Last Updated: 05/06/2025
Vet Picks: Best Food for Chihuahuas
Looking for the best food for your Chihuahua? See our vets selection of premium foods.
Author: Dr Emilee Lay BVSc BSc (Vet) Hons
Reading Time: 44 minutes - long read
Chihuahuas take on the title of the smallest dog breed in the world, but their pocket size stature doesn't mean they aren't sassy, fierce and smart! As a loyal and lifelong companion it is essential to provide optimum nutrients to fuel their tiny bodies and larger than life personalities.
Given that Chihuahuas can live up to 18 years of age, providing the optimal premium nutrition to support their health is key to their longevity. This starts from puppyhood all the way to their golden twilight years. Chihuahuas like many small breed dogs do have a reputation for being fussy with their food. Choosing food that not only benefits their health but can tempt even the fussiest of pooches is essential.
What to consider
- Complete and Balanced: Dry foods are more nutritionally dense and completely balanced - compared to home-cooked diets, meaning it's convenient to feed, but also you can rest assured that your Chihuahua is getting everything they need.
- Kibble Size: Having smaller and sometimes abnormal jaws means they need smaller kibble to help chew their food easier, this is especially important as Chihuahuas are particularly prone to dental disease.
- Age: Small breed dogs of different ages have very different nutritional requirements. Puppies require energy-dense food which meets their intense growth rates, while senior dogs are often less active have a slower metabolism which means that they require fewer calories and less fat, but an easily digestible diet, to help them maintain good body condition.
- Health: Given their longer lifespans, small breed dogs are prone over the course of their lives to heart, mobility and gastrointestinal issues. Many dry foods have a wellness range to target these issues. In addition, prescription diets are now readily available to help manage these conditions.
How we review our products
Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.
Top Chihuahua food in Australia [Vet Reviewed]
Best overall
Royal Canin Adult Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly palatable, and smaller kibble size specific for Chihuahuas
- Unique texture, flavour and kibble size designed to suit the Chihuahua jaw
- Contains calcium chelating agents to reduce tartar and promote good oral health
Cons
- Contains chicken, which may not be suitable for dogs with food intolerances or allergies
- Designed for purebred dogs, and may not be suitable for cross breeds
Why we love it
Royal Canin have utilized its accumulated vast knowledge of pets to ensure that their foods are perfectly designed to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs based on their size, age, lifestyle, breed and specific needs - this has been accrued through rigorous scientific research and ongoing commitments to developing and improving their formulations alongside industry professionals. Their breed specific formulas take this one step further, and are supported by their extensive range of health specific foods as well.
This formulation is highly palatable, with a complex of antioxidants and prebiotics to support optimal immune and digestive function, reduce stool volume and odour, and comes with accompanying wet food and puppy food as well.
What our customers say
"Best dry kibble for chihuahuas and small dog fussy eaters. Feeding this and the puppy version since 8 months and our dog loves it. No point feeding cheaper alternatives if this is so good"
Best runner up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small and Mini
Pros
- Specifically formulated for small breed dogs with high quality proteins and easy to digest ingredients
- Antioxidant blend, packed full of vitamins for immune system support
- Small kibble size - approximately 7.5 x 4.5mm
Cons
- Not Australian made
- Poultry based diet may not be suitable for adults with food intolerances or allergies
Why we love it
Hill's Pet Nutrition formulations are firmly rooted in science with the main mission of creating the highest-quality dog food, backed by evidence based research. Their range encompasses a variety of wellness and health profiles and they are leading the industry with their innovative product range - transforming lives through nutrition, for every lifestage and health condition.Â
This small breed specific range, has been designed to the very last detail for small breed adult dogs. They cater not only to every lifestage but to many health conditions as well. But they haven't forgotten about you owners as well - as this food is available in a variety of sizes to suit the needs of different households and storage abilities - some of the bags also feature a zip lock feature to keep the kibble fresh
What our customers say
"My chihuahua happily eats it twice a day and I know she is getting a quality food and the number one ingredient is chicken not grain She is the picture of health with great teeth and well formed non odourous stools"
Best natural diet
Black Hawk Adult Small Breed Lamb and Rice
Pros
- Australian Made Holistic Formula specific for adult small breeds
- Highly palatable for fussy dogs
- Added food grade emu oil and functional natural ingredients like blueberries and dandelions
Cons
- Does contain some Poultry based ingredients which may not be suitable for dogs with food intolerances or allergies
Why we love it
Black Hawk foods are a favourite among dog-owners looking to feed their dogs locally made diets. The other Black Hawk dog ranges include chicken, fish and beef as well as grain options. Unfortunately, these varieties do not come in a smaller kibble size. The foods are also only suitable for adult dogs over 12 months of age.
Black Hawk is a premium, natural brand with a focus on quality ingredients, and where every product is free of artificial colours, preservatives and flavours. It is 100% Australian-made, giving you peace-of-mind about the manufacturing quality of the food, and that you are supporting local industry.
Black Hawk diets are a very reasonably priced premium holistic option compared to other holistic options for dogs.
What our customers say
"My pugs love it, the biscuits are super small and great for smaller breed dogs"
Best grain free diet
Wellness Core Small Breed Grain Free
Pros
- All-natural, grain free diet rich in turkey and chicken to support lean muscle and packed with delicious superfoods
- No artificial colours or flavours, added probiotics and omega fatty acids to support digestive and skin health
- Small triangular shaped kibble size perfect for small jaws - approximately 9mm x 9mm
- Balanced calories and controlled carbohydrate levels to support the higher metabolism of small breed dogs
Cons
- Not Australian Made
- Poultry based diet may not be suitable for adults with food intolerances or allergies
Why we love it
Wellness is built on a philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet built on hearty animal proteins and bolstered by healthy, functional plant based ingredients. Their nutrient-dense meals are crafted in small batches, and the special triangular shaped kibble is perfect for small breed dogs - especially Chihuahuas.
Their Small Breed range has been specially formulated to support the higher metabolic rates and energy demands of small dogs. In addition added glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids and probiotics in every bite of kibble ensures your dog's joint, skin and digestive health is in tip top shape.
What our customers say
"My dog is really fussy when it comes to kibble size. The size of this kibble is just right for her. The recipe is good, the price is good, my dog would only eat this, would keep purchasing it for sure."
Best air dried food
Ziwi Peak Air Dried Mackerel and Lamb Recipe
Pros
- Delicious sustainably sourced and air dried Blue Mackerel and New Zealand Lamb
- Grain free with no artificial colours or preservatives
- Added Green Mussel for joint and mobility support
- Relatively small size and soft texture makes it perfect for small breed dogs
- Suitable for all life stages
- Alternative to raw feeding, while still retaining the benefits of the raw ingredients
- Available in a range of other proteins
Cons
- Expensive in comparison to other dry foods
- Freeze-dried foods may not be as safe from bacterial and parasitic contamination as foods cooked with heat
- Very calorie dense, so may contribute more to weight gain if overfed
Why we love it
Air-dried to retain raw nutrition, all Ziwi recipes are high in meat, organs and bones with beneficial inclusions like green-lipped mussel. With complete and balanced recipes, they are also grain free and all ingredients are sourced sustainably. Ziwi recipes are highly palatable, making them a great choice for fussy eaters.
Ziwi-Peak dry foods have a firm jerky texture, so are an excellent choice as treats, for training or as a topper to provide variety to other foods.
Ziwi-Peak dry foods should be stored in their original packaging after opening, and away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
Like freeze-dried foods, the air-drying process is not an equal substitute for cooking with heat in terms of bacterial and parasitic control, so extra caution must be taken in the handling of air-dried foods and hygiene control.
What our customers say
"My toy poodle has been on Ziwi Peak for six years. Her coat is excellent, poops firm and her gut has remained calm. Previous pets (prior to Ziwi) over the decades have suffered from dodgy tummies but Ziwi has been a consistent benefit for general health and satiety (they eat less) with only benefits over the years."
Best puppy food
ADVANCE Puppy Small Breed
Pros
- Premium, rehydratable, complete and balanced diet for small breed puppies
- Natural colostrum added to defend against digestive upsets
- Designed to support heart health with added antioxidants and omega fatty acids
- Australian Made in resealable bags
Cons
- Does contain chicken meal - which may not be suitable for puppies with allergies or food intolerances to these ingredients
- Only suitable for puppies between 2 months to 12 months of age
Why we love it
If you're looking for a super premium Australian-made dry food - look no further than Advance Nutrition. Complete and balanced, this food is made locally in the Central Tablelands of NSW, by leading animal nutritionists. As an added bonus this range is available in multiple sizes, which is perfect if you have a little army of Chihuahuas to feed.
The accompanying wet food also comes in a loaf and gravy formula - to tempt event the fussiest of pups. This affordable yet premium brand is perfect for balancing the health and nutrition of your pet as well as your back pocket!
What our customers say
"My small breed puppies love this kibble, it's a great small size so easy to use as training treats for those who want to do some training with food throughout the day. Even my picky non-food-motivated pup loves this kibble. It will be hard to switch to a new one when they're grown up"
Best senior diet
Eukanuba Senior Small Breed
Pros
- Suitable for dogs up to 10kg and from 7 years of age
- Additional glucosamine to support healthy joints in senior dogs
- Activ Advantage formulation with added omega fatty acids to improve the mind and formulated to provide optimal energy to sustain an active lifestyle
- Dental Defence - to reduce tartar build-up
Cons
- Poultry based diet may not be suitable for dogs with food intolerances or allergies
Why we love it
Another great locally manufactured dry food option for those who are keen to feed premium and Australian made foods for their pooch! Eukanuba has undergone thorough palatability testing to tempt even the fussiest of dogs, with a special focus on activating every last cell with the nutrients needed to push your dog harder, further and better! They not only meet but exceed AAFCO Standards and are made with only the highest quality of ingredients.
In addition this food has been made with small breed dogs in mind - with a special formula designed to reduce tartar, boost immunity with additional anti-oxidants, added glucosamine to support the joints and optimal energy levels to keep those senior pooches active!
What our customers say
"Our old girl Bella is thriving on Eukanuba Senior small breed dry food. Very tolerable, no sensitive tummy issues, firm stools, her weight is healthy, her coat soft ; silky, kibble size is perfect. Best of all she is happy, alert and looks forward to her dinner, as a fussy girl this has been great to see her still excited for her food. Highly recommend this food"
Best health support diet
ADVANCE Adult Triple Action Dental Care
Pros
- Added Sodium Tripolyphosphate to help bind minerals in the saliva to reduce tartar
- Added Green tea to help freshen the breath and reduce bacteria
- Larger kibble size that enables mechanical abrasion at the tooth surface, helping to reduce the build up of tartar and plaque.
- Beneficial blend of essential vitamins, natural prebiotics that is highly palatable to tempt fussy dogs
Cons
- Not as good as effective as dental care vet diets
- Does contain chicken meal - which may not be suitable for dogs with allergies or food intolerances to these ingredients
- Kibble size may not be accepted by all small breed dogs
Why we love it
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Thats what Advance is all about, delivering optimal nutrition by cominging their scientific knowledge, wholesome ingredients and vast experience to produce only the best. This dental specific diet has a three fold approach to maintaining good dental health - by not only having larger kibble compared to their standard small breed range - but added Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Green Tea to inhibit tartar and bacterial growth.
It's also great to see that this particular formulation has also considered the entire dog - having natural prebiotics, to help promote a healthy gut, vitamin E to boost the immune system and zinc and linoleic acid to a shiny coat - truly an all rounder. This food is available in a range of sizes to suit the needs of different households.
What our customers say
"I have 2 Maltese/Shih Tzu They eat this one combined with some meat. They like it and vet said that their dental health is very good. I am grateful that I was recommended this food 2 years go, as it keep my babies healthy"
In addition to the nutritional requirements needed for their small size, Chihuahuas can be quite fussy with their food, so make sure to pick kibble suitable for their small mouths. Given their long lives, it's imperative to choose a premium quality diet that has added heart, digestive, and joint support. Premium foods are trustworthy and contain beneficial nutrients. In choosing a food, the most important consideration after any health factors is that the diet is complete and balanced for your dog's stage of life. Look for dry dog food that is highly digestible, with a variety of proteins and formulations to tempt even the fussiest of dogs. Small Breed dogs like Chihuahuas have specific needs including much smaller kibble, appropriate nutritional profiles, ingredients to help reduce tartar and joint support.
Further Reading
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Fri Mar 7 2025
Edited by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)Dr Emilee Lay BVSc BSc (Vet) Hons
Veterinarian
Dr. Emilee graduated from the University of Sydney in 2018 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Studies) and as a student worked for a number of years as a small animals and exotics nurse in clinics across Sydney. She is currently a practicing small animal and exotic vet along the Coast. Emilee holds a special passion for avian and exotic medicine (bunnies being her favourite patients), as well as animal behavioural medicine!
