What Does a Chihuahua Eat? A Guide to Feeding Your Tiny Companion

If you are a proud owner of a Chihuahua, you know that they are small in size but big in personality. These tiny dogs are known for their spunky and lively nature, making them a popular choice among pet lovers. However, when it comes to their diet, you might be wondering what to feed them to keep them healthy and happy.

Feeding your Chihuahua the right food is essential for its overall health and well-being. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to understand their nutritional needs and provide them with a balanced diet. In this article, we will explore what a Chihuahua should eat, what foods to avoid, and how to create a meal plan that meets their dietary requirements.

Nutritional Needs of Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas have specific nutritional needs that must be met to keep them healthy and happy. You need to ensure that your Chihuahua’s diet includes the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Protein

Protein is essential for building and repairing your Chihuahua’s muscles and tissues. Your Chihuahua needs at least 25-30% protein in their diet as a puppy and 25% protein as an adult. Good sources of protein for your Chihuahua include chicken, turkey, bison, beef, lamb, or fish.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide your Chihuahua with energy. However, you need to be careful not to give them too many carbohydrates as they can lead to weight gain. Your Chihuahua’s diet should include controlled and limited carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and peas.

Fats

Fats are important for your Chihuahua’s overall health, but you need to be careful not to give them too much. Puppies need 7-9% fat, while adult Chihuahuas need 5-6% fat. Good sources of fat for your Chihuahua include fish oil, chicken fat, and flaxseed oil.

Vitamins and Minerals

Your Chihuahua needs a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Some essential vitamins and minerals include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. You can provide your Chihuahua with these nutrients through their diet or by giving them supplements.

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Commercial Dog Food for Chihuahuas

If you’re not comfortable making your own dog food, commercial dog food is a great option for your Chihuahua. Here are some types of commercial dog food to consider:

Dry Kibble

Dry kibble is a popular choice for many dog owners. It’s convenient, easy to store, and can be left out for your Chihuahua to snack on throughout the day. Look for kibble that is specifically formulated for small breeds like Chihuahuas, as they have different nutritional needs than larger dogs.

Canned Food

Canned food is a great option for Chihuahuas who are picky eaters or have trouble chewing dry kibble. It also tends to have a higher moisture content, which can be beneficial for dogs who don’t drink enough water. However, canned food can be more expensive than dry kibble and has a shorter shelf life once opened.

Semi-Moist Food

Semi-moist food is a middle ground between dry kibble and canned food. It’s more convenient than canned food but still has a higher moisture content than dry kibble. However, it’s important to note that semi-moist food can be high in sugar and preservatives, so it’s best to use it as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your Chihuahua’s diet.

Homemade Food for Chihuahuas

Feeding your Chihuahua homemade food can be a great way to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy. When preparing homemade food, it is important to include a variety of protein sources, carbohydrate sources, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to ensure your Chihuahua is receiving a balanced diet.

Protein Sources

Chihuahuas require a high amount of protein in their diet, and it is important to include a variety of protein sources to ensure they are getting all the essential amino acids they need. Good protein sources for Chihuahuas include:

  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Beef
  • Lamb
  • Fish

Carbohydrate Sources

Carbohydrates provide energy for your Chihuahua and are an important part of their diet. Good carbohydrate sources for Chihuahuas include:

  • Brown rice
  • Sweet potato
  • Pumpkin
  • Oatmeal
  • Quinoa

Healthy Fats

Fats are important for your Chihuahua’s overall health and well-being. Good sources of healthy fats for Chihuahuas include:

  • Salmon oil
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Olive oil
  • Peanut butter (in moderation)

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals for your Chihuahua. Some good options include:

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  • Carrots
  • Green beans
  • Sweet potato
  • Blueberries
  • Apples (without seeds)

Foods to Avoid

As a Chihuahua owner, it’s essential to know what foods to avoid feeding your pet. Some foods can be toxic and cause serious health problems.

Avoid feeding your Chihuahua onions, garlic, leeks, and chives. These foods can cause anemia and damage your pup’s red blood cells, leading to weakness and lethargy.

Chocolate is another food to avoid. It contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures in dogs.

Never feed your Chihuahua grapes, raisins, or cherries. These fruits can cause kidney failure and lead to death.

Avocado is another food to keep away from your Chihuahua. It contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Lastly, avoid feeding your Chihuahua cooked bones, as they can splinter and cause blockages or tears in the digestive system.

Conclusion

Feeding your Chihuahua a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Remember to provide them with high-quality animal protein, vegetables, and fruits while avoiding foods that can be toxic to them.

It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Chihuahua based on its age, weight, and health condition. Make sure to follow their recommended feeding guidelines and avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity and other health problems.

By providing your Chihuahua with the right nutrition, you can help them live a long and healthy life.

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FAQ

Are Chihuahuas Carnivores or Omnivores?

According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, dogs are omnivores. Being omnivores means dogs can eat all kinds of food, including meat, grain, vegetables, and fruits.

Recently, many veterinarians are suggesting that dogs are carnivores. However, dogs can and still do eat many different foods.

For this reason, the common consensus is that dogs are omnivores but that a majority of the food they consume should be meat-based to keep them happy and healthy.

What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

Fruits can give your dog valuable nutrients, but not all fruits are safe for dogs to eat. Some contain compounds that can be dangerous for a dog to consume. Keep in mind that some of these fruits are high in sugar and should be used more as a treat, rather than a regular part of your dog’s diet.

Fruits that are safe and healthy for dogs to eat are:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Cranberries
  • Cucumbers
  • Mangoes
  • Oranges
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Pineapple
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon

What Fruits Can Dogs Not Eat?

While many fruits are great to supplement for dogs to help ensure that they are getting all of the vitamins and minerals they need, some contain compounds that are unhealthy or toxic for dogs to eat. Dogs should never eat those fruits. If your dog accidentally consumes these fruits, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

  • Avocados
  • Cherries
  • Grapes
  • Tomatoes (particularly unripened tomatoes)
  • Apple seeds- Apples themselves are fine, but be sure to remove the seeds
  • Peach stones- Peaches are safe for dogs, but the stones of many fruits like peaches and cherries can be toxic for dogs, so always remove the stone before giving these fruits to your pooch.
  • Rhubarb

What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?

Vegetables are also crucial for a dog’s diet. They are great to add to the meat that your dog already needs to eat. The following list includes vegetables that are generally, in safe quantities, beneficial for dogs to consume.

  • Broccoli- Broccoli should only be given in small quantities to dogs.
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Green Beans
  • Peas
  • Spinach

What Vegetables Can Dogs Not Eat?

Vegetables tend to contain less sugar than fruits, which can make them easier and safer to give to dogs. However, there are still some vegetables that are unsafe for dogs to eat. Many of those vegetables are:

  • Asparagus- Asparagus is not toxic for dogs, but it contains no nutritional value for them.
  • Wild Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Eggplant

Can Chihuahuas Drink Milk?

Chihuahuas can drink milk, in appropriate quantities. Milk should only be given in moderation, as overindulging could give your dog an upset stomach. Keep in mind, also, that just like humans, some dogs may be lactose intolerant. You should consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your chihuahua’s diet.

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Can Chihuahuas Eat Cheese?

As long as your chihuahua is not lactose intolerant, it can eat cheese. Many trainers use small pieces of cheese as rewards when training dogs.

Because large amounts of dairy can give your dog an upset stomach, chihuahuas should be given cheese in moderate portions. Remember that chihuahuas are small, so they cannot eat as much cheese as a larger dog can.

Can Chihuahuas Eat Eggs?

Dogs can eat eggs. Eggs are a good source of protein for dogs, especially dogs that are picky about which meat they will eat. It is best to cook the eggs before giving them to your dog to ensure they do not make your chihuahua sick.

Most dogs do not care how eggs are prepared, so you can cook them scrambled, poached, over-easy, or sunny-side up. Just make sure the egg is properly cooked. Do not add seasoning or oil, though, as cooking with oil and many of the seasonings we use for humans can make dogs sick.