Best Food For Chihuahua Puppy

Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy And Small

Rich in moisture and flavor, with real meat including lamb, chicken liver, and whitefish, this toy and small-breed formula is high in protein. Its also supplemented with superfoods to provide plenty of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to make a well-rounded food for Chihuahuas.

Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy and Small Breed Dog Food Trays

This wet dog food for toy and small breeds features lamb, sweet potatoes, and cranberries in gravy, so its practically bursting with rich flavor.

This dry food formula for Chihuahuas contains digestible, high-quality ingredients including fresh chicken and whole grains. It is designed specifically with a senior dogs requirements in mind.

Nutro Natural Choice Small-Breed Senior Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe

Packed with protein and supplemented with antioxidants for immune-support, this recipe helps protect your Chihuahuas health throughout his senior years.

With proper care, you can enjoy your Chihuahuas company for 15 years or more. Adjusting your Chihuahuas diet through their life is essential for keeping them healthyand it doesnt have to be complicated! Take what youve learned here to choose the best dog food for your Chihuahua.

Read on for more about caring for this small but spunky breed.

Best Dog Foods For A Chihuahua With Our 2022 Most Affordable Pick

Chihuahuas are small, sassy dogs with huge personalities. These lap dogs are known to be excellent companions who will protect their owner at all costs. Chihuahuas are fearlessly loyal yet stubborn, and they can live to be upwards of 16 years old! While Chihuahuas have a long life span, a healthy, long life begins with proper diet.

This clever, charming breed needs a moderate amount of exercise to maintain an ideal weight. Chihuahuas can easily become overweight because they are so small, and they enjoy spending time on your lap. How active your Chihuahua is will determine what sort of diet you feed them.

In this comprehensive guide, well share feeding guidelines for your Chihuahua, as well as our favorite small breed dog foods. Chihuahuas are prone to specific health concerns, and well address those in this article. We also discuss what type of food will help your Chi thrive no matter what life stage they are in. Whether you have a new Chihuahua puppy or a pal in their golden years, well help you pick out the best food to meet their lifestyle needs.

Canidae Grain Free Pure Dry Dog Food

Canidae is a dog food brand with exceptional quality and taste. Their grain-free dry dog food formula is complete with fresh chicken and whole foods such as peas, lentils, potatoes, dried eggs, flaxseed, and suncured alfalfa. With limited ingredients for dogs with sensitive stomachs, your pet will enjoy this product.

The company has also added a mix of probiotics for healthy digestion, antioxidants to build a strong immune system, fatty acids to support a beautiful coat, and other vitamins and minerals to avoid deficiencies. If your Chihuahua puppy loves chicken and needs a good dog food, Canidae is a great choice.

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Nutro Ultra Puppy Food

Nutro Ultra puppy food* is a relatively simple recipe that includes salmon and chicken and many highly nutrient-dense foods including chia, kale, and blueberries! We like that it is free of common irritating factors like artificial preservatives or colors. It is a small kibble designed specifically for ease of eating by younger dogs.

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.

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Bringing Your Puppy Home

There are several things you should consider when your bring a puppy home. Firstly, you need to create a balanced and healthy diet. If you are planning to get a puppy from a breeder, find out what kind of food the breeder has been feeding your puppy. It is key to buy the same food when bringing your pup home. This will help your chihuahua to maintain a stable diet and reduce the risk of an upset stomach. Secondly, it is important to let the portions, feed timings and different nutritions evolve as your chihuahua gets older.

It possible that you want to change the puppys diet. One of the reasons for this could be that you are not in favour of the food the breeder was giving to your chihuahua. When changing the diet, it is important to do this gradually to avoid digestive problems. Below you can find a 5 week programme to gently transition your puppy to a new diet.

• Week 1: old food at 3/4 with new food at 1/4
• Week 2: old food at 1/2 with new food at 1/2
• Week 3: old food at 1/4 with new food at 3/4
• Week 4: old food at 1/8 with new food at 7/8
• Week 5: only serve the new food

In later sections well cover dietary best practices and what makes up good chihuahua food. In general, the food you serve your chihuahua shouldnt change significantly with age. However, there are a few macro-nutrients that you need to scale down as your Chihuahua gets older. Most notably, protein and fat. Protein is a very important macro-nutrient that you need to scale down as your puppy grows.

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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Special Dietary And Nutritional Considerations

Chihuahuas have some special considerations that youll want to think about when picking out a quality food. This special breed requires extra care to keep their small bodies healthy and thriving.

Since your Chihuahua is going to eat a tiny amount of food per day, choosing a food with protein from whole sources is a must. Theres not a lot of space to mess around with empty calories, so complete proteins are important. Combine these with complex carbohydrates that wont spike blood sugar and plenty of fiber to maintain weight and digestive health.

What Treats Should I Feed My Chihuahua

Its hard to resist the dramatic performances of a cute Chihuahua who simply must have extra treats But even a couple of extra calories added to a small dogs diet can make a huge difference. Every gram counts when you only weigh a couple of kilos!

Get into the habit of putting aside a few kibbles from your pups daily ration and feed those as treats instead.

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How Often Should I Feed My Chihuahua

We discussed this briefly above, but its worth mentioning again here most breeders suggest owners feed Chihuahuas smaller, more frequent meals , or even on an ad libitum basis, which simply means always keeping a dish of food out for your pooch.

This unorthodox eating regiment is due to Chihuahuas susceptibility to canine hypoglycemia. We certainly dont want you pups blood sugar to crash! If a more frequent eating arrangement isnt possible, consult your vet about the possibility of canine medication or other supplements.

Different Types Of Foods To Feed A Chihuahua

As you probably already know, there are several different dog food types that you can choose for your Chihuahua. They include:

• Dry: Dry food is a reliable, trustworthy food choice for Chihuahuas. Munching on kibble will perpetuate good dental hygiene, which is important for Chis, as they are prone to dental issues.
• Wet: Wet food is typically canned or comes in a container of sorts. While its probably not the best option for your dogs daily feeding, it can be a nice treat or meal topper.
• Semi-Moist: Semi-moist dog food contains about 60% water. It would also be appropriate as a tasty treat every once in a while, or food topper. Be careful though as semi-moist food generally contains more salt and/or sugar than other foods.
• Raw: Some pet parents prefer to feed their pups a raw diet. Homemade raw diets can be dangerous and insufficient if not made with the correct amount of ingredients, including supplements for vitamins and minerals. However, Chihuahua parents can purchase ready-made raw food, which is a great option for time constraint and to ensure your pup is being fed correctly.
• Home-cooked: There are several freshly made dog food delivery options on the market today. While home-cooked style dog foods are the most expensive, they are also the most premium. Chihuahuas will thrive on fresh delivery dog food, but its important they also eat kibble for proper dental health.

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Chihuahua Health Problems And Their Dietary Implications

Chihuahuas, as explained by the AKC, are generally a healthy breed, and, like many other small breeds, they live very long lives, often exceeding 15 years or more.

While this is great news for owners, it presents a unique challenge: Because Chihuahuas live long lives, they are more susceptible to lifestyle-related health problems. Conditions like arthritis, diabetes and obesity often take many years to manifest, so breeds with shorter lifespans rarely suffer from them.

Several other health problems Chihuahuas face are congenital, but while these shouldnt influence your dietary decisions, it is still important to provide your Chihuahua with a high-quality food, tailored specifically for treating those conditions that you may be able to delay or prevent.

Some of the most common health problems Chihuahuas experience include:

Instinct Raw Boost Toy Breed With Real Chicken

Rating:

Instinct Toy Breed is one of 12 dry recipes covered in our review of the Instinct Raw Boost product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal , chickpeas, tapioca, chicken fat
• Type: Grain-free
• Profile: All life stages
• Best for:Adult chihuahuas and puppies

Instinct Toy Breed gets the bulk of of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal in addition to other named species. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 22% fat and 32% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.

We note this formula is preserved with vitamin E and citric acid and free of BHA or other high-risk chemical additives. A quality design. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewI have never seen my dog love a dog food more. We usually have to put some meat or something on her dog food to get her to eat it but she plows right through this food! She especially loves the freeze dried bits. I have made her food for awhile but feel confident using this brand especially with the freeze dried chunks in it.

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Canine Gut Health And Raw Food

The gut houses an ecosystem of bacteria called the microbiome . The balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria that makes up the microbiome has now been linked to the development of several health conditions through scientific studies.

Dog nutrition is important, and, independent from genetic factors and calorie intake, an imbalanced gut microbiome has been linked to:

• diabetes
• allergies and
• digestive disorders.

Processed dog food loaded with additives, synthetics, and chemicals can upset the balance of microbiome by fuelling the harmful bacteria. This type of imbalance can contribute to ‘leaky gut’, a condition where the intestine lining becomes permeated. There is a delicate intestinal mucosa lining protecting the gut, which allows digested nutrients to pass through the system into the bloodstream. This mucous lining provides an effective barrier against toxins passing through and entering the dog’s system. When this lining becomes compromised, food particles and toxins ‘leak’ through and trigger an immune response, prompting systemic inflammation, all of which makes your dog more prone to illness. DEFRA-approved and raw green tripe for dogs can promote a healthy microbiome and support their digestion.

How Much Should I Feed My Chihuahua Puppy

Chihuahua puppies need all the help they can get as newborns. Pups that have been weaned and are less than 12 months old need around 50 calories per pound of body weight.

Any dietary changes should be introduced carefully and slowly as this dog breed is one of the most sensitive breeds out there. Puppies under three months should be fed 4 to 6 times a day, while those over three months can feed 3 to 4 times a day.

Reduce your dogs meals to 2 to 3 times a day from 6-12 months of age.

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What Should I Do If My Chihuahua Puppy Is Overweight

Due to their tiny size its easy to overfeed this breed and youll detect even a small amount of extra weight in your Chihuahua puppys appearance.

Overfeeding or giving them the wrong kinds of food can lead to obesity in later life as well as a wide range of health issues, from arthritis and diabetes, to heart and thyroid problems.

Their small size also means owners often carry Chihuahua puppies around and they may not be getting the exercise they require to burn off calories.

A puppy shouldnt be put on a diet before a veterinarian examines him to rule out other common Chihuahua health issues.

Tips For Feeding Your Chihuahua

Feeding your Chihuahua starts with choosing a high-quality diet. Once you pick the best dry dog food for your Chihuahua, you should plan to feed him two or three small meals per day. For small and toy breeds, three meals a day is generally preferred because dogs of this size have fast metabolisms and require a steady influx of energy.

Your best bet is to choose small or toy-breed formula to ensure that the product provides a higher amount of fat than traditional adult dog food recipes.

Follow the feeding recommendations on the package according to your dogs weight but keep an eye on his body weight and condition if he starts to gain weight, you may need to cut back.

Another option to consider is canned or wet dog food. Canned foods can be too expensive to feed larger dogs since they cost more per ounce than kibble. However, for a small dog the size of a Chihuahua, buying a top-rated wet food made for small breeds can be a good option.

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Why Do Chihuahuas Need Special Food

Most commercial dog food is manufactured to meet the nutritional needs of dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds. The Association of American Feed Control Officials sets the standards, which are enforced by the Food and Drug Administration .

Still, some breeds or life stages may benefit from a specialized food formula, such as Chihuahuas. As adults, Chihuahuas may only reach six pounds, so theyre exceptionally tiny puppies. They dont eat a lot of food at once, instead preferring to eat multiple meals a day.

That said, Chihuahuas need a lot of calories for a small dog. They actually consume more calories per pound of body weight than a larger dog. Like other toy and small breeds, they have faster metabolisms and can metabolize a meal in a matter of hours.

While some dogs can eat only one meal a day, Chihuahuas need to eat regularly to stave off low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. This condition can be dangerous, especially in puppies, and may lead to weakness, lethargy, seizures, or death.

Puppies also struggle to regulate their body temperature, so an adequate intake of fat and calories can help them stay comfortable and maintain healthy brain function.

When you choose a dog food formulated for small breeds, you get a higher caloric density and nutrient density to ensure your puppy gets the nutrition he needs.

• High-quality animal protein
• Digestible carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables
• Limited synthetic supplements
• Small kibble size

Ingredients Needed For This Homemade Dog Food Recipe:

This DIY dog food made at home is filled with rich protein, vegetables, and healthy grains. Heres what youll need:

• Coconut oil provides a variety of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, and reducing allergic reactions, just to name a few. And just like us, your dog needs healthy fats in their diet.
• Ground turkey will add necessary protein to your dogs diet, as well as important vitamins and minerals.
• Veggies this homemade dog food recipe uses a mix of zucchini, spinach and carrots. All are safe for dogs and will provide your baby with a variety of nutrients.
• Turmeric a dog-safe seasoning that also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Egg for extra protein and nutrients.
• Rice a complex carb that provides energy and aids in gastrointestinal function.

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