Few dogs are as unique as the Chihuahua. This toy sized dog is well known for its erect ears and large round eyes. Often the dog of choice for those in restricted living spaces, a well-trained and well-cared for Chihuahua can be a wonderful companion and a joy to have as part of a family.
Keeping your Chihuahua at the peak of physical and mental wellness involves lots of stimulation, exercise, and the right food. However, with so many types and brands available, knowing what to feed them can be tricky. Luckily, that’s where we come in. Here are five of the best dog foods chosen by our panel of pet lovers and Chihuahua experts.
The 5 Top-Rated Dog Foods for Chihuahuas
1 Taste Of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Food
- Brand: Taste of the Wild
- First 5 Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils
- Primary Proteins: Venison & Garbanzo Beans
- Calories: 422 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Venison
- Life Stage: Adult
Taste of the Wild uses a combination of venison, duck, lamb, egg, and ocean fish to create a food high in easily digested proteins and fat and provides optimal levels of amino acids. The kibble pieces are just the right size for your small dog’s teeth, and the addition of prebiotic fiber and probiotics helps to support your dog’s digestive health.
The grain-free recipe gains its fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from including fruits and vegetables. This improves the health of your dog’s skin and coat and is great for those whose digestion is upset by wheat and grains. The dry food is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Egg Product, Duck Meal, Pea Flour, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable), Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
2 Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dog Food
- Brand: Wellness
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Turkey
- Calories: 412 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey
- Life Stage: Adult
Wellness CORE is specifically designed to meet the higher energy level needs of small breeds, such as the Chihuahua. Made with premium chicken and turkey, it is naturally high in protein and supports the increasingly popular raw feeding philosophy. This means that it is completely free from grains, animal by-products and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
The nutrient dense kibble is designed for small teeth and includes the perfect balance of essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids that your dog needs for a healthy coat and skin. The natural fiber, prebiotics and probiotics work together to improve and maintain good digestive health, while the high-quality protein and complex carbohydrates ensure optimal energy levels.
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Spearmint, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
3 Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken Dog Food
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Whole Grain Corn
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 397 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Barley
- Life Stage: Puppy
Hill’s Science Diet as been developed specifically for toy breeds and small breed puppies, taking the specific needs of these size animals into consideration. Developed with DHA from high quality fish oil for healthy brain and eye development, the dry food also contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids from high quality and easy to digest ingredients.
While the kibble contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, it is created from a mix of chicken meal, fruits, vegetables, grains and wheat. This means that it may not be suitable for dogs with intolerances to wheat or gluten, or for those whose owners are concerned about feeding their pooch these ingredients. Otherwise the combination of crunch and flavor is something your Chihuahua will thank you for.
Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Pork Flavor, Flaxseed, Fish Oil, Dicalcium Phosphate, Lactic Acid, Soybean Oil, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, L-Lysine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, L-Threonine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Green Peas, Apples, Cranberries, Carrots, Beta-Carotene, Broccoli.
4 Blue Buffalo Blue Life Protection Toy Breed Dog Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 417 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Adult
BLUE Life Protection formula is created from a mix of deboned chicken, whole grains, fruit and vegetables. With no poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy, the food provides a great taste and provides your dog with the essential amino acids they need to stay healthy. Complex carbohydrates and high-quality protein ensure that your Chihuahua’s energy needs are met, as well as providing them with all the nutrients they need.
No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives are used in the development of this dry food, adding to its superior taste. The nutrient rich elements of the food are also processed at a lower temperature to the rest of the kibble to ensure that its potency is preserved.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Pea Starch, Dried Tomato Pomace, Peas, Pea Protein, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
5 Royal Canin Chihuahua Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Royal Canin
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn, Wheat Gluten
- Primary Proteins: Chicken & Rice
- Calories: 352 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Puppy
This ROYAL CANIN kibble mix is designed specifically for Chihuahua puppies from 8 weeks to 8 months old. The kibble is small and created in a shape that is easy for puppies to break and chew. The food contains balanced levels of highly digestible proteins to help with your puppy’s growth and development. The kibble is also designed to reduce stool odor and meet the needs of fussy appetites – something Chihuahuas are well-known for.
The fiber content, quality protein and carbohydrate sources are balanced to create a food that offers great taste and smell and supports good digestion. The addition of Vitamins E and C, Lutein and Taurine helps to support your puppy’s natural defenses, while offering complete and balanced nutrition.
Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn, Wheat Gluten, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Oat Groats, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Pea Fiber, Potassium Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Hydrolyzed Yeast, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Inositol, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Acetate, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Choline Chloride, Taurine, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid.
Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas: Buying Guide
Chihuahuas are very energetic dogs who need a lot of exercise and a diet rich in protein and high quality complex carbohydrates to help them maintain consistent energy levels. However, with so many foods purporting to offer just this, how do you choose between them, and ensure that you are feeding your pet pooch the right ingredients. The best way to achieve this is by looking closely at the ingredients that any food has, including the source of its protein and carbohydrates. Reading our buying guide also helps you to make the best decisions for your canine companion.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Chihuahua Puppy?
When deciding how much to feed your Chihuahua, you should start by finding a good quality food designed for your breed of dog. If you cannot find one that you like that is breed specific, then look for one that is designed for toy or small dogs. This is important because toy and small dogs have very specific protein needs and require small sized kibble pieces.
Check out our review of Dog Food for Small Breeds.
Once you have found the right food, start by following the feeding guidelines on the packet and then adjust the quantity up or down to suit your individual dog’s needs. Feeding guidelines are usually set based on the weight of your dog, so it is important to weigh them regularly and to know the recommended weight for your dog at their age and stage of life. If your Chihuahua is severely over or underweight, then you should get advice from your local veterinarian.
In terms of when to feed your Chihuahua, it is recommended that for puppies under 3 months, food is left out all the time, so they can eat as they need to. From 3 months, food should be split into 3 or 4 separate meals. This should be reduced to 2 to 3 meals at 6 months and 2 meals a day from around a year old.
Ingredients to Look For When Feeding Your Chihuahua
Chihuahuas have very specific dietary needs and on top of that they can be extremely fussy about what they eat. Given this it is important that you find a high-quality food that meets their needs and that they like. Signs of a high-quality food include not containing any artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, not including nutrient poor but calorie rich fillers, and having meat as one of the key ingredients. Here are a few other things to watch for:
Fruit, Vegetables and Whole Grains
Chihuahuas are very energetic dogs and need high levels of protein and complex carbohydrates to maintain healthy muscles and to keep their energy level stable. If foods are full of processed carbohydrates then, like humans, they experience steep rises and falls in energy. This has a negative effect on their physical health and on their temperament. Good carbohydrate sources include fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It is recommended that vegetables make up about 40% of the ingredients in your Chihuahua’s food.
Fiber
Fiber is important to the transit of food through the digestive system. Too little and your dog is likely to suffer from constipation. However, the wrong type can leave them bloated as well. Again, this is where whole grains and vegetables are important.
Meat
It is worth reiterating the importance of not only a high meat content, but also the need for good quality meat to be included in your dog’s food. Meat should be the number one ingredient on the list of ingredients in your food. Avoid foods where the majority of the meat comes from by-products. Ideally, you want a food that contains no animal by-products as these contain little to no nutritional value.
You may also like our detailed guide on the Best Dog Food for Picky Eaters.
What Food to Avoid Feeding Your Chihuahua
Not all dog foods are created equal and some can actually harm your Chihuahua. The main foods to avoid are those that contain high levels of filler. These are low in nutritional value, but high in calories. They are likely to cause obesity and increase the risk of degenerative joint disease. Additionally, you should avoid feeding your dog:
- Chocolate: Especially dark chocolate contains high levels of theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.
- Onions: Along with garlic, these are known to cause anemia in dogs.
- Caffeine: Chihuahua’s are already energetic enough and do not need stimulants. It is also dangerous for them as it raises the heart rate.
- Bones: Chicken bones especially as these can splinter and cause problems long the digestive system, as well as catching in teeth and gums. Bones in general can cause diarrhea and other tummy problems.
- Grapes, raisins, cherries: Along with macadamia nuts and avocado, these are toxic to your pet. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Xylitol: Artificial sweeteners can cause liver damage and drastic drops in blood sugar levels in dogs. For a small dog, like a Chihuahua, it would take very little to create toxic dose, so it is best avoided altogether.
- Alcohol: While it is obvious that dogs should not be given alcoholic drinks, alcohol is present in, or created in the dog’s stomach by, many other things that you may not automatically consider dangerous. Yeast, a common ingredient in everything from pizza to bread rolls is one such item.
Things To Consider When Buying Chihuahua Dog Food
Pet food labels can be very confusing and contain a lot of different terminology as well as very long lists of ingredients. Here are the top things to watch out for when you are choosing the perfect food for your pooch.
Protein, Carbohydrate and Starch Ratios
Good quality food for Chihuahuas has a protein / carb/ starch ratio of around 40 / 40 / 20. Protein needs to come from quality meat and fish sources and carbs should be complex carbohydrates from whole grain, fruit and vegetable sources. Regular potato does not count as a complex carbohydrate and if it is included, it should be considered a starch, along with items such as pasta.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are therefore essential to your dog’s wellbeing. Look for foods that list the specific meat sources to ensure that your dog is getting the amino acids they need.
Vitamins and Minerals
Like all dogs, Chihuahuas need food that is balanced and contains all the vitamins and minerals they need for healthy immune systems, healthy skin and coats and healthy development. Quality foods should list vitamins, A, E, C and B-12 among their ingredients, along with DHA omega oils, folic acid and minerals including calcium Iodate and Sodium Selenite.
Kibble Size
Chihuahuas only have small teeth and jaws, it is therefore important that the food you buy reflects the needs. Kibble should be small and easy for them to bite. Dry food is better than wet food for Chihuahuas generally because it helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Wheat and Grains
An increasing number of dog foods are wheat, or wheat and grain free. There is no agreement as to whether dogs should avoid grains, unless they have a specific stomach or allergy issue. However, some owners prefer a completely grain free approach to food. If you are buying a food that includes grains go for one that uses whole grains as this is more beneficial and contains better fiber.
Artificial Colors, Flavors and Preservatives
These should be avoided at all costs, along with corn syrups, fillers and refined grains. They have no benefit to your Chihuahua and could be harmful, preventing uptake of nutrients and affect the speed of transit of food through the digestive system.
- Age appropriateness
The age of your Chihuahua affects the specific balance of nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need. If you have a puppy, then it is best to buy food specifically designed for this stage of their life. Pregnant or nursing dogs also have different needs and you may find a different food, feeding pattern, or amounts of food are needed during this time.
If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of your dog, whether related to food or not, seek help from your local veterinarian as soon as possible. But, by following this guide, you can ensure that you buy the right food for your Chihuahua to keep them happy and healthy for many years to come.
Sources:
- Niki Parker, DVM, What Is the Best Dog Food?, PetMD
