Top 7 Best Dog Foods for Chiweenies

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Chiweenies are small dogs packed with personality and love. While they’re not as popular as other pint-sized breeds, these pups have a lot to offer in terms of companionship.

They’re super affectionate and always willing to play. As long as you’re by its side, these dogs are perfectly content!

Like all canine companions, Chiweenies rely on a well-rounded diet to stay healthy.

Top-notch dog food is the key to maintaining that fun-loving personality and overall good health for years to come.

But how do you find a product that’s suitable for your tiny furry friend? The market is saturated with cheap brands that do nothing but fill your pup’s stomach.

To ensure that your dog has all the nutrients they need to stay fit and healthy, you have to look past clever branding.

Not sure where to start? We’re here to help! Check out our list of the best Chiweenie dog foods below.

  • Further down, you’ll find some essential information about this unique breed and its dietary requirements.

Top 7 Best Dog Foods for Chiweenies

1. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Recipe Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces

The Raw Boost formula from Instinct is a dog food option that combines the best of raw meat and dry kibble into one.

The individual kibble pieces are packed with nutrients.

Not only is your dog getting a good amount of protein, but there are also probiotics, antioxidants, natural omegas, and more. The kibble even has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Accompanying the standard kibble pieces are morsels of freeze-dried raw chicken. They make up a big part of the impressive 35 percent protein content.

As a whole, the dog food is perfect for Chiweenies. It’s formulated to meet the unique needs of smaller dog breeds.


2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

Wellness knocks it out of the park with this Core recipe.

It’s a grain-free formula that’s fine-tuned to meet the nutritional requirements of small dogs.

Deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal make up the brunt of the protein content. In addition to other constituents, the meats make up 36 percent of the recipe!

That’s far greater than AAFCO minimums.

The food works to promote lean body mass and tight muscle tone. While Chiweenies aren’t the most muscular dogs out there, this food can do a lot to keep them active and healthy.


3. American Journey Active Life Small Breed Formula Chicken, Rice & Vegetables

Another small-breed dog food, this recipe from American Journey has a lot to offer. It’s a good choice for active dogs, a classification that most healthy Chiweenies meet.

Each piece has a perfect balance of protein and fat, providing an ongoing supply of energy to keep your pup going.

American Journey also focuses on gut health. In total, the food has about six percent fiber.

The natural fiber sources keep your dog’s gut in good shape and promote more regularity. Pair that with the omega fatty acids for skin health, and you have a well-rounded formula.


4. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

This product from Nutro fits the bill when it comes to fulfilling the dietary needs of Chiweenies.

First, it’s a small-breed recipe that contains just the right amount of macronutrients to support tiny bodies. Even the kibble size itself is fine-tuned to help keep small teeth plaque-free.

Glucosamine and chondroitin provide joint support as the healthy supply of antioxidants improves the immune system. Thanks to the non-GMO ingredients, this recipe is a good option for allergy-prone pups, too.

It’s an excellent all-around dog food that’s best for dogs one year and older.


5. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

If your dog suffers from food sensitivities, this option from Castor & Pollux is a good choice.

It’s USDA-certified organic and contains nothing but the best ingredients.

Real chicken is the main protein, contributing to the 26 percent overall analysis.

Several superfood ingredients are included as well. You have blueberries, flaxseed, sweet potatoes, and more. Of course, everything is organic and free of GMOs.

As a whole, the recipe is filler-free. It has probiotics to support gut health but lacks unwanted additives like preservatives and flavors.


Best Wet Canned Food for Chiweenies

6. Purina Bella Grilled Chicken Flavor in Savory Juices Small Breed Wet Dog Food

A small serving of pate is perfect for picky Chiweenies.

The Purina pate is individually packaged, making it easy to serve. Best of all, the ingredients list is small and contains items that support your dog’s health.

It’s made for small breeds and focuses on providing a nutrient-dense meal that any dog will love.

The texture is soft and savory. Whether your pup has dental issues or they simply prefer flavorful more delicate meals, you can’t go wrong with the Purina pate.


7. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food

The Blue Buffalo Homestyle canned dog food has everything your Chiweenie needs to stay healthy.

It has a relatively high protein content for canned food and uses chicken as the primary source.

Look closely, and you can see the plant-based ingredients. Peas and carrots complement the meat mash, leaving no doubt about the food’s healthy nature.

The pate-style recipe is formulated with nutritional balance in mind. It has only beneficial ingredients to support muscle mass and provide energy. Things like corn, wheat, soy, and other unnecessary fillers are nowhere to be found.


About the Chiweenie Breed

If you’ve never seen or heard of a Chiweenie before, you’re in for a treat!

These dogs are some of the most lovable around. They’re pint-sized pooches with a lot of affection to spread around.

While many are known for being fiercely loyal and somewhat protective of their owners, they can be a joy to play with once you earn their trust.

Technically speaking, the Chiweenie is not a recognized breed.

You won’t find any official records from the American Kennel Club or any other organization that deals with pedigree and breed standards. That’s because the Chiweenie is classified as a hybrid dog. Some refer to it as a “designer dog.”

Creating a Chiweenie involves crossbreeding a Chihuahua and a Dachshund.

The two small parent breeds are beloved in their own right, and the goal of breeding Chiweenies is to get the best of both worlds.

Selective breeding, in this case, is not as reliable.

Most experts agree that secondary breeding of these dogs is not a good idea, as it increases the risk of negative traits associated with the parent dogs from rearing their ugly heads.

First-generation Chiweenies are usually healthy.

That said, what you get is all up to genetics.

Both parent dogs have genetic issues, which could end up affecting the offspring.

For this reason, it’s important to go to an experienced breeder with a solid reputation if you want to adopt a Chiweenie.

There’s no denying that Chiweenies are adorable. The exact physical traits can vary, but most pups have long bodies, short legs, and big floppy ears.

Colors include everything from tan, white, black, and all of the above!

The average Chiweenie stands eight to ten inches tall at the withers, tipping the scales to as much as 12 pounds.

They’re small dogs like the progenitor breeds, making them the perfect companion for those who don’t have a ton of space.

Related reads:  Best Dog Food for Dachshunds   &   Dog Food for Chihuahuas

Fulfilling Your Chiweenie’s Dietary Needs

Don’t let the small size of the Chiweenie fool you. It has complex dietary requirements, just like a dog that’s several times its size!

While they won’t eat as much as a Great Dane or Burmese Mountain Dog, the quality of their food is equally as important.

Here are some of the most crucial factors to consider when shopping for Chiweenie dog food for your tiny furry friend.

High Protein Content

Protein should be the main ingredient in any dog food you choose. It’s the most critical macronutrient that your pup needs to survive.

Not only does it help build muscle, but protein provides the amino acids your pooch needs to stay strong throughout their lives.

Plus, proteins provide some much-needed energy to get them through the day.

So, how much protein does your Chiweenie need? It depends on their age.

According to the AAFCO, Chiweenie puppies need a formula that contains at least 22 percent protein. For adults, you can scale back to a minimum of 18 percent.

That said, it’s always a good idea to go higher when feeding adult dogs.

Your Chiweenie will thrive with 30 percent protein or more!

Stick to wholesome meat sources. Pay close attention to that ingredients list! The first thing you see should be identifiable animal meat.

Chicken, turkey, beef, fish, and more are all suitable options. Meat meals are an acceptable alternative. However, make sure that the meat used is identified.

Avoid mystery meats and byproducts at all costs. You never know where those ingredients come from or how healthy they are.

Filler-Free Complex Carbs

Dogs don’t need carbohydrates to stay fit. For this reason, you won’t find any content requirements for carbohydrates from the AAFCO.

That said, you’d be hard-pressed to find any commercial dog food that lacks carbohydrates altogether. Manufacturers use it to beef up the formula.

Carbs also provide many vitamins and act as a source of energy.

Before you ignore the carbohydrate content, you should learn how to separate good carbs from bad carbs.

Simple carbohydrates include things like corn, wheat, soy, and potatoes. We recommend avoiding those ingredients.

Simple carbohydrates absorb into the body at a rapid pace.

They can provide a quick boost of energy. But once that supply depletes, your dog will suffer a noticeable energy crash!

Unfortunately, too many budget brands use simple carbs as a filler.

Instead of going with a recipe that has simple carbohydrates, look for complex carbohydrates. Good examples include sweet potato, legumes, whole oats, and more.

They absorb slowly over the day, providing your dog with a steady supply of energy to keep them going!

There’s no concrete rule as to how much carbs your dog’s food should have. In fact, most manufacturers don’t even provide that information because it’s not a requirement.

As a good rule of thumb, the carbs should be below the meat on the ingredients list. If it comes before the protein source, look elsewhere!

Healthy Fats

Fat is another essential macronutrient that your dog’s food should have. Puppies need a recipe with at least eight percent fat. Meanwhile, adults can go as low as five percent.

Don’t overdo the fat. Your dog needs it for energy and flavor, but too much could lead to unnecessary weight gain.

The best types of fat come from animal protein sources. Omega fatty acids are good, too. Omega fatty acids come from ingredients like fish oil and flaxseed oil.

The acids help to keep the skin supple and support cardiovascular health.

Specific omega fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, improve eye strength and brain development!

Joint Care

You can’t go wrong with joint-supporting additions like glucosamine and chondroitin. Even if your dog is still a healthy adult, those supplements can serve as a preventative measure.

Chiweenies can start to feel the pangs of arthritis as they approach old age.

Glucosamine and chondroitin maintain the joint cartilage, which may help prevent damage in the long run.

Vitamins, Minerals, and More

Finally, look for recipes that have a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Your dog’s body needs all the support it can get to keep all those critical biological functions operating smoothly.

Most vitamins and minerals will come from plant-based ingredients.

Dogs can benefit from a healthy supply of fruits and vegetables. As long as the plant-based constituents don’t appear higher up on the ingredients list than the meats, you’re good to go!

Related: 10 Food Boosters You Can Add to Your Dog’s Regular Food to Improve Their Health

How to Feed a Chiweenie Throughout It’s Life

Feeding a Chiweenie is pretty straightforward. The keys to successful feeding are consistency and control.

Whatever you do, avoid free-feeding at all costs. We’ll go into more depth in a bit, but Chiweenies are prone to obesity. Having food out is torture for these small dogs!

They can’t help but gobble up any food you put in front of them. Unlike other breeds, Chiweenies don’t know when to stop.

It’s best to portion out the meals accordingly to manage caloric intake.

Chiweenie puppies do well on four separate meals throughout the day. Adults and seniors benefit from two or three.

As always, keep an eye on your dog’s body condition and health as they age.

Your pup’s needs will change as they transition from puppyhood to adulthood. The same goes for moving into the senior stage of life.

You’ll have to make adjustments to the portion sizes to accommodate their lifestyle changes.

More active dogs will need more food to replenish that deep well of energy. However, seniors will require less food to ensure they don’t gain weight as they move to a more sedentary lifestyle.

Common Chiweenie Health Issues

As a designer dog, Chiweenies are at risk for genetic predispositions from Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. Here are some common ailments that could affect your dog.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the more common health conditions. While a bit of weight gain might not seem like a big deal, it can quickly spiral to something more serious.

Chiweenies can eventually suffer from diabetes and other complications. Avoid free-feeding and stick to a strict dietary schedule to keep your dog’s figure lean.

Allergies

Chihuahuas are prone to allergies, so Chiweenies often experience them, too.

Allergic reactions can vary in terms of severity. Usually, you’ll notice rashes and stomach upsets when they consume ingredients the body doesn’t like.

Consider going to your vet for an allergy test.

Once you figure out the offending allergens, you can look for specialty foods that use alternative ingredients to avoid food allergies.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a hormonal issue. The endocrine doesn’t produce enough hormones to keep critical body functions in good working shape. As a result, many processes slow down.

Dogs can experience issues like lethargy, weight gain, muscle loss, and more. The best thing you can do to address hypothyroidism is to visit your vet.

Treatment options may include a diet change with foods that combat the effects of Hypothyroidism and regular medications.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of foods to feed your Chiweenie. The goal should be to choose the very best one that meets their needs. Scrutinize that ingredients list and make sure that every element is healthy.

The Blue Buffalo Homestyle canned dog food has everything your Chiweenie needs to stay healthy. It has a relatively high protein content for canned food and uses chicken as the primary source.

Look closely, and you can see the plant-based ingredients. Peas and carrots complement the meat mash, leaving no doubt about the food’s healthy nature

Also Read: How to Store Dry Dog Food Long Term

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