Food & Nutrition

Question
Is it ok to feed a Chihuahua a grain-free kibble? Or is the high protein content too much for them?

Answer
Hi Bailey....

I don't believe that the high protein content of most grain-free kibble is too much for a healthy Chihuahua.  I do think that it's important to make sure that they don't have any elevations in liver values and things like that if they're older so that you're not complicating an undiagnosed medical condition with too high of a protein that is the "wrong" kind.  I say "wrong kind" because some medical conditions do not require reduced protein, but certain types of protein instead of just any type (i.e. fish %26 chicken instead of red meat). I tend to have blood work done on my very young Chis at the time that they're neutered and spayed so that I can watch out for any potential medical problems early on and have a base to compare with when doing future blood work.  You wouldn't believe how many people discover elevations in liver enzymes due to a blood work up prior to a spay/neuter or dental procedure!

I had cause last year to consult with a board certified internist (CA), a nutritionist at the University of TN and a local holistic veterinarian (CA) who all recommended EVO for a dog that I have who was having digestive problems.  You're probably aware that EVO is high protein and grain-free?!?  I thought this was especially interesting in light of the fact that all three of these professionals were not acquainted and I had not mentioned one to the other.  I am positive that at least two of them had no affiliation with Natura (manufacturer of EVO) but can't be positive about the nutritionist.

That being said, I think that you always have to watch what YOUR individual dog's reaction to a certain food is.  You want to watch out for vomiting, for instance.  I think it's important to note that high protein, grain-free foods are higher in calories and you must be careful about how much you feed.  I feed two smallish meals per day to two of my Chis and four small meals to my smallest Chihuahua.  You want to watch out for weight gain.

I hope this helps and that you'll feel free to contact me again soon if you have any further questions about this or specifics that you want to tell me about your dog in regard to this subject.

Jo Ann