How to Feed Senior Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are known for their fiery temperament and fierce loyalty to their owners. This miniature breed can live up to 15 years and suffers from very few health problems. As a Chihuahua and any breed of dog ages, its nutritional needs change. Feeding an older Chihuahua involves changing the dog's eating habits, as well as what its food nutritionally offers in order to prevent obesity or any dental issues.

Things You'll Need

  • Senior or adult dog food
  • Supplements
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Instructions

    • 1

      Change your Chihuahua's food to a senior formula when it reaches the age of 10 and beyond if it is having trouble with obesity. For smaller breeds, 10 is considered senior and this is the time when its nutritional needs begin to change. Senior dog foods have less calories and more fiber than adult brands, which the older dog requires if it is having trouble gaining weight due to the decline in activity.

    • 2

      Continue to feed your Chihuahua its adult dog food formula if it is not suffering from any weight issues. Choose an adult food that is also high in fiber to prevent any constipation.

    • 3

      Continue to feed the older Chihuahua a kibble instead of a moist dog food, if the dog's teeth are well maintained and the dog's digestive system can handle the harder foods. Kibble helps remove plague and tartar buildup on a dog's teeth, which is more crucial as its teeth become softer and more prone to decay.

    • 4

      Feed the senior Chihuahua kibble that is moistened in water or choose moist pet food if the dog is having trouble chewing dry dog food. This will make the process of eating less traumatic on the dog's teeth. Warming the food slightly on the stove or in the microwave will also bring out the odors in the food, making it more attractive to the Chihuahua if it will not eat.

    • 5

      Offer the dog approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food. Allow the bowl to remain on the floor for 30 minutes before removing it. The dog is only allowed access to the food for this amount of time before it is taken away. Do not allow the Chihuahua constant access to food as this could lead to obesity issues, which are dangerous in this small breed.

    • 6

      Avoid feeding the senior Chihuahua excessive amounts of dog treats These treats tend to be high in calories, which is not good for the weight of a less active senior dog.

    • 7

      Give the senior Chihuahua supplements based upon its individual needs, or as directed by a veterinarian. For instance, an older Chihuahua that suffers from arthritis will benefit from a daily dose of the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin.