Chihuahuas have been winning the hearts of dog lovers for decades and with that comes more pet parents asking; what is the best dog food for my Chihuahua? On NolongerWild, we are going to cover some facts about what a Chihuahua needs in a diet and the best foods that will meet those demands.
Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas at a Glance
Why Do Chihuahuas Need "Special" Food?
Even though Chihuahuas are small dogs, they can burn calories very quickly, for this reason, your pooch will need a different diet than their bigger dog counterparts. This breed is also built to digest protein so you will want your choice of dog food to have at least 25% lean protein.
To help you gauge your Chihuahua's diet it is helpful to know that the average 5 pound Chihuahua, with a moderate activity level, will need approximately 200 to 250 calories per day. Of course, not all Chihuahua's weight 5 pounds, so as a general rule-of-paw, this breed needs about 40 to 50 calories per every pound of body weight to help him metabolize and sustain his energy levels throughout the day.
What Chihuahuas Need for a Healthy Diet
Every pet parent should strive to give their Chihuahua (or any pet) the best diet possible. When it comes to these small breeds, there are some very specific ingredients to look for in the best dog food for Chihuahuas. These include:
The Effects of a Poor Diet
Like any other canine, Chihuahuas can experience health issues due to a poor diet. These can include a rough coat that sheds a lot, a weakened immune system, dental issues and even obesity. In addition, Chihuahuas are prone to diabetes or more specifically hypoglycemia. This is a condition that makes your dog's blood sugar levels drop. Providing your Chihuahua with the best possible diet will help you avoid these unpleasant conditions in your pet.
References:
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/what-is-the-best-puppy-food-for-a-chihuahua/723
https://herepup.com/best-dog-food-for-chihuahuas/
Conclusion to the Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua's high energy levels and the need for a good quality protein make finding the best dog food for your small pal vital to having a healthy pet. Try out one of our top picks to see the difference a good quality kibble can make in your dog's life.