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25 Best Foods for a Picky Chihuahua
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Dry Dog Food
Our vet just recommended Hill’s Science Diet Senior Vitality. I have an 8-yr old and a 2-yr old. They both like it.
Author: Diane S.
Likes: 0
If you feed canned, I use American Journey; my guys love it. I order from Chewy. I have researched pet foods and their ingredients. I recommend American Journey; they use good ingredients and are affordable
Author: Dennis J.
Likes: 9
Weruva Classic Dog Food, Variety Pack, Baron’s Batch, Wet Dog Food
If you’re able to cook, then that’s a great option! You can boil chicken (no bones or skin), add dog-safe brown rice, sweet potato/pumpkin/squash/carrot, some parsley, and other dog-safe ingredients! If you’re unable to cook, Weruva is a great brand that has quite a lot of different wet food flavors! My little guy loves them!
Author: Adrianna L.
Likes: 25
Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Lamb & Lentil Dog Food – Premium Dry Dog Food
I realize there’s over a thousand comments, but….My Sven is very weird about eating. He’s typically a night loader, but occasionally likes to graze during the day. He’s the only dog, so for now he can do this. I’ve noticed over the past several years that if I give him his treat on top of his food, he will eat the treat & his kibble. I tried to feed him without this, but he would never touch his food. It’s as if he needs an appetizer before his entree! LOL. I purchase Fromm grain-free lamb & lentil, surf & turf, or wild game flavors & mix at least 2 of them. I prefer non-chicken formula, but… it doesn’t bother him. Fromm has tiny bites, so it’s easy for him to eat. They also have wet food. For the past few months, I’ve been making homemade jerky for him instead of buying the organic kind I typically fed him. I purchase the thin or wafer-thin chicken breast & beef steak, put it in my 200-degree oven for about 3 hrs & it’s amazing. No added ingredients & I can eat it if I want. In fact, I take it when we go to the beach for a day trip & we both snack on it.
Author: Geneva M.
Likes: 3
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6, Adult 1-6 Premium Nutrition
I feed my 2 chihuahuas Science Diet Chicken or Beef and Barley. They love it. I have it delivered from Chewy.
Author: Peggy E.
Likes: 5
Pedigree Dry Dog Food for Adult Small Dogs
I feed mine Pedigree wet and dry, and I feed them boneless, skinless chicken that I cook in the microwave. They love it. My poodle has diabetes, so he gets fed often.
Author: Sue C.
Likes: 6
Pedigree Dry Dog Food for Adult Small Dogs
I went through the same with mine. I let them choose their food, and they chose Pedigree small dog food for dry and chopped ground dinner with hearty chicken moist food by Pedigree, and for treats, they really love good n fun kabobs, you can’t go wrong with them
Author: Rose P.
Likes: 1
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Dry Dog Food
Mine is to, but she eats Science Diet Prescription for sensitive skin and stomach for small dogs
Author: Helen M.
Likes: 3
Freshpet Small Dog Roasted Meals
My 15-year-old is that way; he’s very picky. He loves fresh Pet. Sometimes I make my own with vegetables and leftover beef when I have some. Mainly carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and pureed leftover beef roast
Author: David L.
Likes: 0
IAMS Proactive Health Dry Dog Food
Tried a lot of foods for mine, all of which give him an upset tummy, but this has helped (Iams Healthy Aging)
Author: Ramona W.
Likes: 2
Purina Beneful IncrediBites with Farm-Raised Beef
Boiled Chicken and rice, maybe throw a few peas in it. Can Tuna once in a while, cottage cheese, yogurt, scrambled eggs, broiled or baked Liver, ground Turkey with carrots, a few pieces of stew meat boiled till soft, and add Green Beans. I’ve even fed mine what I eat = pot pie, chicken and dumplings, spaghetti squash, meatloaf with vegetables, and a salad without dressing. It’s only 2 or 3 spoons, he is a Lil Guy. And also Lil Ceasars Wet and Small Bites Beneful. (hard)
Author: Sherlye T.
Likes: 4
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 1-6, Adult 1-6 Premium Nutrition
If you aren’t feeding any table scraps, my chi’s eat Science Diet Small or toy bites. Table scraps make them not want dog food!
Author: Nancy J.
Likes: 4
FreshPet Fresh Dog Food, Fresh Grain Free Wild Alaskan Pollock
I feed mine fresh pet salmon with no grains or preservatives, or dyes, which mine is also allergic to. Anything that has chicken, turkey, duck, or shrimp just lives it
Author: June S.
Likes: 2
We cook for our babies. The vet said it was good for them as well. We tried nom nom, realized we can cook the same thing we were buying. Turkey, ground beef, ground chicken. Each batch, they get different veggies. We give them cucumbers for snacks. So this week, they have ground beef with carrots, parsley, and broccoli
Author: Shelley Lovingme S.
Likes: 2
Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food
Just pick one with lots of nutrients and vitamins in it and stick with it. You keep changing it; he’s going to keep getting bored. Merrick is what I feed my dogs, and they love it
Author: Boni R.
Likes: 3
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food
I started making my dog’s food when my cocka-poo developed such horrible allergies. It is less expensive and healthier. Ground Turkey or Ground beef, sweet potatoes, black beans, sometimes a little rice, or canned pumpkin, and they LOVE cabbage. I sprinkle a little Blue Buffalo kibble on top for some crunch.
Author: Karen W.
Likes: 0
Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
Mine too! I change it every couple of days, I give him Royal Canin for chihuahuas, and I also boil chicken and add peas and carrots, and maybe brown rice.
Author: Monica J.
Likes: 2
Purina Beneful Grain Free, Natural Dry Dog Food
Chicken breast done in the microwave. Iams can chicken and Beneful grain-free dry food. My 11 pups love it…
Author: David T.
Likes: 1
Purina Beneful Chopped Blends 6-Ready to Serve Tubs
My schnauzer and chihuahua are picky too, and Beneful Purina wet food canisters saved my life! They love the different flavors the food comes in!
Author: Ilse C.
Likes: 0
Stella & Chewy’s, Dog Essentials Lamb & Ancient Grains
My 1 loves Stella & Chewy’s ancient grains kibble, the other eats Lotus chicken & brown rice Senior cuz he has special dietary needs.
Author: Willie H.
Likes: 1
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Dr Marty’s – The Best and so incredible to see results in every way!!
Author: Vicki T.
Likes: 1
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties – Chicken Recipe
I buy Stella and Chewy frozen raw meat patties. They love them, come in a bunch of flavors
Author: Sharon C.
Likes: 1
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast with Lamb Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
My two chihuahuas love Earthborn dry and wet. I give them just a teaspoon of wet twice a day along with the dry. I use weight control to keep them in shape.
Author: Jan S.
Likes: 0
Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
Nature’s recipe: chicken, pumpkin, and sweet potato. My baby loves this food. I also boil chicken breast for her.
Author: Tammy L.
Likes: 0
Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe Whole Health Blend Dry Dog Food
Rachel Ray is the only thing I can get my dog to eat consistently. She devours it, but everything else she just kind of grazes or doesn’t eat.
Author: Jesse L.
Likes: 1
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Foods for a Picky Eater Chihuahua
1. What are the best types of food for a picky Chihuahua?
High-quality, small-breed dry kibble or wet food formulated for Chihuahuas works best. Look for foods with real meat (like chicken or beef) as the first ingredient, no artificial flavors, and added omega fatty acids for coat health.
2. Is wet food better than dry food for picky eaters?
Yes, many picky Chihuahuas prefer the smell and texture of wet food. However, combining both wet and dry food, or adding a bit of warm water or bone broth to dry kibble, can make meals more appealing and help maintain dental health.
3. Can I feed my picky Chihuahua human food?
Some human foods like boiled chicken, plain rice, carrots, or scrambled eggs can be safe and appealing when used in moderation. Avoid toxic foods like onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and anything with artificial sweeteners.
4. How can I get my picky Chihuahua to eat regularly?
Establish a feeding schedule, remove uneaten food after 15–20 minutes, and avoid feeding too many treats between meals. Chihuahuas thrive on routine and will eventually adjust to consistent mealtimes.
5. Are food toppers helpful for picky Chihuahuas?
Absolutely. Healthy food toppers such as pumpkin purée, shredded chicken, or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt can entice picky eaters and improve their appetite while offering nutritional benefits.
6. What should I do if my Chihuahua refuses to eat for more than a day?
If your Chihuahua skips more than one meal or shows signs of illness (lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea), consult a vet. Prolonged lack of appetite in small breeds can quickly lead to hypoglycemia.
7. Are there specific brands known for appealing to picky small dogs?
Yes. Brands like Royal Canin (Chihuahua-specific formula), Blue Buffalo, Wellness CORE, and Freshpet are often recommended for picky eaters due to their palatability and small kibble size.
Turning Mealtime Into a Win for Your Chihuahua
Feeding a picky Chihuahua can feel like a daily puzzle, but finding the right food is a game-changer for both of you. With a bit of patience and a willingness to try new options, you can discover meals that not only tempt their tiny taste buds but also support their overall health. Focus on quality ingredients, appealing textures, and flavors that spark their interest, and don’t be discouraged by a little trial and error along the way. Your Chihuahua’s happiness, energy, and well-being are all closely tied to what’s in their bowl. In the end, the effort you put into meeting their unique preferences helps ensure they stay healthy, satisfied, and ready to share many joyful moments by your side.
Toledo, United States.