What Can Chihuahuas Eat? (+ Toxic Foods to Avoid)

Keeping your chihuahua healthy and happy requires more than just love and attention. Knowing what types of human treats to feed them—and how much—is key in providing good nutrition for these small dogs.

Many people know that there are some foods that can be toxic to their pets, but they may not be aware of the other foods which should also be avoided or limited.

In this article, we’ll look at the best and worst food choices for chihuahuas, discuss how much is safe to give per day, and explore special health diets for common ailments. So let’s get started!

What Healthy Human Foods Are Safe for Chihuahuas to Eat?

It’s safe for Chihuahuas to eat many fruits and vegetables, as long as they are properly prepared. (source) Some of the most popular healthy food choices for Chihuahuas include apples, bananas, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, spinach and green beans.

It’s important to note that these foods should be peeled or cooked before giving them to your pet to prevent any potential health issues from eating uncooked food.

It’s also safe for Chihuahuas to have some lean proteins such as cooked, unseasoned chicken, fish and turkey. However, it’s important to avoid feeding too much of these items as they can contain high levels of fat which can lead to weight gain in your pet.

Other safe foods for Chihuahuas include cooked grains such as brown rice, quinoa and oatmeal. These can be served with vegetables or on their own. Additionally, you can provide your pet with a small amount of low-fat, plain nonfat yogurt for an occasional treat. 

Here’s a complete list of safe foods for Chihuahuas:

Carrots

Carrots are a great source of fiber and vitamins for your pet. They can be fed cooked, fresh or canned.

Green Beans

Green beans are low in calories and provide plenty of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They can be boiled, steamed or served raw.

Cooked Oats

Oats are a great source of carbohydrates and fiber for your pet. They can be cooked with water or milk to create a wholesome meal.

Potatoes (No green parts or eyes)

Potatoes are safe for your pet when cooked without any added ingredients. Avoid feeding them raw and make sure to remove all green parts or eyes.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are filled with nutrients and provide plenty of fiber, carbohydrates and vitamins. They can be boiled, steamed or served raw.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and vitamins for your pet. It can be fed cooked, fresh or canned.

Peanuts and Peanut Butter (if no allergies)

Peanuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats for your pet. Make sure to check for allergies first and always go for natural, unsalted peanut butter.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a nutritious snack for your pet, but some types can be poisonous if consumed, so check with your veterinarian before feeding them. They should be cooked before they’re fed to pets.

Bananas

Bananas are an excellent source of fiber and potassium. They can be served fresh or mashed up as a treat.

Watermelon Without Seeds

Watermelon is a great source of hydration for your pet and can help them cool off on hot summer days. Make sure to remove the seeds before feeding it to them, as they could be a choking hazard.

Berries (no grapes)

Berries are a healthy and delicious snack for your pet. Make sure to avoid grapes and raisins, as those can be toxic to pets.

Honey

Honey is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for your pet. Make sure to only feed it in moderation, as too much can cause digestive issues.  

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a great snack for your pet and can help keep them hydrated. Make sure to cut it into small cubes or slices before feeding it to them. 

Corn, White Rice, Brown Rice, and Whole Grains

Whole grains, corn, white rice, and brown rice are all nutritious sources of energy for your pet. Make sure to not give too much at once, as it can cause digestive issues. 

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is a great source of fiber for your pet. Make sure to cut it into small pieces before feeding it, as large chunks can be difficult to digest. 

Yogurt

Yogurt can provide beneficial probiotics and vitamins for your pet, but make sure to stay away from flavored varieties with added sugars or sweeteners. Plain yogurt is best for optimal health benefits. 

Vegetables

Most vegetables are safe for your pet to eat as long as they are given in moderation. Carrots, broccoli, kale, and spinach are all great options that can provide valuable vitamins and minerals. 

Fruits

Apples, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries are all great options for a pet-friendly snack. Be sure to give only ripe fruit that is cut into small pieces, as large chunks can be difficult to digest. 

Apples (without the seed)

Apples are safe to eat in moderation. The pits or seeds contain cyanide, which can be deadly if consumed in large quantities. 

Eggs

Eggs provide an excellent source of vitamins and protein and other essential minerals. Give your pet boiled or scrambled eggs, but avoid giving them raw. 

Fish

Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which can help keep their coat healthy. Cooked white fish is usually the best option as it is easier to digest than other types of fish. Be sure to remove any bones before giving it to your pet. 

Shrimp

Shrimp is another great source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Make sure to cook them thoroughly before giving it to your pet as raw shrimp can contain bacteria that could make them sick. 

Meat (Chicken, Pork, Beef)

Cooked meat (chicken, beef, pork) can provide your pet with important nutrients and energy. Be sure to remove any fat or skin before giving it to them as these can cause digestive issues. 

Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas can be prone to digestive issues so avoid giving them food that is high in fat, sugar or artificial sweeteners. Chocolate, grapes and onions should also be avoided as they can be toxic for pets. 

Here’s a complete list of foods that are dangerous and why you should avoid them.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can be toxic to animals, causing them to experience kidney failure.

Cherries (Pits are toxic but the fruit is OK but best to avoid all)

Cherries contain cyanide, which can be toxic to pets. The pits of cherries are especially dangerous as they contain a high level of cyanide and can cause difficulty breathing, shock and even death.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic to pets. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst or urination, rapid breathing, cardiac arrhythmia and seizures.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener used in many products, such as candy, gum and baked goods. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, leading to seizures and death in pets.

Cooked Bones

Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage to your pet as they can be brittle. In addition, cooked bones may contain fat and seasonings that are not safe for pets.

Avocadoes

Avocadoes contain persin, a toxic compound for animals. Ingestion of avocados can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets as well as difficulty breathing, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits can cause gastrointestinal upset, and the essential oils in their skins can be irritating to pets. Ingestion of large quantities of citrus fruits has also been linked to central nervous system depression in dogs.

The Onion Family – Garlic, Onions, and Chives

These vegetables contain thiosulphate, which can cause anemia and damage red blood cells in pets. Ingestion of garlic, onions, or chives can result in gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and could even lead to seizures and death if enough is consumed. 

Alcohol

Consumption of any kind of alcohol can have serious consequences for pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, central nervous system depression, and even death. 

Caffeine-containing Foods and Drinks

Caffeine can cause serious health issues in pets, such as seizures and a dangerously rapid heart rate. Common sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, and chocolate. 

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in pets. In severe cases of ingestion, kidney failure can occur so it is best to avoid giving your pet macadamia nuts altogether. 

Unhealthy Options That Can Cause Diarrhea and Other Problems

Fatty Things – Nuts, Dairy, Cheese, and Greasy Foods

Fatty foods are difficult to digest and can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to diarrhea or vomiting. It is best to avoid feeding your pet fatty items such as buttery spreads, cheese, cream-based sauces, full-fat yogurt, and bacon grease. 

Salty Items and Salt Substitutes

Highly salted foods, such as potato chips and pretzels, can cause an electrolyte imbalance in your pet. This can result in excessive thirst or urination, seizures, and kidney damage. Salt substitutes containing potassium chloride should also be avoided as they are even more dangerous than real salt. 

Spicy Things

Hot or spicy foods can cause gastrointestinal upset and can even lead to an upset stomach. It is best to avoid feeding your pet anything containing chili powder, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, horseradish, mustard, or wasabi. 

Sugary Items

Foods high in sugar may cause diarrhea and other problems such as obesity, dental issues, and diabetes. Avoid giving your pet candy, baked goods, sugary drinks, cereal with marshmallows or other sweet treats. 

Ripe, Red Tomatoes (Green parts are toxic)

Ripe red tomatoes can be safe for pets, but the green parts are toxic. The stem and leaves contain a chemical called tomatine which can cause gastric distress and other symptoms of toxicity. To be on the safe side, it is best to avoid giving your pet any tomatoes at all. 

How Much Human Treats Can an Adult Chihuahua Eat Per Day?

It is generally best to limit treats for any pet, including adult Chihuahuas. As a rule of thumb, it’s recommended to provide no more than 10% of their daily calories from treats. Talk to your veterinarian about what types of food are safe and appropriate for your particular dog and adjust the amount accordingly.  

How Much Can a Puppy Eat?

Again, it is best to limit treats for puppies as well. It’s recommended to provide no more than 5% of their daily calories from treats. Talk to your veterinarian about what types of food are safe and appropriate for your particular puppy and adjust the amount accordingly. 

Additionally, keep in mind that puppies may need different amounts of food than adult dogs, so it is important to consult with a veterinarian before deciding how much food and treats your puppy should have. 

It is also important to monitor your pup’s diet. As puppies grow, their caloric needs may change and you may need to adjust the amounts of food and treats they eat. Watch for signs of excess weight gain and keep their diet balanced to ensure they are receiving the proper nutrition. 

How Often Can Chihuahuas Eat Human Treats?

It is important to remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of a Chihuahua’s overall diet. Because these tiny dogs are highly prone to weight gain, it is essential to stick to healthy treat options and keep their caloric intake in check. 

When providing human food snacks, it is a good idea to do this no more than once a day. Make sure that the treats you offer are low in calories and safe for dogs, such as fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, bananas, sweet potatoes or green beans. Avoid giving your chihuahua anything with salt, sugar or fats.

Can and Should You Mix Human Treats with Dry Food?

It is not recommended to mix human treats with dry food as this can cause digestive problems for your chihuahua. If you are looking to give your pet a special treat, try giving them fresh fruits and vegetables or even low-calorie high-fiber snacks like unseasoned popcorn. These healthy snacks provide a great source of nutrients and energy for your pet.

What Are Their Favorite Human Treats to Eat?

Chihuahuas love to eat anything sweet. Make sure to avoid giving them sugary foods like candy, cookies or cakes as these can cause long-term health problems. Instead, offer your chihuahua fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, carrots and sweet potatoes.

You could also try providing low-calorie treats like unseasoned popcorn and frozen yogurt treats that contain probiotics. These treats have less sugar, but still provide a delicious snack for your pet.

If you’re looking to give your chihuahua something special, try giving them low-fat cheese slices or freeze-dried meats like chicken or salmon. Just be careful not to overfeed your pet.

Special Chihuahua Health Diets for Common Ailments

If your chihuahua is suffering from a specific health problem like allergies, digestive concerns or weight gain, there are special diets that can help. (source) Talk to your vet about creating a custom diet plan for your pet and make sure to follow their instructions carefully. 

The most common Chihuahua health problems and their corresponding diets include: 

• Allergies – low-fat, grain-free diet 
• Digestive problems – high-fiber diet with sources of probiotics such as yogurt 
• Weight gain – low calorie, high protein diets 

By providing your chihuahua with the right food, you can help keep them healthy and happy. Be sure to monitor your pet’s health closely, and consult with your vet if any changes occur. With the right diet and care, your chihuahua should remain in good health for years to come. 

One final tip: always make sure that you are following all safety recommendations when preparing or feeding food to your Chihuahua. This includes washing your hands thoroughly after handling food, as well as cleaning any bowls or dishes that your Chihuahua has used. 

What Foods Help Chihuahuas To Have Longer Lives?

Chihuahuas need a diet that is low in fat, high in protein and full of essential vitamins and minerals. Look for food specifically formulated for Chihuahuas to ensure that your pet gets the nutrients they need. Some great dietary options include a raw or grain-free kibble, wet food diets, and homemade meals. 

Be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any major changes to their diet.

Apart from a healthy diet, regular exercise is key for keeping your Chihuahua in top physical shape. Provide plenty of opportunities for them to run and play outdoors in a safe environment. This will help improve their cardiovascular health, as well as their muscle and joint strength. Additionally, mental stimulation can also be beneficial in helping your pet live a longer life.  Give them plenty of toys to play with, and work on teaching them new tricks. This will help keep their minds sharp and active! 

Lastly, regular veterinary check-ups are an important part of maintaining your Chihuahua’s health. Be sure to schedule regular visits with your veterinarian, and discuss any issues or concerns you have about your pet’s health. Early detection of any potential problems can go a long way in ensuring a longer, healthier life for your Chihuahua! 

With the correct combination of diet, exercise, mental stimulation and veterinary care, your Chihuahua can live a long and healthy life. Always remember to love them, and provide the best care you can! 

That is all it takes to ensure your little pup will be with you for many years to come. Enjoy every moment with him or her! 

Good luck on your journey to a longer, healthier life with your Chihuahua! 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian or a certified pet specialist. They can provide invaluable advice and guidance on how to best care for your four-legged friend. Have fun and enjoy this special bond you share with your Chihuahua!