What To Feed Your Chihuahua

By Sandra A Dean

Because Chihuahuas eat such a small amount of food, it is essential that the food they do eat is packed with nutrition. There is less margin for error with a small dog's diet than there is with a large dog. Since small dogs eat less, they have fewer opportunities to nourish themselves. Some foods that humans enjoy eating can be toxic to dogs. Chihuahua owners should avoid feeding their dogs foods that contain chocolate, onions and garlic. Even small amounts of these foods can result in severe illness or death. Dog food recipes all include cooked meat, starches, and vegetables. Chihuahua owners can easily prepare dog food in their own kitchens. Making your own dog food ensures that your dog's food is fresh and safe.

The saying is as true in the animal kingdom as it is with humans: "You are what you eat." The major components of Chihuahua care are nutrition, exercise, vaccinations, and regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Of these, nutrition is arguably the most important, because it has the greatest effect on your pet's mood and the greatest influence on the condition and appearance of your Chihuahua's skin, teeth, and coat.

Large dogs burn more calories, so they can eat more food than small dogs like the Chihuahua. With more food, owners of large dogs have more opportunities to provide nutrition to the dog. Chihuahua care is completely different. The average Chihuahua will weigh less than ten pounds and should only eat about a cup and a half of food a day, maximum. Chihuahuas tend to feel cold sooner than other breeds, so it is important to find the best diet for your Chihuahua and take care to stick to it.

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.

Some Chihuahua owners elect to cook and prepare all of their dog's food on their own instead of feeding the dog commercial dog food. Proper food is such an important part of Chihuahua nutrition that these owners feel like it's worth the effort to know what is in their dog's food. Some owners eat only organic food themselves, and they want to their dogs to enjoy the same organic experience.

Dog food is simple to make. The best dog foods include a meat protein, a starch, and a vegetable. By combining these three elements, any owner can make home-cooked meals for their Chihuahua. All ingredients should be cooked before feeding them to your dog. Lean beef, pork, fowl, or lamb should be grilled, sautéed, or roasted and rice, potatoes, or noodles can be boiled or steamed. When it comes to vegetables, Chihuahuas prefer sweet choices like carrots and peas. Cooked food should be cooled completely before feeding it to your dog.

About the Author: Sandra Dean studied nutrition in college and has an advance degree in animal behavior. 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!

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=244521&ca=Pets

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