Chihuahuas can be picky eaters. One of the most famous Chihuahuas in the world is known for his single-minded food preference, heralded by his signature phrase, “Yo quiero Taco Bell!”
But burritos and nachos aren’t the best foods for dogs, much less your senior Chihuahua. As your pup matures, their preferences and nutritional needs will evolve. That’s why it’s so important to know the best options when it comes to dog food.
We did the heavy lifting for you by scouring the market for the best dog foods for your senior Chihuahua and compiling them into one convenient list. These reviews will help you decide which brand is perfect for your older pup.
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A Quick Glance at the Winners of 2024
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Best Overall
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The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription |
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Click to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping |
Budget Buy
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Nutro Natural Choice Dry Dog Food |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Now Fresh Dry Dog Food |
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CHECK PRICE |
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Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Senior Chihuahuas
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription — Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | USDA chicken, turkey, or beef; fresh legumes and veggies; fish oil; TFD nutrient blend |
| Protein content: | 8.0–11.5% |
| Fat content: | 4.5–8.5% |
| Calories: | Depends on plan |
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription is leading the charge for higher standards in the dog food industry. The company believes that fresh ingredients are the healthiest options for all canines, including those with sensitive stomachs. Its recipes are designed with the help of veterinary nutritionists and formulated for a balanced diet with USDA poultry or beef, fresh vegetables, legumes, fish oil, and its own proprietary nutrient blend.
To get started, you fill out a questionnaire that asks for specifics about your dog’s age, breed, activity level, etc. The Farmer’s Dog will use that information to assemble a meal plan that makes the most sense for your pet, including recommended portions and calories per day. You’ll be able to choose from different recipes, with the option to mix and match or just make one selection if your pup is a picky eater.
The food is delivered straight to your door and comes in convenient, ready-to-serve packages that require no preparation or cooking. The company is passionate about making nutritionally balanced meals that make sense for canine-specific needs.
All in all, we think The Farmer’s Dog is the best overall dog food for senior Chihuahuas.
- Uses human-grade ingredients
- Turkey, beef, and pork are the main protein sources
- Locally sourced ingredients
- The recipes all meet AAFCO standards
- Prepared in human-grade kitchens
- Expensive
2. Nutro Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food — Budget Buy
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, whole-grain barley, split peas, whole-grain brown rice |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 14% |
| Calories: | 320 kcal/cup |
With all the premium ingredients that you’d expect from a natural dog food, Nutro Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is a good budget buy. It has plenty of whole grains, high-quality protein from chicken, and vegetables to keep your Chihuahua’s diet well-rounded and balanced.
Nutro is committed to using only ingredients that you can easily recognize. This particular formula has been crafted specifically for a mature small-breed dog. It has calcium for healthy bones and joints, antioxidants to fortify the immune system, and natural fiber to ease digestion. It’s best for senior dogs aged 8 or older, so we think it’s the best dog food for senior Chihuahuas for the money.
- A cost-effective choice
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- High in fiber to support digestion
- Enriched with calcium for healthy joints
- Kibble may be too large for some dogs
- Only comes in a 5-lb. bag
3. Now Fresh Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned turkey, salmon, duck, potatoes, peas, eggs, flaxseed |
| Protein content: | 24% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 375 kcal/cup |
If you’re looking to splurge on your senior buddy’s food, Now Fresh Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is something to consider. Formulated with the help of vet nutritionists, it promises a balanced meal experience for aging pups. Not only does it include deboned turkey, but it also has salmon and duck, plus a host of other healthy ingredients.
This kibble is packed with over 20 superfoods, including pumpkin to add fiber and blueberries for their antioxidants. It even has whole eggs as a complete protein source for your pup. Now Fresh also features omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and L-carnitine to support heart health.
- Minimally processed
- Designed to maintain a healthy weight
- Made with 20+ superfoods
- Crafted by vet nutritionists
- Higher-budget option
4. Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken meal, barley, rice, whole-grain wheat, corn, sorghum |
| Protein content: | 15.5% |
| Fat content: | 10.5% |
| Calories: | 353 kcal/cup |
Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites Dry Dog Food is often recommended for senior dogs. This chicken formula is designed to be easy to chew and digest. It’s a blend of chicken, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
This food is made from high-quality ingredients that exceed industry standards and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. It encourages vitality and weight maintenance for older dogs. The recipe is packed with omega-6 fatty acids for coat and skin health and is recommended for small dogs aged 7 and up.
- Vet recommended
- Small kibble size
- Easy to digest
- Promotes coat and skin health
- Lower protein and fat content than competitors
5. Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Canned Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, turkey, ocean white fish, salmon, duck, poultry broth, rice |
| Protein content: | 7.5% |
| Fat content: | 4% |
| Calories: | 395 kcal/13-oz. can |
Some older dogs may need to or prefer to eat wet food, or you may like to mix wet food in with your pup’s dry kibble. If so, Chicken Soup for the Soul Mature Canned Dog Food for senior dogs can be a great option.
It’s made from a blend of poultry and fish and is sure to please any palate. It contains several vitamins and supplements necessary for a maturing dog’s health, including calcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, biotin, and potassium. It also features healthy fatty acids, antioxidants from blueberries and apples, and prebiotic fiber from chicory root. It contains no artificial flavors.
- Formulated for picky eaters
- Can be mixed with dry kibble
- High-quality protein from many different sources
- Low in protein and fat
6. Eukanuba Senior Small Breed Dry Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, wheat, chicken fat, corn, sorghum |
| Protein content: | 29% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 387 kcal/cup |
Eukanuba Senior Small Breed Dry Food is formulated for dogs aged 7 and up that want to lead healthy, active lives. It helps keep joints mobile and muscles strong with chondroitin sulfate and 50% more glucosamine than the brand’s adult small-breed kibble.
The food has a crunchy texture, S-shaped kibble, and a polyphosphate to help reduce tartar build-up in your dog’s teeth. It also has added DHA and antioxidants to support healthy brain function and keep your senior dog sharp for years to come.
This kibble is recommended for dogs up to 23 pounds that tend to lead an active lifestyle.
- Contains a high protein content
- Supports an active lifestyle
- Kibble is small and crunchy
- Includes chicken byproducts
7. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned turkey, chicken meal, brown rice, peas, rice, oats |
| Protein content: | 25% |
| Fat content: | 12% |
| Calories: | 435 kcal/cup |
The name says it all: Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Dry Dog Food aims to achieve complete health for your senior dog. The small-sized kibble, the balance of protein and grains, and carefully selected ingredients make a powerful blend for an aging dog.
This formula is made in the U.S.A. but is packaged only in 4-lb. bags. It’s fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants for immune support, glucosamine, probiotics for digestion, and taurine, which helps with eye health, fat digestion, and heart health. It promises whole-body support for your small dog, with none of the byproducts, fillers, or artificial ingredients of some other brands.
- Features probiotics for healthy digestion
- Fortified with taurine
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Only comes in one size
8. Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, chicken meal, rice, barley, egg, oatmeal |
| Protein content: | 25% |
| Fat content: | 11% |
| Calories: | 347 kcal/cup |
Made by a family-owned business based in the U.S.A., Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food only has ingredients from trusted sources, including cage-free chicken as the first ingredient. This recipe is designed to meet the needs of aging dogs with glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and superfoods like blueberries and oranges.
It also features proprietary probiotics to help smooth your dog’s digestion. It’s suitable for all breed sizes, which may mean that the kibble might not work for all small dogs. But it’s a popular choice with picky eaters, so it can be worth a try if you’re interested in a family-operated brand.
- Probiotics designed specifically for dogs
- Blend includes superfoods
- Family-owned and U.S.-based
- Kibble may not be appropriate for all jaws
9. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Mini Senior Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, oats, herring, eggs |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 15% |
| Calories: | 371 kcal/cup |
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Mini Senior Dry Dog Food offers a slightly different spin on kibble designed for senior dogs. It shares many things in common with the other entries on this list, including its focus on high-quality protein, small kibble that’s easy for little dogs to crunch, and ingredients from natural, non-GMO sources.
However, Farmina N&D is different in that it’s also an excellent option for dogs with diabetes. The low-glycemic formula will prevent spikes in blood sugar and keep a diabetic dog healthy.
Farmina stands out from the dog food manufacturer crowd by featuring pomegranate and other fruits in its formula.
- Mini, chewable kibble
- Low glycemic
- Pea-free
- Natural and non-GMO
- Strong odor might be unappealing to some dogs
10. AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Lamb meal, peas, tapioca flour, chicken meal, salmon meal |
| Protein content: | 28% |
| Fat content: | 10% |
| Calories: | 350 kcal/cup |
AvoDerm Advanced Senior Health Dry Dog Food is determined to take care of your dog’s changing needs as they age. The company understands the unique nutritional requirements of a senior canine and provides a recipe designed exactly for them.
This formula is the only option on this list with lamb as a primary ingredient. It has a high concentration of protein and includes natural sources of vitamins and minerals that benefit your senior dog’s joint health, immune system, coat condition, vision, and brain.
Some buyers have shared that the kibble is too large for their dogs, so keep that in mind.
- High protein
- Mix of high-quality protein from chicken and lamb
- Includes avocado oil for healthy skin and fur
- Kibble might not be small enough for all jaws
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Senior Chihuahua
Now that we’ve gone over the top options on the market, let’s discuss how to decide which dog food is right for your senior Chihuahua. If you’re still not sure what the best choice is for your pup, reach out to your vet for a recommendation.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Nutritional Needs of Senior Dogs
What a dog needs from their food changes as they get older, and there are a few different factors that you’ll need to look for when choosing a brand for your senior pup.
- An appropriate kibble size for your dog’s jaw and teeth
- High-quality protein sources
- Omega fatty acids to promote a healthy coat, skin, and heart
- Antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system
- Fiber or probiotics to aid digestion
- Chondroitin and glucosamine for keeping joints healthy and mobile
What to Watch Out For When Buying Senior Dog Food
Although the dog food market is full of high-quality options for your senior Chihuahua, there are a few red flags that you might want to watch for when you’re shopping.
- Pet food brands that do not specify the animals in their meat by-products
- Meals that are only designed for large breeds
- Dog food recipes with a significant number of bad reviews
While it might seem overwhelming to choose from all the options available, knowing what to avoid in dog food can help narrow down your choices. You can also talk to your vet and read what other Chihuahua owners have written online to learn even more about an appropriate senior Chihuahua diet.
How We Selected These Dog Foods for Senior Chihuahuas
This buyer’s guide was carefully crafted by our writers and editors in collaboration with our team of in-house veterinarians. The dog foods reviewed here are rated on a combination of factors: brand reputation, customer reviews across multiple retail outlets, personal experience, and in some cases, feedback from our own dogs! Together, we choose and review only the best dog foods available, to help you make the most informed decisions that foster the well-being of your furry friends.
Why Trust Dogster?
Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online since 2004, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We are a team of passionate dog owners who care about our pups as much as you do yours. We want the best for every canine on the planet. Dogster’s writers, editors, and veterinarians are deeply invested in the well-being of our pets, and we believe that all pet owners share this dedication to providing only the highest quality products and services for our dogs.
Final Thoughts
We narrowed our top dog food choices for senior Chihuahuas to this elite reviews list. The best overall award goes to The Farmer’s Dog for its gently cooked recipes. Nutro Natural Choice comes in at number two, giving you great nutrition at an affordable price.
We hope that this article has been helpful as you decide what’s best for your pup. Bon appetit!
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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
