This is our review of the best dog food for Chihuahuas.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews.
We have carried out extensive research to guide you in choosing the best food for Chihuahuas.
Our research concluded that Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best overall dog food for Chihuahuas as it contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health.
Different life stages of Chihuahuas have unique needs. Therefore we have included reviews of the best brands for every stage.
Chihuahuas are also prone to allergies and obesity, and this review gives the best dog food for allergies and weight management.
Read through to get all the information on the best dog food for Chihuahuas
Best Dog Food for Puppy Chihuahuas
ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Turkey Giblets, Flounder, Whole Mackerel
- Key feature: Deboned Chicken is the first ingredient
- Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 20% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 449 Kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-free
- Life Stage: Puppies
- Best for Chihuahua puppies with grain allergies
This puppy food provides premium nourishment for your pup. It contains animal ingredients that boost the development of lean muscles.
In addition, this diet is made from natural grain-free ingredients, thus lowering the risks of allergic reactions.
Benefits
- Poultry and fish provide quality proteins for muscle mass development
- Grain-free hence safe for puppies with grain sensitivities
- Freeze-dried for a raw, delicious taste
Best Dog Food For Adult Chihuahuas
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice
- Key feature: Premium protein crafted for adult dogs
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, % Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 408 Kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No soy, No corn, No wheat
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Extra small and small breed adults
It is scientifically crafted for the overall health of your adult Chihuahua. It is rich in protein, wholesome grains, antioxidants, taurine, and probiotics that work together to give you a healthy puppy.
Benefits
- Omega 3 fatty acids for gut health
- Has taurine for cardiovascular health
- Quality protein for muscle repair and maintenance
- Easy to chew and digest as it comes in small bite-size kibbles.
Best Budget Dog Food for Chihuahuas
Rachael Ray Nutrish Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Rice, Dried plain Beet Pulp, Chicken Fat
- Key feature: High-quality protein for growth
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 321 Kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Limited ingredient, Gluten-free
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Chihuahua with tummy sensitivities
This food is highly nutritious as it contains lamb as the first ingredient with a combination of essential vitamins, taurine, and minerals for the overall growth of your dog.
It is tailor-made for adult Chihuahuas with food allergies as it contains no wheat, grain, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or colors.
Benefits
- Quality protein promotes healthy muscle development.
- Formulated from six ingredients only hence lowering the risks of allergic reactions
- Contain no Grain, wheat, or corn, hence suitable for dogs with sensitive tummies.
Best Premium Food for Chihuahuas
Stella & Chewy’s Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Cranberries
- Key feature: Free-cage chicken and 100% organic fruits
- Guaranteed Analysis: 48% Crude Protein, 28% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 5% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 50 Kcal/patty
- Type of Product: No grain, No gluten, No fillers
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for All breeds, including Chihuahua
This 100% natural diet mimics wild dog food, making it attractive to your dog’s wild instincts.
It has chicken as the first ingredient with a combination of fruits and vegetables that ensure your dog gets the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Benefits
- It has no grains or artificial preservatives hence safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Probiotics are essential for bowel health.
- Organic fruits and vegetables protect from infections.
Best Wet Dog Food for Chihuahuas
Wellness Petite Entrees Mini-Filets with Roasted Chicken
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water, Chicken, Beef, Potato Starch
- Key feature: High water content for hydration
- Guaranteed Analysis:8% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 80 Kcal/container
- Type of Product: Grain-free
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Chihuahua with grain allergies
This wet dog food is made from natural ingredients free from grains and targets small breeds of all sizes.
Carrots and green beans work together to add to the fiber content, thus promoting digestion. A combination of real meat and organic vegetables and fruits ensures a well-balanced diet.
Benefits
- Come in containers that are easy to open and hence are convenient
- No added fillers thus safe for dogs with food allergies and stomach sensitivities
- High water content for hydration
Best dog food for Chihuahuas with Allergies
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
- Key feature: contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health
- Guaranteed Analysis:24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 376 Kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Grains, Limited ingredient diet, No wheat, No soy, No corn
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Chihuahua with grain allergies
This tasty dog food is crafted with only ten ingredients making it safe for allergies and picky eaters. It has real deboned salmon as the main ingredient for quality protein content.
Benefits
- Limited ingredient food having only ten ingredients is safe for sensitive tummies.
- Quality protein from Salmon promote strong and lean muscles
- Fiber promotes smooth digestion
Best Breed-Specific Chihuahuas Dog Food
Royal Canin Chihuahua Puppy Dry Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken-By Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn, Wheat Gluten
- Key feature: Specialized Kibble for Chihuahuas
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content:352 Kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Digestible Protein and Fiber
- Life Stage: Puppies
- Best for Chihuahuas, toy breeds, small breeds, extra small breeds
This premium food is crafted with the needs of small breed Chihuahua in mind. It is suitable for all small breeds, including deer heads and fawns from eight weeks to eight months old.
It comes in small kibbles designed for small breeds’ pointed muzzles and small jaws. This meal is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E that boost the immunity levels of your petite friend.
Benefits
- High fiber content ensures regular bowel movement and reduces the strong stool odors.
- Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E that lower inflammation
- Well-designed kibbles that Chihuahuas can easily pick and chew
- Highly palatable and tasty for picky eaters.
Best Food for Weight Management
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber
- Key feature: Quality protein for lean muscles
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 12% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 324 Kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No soy, No wheat, No corn, Weight control
- Life Stage: Adults
- Best for: Dogs with sensitive tummies
It has real meat as the main ingredient with vegetables and fruits for maximum nutritional benefits for dogs.
It features quality protein-deboned chicken with no extra calories for a healthy weight.
Benefits
- Has L-carnitine and quality protein for lean muscles and lower levels of calories
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a lustrous skin and a shiny coat
- Glucosamine and chondroitin promote mobility and joint health
- It contains calcium and phosphorus for bone development.
Guide to Buying Dog Food For Chihuahuas
Here is our guide to buying the best dog food for Chihuahuas.
Nutritional Requirements of Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas tend to have longer life spans than other dog breeds and are easily affected by age-related diseases like diabetes and arthritis.
As a result, each life stage of Chihuahuas calls for unique nutritional requirements.
In addition, Chihuahuas are always active and need a lot of energy. The following are the nutritional requirements for Chihuahuas :
Protein and amino acids
Although Chihuahuas are small breeds, their hyperactivity makes them burn more calories compared to larger breeds.
However, their small stomachs can only accommodate a small amount of food; hence you need to ensure their food is well-balanced.
Proteins contain amino acids, which aid in the growth and maintenance of lean muscles, hair growth, and new cells formation.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants
Chihuahuas need lots of vitamins for their overall growth. Vitamin requirements would depend on factors like the age and size of your dog.
The major vitamins essential for Chihuahuas include vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
Dogs need Vitamin A for a shiny coat and lustrous skin, while vitamin B aids in regulating energy and comes in handy for constantly tired dogs.
On the other hand, vitamin C and E are responsible for improved immunity levels and bone formation and development.
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting
Omega Fatty Acids
Besides vitamins, minerals, and proteins, Chihuahuas also need omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential during the early stages of life as they are responsible for brain and eye development.
As a result, puppies need lots of omega 3 fatty acids.
Omega 6 fatty acids aid in cell formation and kin health and come from foods like chicken.
Things to Consider When Selecting Dog Food for Chihuahuas
High-quality ingredients
Chihuahua’s food should be a combination of 100% natural and organic ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives.
Lean protein content
Chihuahuas need lots of quality proteins for lean muscles. The food labels should be specific, having the real type of meat used and not just stating “ meat” as an ingredient.
Go for labels having real meat ingredients like chicken, beef, lamb, and salmon, which boost your Chihuahua’s overall growth.
Well-balanced recipe
Your dog food should contain essential nutritional requirements, including proteins, fats, fiber, and moisture for well-rounded development.
The nutritional information given should meet the requirements of AAFCO
Kibble size
Choose a kibble size that is suitable for the pointed muzzle and small jaws of Chihuahuas. Selecting the right kibble size promotes dental health and lowers the risks of mouth wounds from straining to chew
Fat content
Chihuahuas need low to moderate fats as high-fat content can lead to diseases like pancreatitis.
Look for low to medium fat content foods
Caloric content
To maintain a healthy weight for your dog, go for moderate-calorie foods that will aid in weight management as obese dogs are prone to chronic health problems like cardiovascular diseases.
How Much Should You Feed a Chihuahua?
Feeding a chihuahua depends on various factors like the life stage, health condition, and weight.
On average, puppies need 325 calories per day, while adults and seniors need 240 and 160 calories.
To avoid the risks of underfeeding or overfeeding your dog, look for the specified feeding instructions and feed your dog according to the instructions.
When introducing a new food, start with small amounts and gradually increase the amounts to the specified amounts.
It is best to consult the vet before changing your dog’s diet to avoid any adverse reactions.
How Much Should You Feed a Chihuahua Puppy?
Chihuahua puppies are small in size hence require frequent small feedings throughout the day.
Most Chihuahua dog food comes in single-serve containers according to the age of your dog.
Puppies generally require around 50 calories per pound.
The following is a guide for feeding puppy Chihuahuas :
| Age in Months | Daily intake |
| 2-4 | 4-6 meals |
| 4-6 | 3-5 meals |
| 6-8 | 3-4 meals |
| Over 8 | 2-3 meals |
How Much Should You Feed an Adult Chihuahua
The amounts to feed an adult Chihuahua largely depend on the daily calorie requirement, which keeps changing depending on the dog’s physical activity, age, and health condition
The following guides on amounts to serve adult Chihuahuas :
| Weight in Kgs | Amount in Grammes |
| 1 | 24-28 |
| 2 | 41-47 |
| 3 | 55-64 |
| 4 | 62-72 |
How Often Should You Feed a Chihuahua?
Puppies require more nutrients for growth compared to adults.
A schedule that ensures feeding four to six times a day is okay for puppies four months and below.
Giving them smaller frequent portions aids in preventing bloating as their stomachs are small. Furthermore, frequent feedings lower the risks of hypoglycemia that result from low blood sugar levels.
You can reduce this proportion as your puppy grows since their growth requirements will keep declining.
Adult Chihuahuas have fewer nutritional requirements compared to puppies as they are fully grown.
Giving your adult Chihuahua 35-45 calories per pound daily is advisable. This translates to ½ to one cup divided into three meals for dogs weighing four to ten pounds.
Health Issues and Dietary Considerations
Obesity
Chihuahuas are prone to obesity due to their small size. They tend to consume more than their body hence the need for portion control.
A typical healthy weight for mature Chihuahuas is approximately six pounds, and exceeding this results in obesity.
Obesity can be fatal as it can lead to heart problems and high blood pressure.
Give food in small portions and engage your Chihuahua in physical activities to lower the risks of obesity.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar levels are common in Chihuahuas as they cannot fully regulate their blood sugar levels because of their small size.
The symptoms include dizziness, drooling, and seizures.
Consult the vet if you notice any of these
Dental problems
Chihuahuas have small mouths hence are prone to tartar and plaque build-up.
To lower the risk of dental problems, take your dog to the vet regularly and give them hard chews, promoting strong teeth and cleaning the mouth.
Tracheal collapse
This leads to blockage of the airways and can be fatal as it can lead to death.
Symptoms include difficulty breathing and dilated pupils.
Take your pooch immediately to the vet if you notice the above signs
Food to Avoid Feeding Your Chihuahua
Caffeine
You should avoid foods that contain caffeine as Chihuahuas are hyper, and adding caffeine to their diet increases the hyperactivity levels.
Hyperactivity results in elevated heart rates in dogs
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine chemical, which is toxic to dogs as they cannot fully break it down.
The darker the chocolate, the higher the levels of theobromine.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include excessive urination, increased heart rate, excessive thirst,
Bones
Most dog food contains chicken as the main ingredient. Chicken bones are risky for dogs as they can easily splinter, thus causing mouth wounds, stomach upsets, and blockage.
Grapes, cherries, and raisins
These fruits are toxic to Chihuahuas, and the symptoms of poisoning include abdominal pain, dehydration, lack of appetite, and lethargy.
Onions and garlic
They belong to the Allium family and are highly toxic to dogs. They contain a chemical called thiosulphate which damages the red blood cells and can lead to rupture, thus causing anemia.
The symptoms of poisoning include lack of appetite, abdominal pain, depression, and vomiting.
Wild mushroom
Ingestion of wild mushrooms is poisonous to dogs
Some of the symptoms of toxicity are slow heart rate, respiratory problems, jaundice, lethargy, and dehydration.
Dog Food for Chihuahuas F.A.Q.
How often should I feed my Chihuahua?
Puppies require more nutrients than adults hence the need for frequent feedings.
Feed puppies four to six times daily and reduce gradually.
For adults, two to three times daily is okay
Is wet or dry food better for Chihuahuas?
Both are advisable as wet food is hydrating and dry food aid in dental health because Chihuahuas are prone to teeth problems.
Consuming wet food only can cause diarrhea
What food is bad for Chihuahuas?
Foods that are bad for Chihuahuas include chocolate, grapes, wild mushrooms, onions, garlic, bones, cherries, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, leeks, and those that contain xylitol, fillers, artificial preservatives, and caffeine.
Do Chihuahuas need special food?
Yes, most Chihuahuas are picky eaters and need a special diet.
Their hyperactivity levels call for foods rich in proteins and moderate fats combined with organic fruits and vegetables.
What human foods can Chihuahuas eat?
Human foods that chihuahuas can safely eat include meat like chicken, salmon, beef, and lamb.
Others are vegetables like pumpkin, cucumbers, beans, and fruits like blueberries, pineapples, and watermelon.
Final Thoughts
Though small in size, Chihuahuas have lots of nutritional requirements.
Different types of food are specifically designed to fit unique needs at every stage of life.
Seniors, adults, and puppies have different nutritional requirements hence different types of food.
Both dry and wet food is essential for Chihuahuas as they promote dental health and hydrate.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best overall food for Chihuahuas. It not only aids in the development of lean muscles but also promotes joint health.
Always consult the vet before introducing new food to your Chihuahua’s diet.
