Basic Feeding Guide For Your Chihuahua Puppy

Chihuahua is a tiny dog breed, and all the small dog breeds have specific individual requirements. Feeding and raising a tiny dog is certainly different from that of a large breed dog. Due to their fast metabolism, these dogs should be kept on a specific feeding regime. Right feeding is equally important 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 important to keep the blood sugar of the dog at normal levels, so you are advised to feed 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 in 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 immune system

Vet consultation is indeed important when selecting the pet food for your Chihuahua but don’t go with the advice of a vet who tells you to buy food from his own store/clinic. Avoid the pet food which has a large amount of (a very 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

What to look for in the best Chihuahua food:

Meat should be the primary ingredient. It can be lamb meat, beef, chicken or fish. 40 percent meat is what your dog requires for a good health and proper growth.  However, the amount of food which you are feeding to your dog depends on its age, activity and metabolism.

Another most important element which should be looked in dog food is vegetables. Vegetables should be in your dog food for providing the dog enough vitamins and minerals. A good balance between vegetables and meat will keep your dog hale and hearty and will strengthen his immune system.  Healthy veggies such as peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, broccoli, and zuchinni should be among vegetable ingredients of quality dog food.

Meal frequency:

To keep the metabolism and digestive system of the dog in a good form, you should focus on feeding the dog 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 too ½ cup of dry high quality food should be fed twice a day. Also, don’t provide your dog access to food for all time of the day, otherwise he may become obese. Also, it is advised to feed your dog at the same place every day for maintaining consistency in feeding. Keep your dog isolated when he is eating because Chihuahua is a shy dog and may get distracted if someone else interrupts him.

Brand recommendations for Chihuahua:

• Pedigree
• Royal Canin
• Eukanuba
• Purina Pro Plan
• Science Diet

How much 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 age above 8 and less activity level, 30 calories per pound of body weight are sufficient.