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Best Dog Food For Chihuahua – 7 Top Chihuahua Foods

Many people love Chihuahuas, and you might be one of them, just like me! Despite their size, they have prominent personalities and can be pretty feisty!

Because of this, it’s important to give your Chihuahua a healthy diet so they can live a happy and healthy life.

What kind of food should you feed them, and what are the things to avoid?

In this article, we will examine what to look for in Chihuahua dog food and the best food for a Chihuahua.

Table Of Contents

Best Dog Food For Chihuahua: Top 3 Picks!

Preview
Best Overall
ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Fresh or Raw Ingredients, 4.5lb
Runner-up
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Supports High Energy Needs, Made with Natural Ingredients, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, 15-lb Bag
Best Value
IAMS Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag
Key Features
Made with 85% of the highest quality animal ingredients, including fish and poultry, The first five ingredients are fresh or from animal protein
Made with no by-products or artificial flavors, Formulated with the right blend of protein and carbohydrates
High in protein to get your pup's metabolism up and moving, Balanced nutrition for healthy weight management without obesity
Pros
Made with high-quality ingredients, All-natural - doesn't contain any additives, hormones, or antibiotics
The fiber in oatmeal can help with digestion, Probiotics that balance your pup's gut health
Small kibble size - perfect for your tiny pup, Contains protein and healthy fats to support muscle growth
Cons
Price is higher than some brands
The first ingredient is chicken, which some dogs may be allergic to
Contains chicken meal animal-by product
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Best Overall
Preview
ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Fresh or Raw Ingredients, 4.5lb
Key Features
Made with 85% of the highest quality animal ingredients, including fish and poultry, The first five ingredients are fresh or from animal protein
Pros
Made with high-quality ingredients, All-natural - doesn't contain any additives, hormones, or antibiotics
Cons
Price is higher than some brands
Prime
Amazon Prime
Check Price
Runner-up
Preview
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Supports High Energy Needs, Made with Natural Ingredients, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, 15-lb Bag
Key Features
Made with no by-products or artificial flavors, Formulated with the right blend of protein and carbohydrates
Pros
The fiber in oatmeal can help with digestion, Probiotics that balance your pup's gut health
Cons
The first ingredient is chicken, which some dogs may be allergic to
Prime
Amazon Prime
Check Price
Best Value
Preview
IAMS Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag
Key Features
High in protein to get your pup's metabolism up and moving, Balanced nutrition for healthy weight management without obesity
Pros
Small kibble size - perfect for your tiny pup, Contains protein and healthy fats to support muscle growth
Cons
Contains chicken meal animal-by product
Prime
Amazon Prime
Check Price

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Things To Look For In Chihuahua Dog Food – Buyer’s Guide

Ingredients  

When looking at Chihuahua food, the first thing to check is the ingredients list. You want to look for great protein sources like meat, fish, or poultry and avoid artificial flavors and colors.

Other good options are oatmeal, barley, brown rice, or sweet potatoes.

Also, if it has fillers like cornstarch or brewer’s rice, I would stay away from those because they can lead to obesity and diabetes in your pup.

Calories

The second thing to check is the calories per cup. Chihuahuas are tiny dogs and need very few calories, around 200 per day on average. If you notice other food options having 300 or more, be careful buying them.

If they eat too many calories without enough exercise, they can gain weight quickly.

Fiber

The third thing to look for in Chihuahua dog food is fiber, which will help with their digestion.

Fiber options are beet pulp, apples, carrots, or broccoli.

Chihuahuas tend to be picky eaters, so they may not always go for fiber-rich foods. 

However, fiber gives them more energy and can help with weight management.

Meat

Finally, Chihuahuas need to eat high-quality meat proteins. They are small dogs, so they cannot eat too much protein because it can cause urinary tract problems and obesity.

You can look for options like chicken, lamb, or salmon. These will ensure your pup is getting the protein it needs to stay healthy.

Food Rich In Fatty Acids

These are also necessary for Chihuahuas, especially if they have skin problems.

For example, fish oil has been shown to decrease the signs of dry skin as well as reduce inflammation.

Another possibility is flaxseed oil. It’s easier to get your pup to eat it because it has a milder flavor than fish oils.

Fatty acids are important for Chihuahuas because they help with brain, skin, and joint health.

Read More: Read on as we give you a run-down on the benefits of elevated dog bowls.

Best Food For Chihuahua – Top 7 Foods In 2021

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Review

Blue Buffalo is known for its high-quality dog foods, and this formula is no exception.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

It’s made with nutritious ingredients, such as oatmeal and chicken. This choice is fortified with probiotics, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, and high-quality protein.

Other ingredients include oatmeal, deboned chicken, brown rice, Omega 3 fatty acids.

It is a good, healthy option for Chihuahuas, especially if you have a puppy with dry skin issues.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula – Best Features

  • Made with natural ingredients, minerals, and vitamins
  • Made with no by-products or artificial flavors
  • Formulated with the right blend of protein and carbohydrates 
  • Contains real meat (chicken) as the first ingredient
  • Kibble size – made with small dogs in mind
Sale
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Supports High Energy Needs, Made with Natural Ingredients, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, 15-lb Bag
  • REAL CHICKEN FIRST: This Blue Buffalo dog food is made with real, high-quality chicken as the first ingredient
  • NUTRITION FOR ADULT SMALL BREED DOGS: BLUE Life Protection Formula small breed dry dog food has increased levels of protein...
  • IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: This natural dog food features exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • The fiber in oatmeal can help with digestion
  • Probiotics that balance your pup’s gut health
  • Antioxidants that boost immunity
  • Vitamins that promote skin health
  • Good, natural choice with no by-products, corn, or soy
  • Keep your pet active and looking good

Cons

  • The first ingredient is chicken, which some dogs may be allergic to

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Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food Review

This formula contains a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals that will help your dog develop strong bones and teeth. Chihuahuas can live up to 15 years if they are fed healthy, and this food certainly provides healthy nutrition.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food

This is a chicken flavor and barley recipe where you get all the protein from high-quality sources that are essential for small breeds such as the Chihuahua.

All ingredients are natural, and there are no artificial additives or fillers.

This food is recommended by veterinarians and specifically designed to meet the needs of Chihuahua puppies.

Ingredients include: chicken and pork meal, whole grain corn, flaxseed, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin E supplement, cranberries, and peas.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food – Best Features

  • High in quality protein – helps build lean muscle
  • Contains fish oil – for healthy brain development
  • Made with natural ingredients such as chicken, flaxseed, peas.
  • Made in the USA
  • Contains natural minerals to support strong bones
  • Recommended by vets
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Small Bites, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe, 15.5 lb. Bag
  • This dry puppy food supports the developmental needs of puppies in a small kibble and delicious chicken flavor
  • This dry food for small breed puppies provides DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development
  • Provides your growing little dog with high quality protein for building lean muscle

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Small kibble size – perfect for your tiny pup
  • Provides DHA from fish oil for healthy brain and eye development
  • Promotes a healthy and strong immune system
  • Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin health, and shiny coat
  • Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust

Cons

  • Allergic reaction to chicken can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in some Chihuahuas

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Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food Review

IAMS dog food contains chicken as its first ingredient. This is a high-quality meat product that will help your dog gain muscle.

Iams Small Breed Dry Dog Food

This Chihuahua dog food small breed variety has no extra fillers, no soy or wheat. Your dog will enjoy a healthy diet, stay fuller for longer, and feel more satisfied.

The protein and fat ratios are within the ideal range to help your pup with a healthy weight.

Ingredients include chicken, whole grain corn, whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal, beet pulp, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3 supplement.

Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Features

  • High in protein to get your pup’s metabolism up and moving
  • Balanced nutrition for healthy weight management without obesity
  • Made with real chicken as 1st ingredient
  • Contains omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin
  • Made with antioxidants to support the immune system
  • Recommended by vets
IAMS Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for Small Dogs with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag
  • Healthy Heart: Contains 7 essential nutrients to support a healthy heart
  • Complete and Balanced Meal: 100% complete & balanced adult dog food with 0% fillers
  • Quality Nutrition: Contains premium nutrition to fit the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Small kibble size – perfect for your tiny pup
  • Contains protein and healthy fats to support muscle growth
  • IAMS is a trusted brand
  • Supports small breed dog’s immune system with antioxidants

Cons

  • Contains chicken meal animal-by product
  • Chihuahuas allergic to chicken may get discomfort such as diarrhea or vomiting

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Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food Review

This food is only for small adult breeds. However, there is a senior formula if you have an elderly Chihuahua.

Royal Canin Chihuahua Dog Food

Designed with Chihuahuas in mind, your pup will be able to pick up and chew this kibble easily. It provides all the nutrition your dog needs without making mealtime seem like a chore.

The Omega-3 fatty acid helps promote a healthy coat. Made with the right amount of fiber and proteins, this easily digestible food is one of the best on the market.

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Features

  • Designed and formulated for Chihuahuas from 8 months old
  • Easy kibble – designed so your pup can pick and chew easily
  • Digestible – made with the right amount of fiber and protein
  • Rich in Omega-3 EPA to support your dog’s skin
  • Great taste – most Chihuahuas seem to enjoy it
Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food, 2.5 lb. Bag
  • FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED CHIHUAHUAS: Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of...
  • SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble shape helps Chihuahuas easily pick up and chew their food
  • OPTIMAL STOOL: Helps reduce stool odor with highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content for little dogs

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Dry Dog Food – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Provides optimum nutrition for Chihuahuas
  • Help reduce stool odor and promote healthy skin and coats
  • Keep your little dog happy, healthy, and satisfied with Royal Canin’s unique kibble shapes
  • Tasty – ideal for picky eaters

Cons

  • More expensive than other brands

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Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food Review

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dog Food is a great option for your dog. It’s made from all-natural ingredients and has been specially formulated to meet the needs of small breed dogs, so you can feel confident about what they’re eating!

Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food

This Chihuahua food is ideal for dogs allergic to grains or who have digestive issues. It’s also great for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight since it doesn’t contain any wheat, corn, soy, or gluten.

Ingredients include deboned turkey, chicken, turkey, flaxseed, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3 supplements.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Features

  • Optimal protein – contains the right amount for smaller dogs
  • Contains omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics 
  • A balanced diet of the right amount of nutrients for small dogs
  • No artificial preservatives or meat by-products
  • Made in the USA
Wellness Natural Pet Food CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Meat (Adult, Turkey, 4-Pound Bag)
  • GRAIN-FREE SMALL BREED ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey is expertly balanced with nutrient...
  • LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly comprised of...
  • SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH & STRONG JOINTS: Guaranteed levels of omega fatty to support healthy skin and coat, glucosamine for...

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Provides a complete diet for small breeds
  • The right balance of nutrients to make sure your pup is thriving
  • Protects against joint stiffness and arthritis
  • Great for dogs with food sensitivities
  • Quality standard – made in the USA

Cons

  • Complaints about packaging and quality consistency

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ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food Review

This delicious kibble is made with fresh, raw or frozen free-run chicken, turkey, wild-caught fish, or sustainably raised eggs. This recipe uses the best prey parts, which are the most nutritious and succulent.

ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food

This dry puppy food can be freeze-dried and coated to give it that raw, dog-friendly flavor.

There are no grains, fillers, or by-products because Orijen believes that your pup deserves to eat the way nature intended!

ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food – Best Features

  • Made with 85% of the highest quality animal ingredients, including fish and poultry
  • The first five ingredients are fresh or from animal protein
  • No grains or fillers – ideal for dogs with allergies
  • Rich in antioxidants to support your pup’s immune system
  • Packed with nutrition featuring the best nutrient-rich parts
  • Made in the USA
ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Fresh or Raw Ingredients, 4.5lb
  • One (1) 4.5 lb bag of ORIJEN Puppy Grain Free* Dry Dog Food
  • Grain free* dog food kibble tailored to provide the protein-powered nutrition your growing puppy needs to support peak...
  • ORIJEN dog food made with 85 percent** fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients, including ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients like...

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Made with high-quality ingredients
  • All-natural – doesn’t contain any additives, hormones, or antibiotics
  • Rich in meat-based protein to support strong muscles
  • Made in the USA
  • Reduces the risk of your dog developing allergies

Cons

  • Price is higher than some brands

Check Latest Price

Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food Review

Small dogs are small in size, but they have plenty of energy!

Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food

This Small Breed recipe has been carefully designed to help small breed dogs with a higher metabolism. Your Chihuahua will get the nutrition they need with 84% protein from real meats like turkey, salmon, and lamb.

Extra small kibble sizes are available to ensure that your Chihuahua will love the taste and texture.

Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Key Features

  • Grain-free – contains no corn, wheat, or soy
  • Kibble-size – small size makes it easy for your little Chihuahua to digest
  • Contains high meat protein levels to boost your dog’s energy levels
  • BC30 Probiotic – regulates your dog’s metabolism and supports a healthy gut
  • Contains no artificial colors or preservatives
  • Made in the USA
Nulo Small Breed Grain Free Dry Dog Food With Bc30 Probiotic (Salmon And Red Lentils Recipe, 11B Bag)
  • GRAIN-FREE recipe contains no corn; wheat; soy; white potatoes; tapioca; artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives....
  • HIGH MEAT/LOW CARB proprietary formula 84% animal-based protein for more amino acids and better flavor. Nulo FreeStyle also...
  • SMALLER KIBBLE SIZE promotes proper chewing, less choking and better digestion. Miscanthus grass provides natural fiber to...

Last update on 2025-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Helps your dog maintain a healthy weight
  • Provides the nutrition and energy that your pup needs
  • Boosts your dog’s energy levels
  • Small kibble makes it easy to eat and chew

Cons

  • Some dog owners complain that their dogs dislike the taste

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Things To Avoid In Chihuahua Dog Food

By-products

If you find dog food with the word “by-product,” stay away from it. These are leftovers from other food manufacturing processes that are being included for bulk.

They are difficult to digest, and there is no nutritional value in them, just extra calories.

Other things to avoid include whole-grain corn and artificial flavors or colors. All of these have been linked to allergies and obesity in dogs.

Artificial Additives And Preservatives

Avoid excessive amounts of artificial additives and preservatives because they can cause stomach problems.

If there are too many artificial additives in the food, your pup will be more likely to have an allergic reaction.

Artificial colors and flavors can cause skin problems, allergies, obesity, and digestive issues.

If your pup experience any of these problems, you should switch to organic food.

Also, if the food has added sugars or sodium, I would stay away from that option. These can lead to obesity and diabetes in your pup.

Whole-grain Corn

This is a leading cause of allergies in dogs. If your pup has had issues with corn, you should stay away from it entirely.

From my experience, whole-grain corn can cause minor health problems in Chihuahuas because it’s difficult for them to digest.

People Also Ask

Should I Feed My Chihuahua Dry Or Wet Food?

It depends on your pup’s preference. If you have a picky eater, it may be best to start them off with wet food

Some dogs will switch easily from wet to dry, while others need time to get used to the change in texture.  It’s best to give your Chihuahua both kinds of food and see how they react.

What Foods Are Bad For Chihuahuas?

Some foods are more dangerous for dogs than others.

Chihuahuas are especially sensitive to grapes, garlic, onions, avocados, and chocolate. These foods can cause serious health problems, so it’s best to avoid them at all costs.

Chocolate contains theobromine, which your pup cannot properly digest. Chocolate poisoning is very common in smaller dogs.

Do Chihuahuas Need A Special Diet?

A Chihuahua’s diet should be nutritionally balanced for the individual, age, and weight. A good guideline is that they need 4-10 oz of food per day depending on their ideal body composition, which can vary based on breed type or size (smallest to largest).

Mealtimes are important, so it’s best to feed them three meals with appropriate spacing between ingestion periods to avoid overfeeding and obesity.

How Much Should A Chihuahua Eat In A Day?

The amount varies depending on the individual dog and the food you choose to feed them. For example, adult Chihuahuas can eat about 4-10 ounces of dry dog food per day, while puppies may need more to get the nutrition that they need while they grow.

Read More: Are Pumpkin Seeds Good for Dogs? Let’s find out!

Final Words

We hope that our list of Chihuahua foods has helped narrow down your choices.

To choose the best puppy food, it’s best to start with your budget and then check out the benefits and drawbacks of each brand.

In my opinion, Orijen Dry Dog Food is well worth the price, and it’s a great choice for any breed!

So here are my top 3 recommended Chihuahua foods are:

1. ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
3. Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

What is your favorite Chihuahua food?

Feel free to share your comments and stories in the section below!

For more food-related article like this, read:

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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