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9 Best Dog Foods For Chihuahuas

Published January 23, 2021 by DFG Staff

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Buying the best dog food for a Chihuahua is important. But when it comes to choosing the best food for Chihuahuas, owners must understand the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs (e.g. the teacup Chihuahua) in order to pick a good product that will help your Chihuahua puppy or adult grow and stay healthy. Furthermore, finding a top dry or wet dog food gets even more complicated if you have a Chihuahua with a sensitive stomach, skin allergies, or other health problems relating to their diet.

Below, our guide will help you compare different brands and products in the market to figure out what companies are producing the healthiest foods for your pet. In addition to learning about a Chihuahua’s proper diet and nutrition, we’ll discuss common health issues to look out for as well as what makes a high-quality dog food. Finally, we’ll provide several recommendations for the best dog food for Chihuahuas, Chihuahua puppies, and mixes.

Best Dog Food For Chihuahua

Contents

  • 1 About Chihuahuas
  • 2 List of Best Dog Food For Chihuahua
  • 3 Chihuahua Diet and Nutrition
  • 4 Tips For Feeding Your Chihuahua
  • 5 Common Chihuahua Health Problems
  • 6 What Makes A Good Dog Food For Chihuahuas?
  • 7 Best Dog Food For Chihuahuas
    • 7.1 Merrick Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe
    • 7.2 Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food
    • 7.3 Nutro Wholesome Essentials Toy Breed Chicken Recipe
    • 7.4 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Toy Breed Adult Formula
  • 8 Best Dog Food For A Chihuahua Puppy
    • 8.1 Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Puppy Food
    • 8.2 CANIDAE Grain Free PURE Dry Dog Food
    • 8.3 Nutro ULTA Small Breed Puppy Food
    • 8.4 Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed All Life Stages
  • 9 Best Dog Food For Chihuahua With Sensitive Stomach
    • 9.1 Natural Balance LID Small Breed Bites

About Chihuahuas

The smallest of small dogs, Chihuahuas are often described as big dogs in a small body. These little dogs are full of spunk and personality, not to mention endless energy. While they can sometimes be a challenge, their affectionate nature and friendly temperament makes them a popular choice. In fact, this breed has ranked among the top 30 most popular breeds in the country for several years.

While Chihuahuas have many wonderful qualities, all breeds come with their challenges. For this particular breed, these challenges come in the form of health problems and dietary issues.

To ensure that your Chihuahua enjoys a long, healthy life you should learn how to account for his veterinary and dietary needs. Keep reading to learn more and to receive tips for choosing the best dog food for the Chihuahua breed.

Chihuahua Dog Food - What To Feed Teacup and Small Dog Breeds

List of Best Dog Food For Chihuahua

PreviewProductRatingPrice
Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe, 12-Pound, Salmon Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe, 12-Pound, Salmon 2,764 Reviews $39.99 Buy Now
Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Appalachian Valley Premium Dry Dog Food, 28 lb. Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Appalachian Valley Premium Dry Dog Food,... 2,002 Reviews $49.99 Buy Now
NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Adult Small Breed Natural Dry Dog Food Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe, 15 lb. Bag NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Adult Small Breed Natural Dry Dog Food Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice &... 6,075 Reviews $40.55 Buy Now
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Toy Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 4-lb Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Toy Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice... 717 Reviews $18.98 Buy Now
Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Puppy Food, Turkey, Salmon & Oatmeal, 12-Pound Bag Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Puppy Food, Turkey, Salmon &... 1,139 Reviews Buy Now
CANIDAE PURE Puppy Recipe, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food CANIDAE PURE Puppy Recipe, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food 3,369 Reviews $32.00 Buy Now
Solid Gold - Mighty Mini with All Natural Chicken, Chickpea and Pumpkin Recipe - Probiotic Support - Grain Free - Holistic Dry Dog Food for Toy and Small Breeds of All Life Stages - 11lb Bag Solid Gold - Mighty Mini with All Natural Chicken, Chickpea and Pumpkin Recipe - Probiotic Support -... 1,537 Reviews $33.29 Buy Now
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food, Sweet Potato & Fish Formula, 12 Pounds (Discontinued by Manufacturer) Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food, Sweet Potato & Fish... 355 Reviews Buy Now

Chihuahua Diet and Nutrition

Because the Chihuahua is a toy breed weighing no more than six pounds as an adult, you can’t expect your dog to eat a whole lot. Though that’s great for your wallet, it does present a certain challenge – it is that much more important that you choose a high-quality dog food to provide balanced nutrition.

Your dog needs a blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrate in his diet to provide for his energy needs as well as his needs for essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Dog Food For Chihuahua - Diet and Nutrition

All dogs need high-quality, animal-based protein as the foundation of their diet. Protein ensures proper muscle development and growth, among many other health benefits. Good proteins can come from sources like poultry, meat, fish, or even game meat. While protein is essential, fat is just as important – especially for a toy breed like the Chihuahua.

Fats offer your dog a highly concentrated source of energy and, because smaller dogs have faster metabolisms, your Chihuahua’s needs may be higher than those of a larger dog. Quality sources of fat for dogs include things like chicken fat and salmon oil – again, animal-based is better.

Dog Food Chihuahua

In terms of carbohydrates, your dog has no specific needs but digestible sources like whole grains and fresh veggies can provide dietary fiber as well as essential nutrients.

Tips For Feeding Your Chihuahua

Feeding your Chihuahua starts with choosing a high-quality diet. Once you pick the best dry dog food for your Chihuahua, you should plan to feed him two or three small meals per day. For small and toy breeds, three meals a day is generally preferred because dogs of this size have fast metabolisms and require a steady influx of energy.

Your best bet is to choose small or toy-breed formula to ensure that the product provides a higher amount of fat (for increased energy) than traditional adult dog food recipes.

Best Food For Chihuahua

Follow the feeding recommendations on the package according to your dog’s weight but keep an eye on his body weight and condition – if he starts to gain weight, you may need to cut back.

Another option to consider is canned or wet dog food. Canned foods can be too expensive to feed larger dogs since they cost more per ounce than kibble. However, for a small dog the size of a Chihuahua, buying a top-rated wet food made for small breeds can be a good option.

Common Chihuahua Health Problems

The Chihuahua is a toy breed that tops out around 6 pounds. This is good in a lot of ways – it means that he adapts well to apartment life and you can even carry him around in your purse, if you want to. Unfortunately, his small sized and compressed skeletal structure predisposes him to a number of significant health concerns. These dogs are prone to musculoskeletal issues like patellar luxation as well as dental problems.

Chihuahua Health Problems

Chihuahuas are also prone to hypoglycemia, congestive heart disease, eye problems, collapsed trachea, portosystemic shunt, and a few other inherited conditions. Because they are so small, Chihuahuas are also highly prone to obesity.

Furthermore, Chihuahuas can have a problem with tracheal collapse. This can occur as a result of your Chihuahua pulling against the leash, causing him to start cough. For this reason, many owners recommend buying a harness instead of a collar.

What Makes A Good Dog Food For Chihuahuas?

When it comes to dog food formulas, the options are limitless, so how do you know which product is best for your Chihuahua? Your first place to look is a high-quality product formulated for toy or small breeds.

These formulas contain plenty of protein to maintain your dog’s lean muscle mass with higher levels of fat than standard adult formulas – this is important for your Chihuahua since his metabolism burns through energy very quickly.

Best Dog Foods For Chihuahuas

Though Chihuahuas and other small breeds need higher levels of fat in their diet than the average dog, you still need to be mindful of how many calories you are feeding your dog to prevent obesity.

When shopping for dog food, start by looking at the guaranteed analysis to see how much protein, fat, and fiber the product contains. You want at least 18% crude protein and a minimum of 5% crude fat to meet your dog’s basic nutritional needs but, again, Chihuahuas may need a little more fat. You’ll also want to take a look at the calorie content which should be included in the guaranteed analysis.

After checking the guaranteed analysis, take a look at the ingredients list to make sure there are no red flags. You want to choose a product that lists a high-quality source of animal protein first and that any carbohydrates are digestible for dogs.

Chihuahua Dog Food

Look for quality fats, ideally from animal sources, and healthy supplements like vitamins and chelated minerals. This breed can also benefit from probiotics to support healthy and regular digestion.

Best Dog Food For Chihuahuas

Merrick Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe

Merrick is one of the most reputable dog food companies in the United States, and their small breed recipe certainly does not disappoint. Owners who love their dogs will appreciate this grain-free formula that comes with your Chihuahua’s choice of beef, chicken, or salmon as the top ingredient. We specifically recommend the salmon option as it is real and deboned, and paired with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, and peas.

Additionally, Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids will offer your Chihuahua a healthy skin and coat, and the glucosamine and chondroitin can maintain hips and joints. For peace of mind, Merrick also makes sure no ingredients come from China. As one of the highest-rated small breed dry dog foods, your teacup Chihuahua will love this product.

Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe, 12-Pound, Salmon
2,764 Reviews
Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe, 12-Pound, Salmon
  • One (1) 12 lb Bag - Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free...
  • Real deboned salmon is always the first ingredient...
  • Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog...
$39.99
Buy Now

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild is another company well-known for their attention to quality and delicious-tasting dog food. As one of the best reviewed dog food products on Amazon, you really can’t go wrong with anything from this brand. This high-protein formula based on venison is protein-rich for lean muscle growth. With added vitamins and minerals, fruits, vegetables, natural antioxidants, a fatty acid blend, and a mix of proprietary probiotics, Taste of the Wild relies on trusted food sources for all their ingredients.

Similarly, you won’t find any grains, corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives in their formula. If you truly care about your Chihuahua’s health and longevity, this top dog food will fulfill your pet’s nutritional needs completely.

Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Appalachian Valley Premium Dry Dog Food, 28 lb.
2,002 Reviews
Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Appalachian Valley Premium Dry Dog Food, 28 lb.
  • A taste of the wild with REAL VENISON as the #1...
  • High protein ingredients with added vitamins &...
  • Ingredients From Trusted, Sustainable Sources...
$49.99
Buy Now

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Toy Breed Chicken Recipe

This Nutro Wholesome Essentials Toy Breed Chicken Recipe is made with farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potatoes so you can rest assured that it is a quality source of nutrition. It features healthy fats like chicken fat and it is supplemented with chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption. Your dog will also love the natural flavor!

NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Adult Small Breed Natural Dry Dog Food Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe, 15 lb. Bag
6,075 Reviews
NUTRO WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Adult Small Breed Natural Dry Dog Food Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe, 15 lb. Bag
  • Contains one (1) 15 lb. bag of Nutro wholesome...
  • Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient in...
  • Crafted with natural fiber for healthy digestion
$40.55
Buy Now

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Toy Breed Adult Formula

Blue Buffalo offers a wide variety of different products formulated for breeds of different sizes and this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Toy Breed Adult Formula is a great option for your Chihuahua. Made with real chicken and brown rice, it has plenty of protein to support your dog’s lean muscle mass without compromising flavor or nutrition. It also features whole grains for carbohydrate energy as well as fruits and veggies for nutritional balance.

Sale
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Toy Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 4-lb
717 Reviews
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Toy Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 4-lb
  • REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature...
  • TOY BREED DOG FOOD: Specially formulated for the...
  • WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains...
$18.98
Buy Now

Best Dog Food For A Chihuahua Puppy

The best dog food for Chihuahua puppies would be made from high-quality ingredients with plenty of protein to support growth and development as well as healthy fats for energy. Here are some recommendations on the top foods for a Chihuahua puppy.

Best Dog Food For A Chihuahua Puppy

Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Puppy Food

Made with deboned turkey, oatmeal, and salmon meal, this Wellness Complete Health Natural Small Breed Puppy Food is an excellent choice for your Chihuahua puppy. It contains all-natural ingredients with no corn, wheat, soy, or by-products so you can feel good about feeding it. You’ll also love that it contains supplements to support healthy brain development as well as strong bones and muscles. It even contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Puppy Food, Turkey, Salmon & Oatmeal, 12-Pound Bag
1,139 Reviews
Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Puppy Food, Turkey, Salmon & Oatmeal, 12-Pound Bag
  • ENJOY A LIFETIME OF WELLBEING: High quality...
  • SUPPORTS HEALTHY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT:...
  • WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Supported by omega fatty acids,...
Buy Now

CANIDAE Grain Free PURE Dry Dog Food

Canidae is a dog food brand with exceptional quality and taste. Their grain-free dry dog food formula is complete with fresh chicken and whole foods such as peas, lentils, potatoes, dried eggs, flaxseed, and suncured alfalfa. With limited ingredients for dog’s with sensitive stomachs, your pet will enjoy this product.

The company has also added a mix of probiotics for healthy digestion, antioxidants to build a strong immune system, fatty acids to support a beautiful coat, and other vitamins and minerals to avoid deficiencies. If your Chihuahua puppy loves chicken and needs a good dog food, Canidae is a great choice.

Sale
CANIDAE PURE Puppy Recipe, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food
3,369 Reviews
CANIDAE PURE Puppy Recipe, Limited Ingredient, Grain Free Premium Dry Dog Food
  • Limited ingredient puppy food for the newest...
  • 10 Key ingredients or less
  • Packed with the goodness of premium, clean...
$32.00
Buy Now

Nutro ULTA Small Breed Puppy Food

With real chicken as the first ingredient, this Nutro ULTA Small Breed Puppy Food makes a smart choice for any small-breed puppy. This recipe features three premium proteins, whole grains, and a blend of superfoods to guarantee healthy and balanced nutrition to start your Chihuahua puppy off smart. Plus, it is very affordable and full of natural flavor.

NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag
896 Reviews
NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Puppy Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag
  • Contains one (1) 15 lb. bag of NUTRO ULTRA Puppy...
  • Features trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and...
  • Our premium dog food kibble is made with...
Buy Now

Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed All Life Stages

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of switching your Chihuahua puppy from one formula to another when he reaches 12 months, you might consider a product like Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed All Life Stages. This formula is designed specifically for toy- and small-breed dogs and it is made with quality ingredients like real chicken, chickpeas, and sweet potato. It contains 30% protein and 20% fat, so you can rest assured that it will meet your Chihuahua’s nutritional needs throughout his life.

Solid Gold - Mighty Mini with All Natural Chicken, Chickpea and Pumpkin Recipe - Probiotic Support - Grain Free - Holistic Dry Dog Food for Toy and Small Breeds of All Life Stages - 11lb Bag
1,537 Reviews
Solid Gold - Mighty Mini with All Natural Chicken, Chickpea and Pumpkin Recipe - Probiotic Support - Grain Free - Holistic Dry Dog Food for Toy and Small Breeds of All Life Stages - 11lb Bag
  • Contains (1) 11 lb bag of solid gold mighty Mini...
  • Small and toy breed Grain and gluten free Recipe....
  • Carefully curated blend of 20 nutrient-dense...
$33.29
Buy Now

Best Dog Food For Chihuahua With Sensitive Stomach

The best dog food for a chihuahua with a sensitive stomach can help reduce allergies, diarrhea, and gas. Many dog owners don’t realize it, but dogs can develop food allergies just as easily as humans and Chihuahuas are one of the breeds that can be affected.

Best Dog Food For Chihuahua With Sensitive Stomach

If your dog has allergies, you need to find him a formula that doesn’t contain anything that might trigger his allergies. Here’s our recommendation on the best dog food for chihuahuas with allergies and sensitive stomachs.

Natural Balance LID Small Breed Bites

This recipe is not only formulated for small-breed dogs like your Chihuahua, but it is a limited ingredient diet (LID) which means that it has a low risk for triggering food allergies. It features salmon and fish meal as the primary proteins and sweet potatoes for digestible carbohydrates. You’ll also be glad to know that it is supplemented with healthy fats like salmon oil as well as chelated minerals.

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food, Sweet Potato & Fish Formula, 12 Pounds (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
355 Reviews
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food, Sweet Potato & Fish Formula, 12 Pounds (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
  • Contains 1 - 12 Pound Bag of Dry Dog Food,...
  • Limited ingredient diet may help avoid certain...
  • Crunchy kibble texture helps promote clean teeth...
Buy Now
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