How to Purchase Nutritious Chihuahua Food
What is the best dog food for Chihuahua? Everyone has what they look for when purchasing these foods. Here is a summary of factors worth looking into.
What Is the Appropriate Ration for Feeding My Chihuahua Puppy?
Despite their young age and size, the Chihuahua puppy grows rapidly. As such, extensive nutrients to sustain this growth and remain healthy. To understand the correct puppy ration, take note of its weight. However, from a general perspective, a healthy, active Chihuahua puppy should consume about fifty calories for each pound of its body weight. It is also important to note that your puppy’s food ration can also be determined through its age.
How Do I Achieve Economies of Scale on My Chihuahua’s Food?
Once sure of the correct puppy food quantity, determining how to achieve economies of scale becomes a simpler task. One way to do it is by mixing and switching to new foods that are affordable. However, this plan will require you to know to mix the rations. For example:
What is the Proper Ration for Feeding My Chihuahua?
Research has shown that the nutritional demand of an adult Сhihuahua is somewhere close to two hundred calories each day. The majority of small breed dog food being sold have about 300 to 500 calories for a cup. For an adult to achieve its nutritional requirements, it should consume about 35 to 40 calories for each pound of the dog’s body. Therefore, the average spend on an adult Chihuahua’s food is less than their puppies.
At What Frequency Should I Feed My Chihuahua?
The small size of Chihuahuas means that they are more vulnerable to conditions such as canine hypoglycemia if left hungry for long. In this regard, it is essential to maintain a regular and consistent feeding habit and schedule of your Chihuahua. According to research by breeders, a puppy Сhihuahua with an age of fewer than three months should be fed four times a day. Puppies between three to six months must be fed at least three times a day. However, for an adult, two times a day is appropriate.
Common Health Problem Associated with a Chihuahua?
Generally, Chihuahuas are among the healthiest dog breeds. Most of the diseases they are susceptible to are easily treatable, hence extending their life span. These illnesses include:
- Hypoglycemia: This is a low blood sugar condition associated with poor nutrition.
- Patellar luxation: It is a hereditary condition that causes kneecap dislocation
- Dental diseases: They are mainly gum and teeth diseases associated with poor dental hygiene and smallmouth.
- Trachea collapse: It is a predisposed medical condition that causes their trachea to weaken and collapse.
- Hydrocephalus: It is a condition caused by excessive buildup of cerebrospinal on its head.
How Do I Choose the Right Food for My Chihuahua?
Determining the correct dog food, including best wet dog food for Chihuahua, is dependent on understanding two things that matter. The first is the nutritional needs of any dog. Next is the dog’s specific needs, for example, its anatomy, health conditions, and growth stage. From there, assess the ingredient composition of the various food brands.
The Nutritious and Harmful Ingredients in Your Chihuahua’s Food- Best Dog Food for Chihuahua Mix
Chihuahuas have a smaller digestive system. Therefore, not every food is great for their alimentary canals. Let’s take a look at what ingredients can benefit or harm them.
Fruit, Vegetables and Whole Grains
They are fantastic sources of natural carbohydrates for your dog. They ensure the Chihuahua remains energetic, yet not overweight. Moreover, they provide it with fiber required to maintain its digestive track healthy.
Fiber
Vegetables and whole grains are good sources of fiber to your Chihuahua’s body. They help maintain the digestive metabolism of your dog healthy.
Meat
Animal meat is the most critical source of animal protein in your dog’s food. It helps facilitate a healthier growth of its muscles. Check for recipes with the meat that your Chihuahua loves and avoid food with animal meat by-products.
Foods to Keep Off When Feeding Your Chihuahua
As we have already established, the gastrointestinal tract of a Chihuahua is not a tough one. You can already tell by the pad smell of its stool. Therefore, avoid the following ingredients in its food to avoid more complications.
Chocolate
Avoid giving chocolates to your dog. For starters, it can poison their system. This causes health complications for them.
Onions
For starters, most dogs even hate the smell of onion. Others are very allergic to them. Veterinaries also advise that feeding your Chihuahua onions may cause anemia.
Caffeine
Even in humans, caffeine is considered a stimulant. The Chihuahua’s body/ system is not strong enough to handle such stimulants. Excess intake may cause your dog’s heart to race, which is not suitable for its health.
Bones
As I have already mentioned, Chihuahuas are very prone to teeth and gum diseases. Therefore, you do not want to be feeding them food that may cause more damage to them. On the other hand, bones can also damage the digestive tract.
Grapes
Grapes can be very harmful to your dog. The toxicity produced by this fruit can cause damages to its kidney and subsequent failure. Such vital illnesses can lead to its death.
Xylitol
Any artificial preservative or flavor is not advisable on your dog’s food. Specifically, Xylitol is toxic to a Chihuahua as it causes complications to its digestive tract. If consumed in large portions, it can cause medical conditions such as liver failure and hypoglycemia.
Alcohol
Naturally, you are not supposed to feed alcohol to your dog. In small amounts, alcohol toxicity can cause problems such as blood sugar drop, hypothermia, and vomiting. In extreme cases, it can cause conditions such as metabolic acidosis.
Final Thoughts on Best Dog Food for Chihuahua 2020
Chihuahua is enjoyable to be around and are a friendly breed of dog. As established in this article, another great feature about them is that they are not very prone to illnesses, and the adults consume minimal food.
Still wondering what is the best dog food for a Chihuahua? Based on my discussion, the Royal Canin is my top pick for the Сhihuahuas as it is a good fit even for the picky eaters. The brand also includes a category for puppy food and one of the best dog food for German Shepherd pups. However, if you are on a budget and looking for quality food, I would recommend going to Iams food for small dogs. What is your pick on the best diet for little Chihuahua? Which other ingredients do you avoid in your dog’s food?