The 10 Best Dog Foods For Chiweenies

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Chiweenies: A Buyer's Guide

When shopping for food for your Chiweenie, there are several factors to consider. Your dog need the same high-quality dog food as any other canine. They do, however, require it in a form that they can consume. As a result, this adds a degree of complication that might make finding the appropriate meal for them challenging.

Here are some of the most important factors to consider while choosing dog food for your Chiweenie.

Size

If you pick kibble for your dog (the most common form of dog food), you must select an option made exclusively for smaller dogs. While many dog meals are labeled “suitable for tiny dogs,” this does not always imply that the kibble size is lower. Because little dogs have no unique nutritional demands in comparison to bigger dogs, manufacturers will frequently provide dog food that can be used by both small and medium dogs.

However, for a little dog like a Chiweenie, you’ll need food with extremely small kibbles. In this case, we recommend using a formula designated as a “small breed recipe.”

Protein

One of the most crucial ingredients in dog food is protein. Dogs require a lot of protein, but not as much as many dog owners believe. However, the source of the protein is just as crucial as the amount. Crude protein is only beneficial if your dog is able to absorb and utilize it.

We mostly suggest protein derived from animals. Animal flesh has the most readily available protein. It is best to consume whole meat or a meat feast. By-products are frequently less digestible than the other two alternatives, so avoid them if possible.

However, some plant-based proteins are extremely digestible. In terms of digestibility, corn gluten meal, for example, is comparable to meat.

Grain-Inclusive vs. Grain-Free

The most widely held idea is that grain-free dog food is superior. This notion is based on the concept that dogs require a diet similar to that of wolves, who consume primarily meat and no grains.

This idea, however, is not supported by science. In reality, the inverse is true. While we still don’t fully understand how dogs react to grains, current research has given us a clearer notion.

For example, we now know that dogs have acquired the ability to ingest and digest grain. As you might expect, dogs who live near us benefit from this characteristic since we consume a lot of grain. As a result, this feature most likely evolved shortly after dogs were domesticated.

Furthermore, most grain-free diets do not include more meat than grain-containing ones. Instead, they utilize a lot of cheap vegetables like peas and potatoes. These substances may also be linked to a dangerous cardiac ailment in dogs. The FDA is presently looking into this connection.

Stage of Life

Puppies’ dietary requirements differ from those of adult dogs since they are growing and developing. As a result, it is critical that you feed your puppy and puppy food, and then transition them to adult food after they have finished growing.

Chiweenies grow quickly since they are such little canines. This indicates they won’t be eating puppy chow for long. However, it is much more critical that kids continue on it while they are growing. When these canines are around a year old, you may safely transition them to adult food.

Conclusion

Chiweenies are little dogs, which might make feeding them more difficult.

In general, we prefer The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe (or any of their recipes, really). This firm produces unrivaled high-quality, fresh dog food. Furthermore, because it is produced from natural components, it is exceptionally easy for your dog to consume. You don’t have to be concerned with kibble size since it isn’t kibble.

However, this meal may be costly. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Small Breed Chicken & Rice is a good choice for individuals on a tight budget. Although this recipe is less costly than others, it nevertheless contains high-quality components. It also features a tiny kibble size to make eating easy for your dog.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our evaluations and guide assist you in finding the best dog foods for chiweenies.

Reviews

Best Value: Small Breed Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend

• Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal, beef fat, corn gluten meal are the main ingredients.
• 29% protein content
• 17% fat content
• 373 calories per cup

While these dogs do eat very little, you may still need to save money in some circumstances. In these instances, we propose Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Small Breed Chicken & Rice as the finest dog food for Chiweenies for the money.

Despite being less expensive than most competitors, this dog food begins with chicken as the major component. It is a grain-free recipe that works well for the majority of dogs. Rice is the second component.

Corn gluten meal is also included. While it may appear that this ingredient is of lower quality than others, it is actually very digestible. As a result, it provides a less expensive source of protein that is just as high-quality as more expensive options.

The only potentially harmful ingredient is poultry by-product meal, which is made up of leftovers from the processing of poultry. Some of these leftovers, such as organ meats, may be high-quality options, while others may not be.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• The major component is chicken.
• Designed specifically for little dogs
• Included are live probiotics.

Cons

• Byproducts are included.

 

Adult Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dry Food

• Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are the main ingredients.
• Protein Content: 26%
• 15% fat content
• 396 kilocalories per cup

Blue Buffalo Small Breed Adult Chicken & Rice may be of interest if you have some additional cash. As the name suggests, this formula is designed specifically for small breeds.

However, it contains numerous additional nutrients not seen in other small-breed recipes. For example, glucosamine is added to promote joint health. Chiweenies aren’t particularly prone to joint issues, but extra assistance may be beneficial.

Furthermore, this food contains a high concentration of omega fatty acids. These may be beneficial to your dog’s skin and coat. Chelated minerals, which are simpler for dogs to absorb and are frequently included in high-quality dog diets, are also utilized.

Chicken is the first component in this dog food, followed by chicken meal. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated form of chicken that has more protein per ounce than whole chicken. As a result, it is an excellent choice. As a grain-inclusive recipe, this formula also incorporates a variety of grains.

Pros

• The first component is chicken.
• Glucosamine is present.
• Chelated minerals are used.
• Omega-3 fatty acids have been added.

Cons

• Expensive

 

Variety Pack Cesar Simply Crafted

• Chicken, carrots, potatoes, and peas are the main ingredients.
• 15% protein content
• 0.2% fat content
• 29 calories per serving

Consider the Cesar Simply Crafted Variety Pack as a less expensive alternative to fresh dog food. This meal includes minimal ingredients, making it ideal for dogs with food sensitivities.

However, because it is a simple formulation, it may be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This variety pack features two distinct recipes that will keep your dog entertained.

The key component in both formulations is chicken. However, the “side items” varied slightly. For example, one contains carrots and potatoes, while the other contains sweet potatoes and apples. While all of the formulas are gluten-free, one does include barley.

We enjoy this cuisine as a topping, and it is one of the most popular selections available. However, it is pricey and a topping. To make it a complete meal, mix it with your dog’s food. Still, the pricing is unbeatable as an alternative to fresh dog food.

Pros

• Simple and concise ingredient list
• High protein content
• It is safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Cons

• Not a complete nutritional package
• Some recipes call for a lot of peas.

 

Natural Choice Nutro Dry Food in Small Bites

• Deboned lamb, chicken meal, brewer’s rice, whole grain brown rice, rice bran
• 22% protein content
• 14% fat content
• 341 kilocalories per cup

Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Lamb & Brown Rice features high-quality ingredients yet being less expensive than much of the competitors. The first component is lamb.

However, because chicken meal is the second ingredient, this recipe may not be suited for dogs with allergies. Of course, if your dog does not have allergies, this isn’t a big deal.

This formula is grain-free and contains whole grains. These provide the carbohydrates and fiber that your little dog requires to flourish. As you might expect, this fiber can benefit your dog’s digestive tract and keep them regular.

Having said that, this recipe has a lower protein level than others. While this isn’t necessarily terrible for all dogs, it is something to consider.

Pros

• Grain-inclusive
• The first component is entire meat.
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Protein deficient
• Allergy-prone pets should avoid this product.

 

Adult Small Bites Dog Food Eukanuba

• Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and chicken fat are the main ingredients.
• Protein content is 25%.
• 16% fat content
• Calories: 371 kcal/cup

Many specialists in the dog food business trust Eukanuba Adult Small Bites because they have a lot of research behind them.

As a result, for those who can afford it, we recommend Eukanuba Adult Small Bites Dog Meal—but bear in mind that this food is highly pricey. Furthermore, some of the components, such as by-products and wheat, are less than great.

Whole chicken supplies amino acids and fat as the first component. The second element, however, is chicken byproducts. While by-products aren’t always terrible, they’re similar to mystery meat. We just don’t know what part of the animal they are, therefore they might be of poorer quality.

This recipe is particularly intended for tiny dogs. As a result, the kibble size is fairly tiny. It also contains DHA and vitamin E, which can help with brain function.

Pros

• The main ingredient is chicken.
• Science backs it up
• DHA and vitamin E are included.

Cons

• Expensive
• Low-quality ingredients

 

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds

• Chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, and canola meal are the main ingredients.
• 24% protein content
• 14% fat content
• 342 calories per cup

Nature’s Recipe Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Pumpkin is quite inexpensive when compared to other brands. As a result, if you’re on a tight budget, it might be a fantastic alternative for your dog. It does contain chicken as the primary component, as well as chicken meal. As a result, it is primarily reliant on meat for protein and fat.

It is also specifically designed for small dogs, so the kibble size is smaller, and most Chiweenies should be able to eat it without issue. It is grain-free, but because peas are not prominent on the ingredient list, we believe it is healthier than other grain-free dishes.

This mix, however, contains several low-quality components. For instance, canola oil is quite high on the list as a source of fat. We would have preferred to see an animal fat source, such as chicken fat or fish oil. Furthermore, despite the fact that pumpkin is included in the title, this recipe includes very little pumpkin.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• The main ingredient is chicken.
• It does not include a lot of peas.

Cons

• Some inferior components
• There isn’t much pumpkin in this.

 

Hill’s Science Diet Small & Mini Breed Sensitive Stomach & Skin

• Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley are the main ingredients.
• 21% protein content
• 12% fat content
• 392 calories per cup

The typical pet owner considers Hill’s Science Diet to be a top dog food. A brief glance at the ingredient list, however, reveals that this is not the case.

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Little & Mini Breed is formulated specifically for small dogs such as Chiweenies. However, the ingredient list contains refined grains like brewer’s rice quite high on the list.

Furthermore, yellow peas also rank pretty high on the list. We do not advocate using them in large doses because they have been linked to cardiac problems in dogs. Furthermore, because this cuisine is highly pricey, you would anticipate higher quality ingredients.

The key component in this mixture is chicken. A chicken meal arrives later in the game, adding more protein to the dish. Omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and other nutrients are also added. These are beneficial to your dog’s general health, but they are not “necessary.”

Pros

• The major component is chicken.
• Additional nutrients, such as omega fatty acids

Cons

• Grain that has been refined
• High in peas