Chihuahuas might be tiny, but they’re not to be underestimated. Highly energetic, intelligent and playful, Chihuahuas, like other Toy breed puppers, have smaller stomachs and therefore faster metabolism, necessitating more frequent meal-times and more energy- and nutrient-rich, fat-containing food than you’d be feeding larger breed dogs. Like other Toy breeds, if a Chihuahua’s nutrition is not moderated properly, he or she may develop a case of hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar, which could devolve into cases of lethargy, fainting, seizures or other alarming health conditions.
One way of avoiding this predicament is keeping treats like honey or Karo syrup handy, to correct falling sugar levels before they can become serious; another is to pick the right dog food for your pup, with the appropriate degrees of nourishment, particularly in terms of low-glycemic carbs, to keep your Chihuahua’s blood sugar steady. You need to keep in mind not just the characteristics of the breed but also factors like life-stage, the ratio of proteins and fats a pup will need compared to an adult Chihuahua (some brands can be used for all life stages by adjusting portions whilst others are for specific life stages). Picking the right dog food can ensure the highest quality protein, fats, fibers, vitamins and minerals are incorporated in the right degrees into your Chihuahua’s diet. Stumped on where to start? Take a look at our top picks.
KEN’S PICK
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food With Roasted Bison And Roasted Venison
With the energy needs of your hyperactive Chihuahua, one of the most important nutrients we’re looking for in their diets is protein – more specifically, high quality animal protein. Dogs are genetically not built to handle large quantities of plant protein – while the fibers, vitamins and minerals from some plant matter is beneficial, plant proteins don’t provide the essential amino acids a dog, large or small, needs. Thankfully, this brand does not skimp on either quality or quantity. Composed of rich animal protein with venison, lamb meal, eggs, duck meat and fish (crude protein makes up a good 32% of the guaranteed analysis), as well as crude fats (18% minimum of the guaranteed analysis), this dog food option is an excellent energy and nutrient source for small breed dogs. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids ensure the healthy development of your pup’s brain and cognitive functions, strengthen their immune system and keep their coats and skin healthy. Pre and probiotics ensure your Chihuahua’s digestive tract works smoothly and without strain, promoting healthy body functioning, while a handful of healthy plant-derived nutrients from ingredients like antioxidant-rich tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries round up each meal with the right dollops of nourishment. The small kibble size suited to Toy breeds is also great for Chihuahuas, who generally tend to experience dental issues because of their cramped-in teeth and small mouths with bigger bite portions.
KEN’S BUDGET PICK
Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Life Protection Formula (Toy Breed Adult)
Packed with the rich protein goodness of deboned chicken and chicken meal, this formula is specifically crafted by pet nutritionists and vets to strike the right balance of antioxidants, vitamins and chelated minerals your little furry friend needs to thrive – the trademark LifeSource Bits incorporated in the food are formulated to retain all their nutritional goodness to deliver right up into your dog’s bowl at dinnertime. The combination of protein-rich chicken and the wholesome goodness of easily digestible and energy-generating brown rice helps void the likelihood of hypoglycaemia, enabling your pet to live a healthy and active lifestyle while growing strong. The fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 ensure your dog’s brain and eyes develop properly, keeping his or her coat sleek and skin healthy, as well as working together with the goodness of the LifeSource Bits to strengthen immune systems and fight off disease. Bite-size kibbles are specifically structured not only to be chomp-friendly for small mouths, but also to help remove plaque and tartar off your dog’s teeth, to ward off the possibility of dental issues.
RUNNER-UP
Natural Balance Original Ultra Chicken & Barley | Small-Breed Bites Dry Dog Food
A combination of chicken, chicken meal and barley make this an excellent source of protein, the guaranteed analysis clocking the proportion of crude protein at a healthy 23%, while crude fats follow at 13%. Fats in the form of chicken fat and EPA and DHA containing fish oil, with the essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6, all work together to strengthen your pup’s immune system, give their coats a healthy sheen, keep their skin resilient and promote healthy brain development and activity. Meanwhile, chelated minerals and vitamins help to strengthen your pup’s bones, muscles and teeth, particularly the calcium and phosphorus working against the dental issues typical of the Chihuahua breed. The bite-size kibbles are also engineered not only to be friendly to the smaller mouths of Toy breed dogs, but also to help clean out the plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth.
RUNNER-UP
Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Natural Dry Dog Food (Toy Breed)
If your pup is allergic to grain, this is a brilliant option to go for. Grain-free, the freeze-dried, raw chicken and duck meat as well as turkey and herring meal make for a high quality and rich protein profile of 37% so your pup can grow lean, strong and tough as well as derive the optimum amounts of energy, while a 16% fat profile is also good news for Chihuahuas and other Toy breed dogs with swift metabolism. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids work with a wealth of chelated minerals, vitamins and fibers to make sure your dog is healthy inside and out, calcium and phosphorus making for strong teeth and bones while glucosamine and chondroitin give your dogs the right joint and bone support to avoid musculoskeletal deficiencies. Without filler grains like wheat, which offer little nutritional value, this nutrient-rich food is perfect to keep your Chihuahua well nourished.