With all the options that people can choose from in the market, it is convenient nowadays to find something for your pets, may it be toys or food. On the other hand, it is also easy for people to overlook important details such as ingredients and suitability that are necessary when they are choosing the best dog food for Chihuahua. Individual dogs like Chihuahuas should be served meals that are appropriate for smaller breeds; this will ensure that they are having the right amount of vitamins and nutrients to keep them healthy.
Not a lot of pet owners are aware that every dog food has different ingredients that could affect the dog’s health in the long run, especially if they aren’t being fed the proper diet for their size. With that being said, we have made an informational article that you should know before buying foods for your chihuahua.
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Last update on 2023-10-03 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
How To Choose The Right Dog Food For Your Chihuahua
Chihuahuas, like other breeds, have very particular nutrient requirements that have to be fulfilled by having a proper diet. Sadly, most dog food for small breeds that are available in supermarkets and pet shops do not offer adequate nutrition for their developmental growth. Aside from nutrition, you should also consider what is the best dog food for senior chihuahua because they have different requirements for their meals.
Here Are Some Of The Adverse Effects That Your Chihuahua Might Experience When You Feed Them An Incorrect Dog Food:
- Their growth may slow down.
- They become more prone to diseases because of a weaker immune system due to nutrient deficiency.
- Food allergies may start to show up because of food intolerance.
- They are more susceptible to diabetes and being overweight because they are given foods that don’t provide the right nutrition.
Other Things That You Should Know When Picking The Right Food For Your Chihuahua
You will be surprised to know that even the more expensive and premium dog food in the market is filled with unhealthy and filler ingredients, which, when consumed, have little to non-existent nutritional value. That is why we should be vigilant when buying foods for our dogs as some brands cover up the junk ingredients they put inside their products.
What Should Dog Foods For Chihuahua Contain?
You must provide dog food that includes meat or fish. Also, it is essential to give them protein-enriched food for every meal to meet their nutritional needs. It may be challenging on your part to precisely assess how much meat a dog food contains. However, you can get a clue by reading the list of ingredients. It is a good indication if it is produced with a significant amount of meat.
A dog’s food should include veggies, the second most essential ingredient to keep them healthy. In fact, chihuahuas will get the most of its healthy nutrients by eating vegetables regularly, meaning that you want a dog’s food with the right balance of meat and vegetables.
Search for healthy and dog-friendly vegetables like cabbage, squash, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. Filler ingredients should be removed, such as white potatoes, because they don’t have enough nutritional value to benefit the dog’s health.
10 Best Dog Foods for Chihuahua
CANIDAE PURE Small Breed
Great For Dogs With Sensitive Stomach
CANIDAE PURE only uses whole-food ingredients, which means they assure customers that there are no fillers, and your dog is getting the right amount of nutrients every single time. Probiotics are also added to aid digestion and improve the dog’s immune system.
Why We Like It:
- It does not contain wheat, corn, or soy, so it is suitable for small dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- There are six different proteins to choose from.
- No additives and fillers, so it is best for dogs with food intolerances that are often included as fillers in other dog food products.
- Includes antioxidants for a stronger immune system.
What We Don’t Like:
- Some customers say that their dogs had diarrhea after taking the lamb variant.
- Not suitable for dogs that are picky eaters.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food
Made With The Finest Natural Ingredients
Blue Buffalo prides itself on using real meat as its main ingredient to make its dog food. Real chicken that is high in protein is sourced to maintain your dog’s healthy physique. If you are finding the best dog food for senior chihuahua, this is the product for you.
Why We Like It:
- It does not have any preservatives, additives, and artificial flavoring.
- Made with real meat and vegetables.
- It contains increased levels of carbohydrates and protein for the overall wellness of small breed senior dogs.
- It does not contain poultry by-products.
What We Don’t Like:
- Kibble size is the same as adult formula ones from Blue Buffalo.
- Some dog owners complain about their dogs getting sick after eating the product.
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Puppy Dry Dog Food
Tailored Nutrition For Chihuahua Puppies
Includes essential vitamins such as Vitamin E to support a healthier immune system for puppies, and it also contains fiber for proper digestion. Also, the tiny kibbles will make it hassle-free for them to eat their food, making this a great dog food for chihuahua puppies.
Why We Like It:
- Highly digestible proteins reduce odor from the dog’s stool.
- Delicious flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Tailor-made kibbles that are easier to chew than regular ones.
What We Don’t Like:
- It is made in China, which made other customers worry about its quality.
- It is mainly made of cornmeal, which can affect puppies with sensitive stomachs.
Merrick Classic Small Breed Dry Dog Food
The Dog Food For Balanced Nutrition
Made with deboned chicken and easily digestible ingredients with a healthy blend of proteins and vegetables. A product made in the USA. It also contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for maintaining your dog’s overall health.
Why We Like It:
- Includes whole grains that support proper digestion.
- Potato and lentil-free for low glycemic option.
- Fatty acids maintain the healthy coat of dogs.
- Contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy joints and hips.
- Prepared and cooked in the USA.
What We Don’t Like:
- Some dogs had a loose stool after eating dry dog food.
- Most pet owners reported that their dogs experienced vomiting and diarrhea.
- Not great for dogs that have sensitive tummies.
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed & Toy Breed
A Grain-free Food For Small Breed Dogs
The main ingredient that the dog food contains is a cage-free chicken, which means every bite is all-natural and without any fillers. Also included in the mix are probiotics for digestion and omega fatty acids for their coat and skin. This is the best dog food for chihuahua with allergies.
Why We Like It:
- Made with real meat and non-GMO vegetables and fruits.
- It has calcium and phosphorus that promote stronger teeth.
- For joint health, it has Chondroitin and Glucosamine.
- A high protein dog food that does not contain soy, potato, corn, and wheat.
What We Don’t Like:
- There are not enough raw bits, and some said the new batches are now 100% kibble.
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Small Breed
A Complete and Balanced Nutrition For Your Dog
Wellness Core only sources the finest ingredients for their dog food products and is proud to say that everything is made in the USA. The dog foods from the brand also contain high amounts of animal protein for improved energy and stamina.
Why We Like It:
- Made with real turkey and chicken to provide the optimum calories needed for small breed dogs.
- Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors.
- Non-GMO which can interfere with the overall development of dogs.
What We Don’t Like:
- Dogs may need to adjust before taking this product since some experience vomiting after eating their meals.
Cesar Soft Wet Dog Food Filets in Gravy
Packed With Vitamins and Minerals To Keep Dogs Healthy
Cesar’s gourmet is the best wet dog food for Chihuahua in the industry. It currently ranks number one as a brand and has various available flavors such as, Porterhouse Steak and Filet Mignon. These flavors will undoubtedly interest your pets in every meal. Also, it contains the required nutrients needed for your dogs. This is indeed one of the best-wet dog food for Chihuahuas.
Why We Like It:
- You will not have trouble opening it because it comes in an easy-open seal.
- The available flavors are enough to make even the pickiest dogs find the taste that they will love.
What We Don’t Like:
- Some variants have thick sauces, which will make dogs that are used to eating dry food refuse taking it the first time, and some don’t eat it at all.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food Small Paws For Small Breeds
Supports Healthy Eye and Brain Development
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food uses ingredients that enhance digestion, increases energy, and improves the health of your dog’s skin and coat. You should try this product if you are a pet parent wanting to discover an antioxidant blend dog food.
Why We Like It:
- Uses DHA that is sourced from fish oil to keep the brain and eyes at its best.
- It contains high-quality protein for leaner muscles and added energy.
- Its antioxidant blend aims to support the dog’s immune system, shielding it away from illness.
- Recommended by Veterinarians.
What We Don’t Like:
- Ingredients contain common dog allergens, which can make some dogs sick.
Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed Dog Food
Grain-free and Gluten-Free with Probiotics
Over 40 years of experience in delivering the best quality dog foods on the market. Every ingredient is carefully selected to ensure the safety and suitability. This way, the foods are suitable even for dogs who have trouble eating and has a sensitive stomach. Contains all-natural ingredients that promote easy digestion.
Why We Like It:
- It contains fiber-rich pumpkin and chickpeas for healthy digestion process and natural chicken.
- Suitable for smaller or toy breed dogs because it is one of the smallest kibbles that are available in the market for more natural chewing.
- It contains live probiotics to maintain your dog’s gut health and improve its immune system.
What We Don’t Like:
- It contains fillers, which means it is not pure protein and fiber. The fillers may include a high glycemic ingredient.
Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Dry Dog Food Small Bites
Nourishes Sensitive Skin and Improves Overall Health of Adult Dogs
Nutro Limited ensures its customers that every meal is nutritious, and only clean food is included in their ingredients. Every dog food also contains sweet potato, making the meal more flavorful than those of the other brands.
Why We Like It:
- Always made with only ten key ingredients or even less. Limited natural ingredients mean fewer worries about unhealthy fillers.
- Suitable for dogs that are sensitive to dairy proteins, soy, and wheat.
What We Don’t Like:
- A grain-free diet is not suitable for every dog; this can cause heart problems for some dogs, especially those that started this diet at a young age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Often Should My Chihuahua Eat?
A: Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with sensitive organs and must, therefore, be given food accordingly. The quantity of food the dog gets depends on their age, health, and weight.
Q: Are Canned Dog Food Safe To Eat For Them?
A: Canned dog food is safe for chihuahuas to consume; however, before buying them one, you should check the ingredients first. The dog food should only include minimal amounts of grain, and meat should be its main ingredient.
Conclusion
Chihuahuas, like other dog breeds, have varying tastes, which make it a bit challenging to know what is best for them. However, as pet owners, we should take full responsibility by giving them dog food with proper nutritional content, which will improve their growth and development.