Best Dog food for Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are distinctive and tiny toy breed known for his personality and energy. The little dogs are best for apartment life and you can take the dogs anywhere along.

The dogs possess big and charisma personality. Most of the owners know Chihuahuas as best companions as they are loyal to their masters.

They are known as highly active dogs who are always ready to go and mostly the dogs love to stay busy doing everything.

The small dogs are full of energy and need special attention in terms of food. Every owner wants the best for their pets. For this reason, it is important to select the best dog food for Chihuahuas that satisfies the nutritional needs and their tummies.

Every Chihuahua is very unique still. The food and quantity of food is dependent on size, metabolism, and age and activity level.

In this article, we will focus on the best food for the small breed Chihuahuas.

So let’s start.

Brief intro about the breed

The breed Chihuahua is a tiny dog named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. In the American continent, this breed is the oldest one. They are normally healthy and lives from 12-17 years on average.

The puppies, adults and seniors require different nutritional needs for normal long-term health.

Though the dog lead a long life but not seem like an issue, as Chihuahuas have long lives, but they are caused by various health issues throughout the life.

The dogs also suffer from many congenital health issues. The best and right quantity of food can delay or prevent some of the problems.

AAFCO (the Association of American Feed Control officials)

According to this the minimum food requirement for key nutrients while feeding your dog:

  • For growth and reproduction 22% protein
  • For adult dogs 18% protein
  • For growth and reproduction 8% fat
  • For adult dogs 5% fat

The dog needs lots of protein to enhance healthy growth and development. To get such requirements you have to give high-quality dog food manufactured from real food sources.

For instance, you should make sure that animal protein poultry or meat as one of the main ingredient.

As an owner of this breed you ensure to feed the dog properly.

Chihuahua Life Stages

Age Life Stage
Under 9-12 months Puppy
Adult Adult
11+ years Senior

Key Ingredients to look for and avoid in Dog food for a Chihuahua

Ingredients to look for

  1. The main source of protein is meat. Go for dog food that has a specific type of meat in their ingredients. Make sure that it must recognize the type of meat like “Turkey Meal” or “Chicken”. The high quality protein source is very important for the overall health of Chihuahua.
  2. Whole vegetables and fruits- addition of veggies and fruits in the food of dogs is the best way to provide vitamins to them. The vegetables and fruits must be on priority in the list of ingredients.

The dogs are susceptible to obesity and overweight. Studies revealed that feeding vegetables and fruits will help them to overcome obesity and help them maintain their diet.

  • Fatty acids- Chihuahuas get affected with many allergies that affect the health of coat and skin, causing skin inflammation or dry, dull skin.

To protect their skin and coat provide them with important fatty acids like omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

  • Recommended by Veterinarians and Nutritionist- the last thing is the determination of the best and quality dog food for you Chihuahua. Vets and nutritionists, suggest a pet food with higher in nutritional value.

Ingredients to Avoid:

1. Animal by-products- they are the leftovers of meat form slaughterhouses that has animal parts e.g. lungs, liver, brains, kidneys, spleen, intestines, stomachs and more.

They are used extensively by many pet companies as it is cheaper however,    the concentration of protein is high and provide lower nutritional value.

The most important thing to consider is the assurance of meat source. They might come from double-dead or diseases animals that is not safe and must be avoided.

BHA, BHT or Ethoxyquin

These artificial additives used in some pet foods to enhance the shelf life of the product. BHT, BHA or Ethoxyquin increase many safety issues because of the harm and threat caused to the pets.

Ethoxyquin can be used as a fat preservative, but also found in pesticides. It is best to keep away products with artificial additives like Ethoxyquin, BHA or BHT as it is not recommended for food consumption in pets or humans.

Whole-grain corn or Ground corn

Corn is a filler ingredient that provide low nutritional value. In spite of conditions, however, pet food companies still utilize them as a filler for a protein source.

It is also high in carbohydrates with high level of glycemic index, which consumed in higher amounts causes obesity.

In order to avoid unnecessary obesity, it is best to avoid food with corn content. For a safer alternative, try giving them food with a grain- free recipe to avoid these fillers like corn or other grains.

The 5 Best Foods for Chihuahuas

Some of the best foods for this breed are mentioned below. These options must give your pup with a tasty and nutritious treat at meal times.

Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult Recipe

The recipe is enriched with nutritious ingredients, with omega-3 fatty acid combined with probiotics, making this food one of the best options. It is manufactured in USA. It has variety of flavors.

Ingredients

  • Chicken meal
  • Deboned chicken
  • Brown rice
  • Barley
  • Oat meal

Nutritional Value

  • Fat 14%
  • Protein 26%
  • Carbs 52%

Health benefits

  1. Support immunity
  2. Support the health of joints

Specifications

Brand: Blue Buffalo

Weight: 15 pounds

PROS & CONS


PROS CONS
First ingredient is real meat Small vitamin pieces are not liked by all dogs
Rich is antioxidants  
All- natural ingredients  
Best option for those who don’t want grain-free recipe  

From Gold Small Breed

The recipe is made with high-quality dog foods and the recipe is manufactured especially to meet the requirements of small dogs. It is made in the USA from USDA- checked ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Chicken meal
  • Chicken
  • Chicken Broth
  • Oat  Groats
  • Pearled Barley

Nutritional Value

  • Crude protein 26%
  • Crude fat   17%
  • Crude fiber  5.5%

Health benefits

  1. Promotion of health and development

Specifications

  • Brand: Fromm Gold
  • Weight: 15 pounds

PROS and CONS

PROS CONS
Unusual ingredients like celery and cheese that helps to make it most palatable food Expensive food.
Enriched with proteins and antioxidants  
High concentration of whole oats and barley  

Wellness CORE Small Breed

The food is formulated for a small breed is corn-free, grain-free, soy-free and wheat-free. It has no artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. The food is designed for toy breeds with high-quality proteins.

It is an affordable food available for small breeds.

Ingredients

  • Turkey meal
  • Deboned turkey
  • Potatoes
  • Peas
  • Chicken meal

Nutritional Value

  • Antioxidants
  • Proteins
  • Iron and magnesium
  • Flaxseed

Health Benefits

  • Support energy needs
  • Maintain the health of bone and joints
  • Supports shiny coat and healthy skin

Specifications

  • Brand: Wellness CORE
  • Weight: 12 pounds

PROS & CONS

PROS CONS
Grain-free For some dogs the food is unpalatable
Reasonable price Has chicken, a common pooch allergen
The small kibble size and caloric density is formulated specially for small dogs Causes diarrhea in pups with sensitive stomach
No preservatives, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives  
Healthy fiber sources, prebiotics and probiotics  
   

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed

It is the best grain free food with premium quality manufactured specially for small breeds.

It has extra carbohydrates and proteins to keep pooch full. It is made in the USA.

Ingredients

  • Deboned beef
  • Chicken meal
  • Tapioca
  • Turkey Meal
  • Peas
  • Starch

Nutritional Value

  • Protein 36%
  • Crude fiber 5.0 %
  • Crude fat 16.0%
  • Omega 3 ad 6 fatty acid

Health Benefits

  1. Enhance the health of digestive system

Specifications

  • Brand: Blue Buffalo Wilderness
  • Weight:4.0 pounds

PROS & CONS

PROS CONS
Have a high quality fruits, meats and vegetables. It is reported that dogs turn up their nose however, maximum owners love this recipe
Great option for puppy parents  

Canidae Pure Small Breed

It is a limited ingredient food, made for small breeds suffer from food allergies. This diet has no grains or soy. It is a small size food easy for Chihuahua to handle.

Ingredients

  • Mendahen fish meals
  • Chicken
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Lentils

Nutritional Value

  • Protein 36%
  • Fat 20%

Health benefits

  1. Good for sensitive stomachs

PROS & CONS

PROS CONS
It is best high quality product Costly
Wholesome ingredients Higher fiber ratio make some dogs become gassy

What do Chihuahuas like to eat?

The dogs become very selective with time and it is sometimes challenging to go for a food that satisfies their taste buds. The previous suggested foods are tasty, however, these dogs are the ones, who have different preferences.

Make sure your dog will like the given food before trying and observing the reaction. There are some points you can do to make the food more attractive.

  • Taste of the fat is good by adding shredded olive oil and cheese
  • Moisten your pup’s food lightly by adding little amount of water
  • Mix pup’s kibble and little wet dog together

What is the best dog food for small dogs?

Chihuahua are not the only dogs that get benefit from the above discussed food. Many other breeds also have the same needs that are similar to Chihuahuas

  • Pomeranian
  • Maltese
  • Yorkie
  • Toy Poodle
  • Pekingese
  • Shih Tzu

When can I safely switch my Chihuahua puppy to adult dog food?

The adult food can lack in protein and other important nutrients. The puppies don’t stop growing and not ready for adult food till 9-12 of age.

How much food should I feed my Chihuahua?

As every dog is different so it is difficult to note the exact serving size that is best for every Chihuahua. Feed them with the amount mentioned on the package in the start. With time, adjust the quantity.

Buying Guide

The dogs are really adorable however, they are very selective in food and sometime leave their plates without even tasting it. The problem is their small size and one missed meal comes to the body immediately.

Following are the points to consider before selecting the dog food for Chihuahua to provide them with the best health.

  1. Nutritional requirements
  2. Health Concerns
  3. Common allergies

Symptoms and Signs

  • Skin inflammation
  • Irritated skin like rash, skin sores, itching
  • Dull and dry coat
  • Teary eyes
  • Vomiting
  • Biting their own skin
  • Chronic ear infection
  • Upset stomach

Conclusion

The breed is picky eater by nature and it gives a few trials to pick the best food. Also consider the health problems and allergies and your budget before selection. The decision is also dependent on the needs of your dog. It is best to consult a vet before choosing the best food.

FAQ

What should I feed my Chihuahua?

It should have 40% protein in the Chihuahua diet. This has whole meat like lamb, chicken, fish or beef. The food available in the market should have meat in it whereas, homemade lean meat have low fats.

What foods are bad for Chihuahuas?

The bad food for dogs are

  • Gum and candy
  • Chocolate
  • Grapes
  • Onions
  • Avocados

Why do Chihuahuas shake?

The breed have higher metabolic rate that make them shiver when excited and anxious. It also have an ability to normalize temperature.

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