Five Nutrition Tips for Chihuahuas #RoyalCanin

This post is sponsored by PetSmart, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Royal Canin Pet Health Nutrition, but Irresistible Pets only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

Chihuahuas come with their own set of needs unlike any other dog. As a Chihuahua mama myself, it’s safe to say they can be a little “high maintenance.” Then again, my husband says the same thing about me! Chuy and I are actually a lot alike…well, except for the fur. As a new Chihuahua parent, it can be overwhelming to find a nutritional solution for your new baby.

Heck, as a “veteran” Chihuahua parent, it still can be confusing because their nutritional needs  change over time. Chuy has an extremely sensitive stomach AND he’s a picky eater, so we’ve had to try out a lot of different food over the years. I want to share five nutrition tips, specifically for fellow Chihuahua parents in partnership with the sponsors of this post, Royal Canin® and PetSmart® .

1. Breed Specific Nutrition for Chihuahuas

A Chihuahuas small size makes a huge impact on their dietary needs. The key to a healthy dog is selecting the right food for your dog’s individual needs. I would like to introduce you to Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition which you can find online or at your local PetSmart. There is a Chihuahua specific diet that is unique to the needs of a Chihuahua. You can find this in the dog food aisle, under the Royal Canin sign as shown by Chuy in the pic below!

This is a dry kibble that is specially formulated for Chihuahuas including:

• A unique kibble shape that is designed for a smaller mouth
• Packed with vitamins and minerals that help to boost coat health
• Specially formulated to help reduce waste and odors
• A highly palatable recipe for picky eaters

Learn more about Breed Specific Nutrition.

2. Age Specific Nutrition for Chihuahua Puppies vs. Adult Chihuahuas

The food that a puppy requires is much different than the needs of an adult Chihuahua. Puppies actually require more calories because of their growing and developing bodies.  Nutritional formulas for small breeds can help fuel their high metabolic rates.  Did you know that a Chihuahua puppy has a weak sense of smell? The Royal Canin Breed Healthy Chihuahua Puppy caters to all of these needs. Formulated specifically to appeal to your Chihuahua’s underdeveloped senses and provide high energy content, this food offers a rich supply of protein, vitamins and minerals to help your puppy develop. You can find the Puppy version right next to the Adult bag at PetSmart.

3. Practice Portion Control

Never leave a bowl of kibble out for your dog to eat anytime they want! Find out from your veterinarian how much food your dog can eat daily.  Be sure to measure out all portions so that you are not overfeeding!

4. Schedule Feeding Times

I take Chuy’s total portion for the day and split it into two scheduled feeding times; once in the morning and once in the evening. He knows those are the times when he eats and you best believe he’ll remind me if I’m running late! Dogs like having a routine. I truly believe this also helps with their overall nutrition and health too.

5. Just Say No Table Scraps

Chihuahuas know how to give you that “irresistible” look and beg for table scraps. Chuy does it all the time and I will admit it’s worked in the past. However, we no longer feed him table scraps. This is one of the ways that he gained weight a few years ago. Chihuahuas are prone to obesity and diabetes . . . both of which can be “created” by over feeding. Chihuahuas are SMALL. It doesn’t take much “extra” food to pack on the pounds. Train your Chihuahua to not beg and stay strong when they give you that look! It will only help them live a healthier and longer life!

Let’s wrap up by covering the key points:

Again, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition for Chihuahuas can be found online or at your local PetSmart. I always recommend checking with your vet before introducing anything new to your pet’s diet. I’m not a vet or an expert . . . just a girl that knows a lot about Chihuahuas! Be sure to also check out these other “irresistible” Chihuahua posts:

• Chihuahua Breed Profile
• Five Benefits of Crate Training a Chihuahua
• Ten Tips for Chihuahua Parents

Let’s Chat! Leave a Comment!

Have you tried Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition? What questions do you have about your Chihuahua’s nutrition? Leave them in the comments below!