In this article, we will discuss how much food a Chihuahua should eat. We will explain how much to feed a puppy, adult, and senior Chihuahua. We will also give you a few tips on how to make food irresistible for your dog.
How much food should a Chihuahua puppy eat?
Chihuahuas puppies are simply adorable, although very fragile due to their size. It is important to choose a diet that is specific for a small-breed dog, so the size of the kibble will be adapted to its mouth.
The puppies do not stop growing, so it is important that we weigh our little Chihuahua every month and adjust his daily ration. At general levels, puppy food contains more calories than adult dog food, so pay attention to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the food. This is an indicative table based on the months of life and weight of the dog:
| The Chihuahua’s age | The weight of the dog: 1 kg | The weight of the dog: 2 kg | The weight of the dog: 3 kg |
| 2 months | 23 gr. of food | 49 gr. of food | 65 gr. of food |
| 3 months | 32 gr | 54 gr | 75 gr. |
| 4 months | 33 gr | 56 gr | 80 gr |
| 5 months | 33 gr. | 55 gr | 80 gr. |
| 6 months | 28 gr. | 50 gr | 70 gr. |
| 7 months | 24 gr. | 45 gr | 65 gr |
| 8 months | 24 gr. | 40 gr. | 65 gr. |
Thus, a five-month-old and two-kilogram puppy should eat fifty-five grams of small breed puppy food a day. It is advisable to divide this amount between the three or four daily intakes that we give.
Each manufacturer uses its own recommendation table, do not forget to consult the table of your feed brand.
How much food does an adult Chihuahua eat?
The recommended amount of food for an adult Chihuahua dog is different from that of a puppy, because food for adult dogs does not contain at general levels so many calories and because adults are no longer growing, so they do not need as many nutrients.
Remembering that Chihuahuas are not dogs that we can exercise a lot due to their size, we find two options. Dogs with low physical activity, which barely leave the house and do not take walks, and dogs with normal physical activity, which take two or three walks a day.
This is the recommended amount of food for an adult Chihuahua based on the daily exercise he does:
| Level of activity of the dog | The weight of the dog: 1 kg | The weight of the dog: 2 kg | The weight of the dog: 3 kg | The weight of the dog: 3.5 kg |
| Low activity | 23 gr. | 40 gr. | 53 gr. | 60 gr. |
| Average activity | 27 gr. | 45 gr. | 60 gr. | 65 gr. |
Remember to check the table of recommended amounts of your dog food manufacturer, especially if you use light food.
Does an elderly Chihuahua eat the same portion as an adult?
Yes and no, elderly dogs can eat the same amount of food as an adult dog but we must change their adult dog food for one specific for older/elderly dogs.
This is because elderly dogs have little caloric burnout and the diet that is specially formulated for them contains fewer calories and more protectants for the joints and bones.
So we can respect the daily amount in grams that we gave him when he was an adult, but modify his diet from normal to “senior” or “old”.
How many times should a Chihuahua eat a day?
Each professional in the canine sector has its own criteria regarding the number of servings a Chihuahua should eat per day, but at general levels, these are the most recommended.
Chihuahua puppies: Between three and four meals a day (breakfast/lunch/snack/dinner)
Adult dogs: Three daily feedings (breakfast/lunch/dinner)
Elderly dogs: Two or three servings per day (breakfast/dinner)
Remember that if your dog must eat for example sixty grams of food a day and you are going to give him three feeds, you must divide the total between the feeds. So in each feeding, It would eat twenty grams of the food.
Always put fresh and clean water at your dog’s disposal, dog food tends to make you very thirsty and they need to drink several times throughout the day.
Aspects to take into account when feeding your Chihuahua
The feeding of a Chihuahua dog requires certain particularities due to its small size and its metabolism, however, we will always feed our pet based on its age.
During the first year of your Chihuahua’s life, being a puppy, it is vital to choose his diet well since it is very important for his development, health, and future growth.
The food you give to your little friend should be balanced and specifically designed to meet his needs. A well-designed food tailored to your puppy will keep him healthy and strong.
A Chihuahua’s diet should be based on carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, and healthy fats. It must be taken into account that Chihuahuas have a very small jaw, and food must adapt to it and its bite so as not to create injuries and harm themselves.
Nor do we forget the risk that these breeds have of suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), this will have to be taken into account when feeding your dog.
Tips for feeding your Chihuahua puppy
You can start giving them feed at approximately 22 days of age, it is even good to intersperse it with breast milk so that your dog can get used to the taste and texture.
Feed your Chihuahua dog four small portions or servings daily, at least for the first 3-4 months of life. You think that your stomach is very small and fills up quickly, so it is better that your food is well distributed.
Do not leave the feed so that your dog can eat at will, and do not make it worse for him from puppyhood to give him food from your leftovers, they are very special and meticulous and do not eat anything.
There are special feeds for Chihuahuas up to 8 months old, of various brands and they are very appropriate because:
- They take care of the state of their teeth, cleaning the plaque.
- They have an exquisite flavor.
- They adapt to your small and fragile jaw.
- They help develop a strong immune system.
- They improve digestion.
A puppy up to 7 months can ingest 35 grams to 110 grams per day, all this will vary according to its weight. A 2-month-old dog that weighs 2 kilos will eat about 55 grams of feed.
Tips for feeding your adult Chihuahua
After 8 months, the Chihuahua can already be considered an adult, and it is a good time to change to an appropriate feed for its current age. Also, within the different food ranges, there is a special feed for adults.
Here the needs when feeding a Chihuahua are especially to strengthen its muscles. And you are beginning to eat more food, at this time, the intakes can be three a day, and the amounts can range between 40 and 95 grams per day.
Don’t choose low-fat foods unless you are overweight, as they need a lot of energy and burn calories very easily.
Monitor your Chihuahua’s diet constantly, and above all, do not let him pick at the food that is not his own. If he is overweight, go immediately to your veterinarian to adjust his diet, because he will start to feel a lot of joint discomforts.
The best food for your Chihuahua
To ensure that their diet is adequate, it is essential that you choose a food for chihuahua dogs that contains the key nutrients to meet their needs at each stage of their life (puppy, adult, and senior). Also, consider the size of the kibbles in the food, which should be small enough for your Chihuahua to chew them easily.
We recommend the wide range of dog food developed by Purina ONE MINI, formulated to guarantee advanced nutrition adapted to the characteristics of your dog (calories and proteins), through a delicious mixture of small crunchy croquettes and tender bites, combining flavors and essential ingredients for you to enjoy a healthy life.
In parallel, it is convenient that you go to the vet from time to time to have your Chihuahua scanned in order to rule out problems related to obesity. This condition is very common in this breed and can lead to serious pathologies.
And above all, avoid providing leftovers from your food or other food for people.
The bottom line
In conclusion, we feel that it is necessary to mention that besides food, it is extremely important for your Chihuahua to drink water. Keep your dog’s bowl with fresh, clean water at all times. Remember to change the water at least twice a day, watch that there is no food remains or other waste, and wash the container every time you renew its contents.
Also, when you take your Chihuahua out for a walk, always carry with you a bottle of water and a container for the; remember to take breaks during the walk to hydrate it.
If you have any questions or comments on the content, do let us know!
FAQ on How much food should a Chihuahua eat?
What does it mean when a Chihuahua doesn’t eat?
When a Chihuahua doesn’t eat it means that they are nervous or stressed about something. They can also have a health issue, so it is better to consult a vet as soon as possible.
Why does my dog eat like he’s starving?
If your dog is eating like he’s starving it may mean that your dog is not able to absorb the nutrients in the food or digest it properly, so their appetite goes into overdrive.
Will a Chihuahua starve itself?
A Chihuahua would not starve itself, but it would eat less if it is stressed, ill, or doesn’t like the food! It is your responsibility as the owner to make sure that your pet is well-fed and hydrated.
How do you break a dog’s food obsession?
To break a dog’s food obsession you have to stop responding to food beginning and start to invest in its training. Distract the dog as often as possible when he is begging for food.
When should I worry about my dog not eating?
You should worry about your dog not eating if this behavior is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. A dog may refuse to eat for various reasons, either health issues or psychological issues (eg. a stressful environment).
References
Wagwalking.com
Pets.webmd.com
Petmd.com
