Best Food for Your Chihuahua – A Feeding Guide

August 7th 2025

Small in stature, but huge in sass—you guessed it, Chihuahuas! These charming, feisty little companions pack an incredible amount of personality, bringing so much joy to their owners. Here are the key facts:

Size: Toy (1.5–3 kg)
Lifespan: 12–20 years
Energy level: Moderate (can have bursts of energy)
Common health concerns: Dental issues, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, heart problems
Known for: Personality, loyalty, portability, sassiness
Ideal diet: Small kibble, dental-friendly, heart-supportive, easily digestible

Chihuahuas are spirited, affectionate, and resilient little dogs. But their small size, delicate structure, and specific health predispositions mean they benefit from thoughtfully chosen nutrition. The right food can help maintain strong teeth, support healthy joints, manage blood sugar, and keep your tiny companion vibrant and happy.

How Much Food Should a Chihuahua Eat?

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with surprisingly varied energy levels, especially if they’re active or just plain zoomy. However, overfeeding them can be just as harmful as underfeeding, particularly when it comes to weight management and heart health.

A general rule of thumb for adult Chihuahuas is:

50–70 calories per kg of bodyweight per day
For example, a 2.5 kg dog would need roughly 125–175 calories per day

Quick Feeding Tips for Chihuahuas:

Feed two to three small meals a day: Due to their fast metabolism and predisposition to low blood sugar, smaller, more frequent meals are a great way of maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Prevent dental issues with appropriate kibble and oral hygiene: Chihuahuas are prone to dental disease. Opt for small kibble that encourages chewing, and regularly offer dental chews or brush their teeth to support oral health.
Avoid leaving food out all day: This can lead to overeating and weight gain, which is particularly detrimental to their small joints and overall health.
Always weigh or measure food precisely: Even a small excess can lead to weight gain in such tiny dogs. Use a kitchen scale or measuring spoons to portion out their food accurately.
Keep a close eye on their body shape: Their waist should be visible from above, but no ribs should be sticking out. This helps you adjust portions as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce portion size to compensate for treats: Treats add calories! Factor them into their daily intake to prevent overfeeding.

Common Chihuahua Health Problems and How Diet Plays a Part

Chihuahuas are prone to several health issues where diet can play a big role:

Dental Issues: Opt for small kibble and dental chews, and be sure to brush their teeth.
Patellar Luxation (also known as a ‘Trick Knee’): Support joints with high quality food that contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Ensure consistent mealtimes and a balanced diet with complex carbohydrates.
Heart Problems: Ensure your Chihuahua is getting plenty of heart-healthy nutrients like taurine and L-carnitine, and manage their sodium intake.
Obesity: Manage calories and opt for high-fibre meals. As hard as they may be to say not to – feeding them your scraps can actually do them more harm than good!

Can a Chihuahua Eat a Vegan Diet?

Yes, they absolutely can! Despite common misconceptions, dogs are omnivores, meaning their bodies are well-equipped to digest nutrients from both animal and plant sources. A properly balanced vegan diet can offer numerous benefits for Chihuahuas. From helping their skin and coats by cutting out common allergens, to improving their heart health by providing plant-based omega-3s and antioxidants, and aiding digestion thanks to vegan dog food’s naturally high fibre ingredients.

The Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas

The best food for your Chihuahua will depend on their specific sensitivities and energy needs. But generally, here’s what to look for:

Small kibble size for their dainty jaws, ensuring easy chewing and smooth digestion
Hypoallergenic and free from common allergens, helping to keep those delicate little tummies happy and balanced.
High in digestible protein to power them for walkies and maintain their compact muscles.
Enriched with joint and heart-supporting nutrients
Grain-free if they have sensitivities
Moist or easy to chew for older Chihuahuas or those with dental issues

Great Ingredients for Your Chihuahua

Instead of feeding them food stuffed with artificial preservatives, fillers, and low quality animal-based products, look for options that feature:

Ingredient	Why It’s Good for Your Chihuahua
Phytodroitin	An algae-based gem, Phytodroitin teams up with glucosamine to promote joint health and mobility, both of which are absolutely vital for tiny breeds like Chihuahuas, who are often prone to knee problems.
Pumpkin	Packed with plenty of fibre and vitamins A, C, and E, Pumpkin helps support their often-sensitive little stomachs, as well as their immune systems.
Sweet Potato	Bursting with vitamins A, C, and B6, and another fiber ingredient, Sweet Potato offers fantastic support for your Chihuahua’s immune system, eye health and digestive tract.
Chia Seeds	These tiny powerhouses soak up water, helping keep Chihuahua small systems hydrated, even when they don’t feel like drinking much!
Hemp	A potent natural anti-inflammatory, hemp is incredibly beneficial in soothing inflammation, particularly in the joints, which is a common concern for Chihuahuas.
Papaya	Thanks to papain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory effects, Papaya is especially helpful for these tiny breeds, often easing joint discomfort and supporting healthy digestion.
Moringa	With its notable anti-inflammatory properties, Moringa can bring relief to Chihuahuas prone to joint aches and perk up their energy levels!
Quinoa	This nutrient-dense grain (or seed!) is loaded with protein, fibre, and vitamins, and is also low in fat – perfect for little dogs with big appetites!
Coconut	Containing lauric acid, Coconut can help fight off infections and keep your Chihuahua’s coat and skin nice and healthy.

Which HOWND Food and Treats Are Best for Your Chihuahua?

All HOWND dog food and treats are suitable for Chihuahuas, but these are our top picks for this breed:

Chihuahua Feeding Tips

Transition to new foods slowly over 5–7 days.
Keep fresh water available at all times.
Feed two to three small meals a day for better blood sugar balance and digestion.
Use small, shallow bowls that are comfortable for their tiny faces.
Monitor stool consistency and body condition regularly.

Thoughts from HOWND’s Pet Nutritionist

“Chihuahuas are highly spirited and can have sensitive systems, meaning they need strategic nutrition. Our plant-powered meals are complete, balanced, and packed with nutrients to help them thrive—especially when they’re prone to allergies, dental issues, or joint stiffness. The smaller kibble size is also ideal for their tiny mouths.”

Wrapping It Up

Choosing a thoughtfully crafted plant-based diet can truly transform your Chihuahua’s health and wellbeing. Prioritise meals with simple, wholesome ingredients, practice mindful portion control, and offer just the right amount of occasional, healthy treats to help them live their best little sassy lives!