This is not a one-size-fits-all question. No pun intended.
Just like big dogs, or people, every Chihuahua is unique. So while it is true, that some Chihuahuas are picky eaters, it is not true for all Chihuahuas. In fact, sometimes the opposite is true, and you will find that you have a little piglet on your hands.
The best approach to take with your Chihuahua regardless of if they are a picky eater or not is to make sure you are providing a quality, balanced diet. After all, their tiny bodies don’t need as much food as their larger canine brethren, so it is important to make sure that what they do get is beneficial.
One of the best ways to ensure both the health and happiness of your Chihuahua is with a good diet.
Personally, we feed Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers. We love the quality ingredients, the variety of flavors makes it easy to find one everyone likes, and they’re small enough to be used as training treats so we can double meal-time as training time!
Another high-quality food that is recommended any time a Chihuahua-lover asks for food recommendations online is Ziwipeak. This food is also bite size, plus it comes in less-common varieties (such as Lamb & Tripe) in case your Chihuahua has food allergies or sensitivities. We have also heard that if you email Ziwipeak they will send out free samples to see if your Chihuahua likes it first!
What about “people-food”?
It is okay to give your Chihuahua “people-food”, but be careful. Some foods that are safe for people are not safe for dogs. If you are not 100% certain that it is safe, don’t feed it and ask your vet. Some safe foods to give (in moderation) include: chicken (including organ meat such as hearts, but too much organ meat can cause diarrhea), and chicken necks for natural dental cleaning.
You can also give cooked or raw vegetables such as broccoli, peas, and carrots to help your Chihuahua feel full without adding extra calories!
Typically, your Chihuahua will only need fed about 3-4% of their ideal body weight daily, split into two meals. This will not always be true…remember, every dog is an individual…so if you notice your Chihuahua seems to be too thin or too fat, it might be a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Is your Chihuahua a picky eater or a piglet? Let us know in the comments!
Nice post! I don’t have a chihuahua, but I’ve always thought they were so cute. My dogs have always been large dogs, and now I have 6 cats. But I enjoyed browsing through this post and your site in general. Thanks so much!