Chihuahua is a tiny dog breed, and all small dog breeds have specific individual requirements. Feeding Guide and raising a little dog is undoubtedly different from that of a large breed dog. Due to their fast metabolism, these dogs should be kept on a specific feeding regime. Proper feeding is equally essential for Chihuahua as any other aspect related to its raising. If you are also a Chihuahua owner looking for information on how to feed this small breed, you are at the right place:
It is essential to keep the dog’s blood sugar at normal levels, so you are advised to feed a little amount of food to your dog at small intervals. Some dog owners go with the cheap brands, which can cause your dog various diseases. The money you save by feeding cheap food to your dog will be spent on vet visits. Inappropriate feeding of the Chihuahua will result into:
- Fading of the coat color
- Tooth decay and other oral problems
- Canine diabetes
- Slow growth
- Various food-borne diseases
- Weakening of the immune system
Vet consultation is essential when selecting the pet food for your Chihuahua but don’t follow the advice of a vet who tells you to buy food from his own store/clinic. Avoid pet food that has a large amount (a significantly less amount is acceptable):
- Food dyes
- Filler products, such as corn and low-quality grains
- Preservatives
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Animal fat
- Corn gluten
- Wheat gluten
Feeding Guide for Chihuahua :
Meat should be the primary ingredient. It can be lamb meat, beef, chicken, or fish. Forty percent meat is what your dog requires for good health and proper growth. However, the amount of food you feed your dog depends on its age, activity, and metabolism.
Another essential feeding guide and element that should be considered in dog food is vegetables. Vegetables should be in your dog’s food to provide the dog with enough vitamins and minerals. A good balance between vegetables and meat will keep your dog healthy and hearty and strengthen his immune system. Healthy veggies such as peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, broccoli, and zucchini should be among the vegetable ingredients of quality dog food.
Meal frequency:
To keep the metabolism and digestive system of the dog in good form, you should focus on feeding the dog the same number of times daily. A dog younger than three months should be fed four times daily, and a dog between the ages of 3 to 6 months should be fed thrice a day. For an adult Chihuahua, ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality dry food should be fed twice daily. Also, don’t provide your dog access to food at all times of the day. Otherwise, he may become obese. Also, feeding your dog at the same place every day is advised to maintain consistency in feeding. Keep your dog isolated when eating because Chihuahua is a shy dog and may get distracted if someone else interrupts him.
Brand recommendations for Chihuahua:
How many calories?
- For a puppy less than 1-year-old and exercising daily, 50 calories (approximate) per pound of body weight are sufficient.
- For a Chihuahua between 1-7 years and exercising daily, 35-40 calories (approximate) per pound of body weight are sufficient.
- For a senior Chihuahua with an age above 8 and less activity level, 30 calories per pound of body weight are sufficient.
