Being overweight is the bane of a Chihuahua owner’s existence. Imagine living inside an overweight chihuahua’s stomach; it couldn’t be pleasant, right? Seeing an overweight Chihuahua is indeed a sad sight. Most people don’t realize that Chihuahuas are less active than your average dog, they love their treats, and they love laying on their beds. Overweight Chihuahuas may be cute because of their adorable looks, but they also face health issues like any other type of obese dog.
In this article, we will examine the weight problems of a Chihuahua and what kind of food to give to help it lose weight.
CHIHUAHUA WEIGHT PROBLEMS
As small dogs, Chihuahuas are prone to being overweight. If you have a Chihuahua, then you know how easy it is for your pup to pack on the pounds.
Chihuahuas are also prone to being underweight because of their small size and fast metabolism. Suppose you leave your Chihuahua alone for long periods without providing regular exercise or food. In that case, your pup may become malnourished and unhealthy due to its inability to eat enough calories in order to maintain its weight and strength levels.
When it comes down to it, understanding how much a Chihuahua needs in terms of calories per day will help keep them healthy throughout their life span.
🐕 Overweight
There are many reasons why Chi-Chi’s of the world become overweight. The most common cause is genetics, but there are also other factors to consider:
>>Overfeeding
This is when one owner feeds their Chihuahua more than they need to eat. You can do this intentionally or unintentionally, and it can happen even if you’re trying to do the right thing by providing your pooch with healthy foods that meet their nutritional requirements.
>>Lack of exercise
This is another way in which Chi becomes overweight. Not getting enough physical activity leads to excess calories being stored as fat tissue. Whether indoors or outdoors, owning a Chihuahua does not require much exertion on its part because these little guys have low energy levels compared to other breeds! So if you don’t take them out often enough for walks or playtime in your yard (or wherever else), the chances are good that they will soon turn into a swine.
🐕 Ideal weight
A Chihuahua’s ideal weight should be between 4-6 pounds. They are a small breed, and this is the range that will allow your dog to be healthy and happy.
At 4 pounds, your Chihuahua can still stand up on its own legs without falling over, and it can turn around in its bed. Your pup will also be able to run and play without getting tired of being out of breath!
If your Chihuahua has more than 10% above this ideal weight, it may have health problems due to increased pressure on its joints and internal organs (heart/lungs).
COMPLICATIONS OF BEING OVERWEIGHT
Most people don’t think that having an overweight Chihuahua is an immediate health hazard, so they don’t worry about it. However, the truth is that there are many complications associated with being overweight. Some of these can be temporary, but others are lifelong consequences. Here are some of the difficulties that could happen due to being overweight or even obese:
🐕 Heat intolerance
When it comes to overheating, Chihuahuas can’t do much more than pant and sweat on their own. But panting is a voluntary action, which means that Chihuahuas are able to regulate their body temperature with the help of their muscles. Overweight Chis have less muscle mass to work with. This means they’re at an even greater risk of heat exhaustion when temperatures start rising.
Chihuahuas are especially vulnerable because they lack the ability to cool themselves down by flapping their ears or wagging their tails (like other breeds). They also have higher metabolisms than larger breed dogs, which means that they need more energy just to maintain normal body functions. As if all this weren’t enough, Chihuahuas generally have less fat insulation than bigger breeds do!
🐕 Difficulty breathing
If you have possessed a Chihuahua, you know how much they love running around and playing. And because of their diminutive size, they can be real couch potatoes as well. But did you know that even though your pup’s body is small, it still breathes just like any other dog? If your Chihuahua has been diagnosed with obesity or excess weight issues, then it is possible that there may be some breathing problems associated with this condition.
Suppose your Chi has difficulty breathing regularly and can only really get enough air when resting or sleeping at night (which causes them to snore loudly). In that case, this could be indicative of a severe problem that needs immediate attention from a veterinarian. If the cause of these symptoms is due to excess weight on their abdomen and chest area, then it will become more difficult for them to move around freely without feeling out of breath.
🐕 Slipping discs
It’s a fact that overweight Chihuahuas are more likely to slip discs than other dogs. This is because their joints and bones have a much harder time supporting the excess weight, which can weaken them over time. This can lead to severe pain in your pet, as well as limited mobility.
🐕 Blood pressure problems
Blood pressure problems are very common among overweight people. The blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on the walls of your Chihuahua’s arteries as it travels through them. If your Chi has high blood pressure, this force can damage the inner walls of its arteries and cause them to narrow or completely close off, leading to heart disease, stroke, and other health issues.
If your Chi has low blood pressure (called hypotension), its heart doesn’t get enough oxygenated blood. It may faint or unsteady if this happens suddenly. Otherwise, there’s usually no obvious symptom unless it’s severe enough to cause fainting spells.
HOW TO TELL IF A CHIHUAHUA HAS WEIGHT CHANGES?
You can quickly tell if a Chihuahua needs to lose some pounds by feeling the rib cage through their coat while they’re standing up and looking at them from above. If you can see an outline of each rib on either side of their body when viewed from above (and not just one long row), then that’s a sign that it may need some help losing some extra pounds!
It’s also possible that if your Chihuahua has been spayed or neutered recently and hasn’t regained his average weight yet, it could indicate health problems such as thyroid issues or diabetes mellitus type 2.
WHAT TO FEED CHIHUAHUA TO LOSE WEIGHT
When it comes to weight loss, the general rule for a healthy diet is everything in moderation. However, when it comes to your Chihuahua, there are some foods that can help it shed those extra pounds. Here’s what you can feed your Chihuahua to help her lose weight:
🐕 Fruits
>>Apples
Apples are an excellent choice for Chihuahua dog owners who want to feed their pet apples because they’re packed with fiber. That translates into good digestion and heart health while helping your Chi lose weight.
Apples are also full of vitamin C, which can help boost your Chi’s immune system so that your pup doesn’t get sick while trying to lose weight. If you’re looking for foods that are both healthy and convenient as part of a diet plan, apples may be right up your alley!
>>Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods for your Chi. They are full-bodied of antioxidants, which support and protect the body from free radical damage and lower the risk of diseases such as brain damage, heart disease, and cancer. Blueberries also contain fiber that helps keep your Chi feeling fuller longer, so it doesn’t keep snacking on junk food throughout the day.
Blueberries are also lower in calories and high in vitamins A and E, as well as B vitamins. Folate is essential for pregnant Chi’s because it can reduce congenital disabilities by helping prevent spinal cord problems in fetuses during the early stages of development.
>>Grapes
Grapes make an excellent snack for your Chihuahua to lose weight. They’re low in calories and high in fiber, which helps to keep them feeling full while also helping them feel less hungry later on. In addition to this, grapes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamins A, B, and C. Grapes can be eaten raw or cooked, but either way, they should be given sparingly as too much can cause diarrhea or other digestive issues.
>>Oranges
Oranges are a great fruit to eat if you want to lose weight. They’re high in vitamin C, which helps your Chihuahua’s body get rid of toxins and prevents fat storage. Oranges are also high in fiber, so they can help you feel full and stay healthy. If you have the option, buy organic oranges, they’re free of pesticides that could negatively affect your health and make weight loss more difficult.
>>Strawberries
Strawberries are a delicious fruit that packs a punch when it comes to nutrients. They are high in fiber, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C.
Fiber helps your pup feel full faster and longer, which can help it lose weight by eating less overall food. They also contain antioxidants, so they may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Keep in mind that Vitamin C helps fight off nasty colds as well as boosts immunity against infections like the flu and pneumonia in dogs. This is because it helps build healthy white blood cells in your body that fight off bacteria for your Chi! Potassium is vital for maintaining proper muscle function, while folate has been shown to reduce anxiety.
🐕 Veggies
>>Kale
Kale is a superfood. It’s lower in calories and equipped with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium and iron. It’s also elevated in fiber which assists digestion.
Kale has been hailed as a “miracle food” because it can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other complications. But there are many other advantages to eating kale that isn’t talked about as often:
- Coat care
- Detox
- Eye care
>>Carrot
Carrots are a vegetable that can help a chihuahua lose weight. It is not advisable giving a chihuahua too many carrots, however. They are lofty in sugar and fat, so it is best only to provide them with one or two carrots each day at most.
>>Celery
Celery is an excellent choice for weight loss. It is high in fiber, which means it can help your Chi feel fuller for longer. It’s also low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Your Chihuahua can eat celery sticks plain. You can also add celery to their other meal as an alternative base for diet sources instead of making it the main course for your puppy.
>>Cucumber
Cucumber is very hydrating, so this would be the perfect veggie option if you live in a hot climate or have an older Chihuahua who doesn’t drink much water. It also contains vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system as well as maintain healthy skin tissue.
CAN A CHIHUAHUA EAT PROTEIN WHILE LOSING WEIGHT?
Protein is a vital part of all Chihuahua diets. With so many sources of protein available to Chihuahuas, it is easy for them to get all the nutrients they need. Remember that the amount of protein in their diet is determined by how active their lifestyle is and how much exercise they get daily. As long as you are keeping your Chihuahua happy and healthy, there’s no need to worry about whether or not your pup is getting enough protein. There are many different sources of protein that dogs can choose from.
🐕 Eggs
Eggs are a reasonable source of protein, so Chihuahuas can eat them. They can eat all of the parts of an egg: the yolk, the white, and the shell. You can cook them up in a variety of ways – scrambled, fried, or hard-boiled – but remember that you shouldn’t feed Chihuahuas cooked bones from chicken or other birds because they could splinter and puncture their stomachs.
🐕 Tofu
Tofu is a good source of protein. It encompasses all nine essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for proteins. Although it doesn’t contain as much protein as beans or chicken breast, tofu is an excellent way to get some in your Chi’s diet if you’re trying to cut down on meat or dairy products.
Tofu is also a sumptuous source of iron. Iron helps your pup’s body make red blood cells so that it has enough oxygen flowing through its body at all times. Suppose your Chihuahua’s diet doesn’t provide it with enough iron. In that case, it can lead to anemia—which means that there aren’t enough red blood cells circulating in its system and causes symptoms like fatigue and dizziness.
That is why including this food in meals regularly will help ensure that your Chihuahua is getting enough nutrients each day!
🐕 Fish
Fish is an incredible source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B12, selenium, and iodine. Omega-3 fatty acids are exemplary for the heart and brain health. They’re also thought to help with anxiety and bone issues.
Vitamin D supports the body absorb calcium for strong bones. Selenium also protects against cell problems. Lastly, Phosphorus aids in muscle growth and repair after your Chi’s exercise.
🐕 Chicken
Chicken is a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It also provides some fat and carbohydrates, as well as fiber. Chicken is also an excellent source of selenium—a mineral that plays a vital role in many biological processes. Selenium helps to keep immune system function on track.
🐕 Beef
Beef is another good source of protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids and is high in iron, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. Meat from grass-fed cows has more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef.
This meat can be high in saturated fats and cholesterol so try to reduce your Chi’s intake of red meat as much as possible if it has high cholesterol or heart disease.
OTHER WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT
Chihuahuas are adorable, but that doesn’t mean that you want your Chihuahua to be fat. Over the years, there are the most fun ways to exercise with your Chihuahuas and games that make it harder for them to overeat. Here’s the list:
🐕 Safe chew toy
A chew toy is a great way to redirect your Chihuahua’s chewing instinct. It also provides an outlet for aggressive behavior and keeps him calm when you’re not home.
A good chew toy should be made of durable material that can withstand being bitten and chewed on. You’ll want to make sure it’s safe for your dog. There are some types of toys that aren’t dangerous but could cause health problems if swallowed or inhaled. There are also plenty of toxic items that seem like a good idea at first glance. Trial-and-error is the best way to find out what works for your pet. Try different options until you find one that works well!
🐕 Limit the treats
When it comes to weight loss, you need to be very careful about the treats you give your Chi. A Chihuahua is a small dog. Therefore, they can only eat so much at one time. It’s important not to overdo it with treats, or else you’ll end up with a fat little guy on your hands!
While some people may think this means that they can give their Chi’s as many treats as they want, doing so is not advisable. This is because too much sugar and salt will cause them problems in later life. As such, it’s better for Chihuahuas if their treat is healthy and contains minimal amounts of these ingredients.
For example, applesauce or grapes make excellent healthy snacks for your furry friend! You can even look online for recipes with more nutritious ingredients like kale or cauliflower so long as those foods are appropriate for dogs’ stomachs.
🐕 Long walk
Walking your Chihuahua is a great way to get exercise, and it’s one of the best ways you can help your pooch lose weight. Of course, it might need a bit of encouragement at first. After all, Chihuahuas don’t understand why they should walk when they’re perfectly happy napping on the couch. But if you stick with it, you’ll both be able to enjoy the benefits of regular walks. This includes improved cardiovascular health for both of you, better sleep quality, increased energy levels, and better mental health.
Here are some things to keep in mind when walking your Chi:
>>The right distance
A good rule of thumb is that when out for a walk with your Chihuahua, try to go about half as far as it would typically run in one hour. It is about 2 miles for most adult medium-sized dogs or 1 mile for small breeds. If it needs more than this, don’t be afraid to increase his walking time gradually over time until it loses enough weight that his legs start feeling less tired after each outing!
>>When not too hot out
If possible, avoid going outside during peak temperatures. This can make them overheat quickly even though we humans may not notice any signs yet! Also, keep an eye out for symptoms such as panting heavily due. This means their body temperature has reached dangerous levels, so head inside immediately!
🐕 Puzzle toy
If your Chi has the propensity to eat too much, consider feeding it in a puzzle toy. You can buy one that has a small hole at the bottom and make sure it’s not large enough for it to get his head stuck in. It’s also vital that you’re able to get its food out of the toy once it’s done eating it, so it doesn’t end up being trapped inside and starving.
BOTTOM LINE
It’s essential to make sure your Chihuahua is at a healthy weight. If your Chihuahua is overweight, you should take steps to help him lose weight. If your Chihuahua is underweight, you should take steps to help him gain weight. Dogs have different energy requirements based on their size and activity level. So if they aren’t getting enough calories every day, they could be gaining or losing too much weight.
Monitoring the weight of your Chihuahua also depends on what type of Chihuahua it is. To know more about Chihuahua mixes, click here.
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.
