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Few dogs pack as much personality into a 5-pound-package as Chihuahuas do! While these loaded balls of fury don’t need a great quantity of food, they certainly require a high-quality food, to fuel their inner engines.
Keep your little bundle of bounce healthy and happy by feeding him the best food you can find. He’ll thank you, and you’ll feel better knowing that you’re feeding him a nutritious, well-balanced diet, chock full of the things a spunky little Chihuahua needs!
Best Dog Food For Chihuahuas: Quick Picks
Blue Buffalo Small Breed [Best Value]This grain-inclusive, budget-friendly recipe from Blue Buffalo is made for pint-sized palates, with chicken and chicken meal as the main ingredients, along with brown rice and oatmeal!
Wellness Core Small Breed[Best Grain-Free Chihuahua Food] This grain-free recipe from Wellness features deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal as the first ingredients for a pack of poultry protein! Plus, there’s no soy, wheat, corn, artificial flavors, preservatives or colors.
Canidae Pure Small Breed [Best Limited Ingredient Diet].This limited ingredient recipe is gentle on sensitive Chihuahua stomachs, with just 9 ingredients that bypass common allergens.
Wellness Complete Small Breed Senior [Best For Senior Chihuahuas] This small-breed senior dog recipe is the perfect fit for older Chihuahuas greying with grace.
Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy [Best for Chihuahuas Puppies] This Blue Buffalo formula is designed specifically with small breed puppies in mind, providing the right nutrients to help those little pups grow up right.
Read on to learn more about the specific dietary requirements of Chihuahuas. But, if you’re in a hurry, just check out the chart below to see our recommendations.
Chihuahua Health Problems and Their Dietary Implications
Chihuahuas, as explained by the AKC, are “generally a healthy breed,” and, like many other small breeds, they live very long lives, often exceeding 15 years or more.
While this is great news for owners, it presents a unique challenge: Because Chihuahuas live long lives, they are more susceptible to lifestyle-related health problems. Conditions like arthritis, diabetes and obesity often take many years to manifest, so breeds with shorter lifespans rarely suffer from them.
Several other health problems Chihuahuas face are congenital, but while these shouldn’t influence your dietary decisions, it is still important to provide your Chihuahua with a high-quality food, tailored specifically for treating those conditions that you may be able to delay or prevent.
Some of the most common health problems Chihuahuas experience include:
Chihuahuas often battle with skin- and coat-related conditions. Several of these conditions are hereditary, but many others – most notably food allergies – are strongly influenced by your dog’s diet. Look for foods with novel protein sources and no common allergens (corn, soy, milk, beef, poultry and wheat, among others).
Your Chihuahua is more likely to develop joint problems than most other small dogs are. While many such conditions, such as luxating patella (a dislocated knee cap), are hereditary; you may be able to prevent or reduce the severity of other joint-related conditions, such as arthritis, by selecting joint health dog foods with chondroitin or glucosamine.
Some Chihuahuas suffer from a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus – a condition in which a heart defect prevents blood from reaching the lungs as efficiently as it should. However, this is a congenital defect that doesn’t have any dietary implications; afflicted dogs require surgery.
Chihuahuas often suffer from dental disease. Fortunately, dental disease can often be prevented by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and giving him teeth-cleaning treats. However, you should also feed him kibble, rather than wet or semi-moist dog foods, as it will help scrape his teeth clean with each meal.
Chihuahuas are also susceptible to a variety of eye disorders, including glaucoma, corneal dystrophy and lens luxation. However, these conditions are not likely to be associated with your dog’s diet.
Hypoglycemia frequently afflicts Chihuahuas, so many breeders advise pet parents to feed Chihuahuas small, frequent meals (3 to 4 times per day), or on an ad libitum basis (meaning that you keep a dish of food available at all times).
Characteristics of Good Chihuahua Food Recipes
Good Chihuahua foods have a number of common characteristics – be sure to select foods that meet the following criteria:
Opt for foods produced in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia or Western Europe. Because Chihuahuas are tiny little things, they have a very small margin for error when it comes to toxic ingredients. Accordingly, it’s really important to offer your Chihuahua the highest-quality food available, manufactured in a country with strict quality control standards.
Select smaller kibble for your pint-sized pup. Your Chihuahua may have strong jaws and sharp teeth, but he’s less likely to choke on or struggle with small sized kibble.
Opt for foods that list a meat as the first ingredient. Despite his tiny size, your Chihuahua retains most of the biological adaptations of his wolf ancestors – this means that while he’ll readily eat fruits, vegetables, and grains, what he really wants a meat-based diet!
Select food without artificial flavors, colors and other non-essential additives. While artificial flavors and colors may not be dangerous, they may trigger food allergies, and they provide no value to your pup. Leave these types of ingredients where they belong – in sugary breakfast cereals.
Avoid foods containing un-identified “mystery meats.” Meat meals and meat byproducts are not necessarily bad ingredients in dog foods (even if they seem a little gross to dog owners), but you should only accept the presence of those that are properly labelled. There is a big difference between chicken meal, for example, and “meat meal.”
Look for foods with added fatty acids. Because Chihuahuas are susceptible to food allergies and a number of skin conditions, it is wise to select foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as they are thought to promote a healthy coat.
Don’t Skimp on Your Chihuahua’s Food: Economies of Scale
Before moving on to the best foods for Chihuahuas, it is important to recognize an important factor in your decision-making process: Dog food is a significant investment for any pet parent, but there is a big difference between the needs of a 120-pound Cane Corso and your 5-pound pint-sized pooch.
If you are purchasing dog food by the metric ton, every additional penny you spend per pound increases the total cost enormously; but if you are buying 10-pounds of food at a time, it isn’t a huge deal to spend another dollar-per-pound, to get the best food possible.
Essentially, since your little dog eats less food, you can (hopefully) afford to spend a bit extra on the high-quality stuff, compared to the owners of giant breeds that goes through bags of food on a weekly basis.
Just think of it this way: Spending 20% more on a $10 bag of dog food is hardly worthy of discussion (it would be just $2 more); but spending 20% more on an $100 bag of dog food ($20 more) is enough of a difference to give many dog owner’s pause.
How Much Should I Feed My Chihuahua?
The average adult Chihuahua needs somewhere around 200 Calories per day. Given that most dog foods have 300, 400 or 500 Calories per cup, you can tell that you will be feeding your beloved pup in fraction-of-a-cup-sized quantities. This means that you’ll probably want to opt for 5- and 10-pound bags of food, rather than 50-pound bags.
Since you don’t need to dish out huge bucks on giant bags of food, we suggest that you take advantage of your pup’s modest caloric needs, and splurge a little on his food. It won’t cost that much more to do so, and he’ll certainly appreciate your efforts.
How Often Should I Feed My Chihuahua?
We discussed this briefly above, but it’s worth mentioning again here – most breeders suggest owners feed Chihuahuas smaller, more frequent meals (around 3-4 times per day), or even on an ad libitum basis, which simply means always keeping a dish of food out for your pooch.
This unorthodox eating regiment is due to Chihuahuas’ susceptibility to canine hypoglycemia. We certainly don’t want you pup’s blood sugar to crash! If a more frequent eating arrangement isn’t possible, consult your vet about the possibility of canine medication or other supplements.
The 5 Best Foods for Chihuahuas
Some of the best foods for Chihuahuas are listed below. Any of these options should provide your pup with a nutritious and tasty treat at meal times.
1. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult Recipe
Blue Buffalo’s Small-Breed Adult recipe is packed with
nutritious ingredients, rich in omega-3 fatty acid, and fortified with
probiotics, making it one of the best options available for Chihuahuas.
Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult
Deboned chicken and chicken meal are the first two listed ingredients in this protein-packed recipe
Made with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to support immune function
Like most Blue Buffalo products, this recipe is nutritious and packed with important extras like glucosamine and probiotics. It’s also made with brown rice, making it a great option for those who don’t want a grain-free recipe.
CONS
Generally speaking, there weren’t many complaints about Blue Buffalo Small-Breed Recipe. A few dogs had trouble digesting it, and a handful didn’t find it palatable, but these types of issues occur with nearly every food on the market.
2. Fromm Gold Small Breed
Fromm manufacturers a number of high-quality dog foods, and because this recipe is designed to specifically meet the needs of small dogs, it is a great choice for many chihuahuas.
Fromm foods feature a number of unusual ingredients, such as cheese and celery, which help make it one of the most palatable dog foods on the market. It’s also full of protein and antioxidant-rich vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes. This recipe also contains several high-value carbohydrates, including whole barley and whole oats.
CONS
The biggest problem with Fromm Gold Small Breed Adult Dog Food is undoubtedly its price – this is a relatively expensive food. However, as is so often the case, you get what you pay for, and many owners are happy to pay premium prices for this food.
This Wellness food is a good option for Chihuahua owners that want a grain-free, all-natural diet at a reasonable price. Additionally, its small kibble size and caloric density are designed specifically for small breeds.
CONS
Some dogs appear to find the food unpalatable, but most owners report that their dog loves the food.
Made with premium meats, fruits, and vegetables, Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food is a great option for puppy parents that demand high-quality ingredients, and don’t mind paying for them.
CONS
Like most other foods, there are scattered reports of dogs turning their nose up at this food. However, the vast majority of owners have found their dogs love the recipe.
CANIDAE is an ideal choice for parents of Chihuahuas with food allergies, or simply those looking for a high-quality food, chock full of premium ingredients.
CONS
Because of the high fiber content of the food, some dogs become gassy and produce more waste after switching to CANIDAE dog food. However, with time, this usually passes.
What Can Chihuahua Puppies Eat?
It is important to note that the foods discussed above are not appropriate for young chihuahuas. Like all other breeds, chihuahuas have different nutritional requirements when they are young.
The most noteworthy way that puppy foods differ from adult foods relates to protein content. Adult dogs only require foods that contain 18% protein content, while growing puppies require foods that contain at least 22% protein content.
If you are in doubt, you can always look on the dog food’s
label and see whether it is designed for “maintenance” (which means it is
appropriate for healthy, non-pregnant adults) or “growth” (which means it’ll
work for puppies as well as pregnant mothers).
However, there are also other important differences between foods designed for adults and puppies. For example, the amino acids and minerals puppies need differ from those that adults need.
So, you can’t assume a food is acceptable for puppies just because it has a lot of protein (as many of the foods discussed above have).
For example, senior dogs often start to get a little chubby as their activity levels fall a bit, and they are also more likely to suffer from digestive issues and joint problems than their younger counterparts.
So, as your Chihuahua ages, you may want to consider switching to a good senior food. There are several acceptable options available, but we think that Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Senior Recipe is probably the ideal choice.
This US-made food is fortified with probiotics to help
encourage proper digestion, glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint
health, and antioxidants to help keep your pet’s immune system operating at
peak efficiency.
Pleasing Your Picky Pooch: What Do Chihuahuas Like to Eat?
Some Chihuahuas become quite picky over time, and it is occasionally challenging to find a food that tempts their taste buds. All of the previously recommended foods are largely regarded as tasty, but Chihuahuas are individuals, who exhibit wildly varying preferences.
There’s little you can do to ensure your dog will like a given food before simply trying it out and seeing how he reacts. But, there are a few things you can do to help make even the blandest foods more appealing:
Lightly moisten your pup’s food with a little water and then pop the dish in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up. Be careful not to get the food too hot, which could burn your little Chihuahua’s mouth and throat, so test the temperature with your finger before offering it to your dog.
Fat tastes good (shocking, I know), so add a tiny bit of shredded cheese or olive oil to your dog’s food. Don’t go overboard, as excessive amounts of dairy can cause digestive upset and oil is packed with calories – we’re talking about a teaspoon or so in either case.
Not Just for Chihuahuas: What Is the Best Dog Food for Small Dogs?
Note that Chihuahuas aren’t the only dogs that may benefit
from the foods discussed above. Many other small and toy breeds
have nutritional requirements that are similar to those of Chihuahuas.
Any of these foods would make a great staple for your charismatic little Chihuahua – just be sure that you take any special needs he may have into account before making your selection.
We’d love to know what our readers are feeding their Chihuahuas! Have you found an exceptional food that we missed on our list? Have you had any unfortunate experiences with these or other brands? Let us know in the comment section below.
Ben is the managing editor for K9 of Mine and has spent most of his adult life working as a wildlife educator and animal-care professional. Ben’s had the chance to work with hundreds of different species, but his favorite animals have always been dogs. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA with his spoiled-rotten Rottweiler named J.B. Chances are, she’s currently giving him the eyes and begging to go to the park.
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63 Comments
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Jo DeSoto
October 4, 2022
My Chi is 10 1/2 yrs. I have always cooked for her since we got her during several food recalls. I cook ground turkey, brown rice and an assortment of canned or frozen vegetables for her mixed altogether. I a;so switch to ground beef from time to time along with the rice and veggies. She is a picky eater will not touch kibble because I guess I startd her off wrong. The only problem is her teeth, mostly soft food. She is very active and not to heavy 2 lb. deer head. Dental work twice. I cannot brush her teeth although I have tried numerous times. My little girl goes some days eating very little; other days she will eat numerous times. She always tells me and I do heat her food from the frig to the microwave. No health problems other than a couple of her teeth pulled.
Hey there, Jo.
We’d gently encourage you to move to a properly designed dog food, as homecooked meals can lead to nutritional imbalances and health problems over time. If your little one is picky, just try one of the human grade dog foods.
And regarding the recalls — don’t let them bother you too much. Human foods are recalled all the time (including those made by top-tier manufacturers), but we don’t stop buying food at the grocery store.
Sure, you should be careful and keep an eye out for recalls, but don’t let the occasional one scare you off commercial foods entirely.
I just got this female chihuahua 2/12 months old!
This isn’t my first doggie, it will be my second chihuahua, last one passed at 11 yrs young!
I haven’t name this new family member yet, but I will, soon!
I bought her dry food called Canidar pure Goodness real chicken lentil & whole egg recipe
I have a Chi, Chloe, who weighs a whopping 1.8lbs. at 5 months old. Is it possible for her metabolism to be so high she can’t get full? She can eat in a way that leaves my Two Pits looking at her in shocked admiration. (I swear, sometimes they just lay on the floor and watch her, she’s like an itty bitty Hoover vacuum!) Anyway once she hits bottom in her bowl, she immediately puts her nose to the floor and is on the hunt for more. I thought at first she was looking for a place to potty, but I’ve had her her whole life and am sure that isn’t it. She’s been tested for worms and is the only dog I’ve known that didn’t have worms as a new puppy. We’ve been feeding her Purina one because that’s what the big kids get, but I just swapped her about a week ago to the Blue Buffalo puppy small breed. Also, she won’t get very much bigger and her stomach is super sensitive so c how long can I keep her on that food? I love this site, btw!
Hey there, Beth.
First of all, we’re glad you enjoy the site! Tell a friend!
As for your little four-footer, it does sound like she may be a bit small. And given her apparent appetite, that is somewhat concerning. So, we’d recommend another visit to the vet just to rule out any serious problems.
Regarding her food, small breeds are usually considered “adults” at around 6 to 8 months of age, so you should probably make a change in the coming months (just be sure to discuss it with your vet).
Blue Buffalo makes an excellent small breed food for adults, which would make a natural follow up to the puppy food you’re currently feeding her.
My chihuahua is 11 #s . Can you recommend any dog food geared for weight loss. He is very much a couch potato and does not like to go outside except for doing “his business “. He is 4 yrs old. I feed him only 1/2 cup of dry food a day.
Hey there, Joanne.
Check out our article about the best dog foods for weight loss — you should be able to find a good option for your little guy there.
Just be sure to work with your vet while trying to help him lose a few pounds.
Best of luck!
Hey, Willam.
It really depends on the barbecue sauce. No barbecue sauce is going to be “good” for him, but some will certainly be more dangerous than others.
You’ll have to make sure that the sauce doesn’t contain any xylitol, which can be deadly, but you’ll also want to make sure it doesn’t have any garlic or onions either.
For that matter, the salt and sugar content of the sauce is certainly less than ideal.
Better solution: Check out our guide to dog food toppers. They’re all safe, tasty, and affordable!
Best of luck!
My 6 month old chihuahua mix Maltese is on acana puppy. I am surprised that it is not in the review since it is a Canadian made dog food. What is your view on this brand.
I have a 17 year old male Chihuahua and he is very finicky with his food. I have tried quite a few different kinds (too many to mention), but have had zero success. What do you chihuahua lovers recommend?
Hey, Terri.
We have an article you may find helpful — it covers some of the best foods for picky eaters and provides some tips for tempting your pet’s palate.
Check it out!
I have a little chihuahua who has just turned 4, she came from a household with 15 of them where she was fed Royal Canine Adult. When we brought her home she wouldn’t eat it, or the Royal Canine Chihuahua one, so we have just been feeding her meat daily like chicken or turkey and she eats her treats which advertise that they contain lots of vitamins. She has no health issues and is walked daily, should I be feeding her some type of dog food? if so, is wet or dry recommended?
Hey, Courtney.
You should definitely feed your dog a high-quality, commercially manufactured food.
Either wet or dry should work, though picky pooches often find wet foods more palatable.
Just be sure to keep your vet in the loop about your choice.
Best of luck!
I feed my 8 month old chihuahua L’il Plates Puppy kibble and also fresh food. He usually won’t eat his food until the end of the day. Sometimes he will go for a day or two without eating the food I put out for him. On those days I’ll give him a tiny nibble of meat or cheese. I don’t know if this is balanced or not. I’m considering trying to find a dog nutritionist. The last 2 vets were not very helpful as far as nutrition goes. They want me to just give kibble but I don’t feel that giving only kibble is healthy either. I want my dog to thrive and be healthy throughout his life.
Thanks for the detailed reviews and breakdown of the different dog foods – especially containing Pros and Cons. Why do you include grain free among the best when there is clear evidence that grain free is a cause of heart disease in dogs?
Regarding grain-free foods, it is important to point out that there is not yet any evidence that grain-free diets are causing DCM. There is some evidence that grain-free diets are correlated with DCM, but that is not the same thing as establishing causality. Causality may be established in the future, or we may find that it was some other factor that was the causing the uptick in DCM cases.
In the meantime, we recommend that owners discuss the issue with their vet, and — unless their dog has a specific intolerance or allergy to grains — feed a grain-inclusive option.
Also, note that I wrote this article in 2016 — long before the DCM-grain-free correlation was known. I know the page says it was just published this month, but that’s likely because we updated something minor about the article (such as a photograph).
I have a 12 yr old chi that broke her back two legs when she was hit by a car Aug, 2018. She has always been picky. Bcuz she is older she is having more health issues and bcuz she cant walk much she doesnt get any exercise. She also HATES to drink water. Not sure if bcuz she doesnt want to get up to go potty bcuz of legs. After accident her bowels were messed up. Ahe would go weeks without a BM. Recently, we fed her some campbells pot roast soup and she lived it. It also has helped her with her BM’s. At first, her poop was coming out like little bb’s but now its solid and shes back to going daily. My question is ..is it ok to feed her this with all shes been through. We try to drain the juice and rinse off bcuz of the salt. We sometimes add different meats to it also. I just dont k ow what else to give her. We literally have tried every food on your list plus many more. I want to make sure she is as healthiest as possible. FYI: she has a heart murmur, a slight collapse of trachea and hypoglycemia.
Also, what exercises to you recommend for her since she cant walk more than 5-10 steps. Thank you
Your poor pooch certainly has a number of challenges! Please start by giving her a hug and some scritches from us. 🙂
We’re not sure about the ingredients in the soup you reference, so it’s hard for us to give it a thumbs up or down. Assuming that it doesn’t contain any problematic ingredients (onions, garlic, etc.), then it probably wouldn’t be an huge problem to allow a healthy dog to enjoy a bit of soup from time to time. However, it probably isn’t a good idea to do so on a day-in, day-out basis. There’s obviously the issue of salt, as you mentioned, but soup hasn’t been formulated to meet the needs of your dog, either. Combined with your doggo’s health problems, it sounds like a bad idea to us.
That said, it does seem to be helping your dog feel a bit better, so we’d recommend going ahead and asking your vet about it. He or she may feel that — given your pup’s significant health issues — the good outweighs the bad.
Best of luck!
P.S. We plan on publishing an article about winter dog exercises soon, so just check back with us (or turn on notifications by clicking the little red bell at the bottom right corner of your screen). Some of them may be helpful for your four-footer.
Hi iv just had a chihuahua she is two don’t know what two feed her on iv bin giving her butcher’s with tripe it’s grain free am I giving her the proper food
I need to know what recommendations of dog food would you get… I have a male 4.5yo chihuahua… seems to be a bit overweight… ok about 2lbs overweight.. he is currently on Origen food .. eats twice a day .. morning and afternoon… he walks each day.. but not everyday….. I’d in like him to be at a more healthy weight… any suggestions for food? He gets no treats and no people food… ever
Hey, Donna. First of all, talk to your vet about your Chihuahua’s body weight (weight gain can be a sign of health problems in some cases).
Also, a little additional exercise may be in order.
All that said, any of the weight-loss foods we discuss here are worthy of consideration.
Best of luck!
Ugh, my lil man (that is actually his name) will not anything but greenies. I have tried so many things and nothing works. The vet even got me giving him appetite stimulant that I give him every day and still not intrested in anything. Any ideas??
Hey, Brandy.
That certainly sounds frustrating. We’d recommend experimenting with toppers or canned foods — some pooches simply like high-moisture food more than kibble.
You could also try adding a small amount (a teaspoon or two) of olive oil, unsalted chicken stock, or some shredded cheese to your pup’s kibble.
Check out our article about foods for picky pups, too! There are a few food recommendations as well as some more tips and tricks listed there.
Best of luck!
GRAIN FREE KILLS! Please remove it from your list. I was told by my veterinarian it has been causing heart attacks. Last week a completely healthy black lab I know died of a heart attack (his owner was paying $90 for grain free food). So PLEASE! Take it off of your list even if it is a promo!
Your vet probably did not say grain-free diets cause heart attacks. He or she probably said that grain-free diets have been correlated with dilated cardiomyopathy.
That is an important distinction that many people are missing since the FDA released their report a few months back.
We do recommend that owners work with their vet to decide on the best food for their pooch, and we tend to recommend feeding your pet a grain-inclusive recipe unless your dog has a specific grain intolerance (which is rare). But there just isn’t enough research available to conclusively state that grain-free foods cause DCM. This may change in the future, but it is important that we don’t get ahead of the science.
All that said, both the Blue Buffalo and Fromm recipes above feature healthy, nutritious grains. If you’d like some more information about the FDA’s report or the connection between grain-free diets and DCM, check out some of our other articles on the subject:
I’ve been feeding my chihuahua she’s a teacup 5 pounds royal canine chihuahua dry dog food we started her on the puppy formula and now she’s on adult formula. Is it a good healthy choose for my chihuahua? Or should I change to one of these other dry dog foods for adult chihuahua?
Hey, Kathy. Royal Canin is not one of our favorite brands — they tend to utilize byproducts more than whole proteins or meat-meals, and their carbohydrates are less-than-impressive.
We’d recommend talking with your vet about the issue and considering one of the products mentioned above.
Best of luck!
I have 2 short hair Chihuahuas and 1 Pomeranian/long hair chihuaha cross none of which like chicken and I believe them to be allergic to chicken. Currently they eat lamb and rice but all have wanning desire to eat the store mentioned lamb mix. Can you suggest something else. They like beef but it is currently hard to get a beef based dog food.
My 4 chihuahuas loved Subway sandwiches! They’d do EVERYTHING just the way I taught them after that meal. They were just perfect little boys.
And 1 was even born with a permanent smile.
My doggit will not eat dog food full stop not kibble we call it biscuits no wet food. Cheese fresh meat. Some vegies if i trick her. She is 2 years old and weighs 5 and half pounds
Hey there. I think you are talking about Purina Bright Minds recipes, right?
That looks to be a pretty decent option, with a high protein content. Note that it does not have any included probiotics, so you may want to consider using a probiotic supplement if your pup has any trouble digesting it.
But if Seymour seems to like it, and your vet is happy with the choice, I’d say keep using it!
Keep us updated!
I have had success with Redford dry dog food it is grain free, and has a variety of flavors. I have two chihuahuas and a yellow lab. They all do well with it. One has food allergy, so this food was recommended by our vet.
I actually own an 8 year pomeranian. I was feeding her blue small bread, which caused dehydration and several visits to the Veterinarian. I was told she has stomach sensitivity. I switched to Purina Focus for sensitive stomachs. She has become tired of it since only one flavor for sensitive stomachs. Also want to make certain she is getting the best nutritional value. Please help me make a good selection.
That’s a tough one, given that your pooch suffers from stomach sensitivity. Purina Focus is a relatively nutritious food, so I wouldn’t worry about that. But I’m not sure what to tell you about your pup’s taste-bud boredom.
Normally, I’d recommend spicing up her food with a little olive oil or chicken broth (or any of the other suggestions we provide here: https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-dog-food-for-picky-eaters/), but your little pooch may not be able to tolerate those types of things very well.
Ultimately, I’d just suggest talking to your vet about the problem, and see what advice he or she can provide.
My chihuahua was on Science Diet but couldn’t tolerate it anymore. I started her on grain free Natural Balance. She is doing great on it. Is this a good food for her?
Natural Balance is pretty good, although some recipes are better than others. Just make sure that it satisfies most or all of the criteria we discuss above (whole protein at the top of the ingredient list, no “mystery meats,” etc.).
Thank u for your info. I have a 10 yr old chihuahua rescue that is also very picky and seems have skin and stomach problems . He won’t eat dry food unless we mix a little wet and a dab of water. He ll go days unless we do this. Will try the foods recommended because he to has had to have some teeth pulled due to tooth decay . Our vet tried to encourage us to go to strictly dry . Thanks again
Glad we could help, Cris. Dental problems certainly can be a pain!
A lot of dogs prefer having their kibble moistened a bit. My Rottie even prefers this, and her teeth are perfectly healthy. You may also want to warm up the food in the microwave — this helps release some of the aromas, which may help spark your little pup’s appetite.
Just be sure to feel the kibble and make sure it’s not too hot before feeding him.
I feed my little chihuahua canidae wet food, chicken and rice. She has no difficulty with this food. I do recognize her hypoglycemia and handle it by feeding her two to three small meals a day equaling at the end of the day about half a cup of the wet food and I keep dry kibble out but she doesn’t seem to really care for the kibble(Ultra). I have mixed it with her wet food but she picks it out. She’s an exceptional rescue dog who is absolutely the best Chihuahua I’ve ever seen. But, that’s just me. I am rather partial.
Hello my name is Sara. I just got my Bella a few months ago she was a 3-4 pound teacup chihuahua but now is more like 5-6 lbs because I spoil her with table food from my plate. I’m not sure of her age as I purchased her from craigslist from a woman who purchased her from a neighbor who bred pugs and abused Bella by not letting her eat the pugs dogfood and leaving her outside in the cold for hours. I also think she was physically abused as well. I bought her a moist and meat food which she turned her nose up at, she wouldn’t touch the kibbles n bits that came with her and I bought her Rachael Ray Nutrish for small breeds…she won’t touch that either. I tried wet Rachel Ray, Caesars were, Purina Alpo wet, Mighty Dog wet…I leave out dry food for her and feed her wet food sometimes mixed with some meat from our meal but she never touches her food when I give it to her though she will eat from our plates if we give it to her and then later in the night she must go eat some or all of the wet food because the next day its gone or particularly eaten. I was mixing dry in the wet but didn’t make a difference she still turned her nose up and wanted my food. I think this is from years of being beaten if she tried to eat the pugs dogfood and being given only table scraps if they happened to have some left over. She is the most loving, smart, loyal baby I’ve ever had and I just can’t fathom why anyone would hurt her like that because she truly is my little baby. She goes everywhere I go and won’t listen to anyone but me. She hates to be left at home with my roommates and sits on the bottom corner of my bed or in front of the front door and waits until I come home. When we go bye byes she literally lays on my chest while I drive or if we are out and about. (I have quite a large bossom.) She sleeps in my bed and is very protective of our home and her humans. She is a service dog for my anxiety/depression etc. I spoil her with clothes, toys and treats of which I have a draw full but she only eats them 1 out of maybe every 8 times I offer it to her. I don’t know what to do. I know most would say stop giving her table food but I feel like I’m starving her if I don’t share what I have and that’s what the past owner did so I don’t ever want her to feel like she’s hungry or not allowed to eat…but on the flip side she has gained 1-2 pounds since I got her 3 months ago and I’m worried she will become or may even be considered over weight. I honestly don’t know how to get her to eat dog food at all. Her bowl of dry food has sat there full since I got her and I empty it once a week and put in fresh but she never touches it. What do I do to get her to eat stuff made for dogs or should I just continue to feed her human food but try to make it as healthy and low fat/salt as possible??? Please help.
Hey Sara – I’d suggest checking out our article on the best dog food for picky dogs! It might simply be that you’re not feeding your dog a high-quality enough food. Some dogs are quite picky! Also check out some of the tips at the bottom of that article, as sometimes adding healthy additives, warming up the food, or even hand-feeding can make a huge difference.
I’m curious about the grain free foods. I give my one year old chihuahua the wellness dog food but it has grain. Should I switch to grain free? My vet didn’t seem crazy about grain free diets. I’m confused.
Hi Sharon – grain-free diets are quite “in” today, but as long as your dog doesn’t have any grain-based allergies and so long as your dog’s food includes healthier grains and avoids fillers like corns, your dog should be fine!
I’ve got two rescue chuhaihuas. They are both energetic, they feed on royal canine the vet tells me they are over weight one is 4.26 kg and the other 5.20 kg. They have one treat per day between them and I weigh the food .
I have a 12 year old chihuahua that I rescued from a shelter, and he has been nothing but picky with food. I used to have to add soft food to get him to eat, but then he got gingivitis, and was told he would not be able to eat it because it promotes plaque buildup. I honestly tried probably every sample I ever found to try and peak his interest, but he would eat it for a day and then get bored of it when the new feeling wore off. I eventually switched him to Royal Canin chihuahua, and have seen nothing but success with him! It was the first brand that he would actually eat it when I put it out, and still eats to this day. I love that they are even able to make it age selective for chihuahuas. Which made it perfect for him in his senior years.
My little BooBoo is a six lb. rescue chi. She’s around 6 years old and a voracious eater. I feed her Acana Light and Fit but I cheat a little, I boil a boneless, skinless chicken breast with broccoli, peas, carrots and blueberries. Once cooked, I strain and put this in the food processor then put a spoonful over her kibble. I freeze this in baggies and it lasts for a week or more. Also she drinks the water from the chicken and vegetables, we call this her juice when cold or her soup when warm (she’s just a little spoiled). This liquid is great for dogs that don’t like or drink enough water. Yes my vet knows and approves.
Thank you for this helpful information about the dog food for chihuahuas. I currently have two dogs. N both eat the same food. I started giving him bite size just for him, but the big girl would eat hers n then his. So i decided to purchase the same food for both. He likes it but i sometimes see him struggling to bite and chew. What should i do about that? I can’t always watch him because I’m working. Currently he’s eating: Benefuls. The other dog is a mixed breed. Jack Russell/dachshund.
Hey Ben,
I have a question; my 10 yr old chihuahua had severe bladder stones and major surgery December 27, 2017. Thank God he recovered and is healthy now but after getting the stones evaluated it was discovered that they were calcium stones. The surgeon recommended only feeding him wet food. I feed him only foods with no calcium carbonate and notice all the recommended foods have calcium carbonate or another calcium additive. Do you have any recommendations. I know he would enjoy a little kibble. As you stated, he has definitely gotten very finicky in recent years. It’s very difficult to get him to eat anything some days. But don’t let that fool you. He is an extremely healthy 11 lbs. He tends to be a little larger than a teacup chihuahua. A good weight for him, according to his vet, would be 9 lbs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Laura
My female Chihuahua is 12 years old
She eats small breed Blue Buffalo Chicken dinner with vegetables and her kibble is Fromm small breed Purple and Gold bag
63 Comments
October 4, 2022
My Chi is 10 1/2 yrs. I have always cooked for her since we got her during several food recalls. I cook ground turkey, brown rice and an assortment of canned or frozen vegetables for her mixed altogether. I a;so switch to ground beef from time to time along with the rice and veggies. She is a picky eater will not touch kibble because I guess I startd her off wrong. The only problem is her teeth, mostly soft food. She is very active and not to heavy 2 lb. deer head. Dental work twice. I cannot brush her teeth although I have tried numerous times. My little girl goes some days eating very little; other days she will eat numerous times. She always tells me and I do heat her food from the frig to the microwave. No health problems other than a couple of her teeth pulled.
October 5, 2022
Hey there, Jo.
We’d gently encourage you to move to a properly designed dog food, as homecooked meals can lead to nutritional imbalances and health problems over time. If your little one is picky, just try one of the human grade dog foods.
And regarding the recalls — don’t let them bother you too much. Human foods are recalled all the time (including those made by top-tier manufacturers), but we don’t stop buying food at the grocery store.
Sure, you should be careful and keep an eye out for recalls, but don’t let the occasional one scare you off commercial foods entirely.
Best of luck with your little Chi!
April 22, 2022
I just got this female chihuahua 2/12 months old!
This isn’t my first doggie, it will be my second chihuahua, last one passed at 11 yrs young!
I haven’t name this new family member yet, but I will, soon!
I bought her dry food called Canidar pure Goodness real chicken lentil & whole egg recipe
November 9, 2021
I have a Chi, Chloe, who weighs a whopping 1.8lbs. at 5 months old. Is it possible for her metabolism to be so high she can’t get full? She can eat in a way that leaves my Two Pits looking at her in shocked admiration. (I swear, sometimes they just lay on the floor and watch her, she’s like an itty bitty Hoover vacuum!) Anyway once she hits bottom in her bowl, she immediately puts her nose to the floor and is on the hunt for more. I thought at first she was looking for a place to potty, but I’ve had her her whole life and am sure that isn’t it. She’s been tested for worms and is the only dog I’ve known that didn’t have worms as a new puppy. We’ve been feeding her Purina one because that’s what the big kids get, but I just swapped her about a week ago to the Blue Buffalo puppy small breed. Also, she won’t get very much bigger and her stomach is super sensitive so c how long can I keep her on that food? I love this site, btw!
November 9, 2021
Hey there, Beth.
First of all, we’re glad you enjoy the site! Tell a friend!
As for your little four-footer, it does sound like she may be a bit small. And given her apparent appetite, that is somewhat concerning. So, we’d recommend another visit to the vet just to rule out any serious problems.
Regarding her food, small breeds are usually considered “adults” at around 6 to 8 months of age, so you should probably make a change in the coming months (just be sure to discuss it with your vet).
Blue Buffalo makes an excellent small breed food for adults, which would make a natural follow up to the puppy food you’re currently feeding her.
Best of luck!
October 29, 2021
My chihuahua is 11 #s . Can you recommend any dog food geared for weight loss. He is very much a couch potato and does not like to go outside except for doing “his business “. He is 4 yrs old. I feed him only 1/2 cup of dry food a day.
November 1, 2021
Hey there, Joanne.
Check out our article about the best dog foods for weight loss — you should be able to find a good option for your little guy there.
Just be sure to work with your vet while trying to help him lose a few pounds.
Best of luck!
August 31, 2021
my chihuahua likes bbq sauce on his kibble…is that ok for him
August 31, 2021
Hey, Willam.
It really depends on the barbecue sauce. No barbecue sauce is going to be “good” for him, but some will certainly be more dangerous than others.
You’ll have to make sure that the sauce doesn’t contain any xylitol, which can be deadly, but you’ll also want to make sure it doesn’t have any garlic or onions either.
For that matter, the salt and sugar content of the sauce is certainly less than ideal.
Better solution: Check out our guide to dog food toppers. They’re all safe, tasty, and affordable!
Best of luck!
June 11, 2021
My 6 month old chihuahua mix Maltese is on acana puppy. I am surprised that it is not in the review since it is a Canadian made dog food. What is your view on this brand.
June 11, 2021
Hey there, Gail.
We like Acana a lot — we just had to draw the line somewhere!
Is it working out well for your pupper?
December 29, 2020
I have a 17 year old male Chihuahua and he is very finicky with his food. I have tried quite a few different kinds (too many to mention), but have had zero success. What do you chihuahua lovers recommend?
January 4, 2021
Hey, Terri.
We have an article you may find helpful — it covers some of the best foods for picky eaters and provides some tips for tempting your pet’s palate.
Check it out!
December 29, 2020
Hi,
I have a little chihuahua who has just turned 4, she came from a household with 15 of them where she was fed Royal Canine Adult. When we brought her home she wouldn’t eat it, or the Royal Canine Chihuahua one, so we have just been feeding her meat daily like chicken or turkey and she eats her treats which advertise that they contain lots of vitamins. She has no health issues and is walked daily, should I be feeding her some type of dog food? if so, is wet or dry recommended?
January 4, 2021
Hey, Courtney.
You should definitely feed your dog a high-quality, commercially manufactured food.
Either wet or dry should work, though picky pooches often find wet foods more palatable.
Just be sure to keep your vet in the loop about your choice.
Best of luck!
July 11, 2020
What about the Canine dog foods? They are highly recommend. That is what my Chihuahua eats. Thanks for your reply.
July 13, 2020
Hey, Sandee.
I’m not 100% sure which brand you’re referencing.
Do you mean Royal Canin or Candidae?
🙂
May 22, 2020
My chihuahua, Ivy, eats Merrick grain-free dry puppy food. I put a little olive oil on it.
January 21, 2020
I feed my 8 month old chihuahua L’il Plates Puppy kibble and also fresh food. He usually won’t eat his food until the end of the day. Sometimes he will go for a day or two without eating the food I put out for him. On those days I’ll give him a tiny nibble of meat or cheese. I don’t know if this is balanced or not. I’m considering trying to find a dog nutritionist. The last 2 vets were not very helpful as far as nutrition goes. They want me to just give kibble but I don’t feel that giving only kibble is healthy either. I want my dog to thrive and be healthy throughout his life.
January 19, 2020
Thanks for the detailed reviews and breakdown of the different dog foods – especially containing Pros and Cons. Why do you include grain free among the best when there is clear evidence that grain free is a cause of heart disease in dogs?
January 20, 2020
Hey, Jill. Thanks for the kind words!
Regarding grain-free foods, it is important to point out that there is not yet any evidence that grain-free diets are causing DCM. There is some evidence that grain-free diets are correlated with DCM, but that is not the same thing as establishing causality. Causality may be established in the future, or we may find that it was some other factor that was the causing the uptick in DCM cases.
In the meantime, we recommend that owners discuss the issue with their vet, and — unless their dog has a specific intolerance or allergy to grains — feed a grain-inclusive option.
Check out our article about the correlation between DCM and grain-free foods to learn more, and you can see a lot of great grain-inclusive foods in this article.
Also, note that I wrote this article in 2016 — long before the DCM-grain-free correlation was known. I know the page says it was just published this month, but that’s likely because we updated something minor about the article (such as a photograph).
Thanks for reading!
December 29, 2019
I have a 12 yr old chi that broke her back two legs when she was hit by a car Aug, 2018. She has always been picky. Bcuz she is older she is having more health issues and bcuz she cant walk much she doesnt get any exercise. She also HATES to drink water. Not sure if bcuz she doesnt want to get up to go potty bcuz of legs. After accident her bowels were messed up. Ahe would go weeks without a BM. Recently, we fed her some campbells pot roast soup and she lived it. It also has helped her with her BM’s. At first, her poop was coming out like little bb’s but now its solid and shes back to going daily. My question is ..is it ok to feed her this with all shes been through. We try to drain the juice and rinse off bcuz of the salt. We sometimes add different meats to it also. I just dont k ow what else to give her. We literally have tried every food on your list plus many more. I want to make sure she is as healthiest as possible. FYI: she has a heart murmur, a slight collapse of trachea and hypoglycemia.
Also, what exercises to you recommend for her since she cant walk more than 5-10 steps. Thank you
December 30, 2019
Hey, Rebecca.
Your poor pooch certainly has a number of challenges! Please start by giving her a hug and some scritches from us. 🙂
We’re not sure about the ingredients in the soup you reference, so it’s hard for us to give it a thumbs up or down. Assuming that it doesn’t contain any problematic ingredients (onions, garlic, etc.), then it probably wouldn’t be an huge problem to allow a healthy dog to enjoy a bit of soup from time to time. However, it probably isn’t a good idea to do so on a day-in, day-out basis. There’s obviously the issue of salt, as you mentioned, but soup hasn’t been formulated to meet the needs of your dog, either. Combined with your doggo’s health problems, it sounds like a bad idea to us.
That said, it does seem to be helping your dog feel a bit better, so we’d recommend going ahead and asking your vet about it. He or she may feel that — given your pup’s significant health issues — the good outweighs the bad.
Best of luck!
P.S. We plan on publishing an article about winter dog exercises soon, so just check back with us (or turn on notifications by clicking the little red bell at the bottom right corner of your screen). Some of them may be helpful for your four-footer.
January 4, 2020
Hi iv just had a chihuahua she is two don’t know what two feed her on iv bin giving her butcher’s with tripe it’s grain free am I giving her the proper food
November 25, 2019
I need to know what recommendations of dog food would you get… I have a male 4.5yo chihuahua… seems to be a bit overweight… ok about 2lbs overweight.. he is currently on Origen food .. eats twice a day .. morning and afternoon… he walks each day.. but not everyday….. I’d in like him to be at a more healthy weight… any suggestions for food? He gets no treats and no people food… ever
November 25, 2019
Hey, Donna. First of all, talk to your vet about your Chihuahua’s body weight (weight gain can be a sign of health problems in some cases).
Also, a little additional exercise may be in order.
All that said, any of the weight-loss foods we discuss here are worthy of consideration.
Best of luck!
November 4, 2019
Thanks for all the info on Chihuahua’s. I just got my first one last week and I want to do the best for Little Betty.
September 29, 2019
Ugh, my lil man (that is actually his name) will not anything but greenies. I have tried so many things and nothing works. The vet even got me giving him appetite stimulant that I give him every day and still not intrested in anything. Any ideas??
September 30, 2019
Hey, Brandy.
That certainly sounds frustrating. We’d recommend experimenting with toppers or canned foods — some pooches simply like high-moisture food more than kibble.
You could also try adding a small amount (a teaspoon or two) of olive oil, unsalted chicken stock, or some shredded cheese to your pup’s kibble.
Check out our article about foods for picky pups, too! There are a few food recommendations as well as some more tips and tricks listed there.
Best of luck!
September 28, 2019
GRAIN FREE KILLS! Please remove it from your list. I was told by my veterinarian it has been causing heart attacks. Last week a completely healthy black lab I know died of a heart attack (his owner was paying $90 for grain free food). So PLEASE! Take it off of your list even if it is a promo!
September 30, 2019
Hey, Dyani.
Your vet probably did not say grain-free diets cause heart attacks. He or she probably said that grain-free diets have been correlated with dilated cardiomyopathy.
That is an important distinction that many people are missing since the FDA released their report a few months back.
We do recommend that owners work with their vet to decide on the best food for their pooch, and we tend to recommend feeding your pet a grain-inclusive recipe unless your dog has a specific grain intolerance (which is rare). But there just isn’t enough research available to conclusively state that grain-free foods cause DCM. This may change in the future, but it is important that we don’t get ahead of the science.
All that said, both the Blue Buffalo and Fromm recipes above feature healthy, nutritious grains. If you’d like some more information about the FDA’s report or the connection between grain-free diets and DCM, check out some of our other articles on the subject:
Dog Food FDA Report 2019
7 Best Dog Foods with Grains
Thanks for reading!
September 10, 2019
I’ve been feeding my chihuahua she’s a teacup 5 pounds royal canine chihuahua dry dog food we started her on the puppy formula and now she’s on adult formula. Is it a good healthy choose for my chihuahua? Or should I change to one of these other dry dog foods for adult chihuahua?
September 10, 2019
Hey, Kathy. Royal Canin is not one of our favorite brands — they tend to utilize byproducts more than whole proteins or meat-meals, and their carbohydrates are less-than-impressive.
We’d recommend talking with your vet about the issue and considering one of the products mentioned above.
Best of luck!
July 21, 2019
I have 2 short hair Chihuahuas and 1 Pomeranian/long hair chihuaha cross none of which like chicken and I believe them to be allergic to chicken. Currently they eat lamb and rice but all have wanning desire to eat the store mentioned lamb mix. Can you suggest something else. They like beef but it is currently hard to get a beef based dog food.
June 19, 2019
My 4 chihuahuas loved Subway sandwiches! They’d do EVERYTHING just the way I taught them after that meal. They were just perfect little boys.
And 1 was even born with a permanent smile.
June 15, 2019
My Bonnie Bella pet fresh dog food and bones Chicken in her food fresh cold water to is good for her when to hot I give a bath
June 6, 2019
Great information about the dog food!
May 27, 2019
Very informative information that helped me so much on what I feed and have been feeding my chihuahua. My thanks to you!
May 15, 2019
My doggit will not eat dog food full stop not kibble we call it biscuits no wet food. Cheese fresh meat. Some vegies if i trick her. She is 2 years old and weighs 5 and half pounds
March 17, 2019
Seymour is very pick likes meat what do you think of Parina Bright Eyes dog food he also gets small amount of wet mixed in fui he’s 5 lb.
March 18, 2019
Hey there. I think you are talking about Purina Bright Minds recipes, right?
That looks to be a pretty decent option, with a high protein content. Note that it does not have any included probiotics, so you may want to consider using a probiotic supplement if your pup has any trouble digesting it.
But if Seymour seems to like it, and your vet is happy with the choice, I’d say keep using it!
Keep us updated!
March 16, 2019
I have had success with Redford dry dog food it is grain free, and has a variety of flavors. I have two chihuahuas and a yellow lab. They all do well with it. One has food allergy, so this food was recommended by our vet.
March 5, 2019
I actually own an 8 year pomeranian. I was feeding her blue small bread, which caused dehydration and several visits to the Veterinarian. I was told she has stomach sensitivity. I switched to Purina Focus for sensitive stomachs. She has become tired of it since only one flavor for sensitive stomachs. Also want to make certain she is getting the best nutritional value. Please help me make a good selection.
March 5, 2019
Hey, Mary.
That’s a tough one, given that your pooch suffers from stomach sensitivity. Purina Focus is a relatively nutritious food, so I wouldn’t worry about that. But I’m not sure what to tell you about your pup’s taste-bud boredom.
Normally, I’d recommend spicing up her food with a little olive oil or chicken broth (or any of the other suggestions we provide here: https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-dog-food-for-picky-eaters/), but your little pooch may not be able to tolerate those types of things very well.
Ultimately, I’d just suggest talking to your vet about the problem, and see what advice he or she can provide.
Best of luck! Let us know how it goes.
February 22, 2019
My chihuahua was on Science Diet but couldn’t tolerate it anymore. I started her on grain free Natural Balance. She is doing great on it. Is this a good food for her?
February 23, 2019
Hey, Karen.
Natural Balance is pretty good, although some recipes are better than others. Just make sure that it satisfies most or all of the criteria we discuss above (whole protein at the top of the ingredient list, no “mystery meats,” etc.).
Let us know how it works out for your pup!
February 22, 2019
Thank u for your info. I have a 10 yr old chihuahua rescue that is also very picky and seems have skin and stomach problems . He won’t eat dry food unless we mix a little wet and a dab of water. He ll go days unless we do this. Will try the foods recommended because he to has had to have some teeth pulled due to tooth decay . Our vet tried to encourage us to go to strictly dry . Thanks again
February 22, 2019
Glad we could help, Cris. Dental problems certainly can be a pain!
A lot of dogs prefer having their kibble moistened a bit. My Rottie even prefers this, and her teeth are perfectly healthy. You may also want to warm up the food in the microwave — this helps release some of the aromas, which may help spark your little pup’s appetite.
Just be sure to feel the kibble and make sure it’s not too hot before feeding him.
Best of luck!
February 4, 2019
I feed my little chihuahua canidae wet food, chicken and rice. She has no difficulty with this food. I do recognize her hypoglycemia and handle it by feeding her two to three small meals a day equaling at the end of the day about half a cup of the wet food and I keep dry kibble out but she doesn’t seem to really care for the kibble(Ultra). I have mixed it with her wet food but she picks it out. She’s an exceptional rescue dog who is absolutely the best Chihuahua I’ve ever seen. But, that’s just me. I am rather partial.
January 9, 2019
Hello my name is Sara. I just got my Bella a few months ago she was a 3-4 pound teacup chihuahua but now is more like 5-6 lbs because I spoil her with table food from my plate. I’m not sure of her age as I purchased her from craigslist from a woman who purchased her from a neighbor who bred pugs and abused Bella by not letting her eat the pugs dogfood and leaving her outside in the cold for hours. I also think she was physically abused as well. I bought her a moist and meat food which she turned her nose up at, she wouldn’t touch the kibbles n bits that came with her and I bought her Rachael Ray Nutrish for small breeds…she won’t touch that either. I tried wet Rachel Ray, Caesars were, Purina Alpo wet, Mighty Dog wet…I leave out dry food for her and feed her wet food sometimes mixed with some meat from our meal but she never touches her food when I give it to her though she will eat from our plates if we give it to her and then later in the night she must go eat some or all of the wet food because the next day its gone or particularly eaten. I was mixing dry in the wet but didn’t make a difference she still turned her nose up and wanted my food. I think this is from years of being beaten if she tried to eat the pugs dogfood and being given only table scraps if they happened to have some left over. She is the most loving, smart, loyal baby I’ve ever had and I just can’t fathom why anyone would hurt her like that because she truly is my little baby. She goes everywhere I go and won’t listen to anyone but me. She hates to be left at home with my roommates and sits on the bottom corner of my bed or in front of the front door and waits until I come home. When we go bye byes she literally lays on my chest while I drive or if we are out and about. (I have quite a large bossom.) She sleeps in my bed and is very protective of our home and her humans. She is a service dog for my anxiety/depression etc. I spoil her with clothes, toys and treats of which I have a draw full but she only eats them 1 out of maybe every 8 times I offer it to her. I don’t know what to do. I know most would say stop giving her table food but I feel like I’m starving her if I don’t share what I have and that’s what the past owner did so I don’t ever want her to feel like she’s hungry or not allowed to eat…but on the flip side she has gained 1-2 pounds since I got her 3 months ago and I’m worried she will become or may even be considered over weight. I honestly don’t know how to get her to eat dog food at all. Her bowl of dry food has sat there full since I got her and I empty it once a week and put in fresh but she never touches it. What do I do to get her to eat stuff made for dogs or should I just continue to feed her human food but try to make it as healthy and low fat/salt as possible??? Please help.
January 10, 2019
Hey Sara – I’d suggest checking out our article on the best dog food for picky dogs! It might simply be that you’re not feeding your dog a high-quality enough food. Some dogs are quite picky! Also check out some of the tips at the bottom of that article, as sometimes adding healthy additives, warming up the food, or even hand-feeding can make a huge difference.
December 20, 2018
I’m curious about the grain free foods. I give my one year old chihuahua the wellness dog food but it has grain. Should I switch to grain free? My vet didn’t seem crazy about grain free diets. I’m confused.
December 20, 2018
Hi Sharon – grain-free diets are quite “in” today, but as long as your dog doesn’t have any grain-based allergies and so long as your dog’s food includes healthier grains and avoids fillers like corns, your dog should be fine!
February 27, 2020
PLEASE be careful …. research – knowledge is power.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-fdas-grain-free-diet-alert/
October 25, 2018
I’ve got two rescue chuhaihuas. They are both energetic, they feed on royal canine the vet tells me they are over weight one is 4.26 kg and the other 5.20 kg. They have one treat per day between them and I weigh the food .
October 4, 2018
I have a 12 year old chihuahua that I rescued from a shelter, and he has been nothing but picky with food. I used to have to add soft food to get him to eat, but then he got gingivitis, and was told he would not be able to eat it because it promotes plaque buildup. I honestly tried probably every sample I ever found to try and peak his interest, but he would eat it for a day and then get bored of it when the new feeling wore off. I eventually switched him to Royal Canin chihuahua, and have seen nothing but success with him! It was the first brand that he would actually eat it when I put it out, and still eats to this day. I love that they are even able to make it age selective for chihuahuas. Which made it perfect for him in his senior years.
October 2, 2018
My little BooBoo is a six lb. rescue chi. She’s around 6 years old and a voracious eater. I feed her Acana Light and Fit but I cheat a little, I boil a boneless, skinless chicken breast with broccoli, peas, carrots and blueberries. Once cooked, I strain and put this in the food processor then put a spoonful over her kibble. I freeze this in baggies and it lasts for a week or more. Also she drinks the water from the chicken and vegetables, we call this her juice when cold or her soup when warm (she’s just a little spoiled). This liquid is great for dogs that don’t like or drink enough water. Yes my vet knows and approves.
October 2, 2018
BooBoo sounds like a lucky girl!
November 14, 2018
She is drinks is my dogs don’t drink enough water maybe I will try your idea and see if they will drink it and also check with my doctor as well
August 4, 2018
Thank you for this helpful information about the dog food for chihuahuas. I currently have two dogs. N both eat the same food. I started giving him bite size just for him, but the big girl would eat hers n then his. So i decided to purchase the same food for both. He likes it but i sometimes see him struggling to bite and chew. What should i do about that? I can’t always watch him because I’m working. Currently he’s eating: Benefuls. The other dog is a mixed breed. Jack Russell/dachshund.
July 10, 2018
Hey Ben,
I have a question; my 10 yr old chihuahua had severe bladder stones and major surgery December 27, 2017. Thank God he recovered and is healthy now but after getting the stones evaluated it was discovered that they were calcium stones. The surgeon recommended only feeding him wet food. I feed him only foods with no calcium carbonate and notice all the recommended foods have calcium carbonate or another calcium additive. Do you have any recommendations. I know he would enjoy a little kibble. As you stated, he has definitely gotten very finicky in recent years. It’s very difficult to get him to eat anything some days. But don’t let that fool you. He is an extremely healthy 11 lbs. He tends to be a little larger than a teacup chihuahua. A good weight for him, according to his vet, would be 9 lbs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Laura
May 14, 2018
My female Chihuahua is 12 years old
She eats small breed Blue Buffalo Chicken dinner with vegetables and her kibble is Fromm small breed Purple and Gold bag
November 16, 2019
How much of each do you feed her?