Make Your Own Chihuahua Food

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.

Chihuahua care is more difficult in this respect than, say, caring for a large dog. Large dogs can eat a lot more food than Chihuahuas, so they have more chances to get the nutrition they need. A typical Chihuahua should eat only about a cup and a half of food a day. The Chihuahua has to eat high quality food to keep up its stamina and to maintain healthy teeth, gums, skin, and coat. Owners who are experienced with Chihuahua nutrition know that feeding the best diet for a Chihuahua can prolong the dog's life and enhance its lifestyle.

There are some foods a Chihuahua should never eat. Good Chihuahua nutrition dictates that you make sure your dog never eats these items and that they are never left in places where your dog can get to them. One food humans love that your Chihuahua should never eat is chocolate. Chocolate is toxic to all dogs, and with the Chihuahua's small size, even a tiny bit of chocolate can make it sick. If your Chihuahua eats chocolate, take it directly to the nearest veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic so the vet can assess what treatment and provide the care your Chihuahua needs to counteract the effects of the chocolate on your dog's system.

You should also avoid feeding your Chihuahua raw onions and raw garlic. These foods are less toxic to Chihuahuas than chocolate, but there is no reason to risk your pet's health by feeding it foods that are easily avoided like raw onions and garlic.

Now that you know what not to feed your dog, let's talk about the best diet for your Chihuahua. The only way to be absolutely certain your pet gets the proper nutrition may be to prepare and cook all of your dog's food. This is the kind of Chihuahua nutrition that proves your love for your dog.

Chihuahua dog food recipes can be found in several popular cookbooks and newsletters, but you can make your own dog food for your Chihuahua by combining a few basic ingredients in different ways.

Start with a small amount of lean beef, chicken, turkey, pork, or lamb and roast or grill the meat. You can sauté or pan-fry the meat, but try not to add any fat when cooking. When the meat is fully cooked, add a similar amount of a cooked starch like boiled potatoes, noodles, or cooked rice. Next, add a cooked vegetable. Most dogs prefer sweet vegetables like carrots or peas. After the mixture cools, feed it to your Chihuahua and watch the food disappear!

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

Sandra Dean is a Chihuahua breeder and cookbook author who loves to experiment with new recipes. Chihuahuas don't eat very much food in a day, so it is important to feed them delicious, nutritious food, packed with vitamins and vital nutrients. The best Chihuhua care might include making dog food at home. You can make your own Chihuahua dog food recipes by combining cooked proteins, starches and vegetables. Your dog will beg for more!