CHIHUAHUA: DIET

Chihuahuas are small dogs with very specific dietary needs, both in terms of the composition and size of their food and the frequency of their meals. Adapting your Chihuahua’s diet to their needs is one of the best ways to ensure that your little dog stays in good shape throughout their life.

Chihuahua Dietary Needs

These are lively, energetic dogs. Your Chihuahua’s diet needs to take into account their age and lifestyle, but also their physical characteristics and predisposition to certain health problems:

• This little dog frequently suffers from dental problems. The narrowness of their jaw makes for very fragile teeth. A medicated diet can promote good dental hygiene in dogs.

• Chihuahuas are prone to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycaemic attacks can have multiple causes, in particular, a low caloric intake. As such, your Chihuahua’s diet needs to be sufficiently rich and balanced.

• Certain health problems, such as joint disorders, can be partly prevented or relieved by a suitable diet which provides your dog with nutrients beneficial to the good health of their joints.

What Type of Food Should I Give My Chihuahua?

Your Chihuahua’s diet needs to be of high quality in order to provide this little dog with sufficient animal proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids: in short, everything necessary to strengthen your Chihuahua's health! Their diet should also be adapted to their body type and nutritional requirements:

• The perfect size for their narrow jaw: We recommend that you favour small-sized dog food that your pooch can easily fit in their mouth and chew properly. This helps to ensure that they can fully digest each meal.

• A healthy, balanced recipe: It's important that your Chihuahua’s diet provides them with the caloric intake they need. It needs to be comprehensive and contain all the necessary elements, for example, an ideal protein level of at least 25%.

• Satisfies their discerning palate: Without being picky, Chihuahuas are quite sensitive to taste; scent and flavour are very important. Some owners have no problem changing brands to ensure meals remain a pleasurable moment for their pooch.

What Food Supplements Should I Give My Chihuahua?

It is, of course, possible to give your Chihuahua certain dietary supplements. Whether you plan to use them occasionally or regularly, it's best to follow the advice of your vet: they'll be able to tell you which food supplements to use and the correct dosage.

• Prebiotics and probiotics are good for taking care of your dog’s intestinal flora and promoting good digestion. These can be easily mixed with their food.

• For their fragile joints, collagen peptides are known to promote tissue elasticity. Omega-3 fatty acids are also very good for recovery and regeneration.

• Before or during winter, vitamin C helps boost their immune system, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties.

How Often Should I Feed My Chihuahua?

The frequency of your Chihuahua’s meals will depend on their age: pups between 2 and 4 months old will need 3 meals a day; between 5 and 8 months old, 2 meals per day will suffice; and, when your dog reaches the age of 9 months, they can be satisfied with a single meal, provided they can self-regulate it. The amount of food you give your Chihuahua should depend directly on its composition; take the time to calculate it properly to prevent any weight gain.