Tuesday, April 23, 2024

What Is The Best Dog Food For My Chihuahua

Pienso Sin Cereales Hills Science Plan De Atn Para Perros Pequeos

The Best Dog Foods for Chihuahuas

Hills Science Plan Adult Small & Mini No Grain Atún es un alimento completo para perros adultos de 1 a 6 años, especialmente formulado para las razas pequeñas de 1 a 10 kg de peso. Su fórmula cubre las necesidades nutricionales de los perros para que estén fuertes, sanos y con una gran vitalidad. No contiene cereales ni gluten por lo que es altamente digestivo y apto para perros con el estómago delicado o alergias alimentarias.

El pienso Hills Science Plan No Grain está hecho con atún como primer ingrediente. Es un alimento rico en ácidos grasos omega 6 y vitamina E que contribuye a mantener una piel sana y un pelaje brillante. Sus ingredientes seleccionados son de alta calidad y ayudan a mantener la masa muscular. Además, también favorece una buena inmunidad.

Royal Canin Adult Chihuahua Wet Dog Food

Rating:

Adult Chihuahua is one of 9 wet recipes evaluated in our review of the Royal Canin product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, chicken, chicken by-products, pork liver
  • Type: Grain-inclusive
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for:Adult chihuahuas

In addition to other named species, this Royal Canin Adult Chihuahua recipe gets the better part of its animal protein from pork by-products and fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 37% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.

We note the inclusion of omega-rich fish oil to support joint and coat development. Readily recommended.

Sample buyer reviewMy 2 Chihuahuas pounced on this food like they hadnt eaten in weeks. This food is Breed- specific and this company certainly knows what appeals to Chihuahuas. They recommend it. Chihuahua stamp of approval.

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.

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Purina Moist And Meaty Steak Flavor Adult Dry Dog Food

Purina Moist and meaty steak flavor adult dry dog food is made with 100% real meat and is perfect for the main meal. It is a special treat for your dog and provides complete nutrition. It comes in a good number of varieties to please your dog and is best for senescent dogs.

Pros

  • Purina Moist and meaty steak flavor adult dry dog food is a complete and balanced diet for adult dogs.

  • It comes with meaty pieces and real meat.

  • It can be used as a topper or snack.

  • It can be enjoyed without any mess to ensure there is no mess.

  • It is ideal for adult dogs who need meat.

Cons

  • Not great for dogs who are losing teeth.

  • It can give smelly pop.

How Much Food Should I Feed My Chihuahua Puppy

When deciding how much to feed your Chihuahua, you should start by finding a good quality food designed for your breed of dog. If you cannot find one that you like that is breed specific, then look for one that is designed for toy or small dogs. This is important because toy and small dogs have very specific protein needs and require small sized kibble pieces.

Check out our review of Dog Food for Small Breeds.

Once you have found the right food, start by following the feeding guidelines on the packet and then adjust the quantity up or down to suit your individual dogs needs. Feeding guidelines are usually set based on the weight of your dog, so it is important to weigh them regularly and to know the recommended weight for your dog at their age and stage of life. If your Chihuahua is severely over or underweight, then you should get advice from your local veterinarian.

In terms of when to feed your Chihuahua, it is recommended that for puppies under 3 months, food is left out all the time, so they can eat as they need to. From 3 months, food should be split into 3 or 4 separate meals. This should be reduced to 2 to 3 meals at 6 months and 2 meals a day from around a year old.

Also Check: How Much Natural Food To Feed Dog

What Food Is Bad For Chihuahua

Foods Your Chihuahua Shouldnt Eat

  • Alcohol. Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs.
  • Caffeine. Coffee is one of the worlds most popular beverages, with roughly 83% of the United States adult population consuming it on a daily basis.
  • Chocolate.
  • Some Fruit Seeds, Pits and Cores.
  • Garlic.

What To Avoid When Choosing Dog Food For Your Chihuahua

There are some common mistakes owners make when choosing dog food for their Chihuahua, one of which is placing their trust in brands sold at the grocery store. This can undoubtedly be confusing given the fact that some of these brands are labeled premium, but you have to carefully inspect any food you’re thinking of purchasing and feeding to your Chihuahua. Even some of these so-called “premium” dog foods are loaded down with junk ingredients and filler products that offer little-to-no nutritional value when consumed. Does this mean that ALL premium dog foods sold in grocery stores are poor choices that should be avoided? Not necessarily, but you need to be cautious and not risk your Chihuahua’s health based on the package labeling alone. Don’t worry, we’ll reveal what a good Chihuahua dog food needs to contain in a bit.

Another common mistake owners make is blindly following the advice of their veterinarian. There are plenty of ethical vets out there who enjoy helping people and the pets brought into their office, but there are others who simply want to sell products and services. If a vet recommends feeding your Chihuahua a type of dog food sold on their office premises, they are probably being financially compensated for selling that brand of dog food. With an ulterior motive, the dog food may or may not be the right choice for your Chihuahua.

Here are some of the ingredients that should be kept to a minimum in a dog food for your Chihuahua:

Read Also: What Dog Food Is Most Recommended By Veterinarians

Features Of Good Chihuahua Food Recipe

Calories

Chihuahuas are so small you may be tempted to feed them puppy food, but that wont do! These dogs are highly active and therefore have high energy demands. They need about 200 to 400 calories per day to sustain them, but keep an eye on your individual dogs needs.

Proteins

High Protein food is best for Chihuahuas to gain muscles and preventing muscle deterioration. Look for dog foods with real animal protein in the ingredients. Real chicken, lamb, or beef are excellent protein sources, and quality dog foods list this ingredient first to indicate it as the main ingredient.

Carbohydrates

There are no set requirements for carb content in dog food for Chihuahua, but make sure that the carbs included are healthy and beneficial. Carbs act as sources of energy, which reserve protein and fat for other useful bodily functions.

Look for healthy carbs in ingredients like brown rice, root vegetables, fruit, and seeds that will give your dog the energy they need as well as ease digestion.

Fats

Chihuahuas are prone to weight gain but still need fat in their diet to remain healthy. Fat provides energy, as well as supports brain function and coat health. Fatty acids also make for a heart-healthy dog and prevent heart disease, which tends to affect these small dogs.

20 to 25% fat in dog food is ideal to feed Chihuahua.

Vitamins and Minerals

Antioxidants work to keep your dogs immune system stable, and probiotics aid in digestion.

Fiber

What Is The Best Dog Food For A Chihuahua

Homemade Dog Food for Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog, with the breed standard calling for males and females to weigh a mere 4 to 6 pounds, though many Chihuahuas outside the show ring are larger. Feisty, loyal, and intelligent, Chihuahuas have been one of the most popular breeds in the United States for years. The breed does need to be fed carefully to help manage a tendency toward hypoglycemia. Dental problems are also common in the breed.

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which will direct you to our partner sites. If you purchase the pet foods we recommend through those links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Eukanuba Small Breed Formula

  • FOR SMALL BREED PUPPIES: Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food…
  • SUPPORTS MUSCLE GROWTH: High-quality animal protein and optimized…
  • HEALTHY BRAIN FUNCTION: Clinically proven levels of DHA support…
  • SUPPORTS GROWING PUPPIES: Provides concentrated energy from fat…

If you click the link above and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This recipe is rich in protein, with chicken being the first ingredient for his growth needs, and it is packed full of natural vitamins and minerals, as well as extra supplements, that Eukanuba has calculated the Chihuahua puppy needs. It boasts optimal levels of DHA which is clinically proven to lead to smarter and more trainable puppies thanks to brain development.

We love that it has the highest protein and fat percentage in our recommendations which is exactly what any puppy needs.

Hills Science Diet Sensitive Stomach

  • This dry dog food uses prebiotic fiber to feed your small dog’s…
  • Vitamin E, omega 6 fatty acids and other nutrients in smaller…
  • Dog food formulated with little dogs in mind to provide an…
  • Precise balance and highly digestible ingredients for sensitive…

If you click the link above and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Hills Science diet for small breeds with a sensitive stomach is the perfect recipe for optimal digestive health. It is full of probiotic fibers which will help return loose stools or unbearable flatulence to normal levels. Whilst it is not grain free it is full of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins that nourish his skin and coat, so it is also great for those with sensitive skin. Veterinarians across America have voted it as the best kibble for dogs with specific needs thanks to its scientific formula that has been developed by over 200 Veterinarians and specialist nutritionists.

We love most Science Diet products. They are high quality products, and this is a great pick if your Chihuahua develops a sensitive stomach as he ages. Its not uncommon for sensitive stomachs to develop as pups age, and this will make it easier during meal time for your pup.

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Wellness Complete Small Breed Senior

  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hip & joints
  • No wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
  • Made in the USA

For example, senior dogs often start to get a little chubby as their activity levels fall a bit, and they are also more likely to suffer from digestive issues and joint problems than their younger counterparts.

So, as your Chihuahua ages, you may want to consider switching to a good senior food. There are several acceptable options available, but we think that Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Senior Recipe is probably the ideal choice.

This US-made food is fortified with probiotics to helpencourage proper digestion, glucosamine and chondroitin to promote jointhealth, and antioxidants to help keep your pets immune system operating atpeak efficiency.

Hills Science Diet Puppy Formula

  • This dry puppy food supports the developmental needs of puppies…
  • This dry food for small breed puppies provides DHA from fish oil…
  • Provides your growing little dog with high quality protein for…
  • Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones and…

If you click the link above and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This dry kibble is specifically designed for smaller dogs with smaller mouths, so your Chihuahua will have no problem chewing these biscuits. It includes Docosahexaenoic acid from fish oil which supports healthy brain development and eye health, as well as other balanced minerals for optimal bone growth. It has flaxseed listed in the ingredients, which is a great source of Alpha-linolenic acid , an omega 3 fatty acid, as well as Taurine which supports a healthy heart.

We love that this puppy food has been voted the number one dog food in America, so you know that your puppy Chihuahua is going to get all the nutrients that he needs to grow.

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Best Dry Food For Chihuahua Puppies

Dry food may be the most classic option and possibly a great baseline for your puppys diet. It is convenient to store, can be left in a dish all day, and easy to take with you on the road or trail. These choices are also considered complete and balanced diets, so you dont have to worry too much if your pup is getting the nutrients she needs.

Nutrients For Adult Chihuahuas

An average sized adult Chihuahua will consume between 35 and 40 calories for every pound they weigh, per day, which is a bit less than the calorie requirement of a puppy. Just like the puppy food packaging, most brands will detail exactly how much kibble is required as it might be slightly different between brands, defendant on how many calories there are per cup.

Adult Chihuahua formula should aim for 25% to 30% of protein, which is not significantly different from puppy formula. However, there is a significant difference in the fat and calorie content as he is now fully grown at this stage and he doesnt need as much, so here you should be looking for a lower fat content of 13% to 15%. For this reason, it is important to wean him off of the fatty puppy formula and onto the adult formula, otherwise he will start piling on the pounds very quickly.

Of course, this will be dependent on his activity levels, and if he is a bit of a lazy lap dog then he will need less calories compared to a crazily energetic Chihuahua. If you own a Chihuahua Mix like a Chihuahua Jack Russell Terrier Mix or Shitzu Chihuahua mix, many of these food choices will apply in the adult range if your pup takes after its Chihuahua lineage.

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Get The Latest Recipes Right In Your Inbox:

Keep your dog healthy and fit with this easy peasy homemade recipe its cheaper than store-bought and chockfull of fresh veggies!

I never thought I would be one of those dog owners who made homemade human food for their pups. Not in a million years.

But when Butters recently fell sick with an upset stomach, our vet advised us to feed him a bland diet chicken and rice without any kind of seasoning. So thats what we did we poached a chicken, shredded it in a food processor, and mixed in some white rice and fed him this bland diet for 3 days.

Thats when I started to do some research on homemade dog food, and I have been so amazed as to how many different kinds of vegetables dogs can have. And with the help of Balance IT, you can create so many different recipes for your pup!

Now the best part about making homemade dog food just like making anything at home is that you know exactly what is going into the dog bowl, and not any of that questionable gelatinous gunk from the canned food.

But its important to note that dogs have different nutrient requirements than humans for their proportional body size, such as:

  • High-quality protein
  • Fat
  • Calcium
  • Essential fatty acids
  • Now this recipe here has a balance of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains, but the ratios can easily be adjusted to suit your pups breed and/or needs.

    Main Health Concerns For Chihuahua

    Free feeding your Chihuahuas, what’s best?Best dog food for Chihuahuasï¼list)

    Just how cute and adorable are chihuahuas, right? Seeing them energetic is always fulfilling to see because it implies that your Chihuahua is happy and healthy. But despite their fun-loving personalities, its good to be cautious about your pups wellbeing. Dog owners should be aware of the common Chihuahua health problems, especially for small breed puppies like them.

    Luxating Patella

    A luxating patella, otherwise known as patellar luxation, is a hereditary disease that can appear four months after a Chihuahua is born. Its a kneecap dislocation that may cause limping whenever your pup walks. Although the pain is only extreme when your Chihuahuas leg first dislocates, it wont be as painful anymore for the rest of the time. If your dog has a patellar luxation, youll notice them holding up one of their hind legs. They do this to relax the muscles there, so the dislocated part will return to its original position.

    Obesity

    Chihuahuas have a high chance of being obese mostly because they get treated to too much food, gaining more calories to the point that it becomes unhealthy. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, obesity is related to a shorter lifespan for some dog breeds. One of them is Chihuahuas. Thats why its always essential to keep your dog on a balanced diet so that they wont have an obesity problem in the future.

    Hypoglycemia

    Tooth and Gum Disease

    Tracheal Collapse

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    Blue Buffalo Adult Small Breed

    • STARTS WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe that starts with real chicken…
    • GRAIN FREE SMALL BREED DOG FOOD: BLUE Freedom grain free dog food…
    • ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of…
    • A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest…

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    Blue Buffalo have created this recipe with 100% natural ingredients that is 100% grain and gluten free for those Chihuahuas with sensitive stomachs or those with specific allergies. It also lists real chicken as its rich protein source, and this is the first ingredient. It also includes omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which promote a healthy and shiny coat, as well as Taurine and L-carnitine for a healthy heart.

    We love that it also contains Blue Buffalos exclusive Lifesource Bits which are packed full of antioxidants and superfoods that assist your Chihuahuas healthy oxidative balance.

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