No other canine breed has a personality and temperament that is hard to describe and understand as Chihuahua. It is worth sharing that Chihuahua comes under the category of the world’s smallest dog breed but he packs a great personality.
And, no doubt all that personality requires energy and sustenance therefore, it is important to give him healthy food in order to let him wear the crown for the loyal and best canine diva. Great companions, playful, and warm personality, great things have also said about this dog breed.
With all the different options available out there, it is easy to find something healthy for the dogs. While on the other hand, it is also extremely easy for pet parents to ignore important details, for instance, ingredients & suitability that are crucial while selecting the best food items for Chihuahuas.
It is important to note that keeping Chihuahua healthy and strong is not an easy job. These tiny yet, precious companions are very picky eaters & will not only eat any kind of kibble that is being offered to them.
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In short, Chihuahuas are highly conscious of what they are eating, how often they are eating & in which manner pet parents feed them. Well, Chihuahuas are known to have a longer lifespan but a healthy & long life always begins with the right kind of diet.
So, in this article I will share some worth reading information concerning the best foods for Chihuahuas. Apart from this, pet parents should know that Chihuahuas are vulnerable to specific health issues & I will address those as well.
Breed’s Overview
Dogs are man’s loyal friend, & if dog lovers are looking for a one from pet shops, certified breeders, or even in animal shelters then, they should have to be very careful when it comes to the breed type they are getting. Due to the dog’s different sizes, body differences, adopting a huge canine is a totally different thing from adopting a tiny dog.
If pet parents live in the home that are shorts of space, then they should consider buying a Chihuahua. One of the smallest dog breeds, this adorable South American breed is best for pet lovers who are looking for low-maintenance and small pets.
It is worth sharing that Chihuahua is a national symbol of Mexico however, they mostly exist in America. Chihuahuas are quite clannish and prefer friends from their own breed. Apart from Chihuahua’s bad repute for being a barking small canine, he is still very loyal and charming.
The best thing is that Chihuahuas are considered very low-maintenance canines, so once pet parents have trained them properly, it will surely be easy living with them.
Best Treats for Chihuahuas
Canines of all ages always love treats & table foods however, these treats can disturb the Chihuahua’s diet while leading to weight issues if pet parents do not choose & feed the food properly. Some useful ideas for delicious treats are:
- Unbuttered, unsalted, plain, & popped popcorn
- Dry cereal, crackers, and breads
- Vegetables ( frozen, raw, and cooked)
- Cheese
- Small chunks of lean and cooked meat
Best Dog Foods for Chihuahuas
Some dog breeds are as unique and adorable as Chihuahuas. Additionally, this dog is famous due to his erect ears & big round eyes. Proper nutrition is essential for Chihuahuas therefore, every pet parent should find the premium-quality and best dog food for Chihuahuas.
| Name | Brand | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Blue Buffalo Dog Food | Blue Buffalo | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| 2.Merrick Lil’ Dog Food | Merrick | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| 3.Hill’s Science Dog Food | Hill’s | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| 4.NUTRO WHOLESOME Dog Food | NUTRO | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| 5.Merrick Grammy’s Dog Food | Merrick | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Here arises an important question: that what actually the best dog food for Chihuahuas is? Well, do not worry as the purpose of this article is to help Chihuahua lovers select the best foods currently available in the market?
1. Blue Buffalo Dog Food-Best Chihuahua Puppy Food
This delicious formula is amazingly packed with all-natural nutritious ingredients that are high in Omega-3 fatty acid along with different fortified probiotics thus, making Blue Buffalo dog food as one of highly recommended options currently available for this adorable dog breed.
I would like to mention that Blue Buffalo’s brand always contains real meat as the 1st ingredient, premium-quality protein directly from real chicken in order to help Chihuahuas build & maintain healthy muscles. Additionally, it contains garden fruits & vegetables along with nutritious whole grains.
Two main ingredients worth sharing in this particular formula are kelp and pomegranate, both of them give added nutrients and antioxidants. There is brown rice as well, a wholegrain that digests slowly thus, keeping Chihuahua fuller for a long time.
No artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are used in Blue Buffalo dog food, adding to its delicious taste. The best thing is that, all the nutrients of this recipe are processed at a very low temperature in order to ensure that its effectiveness is preserved carefully.
User Experience:
According to the pet parents, just like other Blue Buffalo products, this specific recipe is extremely nutritious & packed with required extras such as probiotics and glucosamine. The majority of pet parents have recommended this dog food. And more importantly, Chihuahuas love this yummy recipe as well. No doubt, it is a way to go product.
2. Merrick Lil’ Dog Food-Best Chihuahua Dog Food
Has your precious Chihuahuas just joined the gray snout club? If yes, then I would like to share that this dog breed cannot tolerate the normal diet.
Elder canines tend to have a hard time digesting fats & need extra fiber in order to remain regular & most importantly, they need less calories. In case, this sounds like the elderly Chihuahua then, this recipe is a recommended option.
Moreover, with low fat content especially for the tiny dog diet & less calories per serving, the Merrick Lil’ dog food comes under the category of the best grain-free dog food particularly for elder Chihuahuas available in the market.
The addition of required supplements for digestive health, joints, & healthy coat always make the Merrick Lil’s food the highly recommended one. This dog food also has probiotics and prebiotics along with glucosamine, and fatty acids.
The delicious small kibble recipe is reasonably priced thus, a great product for Chihuahua to maintain optimal weight & increased energy.
User Experience:
Many Chihuahua lovers have bought this dog food and according to them, this formula is a bit expensive but surely worth buying when it comes to your precious mate’s health and happiness. Overall, pet parents are happy and satisfied with the brand & quality of this delicious food. No doubt, a great food for Chihuahua’s little tummy.
3. Hill’s Science Dog Food-Best Dry Food For Chihuahua
Before moving ahead, I would like to share that this well-known brand has the strong backing of comprehensive research & the expertise of vets in order to help formulate healthy dog food recipes especially for puppies.
Likewise, this specific diet has also been formulated after considering the nutritional concerns and health of the small canines & toy breeds. All the used ingredients are healthy due to being naturally occurring.
Furthermore, the diet comes packed with a great blend of well-balanced nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins. Apart from providing the Chihuahuas with all the essential nutrients including selenium and copper, barely is also included, as it is considered an excellent source of fiber for Chihuahuas.
This dog is highly digestible & absorbed instantly by the dog’s body once it is consumed. The recipe also includes brown rice that are rich in carbohydrates.
The presence of carbs will ensure that the Chihuahuas do not feel hungry immediately after taking the food. Finally, this dog food contains a blend of antioxidants particularly for dog’s lifelong immune support.
User Experience:
Although Hill’s Science dog food uses natural and healthy ingredients, according to pet parents, it will be better to add more animal protein. Many other buyers have commented that the flavor is scrumptious & generally, this diet is a healthy & worth buying Chihuahua food that gives the best value for money.
4. NUTRO WHOLESOME Dog Food-Chihuahua Puppies Food
One of the best and healthy ingredients that should be added in dog food is “sweet potato”. So, this amazing dog food for Chihuahuas not only contains sweet potatoes but has brown rice and farm-raised chicken as well, thus guaranteeing the Chihuahuas a nutritious and delicious meal.
Moreover, apart from reducing plaque and tartar in the Chihuahua’s teeth in a natural way, the food also helps in protecting their jaws and mouth as the diet is available in small kibbles.
Another amazing feature about NUTRO WHOLESOME dog food is that it always gives importance to nutritious lean animal protein & no doubt, animal protein is necessary to build healthy and strong muscles.
The chicken is also farm-raised, it simply means that it is more delicious & better as compared to lean meat. Furthermore, sweet potato has now become a famous source of carbs when it comes to keep Chihuahuas fuller for a long time. That’s also one of the best homemade food for chihuahua.
The diet is formulated with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acid thus, it will help to promote shiny, soft coasts and healthy skin.
User Experience:
According to the pet parents, NUTRO WHOLESOME is an amazing food especially for picky Chihuahuas. Many buyers have commented that this dog food is easy to digest, tastes great, small kibbles for Chihuahuas to enjoy while being easy to digest. This dog food is highly recommended by vets to keep Chihuahuas healthy.
5. Merrick Grammy’s Dog Food-Chihuahua Food Diet
This product takes an old-aged recipe directly out of the granny’s book & puts it in the cans for the Chihuahua’s dinner. No doubt, canned food items are very tasty, mimicking the quality of inherited diets of Chihuahuas.
This specific canned food is offered by Merrick, a well-known brand when it comes to healthy dog foods.
Undoubtedly, the formula of Merrick Grammy’s dog food might make it look messy however, the flavor truly appeals to the Chihuahua’s taste buds as the majority of pet parents admit.
Additionally, for Chihuahua lovers who are extremely concerned about the tartar and plaque buildup in their tinny puppy’s mouth, I suggest investing in the dental chew toys in spite of denying their canines this delicious meal. This dog food also has a flavorful broth in order to make it tastier.
The food’s wetness always makes it easier to eat & the ingredients are good for sensitive stomachs. In short, the Merrick Grammy comes under the category of nutritious and well-balanced dog food in order to meet the recommended dietary requirements of the Chihuahuas.
User Experience:
According to the Chihuahua owners, this high quality dog food has an excellent quality and nutritious lean protein. Some other buyers have commented that this specific recipe has not just premium-quality proteins but whole food as well that are being processed directly from the facility’s kitchen located in Hereford. Highly recommended.
Buying Guide For Best Dog Foods for Chihuahuas
As mentioned earlier, Chihuahuas are extremely energetic canines who always need a well-balanced diet including complex carbohydrates and proteins to help Chihuahuas maintain their consistent levels of energy. However, with a wide range of food items claiming to give just this, how can pet parents select the right one?
Well, the recommended practice is to check the ingredients beforehand, including the carbs and protein sources. The following buying guide will definitely help Chihuahua’s owners make the right decisions for their little companions.
How to Select the Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas?
Dog food labels could be quite confusing & contain many different terminologies along with the lengthy lists of ingredients used. To make the whole process easy, it is advised that pet parents should consider the following factors while selecting the food for Chihuahuas.
1. Starch, Carbohydrate, and Protein Ratios
High quality diet for Chihuahuas should contain a starch, carb, and protein ratios of approximately 20/40/40. Furthermore, protein should come from good quality fish and meat sources, & carbs have to be complex carbohydrates directly from vegetables, whole grain, and fruit sources. Always remember that regular potatoes should be regarded as a starch.
2. Minerals and Vitamins
Just like other canines, Chihuahuas need a well-balanced, and healthy diet that has all the minerals and vitamins to help promote healthy coat, skin, immune system, & overall healthy development. Additionally, quality food items should contain Vitamins, C, E, and A & B-12 among all other ingredients.
3. Grains & Wheat
The majority of dog foods grain & wheat free or wheat. Well, there is no evidence as to whether canines should not consume grains, unless canines have a certain allergy or stomach issue. But few pet parents prefer an entirely grain free food.
I would like to mention if Chihuahua’s owners are purchasing the dog foods that contain grains then, it is better to pick the one that has whole grains because this will be highly beneficial & contain better content of fiber.
4. Kibble Size
By being a toy breed, Chihuahuas have small jaws and teeth therefore, it is necessary that the selected food should serve the purpose successfully. Kibble has to be small & easy for Chihuahuas to bite.
It is vital to mention that dry food is considered much better as compared to wet food especially for Chihuahuas as it helps promote & maintain healthy gums and teeth.
5. Age Appropriateness
It is an important factor that should be kept in mind while making the buying decision. The Chihuahua’s age can affect the certain balance of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients he needs. If pet parents own a pup then, it is better to purchase food especially formulated for this life stage.
Nursing and pregnant Chihuahuas also have certain needs & pet parents may have to get completely different foods along with feeding patterns.
Important Tip:
If Chihuahua owners have any kind of concerns when it comes to the overall health and well-being of their precious dogs, it is advised to seek help from a skilled vet to be on the safe side. However, by following this buying guide, pet parents can rest assured that they purchased the best food for the Chihuahuas in order to keep them healthy and healthy for a longer time.
Chihuahua Health Issues
According to AKC, Chihuahuas normally a healthy dog breed, & like some other small dog breeds, Chihuahuas live quite long lives usually exceeding 16 years or even more. Apart from being a good news for Chihuahua lovers, it also presents a great challenge as Chihuahuas are more vulnerable to various life-style related issues.
Moreover, health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and arthritis usually take several years or months to manifest therefore, dog breeds with limited lifespans hardly suffer from those conditions. Some health issues are congenital that are being faced by Chihuahuas but these should not influence the pet parent’s dietary decisions.
Well, it is still advised to give Chihuahuas with good-quality food items that are especially formulated to treat those conditions.
Some common health issues are as follows:
- Coat and skin-related conditions
- Chihuahuas are more likely to suffer for joint issues
- Chihuahuas offer develop dental diseases
- Few Chihuahuas can suffer from patent ductus arteriosus, a rare heart disease
- Hypoglycemia often afflicts Chihuahuas
- This dog breed is more susceptible to various eye disorders
Characteristics of the Recommended Chihuahua’s Food Formulas
Worth buying Chihuahua food items always have a wide range of common characteristics however, pet parents should try to select recipes that can meet the below-discussed criteria.
- Firstly, opt for formulas produced in Canada, America, Western Europe, New Zealand and Australia.
- Select food items that always list a meat as 1st ingredient
- Choose small kibble for pint-sized puppy
- Opt for food with extra fatty acids
- Avoid recipes having unidentified secret meals
- Choose food without harmful preservatives, and artificial colors or flavors
Food that are Toxic & Poisonous to Chihuahuas
It is vital to share that some food items can be extremely unsafe or even poisonous to Chihuahuas, so always try to avoid them. Likewise, the following foods can cause health problems including upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting or even deadly reactions:
Which Chihuahua Foods To Avoid?
- Baby food
- Avocados
- Chocolates
- Artificial sweeteners
- Chives, leeks, garlic, and onions
- Raisins and grapes
- Walnuts and macadamia nuts
- Coconuts & coconut oil
- Alcohol, tea, and caffeine
- Moldy or spoiled stuff
Final Thoughts
Overall, it can be concluded that no doubt, Chihuahuas are considered as the adorable and small puppies however, this should not take an excuse.
In other words, Chihuahuas are also dogs & dogs always need proper and well-balanced nutrition. Moreover, it is advised to go over the above-reviewed options in order to get familiar with the health benefits & with what should be considered while selecting. After doing all this, pet parents can surely make an informed decision for what should be selected for their best fur companion.
Apart from this, there are different solutions especially for picky Chihuahuas as well, if pet parents can switch to other food items if their little ones are not eating properly.
Here, I would like to share another important tip, always listen to your canine, Chihuahuas are as tenacious as they are loveable, so pet parents should try to pay special attention to their sudden responses to foods being offered to them. So what are you waiting for? Feel free to select any of the above-mentioned food & see your little Chihuahua thrive & stay healthy.
