Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Chiweenies: Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food
“Nothing is better than this dog food when it comes to nourishing your pup. It is an ideal option for Chiweenies as it’s packed with premium ingredients and all the necessary supplements to support growth and proper development.
Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
“If you’re looking for the perfect balance between nutrition and affordability, Diamond Naturals contains superfoods filled with antioxidants, DHA, high levels of Omega – all this and more for a handsome price!”
Best Chiweenie Treat: Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
“Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats is an amazing pack of goodies that your Chiweenie will surely love. It has the right calorie count so your pup can enjoy a few of these in a day without taking in too many calories.”
Chiweenies make great apartment dogs and they’re a favorite for a lot of urban dwellers. Being a cross between a Chihuahua and Dachshund, Chiweenies get their extra cuteness from both breeds. But that means they’re also susceptible to health risks that are common for its parent breeds.
Hypothyroidism, diabetes, and seizures are just a few of some health concerns that Chiweenie dog parents needs to look out for. If you have one of these adorable fur balls, the easiest way you can prevent them from developing any of these diseases is by making sure they’re properly nourished and well-supported early on.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food For Chiweenies in 2022
- 1. Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food
- 2. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- 3. Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
- 4. American Journey Grain Free Puppy Food
- 5. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Dog Food
- 6. CANIDAE PURE Grain Free Dog Food
- 7. Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dog Food
- 8. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- 9. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Senior Dog Food
- 10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Dog Food
- 1. Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food
- How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Chiweenies
- Common Health Concerns Chiweenies Suffer From
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Food For Chiweenies in 2022
Here are our top picks for the best dog food for Chiweenies on the market:
- Best Overall for Chiweenies: Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food
- Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- Best Chiweenie Treat: Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
- Best For Chiweenie Puppies: American Journey Grain Free Puppy Food
- Best Organic Dog Food: Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Dog Food
- Best for Weight Management: CANIDAE PURE Grain Free Dog Food
- Best for Toy and Small Breeds: Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dog Food
- Best for Dogs with Allergies: Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- Best Dog Food For Seniors: Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Senior Dog Food
- Best for Cushing’s Disease: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Dog Food
1. Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Chiweenies
PROS
- Comes in grains or grain free recipes
- High levels of joint supplements for small breed dogs
- Premium quality ingredient from wholesome food sources
CONS
- May be slightly pricier than others
Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food is a small breed-specific formula that contains all your little mixed breed needs to stay healthy, active, and happy.
In addition to their superb ingredient list, they’ve also added probiotics and prebiotics to make for easier digestion – ideal for Chiweenies who have sensitive tummies.
click to see more
Premium Quality Grain Free Chiweenie Food
This dog food has protein count of 36% which keeps those little muscles strong and toned. It also keeps them lean with just the right body weight for their tiny frame.
15% fat content is the optimum amount for these bouncy little fellows. The Omega fatty acids are a little higher than average, which is perfect for pups who could use a bit of help combating allergies that often affect skin and fur. It’s got a good amount of DHA that aids eye and brain development.
All these nutrients and supplements come from wholesome sources, but keep an eye out if your pup is a little sensitive to chicken, potatoes, or legumes.
2. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money
PROS
- Contains superfoods filled with antioxidants
- Good protein and fat counts for Chiweenies
- Contains DHA as well as high Omega levels
- Very well-priced for a quality dog food
CONS
- No glucosamine
- May not suit pups who are allergic to potatoes
For pet parents looking for affordable but super healthy dog food, the Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food has everything your pup needs for growth and development. It avoids common protein allergens and is specifically formulated for small breed dogs who suffer from skin and coat allergies.
click to see more
Great for Allergy Relief
This dog food is intended to nourish dry, scaly skin and put some shine and softness back into your dog’s dull fur. It uses salmon as its main ingredient which is extremely high in Omega fatty acids that’s excellent for maintaining skin and coat health. You’ll also find DHA and Vitamins A and E, which keeps your dogs’ eye and brain healthy.
One of the best things about this dog food is it’s loaded with antioxidants. The carbohydrate sources are impressive, consisting of superfoods like flaxseed, kale, chia seeds, blueberries, kelp, coconut, papaya, and chicory root.
3. Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
Best Chiweenie Treat
PROS
- Available in four delicious flavor options
- Less than 1 calorie per treat
- Over 450 treats per bag, making it super value
- Few concentrated ingredients, avoiding common protein allergens
CONS
- Quality can change depending on the supplier
When your dog is the size of a Chiweenie, it can be quite difficult to find a high-quality treat that doesn’t add too much calories to your small breed’s daily intake. But these treats are intended for small breed dogs. With less than 1kcal per treat, it’s a pack of tasty, low calorie goodies that will last you a good long while training with your tiny pup.
click to see more
Perfect for Tiny Dogs
These small treats come in four different flavors: chicken, liver, salmon, and sweet potato. The protein count varies throughout the flavor range but the calorie content is consistently low. At less than 1 kcal per piece, you can keep training your Chiweenie without worrying about them gaining weight.
4. American Journey Grain Free Puppy Food
Best For Chiweenie Puppies
PROS
- Intended for growing and developing Chiweenie puppies
- Premium quality ingredients
- Good calcium/phosphorus ratio for growing puppies
- DHA and ARA help brain development
CONS
- The kibbles may be too big for some Chiweenie puppies.
The puppy-specific formula of this dog food contains everything a growing Chiweenie puppy needs to be a strong and healthy adult. It consists of wholesome, superior-quality ingredients that will nourish your puppy properly and avoid digestive issues from the get go.
click to see more
Perfect Nutrition for Puppies
32% protein and 14% fat content is the ideal quantity for active young pups. It supplies all the energy they need for their daily activities while keeping their muscles lean and within the optimum muscle mass range. In addition to that, you’ll find DHA and ARA to facilitate healthy brain development, joint supplements to strengthen those joints from the start, and significant Omega fatty acid numbers.
5. Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Dog Food
Best Organic Dog Food
PROS
- Certified organic ingredients
- Great protein and fat numbers
- Probiotics and prebiotic fiber
- Grain free
CONS
- It’s not cheap, but that’s not unusual for an organic food
If you wanna try an organic diet for your pooch, there isn’t a better way to go but with this USDA certified organic, grain free recipe. It contains a blend of superfood ingredients, which are supremely healthy and contains a whole lot of antioxidants.
click to see more
Healthy Nutrition for All Life Stages
With 26% protein and 15% fat content, this dog food would suit Chiweenies of every age and activity level. The significantly high Omega levels make it ideal for dogs with skin and coat problems. And the added dose of glucosamine and chondroitin will keep your little fluff’s hip and joints strong and healthy.
The superfood ingredients are wholesome and easy to digest but for dogs who have an extra sensitive tummy, the additional probiotics and prebiotic keep digestion going smoothly.
6. CANIDAE PURE Grain Free Dog Food
Best Weight Management Food
PROS
- Limited ingredient formula for sensitive dogs
- Good protein level and low in fat
- Grain free, for easier digestion and friendlier calorie count
- Probiotics added after cooking to preserve their integrity
CONS
- No variation in flavors
If your pooch is getting a little too heavy, choosing a weight management food like this dog food is crucial to bring him back to the optimal weight for small breeds.
click to see more
Low Fat for Weight Loss
The protein count of this kibble is at 28%, which is just enough to keep his muscles strong and lean. The fat count is low, at 9%, but that’s perfect for weight loss and even better for Chiweenies who are generally prone to Cushing’s.
It also contains a significant amount of Omega fatty acids which is excellent if your dog is developing some sort of skin and coat infection. The glucosamine and chondroitin are both welcome addition, which are essential for hip and joint health of dogs who have a little extra weight.
This dog food is also fortified with probiotics which are added right after the cooking process so it doesn’t lose its ability in aiding digestion. This means the nutrients are well-absorbed and processed in your little fella’s body so they stay well nourished and healthy without gaining more weight.
7. Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dog Food
Best for Toy and Small Breeds
PROS
- Small breed specific
- Four flavors
- Mix of kibble and freeze-dried raw pieces
- Minimally processed
CONS
- Pricey option
The Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food is one of the healthiest dog foods on the market for the tiny breeds like your Chiweenie. It is made from natural ingredients and avoids any artificial flavors or colors which can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in dogs.
click to see more
Kibble & Raw Bits
This dog food is an interesting mix of kibble and little pieces of raw, freeze-dried meat. It makes for a delicious mixture with an interesting flavor and texture profile. Your pooch will get a dose of glucosamine and chondroitin and decent Omegas in each bite so you can rest assured that his skin & coat as well as his hip and joints are well taken care of.
8. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Best For Dogs with Allergies
PROS
- Delicious and healthy flavor range
- Omega fatty acid levels vary by flavor
- All flavors contain DHA and EPA
- Joint supplements included
CONS
- Not a cheap option
The Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dog Food is packed full of goodness and is highly recommend for Chiweenies who suffer from allergies. The limited ingredient formulation is excellent for avoiding any problem protein or ingredients which may trigger allergic reactions in dogs.
click to see more
Great for Allergies and Fussy Eaters
The rich recipe range means that your dog can enjoy a variety of flavors while still being able to avoid any potential problem ingredients that may aggravate their allergies. If you have a pooch who’s just plain fussy about food and gets easily bored with new flavors you introduce, this is an excellent range of flavors to try.
All of these recipes use healthy fruits and vegetables as carbohydrates sources. Choose from protein sources such as turkey, pork, lamb, duck, and beef. No matter which one your beloved pet picks, you’ll be sure he’s properly nourished and supported.
9. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Senior Dog Food
Best For Chiweenie Seniors
PROS
- Contains L-carnitine for energy regulation
- Higher than average Omegas for skin and coat health
- Designed specifically for small breed seniors
- Contains probiotics for easier digestion
CONS
- No flavor variations, so if your pooch is a fussy eater this may not be the one
Seniors need additional help in maintaining all body functions in perfect condition, especially because they’re prone to things like joint problems and sensitive tummies. If your Chiweenie is getting on in years but remains moderately active, this dog food from Merrick would be the perfect dietary support for them as they age.
click to see more
Superb Senior Dog Food
The fat count in this dog food comes in at 12%, enough to keep a moderately active senior dog happy and fueled. The protein remains high, at 32% so they can maintain their muscle mass as they age. Impressive levels of glucosamine and chondroitin keep aging joints supple and pain-free. L-carnitine is a superb senior supplement that helps to regulate metabolism and make sure their energy is put to good use.
The levels of Omega fatty acids are among the highest we’ve seen in a grain free recipe. A really nice touch is the added DHA to keep aging eyes sharp and brain cells firing as they should and the added probiotics facilitate easier digestion, making it the best dog food for senior Chiweenies.
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Dog Food
Best for Cushing’s Disease
PROS
- Low fat count to support dogs with Cushing’s disease
- Retains a great protein count for a low-fat food
- Good levels of joint supplements
- Contains L-carnitine to help regulate metabolism
CONS
- May be too low in fat for small breed dogs who are very active
If your pup has been diagnosed with Cushing’s, he will need a dog food that’s lower in fat but still packs a nutritional punch. That’s exactly what this dog food is intended for.
Each mouthful of this dog food contains a superb amount of healthy ingredients that will nourish your small breed fluff and keep them healthy and strong as they mature.
click to see more
Immune Boosting Ingredient List
Any pet with a medical condition needs a dog food that’s packed with wholesome, immune-boosting ingredients. A dog with Cushing’s disease should eat a vet-recommended diet of a dog food high in protein, lower in fat and fiber, low in sodium, and supplemented with antioxidants.
This food has it all. The fat count is at 10%, which is well within the recommended range for dogs with Cushing’s disease. The protein remains high (32%), and comes from deboned chicken and chicken meal, both of which are high quality protein sources.
In addition to the high Omega fatty acid count, joint supplements, and the added L-carnitine, there’s also the exclusive LifeSource Bits. These are little nuggets of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals added in this dog food to give your small dog the immune boost he needs and keep him protected form Cushing’s.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Chiweenies
1) High Protein
You may be tempted to assume that small dogs don’t need much protein, but you’d be wrong. Remember, although the food you choose may be high in protein, you’re only feeding your pup a tiny amount of it, so they’re not being overloaded.
Between 25% and 30% is the recommended protein range for small dogs like the Chiweenie. Look for dog foods that use high-quality animal proteins (as the first ingredient) as their main ingredient.
Dogs may be recommended a low protein diet if they struggle with kidney or liver problems, but always seek a vet’s opinion before switching him over to one.
2) Moderate Fat
Toy and small breed dogs like boston terriers, chiweenies, and others need more fat than pet parents may realize. But it needs to come from healthy sources to make sure their health isn’t compromised.
Chiweenies suffering from Cushing’s disease will need a lower fat diet than usual. A lower fat recipe could be helpful for seniors who are much less active than they used to be, dogs who need to lose weight, and pooches who have been recommended a low-fat food by their vet.
If your Chiweenie is active and doesn’t fall into any of those categories, a regular mid-teen fat count is perfect. If your little pooch is on a low-fat diet, try to stick to a dog food that still retains a relatively high protein count.
3) Omegas
A high level of Omega fatty acids can make much more difference to a dog’s health especially when they’re suffering from skin and coat issues! These miracle polyunsaturated fats help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, nourish the skin and coat, and improve eye health, among other things.
Look for very specific fatty acids—DHA and EPA—which help strengthen the eyes and brain. They’re commonly found in puppy food, but the best dog food for Chiweenies should include this in its formulation to specifically cater adult Chiweenies too.
4) Joint Supplements
Glucosamine and chondroitin are joint supplements that every Chiweeenie should be ingesting, regardless of their activity level or life stage. Those tiny joints need all the support they can get!
Some of the best dog food products contain these supplements but if it’s not available, it’s easy to buy glucosamine supplements separately.
5) Affordability
The best dog food for Chiweenies should have the perfect balance between healthy formulation and affordability. You don’t have to break the bank just to give your little fluff the proper nutrition they need.
For Dog parents, dog food budget can be an area of enormous stress. When you have a beloved pup that needs high-quality dog food, it can sometimes feel like you’re spending more on their food than you should.
But there are great products that can give your dog all the nutrients he needs without costing you a fortune. Our Best Value for Money dog food option is every bit as high-quality as the top of the range dog foods but at a friendly price.
Common Health Concerns Chiweenies Suffer From
Crossbreeds often inherit the health problems of their parent breeds. In this case, there are some particular health problems the Chiweenie dog is prone to that come from the Chihuahua mix with Dachshund bloodlines.
Bone and Joint Problems
These little fluffs inherit small breeds’ susceptibility to weak joints. You may be surprised to hear that as they’re so tiny you may not think there’s much weight on those joins. But their joints are small and fragile, and can be easily hurt (especially if they’re a little on the chunky side).
Patellar luxation and knee and hip dysplasia are common occurrences. Intervertebral disc disease is another potentially dangerous condition that affects the Chiweenie dog due to their Weenie blood.
Eye Problems
The eye condition side of Chiweenie health comes from their Chihuahua background. Progressive retinal atrophy is the degeneration of the retina, and can lead to blindness. Chihuahuas are also prone to eyes watering and tear stains, which can run over into the Chiweenie (although they’re not really dangerous). A diet rich in DHA can help reduce or even eliminate eye problems entirely.
Hormone Problems
Common hormonal issues in these pooches include hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and diabetes. All of these can lead to seizures. Low blood sugar and the development of diabetes can be countered by feeding your pup regularly with dog food containing all-natural, wholesome ingredients.
Cushing’s disease is something these guys and girls are susceptible too. A tumor on the pituitary gland causes the body to produce too much cortisol, and it can have some nasty effects on the system.
Dietary Problems
Chiweenie dogs can be prone to food allergies. You may notice skin issues such as dry skin or red, flaky patches, or dull, brittle fur. Food allergies can also manifest themselves as ear infections, so if this is a frequent problem for your pup, that may be why.
Choosing a premium quality, all-natural diet can help immensely, and take note of the flavors your dog reacts well to. Certain ingredients can spike allergies, including chicken, beef, lamb, eggs, and grains with gluten.
It’s worth spending some time evaluating your dog’s reaction to certain proteins to make sure you’re feeding him one that doesn’t aggravate his allergies.
Obesity is another common problem. It’s easy to overfeed these pups, and their tiny frames can’t take too much excess weight. Being overweight can lead to a host of other problems, as well as putting extra strain on their joints.
Other
Other issues that can be seen in these little breeds fairly often include dental problems (those mouths are tiny), collapsed trachea, and the possibility of gastric dilation.
Questions & Answers
What exactly is a Chiweenie?
The Chiweenie is a small breed that’s a mix of a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. Can you imagine the cutest characteristics of both of them rolled into one little fluffy package? That’s what a Chiweenie is.
They’re a designer dog breed, which is a mix between two pure breeds. Designer breeds can be pretty adorable, but they also often come with the worst characteristics of both breeds, including potential health issues.
What are Chiweenies’ nutritional needs?
Chiweenies’ tiny bodies can weigh up to 12 pounds. They’re quite prone to becoming obese, so their exact nutritional needs will vary depending on the particular dog. Their nutritional needs are fairly similar to the Chihuahua.
It will depend on your own pup’s level of activity and general health. But as a rule, small breeds like Chiweenies, boston terriers, and others need between 250 and 440 calories a day.
Active, bouncy Weenies and Chiweenies puppies will need closer to 440. Seniors, overweight dogs and pooches who are inactive will need closer to 250. Usually the guidelines on the back of the dog foods are fairly accurate for an average pooch. You can adjust up or down pretty easily if your dog isn’t doing totally well on how many calories he’s eating.
The Chiweenie dog is not usually a fussy eater, although this also depends on the individual. They also generally need a bit of support for their tiny joints.
What should I look for in the best dog food for Chiweenies?
The best dog food for Chiweenies should tick a few boxes. First up, it should be made of natural, premium quality ingredients without any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
The first ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein. Chiweenies can suffer from allergies, so the protein you choose will depend on your pup’s stomach. The amount of protein can be a bit of a debate, but AAFCO recommends an absolute minimum of 18%. Anything less than 25% is great for pets on a low-protein diet, but we’d recommend a count between 25 and 30% if your Chiweenie hasn’t been recommended low-pro by a vet.
Small breed dogs need more fat than you may expect. Fat is the primary energy source for pups, and these guys and gals may be small, but they’re feisty! A moderate fat count is recommended – in the mid to high teens. If your Chiweenie suffers from Cushing’s disease, a lower fat diet is likely to be recommended by their vet. But if he or she is healthy, moderate fat is essential.
Carbs should consist of vegetables and fruits. Other things you should spot on the guaranteed analysis list are glucosamine and chondroitin (to strengthen those joints), high Omega fatty acid levels (to spruce up their skin and coat), and DHA to keep their eyes strong.
How much should I feed my Chiweenie?
These small dogs have tiny stomachs, so you can’t feed them large meals. In order to keep them well-fed and fueled for their day (and avoid hypoglycemia), they’ll need three to four meals per day. Keep this in mind if you’re looking at getting a Chiweenie! They’re not the kind of pups you can feed once in the morning and then leave for 12 hours while you’re at work.
Based on how many calories your Chiweenie needs, you’ll have to split that between their daily meals. For example, if your little one is energetic and needs 400 calories a day, you could split it into 4 100-calorie meals.
From there, it’s simply a case of figuring out how much of their dog food to feed them in each meal. Most dog foods contain 300 – 400 calories per cup of food (which is your Chiweenie’s entire day’s worth). A quarter cup in each meal should suffice, but you’ll need to follow the instructions on the packaging of whichever food you choose to feed them.
