Signs Of A Good Chihuahua Dog Food: What To Look For
To provide the best diet for your pint-sized pooch, youll need to look out for certain qualities when selecting a dog food product.
Quality Control
For safety reasons, its best to choose foods produced in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Western Europe. This is due to the stricter quality control standards that these countries enforce.
Since Chihuahuas are teeny, toxic ingredients can harm them more than they would a larger dog. Youll need to seek out the best quality ingredients.
Size
While your Chihuahua possesses a mouth of strong jaws and teeth, youll also need to choose small pieces of kibble. That way they can easily chew and swallow without choking or having digestion issues.
Ingredients
What kind of dog food do chihuahuas eat?
You should choose products that list a meat protein as the first ingredient.
Despite their petite size, Chihuahuas still maintain most of the biological characteristics of their wolf ancestors. Chihuahuas will happily consume kibble featuring fruit and vegetables, but its meat they have a hankering for.
Finally, look for food products packed full of fatty acids. As Chihuahuas are prone to certain food allergies and various skin conditions, so foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are hugely beneficial to keeping your pups coat healthy and shiny.
What to Avoid
The Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas should also not contain the following:
- artificial flavors
- unidentified meat-meal
- meat by-products
Purina Pro Toy Breed Puppy Food
- Real chicken is the first ingredient.
- Probiotics for digestive suport.
Purina has focused this recipe on toy breed puppies, and the kibble pieces are the perfect size for his tiny little mouth which makes eating for him all the more enjoyable. Chicken is the first ingredient on the list which is great for his protein requirements, and it contains optimal calcium and phosphorus levels to ensure that his bones and teeth become strong. It contains DHA from fish oil which assists brain and vision development and health.
We love that this recipe lists high quality chicken as the first ingredient for his muscle development.
Get Your Vets Opinion
It can be difficult to decide if your pup might need high-protein or more easily digested meat options. You might find yourself considering grain or gluten-free selections. Or maybe your chi is just a picky eater, and youre not sure what to do.
No matter your concern or question, consulting your veterinarian on the best selection for your chihuahuas needs will give you confidence that you made the best and most educated selection for your dog.
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Eukanuba Breed Specific Adult Chihuahua Dog Food
This EUKANUBA breed specific adult dog food is specially formulated to benefit Chihuahuas in particular, providing your pup with a food that is full of antioxidants, reduces tartar, boosts the immune system, and tastes delicious. Even the pickiest of pups wont be able to resist!
Many small dogs like Chihuahuas suffer from stomach issues, and EUKANUBA has considered this. To help combat an upset stomach, this food product features a unique mix of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants which helps promote healthy and proper digestion.
The Best Wet Dog Food For Chihuahuas Are:
The first wet dog food on our list is the Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed Wet Dog Food. If your dog is extra fussy about its meal, you might want to consider this canned diet. This highly tasty dog food is available in five different flavors, Salmon, Chicken, Beef, Lamb, and Turkey. Each flavor has between 25 to 45 percent protein, and the lamb flavor has the highest protein.
All the flavors also contain a mix of animal-sourced ingredients such as chicken, lamb, eggs, and whitefish. All these ingredients add to the overall nutritional profile of this food to keep your Chihuahua healthy. This food contains more meat than plant ingredients, making it much lower in carbohydrates than the average dry dog food.
The calorie content of this food is also lower than the typical kibble diet, making it a perfect option for Chihuahuas that gain weight easily.
Nevertheless, if you want to give this food to your Chihuahua that is struggling with low blood sugar, we recommend you mix it with food with high-calorie content. This food is made with holistic and all-natural ingredients. The ingredients are also stomach-friendly, which is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Specs
This is another great wet dog food for Chihuahuas. In general, canned dog foods are super tasty, they mimic the texture of ancestral dog diets, and this canned food from Merrick is no different.
Specs
- It does not have a long shelf life
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Where Is Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Made
Royal Canin was founded by veterinarian Jean Cathary in a small town in southern France, Puy-en-Velay. Today, the company has 12 production facilities around the world.
Royal Canins U.S. headquarters are located in St. Charles, MO. They manufacture canned and dry pet foods at their facilities in Missouri and South Dakota.
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A General Guideline For Preparing Homemade Dog Food
My DIY dog food recipe is more of a general guideline, rather than an exact meal plan that I follow each week. My dogs diet changes the same way ours does, depending on what we do and what we buy or grow.
However, we almost always stay with this basic formula:
- 50 percent cooked protein
- 25 percent cooked complex carbohydrates
- Fats and supplements
Protein is always meat and usually chicken, though weve also used turkey, pork, and beef. We feed any and all parts of the animals, but most commonly, we saute chicken breasts or chicken thighs in coconut oil and ground turmeric.
Coconut oil has a host of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, reducing allergic reactions, promoting wound healing, preventing yeast and fungal infections, and supporting arthritis or ligament problems.
Turmeric has long been studied for its powerful medicinal properties, including its use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
We add it to the coconut oil since it is fat-soluble, and use it to support our pugs joint health.
Speaking of dark meat, we feed thighs and breasts interchangeably. While well remove the skin from poultry and trim off excessive fat from red meat, we dont worry about buying the leanest meat possible for our dogs.
A little fat is necessary for a well-rounded diet.
They tend to be the leftovers in our produce bin, so we never have to buy, say, a whole head of cauliflower just for the dogs.
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Never Feed Your Chihuahua These
You should never allow your beloved Chihuahua to eat the following food and drink products. Because he is so tiny these unsafe ingredients will have a much bigger impact on him compared to almost all other dog breeds, and as such they are all toxic or poisonous even in the smallest amounts:
- Alcohol Alcohol can be deadly for small breeds like the Chihuahua.
- Grapes and Raisins these are extremely dangerous and can cause kidney failure.
- Chocolate this contains theobromine which is very toxic, especially to small breeds.
- Candy and Gum the sugar can cause an insulin spike, which is dangerous for chihuahuas.
- Onions and Garlic eating these can cause anemia.
- Tomatoes tomatoes can cause issues quickly in small dogs.
- Avocado the chemical persin is poisonous to small dogs.
- Caffeinated Drinks such as Coffee and Soda caffeine can be deadly to small dogs quickly.
As always, remember that water is just as important as nutrition, so make sure your Chihuahua has access to fresh water at all times.
Working Towards A Sustainable Future
Our belief that pets make our world better inspires and gives life to our purpose of making a better A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS
- Ingredients
-
Corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat gluten, oat groats, brewers rice, chicken fat, brown rice, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, vegetable oil, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium silico aluminate, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins , DL-methionine, taurine, choline chloride, L-lysine, salt, trace minerals , marigold extract , L-tyrosine, L-carnitine, GLA safflower oil, glucosamine hydrochloride, green tea extract, magnesium oxide, chondroitin sulfate, rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.
Calorie Content
This diet contains 3758 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per kilogram or 323 kilocalories ME per cup on an as fed basis .
- Guaranteed Analysis
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Best Dog Foods For Chihuahuas
Chihuahua dog may not need a lot of food, but you still want to ensure that the dog food formula you are feeding your Chihuahua pup has the proper amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and other nutrients.
The best dog food for Chihuahua is good for her brain and health and should match her activity levels needs.
Chis are balls of energy, after all!
If you want a quick look at the best dog food for Chihuahuas on the market, here are the brands that made the top of our list:
Do Chihuahuas Need Supplements
A variety of supplements should be included in your Chihuahuas diet. This includes Vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and linoleic acid.
These supplements help to reduce shedding and promote a silky, shiny coat. Fatty acids also help with cognitive function.
Calcium should also be supplemented in your dogs food, mainly when your dog is under two months old. This is necessary for healthy bone growth.
Chondroitin and glucosamine are also essential supplements that promote joint health and help to prevent tracheal collapse.
Chihuahua dog food should include all of the above and minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to keep your dog healthy and strong.
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The Best Dog Food For Puppy Chihuahuas
Chihuahua puppies are super tiny and require a bit more attention than larger breeds. It is best if you can adopt a Chihuahua puppy once they are 10 weeks old. If you happen to get one that has been weaned younger, it is important to know about Toy Bred Hypoglycemia.
Until your Chihuahua puppy is 8-10 weeks old, he will require frequent meals. If your Chihuahua puppy goes too many hours between meals, he could suffer from potentially life-threatening low blood sugar. The best way to prevent this is to feed a tasty, canned puppy food every 2-4 hours until your pup is 8-10 weeks old.
Natural Balance Whole Body Health Puppy Canned Formula
Chihuahua puppies have a hard time eating dry food, since even small-bites formulas seem to be too big for them to handle. It is perfectly fine to feed your puppy canned food until they reach 3-4 pounds body weight, then start introducing a dry puppy or adult food.
In my opinion, the best dog food for Chihuahua puppies is Natural Balance Whole Body Health Puppy Canned Formula. Natural Balance has made a tasty canned diet that is easily fed to tiny Chihuahua puppies. It is fortified with vitamin-rich colostrum, high-quality protein from real duck and chicken, and essential fatty acid DHA for puppy brain development.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Puppy Formula
Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed Wet
Image courtesy Merrick
Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Grain-Free Wet Dog Food is a wet food that is perfect for small breeds. It includes chicken, fresh produce, and whole grains.
This recipe is designed for all life stages and provides your chihuahua with the energy they need to live a long and healthy life. Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed wet dog food is one of the best dog foods for chihuahuas in 2022 because it includes chicken, fresh produce, and whole grains.
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Nutritional Requirements Of Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are small dogs with significant nutritional needs. Like all dogs, they need a balanced ratio of macronutrients, just in a smaller serving.
Moderate to High Protein
Its hard to imagine that the pint-sized ball of love in your lap is a descendent of wolves. But Chihuahuas evolved to thrive on high-protein diets just like their ancestors.
Protein-rich diets help this energetic breed feel their best. Look for dog foods that list meat as one of the primary ingredients. A crude protein content over 24% is ideal for fit adult Chihuahuas.
Adequate protein helps prevent muscle degeneration. And muscles store glycogen. So healthy muscles are critical for toy breeds susceptible to hypoglycemia.
Moderate Fats
Chihuahuas are fussy eaters. But they are also prone to weight gain if they overeat. Its challenging to provide your mini pup with the correct portions.
Healthy fatty acids are vital for brain and coat health in Chihuahuas. They can also help prevent heart diseases that impact this toy breed.
But too much unhealthy fat can be bad for overweight dogs. The best Chihuahua foods have a crude fat content of 10-20% sourced from fish oil and other premium ingredients.
Digestible Carbohydrates
The inclusion of digestible carbohydrates in your Chihuahuas diet is beneficial for his health. Carbs act as a readily available source of energy for toy dogs with high metabolisms.
Fiber
Vitamins and Minerals
What’s The Best Diet For A Chihuahua
The best diet for a chihuahua is one that is high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates. Chihuahuas are very active dogs, so they require a lot of energy to maintain their activity level. A diet that is high in protein and fat will help to provide this energy, while a diet that is low in carbohydrates will help to keep their weight down.
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Best Dog Food For Chihuahua Puppy
So whats the best dog food to feed your Chihuahua puppy? There are a lot of choices out there!
What is the best food for Chihuahua puppy? It depends on the puppy. Dog food for Chihuahua puppies can come in many forms. Some owners choose to feed their dogs dry food, some wet food, and others a combination of both.
Only you can decide whats best for your dog. Read on to find out your options and get the information that will help you make an informed decision.
From wheat-free to all-natural, the many choices can be overwhelming.
There are cocerns that canned meat may not provide all the nutrition a puppy needs.
Kibble, or dry food, is the most economical and most popular choice. There are many brands out there, with various flavors and numerous specialized options.
Speak with your breeder and your vet if you have questions about whats right for your pup. They can help you decide what is the best Chihuahua puppy food for your pup.
There is no one best dog food for Chihuahua puppies, but there are a few that are better than others.
Toy dogs like the Chihuahua need smaller morsels of kibble to reduce the risk of choking. So be sure to choose a puppy formula suitable for small breeds.
Merrick Classic Small Breed Dog Food
Image courtesy Merrick
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Small Breed Recipe encourages your pint-sized companion to wag his tail. This wonderful dry food for small dogs has a smaller kibble size and actual deboned chicken as the first ingredient, making it ideal for little pups.
This food also includes rice and ancient grains like quinoa to assist with digestion, as well as vitamins and minerals for a comprehensive and balanced diet that comprises brown rice and other ancient grains such as quinoa. This dry dog food is high in omega fatty acids to aid in the development of healthy skin and a glossy coat while glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health.
It’s ideal for encouraging small dogs to develop strong muscles and is free of potatoes, peas, and lentils.
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Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult Dog Food
Royal Canin knows what makes your Chihuahua magnificent is in the details. While Chihuahuas might be one of the smallest breeds in the world, these protective little pooches have big nutritional needs. They can benefit from the right diet to aid digestion, maintain a healthy coat, and satisfy their finicky appetites. Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult dog food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed Chihuahua. Whether you have a deer head, apple head, fawn, or teacup, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Chihuahua, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. The customized small-sized kibble is specially designed for your Chihuahuas pointed muzzle and tiny jaw, making it easy for them to pick up and chew. Highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content support healthy digestion to promote optimal stool quality and reduce unpleasant stool odors. Optimal levels of EPA, DHA, and biotin give your Chihuahuas smooth or long coat a beautiful shine. And the combination of kibble size, exceptional aromas, and flavors is sure to please. Mix in or complement with Royal Canin Chihuahua wet dog food for extra reinforcement when it comes to fussy eaters. Once your Chihuahua is over 8 years old, transition them to Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult 8+ dry dog food for precise nutrition into the golden years.
Sizes:
There Are Many Excellent Chihuahua Dog Food Options
The above foods are some of the best available ones for Chihuahuas on the market today. Aside from the best dog food mentioned above, here are also other great alternatives for your sweet pup such as natural dog food, healthy homemade dog food, and fresh dog food.
Chihuahuas are some of the cutest, sweetest dogs around, and giving them one of these foods will ensure that they remain vibrant, happy, and healthy for as long as possible!
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