The Best Dog Food Brands For a Chihuahua (2024)




Finding the best dog food for your Chihuahua is one of the most important decisions you can make as a dog owner. A Chihuahua will need a dog food that’s nutritionally dense in protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

The small breed can be highly active and responds well to a dog food that contains healthy meats, wholesome vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits. Additionally, according to the National Research Council of the National Academies, an active adult Chihuahua weighing 10 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of about 404 calories.

So what’s the best dog food for a Chihuahua? Our team of dog food nutritionists researched and analyzed over 400 small and toy breed brands for the very best based off the nutritional needs of a Chihuahua. Here are the best dog food brands for a Chihuahua for 2022.

To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements:

  • Real Meat or Fish is #1 Ingredient
  • Small or Toy Breed Specific Formula
  • High Protein Level
  • Protein and Fat Levels Balance
  • No Corn, Wheat or Soy
  • No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
  • Exceeds AAFCO Standards

Wellness CORE Grain Freed Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food

Wellness CORE Small Breed Dry Dog Food delivers the high energy needs for a Chihuahua. The recipe has been crafted on the nutritional philosophy that Chihuahuas’ thrive on a natural diet comprised of meat. The protein rich diet contains deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal which help give this small breed dry dog food a 36.0% min crude protein level.

A proprietary blend of whole ingredients, essential antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is also included. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also included and help maintain Chihuahua bone and joint health. Made in the USA, the recipe is free of grains, gluten, corn, wheat and soy as well.


Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Spearmint, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

Caloric Content: 396 kcal/cup

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 36.0% min
CRUDE FAT 16.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 2.0% max
PHOSPHORUS 1.3.0% max
VITAMIN E 400 IU/kg
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 3.0% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.5% min
GLUCOSAMINE 250 mg/kg min
CHONDROITIN SULFATE 200 mg/kg min
BETA-CAROTENE 5 mg/kg min
TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS* +80,000,000 CFU/lb min

Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Chicken Meal & Duck Meal Formula Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for a small-size kibble that is nutritionally complete and balanced, check out Natural Balance Original Small Breed. Created by dog food expert nutritionists, the formula contains a healthy mix of chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes and chicken fat.

In addition to a healthy mix of proteins and complex carbohydrates, a antioxidant-rich mix of cranberries, blueberries and spinach is also included. The formula is completed with zinc and manganese to help support hip and joint health in your Chihuahua. Natural Balance is available online and is a affordable dry dog food option for your Chihuahua.


Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pea Protein, Carrots, Duck Meal, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oat Hulls, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Vitamins(Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Tryptophan, Dried Kelp, Dried Spinach, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cranberries, Blueberries, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

Caloric Content: 3750 kcal/kg, 410 kcal/cup

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 23.0% min
CRUDE FAT 13.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 3.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.2% min
PHOSPHORUS 1.0% min
VITAMIN E 100 IU/kg min
ASCORBIC ACID 200 mg/kg min
TAURINE 0.05% min
DHA & EPA 0.25% min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.5% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.4% min

Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Organic Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food

Looking for a organic dry dog food formula for your Chihuahua? Take a look at Castor & Pollux Organix. The formula is made up of over 95% organic ingredients. Organic Free-Range Chicken is the #1 ingredient found in this 5 star small breed dry dog food brand.

The small-sized kibble is complete and balanced and easily digestible for a Chihuahua. Prebiotics and probiotics are introduced to help support healthy digestion. In addition to digestive health, Castor & Pollux adds powerful superfoods including; flaxseed, blueberries and coconut oil for additional health benefits. Chihuahua dog owners have noted this brand to a perfect option for the pickiest Chihuahua. 


Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Peas, Organic Tapioca, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sunflower Seed Meal, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Organic Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Blueberries, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Organic Sunflower Oil, Salt, Salmon Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Potassium Chloride, Inulin (from chicory root), Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Organic Rosemary Extract.

Caloric Content: 3,679 kcal/kg, 368 kcal/cup

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 26.0% min
CRUDE FAT 15.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 11.0% max
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID 3.0% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID 0.30% min
GLUCOSAMINE 800 mg/kg min
CHONDROITIN SULFATE 800 mg/kg min
BACILLIUS COAGULANTS 90,000,000 CFU/LB

Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Recipe Dry Dog Food

Made in Canada, Now Fresh Small Breed Adult Recipe is a perfect dietary option for your Chihuahua. The formula contains 100% fresh animal ingredient and is extremely palatable for taste. Farm fresh de-boned turkey is the #1 ingredients along with sweet potatoes, eggs, peas, de-boned salmon and de-boned duck.

Additional antioxidant rich blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and pomegranate are also added to the 5 star formula. The combination of healthy ingredients gives a Chihuahua a healthy dog food he or she will love. 


Ingredients: De-Boned Turkey, Whole Dried Egg, Peas, Pea Flour, Potatoes, Potato Flour, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Apples, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), De-Boned Salmon, De-Boned Duck, Coconut Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Tomato, Alfalfa, Carrots, Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Bananas, Blueberries, Cranberries, Blackberries, Pomegranate, Papayas, Lentils, Broccoli, Dried Chicory Root, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Inositol, Niacin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (a Source of Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Beta-Carotene, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Methionine Complex, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Sulphate, Ferrous Sulphate, Calcium Iodate, Manganous Oxide, Selenium Yeast), Taurine, Dl-Methionine, L-Lysine, Algae Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Parsley, Peppermint, Green Tea Extract, L-Carnitine, Dried Rosemary.

Caloric Content: 3,741 kcal/kg, 430 kcal/cup

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 27.0% min
CRUDE FAT 17.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.2% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.8% min
DHA 0.07% min
EPA 0.02% min
L-CARNITINE 100 mg/kg min
TAURINE 0.1% min
OMEGA-6 2.5% min
OMEGA-3 0.5% min
MICROORGANISMS 90,000,000 CFU/lb min

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Toy Breed Adult Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Depending on weight of your Chihuahua, you may need to consider feeding a toy breed dog food formula. Made with non-GMO ingredients, Nutro Wholesome Essentials Toy Breed is a perfectly balanced recipe for a Chihuahua.

The 5 star recipe includes real chicken as the #1 ingredient followed by chicken meal, brown rice, whole grain oatmeal and brewers rice as well. The natural fiber found in Nutro help with healthy digestion and essential antioxidants are included for immunity as well.


Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Soybean Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Inositol, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, Marigold Extract, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.

Caloric Content: 3,665 kcal/kg, 382 kcal/cup

Guaranteed Analysis
CRUDE PROTEIN 25.0% min
CRUDE FAT 16.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
LINOLEIC ACID 3.5% min
ZINC 250 mg/kg min
VITAMIN E 400 IU/kg min
NIACIN 250 mg/kg min
ASCORBIC ACID 50 mg/kg min
BIOTIN 2.5 mg/kg min
TAURINE 0.2% min