🥣 Why Is My Chihuahua Being SO Weird With Their Food?! 🐶

Hey Chi Parents! 👋

Do you ever find yourself worried when your tiny pup seems to barely touch their food? Or maybe your Chi has some quirky eating habits that make you scratch your head? You're definitely not alone! 💕

After researching this topic extensively, I've put together ALL the solutions for the most common Chihuahua eating problems. Let's solve these mysteries together!

🍽️ "My Chihuahua barely eats anything!"

Don't panic! Chihuahuas actually need very few calories to maintain a healthy weight. What seems like a tiny amount to us is often exactly what they need! Here's a calorie guide based on weight:

2 lbs Chi = 80-120 calories/day
4 lbs Chi = 160-240 calories/day
6 lbs Chi = 254-396 calories/day

If your puppy is growing or your adult Chi is maintaining weight, they're eating enough! However, if they're losing weight, see your vet ASAP as this could signal health issues.

🤔 The Picky Eater Problem

Chihuahuas can be notoriously picky! Here's how to handle it:

Try only 2 high-quality brands (4-5 star rated) before settling
Make kibble more appealing by adding warm, low-sodium chicken or beef broth
For homemade meals, experiment with different ingredients (maybe your Chi loves carrots but hates peas!)
Stay consistent with your offerings—if you give in quickly, you're training them to be picky

🤲 "My Chi only eats when I hand-feed them!"

This is a common trap many Chi parents fall into! To break this habit:

Check if their bowl is comfortable (many Chis prefer raised bowls or flat plates)
Place food in their dish and wait them out
Stay strong! They won't starve themselves—canine survival instinct will kick in
Important: If your Chi has collapsed trachea or neck pain, hand-feeding might be necessary—check with your vet!

🏃‍♀️ "My Chihuahua runs away with their food!"

If your Chi hides or relocates their food, it could be because:

They were the runt of the litter and learned to protect food
Past food insecurity (common in rescue Chis)
They don't feel secure in their eating area

Solutions:

Create a quiet, safe eating space away from foot traffic and noise
Immediately return any moved food to their bowl (be ready to do this several times!)
Be consistent—all treats and food should be given ONLY in the designated eating area

⚡ "My Chihuahua inhales their food too quickly!"

Speed-eating can cause gas and even vomiting. Easy fix:

Use a slow-feed bowl (stainless steel is best)
Add slow-feed stainless steel balls to their current dish

🥩 "My Chihuahua is underweight!"

First—remember Chis are naturally lean! If your vet confirms they need to gain weight:

Keep up with exercise (it actually stimulates appetite!)
Add about 150 extra calories daily (with vet approval) using: 1 tablespoon fish oil (123 calories) 1/4 cup whole cottage cheese (55 calories)
Weigh weekly to track progress
If no weight gain after 3 weeks, consult your vet again

🐖 "My Chi eats EVERYTHING in sight!"

This could be due to:

Low-quality food (full of fillers that don't satisfy) Check ratings at DogFoodAdvisor.com and upgrade to 4-5 star food
Increased activity or colder weather It's normal to eat more during winter or after more exercise
Dehydration Make sure fresh water is always available
Need to chew (teething puppies or anxious adults) Offer appropriate chew toys and ice cubes
Medical conditions like: Cushing's syndrome Diabetes Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency Intestinal bacterial overgrowth Parasites/worms
Behavioral conditioning Are you offering too many treats or table scraps? Stick to a consistent feeding schedule

🚶‍♀️ "My Chi tries to eat everything on walks!"