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Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas
- Authors
- Name
- ChewyChoice team
Introduction
Chihuahuas are adored for their size and lively personalities. But these little dogs have specific dietary requirements. Even though they weigh 2-6 pounds and stand 7-9 inches tall, Chihuahuas need a carefully chosen nutrient rich diet to keep them healthy, energetic and thriving for an average longevity of 13-15 years.
Their quick metabolisms and small bodies make it easy for them to become overweight if overfed. So it's important to find the balance of nutrients and calories. With numerous options available in the market, finding food that meets their needs can present a challenge. This guide aims to assist you in comprehending your chihuahua's requirements and identifying top notch dog food choices.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Chihuahuas
Considerations for Selecting the Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas
Choosing the food for Chihuahuas can be hard because each of them is unique. It's important to consider various factors when picking their dog food. One key factor is the age of the dog. Pups have different dietary requirements than adult dogs. So choosing a meal that suits their age is essential.
Understanding AAFCO Guidelines for Chihuahua Nutrition
AAFCO guideline specifies the minimum nutritional needs of both puppies and adults. For instance, adult dogs need at least 18% protein while puppies need around 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis.
Keeping breed needs and AAFCO guidelines in mind. Convert the nutritional analysis to a dried-matter basis for easier comparison. More importantly, consulting with a veterinarian. This ensures that the chosen food meets the needs of your pup based on their life stage and specific needs.
Understanding Chihuahua Nutritional Needs
Chihuahuas have dietary requirements that need to be addressed with a well planned diet. Because they are small and have a high metabolism, they need a calorie dense but not excessive diet to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. It is important to feed them high quality animal proteins such as turkey, chicken, fish or beef to support their muscle growth and maintenance, especially for puppies and active adults.
Choosing dog food with smaller kibble for your Chihuahua
Due to their relatively small mouths and teeth, it's crucial to choose dog food with smaller kibble made for small breeds. This helps with chewing and digestion while reducing the risk of choking. Foods containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids well as DHA from sources like salmon, cod, ground flaxseed and chia seeds can help your chihuahua improve coat shine, skin health reduce inflammation and regulate blood pressure to prevent heart issues.
Avoid feeding harmful additives to your Chihuahua
When picking food for your Chihuahua, avoid options with flavors, colors and preservatives, like BHA or BHT and low quality meat byproducts. These additives can be harmful. Offer little nutritional value for your beloved pet. To ensure that your Chihuahua stays healthy and thriving, it's important to understand and fulfill their nutritional needs throughout their life.
Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas July 2024
1. ORIJEN Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Turkey Giblets
- Whole Herring
- Salmon
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Higt protein level: This food has chicken, turkey, salmon as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active chihuahuas.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Shole lentils, whole beans and whole peas provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat and pollock oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some chihuahuas.
- Pricey dog food: This dog food is on the expensive side.
Sample Review from buyers
Origen small bites has great, natural ingredients for a dog, not fillers. It costs more than regular brands but is well worth it. My little Jack Russell is thriving on it. I add a spoonful of wet food and some broth, what’s not to love?
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Barley
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken and chicken meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active chihuahuas.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice and oatmeal provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine hydrochloride which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the chihuahua breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, peas could be potential allergens for some chihuahuas.
- Plant protein resources: We found that this food contains peas which is a plant-based protein source.
Sample Review from buyers
One of my dogs has developed a very sensitive stomach and tends to get diarrhea often. I switched to Blue Buffalo and no more stomach issues. Plus they love it. I would highly recommend Blue Buffalo Small Bites to anyone with small dogs.
3. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Chickpeas
- Tapioca
- Chicken Fat
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, and others as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active chihuahuas.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Chickpeas and tapioca provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as salmon oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some chihuahuas.
- Pricy dog food: This dog food is on the expensive side.
Sample Review from buyers
I have a really picky toy poodle, and tried many different brands of food, and this is the only stuff he will eat. Not only does he eat it, but he also gets excited for it! Even my cat tries to eat his food. Sometimes I buy the raw add in bits too. Specifically the pumpkin kind. I hope your pup loves it too!
4. Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Cracked Pearled Barley
- Brown Rice
- Pea Fiber
- Corn Gluten Meal
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, chicken meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active chihuahuas.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Cracked pearled barley and brown rice provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried beet pulp provides prebiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken, lentils, peas could be potential allergens for some chihuahuas.
Sample Review from buyers
The vet told us our little chihuahua/terrier mix needed to lose weight. She LOVES to eat. We got her Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight dog food and she easily lost the extra pounds.
5. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Turkey
- Chicken Meal
- Salmon Meal
- Oatmeal
- Ground Brown Rice
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has turkey, chicken, and salmon as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active chihuahuas.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Oatmeal and brown rice provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed and salmon oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the chihuahua breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Various probiotic strains in the food help support digestion and immunity in golden retrievers.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some chihuahuas.
- Plant protein resources: We found that this food contains peas which is a plant-based protein source.
Sample Review from buyers
We feed both our dogs (mini goldendoodle, midsize bernedoodle) Wellness brand (different formulations). They both love the food and their poops are so healthy! Our bernedoodle, in particular, has a very sensitive stomach. We've had no issues since we switched to Wellness several years ago (she's 6 now).
6. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Salmon
- Rice
- Barley
- Canola Meal
- Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has salmon and fish meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active dachshunds.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Rice and barley provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as fish oil and sunflower oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains Glucosamine which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the dachshunds breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Bacillus coagulans provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Salmon, fish meal and egg could be potential allergens for some dachshunds.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains pea protein.
Sample Review from buyers
I had no idea that Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach came in small breed size!! I’ve been feeding my 16 pound dog the regular food for years! This is so much better for his little tum!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I safely switch my Chihuahua puppy to adult food?
Between 9 and 12 months, take into account your puppy's breed size and switch to the appropriate adult formula to fulfill their evoling nutritional needs. The timing for switching to adult food depends on how fast your dog grows, with smaller breeds typically maturing faster than larger breeds.
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