This Chihuahua puppy food is a strong contender since its combination of nutrients can help a Chihuahua grow strong bones and get its stomach working normally, and it is also soft enough for small puppy teeth to chew and eat.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,846 kcal/kg, 352 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 28.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Small kibble size and easy to chew
+ Great for a healthy growth rate
+ Promotes gum, teeth, bone, and eye health
+ Appropriate for Chihuahua puppies and small breed pups
Cons:
– Has a corn filler ingredient
5. IAMS Proactive Health Small Breed
All dog breeds have different needs and finding the best food for a Chihuahua is a lot easier now that kibble dog food brands have started to recognize this; by putting breed-specific products on the market. IAMS food for Chihuahua fur buddies has chicken as its first ingredient, which is considered a high-quality meat product that helps your pup to gain muscle.
This dog food small breed variety is a Chihuahua food diet that has no unnecessary fillers, no soy, and no wheat, so that your dog will get the most out of his or her meal, feel fuller longer and stay healthy as a result. Chihuahuas are small dogs, but their need for good food and proper nutrition is just as big as that of any other dog.
Why We Liked It – When looking for the best dry dog food for Chihuahuas, one thing to keep an eye out for is a meat ingredient listed first, which IAMS dog food has. A plus for there being no unnecessary fillers too since it means it has a higher nutritional value than it otherwise would.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,773 kcal/kg, 393 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 27.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 17.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ No fillers, wheat, or soy
+ Appealing smell and taste
+ Has Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat nutrition
+ Chicken as the first listed ingredient
+ Promotes healthy aging
Cons:
– Includes chicken by-product meal
6. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Loaf in Sauce
“What is the best dog food for my Chihuahua?” is a question most Chihuahua owners have asked themselves at some point, and one potential answer is this product. This 100% balanced and complete food was made to fit the specific needs of the breed, and its content supports both healthy digestion, shiny coat, and healthy skin, it stimulates appetite with its delicious and meaty taste and caters to your pup’s every nutritional need.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Loaf in Sauce is an obvious contender for the title of ‘the top wet dog food for Chihuahuas’ due to it appealing even to the pickiest of eaters, and for being created to meet their nutritional needs.
Why We Liked It – What is the best dog food for Chihuahuas? One that they will eat. The benefit of this delicious wet food is that it can be fed on its own as a complete meal or mixed in with Chihuahua adult dry dog food in case you have a real picky eater on your hands.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 903 kcal ME/kg; 77 kcal ME/can on an as fed basis (calculated) |
| Crude Protein | 7.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 4.1% min |
| Crude Fiber | 2.3% max |
| Moisture | 81.0% max |
Pros:
+ Breed-specific wet food
+ With Omega-3 EPA and DHA to support skin and coat health
+ Meaty flavor for picky eaters
+ 100% complete and balanced
+ High nutritional value
Cons:
– Contains guar gum
7. Hill’s Science Diet Small and Toy Breed
This premium product is here to compete in the battle of what is the best dog food for Chihuahuas, and they do this by providing a kibble that contains high-quality protein; which helps Chihuahua build muscle and added calcium for bone strength. Small dogs have very fragile bodies, and it is important to provide them with food that can make them as strong as they can possibly be. The antioxidant benefits of this Hill’s Science Diet Chihuahua food are clinically proven, and it is made in the United States with trusted ingredients from all over the world. Vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E boost the immune system, which in turn helps your pup towards a long and healthy life.
Why We Liked It – Hill’s is a dog food brand that will often pop up among Chihuahua dog food recommendations, which can be explained by its carefully composed ingredient list. It is a kibble that will keep your Chihuahua active and strong throughout their adult life stages. This food is also suitable for toy breeds. For more specific breeds, try our review on the top dog food for Shih Tzu’s or dog food options for Yorkshire Terrier dogs.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 371 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 20.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 12.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Calcium | 0.65% min |
| Vitamin C | 90 mg/kg min |
| Vitamin E | 700 IU/kg min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5% min |
Pros:
+ Good level of protein
+ Strengthens muscles and bones
+ Antioxidants and vitamins
+ Made in the United States
+ With Omega-6 and Vitamin E blend for healthy skin and coat
Cons:
– More grain-protein based than animal-protein based
8. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
The two first ingredients on the ingredients list are meat products; chicken and chicken meal, which speaks well of its overall meat content and protein level and makes it a strong contender when it comes to the best food to feed a Chihuahua.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is tailored for the breeds specific Chihuahua needs, Nutro Ultra supports the immune health, especially for aging dogs, and it is completely free of GMO and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Made with farm-raised chicken and a carefully put-together blend of whole grains, vegetables like celery, and fruit like watermelon. Check here can dogs eat watermelon?
Why We Liked It – When looking for the best dog food for chihuahua pups, you want it to be free from GMO and artificial colors and flavors, just like this product. Big plus that the dog food is appropriate for older dogs so that you can keep feeding your Chihuahua their favorite food for as long as you want.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3752 kcal/kg, 352 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 16.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Selenium | 0.35 mg/kg min |
| Vitamin E | 60 IU/kg min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.2% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0% min |
Pros:
+ First and second ingredients are high-quality meat
+ Has omega fatty acids for skin and coat nutrition
+ With farm-raised chicken, fruits, and vegetables
+ GMO-free ingredients
+ For toy breeds of all ages
Cons:
– Small kibble size may not be ideal for large breeds
– Not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
9. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food
Your dog can now enjoy human-grade food in each bowl with Nom Nom’s recipes. With Nom Nom Dog Food, your pet will get food so delicious and healthy, maybe you will want a bite too! Get everything fresh and all the ingredients safely sourced from trusted suppliers.
If you have a fur baby with health problems, get ready to see a positive change within a few days! Many Nom Nom pawrents have contested to seeing wonderful improvements within a short time.
Nom Nom is available in four recipes, which are Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, Pork Potluck, and Turkey Fare. They also have a variety pack where you can get samples from all four recipes, no subscription needed!
Why We Like It – The recipes are not only based on preference but science as well. Recipes are tailored to your pet’s microbiome test.
Chicken Cuisine Nutrition Information:
| Calories (Kcal/Kg) | 1239 |
| Crude Protein | 10% min |
| Crude Fat | 5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1% max |
| Moisture | 73% max |
Pork Potluck Nutrition Information:
| Calories (Kcal/Kg) | 1255 |
| Crude Protein | 8.5% min |
| Crude Fat | 6% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1% max |
| Moisture | 77% max |
Turkey Fare Nutrition Information:
| Calories (Kcal/Kg) | 1246 |
| Crude Protein | 8% min |
| Crude Fat | 5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 2% max |
| Moisture | 75% max |
Beef Mash Nutrition Information:
| Calories (Kcal/Kg) | 1479 |
| Crude Protein | 8% min |
| Crude Fat | 5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1% max |
| Moisture | 70% max |
Pros:
+ Fast improvements
+ Delicious recipes
+ Fish oil with omega fatty acids
+ Fresh food
+ Based on your dog’s microbiome
Cons:
– Shorter shelf life
Want to learn more about Nom Nom? Read our in-depth Nom Nom Dog Food Review.
Fresh dog food is the better, healthier option for your fur baby.
Nom Nom a service that delivers balanced, freshly made pet food perfectly balanced with fresh, whole natural ingredients.
The formula is carefully developed by Dr. Justin Shmalberg DVM so you can trust your dog is in good hands.
10. Ollie Fresh Dog Food
Ollie Dog Food is also a subscription pet food service that gives you a great deal on your first order. You can get a discount of up to 50% off your first box! If you find your dog’s food running low, Ollie will guarantee your new and freshly made food will be delivered to your door within 2 days!
All the delicious recipes are made in the USA. If by any chance your dog doesn’t like the food, you get your money back 100% guaranteed. Each meal is specially formulated for your dog, so he or she gets the best nutrition to thrive.
Ollie offers four different fresh recipes namely Beef, Chicken, Lamb, and Turkey all with their own key ingredients.
Why We Like It – Knowing that our pup is getting the exact nutrition he needs is what every pet parent wants.
Nutrition Information:
| Calorie Content ME | Serving depends on weight |
| Fiber | 2% |
| Fat | 3% |
| Protein | 10% |
| Moisture % | 73% max |
Pros:
+ Personalized for your pet
+ Money back guarantee
+ 2-day delivery
+ Great deal on first order
+ With fresh fruits and vegetables
Cons:
– Recipes are not customizable
Want to learn more about Ollie? Read our in-depth Ollie Dog Food Review.
Fresh dog food is the better, healthier option for your fur baby.
Ollie tailors your dog’s meal plan based on their age, breed, activity level, allergies, and ideal weight—creating the perfect portion for your pup.
It's loaded with quality human-grade meat, fruits, veggies and superfoods with zero fillers.
Honorable Mention: Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Sensitive Stomach & Skin
If you have a Chihuahua at home that has a sensitive stomach or sensitive skin – you are probably not alone. These problems are common in small breed dogs, and the best Chihuahua dog food for you might, in that case, be this.
This Hill’s variety has Omega 6 fatty acids that help care for your pup’s skin; by preventing rashes and redness and allowing for the coat to grow out thick and healthy. The probiotic beet pulp fiber is a good dog food ingredient for firm stools and digestion, which is essential when caring for a small dog with a sensitive stomach.
Why We Liked It – Looking for the best dog foods for Chihuahuas or for dogs with food allergies and sensitive skin? The Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a product that uses vitamins and Omega-6 to combat skin irritation and redness, which can help those dogs that suffer from itchiness and skin disorders.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 392 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 21.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Ascorbi Acid (Vitamin C) | 85 mg/kg min |
| Vitamin E | 600 IU/kg min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
Pros:
+ Probiotic fiber for sensitive stomachs
+ Rich in fatty acids such as Omega 6
+ No artificial preservatives
+ Small kibble size for miniature dog breeds
Cons:
– Not suitable for dogs with gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea
– Packaging needs improvement
– Pet parents complain of the product having a large kibble size compared to what it used to be, small kibble sized one
Bonus Recommendation: Hill’s Science Diet Weight Management Small & Toy Breed
Ever wondered what foods are good for Chihuahuas that need to lose weight? Perhaps there have been a few treats too many while grandma was visiting, or maybe he or she just hasn’t been walked enough? Staying at a healthy weight is crucial for Chihuahuas since their frail bodies are not built to carry excess weight and being too heavy is not good for any dog.
Hill’s Science Diet Weight Management Small & Toy Breed has antioxidant benefits that are clinically proven, it has no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, and it helps keep your dogs at a good weight while also providing them with proper nutrition for a long and healthy life. Statistics show that about 70% of dogs on this diet lost weight within the first 10 weeks of use.
Why We Liked It – For some dogs, it can be hard to keep weight off, and this product uses carefully chosen ingredients to aid in the struggle for a healthy weight, while not compromising on the nutrients.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 291 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 9.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 13.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin C | 90 ppm min |
| Vitamin E | 700 IU/kg min |
| Carnitine | 200 ppm min |
Pros:
+ Proven effect in 70% of users
+ Chicken as its first ingredient
+ Carefully chosen ingredients for weight loss
+ Delicious taste without artificial flavors
+ Small kibble size for dental health
Cons:
– Packaging needs improvement
– More grains than animal protein
BONUS BUY: Zesty Paws Advanced Multivitamin for Dogs
You might be feeding your Chihuahua the best dry food for Chihuahuas that there is, but adding extra vitamins is always a good idea! These Zesty Paws Advanced 5-in-1 multivitamin tablets contain a combination of healthy additives; such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin for strong bones and healthy joints, digestion aid, vitamins for heart health and fish oils and more for a shiny coat and healthy skin. The tablets resemble chew treats and you can choose between Chicken flavor and Peanut butter flavor.
Many dog owners struggle to feed pills and tablets to their tiny friends, but chances are high that your Chihuahua will think these are yummy treats – possibly asking for more once you’ve fed them their first! It is never too soon to start caring for your pooch’s general health, and the more you prevent, the fewer illnesses and conditions will you be forced to treat further down the line.
Key Ingredients to Look For and Avoid in a Dog Food for a Chihuahua
Ingredients to look for:
- Meat is the main source of protein. Look for dog foods that list a specific type of meat in their ingredients. Take note that it should identify the kind of meat such as “Chicken” or “Turkey Meal” and not the non-specific ones (“meat,” “poultry,” or “fish”). Having a high-quality source of animal protein is very beneficial for your Chihuahua’s overall health.
- Whole fruits and vegetables. Including whole fruits and veggies as part of your dog’s diet is the best way to nourish them with vitamins. The fruits and veggies should be on a higher spot than grains in the ingredients list, so make sure to look out for them.
Chihuahuas are prone to being overweight and obese. In an article published by WebMD, feeding them vegetables and fruits will help them overcome obesity while promoting a complete and balanced diet for your pup. - Essential Fatty Acids. Chihuahuas are susceptible to skin allergies that significantly affect their skin and coat health, either making them dull, dry, or cause skin inflammation.
The way to protect your Chihuahua’s skin and coat is to give them foods that provide essential fatty acids such as Omega 3d and Omega 6s. A good source for Omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil enriched with DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). While vegetable oils such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, or corn oil are good sources for Omega-6 fatty acids. - Recommended by Nutritionists and Veterinarians. The last part on this list is not exactly an ingredient but still crucial for determining a quality dog food product for your Chihuahua. Like nutritionists and veterinarians, having an expert recommend a pet food product means that the product went under a scientific survey and review that many vets approve of. This is according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
If you see a “vet-recommended” label on the packaging, you can be reassured that the product is a healthy option for your Chihuahua.
Ingredients to avoid:
- Animal by-products. There’s a reason why animal by-products are number one on the list of ingredients to avoid. Animal by-products are meat leftovers from slaughterhouses that include the animal parts like livers, lungs, heads, brains, spleen, kidneys, stomachs, intestines, and more. These are widely used by pet food companies because it’s cheaper but keeps the protein level high; however, they offer a low nutritional value for dogs.
The thing about animal by-products is there’s no assurance that the meat came from a safe source. They can come from diseased or double-dead animals, which is very unsafe and must be avoided. - BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin. These are artificial preservatives used in some pet foods to prolong the shelf life of the product. BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin has raised many safety concerns because of the possible threat and harm they can cause to pets. Ethoxyquin is used as a fat preservative, but it has been known that it’s also found in pesticides. It’s best to avoid products with artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin because it’s not safe for food consumption in humans or pets.
- Ground corn or whole-grain corn. Corn is considered a filler ingredient that offers low nutritional value. However, despite the conditions, pet food companies still use them as fillers for a protein source. Corn is also a source of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index which, if ingested in high amounts, can cause obesity.
So if you don’t want your Chihuahua to have an unnecessary weight gain, it’s best to avoid foods with corn content on them. You can try giving them dog food with a grain-free recipe to avoid filler ingredients like corn or other grains for a safer alternative.
Dog Food for Chihuahuas Buyers Guide
While Chihuahuas are adorable dogs that can steal your heart in a matter of seconds – it is no secret that they are picky eaters who often leave their plates full of food. This is an issue due to their small size since one missed meal will immediately show on the scale and even on their body!
When you have a tiny dog, you can often see on them whether they have eaten their breakfast or their dinner, so a few missed meals will quickly tire them out and leave them short of important nutrients.
Finding the best small breed puppy dry dog food or adult dry dog food for Chihuahuas in your family is crucial. You need to look for something that provides them with what they need, that gives them energy to keep up with you and your family, and something that they can enjoy eating.
They will, however, let you know when you’ve managed to find the right product, and there are few things as satisfying as seeing that miniature dog gulp down food as if they haven’t had a meal for days. Small dogs need energy too, so let’s have a look at what to consider when shopping for good dog food for Chihuahua members of your family. Looking for something affordable? Try this affordable dog food review.
Nutritional Needs of a Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are known to be charmingly active and are always into some kind of activity that keeps them busy for most of the day. They’re known to be high-energy level dogs; that’s why their dietary needs should be complete and balanced. The number of calories they burn from constantly being active needs to match their nutritional needs. So as a responsible pet owner, you’ll have to make sure that your Chihuahua is living a healthy and happy life.
Here is a list of things to make sure your Chihuahua receives proper nutrition with the food they’re eating:
Protein and Amino Acids
Chihuahuas are small breed dogs with a fast metabolism; that’s why they burn more calories than larger breeds. They have small stomachs that can only take so much food they can digest. That’s why it’s crucial to provide them with a diet that will satisfy their nutritional needs. Protein and carbs are the number one source of keeping a healthy and balanced diet for your dog.
PetMD states that “Protein has several roles in the body, such as building and repairing muscles and other body tissues. It is needed to form new skin cells, grow hair, build muscle tissue, and more. It also assists in creating body chemicals like hormones and enzymes that are needed for normal function. It provides energy (like carbohydrates do) and keeps the immune system strong.”
Protein contains amino acids that make all of this possible. Although a dog’s body can make some of them, the rest must come from the food they’re eating. The amino acids that your Chihuahua can’t naturally produce are considered essential.
Omega Fatty Acids
Besides protein and carbs, other essentials supporting your dog’s overall health are omega fatty acids. The two essential fatty acids you need to look for in your dog’s diet are DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid).
Omega-3 fatty acids are in charge of eye and brain development, most beneficial for a Chihuahua puppy. They are very important in the early life stages of dogs, so if your Chihuahua is still just a puppy, make sure that you buy puppy foods rich in Omega-3.
Meanwhile, the Omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, helps in cell function, reproduction, growth, skin, and coat health of your Chihuahua. It’s considered an essential fatty acid because your pooch requires Omega-6 in their diets. Good sources of Omega-6 are chicken, animal fats, and vegetables such as sunflower oil or soybean oil.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs, just like humans, need vitamins to support their overall development and growth throughout the years. Although, vitamin intake varies from dog to dog depending on the type of breed, size, age, or vitamin deficiency. So to make sure that your Chihuahua receives the right kind and dosage of vitamins, consult with your veterinarian first.
The common type of vitamins your Chihuahua needs for a healthy and active lifestyle are Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K.
Vitamin A supports your Chihuahua’s skin and fur, making them healthy. However, this vitamin should only be taken if your dog has a Vitamin A deficiency. And it should be recommended by your veterinarian.
If your Chihuahua is experiencing skin and hair problems along with constant fatigue, then it may be because they lack Vitamin B. Thiamine, specifically in B Vitamins, helps in your fur baby’s energy regulation and metabolization.
Meanwhile, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that provides excellent benefits for your Chihuahua’s immune system and energy level. Dogs can naturally produce Vitamin C using their liver. However, there are cases where they don’t make enough leading to Vitamin C deficiency. Supplementing your dog with Vitamin C can reduce inflammation and boost cognitive function.
For healthy and strong bones, your Chihuahua will need Vitamin D for bone development. If your Chihuahua loves to bite and chew, Vitamin D will help make their teeth strong through balanced minerals like calcium and phosphorous. This type of vitamin can be found in fish liver oil.
Next is Vitamin E, which is also an antioxidant responsible for metabolizing fat and keeping your Chihuahua’s coat shiny. It also supports the immune system and age growth of your beloved pet. Sources of Vitamin E include vegetable oils, green vegetables, and meat.
Lastly, Vitamin K promotes healthy blood clotting for your dog. Vitamin K deficiency may cause bleeding disorders or miscarriages for your Chihuahua. To prevent those from happening, you need to supply your dog with the correct dosage of Vitamin K.
Main Health Concerns for Chihuahua
Just how cute and adorable are chihuahuas, right? Seeing them energetic is always fulfilling to see because it implies that your Chihuahua is happy and healthy. But despite their fun-loving personalities, it’s good to be cautious about your pup’s wellbeing. Dog owners should be aware of the common Chihuahua health problems, especially for small breed puppies like them.
Luxating Patella
A luxating patella, otherwise known as patellar luxation, is a hereditary disease that can appear four months after a Chihuahua is born. It’s a kneecap dislocation that may cause limping whenever your pup walks. Although the pain is only extreme when your Chihuahua’s leg first dislocates, it won’t be as painful anymore for the rest of the time. If your dog has a patellar luxation, you’ll notice them holding up one of their hind legs. They do this to relax the muscles there, so the dislocated part will return to its original position.
Obesity
Chihuahuas have a high chance of being obese mostly because they get treated to too much food, gaining more calories to the point that it becomes unhealthy. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, obesity is related to a shorter lifespan for some dog breeds. One of them is Chihuahuas. That’s why it’s always essential to keep your dog on a balanced diet so that they won’t have an obesity problem in the future.
According to the American Kennel Club, a typical Chihuahua does not exceed the maximum weight of 6 pounds. Yes, they require high-quality foods to keep them well-nourished; however, they don’t require much food to eat in terms of quantity. For a typical Chihuahua, 1/2 to 1 cup a day will suffice for their diet. Besides a complete and balanced diet, Chihuahuas are also encouraged to exercise. Make sure to engage them in a small activity to condition their body well. Walking around the neighborhood once in a while with your Chihuahua won’t hurt.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, in layman’s terms, is low blood sugar. This is especially common for small breeds like Chihuahuas because they have a hard time regulating their blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include walking or standing wobbly, dizziness, glassy eyes, and in worst cases, seizures, drooling, and mouth-frothing. Immediately consult a veterinarian if you see them experiencing two to three symptoms for early diagnosis.
Tooth and Gum Disease
Dental health is a crucial thing for small breeds because of their naturally small mouths. If you’re not taking good care of their teeth, tartar and plaque may build up in their mouths because of food consumption. It’s advised to bring them to the vet occasionally for a dental check-up to see if they have developed any sign of tooth and gum disease. There are dental dog treats or dental chews for your Chihuahua to have healthy teeth and gums and prevent mouth diseases.
Tracheal Collapse
Another common concern for Chihuahuas is tracheal collapse. The trachea connects the lungs from the mouse and nose that allows any living being to breathe correctly. A collapse on the trachea is fatal for your pooch’s breathing. Their airway is blocked; therefore, no air is entering their lungs. If you notice your pup having trouble breathing or coughing that sounds out of breath, immediately take them to a vet to treat them.
Common Allergies of Chihuahuas
Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to different kinds of allergies. About 10-15% of dogs suffer from allergies triggered by internal and external factors. To avoid future complications for your Chihuahua, the smart thing to do is to be aware of the kind of allergies your Chihuahua can suffer from.
Food Allergies
Food allergy is a type of internal allergy that includes ingesting a specific ingredient in their food or taking medication that your pooch is allergic to. Other than food or medication, chemical preservatives, food coloring, or flavoring agents can also cause allergies in dogs. Additionally, low-quality filler ingredients such as corn, soy, and grains can also cause food allergy if taken in high amounts. It’s also possible that your Chihuahua is allergic to meat protein like beef, chicken, or fish.
Skin Allergies
While a skin allergy is a type of external allergy. Dust, pollen, flea bites, or bathing products are examples of external factors that can cause a bad reaction from your fur baby. Specifically, in Chihuahuas, these kinds of external factors can lead to developing skin allergies. Allergens that are found inside or outside the house are the leading cause of skin allergies. So if your pup has a skin allergy, make sure that your home is cleaned regularly or limit the time they spend outside.
Staying aware of this can help you determine if your pooch is experiencing any signs or symptoms of allergy. As always, prevention is better than cure. If you think your Chihuahua is suffering from an allergy, the best thing to do is avoid the things that trigger your dog’s allergies. That means checking the ingredients of every product that you buy for your Chihuahua, like their food, treats, soap, or shampoo, and see if it’s safe enough to eat or use for them.
In situations where you couldn’t avoid them, look out for the signs and symptoms of an allergy and immediately consult your vet to get your Chihuahua treated.
Signs and Symptoms
Some common signs and symptoms of allergy are:
- Irritated skin like itching, rash, or skin sores
- Skin inflammation
- Hair loss
- Dry and dull coat
- Glassy eyes
- Teary eyes
- Bloodshot eyes
- Chronic ear infection
- Upset stomach or diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Coughing or wheezing
- Biting or scratching of their own skin
Most Important Things to Look For in Dog Foods for Chihuahuas
Meat Content
One thing you want to do when deciding what’s the best dog food for Chihuahuas is to look at the meat content. A Chihuahua may be small, but they too need protein in the Chihuahuas diet.
As long as your dog does not have any dietary issues (such as a sensitive stomach and/or food allergies) – you want to look at the ingredients list to see if there is a
Look for specified meats such as lamb, chicken, beef, and salmon, and stay away from products that just list “meat,” or worse – animal by-products. Animal by-products aren’t usually harmful to your pet, but it is a low-quality (and unspecified) meat content, which can often consist of left-overs from a slaughterhouse, and which might not have the nutritional value you are looking for. A better choice is a named meat product or meat meal (such as chicken meal, lamb meal, etc.) since these are usually higher in both quality and protein content.
Flavor
When it comes to the best dog food for Chihuahua mixes and purebred Chihuahuas – there is no right and wrong when it comes to flavor. All dogs are different, and all dogs have different tastes and preferences, so it is a matter of trying to see what your pup likes. If he or she does not seem too keen on beef – try chicken, and if that doesn’t work either – go for fish oil. Flavor plays a big role when it comes to picky eaters, so choose wisely and be prepared to try a few different ones before finding the perfect product.
Stay away from artificial flavors, as a rule, and look for dog food with natural flavors coming straight from its ingredients. This is better both for your dog and for the environment, and wouldn’t you yourself prefer to eat something that naturally tasted good, instead of something that had flavor added to it artificially?
Dry food vs. Fresh food
The choice of going with fresh food or dry food when shopping for the best food for Chihuahuas is very individual, just like Chihuahuas tend to be, and it depends entirely on what you are comfortable feeding your Chihuahua, as well as what your dog will want to eat.
If your dog does not eat much when offered kibble, and if you feel reluctant to change it to a different dog food brand, try topping it with delicious and meaty fresh food! You can feed fresh food alone too, since most are considered complete doggy diets, so it is all about deciding what works best for you and your dog.
Fresh food is generally much more healthy and nutritious for your dog so we recommend choosing that over dry kibble.
Kibble size
Logically, if you are looking for the best Chihuahua breed dog food for teacup Chihuahuas, you need to choose dry food for your Chihuahua that they can chew without straining their jaws. Whether it is food for Chihuahua breed puppies or Chihuahua adult dogs, you need to pay extra attention to the kibble size when purchasing, which is a very good reason to only shop for small breed adult varieties.
The right kibble size helps promote overall mouth health; such as good teeth and healthy gums, and since gum disease is common in small dogs – this is something you want to make a priority. Small kibble is also kinder on their sensitive jaws and might even motivate a picky eater to eat since the eating experience requires less of a physical effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Chihuahuas eat?
It would be great to be able to say that a Chihuahua dog eats everything, but the truth is that they don’t. Many are picky eaters and incredibly selective, so it comes down to finding a product that they like. Chihuahuas should be fed a complete diet; either dry dog food or wet dog food and be fed the portion size that is recommended for the specific Chihuahua product, since it can vary some depending on the energy content.
What is the best dog food for Chihuahua puppies?
The ‘Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Puppy’ caters to the specific needs of a growing puppy, by providing a thought-out combination of nutrients that will give your new fur baby a good start in life. Chihuahua breed puppies and young dogs often have different nutritional needs than an adult Chihuahua, so using a Chihuahua puppy food for the first few months is advisable.
What dog food for senior Chihuahuas?
The ‘IAMS Proactive Health Small Breed Adult Chihuahua’ can be used for all adult Chihuahuas but is also a good option for those senior dogs that need a little bit of an extra boost. The Chihuahua food contains vitamins and minerals, and the formula is made especially with the purpose of preventing health issues, strengthening bones, and promoting a healthy aging process.
Chihuahuas live very long so make sure to get the right food to help them thrive in their senior years.
Alternatively, try Orijen dog food for older canines.
What dog food to get for Chihuahuas with sensitive stomachs?
The prebiotic fiber in Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Sensitive Stomach & Skin aids digestion and gives the body a chance to take up more nutrients, without upsetting the stomach and the intestines. A happy doggy stomach is a way for a happy dog, so try this product if your dog has frequent stomach issues related to digestion.
Best canned dog food for a Chihuahua?
If looking for wet food for your tiny pooch, ‘Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Loaf in Sauce’ is an option to consider. It is a breed-specific Chihuahua food (made especially for Chihuahuas) and complete Chihuahua breed dog food, it comes in a can and it has a rich meaty flavor that your dog won’t be able to resist.
Which is the best diet dog food for Chihuahuas?
The key to a healthy weight is the right amount of food and plenty of exercises, but if your Chihuahua needs some extra help on the way to that doggy beach body – you might want to try ‘Hill’s Science Diet Weight Management Small & Toy Breed‘, which is designed to avoid unnecessary weight gain and to get your Chihuahua to his or her ideal weight in no time.
What is the recommended caloric intake for Chihuahuas?
Your Chihuahua’s caloric intake will depend on different factors. Namely, these factors are age, current weight vs. ideal weight, metabolism, activity level, and any health issues. Suppose you want the exact and appropriate amount of calories to feed your dog. In that case, you may consult your veterinarian and discuss what’s the best approach in feeding your precious pup. But for general guidelines, the recommended caloric intake for a typical 5-pound Chihuahua is 200 calories.
For more information, there are also feeding guidelines for specific body weights found at the back of dog food packaging. In puppies, it’s suggested to provide them 3-4 meals a day, while for adult Chihuahuas, it’s 2-3 meals a day. Divide the number of meals by the recommended calorie intake per day, and you should get the desired serving for each meal.
Conclusion
Yes, Chihuahuas may be small and adorable, but that is no excuse to forget that they are dogs, and dogs need proper nutrition. Go over the options available to you on the internet, or wherever you plan to purchase your dog’s food, get familiar with the benefits and with what to look for, and make an educated choice for what to feed your best fur friend.
There are solutions for picky eaters too, so if your little one isn’t eating properly – it might be time to switch to a different Chihuahua breed dog food until you find the right one.
Expert Tip
Listen to your dog. Chihuahuas are as stubborn as they are adorable, so pay attention to their reactions to food, and let that guide you when searching for kibble or wet food that they will devour without hesitation.
Did You Know?
The Chihuahua is currently the world’s smallest recognized dog breed, and they are named after the Mexican state with the same name.
