What do you feed your Chihuahua??

[MsP]

Sooo... we''ve adopted a chihuahua. About a year old, purebred, resulting from a domestic dispute of a breeder.

I know there are multiple chihuahua owners on the forum and I''m wondering what you all feed. I read some of you do a raw diet but I would like to start on a higher quality dry kibble first.

I have done quite a bit of research into cat nutrition for my ragdoll and I feed her a blend of high protein, low carb, no grain, human grade foods and I''d like to do the same for the new doggie.

I''ll obviously do a gradual change from what he''s on now(he has been at a rescue/spca for a while now)... but I need to stock up on some higher quality because they''re not giving me much of his current food.

Thannnnnks!

 

[sba771]

I don''t have a Chi but I do have a min pin, he is on a modified raw food diet. He vomited kibble. If you are looking for something a little less messy than raw bones, I would suggest primal, http://www.primalpetfoods.com/

 

[decodelighted]

I have a similar sized little doggie & we feed Innova "small bites" dry food in the green bag and Ceaser morsel-style wet food in the octagonal containers (they''re in the process of changing over the kind we use to a more gourmet thingie w/a mix of grains & veggies with the meat - so far she likes it).

Our breeder fed Innova refrigerated logs of meaty stuff ... but there''s no way to get it around here. Special deliveries would come on dry ice each time and be through the roof pricewise so we compromised a bit with the dry primarily.

Hope that helps!

 

[*Danielle*]

I feed Natural Balance small bites. My pup has allergy problems I use the low allergen formulas.

 

[Ara Ann]

Ugh... my rescue Chi 'Max' has had digestive issues on and off for a while AND he is very finicky to boot! He was allergic to chicken (he can eat it now) and corn and didn't like most dog foods, so I had him on a variety of home cooked food (he refused even high quality, health food store bought can or dry dog food! I tried the frozen raw food too and he refused that as well)...and no way could he tolerate the cheaper dog foods.

He got tired of the home made stuff too and I was throwing out more than he ate...so I recently tried high grade dry food again, "Nature's Recipe" - "Farm Stand Selects" - (it has no corn, wheat by-products or fillers and is made with turkey, fruits and veges)... He barely touched it at first, which is typical of him...but after 'modifying it' (adding warm water and fresh chicken mushed into it) I have finally gotten him back on dog food! It doesn't upset his tummy and he seems to be enjoying this new mixture....so far, so good!

I can tell a huge difference in his over all energy and his fur is very silky due to the flax seed oil...which is probably what he didn't like!


Chi's can be such little stinkers, but they are worth the effort!

 

[MsP]

Thanks... I''ll look into these.

I have fed my cat Innovo EVO, Taste of the Wild, Nature''s Variety Instinct, and Blue Buffalo Wilderness... I think that''s all that''s in my rotation. haha... Thankfully she''ll eat anything and never gets an upset stomach. I just mix and match. When the big bucket gets about 1/2 way empty I get another small bag. Mix it in. I figure with the mixture she''ll get at least a decent diet. I probably won''t try so much variety with the new pup.

I have read about the importance of low grain, high protein, high quality food with such a small system--seems very similar to what I''ve read about cat nurtition. I feel a little unprepared as I wasn''t expecting to get this little guy so soon. All will work out well I''m sure.

Any other ideas?

 

[oneandahalfrock]

Nutro Natural Choice Chicken and Oatmeal small bites.
She likes the flavor, and its very easy on her digestive system... It''s a little pricey, but not too bad if you buy it in bulk.

 

[makemepretty]

Canidae Lamb & Rice

 

[lyra]

I have a Chi too, and she's apparently got a sensitive stomach. She was on Royal Canin Chihuahua, but got some bug and the vet put her on Royal Canin Gastro which is available at the vet only I think. She's also a bit fussy, so they gave us canned Gastro to mix with as well. The Gastro is very low protein, low fat. These are 2 things the vet(s) have said are important for her in particular. We have 3 dogs altogether, and I know the other 2 also have trouble with high protein, and so I try for moderation there. She cannot have many treats, but there are gluten free chew things out there if you look. Chi's can gain weight quickly, so no people food at all, and stick to measured amt. of kibble/wet.

Good luck! Our little girl was also adopted, and at 5.5 months we were her fourth home! ETA: she just turned 1 year in August.

 

[IwannaCushion]

I have 2 chis and they love Barking at the Moon and Wellness Small Breed. They can be found at Petco. Before I discovered that they liked those two mixed, I was going to a local dog food shop that provided sample packets and let you try before you buy. Maybe there is something near you that has something similar? The place I go to has gourmet treats, holistic, and raw food. Just an idea...

 

[MsP]

Thanks everyone!

He''s currently snacking on Nutro Max Mini Chunk--given by the shelter to us. It doesn''t look like what he was eating though. I think I am going to try Nature''s Variety Instinct... if he''s already going through the stress of switching from the shelter food to Nutro, he my as well switch to something better than than Nutro.