Чихуахуа

The main nutritional goals for adult Chihuahuas are:

Maintaining an ideal body weight by using highly digestible ingredients and keeping the fat content at a sensible level

Preserving the health and beauty of the skin and coat with the enriched provision of essential fatty acids (especially EPA-DHA), essential amino acids, and B vitamins.

Protecting their very delicate jaws. Chihuahuas have a strong predisposition to accumulating dental tartar. By reducing tartar formation on the teeth, which is responsible for dental plaque, kibble containing calcium chelators plays an essential role and helps combat oral disorders. The size and shape of the kibble should be very small and adapted to the miniature jaw of Chihuahuas in order to avoid problems with picking up food. This may also stimulate their fussy appetite.

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After 8 years old, Chihuahuas start facing the first signs of ageing. A diet enriched with antioxidants helps maintain vitality, and key nutrients, such as taurine, help support good cardiac function. Ageing is also accompanied by the modification of digestive capacities and particular nutritional requirements, so food for ageing Chihuahuas should have the following characteristics:

Higher
vitamin C and E content. These nutrients have antioxidant properties,
protecting the body’s cells against the harmful effects of the oxidative stress
linked to ageing.

High-quality protein. Contrary to a widely held misconception, lowering the protein content in food brings little benefit in limiting kidney failure because older dogs are less efficient at using dietary protein than younger dogs. Reducing the phosphorus content is the only way of slowing down the gradual deterioration of kidney function.

A higher
proportion of the trace elements iron, zinc and manganese to maintain good
condition of the skin and coat.

A higher
quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids (borage oil, fish oil) to maintain the
quality of the coat. Dogs normally produce these fatty acids, but ageing can
affect this physiological process.

As they age, dogs increasingly suffer from teeth problems. To ensure they continue to eat in sufficient quantities, the shape, size, and hardness of their kibble needs to be tailored to their jaw. A formula that contains calcium chelators will support dental health by reducing tartar formation.

Although important throughout the Chihuahua’s life, cardiac health becomes more important as the dog ages. A blend of nutrients, such as taurine and EPA-DHA, will help maintain cardiac health in mature Chihuahuas.