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Are you finding the best dog treats for chihuahuas in 2021? We have you covered!
I currently own a chihuahua, and I have been sourcing new treats for her ever since the Covid-19 situation made us hard to purchase the treats I was using previously.
I am currently delighted with the Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats, which I definitely recommend to all Chihuahua owners out there!
Having a good treat that your Chihuahua loves is very important, especially if you use it as a training reward.
Low-calorie treats that come in small bite-sized chunks are the healthiest for Chihuahuas.
As all dogs are unique, I have also reviewed several other treats that I have tried with my dog so that you can find out the best dog treat for your Chihuahua!
Read on to find out more!
Our Best Dog Treats For Chihuahuas
- Best overall Chihuahua dog treat: Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats
- Best vegan Chihuahua dog treat: Zuke’s Crunchy Naturals Low Calorie Natural Baked Low Calorie Dog Treats
- Best grain-free Chihuahua dog treat: Wellness Natural Wellbites Soft Dog Treats
- Best Chihuahua dog treat with dental cleaning properties: C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT Zen Tartar Control Chews for Dogs
- Best Chihuahua dog treat for sensitive stomachs: PureBites RAW Freeze Chicken Breast Dog Treats
5 Best Dog Treats For Chihuahuas Reviewed
All dog treats reviewed here have at least an 80% positive rating, and the information provided is accurate at the time of review.
1. Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Only 3 calories per treat | Very strong scent |
| Comes in 7 different flavors | Picky eaters may not like them |
| Hypoallergenic treat |
I have been using this treat for 3 months, and my Chihuahua absolutely loves both the apple bacon and the rotisserie chicken flavors.
At only 3 calories per treat, you will not have to worry about overfeeding your Chihuahua with too many calories! Additionally, they come in bite-sized chunks so you can save on the preparation time.
This treat is hypoallergenic, with only 1-2% of the few reviewers experiencing allergy issues in their dogs. Multiple reviewers have food-sensitive dogs who receive this brand of treats very well!
However, the treat may have a powerful scent, which some owners and dogs may dislike. Owners will also have to be prepared that picky eaters may also be non-receptive to this healthy treat.
Product details:
- Manufactured in: USA
- Size: Bite-sized
- Flavors: Apple bacon, Grilled bison, Pumpkin spice, Pumpkin & berry, Pumpkin & mango, Rotisserie chicken, and Watermelon
- Texture: Soft and chewy
2. Zuke’s Crunchy Naturals Low Calorie Natural Baked Dog Treats
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 10 calories per treat | Non-food objects found once |
| Comes in 6 different flavors | |
| Vegan treats |
Each treat contains approximately 10 calories. It is an oval-shaped bite-sized treat that can still be broken into half before feeding. If you provide only half the treat, it is about 5 calories, only slightly higher than the Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats, making it ideal for Chihuahuas.
This treat does not contain any meat, so it will be compatible with a vegan family. It is also suitable for dogs that may be allergic to animal proteins.
There was only one instance when non-food objects (wood chips) were found in the treats. However, we feel that it is important to point this out and remind any buyers to check the treats carefully before feeding them to their dogs.
Product details:
- Manufactured in: USA
- Size: Bite-sized, but better if broken into half
- Flavors: Yoghurt & honey, Berries, Peanut butter & apples, Peanut butter & bananas, Peanut butter & berries, and Pumpkin & sweet potato
- Texture: Crunchy
3. Wellness Natural Wellbites Soft Dog Treats
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Grain-free | Need to cut before feeding |
| Picky eaters love these | Only 1 flavor |
| Contains a range of fruits and vegetables |
These grain-free treats are packed with a range of fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, carrots, and sweet potatoes. You can be assured that your dog is getting the nutrition it needs, even in treats!
Many owners also reviewed that their picky dogs loved this particular treat. There is a joke in one of the reviews: after their dog started eating these treats, it refused to eat other food and treats!
The treats come in a relatively big piece (compared to Chihuahua mouths). You will have to spend time cutting them into smaller pieces before feeding them to your Chihuahua.
Product details:
- Manufactured in: USA
- Size: Quite big
- Flavors: Only beef & turkey
- Texture: Soft Chew
4. C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT Zen Tartar Control Chews for Dogs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) | 24 calories per chew |
| Cleans teeth, freshens breath, and supports digestion | Some dogs expressed disinterest |
| Plant-based and gluten-free |
The VOHC approves these chews, so you will not have to worry about the quality and effects. In addition to cleaning teeth, freshening breath, and supporting digestion, they also contain an amino acid (L-theanine) that supports your Chihuahua’s mental wellbeing.
These chews are also plant-based and gluten-free. Suitable for all dogs, especially those that have gluten-related or meat-related food allergies. They are also one of the dental treats suitable for Chihuahuas (≤ 6 pounds) – other dental treats usually start from dogs with at least 5-7 pounds.
A handful reported that their dogs did not like it, so you may have to prepare an alternative if your Chihuahua does not like it. Also, 24 calories per chew is pretty hefty, so you may have to note how this will affect your Chihuahua’s diet.
Product details:
- Manufactured in: Vietnam
- Size: A short bone-shaped stick
- Flavors: Only one
- Texture: Hard
5. PureBites RAW Freeze Chicken Breast Dog Treats
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Only 3 calories per treat and high in protein | Can be pricy for some |
| Hypoallergenic treat | Low moisture content |
| Only 1 ingredient – chicken breast |
The best part about this treat is that it contains only one ingredient – chicken breast. Therefore, you will not have to concern yourselves over possible allergic reactions as long as your Chihuahua can eat chicken.
This treat is also low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy choice for all dogs. Doubly so for dogs with digestive issues, on a special diet, and small dogs like Chihuahuas that you have to be quite precise with its nutritional intake.
However, due to the low moisture content, ensure that your Chihuahua drinks water after feeding it this treat. Also, as this treat is freeze-dried, it can be quite pricy.
Product details:
- Manufactured in: USA
- Size: Bite-sized but can be broken down into smaller pieces
- Flavors: Only chicken
- Texture: Crunchy
Chihuahua Health Considerations
As a breed, Chihuahuas do have a higher risk of developing certain health complications.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, will have symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness. In extreme conditions, the dog may even experience seizures, look disorientated, and lose consciousness.
Chihuahuas are tiny, and changes in their diet can affect their blood sugar levels greatly. As such, they will benefit more from small but multiple meals throughout the day.
If you are stuck outside the house with only treats and your Chihuahua’s mealtime is reaching, it is better to let it snack on some treats than to let it go hungry.
Obesity
Hypoglycemia aside, Chihuahuas become obese very easily when overfed. So, owners should not feed too much food and treats to their Chihuahuas, especially if there are multiple feeding sessions.
Owners tend to overfeed their Chihuahuas because they forget that Chihuahuas are small and should not eat as much as larger-sized dogs.
Obese Chihuahuas are likely to have joint problems (arthritis), difficulty breathing, spinal stress, and in the extremes, a shortened lifespan.
According to the American’s Kennel Club’s standards, a pure-bred Chihuahua should not weigh more than 6 pounds (equivalent to 2.7 kg).
If you see your Chihuahua about to exceed this weight, try to work out a dietary plan with your local veterinarian. Cutting down on treats fed or switching to a lower-calorie treat can also help keep its weight in check.
Dental Diseases
Chihuahuas have small mouths. Hence, their teeth are likely to grow very close to one another, causing overcrowding issues and making them hard to clean.
It is pretty common for Chihuahuas to have food trapped between their teeth. As such, plaque and tartar can quickly build up and result in gum diseases without proper cleaning.
Therefore, Chihuahuas need frequent teeth-brushing. Owners can also provide their Chihuahuas with dental chew toys, treats, and other natural chews that help to clean the teeth and gums.
Chihuahua Dog Treats Buying Considerations
Before jumping into the cart, consider the following pointers listed below to select the best dog treat for your Chihuahua.
1. Chihuahua Health Considerations
As mentioned above, Chihuahuas are prone to both hypoglycemia and obesity. Therefore, you will want to select a treat that is low in sugar and calories.
Chihuahuas also have increased chances of developing dental diseases. Selecting a treat with dental-cleaning properties can help your Chihuahua keep its teeth clean and healthy.
2. Food Allergies and Intolerances
Some dogs may have allergies to certain foods. Other dogs may not have allergies, but due to their weak digestive systems, they might have an intolerance for some types of food too.
You know your Chihuahua best. Select treats that steer clear of your dog’s food allergies and intolerances.
If you are unsure of your dog’s allergies, you may want to select a hypoallergenic treat, which may reduce the risks of triggering allergic reactions.
3. Treat Taste
Different dogs have different tastes. Some Chihuahuas prefer crunchy treats, while others like soft bites. One may enjoy the chicken flavor more, while another adores beef.
Selecting a flavor and taste that your Chihuahua likes is very important, especially if you want to use it in training sessions.
As a rule of thumb, most Chihuahuas are very receptive to crunchy and savory treats due to being picky eaters!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Treating Chihuahuas
If you have a question about treating your Chihuahua, you can probably find it answered here. If not, you can always contact us, and we will give you a reply.
How often should I give my Chihuahua treats?
While it is possible to treat your dog anytime, we recommend treating your dog only during training sessions or a special bonding period.
Chihuahuas can be picky eaters, and if you feed them tasty treats too often, you may run into issues feeding them their daily kibble.
Also, the lesser you feed your Chihuahua treats, the higher the value the treat will hold, making it work exceptionally well during training sessions.
What will happen if I feed my Chihuahua too many treats?
Overfeeding your Chihuahua with too many treats is likely to result in obesity.
Your Chihuahua may lose its appetite for its daily meals due to being too full during mealtime. It may even start to reject its daily kibbles because they are not tasty enough compared to the treats.
Therefore, avoid feeding your Chihuahua too many treats. A way to ensure that you are not overfeeding is to provide treats only when you have a reason.
Can I treat my Chihuahua with human food?
Your Chihuahua can certainly eat human food as long as you steer clear of the foods that are toxic to dogs.
Some fruits, such as apples and pears, are good snacks that you can feed your dog occasionally. I do treat my Chihuahua with apples a few times a month, so rest assured that they are perfectly safe for your dog to eat!
Do check out the complete list of fruits and vegetables for safe alternatives to use as treats.
Our Verdict
Selecting a suitable treat for your Chihuahua is vital for its health. The best is to choose low-calorie treats in bite-sized chunks so that you can monitor your Chihuahua’s nutritional intake easily.
Getting a treat that your Chihuahua loves will also help you train it to learn new commands and tricks.
If you are still considering which treat to buy, it is time to grab a packet of Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats for your Chihuahua!
