If you’re the proud owner of a Chihuahua, then you’ll already know how important it can be to ensure they’re receiving adequate nutrition from their day-to-day diet.
But to make matters more complicated, Chihuahuas are notorious for being fussy eaters, so it’s crucial to ensure you pick a tasty formula that they’re sure to love. Of course, proper nutrition will go a long way towards making sure your dog stays happy and healthy all the way into old age, too.
In this guide, we’re going to reveal many of the best small breed dog food formulas on the market, all of which are well-suited to Chihuahuas. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong if you choose one of these brands, so let’s take a closer look.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wellness CORE small breed formula is always a great choice for a smaller dog, and as such, it’s more than suitable for most Chihuahuas. It comes in a well-balanced blend that’s free of grain and unwanted additives such as wheat, corn, soy, or meat by-products.
The primary ingredients come in the form of premium grade turkey and chicken, along with adequate calories to suit the needs of a small breed like the Chihuahua. Of course, it also provides your dog with several key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help to support a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s an excellent blend from Orijen, which comes in a grain free formulation and is free from artificial additives and preservatives, which makes it a somewhat ‘limited ingredient’ formula as well. In general, the ingredient quality is very good from Orijen, and it is certainly very tasty for most dogs, so it’s usually suitable for any fussy eaters, as some Chihuahuas tend to be.
The formula contains protein in the form of deboned chicken, deboned turkey, fish, and eggs – all of which are sourced from natural locations whenever possible. There’s also plenty of healthy vegetables and fruits which provide the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to remain in good shape.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Blue Buffalo brand is another well-known manufacturer of dog food, and this small breed healthy weight formula is a good choice for Chihuahuas, especially if they need a little help when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight.
The food is comprised of protein-rich deboned chicken as the main ingredient, and this comes with healthy whole grains as well as garden vegetables and fruit, which helps to round out the formula and provide many of the vitamins and minerals that your small dog requires.
The carbohydrate content comes in the form of brown rice, barley, and oats – which go a long way toward giving a dog the complex carbohydrates needed to maintain energy throughout the day, which is very important for small breed dogs like the Chihuahua.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Royal Canin brand makes several breed specific formulas that often receive top reviews from dog owners, and this Chihuahua focused blend is no exception. It comes with plenty of aroma and flavor, which is excellent news for even the fussiest eater, and it also has specially designed smaller kibble that’s very easy for a smaller mouth to chew on.
Interestingly, the food even promises to make your dog’s fecal matter smell nicer which is always a plus, and it generally helps to maintain healthy digestion thanks to its fiber content.
There are also several nutrients in the form of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that support a healthy coat, along with many of the vitamins and minerals that you would expect to see in any small breed blend.
Fromm Gold Small Breed Dog Food” /]
Here’s a lesser-known brand that still makes excellent quality dog food, and it’s backed up by good feedback from many dog owners online. The Gold blend is specifically designed with small breed adult dogs in mind, and it uses a selection of fresh duck, chicken, lamb, eggs, and cheese to provide your dog with all of the healthy protein and fats they need to stay in great health.
Of course, the blend also comes with a smaller sized kibble that makes it easy for your dog to eat, and there are a number of useful additives such as taurine to help maintain your dog’s heart and eye health, along with chicory root to reduce the risk of worms, and alfalfa which contains plenty of calcium to support strong bones.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There’s no denying that this formula from Nature’s Variety is an excellent choice, and although it’s a little more expensive than some of the other brands on the market, you generally can’t go wrong by choosing this one.
There are a few different versions when it comes to the small breed formula, with the chicken and duck options being the main ones to choose from. Ingredient quality is very good indeed, and you won’t find any grain or unwanted additives used.
Of course, the food promises to be more natural and wholesome then competing brands thanks to its freeze-dried raw manufacturing process, which helps to maintain a rich level of nutrients that your dog is sure to appreciate. There’s very little in the way of drawbacks with this product, and you will find no artificial colorings, flavorings, or preservatives – nor will you find any ‘filler’ ingredients.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Natural balance is another excellent company in the dog food world, and this original whole-body health formula is a good choice for a small breed dog in particular.
Not only is the formula very affordable, but it still manages to provide all of the key nutrients your dog needs according to expert nutritionists, so it does a great job of maintaining your dog’s immune system and giving them the energy they need to fuel their day. The blend focuses on premium level ingredients and there are several antioxidants included, along with good ratios of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another grain free formula that’s made exclusively for small breed dogs, and the Canidae brand generally has a great reputation as well.
The food promises to be somewhat limited in terms of ingredients, and it primarily relies on fresh chicken along with fishmeal to give your dog the protein they need. You’ll also find peas, lentils, and potatoes, along with eggs, chicken fat, alfalfa, and flaxseed to round out the formula.
According to the analysis, the food comes with at least 30% protein which is a good number to see, along with 12% fat and 4% fiber. Ultimately, this is another affordable and effective formula that uses fresh, quality ingredients to give your dog a tasty meal.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Taste of the Wild brand is certainly very popular overall, but this small breed variation is the better choice for a Chihuahua.
It features highly digestible venison as the main protein source, along with the smaller kibble size that’s promises to be gentler on your dog’s teeth and gums, as well as easier for them to chew. The food comes with plenty of probiotic and prebiotic fiber, along with additional protein in the form of lamb, eggs, and duck.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wellness Complete Health formula is another excellent choice from this well-respected dog food manufacturer, and their small breed turkey and oatmeal blend receive great reviews from buyers and professional reviewers alike.
It features a smaller kibble size and premium level ingredients that your dog is sure to appreciate, and there’s a big focus on quality ingredients with no meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives, which means it gives you good value for your money.
The focus on complete health means that it comes with all the necessary ingredients to support your dog’s skin, coat, eyes, teeth, gums, and digestive health while still giving them adequate calories to maintain their energy levels without unnecessary weight gain. In general, this is a top formula that is unlikely to let you down.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s an interesting option from the Nutro Ultra line, and its focus on using only the very best ingredients means that it is a premium grade product that shouldn’t disappoint.
In addition to the real chicken that is used as the primary ingredient, it uses lamb and salmon to provide plenty of protein that’s also rich in nutrients and very tasty for your dog to enjoy. What’s more, the formula contains several superfoods in the form of coconut, chia, and kale which helps to give your dog the maximum nutrition possible.
Last update on 2023-05-27 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have a Chihuahua who is particularly sensitive in regards to digestion or stomach sensitivity, then using a limited ingredient formula is often a good choice.
The Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient blend uses very few ingredients that are likely to trigger allergies or digestive sensitivities, and it also doubles as an effective weight management form as well. There’s plenty of fiber to keep your dog feeling full between meals, and the use of salmon and salmon as the primary protein sources mean that it stays tasty enough to keep your dog happy.
There’s plenty of fiber to keep your dog feeling full between meals, and the use of salmon as the primary protein source means that it remains tasty enough to keep your dog happy.
The quality is generally very good just as you’d expect from a leading brand, and it’s certainly a good choice for any sensitive dog.
The Best Wet / Canned Dog Food For Chihuahuas
There’s no denying that most Chihuahua’s will love the addition of wet food in their diet – and it can certainly be a useful way to boost the appetite of a fussy eater, not to mention being an effective way to increase the moisture in their diet, too.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at a few of the tastiest and healthiest wet food
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These small pouches of wet dog food from the Wellness Petite line are a good choice for any Chihuahua who needs some tasty wet food to round out their diet.
It comes in several different flavors which include chicken and beef, turkey, lamb, and several other choices, so it’s easy to find one that your dog will appreciate. Of course, the tasty mini fillets are comprised of top quality ingredients and they are sure to tempt even the fussiest eater you may have in your hands.
The ingredient quality is very good overall, and there’s no use of meat by-products or artificial colorings and flavorings, so you can rest assured that you are getting good value for your money. There’s also plenty of added vitamins and minerals that greatly benefit the nutritional value that this product provides.
Last update on 2023-05-27 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness line is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a high protein, grain free food that your dog is sure to enjoy. The small breed formulation uses turkey and chicken that ensures the blend is very tasty and enjoyable for your dog, and it is also formulated to specifically accommodate the needs of a smaller breed, too.
You won’t find any unwanted additives such as chicken or poultry by-product meals, nor will you find wheat, soy, corn, or any artificial flavorings or preservatives either. In general, the quality is very good, and it provides a minimum of 10% protein and a maximum 78% moisture content, which is ideal for any dog that needs some added moisture in their diet. Overall, many people are thrilled with the quality on offer here, and it’s a good choice for any small breed.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another top option from the Blue Buffalo product line, this time in the form of the Freedom natural grain free dog food. The small breed chicken recipe is the best option for a Chihuahua, and it provides all of the key nutrition you’re looking for.
The high-quality protein comes in the form of chicken, but there is no poultry byproduct or unwanted additives used in the formula at all, nor are there any artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives. However, you will find glucosamine which greatly helps to maintain joint health in your dog, as well as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which promote a shiny and healthy coat.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Nutro Ultra wet food comes in several different versions, with the small breed version being a great choice for any dog that is at least one year of age. The pate design is also very enjoyable for most small dogs, and it will be very easy for them to eat.
In terms of formulation, there is a strong focus on using all natural ingredients that still provide a well-balanced blend of nutrition, and it has ingredients that support healthy skin, coat, and immune system. What’s more, the product is exclusively made in US facilities to ensure impeccable quality.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s yet another option from the Nutro product line, which is also focused on providing a tasty meal for a small breed, but with a little extra luxury in the formulation.
The formula features premium cuts of meat in a tasty gravy that even the fussiest dog will appreciate, and it also uses real chicken with no use of byproduct meal or artificial flavorings and additives.
Ultimately, this means that it provides a complete basis of nutrition with plenty of nutrients and genuine flavor that any dog will love, and it also manages to provide several useful vitamins and minerals that support your dog’s skin and coat as well.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Finally, we have this interesting option made by Solid Gold, which uses a tasty blend of turkey and vegetables that come in a convenient cup that makes it easy to serve up as a meal or an enjoyable topper or mixer.
There’s no use of unwanted additives or poor quality ingredients, and it instead uses a balanced blend of wholesome vegetables which provide plenty of fiber to aid your dog’s suggestion.
Interestingly, many dogs find this formula incredibly tasty, especially if they tend to be very selective about their food. Ultimately, this can make the product very useful as side dish or topper to add to a standard kibble diet.
The Best Food For Chihuahua Puppies
If you’re caring for a Chihuahua puppy, then it’s a very good idea to invest in a quality puppy-specific formula that will give your puppy all of the key nutrition they’ll need in order to grow up into a healthy adult dog.
Fortunately, there are several excellent small breed puppy formulas available to purchase these days, so let’s take a look at a few of the best ones.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for dog food for a small breed puppy, then you can’t go wrong by selecting the Wellness Complete Health formula. Just like the standard Wellness blend, this product uses a quality range of ingredients without any unwanted additives or meat by-products, but it does use quality turkey, oatmeal, and salmon to give your dog plenty of adequate nutrition.
The small breed puppy version uses a smaller kibble size that makes much easier for a small breed to consume, and it also contains additional supplementation such as DHA which is needed for healthy brain and eye development.
Last update on 2023-05-23 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You certainly won’t be surprised to see an entry from Blue Buffalo in this section, and their small breed puppy formula is another top choice that generally lives up to the positive reviews it receives.
It relies on protein-rich deboned chicken as the main ingredient which any small breed dog is going to enjoy, and there is no use of byproduct meals or unwanted artificial additives, nor will you find any corn, wheat, soy.
As usual, the Blue Buffalo formula comes with their exclusive Life Source Bits, which is a useful way of adding key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are required by your dog stay strong and healthy.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Diamond Natural brand may be a lesser-known name on the market, but the small breed formula, in particular, is a very good option that comes at an affordable price and provides all of the key nutrition you’d expect from a quality brand.
The formula contains a range of superfood, probiotics, and antioxidants along with tasty chicken that will keep your dog interested in the blend.
Of course, it uses a smaller kibble size that makes it easier for a dog to eat and digest, and the use of select antioxidants such as blueberries, oranges, and spinach help to boost your dog’s immune system, while the range of fiber sourced from chia seed, pumpkin and dried kelp help to maintain your dog digestive system.
The Best Food For Senior Chihuahuas
The later stages of your Chihuahua’s life are another time when it’s important to get their nutrition right.
In fact, giving them an appropriate diet may help to combat or alleviate some of the issues your dog might have as they age, and it will also help to keep their calories in line, ensuring that they don’t gain too much excess weight in their old age.
Here’s an overview of the top senior small breed formulas currently available, all of which serve as great choices for your older Chihuahua.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Orijen brand makes a range of top quality products, and this senior version of their main formula is a good option for any dog who’s growing older.
Just as you’d expect, it uses a grain free formulation like most of the Orijen products do, and it uses a high-quality blend of natural and tasty ingredients that go a long way towards keeping your dog strong, happy, and healthy into their older years.
While the cost is a little more expensive than many alternatives, there’s no denying that it is a high-quality formula that uses only the best ingredients, and the company aims to formulate their products with fresh, regionally sourced ingredients in most cases.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Wellness Complete health formula is recommended in practically every category within this guide, and it is certainly a top-quality formula that should suit a small dog in many situations.
This particular small breed senior version comes with a few tweaks to the formula that make it better suited to older adults, particularly in regards to hip and joint health, weight maintenance, and digestive health. The formula focuses on using top quality natural ingredients without any use of meat by-products, soy, wheat, corn, or artificial additives and preservatives.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another top-quality formula from the Blue Buffalo brand, which uses the standard Life Protection formula with a few tweaks to make a better suited to senior dogs.
The formula relies on quality deboned chicken as the main ingredient, and this comes combined with wholesome whole grains along with garden vegetables and fruit to provide many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your dog needs to stay strong and healthy.
Of course, there are no artificial colorings, flavorings, or preservatives used in the blend, nor will you find any wheat, soy, or meat byproducts.
Last update on 2023-06-02 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last, but by no means least, we have this Nutro Ultra formula that’s specifically formulated with senior dogs in mind.
The small breed focus means it comes with a smaller kibble size that will keep your small Chihuahua happy, and uses a number of quality ingredients, with chicken being the primary one. Additionally, it uses a number of superfoods such as coconut, chia, and kale to provide additional antioxidants, and whole grains for a reliable source of energy.
Overall, this is another top-quality formula that uses the finest quality ingredients and gives you a complete and balanced meal that won’t let you down.
Nutritional Tips For Chihuahuas
As a small breed of dog, the Chihuahua requires some special consideration when it comes to maintaining a healthy nutritional environment. With this in mind, here are a few key tips you’ll need to keep in mind when you’re planning your Chihuahua’s diet.
Quality Protein Sources: In general, it’s best to pick a brand of dog food that provides top-quality protein as the main ingredient, hopefully in the form of real protein rather than meat by-products. With that said, it’s still okay to use meat ‘meal’ products as well. You’ll also need to ensure their diet provides them with adequate fat, carbohydrate, and fiber levels, too.
Complex Carbohydrates: Something else to look out for is complex carbohydrates rather than ‘simple carbs’ which don’t always provide the same level of blood sugar stabilization. A small Chihuahua can suffer from a range of energy and blood glucose-related problems due to their small size, so ensuring they receive a steady supply of energy from complex carbohydrates is beneficial.
Meal Frequency: Another key aspect of keeping a Chihuahua happy is making sure they eat several times a day in order to maintain their metabolism and avoid low blood sugar conditions such as hypoglycemia. In most cases, you can get away with feeding your Chihuahua twice a day, although many owners like to leave a bowl of kibble down for them, so they can always enjoy a small bite to eat when they need to. For puppies, this is even more important, with many experts advising 3 to 4 meals a day.
Small Breed Formulas: If possible, it’s usually best to purchase a ‘small breed’ formula for a Chihuahua, as this will ensure they obtain all of the important vitamins and minerals that a small dog requires for maintaining good health. It’s also worth noting that many of these small breed formulas are designed with smaller kibbles, and these tend to be much easier for your Chihuahua to eat.
