The Chihuahua is a small breed of dog. They are known for their long, pointy ears and large eyes, making them look like they are constantly surprised. The Chihuahua has become popular as a pet because they are very loyal to those who care for them and love children. What is the best diet for a chihuahua?
Some people will say that raw food is the way to go, while others might insist that cooked food is better for your pet. What’s most important when you’re trying to decide what kind of diet your Chihuahua should be eating is whether or not it agrees with them stomach-wise.
Chihuahuas can be prone to obesity if not cared for properly. This article will discuss what you should feed your Chihuahua, how much to feed him, different diet-related health issues that he may face, and more!
Best Natural Diet for Chihuahua
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best natural diet for a Chihuahua, as each dog will have its own individual needs. However, there are a few things that all Chihuahuas should eat to stay healthy.
A good diet for your Chihuahua should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein sources like chicken or fish. You should also make sure to give your Chihuahua plenty of fresh water to drink each day.
How Much To Feed A Chihuahua
Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for how much you should feed your Chihuahua, as each dog will have different needs. However, a good rule of thumb is to divide the total number of calories your dog needs per day by three.
Then feed him that amount in meals throughout the day. So, if your Chihuahua needs 400 calories per day, you would want to break that down into three 100 calorie meals.
| Age | How Often to feed |
| 4 to 6 weeks old | Once a day, combine a few teaspoons of kibble with an equal amount of water/broth and dam’s milk. |
| 6 -8 weeks | 4-5 times per day, a couple of tablespoons of kibble with equal parts water/broth and dam’s milk |
| 8-12 weeks | 4 times a day, feed your chihuahua with 1/8th cup of kibble |
Ingredients: Best Natural Diet & Nutrition for Chihuahua
When choosing the right ingredients for your Chihuahua’s diet, you want to ensure that you’re providing him with plenty of nutrients and antioxidants.
Meat:
Meat contains many essential nutrients that your dog needs and should be a staple of his diet. Boneless meat is preferred, as it doesn’t contain any bones or gristle, which can cause blockages in the intestines if eaten by mistake.
Fish:
Fish provides high-quality protein for your Chihuahua’s diet and also has plenty of omega-fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and coat growth.
It may take some experimenting to determine which fish works best for your pet; however, tuna seems to be one of the most popular choices among Chihuahuas owners!
Organs:
Organs like the liver are packed with vitamins A, B12, D, and E that will immensely benefit your Chi’s health. You can either feed your dog organic meat directly, or you can add it to his food in the form of a supplement.
Eggs:
Eggs are another great source of protein for your Chihuahua and also contain essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. They make a great breakfast choice for your pet!
Dairy:
While dairy is not an absolutely necessary in a Chihuahua’s diet, it can be beneficial in moderation. Dairy products like yogurt and cheese provide Calcium which is important for strong bones and teeth.
Fruits And Vegetables:
Fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of your Chi’s diet. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that he needs to stay healthy.
Homemade Food/ Diet For Chihuahua With Food Allergies
If your Chihuahua has food allergies, you may need to cook all of his food at home instead of feeding him store-bought kibble or canned food. Several recipes online can help you create a balanced, allergen-free diet for your Chihuahua.
What is the Best Dog Food/ Diet for Chihuahua Puppies?
When you’re starting to feed your Chihuahua puppy, it’s best to stick with a commercial puppy food specifically designed for small breeds.
As he gets older, you can slowly start transitioning him to a more adult diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein sources.
These foods are specially formulated to provide all of the essential nutrients and antioxidants that puppies need as they grow into adults.
How Often Should You Feed a Chihuahua?
Most people will recommend feeding your Chihuahua twice per day – once in the morning and once at night. However, if your dog tends to be a bit pudgy, you may want to consider feeding him three smaller meals instead of two larger ones.
Morning
When you feed your Chihuahua in the morning, you should give him a small breakfast with fresh fruits and vegetables and a lean protein source. This will help give him energy for the day ahead and keep his metabolism strong.
Midday
If you’re at work during the day, leaving a healthy snack for your Chihuahua to eat while you’re away is best. Something like a few fruit pieces or low-fat dog treats would be perfect. Just make sure not to give him too many treats, or he’ll start packing on the pounds!
Evening
For dinner, you should give your Chihuahua a balanced meal that includes fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a lean protein source. This will help ensure he doesn’t go to bed feeling hungry or bloated.
Snacking
If you’re always on the go, it’s okay to let your Chihuahua snack throughout the day instead of feeding him three square meals. Just be sure to offer him healthy snacks like pieces of fruit or crunchy vegetables, and avoid giving him too many treats.
Diet-Related Health Issues in Chihuahuas
Just like some people, dogs can suffer from a number of diet-related health issues if they’re not eating the right things.
Some common problems that Chihuahuas are at risk for are obesity, picky eating, heart conditions, hypoglycemia, and more.
Overweight
If your Chihuahua is gaining weight or has already reached the point of being overweight or obese, it’s important that you take steps to help him slim down. Start by cutting back on his portions and ensuring he gets plenty of exercises each day.
Picky Eaters
One common problem with smaller dogs like Chihuahuas is that they can often be a bit finicky regarding their food. This means that you might have trouble feeding them certain types of dog foods. They don’t always want to eat what you give them!
Heart Conditions
Chihuahuas are at a higher risk for developing heart conditions than other breeds. Some of these include cardiomyopathy, subaortic stenosis, and even the more common problem of mitral valve disease.
Hypoglycemia
One health issue that Chihuahuas have is hypoglycemia – or low blood sugar levels. If your dog starts to show signs like shakiness, lethargy, disorientation, weakness in his hind legs while walking, seizures… STOP ALL TREATS AND FOOD GIVEN AT THIS POINT!
FAQ
How Much Exercise Does My Chihuahua Need?
To take good care of your dog, he needs plenty of exercises each day! Since most people assume that smaller dogs don’t require much activity, many Chihuahuas get a way too little exercise. This can lead to weight gain and other health problems down the road.
How can I help my Chihuahua lose weight??
If your Chihuahua is overweight, you can help him lose weight by gradually cutting back on his food intake and increasing the amount of exercise he gets each day. Start by taking him for a brisk walk or playing fetch with him in the yard.
What is the ideal weight for a Chihuahua?
While there isn’t an exact “ideal” weight for all Chihuahuas, most dogs should weigh somewhere between two and six pounds.
Conclusion:
Chihuahuas are a popular breed of dog that many people enjoy having as pets. However, they can be prone to certain health problems if their owners don’t know how to feed them and take care of them properly.
As you can see, it’s important to take good care of your Chihuahua by feeding him a healthy diet and providing plenty of exercises each day. Following these tips will help your dog stay happy and healthy for years to come!
