8 Best Dog Foods for Chihuahua

Chihuahuas, like other dogs, require essential nutrients like protein, fats, amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy growth and immunity. Since they often shy away from exercise but tend to eat more, these small dogs are prone to obesity. Hence it is extra-important for them to have a balanced diet.

Chihuahua breed dietary and nutritional requirement guide

Though a small breed, Chihuahuas tend to burn calories quickly than larger breeds due to its rapid metabolism. Even with their small stomach, they eat up plenty of food in a single meal. Here are the primary nutritional requirements of an adult of this breed:

Nutrient	Required For	Sources
Protein	Building and repairing muscle tissues Developing cells, organs Keeping the immune system strong	60% recommended daily intake Lean turkey, lean beef, chicken
Fats	Keeping coat healthy and shiny Development of cells, muscles, tissues Reducing Inflammation	Chicken, pork, flaxseeds, herring, salmon, soybean and sunflower oil.
Carbohydrates	Providing energy Keeping the intestine and reproductive system healthy	Barley, brown rice, potato, millet, whole wheat, oats and whole corn
Vitamins	Promoting healthy skin and hair Improving immunity and energy level Developing strong teeth and bones	Leafy green vegetables, dairy products, whole grain cereals, fish liver oil, and yogurt.
Water	Preventing illness Promoting immunity	½ to 1 ounce per pound of body weight per day

How Much Food Should a Chihuahua Eat

They have a delicate intestinal system, with adults requiring to be fed twice with ¼ to ¾ cup of dry dog food at each meal.

Best Dog Food for Chihuahua Puppies

While feeding your Chihuahua puppy, you need to have a set routine as they have an anxious nature, getting stressed out quickly. They are not really choosy, gobbling up anything when offered. Home cooked food is highly recommended.  Puppies can be given solid food when they are about 3-4 week by introducing them to nutritious dry food or kibbles.

Feed the pups 3-4 times a day, while gradually reducing the amount of water and milk to avoid gastric issues. When they are about 8 weeks old, you can consider packed dog food like Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food after consulting a vet. Do not give table scraps as it might lead to digestion issues for them.

Homemade vs. store-bought food: Which one is recommended

Choosing between homemade and store-bought food often becomes a matter of contest as both have their pros and cons. Poorly prepared homemade food at times are not nutritionally complete whereas store-bought food can develop other health concerns like arthritis, diabetes and periodontal diseases. Here are the two primary factors you need to keep in mind when deciding on the right food for your pet:

Nutritional Content

Vitamins, minerals, and all the other essential nutrients should be there, whether you buy it from a store or make it yourself at home. Sometimes it is better to combine commercial and homemade foods as they can complement each other, like, if the homemade meal lacks a certain nutrient, your dog can get it from the store-bought food and vice versa.

Variety

This is one of the areas where homemade food scores ahead, as you can experiment with different recipes, and unlike store bought food it does not contain added flavors, and colors. It is also easier to control the amount of food intake for your dog

Best Foods for Chihuahuas with Sensitive Stomach and Allergies

Due to their sensitive digestive system, stomach upset and allergies are a risk with this breed. Frequent vomiting, loose stools, and flatulence are a few symptoms that indicate that the dog may not be able to tolerate the food you are feeding it. At times, too much or too little nutrition may cause such discomfort.

Chihuahuas with allergy issues can be given Wellness Core Natural grain-free food since it does not contain any fillers or by-products. With no artificial flavors or colors, it is a good small dog food reducing the chances of allergies. Similarly, Royal Canin with its exclusive formulation is suitable for Chihuahuas over 8 months of age. Kibbles are beneficial for your pet’s teeth as they have a brushing effect, helping in reducing plaque and tartar.