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Chihuahuas are tiny in stature with big dog energy. Known for their sassy personalities and loyal nature, these petite pups can be prone to a number of health issues that can be influenced by what's in their bowl. Whether your Chihuahua is a feisty puppy or a dignified senior, feeding them the right diet is essential to support their delicate frame and oral health.
From ideal protein sources to gut-friendly superfoods, what you feed your Chihuahua can make a lasting difference to their overall wellbeing. Whether you're welcoming a new pup or fine-tuning your current feeding routine, the right nutrition gives your Chihuahua the best shot at a long, healthy life.
Read more: Chihuahua breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
How nutrition can help common Chihuahua health concerns
Dental disease
With their small mouths and crowded teeth, Chihuahuas are highly prone to dental disease. Poor oral health can lead to discomfort, infection, and even impact their organs over time.
Try this:
Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is the most effective way to reduce plaque and tartar. You can also support their oral health with food and treats containing kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum), like Lyka meals or Turkey Dental Jerky.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures)
Delicate limbs and joint issues
Chihuahuas have fragile frames, especially during puppyhood while they’re still growing. But they can also be prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place instead of staying in its groove. Over time, this can lead to joint inflammation and arthritis.
Try this:
Diets containing bone- and joint-loving ingredients like green-lipped mussel and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA from fish oil) can support your pup’s musculoskeletal health. Lyka’s Joint Supplement contains green-lipped mussels and curcumin to help keep your pup’s joints strong and supple.
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How to choose the best food for your Chihuahua
Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?
1. Complete and balanced
Chihuahuas, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.
Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.
Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.
Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms
2. Optimal nutrition for your Chihuahua
Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food.
Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues.
Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.
Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.
Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs.
Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Chihuahua? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.
Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Fresh vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?
How much food does a Chihuahua need?
Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture.
That’s why Lyka calculates your Chihuahua’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.
Establish a consistent feeding routine with your Chihuahua to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Do Chihuahua puppies and senior dogs need special food?
Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development
Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs
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New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting a Chihuahua comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.
Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Chihuahuas across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next. Join our pack of proud Chihuahua parents today.
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