Finding the best dog food for Chihuahua can be a very challenging task. There are many different brands to choose from. Every brand promises to give your dog healthy and shiny fur. But how do you know which one is really the best? Here are the popular brands that made the cut to be the best dog food for Chihuahuas:
First Choice Dog Food. This is an organic dog food that provides all natural ingredients. The main ingredient used in this product is beef, which contains no harmful chemicals or fillers. Your Chihuahua will get vital nutrients from beef, including proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Nutritional needs vary from dog to adult, so be sure to check the ingredients.
Harki’s Chihuahua food. It is known as one of the healthiest dog foods available today. The right food is crucial to your dog’s health because the amount of nutrients varies between breeds, and each dog has his or her own needs. This is one of the best dog foods for chihuahua.
FarmFirst Nutrition. Unlike most chihuahua foods, these foods are high in proteins and low in fats because they are made with mostly beef and vegetables. They contain only the right carbohydrates for your chihuahua’s nutritional needs.
Healthy Dog Food. If you are looking for a dry food for chihuahuas, look for a brand that is made from mostly meat byproducts. Most chihuahua foods come in either frozen or dry food, and both are good choices. There are even a few chihuahua foods specifically made for older dogs. Grocery stores like Wal-Mart and Trader Joe’s carry food designed specifically for chihuahuas. These are often very healthy because they are not made with hormones or chemicals and are a good choice for your dog’s nutritional needs.
Healthy Choice. While most chihuahua food is sold in stores, some restaurants also offer dry food to their customers. If this is the case for you, make sure to check the nutritional analysis to find out what the food contains. Many veterinarians do not approve of dry food because it is too easy for a dog to choke on the bits of food. In addition, a dog might swallow too much if it is stressed during a long hike or walk.
High Fiber. Chihuahuas need fiber in their diet to help move stools and aid in digestion. The dog food companies understand this and have often added high fiber content to their food, although you should read the labels carefully. Look for foods that are made primarily from high fiber ingredients such as wheat grass, carrots, brown rice, and corn. Even apples are rich in fiber.
Fewer Ingredients. Because dogs have small intestinal tracts, they need less filler than large breeds. For example, large breed dogs can never have too much fiber while small kibble often has to use fillers such as meat, eggs, and rice. The best dog food for chihuahua is smaller kibble that uses less filler.
Specific Vitamins and Minerals. Small dogs have a very limited nutritional reserve compared to larger dogs. A dog needs about twenty-four amino acids, thirty-six trace minerals, and forty-one trace vitamins and minerals in its daily diet. This is far less than what an adult dog needs. Using a specifically designed food is important because it gives your dog the vitamins and minerals it needs at each life stage.
Artificial Colorings and flavors. It’s important to avoid any artificial flavors or colors, especially preservatives such as BHT and BHA. Unfortunately, a lot of chihuahua food manufacturers use these artificial colorings and flavorings for the same reason- to increase profit margin. These artificial ingredients can dramatically affect blood sugar levels and can be damaging to your dog’s health.
Dry Food vs. Dehydrated Food. It’s better to choose a dry food over a dehydrated food. Dehydrated foods are filled with preservatives, unhealthy fats, and artificial flavors. Dry food is better for your dog because it’s made entirely out of natural ingredients. Natural foods don’t have any preservatives or unhealthy fats and are healthier than processed foods.
Chondroitin and Glucosamine. Both chondroitin and glucosamine are naturally occurring. These supplements can improve joint health, reduce pain and swelling, and support healthy bones and joints. So, choosing the best dog food for chihuahua is all about finding foods with the highest amounts of antioxidants and the lowest amount of calories.