Chihuahuas as a delicate toy breed require a wide range of certain nutrients to keep their body functioning at optimal levels, so it is very important to ensure your pet is having a very good diet, so knowing what do Chihuahuas like to eat takes you a step further into giving your Chi the best foods while at same time avoiding some types of food that might cause them harm.
What do Chihuahuas like to eat? Each dog has its own special diet. It depends on the breed, weight, health and even physical activity. All these factors change the amounts, types and portions of their nutrition. Chihuahuas in general are notorious for being fussy eaters so you need to approach this carefully. Not all foods are treated equally when it comes to what a Chihuahua likes to eat.
Keeping track of which foods to avoid and which to encourage your dog to eat can be time consuming with the due diligence it requires. That is why on Chihuahuas Land we compiled for you a list of the majority of foods to avoid and the ones you can give your Chihuahua without worrying about.
Why is my Chihuahua a picky eater?
This is one of the most common eating issues that dogs in general and Chihuahuas in particular may suffer from. it may include:
- Your Chi only appears to like the food for a brief period of time before deciding it doesn’t enjoy it.
- Having to monitor or offer encouragement for a dog to eat sufficiently.
- Just eat one food (i.e., chicken with no other added ingredients), which is marginally unhealthy.
- Outright rejection of eating a certain food. It is vital to keep in mind that dogs have taste buds and can prefer good tastes and dislike bad tastes.
Note that to a certain degree, your dog is entitled to make it obvious what he likes and doesn’t like. Some dogs love a fish based recipe, others prefer lamb and others enjoy the classic chicken flavor. Also, this is about a dog’s hard-headedness, not health related concerns such as vomiting or getting ill because of food.
That said, a dog will be as picky as you permit him to be. You may feel that your dog is an exemption to this rule. Not so much. Dogs will be fussy to the extent that owners allow them to be.
However, as long as you give in, this issue won’t and can’t be resolved. If you don’t want your dog to be fussy any longer, you must gather the willpower to hold your ground.
But, since the Chihuahua can easily develop hypoglycemia from not eating, you will need to carefully monitor things as you work not to give in to stubborn behavior. Therefore, first ensure that you are offering superior, high-quality kibbles and that your dog is not allergic to any of the ingredients.
Then, pick one or more of the following approaches to make the food of your choice more appealing:
- Add a dash of liquid fish oil, ideally wild salmon oil. Stir this in nicely.
- Sprinkle a bit of low-sodium chicken or beef broth over the meal. Mix this together very well.
- Heat the food in the microwave; just make sure you don’t overheat it. Finally, put the food in the bowl and move away. Don’t stand over your dog to see what he does; it should give the impression that the food that was being offered is not up for further debate.
It may take some time before your dog believes you are serious. Surely, if he holds out long enough, you will give in and offer him a different food, hand feed him, or take other similar approaches.
It’s not always about what do Chihuahuas like to eat. for a dog; eating is primal survival; it’s one of the most powerful instincts a dog has. If you remain resolute, your Chi should eventually eat. If your Chihuahua still hasn’t taken a bite in an hour, remove the bowl for 20 minutes. Afterwards, put it back in. If needed, as each hour passes, you repeat this.
You may want to check out our article on How Much To Feed A Chihuahua, which covers in full the extent of Chihuahua feeding points.
Foods Your Chihuahua Shouldn’t Eat
There are hundreds of different brands and recipes available for dog food. Yet a large percentage of them are gravely deficient in a various number of ways. Many of the ones you see piled up in supermarkets or pet supply stores are the primary culprits.
Lower quality dog food can cause a number of troubling issues involving immediate allergic reactions and long-term health impacts. It is critical to understand what can be in dog food and how this can affect your pet.
Knowing what do Chihuahuas like to eat is as important as knowing what they should not eat.
Below you will find a compiled list of foods you must 100% avoid giving to your Chihuahua.
Synthetic preservatives and artificial coloring.
Chemical preservatives are added to protect protein foods in low enough amounts; they count as an “incidental additive” and you won’t see it on the label. These artificial preservatives can make a dog sick, cause terrible allergic reactions and cause health problems down the road, including cancer.
Artificial flavoring
Artificial flavoring. MSG (monosodium glutamate). Numerous animal studies have proven this to be toxic to the liver, brain, thymus, and kidney. This can cause severe allergic reactions including itching and rash, but also heart palpitations and moodiness. Look out for soy extracts and soy concentrate; these contain MSG.
Xylitol
Any food sweetened with xylitol (most often found in sugarless candy & chewing gum), chocolate, coffee (both the grounds and the beans), grapes, raisins, the core of most fruits, any beverage with caffeine, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic (only in large quantities), certain moldy walnuts, leaves and stems from the tomato-plant, and raw potatoes.
By-Products
These shall be branded as ‘chicken by-product’, ‘beef by-product’, etc. These are rendered parts of animals that are deemed unfit for human consumption and may include lungs, brain, bones, intestines, stomach, spleen, liver, and kidneys. and under-developed eggs. Many labels put this in dog food as it is far cheaper than human grade meats.
Generic meat
A shocking but true, and entirely lawful, process of supplementing meat and body parts from roadkill and zoo animals that have died. generic meats also include cats, dogs and other animals that have been euthanized.
Some states mandate that only livestock and fish may eat processed meat from dead pets; however, it is common for some companies to evade this law by marketing out-of-state. Spoiled meat from butcher shops, restaurants and supermarkets is also included.
The list of foods that are harmful to your Chihuahua also includes:
• Any sort of human medication or supplement
• Alcohol
• Avocado: they contain persin, this is toxic to Chihuahuas. The entire avocado contains this fungicidal toxin, so it is out of reach of your Chihuahua.
• Caffeine: any food/drink with caffeine
• Cherries
• Lemons
• Chocolate: Chocolate is generally not recommended for dogs in general and is very bad for Chihuahuas in particular.
• Garlic: a bit of garlic powder is not toxic; pieces of garlic are
• Grapes: extremely toxic and can be fatal
• Grapefruit
• Mushrooms: not all types; but it is better to be safe than sorry
• Onions
• Potatoes: when raw or green
• Raisins: like grapes can be fatal if eaten
• Rhubarb
• Bones: bones can splinter and cause obstructions.
• Seeds or core of any fruit
• Tomato leaves, stems, and any other part of the plant, but not tomatoes themselves
• Soy: Soy can induce allergic reactions; this can be listed as soybeans, soybeans and soy flour.
• Junk food: Junk food spoils your dog’s appetite for real food and aggravates its small system.
Implications of These Ingredients on Your Chihuahua’s Health
A small dog, such as a Chihuahua, must have a food that is as natural as can be. there is a lengthy list of potential symptoms of allergies to food ingredients
However, keep in mind that your dog may experience just one of these, which would warrant a reason to change foods. Symptoms may include:
Allergies
• Itching (may be exhibited as chewing and/or licking of paws, or scratching).
• Rash
• Hot spots
• Irritated skin
• Crusting
• Poor coat texture
• Wheezing
• Irritated eyes
• Watery eyes
• Recurrent ear infections
• Digestive problems (flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting).
Malnourishment
Basic nutrients will be lacking in your pet’s body. Over the short term, this can cause decreased energy levels, lower muscle tone, and behaviors that may manifest as eating grass and/or feces. In the long term, it leads to health problems.
Health problems
This ranges from a compromised immune system, weight problems, dental hygiene issues to organ damage and cancer.
What Food Can You Feed a Chihuahua
Now that you know what to foods to avoid and the consequences of those ingredients, let’s take a look at what do Chihuahuas like to eat and what you’ll want in your puppy or dog’s food
What to look for:
Feeding a Chihuahua either brand name food or homemade food is a personal choice. Regardless, you will want to make sure your dog is getting a well-balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, as well as healthy fats.
Which brand? Whichever brand you pick, make sure it’s a quality dog food. The first key ingredient on the package should be a high quality protein source, such as beef, chicken or mutton. If the first ingredient listed is corn or wheat, look elsewhere
Wet or dry? Dry food in kibble form is probably a better choice than the commercial wet variety, as it helps keep teeth clean by preventing plaque buildup.
Homemade food. This is a good option for any dog, as long as it is balanced and made with fresh ingredients. It’s not as difficult or time-consuming as it might seem. It should include plenty of protein and healthy fats. Do a little research to make sure you incorporate all the necessary ingredients and avoid allergens such as soy, corn and wheat.
Ingredients to select from would include:
40% meat/fish: this should include white meat chicken or turkey (boneless, without skin, baked or broiled), fat-free lean beef, fish (mackerel, whitefish, salmon, herring, pike-perch, flounder), lamb, bison and/or pork (shouldn’t be the main protein, but may be mixed in with meals). Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans and kidney beans (must be cooked).
25% vegetables: this includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans and butternut squash. You can also offer kale, cauliflower and broccoli (in moderation as these foods can cause gas). Pumpkin in moderation is fine, but is usually reserved to help relieve stomach problems. dogs can eat tomatoes; however, this is usually used as an ingredient in blended meals, to enhance flavor.
25% carbohydrate: this may include oatmeal (plain), white or brown rice (if not intolerant), potato and/or sweet potato.
10% fruit: this includes blueberries, raspberries (both are low in calories, rich in antioxidants and packed in water), strawberries, banana, mango, pear and apple (cored and seedless). Canines can also consume watermelon and oranges in restraint.
Additional extras: this may include cottage cheese, whole white yogurt and/or eggs (most dogs do better with scrambled eggs than with boiled eggs).
All foods must be mixed well and served while still warm. Be sure to place food in airtight containers when refrigerating extras.
Conclusion On What Do Chihuahuas Like To Eat
Due to their vulnerable stomachs, Chihuahuas should not be allowed to eat everything. As their owner, it’s your solemnly sworn duty to care for them and ensure they have the right types of food that they need and that their body can tolerate.
Whatever you choose for core meals, snacks and training treats, and the aspect of filtered vs. unfiltered water, has a major and direct impact on your dog’s health – both now and in the future.
When it comes to what do Chihuahuas like to eat, the answer is not about quantity its mostly about quality. As per their small size, Chihuahuas require a special diet and don’t need to consume large portions like some other dog breeds.
