Mary Allen
Wet or dry food: What is the ideal diet for your Chihuahua? And how much food does the little bundle of energy need? Read all about it in the following guide.
Optimal nutrition is essential to ensure that your beloved Chihuahua does not become around, rolling ball of fur. Because even the smallest dog breed in the world can get a few grams too many on their ribs from too many treats – which then hurts their health. But what is the best way to feed yourself?
Choose Type of Diet
First of all, the question is: Should my Chihuahua be fed wet or dry food? The answer is very simple: Both types are suitable for the small four-legged friends – but not mixed. Avoid mixing both types of food in one meal, as wet and dry food are both digested differently. For example, give your Chihuahua a small bowl of wet food in the morning and some dry food in the afternoon. With the latter, make sure that your faithful friend always has fresh water to go with it.
Right Amount of Food for a Chihuahua
As a rule, you can follow the specifications on the food packaging. The rule of thumb is that your dog should consume between 2 and 4 percent of their body weight in food. But as with all dog breeds, the same applies here: There can be gradations due to the age and activity level of the four-legged friend. Dogs that are particularly fit and like to exercise can sometimes tolerate a little more food, while more sluggish four-legged friends should shift down a gear when eating. In both cases, you should note: If your Chihuahua gets treats, you must deduct them from the normal food ration. Otherwise, it can quickly happen that your fur nose becomes overweight.
Do the Rib Test
You can easily check whether your Chihuahua is eating too much, too little, or just the right amount by petting it: If you feel your animal friend’s ribs lightly, he is getting enough food. If you don’t feel them, you should put your fur nose on a diet in consultation with your treating veterinarian. But even if you have the feeling that your four-legged partner is perhaps too thin, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable.