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Keeping your little chihuahua happy and healthy starts with proper nutrition. However, their tiny size and super high energy will need a different approach to dog food compared to larger breeds. Different dogs thrive on different types of dog food.
In this article, we’re going to list some of the best dog foods for chihuahuas in 2024. We’ll also explain what type of food they can eat, explore the reasons behind breed-specific dog foods, and whether a homemade diet might be a viable alternative for your dog.
What To Think About When Buying Dog Food for Your Chihuahua
All dog food isn’t created equal, so any old dog food won't do for your chihuahua. Their tiny bodies have specific needs, so you'll need to cater to them in their diet. Here's a breakdown of what you need to make sure of when choosing what to feed them:
Food Quality
Chihuahuas, being small, require slight amounts of food in order to function. That said, the food they eat should still be of the highest quality for their health and longevity. This allows them to maintain a healthy weight and support their digestive system, which can be delicate at times.
Chihuahuas need to be fed small portions in order to prevent overfeeding. For the best quality food, consider buying products that don't have large amounts of fillers and artificial ingredients in them, which really don't do much for the nutritional value of food in the long run and, in fact, could potentially harm it.
Food Allergies
Chihuahuas, like many toy dog breeds, can get food allergies over time that might cause any number of terrible symptoms, from itchy skin to stomach concerns. This breed's sensitivity to ingredients means that owners need to be extra careful what they give their pets as far as food goes.
Choose ingredients free of common allergens, such as corn and wheat, and keep filler ingredients limited as well. This is especially true if you have a dog that suffers from any sort of allergy or ailment in the first place. Addressing potential food allergies before they spiral out of control prevents your dog from suffering unduly down the road.
Calorie Needs
Chihuahuas need a diet that gives them the right amount of calories to fuel their vivacious lifestyle without spiraling them into the realm of obesity. Due to their small nature, even just a slight increase of calories over their daily limit can make them start packing on the pounds. This puts stress on their joints as well as their heart.
Something else to note is that too few calories can be even more disastrous, leaving them undernourished and tired. Proper caloric intake for chihuahuas can be a balancing act and challenging for owners. But it's crucial that it's done properly in order to have a healthy dog.
Chihuahua’s Special Health Needs
Chihuahuas are small dogs; we've said it quite a bit already in this article. That said, it makes them prone to a variety of health conditions that are not as common in larger dog breeds. One of the biggest examples of this is their teeth. The teeth of a chihuahua are crowded inside a tiny mouth, which makes dental issues common for them. The dog food that they eat should assist in keeping their teeth and gums as healthy as possible compared to, say, a larger dog's formula.
Chihuahuas are also faced with a higher risk of heart conditions as well. This means omega-3 fatty acid content is an extremely important additive as far as dog food is concerned. Omega-3s can drastically enhance cardiovascular health for these small dogs, so be sure to look for this when choosing proper dog food for your little guy.
Life Stage
Like all dogs, chihuahas have different nutritional needs based on the stage of life they are in. Puppies need more protein and fat content to support their muscle growth. Adults need a more balanced diet in order to maintain proper weight and energy levels. Seniors, however, more than likely will need far fewer calories as they are not as active as they used to be. They also need formulas that are tailored more to joint health and longevity, as arthritis can become a concern at this age.
Be sure you are considering the stage of life your dog is in before committing to a specific brand or variety of dog food; that way, they can thrive properly at any age.
Wet Versus Dry Food
Soft, wet food can be more enticing for chihuahuas and can be a very useful tool when it comes to a picky eater or those who have pre-existing dental issues. Dry food, on the other hand, can help with dental health in the sense that it can reduce the buildup of plaque and is generally more cost-effective and better for storage in the long run.
Knowing the pros and cons of each variant of dog food can help owners make a more informed decision about the needs of their dog.
Your Chihuahua’s Preference
Chihuahuas can be picky eaters on a notorious level. They need to enjoy what they are eating. Otherwise, getting them the proper nutrition they need can be extremely challenging. Be sure to pay attention to their preferences, such as texture, flavor, and even the overall shape of the kibble or dog food they eat. This can help greatly in managing their diet and ensure they get the nutrients they need while still providing them with food that they enjoy.
Your Guide to Buying Dog Food for Chihuahuas
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Based on the diet requirements for a chihuahua listed above, we found the following options to be the best in terms of nutritional value, providing a balanced diet, and being an ideal shape for a small breed like this to chew. Remember that this isn’t an exhaustive list. If needed, use these facts as a jumping point and look for similar alternatives.
1. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Adult
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s a fantastic complex carbohydrate dog food that gives your chihuahua a balanced diet.
Key Notes
Lean protein and complex carbs are included in this grain-inclusive dog food.
This option is a complex carbohydrate-focused kibble with real, deboned turkey for lean protein, an important part of a chihuahua’s dog food. In terms of health concerns, chihuahuas are prone to luxating patellas, which this kibble prevents through the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin, which helps with cartilage and joint repair.
Oatmeal and brown rice in the kibble help by adding complex carbohydrates for energy, keeping your pup going throughout the day. The only concern with this food is that it contains grains like brown rice, which can be a problem for chihuahuas with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- High-quality dog food
- Composed of healthy complex carbs along with turkey
- Easy for chihuahuas to eat
Cons
- Expensive
2. Instinct Raw Boost Toy Breed With Real Chicken
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s a minimally processed dog food that is chock-full of raw ingredients.
Key Notes
Minimally processed and full of nutrient-dense foods for your little guy.
Some chihuahuas can be finicky eaters. This food addresses that with its combination of freeze-dried raw chicken pieces merged with kibble. The raw additions to this diet act as a protein boost and make the food more palatable. Probiotics are included in the recipe to support better digestion, which is often a concern for chihuahuas.
Alongside this, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will make sure they have a shiny coat and healthy skin. Something to keep in mind with this product is that grain-free food tends to be more expensive than grain-inclusive options. Additionally, the freeze-dried raw pieces sometimes need rehydration before feeding to your dog as well.
Pros
- Raw and nutrient-dense foods
- Minimally processed
- Freeze-dried for maximum shelf life
Cons
- Quite expensive due to its protein-heavy content
3. Royal Canin Adult Chihuahua Wet Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s a blend specially made for chihuahuas and their needs.
Key Notes
Loaf-shaped, easy to eat, and cute, just like your little guy.
This wet food is specially designed for chihuahuas–with a cute, loaf-like shape that makes it easier for them to chew and prevents the risk of choking. The L-carnitine content here helps with healthy weight management since some chihuahuas love to snack a bit too much. Royal Canin also includes an antioxidant blend that strengthens their immune system.
Wet food generally has a higher moisture content and lower calorie content compared to kibble, though, so you might need more of it in the long run to keep your pup satisfied. Plus, like grain-free food, wet food is often more expensive than standard kibble fare.
Pros
- The loaf-like shape makes it easier for chihuahuas to chew
- Loaded with antioxidants
- Made especially for chihuahuas
Cons
- Wet food can be more expensive than dry kibble
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
It’s a grain-free dog food that is protein-focused for senior chihuahuas.
Key Notes
Grain-free and full of chicken, this dog food is the definition of protein power.
This specific formula is designed for senior chihuahuas who will have changing needs as they age. Chicken and brown rice give the dog a balanced combination of protein and complex carbohydrates, even for less active senior dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin are present as well, which will prevent and help manage any aches or stiffness that may develop.
The kibble also has antioxidants that manage the effects of aging by fighting free radicals in the body. It’s a solid all-round feed, but keep in mind that this can be a pricier option compared to other brands.
Pros
- Made specifically for senior dogs
- Protein is the main ingredient
- Nutrients included that are great for keeping joints strong
Cons
- It can be expensive compared to other brands
5. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 3 out of 5
Why we like it
Science Diet is a well-known brand for making dog food digestible for even the cruelest of stomachs.
Key Notes
Digestible and small enough for a little chihuahua’s mouth.
This puppy food has small kibble pieces perfectly sized for a chihuahua’s tiny mouth. Chicken is the primary protein source, so muscle and bone growth is ensured. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid derived from fish oil, is another component in this dog food that will support healthy brain and eye development, especially in puppies.
With balanced calcium and phosphorus, this food further ensures your dog gets strong teeth and bones. The main concern to keep in mind is whether the ingredients contain anything your specific chihuahua might be allergic to.
Pros
- Affordable
- Highly digestible
- Great omega-3 fatty acid content via fish oil
Cons
- Wheat and corn content might be bad for dogs with specific allergies
Your Guide to Buying Dog Food for Chihuahuas
Feeding a chihuahua can be difficult due to its small size and health needs. This section provides some additional questions and concerns in regard to feeding your chihuahua.
What are Some Common Health Issues in Chihuahuas?
Like most dogs, chihuahuas are usually healthy, but they can have a number of health conditions rather specific to their breed. Here are a few to keep in mind and how their diets can help their issues:
Allergies
Many dog breeds have allergy issues, and chihuahuas are no exception. Most of the time, these manifest as skin or digestive problems. The best way to combat this is to buy dog food that is limited in terms of overall ingredients or select a wet dog food that is mostly composed of protein and healthy fats.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Chihuahuas are small. Really small. Because of this, their bodies are prone to serious blood sugar fluctuations, especially if they happen to miss a meal. The best way to rectify this problem from spiraling out of control is to choose foods with complex, slow-burning carbohydrate sources, such as legumes, sweet potatoes, and quinoa. This gives them stable energy levels over the course of a day after they eat.
Dental Issues
Chihuahuas are small, and so are their jaws. Many of these breeds keep their baby teeth, which can lead to crowding in their jaws. This will increase plaque and tartar over time and speed up tooth decay. A strong brushing regimen and a diet low in carbs and sugars can keep your chihuahua’s teeth looking their best.
How Do I Prevent Obesity in My Chihuahua?
Obesity can be common in chihuahuas because they are so small and then can have hearty appetites. To keep them from gaining unnecessary weight, feed them a diet that is balanced and appropriate for their age and levels of daily activity.
Be careful about overfeeding them, which is very easy to do. Portion everything according to what your dog food bag recommends. Weigh them at least once a month, and also make sure your dog has plenty of physical activity to keep them trim.
When Can My Puppy Eat Adult Dog Food?
One needs to be careful when switching from puppy food to adult dog food too early in a dog’s life. Adult dog food has less protein in it, which is crucial for small dogs as far as their growth is concerned. Protein is necessary for them to develop into stronger (albeit still small) chihuahuas.
A good standard for this is to feed your puppy for at least nine to 12 months with puppy-focused dog food before switching them to a lower-protein adult dog food.
Should I Feed my Chihuahua a Grain-Free Diet?
Grain-free diets are extremely popular nowadays and are considered to be a great way of keeping different kinds of allergies and sensitivities at bay in dogs of all varieties. While it’s true some chihuahuas may have specific sensitivities to grains, not all are going to have issues with them per se. Grain-free diets can also lack essential vitamins and minerals that some dogs might need for their health to be the best.
Be sure to consult a vet before making a switch to a grain-free diet. They can instruct you best based on the current health of your dog. Again, some dogs might not need it, but others might thrive on a grain-free option.
Making Sure Your Chihuahua Gets the Best Dog Food Around
Choosing the right food for your chihuahua goes beyond just picking a bag with cute dog pictures. As we discussed, their tiny bodies have specific needs for protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
High-quality kibble, wet food, or even a vet-approved homemade diet are all excellent options, but the specific choice depends on your chihuahua’s age, exercise habits, and any health problems they’ve developed. With that in mind, we hope you now have all the information you need to make the best decision for your mini companion.