Chihuahuas might be small dogs, but many of them have a big appetite. And to ensure that your little pooch won’t starve in between meals, you should consider getting the best treats for Chihuahua puppies. These are yummy pieces packed with nutrients to help curb hunger while giving your pet a health boost.
Puppy treats are useful not just for feeding, but also for training your dog. Still, you should always mind the number of treats you give your Chihuahua to avoid the risk of obesity.
If you’re looking for the right treat options, we reviewed 7 options below that may suit your preference. See which one you’d like for your dog.
PUPPY TREATS | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
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Our Top Pick! Milk-Bone Mini’s Dog Treats | Check Price | ||
NUTRO Crunchy Dog Treats | Check Price | ||
WAG Chicken Dog Training Treats | Check Price | ||
ORIJEN High-Protein Dog Biscuit Treats | Check Price | ||
Wellness Soft Puppy Bite Treats | Check Price | ||
Bil-Jac Little Jacs Puppy Training Treats | Check Price | ||
Nulo Puppy Trainers Dog Treats | Check Price |
7 Best Treats For Chihuahua Puppies
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Milk-Bone Mini’s Dog Treats
Product Name: Milk-Bone Mini’s Dog Treats
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best treats for Chihuahua puppies, you’ll never go wrong with the Milk-Bone Mini’s Dog Treats. These flavored snacks are an assortment of chicken, beef, and bacon flavor. Each flavor has a different color, which is dyed using all-natural ingredients. Each piece of the Milk-Bone treat has 5 calories, 15% protein, and 5% fat. It’s also blended with 12 vitamins and minerals to help boost your Chihuahua’s growing body. Overall, each piece of this treat is small enough for most puppies. But if you still find it too big for your Chihuahua, you can always break each bone biscuit into small pieces. Moreover, this treat has a crunchy texture, which can help reduce tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth. Its bone shape also adds to the fun.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Summary
Many dog owners say that their pets are addicted to these treats because of how delicious it is. We also like that it comes in a jar with a tight seal. This prevents the treats from losing their crunch and flavor. Aside from that, these are great treats for Chihuahua puppies on a diet since it’s low in calories. You can also slice one into smaller pieces to spread out a day’s amount of treats. However, you have to be careful as these Milk-Bone treats are prone to crumble. Make sure that you store the jar well to avoid shattering the treats into pieces.
Pros
Three flavors in one jar Low in calories Made with 12 vitamins and minerals A crunchy texture that appeals to most dogs Helps reduce tartar buildup on canines
Cons
It’s quite crumbly, so be careful in handling the treats. Some dogs don’t like the other flavors in the jar.
RUNNERS-UP
NUTRO Crunchy Dog Treats
Is your Chihuahua pup obsessed with peanut butter? If so, you should consider getting the NUTRO Crunchy Dog Treats. These are made with real peanut butter, but you can also try other flavors like mixed berries, chicken & carrot, apple, and banana.
One thing we like the most about this treat is the minimal ingredients. For example, the peanut butter-flavored treat is only made of 11 ingredients. The main ones are whole brown rice, chicken meal, oatmeal, and peanuts. It’s even blended with rosemary extracts.
Each piece of this NUTRO puppy treat has 5 calories. With that, a 5-pound dog can have as many as 3 treats per day. For a Chihuahua pup, 1 to 2 treats would be enough, which you can also slice into smaller pieces for easier consumption.
Aside from that, this treat is suitable for both small and large breeds. It’s free from any artificial flavors, chicken by-products, soy, wheat, or corn protein. This treat is easy to digest even for Chihuahua pups with sensitive stomachs.
Take note that these treats are also useful for training. So instead of just tossing it to your Chi, you should let the dog earn it. That way, each piece of the treat will provide more value.
Overall, this treat has a wonderful smell and dogs can’t get enough of it. But since it only comes in a resealable pack, it may get squished during delivery.
WAG Chicken Dog Training Treats
The WAG Chicken Dog Training Treats is a great choice for Chihuahua puppies who love chicken. True enough, chicken is the main ingredient together with other limited ingredients.
The pieces of these treats are also small, so there’s no need to break them into smaller bits for your Chi. Also, it doesn’t have artificial flavors or added colors that could irritate the pooch’s tummy. This is also free from soy, wheat, or corn, which many dogs find hard to digest.
Aside from that, this has a chewy and soft texture that every dog will love. Even for small Chihuahua puppies, the texture of this treat makes it easy to bite and chew.
Each piece of this treat only contains 3 calories, which is much lower than the other options we reviewed here. With that, your Chi puppy can eat more in a day based on its dietary needs.
Moreover, each piece of this treat has 12% protein, 3% fat, and 5% fiber. This is a healthy treat that can be used for training or just a typical snack between meals.
Overall, this treat is also available in peanut butter & banana flavor. It’s also considerably cheap for its 1-pound content.
However, I wish they can use better packaging, so the ziplock of the pouch doesn’t break off easily. Anyway, you can always transfer the treats to a jar to solve the issue.
ORIJEN High-Protein Dog Biscuit Treats
Does your Chihuahua have a hard time digesting grains? If so, you should switch to the ORIJEN High-Protein Dog Treats. This is a grain-free formula made of chicken, herring, and turkey. Overall, it packs a punch of flavors that even the pickiest Chihuahua puppy can’t resist.
Aside from that, these dog treats are also enriched with Pollock oil, which delivers a dose of DHA. This nutrient is crucial for the cognitive development of your Chihuahua puppy.
Each piece of this biscuit contains 22 calories. While it seems too high, a piece can be broken down into small bits for Chi puppies. After all, it contains 40% protein, 20% fat, and 3% fiber. It’s nutritious and made especially for growing pups.
Moreover, this treat is made with Wholeprey animal ingredients. That means the ingredients are always fresh and almost all parts of the protein source are used.
In addition, these biscuits have a bite-sized serving. You can always tear it to pieces to help your puppy chew it easier.
With its flavor and smell, your Chihuahua will surely find this treat irresistible. However, you should store it well because the biscuits are prone to mold. We recommend transferring it to an air-tight container instead of leaving it in the packaging.
Wellness Soft Puppy Bite Treats
The Wellness Soft Puppy Bite Treats has been a long-time favorite of pet owners. These are mini chewy bites made with real lamb and salmon. These main ingredients deliver an irresistible flavor that your Chihuahua can’t resist.
Each piece of this puppy treat contains 6 calories. It also packs 12% protein, 16% fat, and DHA to boost your pup’s cognitive development.
The Wellness Soft Puppy Bite Treats are also blended with superfoods. It has blueberries and sweet potatoes that deliver antioxidants as well as Omega fatty acids for a healthy coat. This is an all-natural treat where each ingredient has defined nutritional benefits.
Aside from that, this treat is grain-free, which is perfect for Chihuahua puppies with digestive problems. It doesn’t have meat by-products, wheat gluten, soy, corn, and artificial colors either. Overall, this is perfect for all breeds across ages.
Many pet owners can attest to how amazing the flavor of this treat is. Their dogs can’t get enough of the Wellness Soft Puppy Bite Treats! It doesn’t have fillers and your dog will get premium nutrition in every bite. It’s also cheaper than other options in the market.
But just like any treat, this one isn’t perfect. The treat size is a bit big for Chihuahua puppies, but you can easily slice or tear it into smaller pieces. Also, it crumbles easily, so you have to store the pouch well to avoid crushing the treats.
Bil-Jac Little Jacs Puppy Training Treats
The Bil-Jac Little Jacs Puppy Training Treats are made of real chicken. Each piece will give your Chihuahua puppy a wholesome dose of protein. It’s suitable for feeding and training purposes, which makes it a very flexible choice for a treat.
Aside from that, this puppy treat has no fillers. It doesn’t contain soy or rendered fat, which doesn’t give substantial nutritional value. Instead, it has a limited ingredient formula made of chicken meat and chicken liver.
We also like that these treats are made in small batches to guarantee their freshness and safety. All the ingredients are used fresh and not frozen, especially its chicken content. Rest assured that each piece of this treat is guilt-free.
Moreover, these Bil-Jac treats have a small size that suits Chihuahua puppies. Each piece only has two calories, so you can give your pup several pieces a day without hurting its diet. Also, the pieces are soft and chewy, so even the little teeth of Chihuahuas won’t find it hard to chomp.
However, you should be careful in storing these treats since it’s prone to molds. If possible, consider transferring it to a sealed container. This will help prevent molds and crumbling of the pieces.
Nulo Puppy Trainers Dog Treats
Lastly, you can consider the Nulo Puppy Trainers Dog Treats for your Chihuahua. This is a salmon recipe made of real salmon, chickpeas, honey, blueberries, salmon oil, cherries, and more. It’s a very flavorful treat that your Chihuahua pup will surely love.
Moreover, each piece of this treat only contains 2 calories. The treat size is also small, so you can give your dog several pieces a day.
Also, this has 15% protein, 8% fat, DHA, and Omega fatty acids for overall wellness. It doesn’t have corn, soy, wheat, and gluten-containing ingredients that are hard to digest.
Since this is made with superfoods, it will be a good source of nutrients for your Chihuahua puppy. Aside from salmon, you can also get this in turkey and duck flavors to suit your pet’s preference.
Overall, these Nulo treats are a great training aid for growing puppies. It’s also delicious and guaranteed to be irresistible even for picky eaters. It’s also grain-free, so it’s easy to digest and less likely to cause problems in your pet’s tummy.
However, make sure that you only feed your Chihuahua one piece at a time. This treat is moist and can cause choking if too many pieces are eaten at the same time.
How to choose the best treats for Chihuahua puppies
There are many dog treats in the market that you can choose from. Each one is made with a variety of ingredients, flavors, and forms. If you’re still scouting for the best pick for your Chihuahua puppy, you should consider these points first:
1. Treat type
The first thing you have to think about is the type of treat you’d give to your Chihuahua puppy. Below are some of the most common options:
- Soft treats. Soft treats are the best options for Chihuahua puppies. It’s chewy and easy to consume, even by a small canine. Since it’s moist, these soft treats also have a strong odor and flavor that makes them irresistible for picky eaters.
- Crunchy treats. Crunchy treats are also a great option for Chihuahua puppies. However, make sure that you cut the biscuits into smaller pieces for easier consumption. Also, you should choose a softer biscuit if possible as Chihuahua puppies may not be able to chew very stiff ones.
- Freeze-dried treats. Freeze-dried treats are only made of one ingredient. It’s great for dogs, but you should wait until your pup grows older before giving this treat. Freeze-dried treats are usually chewy and rubbery in texture, so it’s best for dogs that already have their adult set of teeth.
- Rawhide. Rawhide treats are a no-no for Chihuahuas regardless of age. These treats can damage their little teeth and potentially cause blockage in their throat. Aside from that, rawhide is usually high in calories and fat, which aren’t a good choice for dogs.
- Animal bones. Animal bones are another treat you should avoid for your Chihuahua puppy. Since it’s made of real bone, it can easily damage the teeth of your growing pup. The bone can also lead to choking or blockages in the canine’s stomach.
2. Ingredients
Whatever dog treat you choose, it’s important to check its ingredients. You should look for a treat with nutritious ingredients without too many artificial add-ons.
As much as possible, look for a treat made with real meat. This gives the treat a natural flavor as well as a healthy source of protein.
Also, treats with vegetables and fruits are good options since it adds vitamins and minerals to the formula.
Overall, you should avoid treats loaded with too much salt and sugar. Also, you should steer clear of options with artificial coloring and add-ons that could potentially upset your Chihuahua’s tummy.
Aside from that, try to avoid dog treats made with meat by-products as the main ingredient. You should also be careful with grains like soy, corn, and wheat as some dogs find them hard to digest.
3. Nutritional value
When buying a dog treat for your Chihuahua puppy, always check the nutritional value. Mind the calorie content of the treat as this can easily hurt the canine’s diet.
As much as possible, choose a treat with around 2 to 6 calories per piece. This way, you can give your pup several pieces a day without worrying about giving it excessive calories. But in case your choice of treat has higher calories, make sure that you break the piece into tiny bits. This way, you can spread a single piece throughout the day.
4. Flavor and odor
The flavor and odor of the puppy treat you’re going to get are crucial, especially if you have a picky eater. Usually, those made with real meat have a naturally appetizing flavor and scent. This will entice your pup to eat, which is also helpful when using the treat during training.
In the end, the right choice of flavor depends on your dog’s preference. You may need to try a few treats to see which your pup likes best.
5. Treat size
Treat size isn’t really a big deal, but it’s surely convenient if you can find a small one to suit your Chihuahua puppies. Small or mini treats are easier to consume for small breeds, not to mention that they are usually chewy, too.
Overall, try to look for treats in a small size. If not, you’d have to slice it into smaller pieces to help your Chihuahua digest it faster.
6. Packaging
While this isn’t a major consideration, you should still check the packaging of the treats you’re going to buy. This way, the treats will not develop molds or become stale.
Most treats nowadays are contained inside a resealable pack. This is convenient, but it’s prone to crushing if not stored well. If possible, try to look for a treat that comes in jars since these are easier to protect against elements.
7. Brand
If you’re not sure what treat to get your Chihuahua pup, consider browsing what major brands have to offer. While the brand alone doesn’t equate to quality, big names usually have better quality control, ingredients, and variety.
Aside from that, famous brands are trusted by many pet owners already. This will make it easy for you to find product reviews for reference.
Still, you should take your time to check the treat ingredients and nutritional value of whatever brand you plan to get.
8. Price tag
Lastly, you should decide how much you’re willing to spend on your Chihuahua’s treats. Overall, you don’t have to spend a fortune just to get a nutritious treat for your pet.
It’s a matter of getting the best value for money. Above all, the treat should match your pup’s preference.
Tips for giving treats to your Chihuahua puppy
While giving treats to puppies are fairly simple, there’s a better way to do it than just tossing the goodies around. Below, we discussed some tips on how you can make treating a more rewarding experience for your Chihuahua:
1. Schedule it wisely
First, you should schedule your pup’s treats wisely. This way, treating won’t coincide with full meals. Instead, you should schedule in between meals to augment your Chihuahua’s hunger.
Also, you shouldn’t get your dog used to random treating as this may develop a begging behavior. It’s still best to stick to a routine, whether it’s your dog’s exercise or as simple as giving a treat.
2. Set a specific amount of treats
Aside from that, you should know how many treats you’re going to give your Chihuahua per day. This is to prevent over-feeding which can increase the risk of obesity. You wouldn’t want a Chihuahua to become overweight because they have small bodies that can easily succumb to health problems.
When deciding about the number of treats your pup gets, you should factor in its calorie content. Low-calorie treats can be given more while high-calorie ones should be limited to one or two pieces per day.
3. Make your pup earn the treats
Instead of handing out the treats to your puppy, it’s actually a good practice to let your pooch earn it first. This is where training comes in.
For example, you can ask your Chihuahua puppy to sit first before giving the treat. This simple command teaches your pet that treats are earned and not demanded. Also, this practice will help reinforce your dog’s training.
Make sure that you reward with a treat as soon as your Chihuahua follows your command. This will help establish the reward system and positive reinforcement well.
4. Never use table scraps as treats
Table scraps should never be considered a treat for dogs across ages. These food items are rich in fats and unhealthy ingredients that could potentially upset your dog’s tummy. Worse, some ingredients like garlic and onion can be toxic to canines, especially small breeds like Chihuahuas.
After all, your dog isn’t meant to be a walking garbage disposal. You should explore other ways to get rid of your food waste instead of feeding it to your pooch.
5. Never give in to begging
Begging is a learned behavior among dogs. If you give in to this habit, your pet will keep begging for treats at any time of the day. This is something you wouldn’t want to happen since it’s hard to correct later on.
Again, you should stick to a feeding schedule, so your pup will get used to it. You should never tolerate or reinforce negative behavior because it will backfire on you in a matter of time.
6. Check the treats for molds
Like any food item, dog treats are prone to contaminants like molds. This is more common for soft treats since it has moisture.
Always check the treats and get rid of them if there’s any discoloration or growth. You wouldn’t want to face an emergency visit to the veterinarian due to your dog’s diarrhea.
7. Store the treats well
When storing treats, it’s best to transfer them to a sealed jar instead of leaving them on the resealable pack. While this pack is reusable, it doesn’t guarantee protection against molds and ants. Also, pouches can get easily crushed or squeezed, which is a problem for crumbly treats.
8. Consider variety
When giving dog treats to your Chihuahua, you should consider investing in variety. You should consider getting three different treats and then cycling them throughout the week. That way, your pup won’t get tired of the same flavor, especially if it’s a picky eater.
Make sure that you different flavors to mix things up. From there, you can also see what your Chi prefers in terms of flavor.
9. Check for adverse reactions
Lastly, always observe your Chihuahua puppy for any adverse reactions when given a treat for the first time. Many dogs have allergies that are only discovered once they are exposed to the triggers.
If your pooch experiences diarrhea, vomiting, hives, or any unusual reactions after eating the treat, you should bring it to the vet right away. A patch test may confirm if it’s an allergic reaction. With this, you should also bring the treat to the vet’s clinic for easier diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What treats can you give a Chihuahua?
A: Chihuahuas can be given soft treats. You should also consider getting small treat sizes to match the breed’s size. Aside from commercially sold dog treats, you can also prepare homemade treats for your Chihuahua made of cooked carrots, broccoli, green peas, sweet potatoes, and more. Make sure that you don’t use any spices that could upset your canine’s tummy.
Q: What can Chihuahua puppies eat?
A: Chihuahua puppies should be given a formula suitable for their age. A high-protein dog food product is usually a good choice to support the Chi’s growing body. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult your dog’s veterinarian for the best choice of food. This is much so if your Chihuahua has special needs or lingering conditions.
Q: What treats are good for puppies?
A: As much as possible, puppies should only be given soft treats. These treats are easier to chew and bite, especially for a small breed like Chihuahua. Also, make sure that the treats you’re going to purchase have a decent nutrient profile that matches the dog’s diet.
Q: What treats can I give a two-month-old puppy?
A: A two-month-old puppy can eat soft treats from time to time. However, it shouldn’t be a major part of their diet yet. It’s important to stick to the puppy’s formula that suits its life stage and needs. Also, never give a Chihuahua puppy any stiff treat or food as this may cause blockages in the canine’s airway.
Q: At what age can puppies start eating treats?
A: Puppies can start eating treats at the age of two months old. However, you should introduce your dog to this food item slowly to avoid potential stomach upset. Some pet owners would wait for the canine to receive its first round of vaccinations before giving puppy treats.
Final words
The best treats for Chihuahua puppies will give your pet an added dose of nutrition. Also, it will help fight hunger in between your canine’s meals.
Just make sure that you get one with healthy ingredients, excellent flavor, and a form that suits your pet. When in doubt, you can always consult your Chihuahua’s veterinarian for guidance.
Here at ILoveChihuahua, we share our personal experiences as owners of this feisty breed. We talk about recommended methods, dog supplies picks, and advice on common Chihuahua problems. Our goal is to promote responsible dog ownership, so there would be fewer Chihuahuas in shelters.