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!
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.
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Best Overall Dog Food for Chihuahuas
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Best Dry Dog Food for Chihuahuas
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Best Wet Dog Food for Chihuahuas
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The 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. Ollie Fresh Dog Food
About: The notoriously picky Chihuahua palate will likely be tickled pink with Ollie Fresh Dog Food, a meaty mixture of human-grade ingredients prepared using gentle cooking methods that heat the food to food-safe temperatures but don’t strip away flavor or appearance. This food is also customized to your Chihuahua’s unique needs, benefiting everything from allergy avoidance to weight management.
Features:
- All recipes are vet-formulated to ensure nutritional balance
- Available in Turkey, Chicken, Beef, Lamb, and Pork recipes
- Doesn’t include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Made in the United States with global, human-grade ingredients
Ingredients List
Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils, ...,
spinach, blueberries, kale, tricalcium phosphate, salt, salmon oil, taurine, zinc gluconate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulphate, copper amino acid chelate, manganese amino acid chelate, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), potassium iodide
Pros
- Human-grade ingredients offer the best of the best to your fur friend
- Taste gets a tail wag from even the pickiest of pooches
- Softer texture easy for pups to eat, including Chihuahuas with missing teeth
- Customized to your unique canine’s needs
Cons
- Fresh food like Ollie must be refrigerated
- On the pricier side, though not too steep for a pint-sized Chihuahua
2. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult Recipe
A small-dog recipe made with lean protein, antioxidants, and grains for nose-to-tail pupper health.
About: Blue Buffalo’s Small-Breed Adult 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. It’s available in chicken and lamb-based recipes.
Features:
- 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
- Includes glucosamine to support joint health
- Made in the USA
Ingredients List
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley...,
Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Pea Starch, Dried Tomato Pomace, Peas, Pea Protein, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca schidigera Extract, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Pros
- Small-breed recipe features kibblets tiny enough for Chihuahua jaws and nutrient-dense bites
- Loaded with pawesome extras like glucosamine and probiotics
- Grain-inclusive recipe fuels your doggo throughout the day
Cons
- Some dogs dislike Blue’s LifeSource Bits
- Mixed proteins can be a concern for pups with sensitivities
3. Merrick Lil’ Plates
Tasty, pre-portioned wet foods designed for small-breed doggos with real meat.
About: Tempt your Chihuahua to clear the bowl with Merrick Lil’ Plates, pre-portioned, smaller servings your pocket-sized pooch will crave. Real meat is the star ingredient, joined by nutrient-dense organ meat for more tongue-wagging taste and protein.
Features:
- Grain-free recipes keep your cutie running on complex carbs like potatoes
- Broth adds mouthwatering flavor and helps keep your pooch hydrated
- Available in 7 savory flavors, including Dainty Duck Medley, Itsy Bitsy Beef, and Petite Potpie
- Made in the United States with quality, global ingredients
Ingredients List
Deboned Duck, Duck Broth, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Deboned Chicken...,
Dried Egg Whites, Potato Starch, Potatoes, Carrots, Peas, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sunflower Oil, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Xanthan Gum.
Pros
- Soft texture easy for pups to eat — even though with missing dental drama
- Meaty flavor a favorite of fur kiddos
- Broth boost canine hydration and helps the food coat kibble, if necessary
Cons
- Grain-free food isn’t a good fit for every floof
- Mixed-meat recipes can lead to trouble if your pup has meat allergies
4. Fromm Small Breed Adult Gold
A high-quality kibble loaded with flavor and nutrition from real chicken, duck, and a bounty of vegetables.
About: Fromm manufacturers a number of premium dog foods, with Fromm Gold Small Breed a standout choice for many Chihuahuas. A bounty of fruits and vegetables offer natural fiber and nutrients, including eye-pleasing carrots and energizing sweet potatoes.
Features:
- Chicken is the first listed ingredient
- Contains salmon oil and menhaden fish meal to provide omega-3 fatty acids
- Duck and lamb included for additional protein content and flavor
- Made in the USA from USDA-inspected ingredients
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Broth, Oat Groats, Pearled Barley...,
Brown Rice, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chicken Fat, Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Whole Oats, Salmon Oil, Whole Barley, Cheese, Flaxseed, White Rice, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potatoes, Duck, Lamb, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Celery, Alfalfa Meal, Monosodium Phosphate, Salt, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamins, Minerals, Yucca schidigera Extract, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), DL-Methionine, L-Tryptophan, Sodium Selenite, Probiotics.
Pros
- Loaded with protein and antioxidant-rich vegetables
- Contains a mix of high-value carbohydrates, including whole barley and oats
- Excellent source of skin-friendly omega-3s
Cons
- Pricing is on the high side
- Mixed-protein recipe can cause trouble for Chihuahuas with sensitive systems
Want to know more? Check out our in-depth review of the entire Fromm product line!
5. Wellness CORE Grain Free Small Breed
A premium pup food formulated with nutritious, lean protein and fortified with probiotics to ensure proper digestion.
About: Wellness CORE Grain Free Dog Food is a reasonably priced, premium ingredient dog food, available in a special small-breed recipe catered to canines with grain allergies or intolerance. Its protein-rich recipe keeps your Chihuahua running strong with a blend of turkey and chicken meal, while lentils, peas, and potatoes serves as alternative carbohydrate sources of energy and fiber.
Features:
- Contains no soy, wheat, corn or artificial flavors, preservatives or colors
- Fortified omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed
- Bounty of produce offers natural antioxidants and nutrients
- Manufactured in the USA with international ingredients
Ingredients List
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas...,
Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Spearmint, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract
Pros
- Grain-free recipe ideal for doggos with vet-diagnosed grain allergies
- Pricing isn’t too bad
- Small kibble size easy to chew and calorically dense for petite pups like Chihuahuas
Cons
- Some pet parents prefer pea-free dog food
- Grain-free food isn’t a good fit for every floof
6. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management
A calorie-controlled kibble centered around lean protein, wholesome produce, and fiber.
About: Keep extra pounds from creeping on your Chihuahua’s delicate frame with Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management, a calorie-conscious kibble energizing your buddy with a mix of tasty lean proteins and hearty grains. Real fruits and vegetables like spinach and blueberries bolster immune health with antioxidants, plus provide a touch of tummy-pleasing fiber that’ll help keep bellies fuller for longer.
Features:
- Real chicken is the top ingredient, offering ample flavor and muscle-building protein
- Omega-3s from salmon and flaxseed nourish your pup’s skin and coat and fight inflammation
- Doesn’t include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives that may upset sensitive systems
- Made in the USA with global ingredients from trusted suppliers
Ingredients List
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Oatmeal...,
Lamb Meal, Brewers Rice, Salmon Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavors, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Flaxseed, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (Preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Whole Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, Dried Egg Product, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Kale, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Spinach, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Dried Carrots, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Manganous Oxide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract
Pros
- Several owners report woofer weight loss and improved energy after switching to this kibble
- Packed with nourishing fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s
- Most mutts go gaga for the taste — rare for a dog food for losing weight!
Cons
- Pricing is on the higher side
- Mixed-protein nature problematic for pups with dietary restrictions
7. PetPlate Fresh-Cooked Food for Dogs
Veterinary-designed recipes shipped in pre-portioned, microwavable containers for maximum convenience.
About: Serve your finicky floof a meal fit for a king with PetPlate Fresh-Cooked Food For Dogs, a fresh Fido fare prepared in a meat-mash texture even the pickiest pups want to gobble down. There are grain-free and grain-inclusive options, leaving options for most Chihuahua dietary needs.
Features:
- Offered in 5 proteins, including Lip Lickin’ Lamb, Lean & Mean Venison, and Barkin’ Beef
- Made with real vegetables you can see, offering flavor and natural nutrients
- Batch-tested to FDA guidelines to ensure safety
- Gently cooked in American, USDA-approved kitchens with human-grade ingredients
Ingredients List
Lamb, sweet potatoes, lamb liver, apples, quinoa...,
broccoli, vinegar, potato starch, dicalcium phosphate, safflower oil, salmon oil, salt, natural flavor, calcium carbonate, minerals (ferrous fumarate, magnesium oxide, copper amino acid complex, zinc oxide, potassium iodide, manganese amino acid complex, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, riboflavin [vitamin B2], thiamine mononitrate [vitamin B1], pyridoxine hydrochloride [vitamin B6]), mixed tocopherols (a preservative), potassium chloride, malt extract, taurine, choline bitartrate, l-threonine.
Pros
- Taste and texture win rave reviews from Rovers
- Assortment of proteins to choose from (including novel noms like venison!)
- Loaded with real fruits and vegetables for natural antioxidants, fiber, and more
Cons
- Pricier than everyday dog food
- Requires refrigeration
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).
US-made puppy kibble packed with protein, whole grains, and probiotics.
There are a number of acceptable puppy foods on the market, but the best food for Chihuahua puppies is probably Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Puppy recipe.
It has all of the traits that make Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Adult recipe such a good choice, except that it is dog food formulated specifically for small breed puppies.
You’ll want to switch your Chihuahua to an adult food around your pet’s first birthday.
Good Diets for Older Chihuahuas: What Should Senior Chihuahuas Eat?
You can feed a senior Chihuahua (“senior” dogs are generally defined as those who are about 7 to 8 years of age or older) a regular adult food.
However, there are a number of options for senior dogs that may help address some of the most common problems older dogs experience.
A dry food fashioned by experts to tackle senior health concerns like dry skin and joint stiffness.
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.
- Mix a little wet dog food in with your pup’s kibble. Try to select a high-quality wet food that provides all of the other benefits you’d look for in a good dry food. Hill’s Science Diet Small & Toy Breed Wet Food is a great choice, as is Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Grain Free Wet Dog Food.
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.
- 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.
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.
This includes the following breeds:
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.
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