Feeding a Chihuahua puppy the right diet in the correct quantity is the foundation of good health. New puppies benefit from several meals a day, little and often being key. Their ideal food is high in protein and fat, but low in carb heavy fillers. They also do well with brands that come in small pieces that are easy to chew and swallow.
Contents
- How much to feed a Chihuahua puppy
- Feeding routines and frequency
- How diet impacts development
- Is my puppy the right weight for their age?
How Much To Feed A Chihuahua Puppy
Newborn Chihuahuas weigh just a few ounces and can fit in the palm of your hand. These little guys will grow rapidly in the first few weeks and need plenty of nutrients to make them strong and healthy.
A healthy puppy who gets regular exercise and is under one year old will need approximately 50 calories for every pound of body weight. Which is all well and good to say, but what does it mean in practical terms?
The best way to ensure you are giving your pup the right amount of food is to start with the information given on the packaging. Weigh out the daily kibble rations at the start of the day, then if after a few days your pup is looking a little skinny or chubby you can adjust accordingly.
Any changes to their brand of diet should be introduced slowly. Two weeks is the minimum amount of time suggested before introducing a different type of food. Chihuahuas are very sensitive to what they eat and a quick diet conversion can lead to an upset tummy and picky eating.
How Often To Feed A Chihuahua Puppy
Chihuahua puppies should be fed small, frequent meals. The amount of food and the number of Chihuahua feedings per day depend on their age and activity level.
Puppies under 3 months should be fed 4 to 6 times a day. From the ages of 3 to 6 months, you can decrease your Chihuahua puppy feeding schedule to 3 to 4 times a day.
Reduce meals to 2 to 3 times a day from 6 months to one year of age. Once into adulthood, scheduled meals can probably be reduced to twice daily.
Feeding vs Growth Rate
Newborn Chihuahuas will be approximately 3 to 4 inches in length. There are a number of factors that will determine the growth rate of your Chihuahua puppy and how big he will become. The size of both parents, and even his ancestors generations back, will be a factor in his size, as will the dog’s activity level and caloric intake.
An adult Chihuahua ranges from 2 to 6 pounds. This 4 pound variance is huge for such a tiny dog and the reason is that their body structures can vary a lot.
Teacup Chihuahua is a term used to describe a Chihuahua that is smaller than average. The deer head variety tend to have a longer overall shape than the apple head Chihuahua.
What should I do if my Chihuahua puppy is overweight?
Due to their tiny size it’s easy to overfeed this breed and you’ll detect even a small amount of extra weight in your Chihuahua puppy’s appearance.
Overfeeding or giving them the wrong kinds of food can lead to obesity in later life as well as a wide range of health issues, from arthritis and diabetes, to heart and thyroid problems.
Their small size also means owners often carry Chihuahua puppies around and they may not be getting the exercise they require to burn off calories.
A puppy shouldn’t be put on a diet before a veterinarian examines him to rule out other common Chihuahua health issues.
What should I do if my Chihuahua puppy is underweight?
If your Chihuahua puppy is underweight it could be due to a number of reasons including: lack of a healthy diet, burning more calories than he’s eating, or a medical issue.
A visit to the veterinarian is important to rule out problems like parasites or hypoglycaemia.
Like many toy breeds, Chihuahuas have trouble regulating their blood sugar. Symptoms include: drowsiness, trembling, muscular weakness, twitching, and convulsions.
Hypoglycaemia can be life threatening if not properly treated.
Giving your Chihuahua puppy extra food might seem like a good way to get him to gain weight, but you need to make sure he’s getting foods that provide the proper nutrition. If you want to learn more information about the quality ingredients offered in different dog food brands, check out this in-depth guide.
Foods to avoid feeding a Chihuahua puppy
Some of the foods and ingredients listed here are toxic to all dogs, but because of the Chihuahua’s small size, you need to be even more diligent to ensure they never ingest them. The list of foods to avoid during Chihuahua puppy feeding time include:
- chocolate,
- alcohol,
- caffeinated food and drink,
- garlic & onions,
- avocados,
- uncooked dough,
- cat food,
- grapes,
- raisins,
- macadamia nuts,
- walnuts,
- nutmeg, and
- citrus fruits.
If you’re buying commercial brand puppy food there are a number of ingredients to keep away from. Artificial ingredients like preservatives, coloring, and flavoring can cause gastrointestinal problems and allergic reactions.
Fillers like cellulose, corn bran, and soybean or wheat mill run can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Any foods that contain low-quality, generic meat sources and meat by-products should always be avoided.
Lynda says
I just rescued a two month old chi off the street in Mexico
No one claimed him
He was starving
He is now 4 months old nurtured
Vaxed
He now weighs one pound but you can still see all his little bones in his vertebrae
He’s full of energy
I feed him high quality dry food with some shredded chicken and some water
He would not drink water
He wouldn’t eat food without something added
I’ve never had a small dog before
I have taught him to sit stay wait and shake a paw
Ha ha ha
So funny that wee tiny paw
He’s house trained too
Smart fellow
I call him
Rey
Means
King in espanol
He knows he is
I’m hooked
Rochelle says
Hi what exactly do u feed your pup? What high quality food? Thanks
Alejandra says
I just got a 4 week teacup chihuahua yesterday mixed with pomerianian.how many many lbs do you think she will be, shes really small right now she fits in my husbands palm. Her breeder gave her to me this young, is it okay if I bottle feed her still cuz,she’s still a baby. If so what type if milk? I just want my princess lola to be okay and healthy.
Lana Prince says
OMG 4weeks! That’s terrible. At such a young age a pup still needs it’s mother for more than one reason. You really should seek the advice of a vetenarian to see how to most benefit your pup from here on.
Mary says
NOBODY SHOULD EVER TAKE A PUP FROM ITS MOTHER AT 4 WKS! They should be twice that age. It is criminal and pure greed for a “breeder” to do such a thing! Your pup could be in a dangerous situation and needs to see a good quality vet IMMEDIATELY! Please research next time you plan to buy a pup, it is your responsibility to know what to look for and how to get a healthy pup, this is not ok! This is puppy mill tactics! Good luck and I hope your baby stays healthy & lives a long happy life!
Sabbie says
Omg, thank you much. We recently adopted a 5 month old teacup named Loki. She had her first vet visit today and they told me to feed her based on calories. Found the answer I was looking for here. I am currently feeding both of our dogs blue and would like to give them some soft food as well. Is this a good quality for chihuahua’s?
Sincerely
Sabbie
Beth says
My little boy chihuahua “Obi” is 11 months old and is an “edge pee-er”. He always goes on the paper…but stands with this back legs on the paper and his front legs off the paper, which often results in some of the pee landing on the floor. I’ve tried putting an obstacle along the edge of the paper to keep him from stepping off, but he just changes sides. When I try to physically move him back…he stops going and takes off. Any ideas on how to get all the pee on the paper? Thanks.
Lisa says
I have two little boy chi’s that were born April 3 and there Mommy is still feeding them any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks
Brandy says
How much food a day does my 15 week old puppy that weighs 3.12 lbs need?
Brandy says
I have a 15 week old Chihuahua. That weighs 3.12 lbs how much food a day does she need?
Sabrina says
I have always owned Chi’s and love them! I feed mine Royal Canin puppy food (up to 8 months – then switch to adult) there is a feeding chart on the back. 2 month 2.2 lb 3/8 cup 4.4 lb 1/2 cup 3 month 2.2 lbs 3/8 cup 4.4 lb 5/8 cup. Royal Canin is full of proteins needed for growing puppy. Feed 3 times a day.
Deah says
Yes, I feed the same! My baby seems to tire of it somedays!
I see that I need to start transitioning him to adult food?
Martha Miranda says
I have a 4 months chihuahua and she weighs 1 lbs 2 oz. She eats good 3 times a day. how much do you think she will weight when she. Is full grown.
Sabrina Chi Mom says
I’d estimate around 3lbs – they generally are their full size at 6 months. Sometimes it is 1 year when they stop growing depending on various factors like type of food and exercise. Hope that helps! I love Chi’s! Mine is 3 months and 3 lbs.
Kacey says
My baby is 8 weeks old what and how do I feed her?
Sabrina says
Whew this is late but I’ll chime in anyway. Royal Canin is a real good protein packed food! 3x a day about 1/4-1/2 cup each time. If you need you can spray the food with a water bottle to make it softer. Hope this helps Chi mom!
Evelyn bayford says
My 11 week pup is soiling in her crate I have tried numerous things but she still does it I have now put a puppy pad in there is that the right thing to do, also really not sure about how much to feed her I give her a third of a hundred gram pouch with some dried food three times a day she weighs 2 1/2 lb any advice would be appreciated
Emma says
If you think this is behavioral, I’d start with crate training basics. Once puppies understand that’s it’s their own space, they won’t pee there. Make sure to reward them when using bathroom outside. If this doesn’t seem behavioral, I’d contact a vet about possible health questions. Also be careful of how often they get water and not to let them drive two hours before bed time. They should have their daily amount of food split into at least 4 meals a day.
Sue says
Take the puppy pad out of her crate. The puppy pads are have a scent on them that encourage puppies to urinate on them.
Sue says
Also to defecate on the puppy pads should say.
Ada Athey says
My 6mth old Chihuahua refuses all tinned food. & biscuits. All she will eat is raw chicken & biscuits I make myself. From Home Made Biscuit recipe I got from Internet. Main product is oats & peanut butter.
Is this enough for her to grow well.
She has plenty energy & I walk her twice a day.
auroara says
In my opinion it sounds like your doing an excellent job☺
catherine says
Do you need to add vegetables and not just raw chicken?
Tanya says
Does the size of the litter affect chihuahua growth rate? I understand that the size is genetically predetermined, but will having all the milk to himself in the first few weeks will help a chihuahua grow faster and get to its adult weight/size sooner compared to having to share food with siblings?
Wendy Williams says
My Chihuahua, Chanel is 12 weeks old. She is such a little Angel. I am scared of her becoming Hypoglycaemic. I am a Diabetic and a hypo is awful and I have been in dire straits when the hypo is advanced. How can my baby tell me when she is ill? Chanel shivers a lot and sleeps a lot, also. I know what I need to eat and drink during a hypo. Would I give her milk or warm tea with sugar?
April says
It’s natural for puppies to sleep a lot. Enjoy your baby. Give her Science Diet Small Paws Puppy food soaked in warm water. I weigh my babies food, he is only 2 pounds (healthy for his age). Use Wellness Soft Puppy Bites as treats for additional calories after a walk or exercise session. DONT WORRY SO MUCH. NO SUGAR (it’s crack). Xo. This message comes with love for you and your babie.
Caroline says
Hi! My chi is almost on her 6th month but her growth’s a little slow as I’ve observed. She grew a little but you can’t barely tell that she’s almost on her puberty stage in a month or two. Should I start worrying?
Jan Moody says
I have just gotten my first Chihuahua shez 10 weeks old she seems to be super smart ! Im amazed how quickly shes learning to be potty trained. Im now hooked on Chihuahuas ❤
Sarah Ray says
We’ve just got our chihuahua puppy, do you have any tips on toilet training?
Lucy says
Hi Sarah Ray, You can find information on potty training your puppy here: https://thehappypuppysite.com/puppy-potty-training-schedule/
April says
I set my alarm for every 2 hours from the day I got my baby. He has been using cues to let me know he needs to go. I’ve had him 5 days and he is totally trained. I give him a 1/4 piece of puppy treat and clap when he poops and pees outside. He knows what he is supposed to do, and enjoys doing it. I’m also amazed at how easy it was for me to train this little guy. He will be 3 months on Dec. 8th.
Kimberly Mcmanaway says
I think my puppy is only 4 weeks and she is hungry what should I feed her
Sheila says
How many weeks should i start to feed my new born chihuahua? Pls anwer thank u
Maggie Torres says
It appears that he/she said 50 calories per every pound of body weight.
Louise Evans says
But how much in grams is 50 calories?
Carolyn says
50 calories a day or 50 calories per meal/per pound?