One of the most important decisions the owner of a small dog faces is what to feed the dog. Nutrition is certainly one of the most important aspects of Chihuahua care. A dog that weighs only four to eight pounds and stands only six to nine inches high - like the Chihuahua - has to watch it's figure! Canine weight gain is something all Chihuahua owners have to watch out for. Every bite a Chihuahua eats has to be packed with nutrition and taste.



As a small dog owner, you have a greater responsibility for your pet's diet than large dog owners. Large dogs weighing more than 20 pounds can eat greater volumes of food every day because their caloric needs are greater. Owners have more chances to provide nutrients for their dogs, and it's not a big deal if the dog eats a few table scraps every day.

On the other hand, a typical Chihuahua six to nine inches tall should weigh only four to eight pounds and should eat just one to one-and-one-half cups of food every day. Chihuahua owners must care about every bite they feed their pets and avoid feeding their dogs' table scraps or other versions of canine junk food.

The symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive thirst. However, do not wait for your dog to experience symptoms, because they can take several hours to show up and by then it can be too late. Take your dog to the vet as soon as you suspect it has eaten any chocolate at all.

Similarly, onions and garlic can also harm your Chihuahua. Again, your pet may vomit and have diarrhea a few hours after eating the forbidden food. In two or three days, the dog will lose interest in food and grow weak. See your vet as soon as possible for the proper Chihuahua care if you suspect that your Chihuahua has eaten onions or garlic.

Now you know what not to feed your Chihuahua. Let's talk about what kind of food it should eat. You can improve your Chihuahua's nutrition by cooking your dog's food yourself, in your home, instead of purchasing commercial food. You don't have to be a gourmet chef or have much cooking experience to make dog food. You might even find it fun to do!

Start with a ground meat protein, like chicken, turkey, lamb, or lean pork or beef. Cook the meat thoroughly by sauting it, roasting it or grilling it. Next, stir in a starchy food that has already been cooked, like steamed rice or boiled potatoes. Finally, add a sweet vegetable like peas or carrots. Mash all the ingredients together, making sure all the pieces of meat and vegetable are small enough for a Chihuahua to swallow without posing a choking hazard.

Proper nutrition is essential to your Chihuahua's health. Take the time to find and feed your dog the high quality food it needs.