What to feed a Chihuahua: 5 best foods + natural nutrition

Chihuahuas are a very active breed, and like all miniature dogs, they have a fast metabolism. These are real little gluttons who are also too picky about food. Chihuahuas are the longest-living dogs; with proper care and proper nutrition, little ones can live up to 18-20 years. Therefore, it is important to know what to feed your Chihuahua and how to do it so that your pet is healthy, cheerful and will bring you joy for many years. The answers to these questions are in our article.

Feeding standards

According to established veterinary standards, for normal growth and development of dogs, food must contain at least 18-22% protein and 5-8% fat.

Adult active dogs from 1 to 7 years old need 78 to 88 calories per 1 kg of body. For aging animals, 68 calories per 1 kg of body is sufficient.

An adult dog is fed twice a day - morning and evening. The best time to eat is at 7-8 o'clock in the morning and 19-20 o'clock in the evening.

Important! Never feed animals immediately before bed.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-chihuahua.html

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
Moderate size granules;
No noticeable odor;
Elegant, high quality packaging;
The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

Rarely available in pet stores;
In isolated cases may cause constipation

The best food for Chihuahuas

Ready-made food for small breed dogs of the “super-premium” and “holistic” classes contains all the necessary micro- and macroelements. They have enough calories to replenish the energy your dog has expended, and the formulas have a balanced ratio of fats and proteins. It is recommended to feed Chihuahuas dry food with a protein content of at least 25%.

The best brands of food for Chihuahuas:

NOW Natural Fresh Small Breed Recipe – Canada, holistic, dry food for small breed dogs;
Grandorf 4 Meat & Brown Rice – Belgium, holistic, hypoallergenic food for mini breeds;
Almo Nature Holistic Adult Dog Small – Italy, super-premium;
Purina Pro Plan Small & Mini Adult canine – USA, super premium;
Bosch Mini Adult – Germany, super premium.

Now that we have compiled the TOP 5 foods for the Chihuahua breed, we will analyze and evaluate each brand.

NOW Natural Fresh Small Breed Recipe

A diet for mini dogs based on low-calorie meats and several types of vegetables and fruits. Does not contain grains. It has a hypoallergenic composition.

Presented in several recipes:

with lamb and pork;
with duck salmon and turkey;
with trout and salmon.

NOW brand contains more than 30 ingredients, including all essential vitamins and minerals. Protein components – 26%, fats – 16%. For healthy coat and skin – rapeseed and coconut oil. For oral health and fresh breath added: parsley, peppermint and sodium tripolyphosphate. Chicory root is a natural prebiotic. Yucca Schidigera plant extract reduces the odor of excrement.

Plus: small trefoil-shaped granules are adapted to the jaws of a Chihuahua.

Disadvantage: high cost.

Prices:

0.23 kg – 250 rub. (105 UAH);
2.72 kg – 1576 rubles (598 UAH);
5.45 kg – 2676 rubles (1078 UAH);
11.35 kg – 4446 rubles (1878 UAH).

Grandorf 4 Meat & Brown Rice

A special formula for decorative mini breeds includes varieties of dietary meat: lamb, turkey, duck and rabbit. Grandorf food contains: brown rice, seafood, salmon oil, dried apples, flaxseed, turkey fat, brewer's yeast, dried chicory. The food is enriched with a complex of natural antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Approved for dogs with allergies. Yucca Schidigera extract reduces the odor of excrement.

Plus: Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Disadvantage: high price, not always available for free sale.

Prices:

1 kg – 680 rubles (287 UAH);
3 kg – 1600 rubles (670 UAH);
12 kg – 5500 rubles (2326 UAH).

Almo Nature Holistic Adult Dog Small

Almo dry Italian food contains fresh and dehydrated meat, poultry or fish. The formula does not contain allergenic components. The ratio of proteins (26%) and fats (14%) allows you to maintain a normal weight for your pet.

Recipes:

chicken and rice;
lamb and rice;
salmon and rice;
beef and rice;
white fish and rice.

The food is enriched with vitamins and minerals. Inulin from chicory is added as a natural prebiotic.

Plus: suitable for dogs with allergies.

Minus: the manufacturer did not decipher all the ingredients.

Prices:

2 kg – 1038 rubles (439 UAH);
12 kg – 3986 rubles (1686 UAH).

Purina Pro Plan Small & Mini Adult

High-quality super-premium dry food for miniature dog breeds has a balanced composition. The Purina food line includes therapeutic and preventive brands for dogs with gastrointestinal problems and to improve skin condition. Enriched with vitamins, minerals, Omega-3, Omega-6. The source of inulin is natural chicory.

Recipes:

chicken and rice;
salmon and rice;
beef and rice;
lamb.

Plus: does not contain wheat gluten.

Minus: contains corn flour - an allergen.

Prices:

0.7 kg – 386 rubles (157 UAH);
3 kg – 1369 rubles (468 UAH);
7 kg – 2385 rubles (951 UAH).

Bosch Mini Adult Lamb & Rice

This brand of German super-premium dry food has the necessary caloric content for the normal growth and development of energetic dogs of small and dwarf breeds.

Available in the following recipes:

lamb and rice;
chicken and millet;
roe deer and potatoes.

All Bosch recipes contain: rice, peas, yeast, flaxseed, vitamins and minerals. The ratio of proteins (25%) and fats (14%) is balanced.

Plus: the size of the granules is adapted to the jaws of the Chihuahua.

Cons: Contains corn gluten.

Prices:

1 kg – 570 rubles (241 UAH);
3 kg – 1476 rubles (624 UAH);
15 kg – 6073 rubles (2568 UAH).

Important! The daily food intake is calculated in accordance with the instructions on the food packaging, taking into account the weight, age and physiological condition of the dog. On average, the volume of a daily serving is 50-70 grams.

FAQ

How does an allergy to dry food manifest?

If the chosen food is not suitable for the animal, the dog refuses to eat, restless or, conversely, apathetic behavior appears, problems with the fur, and itchy skin. In a critical condition, vomiting and nausea appear. You should immediately stop giving food and replace it with a healthier and higher quality product. The choice of a new food that is suitable for your pet must first be agreed with your veterinarian.

What is the classification of feed?

Depending on the recipe, percentage of natural ingredients, expensive beneficial additives, food is divided into the following classes:

Holistics are premium foods, the creation of which involves the use of similar components for both humans and animals. The recipe is dominated by high quality natural products. Meat fraction content up to 70%. Lack of semi-finished products and synthetic additives that are harmful to health. The shelf life of food when unopened is from 1.0 to 1.5 years.
Super-premium class - high-quality nutritious professional food, balanced in the content of useful components (proteins, fats, etc.). They have high nutritional value.
Economy and premium class - products containing semi-finished products, by-products of processing cereals and vegetables. May contain artificial colors, flavors, preservatives. The shelf life of such feed is up to 2.0 - 2.5 years.

The classification of feed is directly related to pricing policy. Economy class food costs significantly less than premium or holistic food.

Ask your question

Natural feeding

Supporters of natural nutrition should know what they can feed their Chihuahuas and what they are strictly forbidden to feed. These little “pocket” dogs are huge picky eaters - they won’t eat just anything! In addition, they are incredibly active, and their metabolism is accelerated, so nutrition should be regular and sufficiently high in calories.

Don’t even think that these little ones can be fed with leftovers from the human table. Yes, they don’t eat that much, 120-160 grams. per day, but these must be high-quality, specially prepared grams. On average, the daily diet of an adult pet is 60-80 grams. feed for 1 kg. weight. 2/3 of the total volume is protein foods, the remaining 1/3 is vegetables and cereals.

What should be in the diet

Meat. Boiled or raw (frozen or scalded with boiling water). Low-fat varieties are suitable: rabbit, turkey, veal, beef, chicken breast.
Vegetables. Served raw and stewed. Raw vegetables are grated and mixed with a small amount of vegetable oil.
Cereals: rolled oats, rice, buckwheat.
Boiled eggs. No more than once a week.
Low-fat sea fish - 1-2 times a week.
Calcined cottage cheese.
Offal.
Vitamin and mineral complexes.

List of prohibited products

Fresh raw meat. Meat is given only after heat treatment or frozen and scalded.
Spices, onions and garlic.
Chocolate, sweets, sugar.
Fatty, spicy, fried and salty foods.
Smoked meats.
Raw fish.
Milk.
Pickled foods.
Raw eggs.
Legumes.
Nuts, especially walnuts.

The consumption of these products leads to various pathologies: obesity, anemia, hypertension, bone fragility and gastrointestinal disorders.

Be responsible when it comes to what to feed your Chihuahua at home. The health and well-being of the dog depends on the composition of the diet. If in doubt, seek advice from your veterinarian.

Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

pros

High meat content - >60%;
High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time;
No chemical flavors or additives;
Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems);
Improves the condition of the coat.

Minuses

High in fat, a lazy dog will quickly gain weight.

How to properly feed pregnant and lactating dogs

In order for a small dog to bear and give birth to healthy offspring, a pregnant Chihuahua needs to be fed a special diet. Dogs that receive dry food are switched to special brands for pregnant women: Royal Canin Mini Starter Mother & Babydog, Bozita super premium Puppy & Junior WHEAT FREE 25/13, etc.

Naturally fed dogs are given more foods containing calcium: apples, cottage cheese and cauliflower. Just before childbirth, the level of protein in the diet is reduced, and meat and fish are excluded 7-8 days before birth.

After giving birth, dogs are also not given meat for the first days. They feed him cottage cheese, give him calcium supplements and fermented milk products. From the second week they feed him stewed meat with vegetables, give him porridge, and boiled egg yolk. If the bitch is not allergic to milk, you can give her goat's milk.

Important! Be sure to give special vitamin and mineral complexes during pregnancy and lactation.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

pros

High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
Does not cause allergies;
Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

Not found in all pet stores.

What to feed a Chihuahua puppy

You need to approach the diet of a little sneeze responsibly. A growing body must receive all the necessary micro- and macroelements, as well as a sufficient amount of kilocalories for normal growth and development.

A mother dog can feed babies with milk for up to 2-3 months, sometimes up to 4. At 1 month of life, mother’s milk is enough for the normal development of puppies. The first complementary foods are introduced at the age of 1.5-2 months.

First feeding

What is the best way to feed puppies:

Homemade cottage cheese made from milk and kefir or children's cottage cheese “Agusha”, “Tema” without additives.
Beef scraper - scrape the frozen beef with a knife, then steam what gathers on the width of the blade.
Dry food for puppies soaked in warm water or kefir.
Boiled chicken or turkey breast. Before serving, the meat must be ground in a blender.

You need to start complementary feeding with cottage cheese; meat is added to the puppies’ diet later.

How to feed puppies if the bitch has little milk

If the mother has little milk, you can feed the puppies at an earlier date - from 3 weeks of age. Canina Welpenbrei is suitable for this - porridge for puppies, which contains protein products, grains, fats and vitamins. You can give your babies infant formula.

The best ready-made food for puppies

When the kids grow up and learn to eat on their own, you can switch them to special ready-made food for puppies. Do not allow puppies to eat food from their mother's bowl - this rule applies to all food except food for pregnant and lactating dogs. This specialized line is tailored to the needs of puppies.

We have selected the best brands of industrial feed:

Acana Heritage Puppy Small Breed – grain-free holistic food for puppies;
Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food For Small Breed Chicken – from 1 to 12 months;
Bosch Mini Junior – up to 12 months;
Royal Canin Chihuahua Junior – for Chihuahua puppies;
Royal Canin Mini Junior – from 2 to 10 months.

Important! Chihuahua puppies do not really like dry food - fill the granules with hot water and cool them to room temperature.

Puppies up to 6 months old are steamed with 20 grams. dry food per meal, from 6 to 12 months - 30-40 g.

In order for the gastrointestinal tract to grow and develop normally, babies are fed strictly according to the clock.

How many times a day to feed puppies:

from 2 to 3 months – 6 meals;
at 3 months – 5 times a day;
at 4 months they switch to 4 meals a day;
at 5 months they feed 3-4 times a day;
from 6 months they switch to 3 meals;
From the age of one year, dogs should receive two meals a day.

Important! Puppies should have 24/7 access to clean, fresh water. It is best to take bottled or fresh filtered water and give it in a ceramic bowl.

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

pros

Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties;
The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced;
High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time;
The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding;
Does not cause allergies or dental problems;
The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time;
Can be found in every pet store;
Does not have a pronounced odor.

Minuses

Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them;
Possible odor from the animal's mouth;
Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

What food to feed a Chihuahua with health problems

Chihuahuas have good immunity, but the breed cannot be called healthy. The breed is prone to a number of genetic diseases.

Let's look at the features of feeding dogs with health problems.

Health problems:

Allergy. Dogs are predisposed to various types of allergies. A line of professional hypoallergenic food has been developed especially for them:

ROYAL CANIN HYPOALLERGENIC HCD24 SMALL DOG – medicinal food for allergies and skin diseases;
Healthy Skin and Coat TOY and SMALL BREEDS for ADULTS – for small breed dogs suffering from allergies;
Farmina Cibau Sensitive Fish Mini is a hypoallergenic food in granules.

Diseases of the teeth and gums: tartar, pulpitis. To prevent problems in the oral cavity from bothering your pets, choose specialized foods:

Royal Canin Dental Special DSD25 Small Dog Under – for the health of teeth and gums of mini-breed dogs;
Purina Pro Plan Dental Pro Bar Small&Mini is a treat for strengthening teeth.

Mitral heart valve dysplasia. With this pathology, it is necessary to monitor the amount of salt consumed and maintain a water regime - the dog must have round-the-clock access to clean water.

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

pros

There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating;
The condition of the coat improves;
Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract;
Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein);
Does not cause allergies;
Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed;
Difficult to find in pet stores.

Nutrition rules

Proper nutrition is the key to good health not only for humans, but for their pets. Therefore, when a little friend appears, you should follow certain rules.

Yorkies can be fed either homemade food or purchased specialized food. If we talk about homemade food, then offal, beef, poultry are allowed in the diet, and you can give them raw, but you must first pour boiling water over them. From cereals you will need the presence of buckwheat and rice. You should also not forget about fermented milk products, although representatives of this breed do not really like them. It is allowed to give raw or boiled fruits or vegetables; such food will become a real treat for the Yorkshire Terrier. But such dogs should refrain from fried and smoked foods. In addition, it is not recommended to give them sausages, fatty cheeses, semolina or oatmeal porridge.

Since Chihuahuas have a more sensitive digestive system, certain difficulties may arise here. Therefore, you should not keep them on a mixed diet, and the owner will need to decide whether he will feed him store-bought food or homemade food. If we talk about specialized food, then it will require alternating dry and wet food. Moreover, as mentioned above, such dogs quickly form plaque, and with the help of dry food it will be cleaned from the teeth. If the owner has decided that the pet will eat homemade food, then the diet should include boiled beef, veal, sea fish, and occasionally chicken can be given. You can feed your Chihuahua porridge, vegetables and some fruits. It is prohibited to include pork, river fish, legumes, sweets and fried or fatty foods in the diet.