Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed and one of the most popular. They can be found in many different colors and coat types. But they all have long, silky hair that is either smooth or wiry. Chihuahuas come from Mexico. They were bred as hunting dogs because of their small size. Today, they make great companions for any family! What should you consider while feeding a Chihuahua? Let us find out!
Chihuahuas are great pets for many reasons. They are small, loveable, and easy to take care of. However, when it comes to feeding them, there is a lot of confusion about what they require to be healthy.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about feeding your Chihuahua, so it lives a happy life! This blog will discuss the best diet for your Chihuahua to keep them happy and healthy!
Why Raw Food Is The Best Diet For My Chihuahua?
There are many different options when it comes to feeding your dog. Unfortunately, some of these diets can lead to long-term health problems and even shorten your pet’s life!
A raw diet is the best choice for a healthy Chihuahua because you know exactly what they’re getting in their food. You don’t have to worry about over-feeding them or anything like that because raw food has the perfect amount of nutrients.
Dog Feeding Chart
Dry Food Only = 65g Once/Twice Daily
Wet Food Only = 200g Once/Twice Daily
Dry & Wet Mix = 30g Dry With 50g Wet Once/Twice Daily
Why Raw Food Is Best For Your Chihuahua
When it comes to Chihuahua diet, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation about the best diet. Many people feed their dogs dry food only. But this can lead to long-term health problems, including allergies and skin conditions!
Raw foods are an excellent choice for any pet because they provide them with everything that they need in order to be healthy.
Canine Gut Health
One key component of raw diets is bone-in meats such as chicken quarters or turkey necks. These bones contain essential minerals like calcium, promoting good gut health, proper organ function, and strong teeth/bones!
If you cook these items or grind them up instead of feeding whole pieces, your Chihauhau’s digestive system will have a hard time processing them.
Canine Immunity
A raw diet will also give your Chihuahua healthy skin and a shiny coat! Dogs have very strong immune systems because they eat the same types of foods that their ancestors ate for millions of years before being bred by humans.
This means that you should feed your dog real, whole food to keep it as close to its natural state as possible! Cooked meats are often full of preservatives which can lead to long-term health problems.
Dog Weight and Age In Feeding Chihuahuas
When feeding dry or wet food, no matter how much you give them, there will always be leftovers because these diets don’t contain enough nutrients to fill up a small animal like a Chihuahua.
This can often lead to overeating and obesity, which are both very common in dogs! On the other hand, a raw diet is perfectly tailored for small animals and they will not be able to overeat because they will get full from eating nutrient-rich food.
| 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 | Four times a day, feed your Chihuahua with 1/8th cup of kibble |
Overall Well-Being While Feeding Chihuahua
A raw diet provides your Chihuahua with all of the nutrients that it needs to be healthy and happy. This means that you won’t have to worry about giving them supplements or vitamins!
Smells Better
One of the best things about a raw diet is that it doesn’t smell bad like cooked food does. Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans do so they are going to be able to smell the difference right away!
Looks Better
Dogs that eat a raw diet often have a shinier coat and brighter eyes. This is because they get all the nutrients they need to look their best!
Feels Better
Raw food contains more moisture than cooked food, so your Chihuahua will feel fuller and more satisfied after eating it. They won’t feel as hungry and will be less likely to beg for food constantly!
Dog Supplements
Although feeding your dog a raw diet is the best way to ensure its health; there are some supplements that you can give them if you’re not comfortable preparing all of their meals yourself.
Some good supplements to give your Chihuahua include fish oil, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
So Why Use Dog Supplements?
Although a raw diet is the best way to go, supplements have some benefits.
Time-Saving
First of all, not everyone has the time or ability to prepare all of their dog’s food from scratch.
Probiotics For Better Digestion
Secondly, some dogs may have trouble digesting raw meat properly. This can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. Giving your dog supplements such as probiotics can help them to digest their food better and avoid these problems.
High On Nutrients
Supplementing your Chihuahua’s diet with high-quality kibble or canned food can help ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
What To Look For In The Best Chihuahua Food?
When buying dog food for your Chihuahuas, always be sure to read the label to ensure that they are getting all of their required nutrients.
Ingredients
The first ingredient should always be a meat product! This is because dogs need lots of protein to grow and develop properly.
Quality
A high-quality kibble or canned food will likely have chicken or beef as its main ingredient, so it’s best not to stray from this tried-and-true formula!
Presence Of Chemicals
It’s also important that there aren’t any byproducts listed on the ingredients list since these items can contain harmful chemicals which may affect your pet later down the road.
Meal Frequency/ How Often Should You Be Feeding Your Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This will help ensure that they get enough nutrients throughout the day and won’t get too hungry between meals.
- Puppies (under 3 months): Swap foods regularly and also feed freely so they can grow and stay strong
- 3 to 6 months old: 3 to 4 meals a day.
- 6 months to 1 year: 2 to 3 meals a day. Morning, noon, or late afternoon and night.
- From 1 year: preferably 2 meals a day. Morning and night.
Brand Recommendations For Feeding Chihuahua
There are many different kibble and canned food brands on the market today, but not all of them are created equal! Here are a few of our top recommendations for Chihuahua owners:
How Many Calories Should You Feed Your Chihuahua?
A typical adult Chihuahua needs around 250-350 calories daily, while puppies need more than 450-500.
| Estimated Adult Weight in-lb. | Total Calories through Dry Food per day | Total Calories through Wet food per day |
| 6 | 244 | 232 |
| 7 | 274 | 260 |
| 8 | 303 | 288 |
| 9 | 331 | 314 |
| 10 | 358 | 340 |
FAQ
Do I Have To Feed My Chihuahua A Raw Diet?
No, you don’t! In fact, it’s probably best not to if your dog is on any medication or has health problems because this could make them sicker.
Feeding your Chihuahuas kibble and canned food from time to time will ensure that they get all of the nutrients that they need without causing harm to their current state of health.
How Can I Tell How Many Calories My Chihuahua Needs Each Day?
You’ll want to look at recommended feeding guidelines for dogs rather than counting calories yourself since these numbers are more accurate. Your veterinarian may also be able to help you determine how many calories your Chihuahua needs each day.
What If My Chihuahua Is Overweight?
If your dog is overweight, you’ll want to cut back on the number of calories that you’re feeding them and increase their level of exercise.
Try switching to a food brand with fewer calories per serving, or talk to your veterinarian about a weight loss plan specifically tailored for your pet.
How Much Should I Feed My Chihuahua Puppy?
Puppies need more food than adult dogs because they are growing! You should be feeding your Chihuahua puppy anywhere from three to four times per day.
How To Take Care Of A Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas are very easy to take care of as long as you ensure they receive the right amount of exercise and love daily. Ensure you do not feed the food you need to avoid for your Chihuahua to be healthy and happy.
How To Choose The Best Food For A Chihuahua
When choosing good food for your pup, always look at the first five ingredients on the label. They should be named meat products!
If beef or chicken is listed in any form other than “beef” or “chicken,” then this could mean that it’s a lower quality filler that may not provide all of the nutrients necessary for a healthy life.
There shouldn’t be byproducts. This means things like feathers, intestines, bones, feet, etc. Look out for artificial colors, too, since these aren’t great for dogs’ health.
Conclusion
Feeding your Chihuahua the right food is essential for their overall well-being. By choosing a high-quality kibble or canned food, you’ll be ensuring that they get all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy! Always read the ingredients list to ensure you give them the best possible diet. And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please consult with your veterinarian. They will be more than happy to help. Thanks for reading!
