A pup with a big appetite, the Chihuahua is not one for fussy dining. However, some breeds will only eat certain foods and refuse anything else. Therefore, a pet parent who wishes to keep their dog healthy must always find out what the Chihuahua eats. Though it may be an easy pup to take care of, there are still some special considerations to take note of. What Does Chihuahua Eat, then?
You can feed a chihuahua with what it can eat or feed them what they like. A good pet parent needs to know the right foods for chihuahuas to ensure their canine friend gets all the nutrients it needs. Ensure you do not feed them chocolates, raisins, nuts, and much more.
Let us move on to the important aspects you must consider while buying the best dog food for your Chihuahua and what this small dog can eat.
The Basic Dog Diet And Nutrition For Chihuahuas
Though the Chihuahua may not have any major health problems compared to other dogs, it is still important that pet parents know how to care for their pup properly.
The canine’s digestive system is easier to upset than a human’s. So, it is not advisable to give treats whenever a chihuahua begs for them.
When a canine such as a Chihuahua does not eat his regular food, he may lose interest in the regular diet and prefers something else. This is one of the most common reasons why pet parents switch their dogs to another brand or food type because they do not know what a chihuahua actually does eat. This can result in a picky eater who fails to eat his regular diet and eats only the treat.
How To Feed A Pup Properly?
Every pet parent must give their dog everything it needs to stay healthy, including proper nutrition. In addition, do not give in to the begging and pleading for a treat.
Instead, let them know they will get delicious adult dog food after being patient. This will ensure that they eat their regular diet every day. At the same time, treats are necessary for training, so do not ignore these needs completely.
In addition, if a pet parent is switching from one brand of dog food to another, do this gradually.
Change The Food Gradually
Over seven days, mix 1/3 new food with 2/3 old food and slowly increase the percentage of the new food while decreasing the old one until, eventually, only the new brand will be left.
This way, if their digestive system is upset, they will not have a lot of new food inside them. In addition, giving snacks will spoil their appetite, prevent them from eating their regular diet, and cause obesity, which can lead to other problems.
What Is The Recommended Daily Amount Of Food For A Chihuahua?
Numerous brands, types, and sizes of dog food are available in the market. Unfortunately, the amount of nutrition differs between each type, so pet parents must know what a chihuahua eats.
An average adult Chihuahua should only eat 1/2 to 3/4 cups of high-quality dry dog food, divided into two separate meals. If a pup has special dietary needs, pet parents may consult their vet to get the right food.
When determining how much a chihuahua eats, pet parents must know how many calories an adult Chihuahua needs every day because this number will determine the amount of food they need to maintain optimum weight and condition.
There are numerous considerations, including their activity level, metabolism rate, weight, and health. You can use a calorie calculator can be used to calculate the daily calories that they need.
Which Chihuahua Breed Eats More: Male Or Female?
Dog experts assert that females will eat more than males based on chromosomes and chromosomes alone. However, this is not entirely true because some individual differences will also affect food intake.
The Chihuahua’s size is one of the most important factors to consider when determining how much they eat every day. A full-grown female chihuahua weighs less than a male, about 4 pounds compared with 6 pounds, so she eats less.
On the other hand, a smaller male may eat more because he has to maintain his weight, whereas a female does not have this problem.
How Many Calories Should Chihuahuas Get In A Day?
There are numerous considerations when determining how much food an adult Chihuahua needs each day. This includes size, age, activity level, metabolism rate, and overall health.
When taking these factors into consideration, pet parents may then determine the daily calorie consumption using a calorie calculator.
What Does A Chihuahua Eat?
Chihuahuas are known for eating anything from their surroundings, whether it is food or not. For this reason, pet parents should only give them high-quality food because store-bought brands are not healthy and may contain harmful chemicals.
In addition, experts say that Chihuahuas should eat 1/2 to 3/4 cups of dry high-quality dog food divided into two meals daily.
What Do Chihuahua Puppies Eat?
Chihuahua pups must be introduced to a healthy and nutritious diet at an early age to develop strong bones and muscles.
Puppy food contains higher levels of calcium which is required even during the first few weeks of being alive, so it is important not to substitute with adult dog food. This will cause adverse effects on their health, such as rickets, stunted growth, and weak bones.
Chihuahua health should be the main priority of every pet parent. But, to ensure that their little pup is safe and healthy, they must know what a Chihuahua eats.
Understanding their nutritional needs is an excellent way to show them how much you love them because it ensures their well-being.
Always Avoid Giving a Chihuahua These Foods
Chihuahuas are small dogs with delicate bodies, so getting the right amount of nutrients every day is important. They should only eat healthy food that will keep them strong and active throughout life.
However, several foods will not be beneficial for their health, even in small amounts, which include chocolate, onions, avocados, caffeine, nuts, and raisins. In addition, be sure to avoid garlic because it will only cause a Chihuahua to have bad breath.
Dough
Dough conditioners and artificial food flavorings may also harm your Chihuahua’s health, so it is best to read the ingredients if you want to give them anything. In addition, the dough can cause bloating and vomiting, so this is something that you should never give to your pet.
Chicken Bones
Chickens are omnivores, feeding on a range of other animals and plant matter. Therefore, it would help if you examined the texture of their food before eating it. Chicken bones are hard to chew and swallow, but they provide good entertainment for your Chihuahua.
Chocolate
In particular, chocolate can cause cardiovascular problems, while caffeine can lead to tremors and cardiac arrest.
Chocolate can cause cardiovascular problems, heart arrhythmia, and even cardiac arrest. It also affects blood sugar levels, so keeping chocolate away from your dog is important.
Onions
Onions are also dangerous because it contains thiosulphate, which breaks down red blood cells. Similarly, it is common for this chemical to cause hemolytic anemia in pets with shortened lifespans, such as Chihuahuas.
Avocados
Although it contains essential fatty acids, avocados are still harmful because they contain person, which is known to cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs. In addition, guacamole contains high amounts of onion and garlic, which can only worsen the problem.
Caffeine
Caffeine can cause tremors, cardiac arrest, and even death if the amount consumed by a Chihuahua is high.
Nuts & raisins
These are full of fat-soluble toxins, which are poisonous to dogs. In particular, macadamia nuts have been linked to anemia, so these must always be avoided.
Nuts contain high levels of fat, so they should only be given in small amounts (1/4 of the nut), which is about one almond or 1/8 macadamia.
Raisins contain high levels of sugar, so they should be strictly limited. In addition, raisins can cause kidney failure for dogs if given in large amounts.
Garlic
Garlic may smell good, but pet parents should avoid giving them to a Chihuahua as much as possible. Moreover, garlic contains disulfides, which can harm a dog’s red blood cells. It can damage the body’s ability to use oxygen.
Garlic also contains a chemical called N-propyl disulfide. Thus, it is responsible for garlic breath which can be harmful if inhaled.
Watermelon Seeds
Chihuahuas should not eat watermelon seeds or pips because they contain toxins that can damage the intestine.
Coconut
Pet parents should avoid giving Chihuahuas coconut because it contains high levels of phosphorus which is bad for their health. Milk and dairy foods are also harmful to dogs, particularly if they are lactose intolerant. However, pet owners must not give them too many of these. It may cause them to gain weight, leading to other health problems.
Chives, Parsley, & Sage
These are also harmful to pet parents because they may cause blood-related problems.
- Chives contain sulfoxides that can damage red blood cells.
- Parsley contains furanocoumarins which can lead to an aversion to sunlight and skin problems.
- Sage contains terpenes which can damage red blood cells.
Canned Tuna & Sardines
These must only be given to a Chihuahua in small amounts because they contain mercury which is very harmful to their health.
Smaller dogs are more at risk of toxic poisoning because they have smaller bodies that can’t handle mercury than bigger dogs.
Raw Fish
Raw fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which destroys Vitamin B1. This can lead to large amounts of lactate acid in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis.
Raw fish also contains high levels of histamine that can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
Lemon
Chihuahuas cannot enjoy the wonderful aroma of lemons because they contain a compound known as limonene which can be toxic to them. In addition, citrus fruits contain a neurotoxin that disrupts normal body functions.
Alcohol
Alcohol must only be given in small amounts because it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, depression, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, and abnormal blood acidity.
It might even cause death due to respiratory failure or shock. A Chihuahua’s liver is also not equipped to metabolize alcohol, so giving them alcohol will only harm them.
Raw Eggs
Chihuahuas must not eat raw or undercooked eggs because they contain salmonella. Salmonella can infect the lining of their intestines, leading to ulcers and diarrhea.
However, it is important to note that giving these foods to Chihuahuas in large amounts may cause adverse effects on their health. So, pet parents should always be careful when doing so.
What Food Should You Feed Your Chihuahua? Beneficial Foods
When given the right amount, Chihuahuas can greatly benefit from these foods:
Apples
Chihuahuas can benefit from apples because they contain fiber and antioxidants, which help boost their immune system and protect them against various types of cancer. In addition, they also contain Vitamin C, which is good for Chihuahuas’ teeth.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe contains fiber and antioxidants, which are essential nutrients for Chihuahuas. In addition, it also has high levels of Vitamin A, which promotes eye health. Furthermore, it is also rich in Vitamin C, so pet parents should always give this fruit to their Chihuahuas.
Broccoli
Chihuahuas can have broccoli because it contains high levels of Vitamin A, which is good for their vision. Broccoli also contains calcium, iron, and Vitamin C, which benefit healthy blood cells. It also helps promote bone health by preventing osteoporosis.
Bell Peppers
Chihuahuas can benefit from bell peppers because it contains high levels of Vitamin C, which is good for their immune system. In addition, they are rich in Vitamin A, which boosts their vision and helps prevent night blindness.
Carrots
Carrots are great snacks for Chihuahuas because they contain Vitamin A, which is good for their vision. Moreover, Carrots are also beneficial because they promote eye health and prevent night blindness.
Sweet Potatoes
Pet parents should give their Chihuahuas sweet potatoes because it’s rich in Vitamin C, which boosts their immune system. In addition, it contains beta-carotene, which prevents them from developing cataracts and improves their night vision.
Bananas
Chihuahuas can eat small amounts of bananas because it contains high levels of potassium which is good for their heart health. In addition, they are rich in Vitamin B6, which regulates the nervous system.
Pumpkins
Chihuahuas can have small amounts of canned pumpkin because it contains high levels of Vitamin A, which is good for their eyesight. In addition, pumpkins are rich in Vitamin C, which boosts their immune system.
Meat
Chihuahuas can benefit from lean meat because it contains high protein levels, which is essential for a Chihuahua’s growth. In addition, meat also promotes muscle development and helps prevent muscle atrophy.
Eggs
Chihuahuas can eat eggs because it contains high levels of protein which helps their muscles grow. Eggs are also good for Chihuahuas’ coat color because they contain Vitamin A, which is important for maintaining their coat’s health.
Shrimp
Shrimp is beneficial to Chihuahuas because it contains high levels of protein that help promote muscle development. In addition, it also contains Omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health and prevent them from developing cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Oatmeal
Chihuahua can eat small portions of oatmeal because it contains high levels of Vitamin B, that aids in the production of red blood cells.
In addition, oatmeal is also rich in antioxidants which boost their immune system and prevent them from developing cancer.
Rice
Chihuahuas can benefit from rice because it contains high levels of antioxidants which help boost their immune system. In addition, it contains Vitamin B3, which regulates Chihuahua’s metabolism and helps them maintain a healthy weight.
Corn
Chihuahua can eat small amounts of corn because it contains high levels of Vitamin A, which is good for their eyesight. They are also rich in fiber and antioxidants that aid in producing red blood cells.
Peanut Butter
It’s not good for Chihuahuas to have peanut butter because it contains high levels of saturated fats that can cause obesity and raise their blood cholesterol level. Therefore, Chihuahuas should only have a small amount of peanut butter as a treat.
Some Foods That You Should Not Feed-In High Amount
Some foods are not completely toxic, but you should definitely avoid giving these in high amounts to chihuahuas.
Tomatoes
A small piece of tomato is okay because it’s rich in antioxidants that promote Chihuahua health and prevent them from developing cardiovascular and cancer diseases.
But you should never feed your Chihuahua an excess amount of tomatoes. It contains high alkaloids, which may cause kidney stones and gastrointestinal problems.
Dairy Products
A little piece of cheese is okay because it’s rich in calcium, promoting Chihuahua’s bone health. But you should never give your dog excessive dairy products because it can cause digestive problems, infections, and allergies.
Salt and Salty Foods
Chihuahuas can eat a little amount of salty food because it contains sodium, which helps regulate their blood pressure and maintain normal nervous system functioning. But never give too much salt because it can cause kidney problems, hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances.
Cinnamon
A small amount of cinnamon is okay because it contains high antioxidants. As a result, it promotes their health and prevents them from developing cardiovascular and cancer diseases. But never give your Chihuahua an excess amount of cinnamon because it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
High Fiber Foods
Chihuahuas can eat a little fiber food like vegetables, cereals, and dried fruits. It helps maintain their digestive system and keeps them from developing gastrointestinal diseases. But too much fiber can cause Chihuahuas to have an intestinal blockage or suffer from diarrhea and vomiting.
FAQ
Do Chihuahuas Eat Other Dogs’ Poop?
Certain dog breeds are known for their indiscriminate eating, including the Chihuahua. This means that they will eat anything from their surroundings, whether it is a food item or not.
For this reason, a Chihuahua may eat the feces of other animals, so pet parents should discourage this behavior because it can be extremely dangerous to their health. In addition, if a Chihuahua eats its stool, then there’s no need to worry because this will only clean its teeth.
Do Chihuahuas Eat Their Poop?
This is a common behavior in dogs, and Chihuahuas are no exception. Of course, it is only natural for them to taste anything they find interesting, but pet parents should discourage this behavior because it can harm their health. In particular, their poop contains harmful bacteria that may cause digestive problems, so experts say those pet parents should always look for this behavior.
Conclusion
Chihuahuas are a popular breed because they have cute appearances and active personalities. They also come in various colors, coat lengths, and temperaments. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas can eat large amounts of food compared to other breeds. It may be surprising for most people. They should only eat healthy food because of bad eating habits. Moreover, it can cause them to suffer from various health conditions.
They also need to get lots of exercise and playtime with pet parents and other household pets. Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they have big personalities that make them great companions for kids and adults alike. They are intelligent and loving dogs that provide joy and companionship to their pet parents without being too needy or demanding.
