Chihuahua Foods to Avoid - What Foods Can (and Can’t) Chihuahuas Eat?
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What Can (and Can’t) Chihuahuas Eat? A Friendly Food Guide for Your Tiny Taco Dog
Alright, fellow chihuahua lover, let’s talk food. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably caught your little gremlin giving you the look while you eat—those big ol’ eyes practically begging for a bite of whatever’s on your plate. And let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to resist. But not everything we eat is safe for our tiny, sassy sidekicks.
So, let’s break it down. What’s good, what’s bad, and what’s a definite “DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT” when it comes to feeding your chihuahua.
Chihuahua Food to Avoid - Foods Chihuahuas CANNOT Eat (Step Away, Tiny Friend!)
🍇 Grapes & Raisins
Not even one. These can cause kidney failure in dogs, and chihuahuas are so tiny that even a small amount can be dangerous.
🍫 Chocolate
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating—chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. And because chihuahuas are tiny, even a small piece can be harmful.
🧄 Garlic & Onions (In ANY Form)
Powdered, raw, cooked—it doesn’t matter. Garlic and onions can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
🍞 Bread Dough (Raw Yeast Dough)
If your chihuahua somehow gets into raw dough, it can expand in their stomach and cause bloating, pain, and even alcohol poisoning from the fermentation process.
🍬 Artificial Sweeteners (Especially Xylitol!)
Xylitol is found in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut butters, and even toothpaste. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and even liver failure in dogs.
🥛 Dairy (Milk, Cheese, Ice Cream, etc.)
A tiny bit of cheese might be okay, but many chihuahuas are lactose intolerant. Too much dairy can lead to upset stomachs, gas, and diarrhea.
🍑 Cherries, Peaches, and Plums (The Pits Are Toxic!)
The fruit itself isn’t the problem—it’s the pits. They contain cyanide and can be a choking hazard.
Foods Chihuahuas CAN Eat (In Moderation, Of Course)
🥩 Lean Meats (Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Fish)
A little bit of cooked, unseasoned chicken or beef? Perfectly fine! In fact, it’s a great protein boost for your pup. Just make sure there are no bones or seasonings (especially garlic or onion—more on that later).
🥕 Veggies Like Carrots, Green Beans, and Peas
Chihuahuas can totally munch on veggies. Carrots are great for their teeth, and green beans are low-calorie but filling—perfect if your chihuahua is getting a little chunky.
🍎 Fruits Like Apples, Blueberries, and Bananas
An apple slice here, a blueberry there—totally fine! Just remove any seeds (especially apple seeds, which contain cyanide—yikes!). Bananas are also okay, but they’re sugary, so think of them as a treat.
🍞 Cooked Rice and Plain Pasta
Got a chihuahua with a sensitive stomach? A little plain rice can help settle it. Just keep it simple—no butter, salt, or seasonings.
🥚 Eggs (Scrambled or Boiled)
Eggs are a great protein source, and many chihuahuas love them. Just make sure they’re cooked—raw eggs can carry bacteria.
🥜 Peanut Butter (No Xylitol!)
A little spoonful of peanut butter makes for a great treat—just make sure it’s xylitol-free (that sweetener is toxic to dogs!).
Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Stick to Dog Food
I get it—we love spoiling our little furballs. And while the occasional safe snack is fine, too much “people food” can lead to obesity or nutritional imbalances. If you’re ever unsure, just stick to high-quality dog food or check with your vet.
At the end of the day, chihuahuas may have big personalities, but their tiny bodies can’t handle a lot of the things we eat. Keep ‘em safe, keep ‘em healthy, and maybe just give them an extra belly rub instead of a snack. (They’ll forgive you. Eventually.)
Got a favorite healthy treat your chihuahua loves? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what your little gremlin is munching on!
If you're looking for more info on chihuahuas, check out this blog post: