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 diets for dogs, much less your senior chihuahua. As your pup matures, its preferences and nutritional needs will evolve. That’s why it’s so important to know what the best options are when it comes to dog food.
We’ve done most of the heavy lifting for you. We’ve scoured the internet for the best dog foods for your senior chihuahua and compiled them into one convenient list. Our reviews will help you decide which brand is perfect for your senior buddy.
A Quick Glance at the Winners of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Uses human-grade ingredients
Locally sourced ingredients
The recipes all meet AAFCO standards
Click to Save 50%
Best Value
Nutro Natural Choice Dry Dog Food
A cost-effective choice
Made with non-GMO ingredients
High in fiber to support digestion
Check Price
Now Fresh Dry Dog Food
Minimally processed
Designed to maintain a healthy weight
Made with 20+ superfoods
Check Price
Vet’s Choice
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites
Vet recommended
Small kibble size
Easy to digest
Check Price
Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food
Formulated for picky eaters
Can be mixed with dry kibble
High-quality protein from many different sources
Check Price
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Senior Chihuahuas
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
Click Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with The Farmer’s Dog
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 is leading the charge for higher standards in the dog food industry. It believes that fresh ingredients are the healthiest option for all dogs, including dogs 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’ll fill out a diet plan that asks for specifics about your dog’s age, breed, activity level, etc. The Farmer’s Dog will use that information to assemble a plan that makes the most sense for your dog, 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 choose one 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 Farmer’s Dog is passionate about making nutritionally balanced meals that make sense for canine-specific needs, and its many benefits have earned it the 1st best overall spot on our list.
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
- 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
- Expensive
With all the premium ingredients you’d expect from a natural dog food, Nutro Natural Choice is the best brand for senior chihuahuas for the money. It has plenty of whole grains, high-quality protein from chicken, and vegetables to keep your chihuahua’s diet well-rounded and balanced.
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, split peas, whole grain brown rice
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 320 kcal/cup
Check Price on Chewy
Nutro is committed to using only ingredients that you can easily recognize and pronounce. 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.
Pros
A cost-effective choice
Made with non-GMO ingredients
High in fiber to support digestion
Enriched with calcium for healthy joints
Cons
Kibble may be too large for some small dogs
Only comes in a 5-lb bag
If you’re looking to splurge on your senior buddy’s food then Now Fresh is another great brand to consider. Formulated with the help of vet nutritionists, it promises a balanced meal experience for aging dogs. Not only does it include deboned turkey, but it also has salmon and duck, plus a host of other healthy ingredients.
A cost-effective choice
Made with non-GMO ingredients
High in fiber to support digestion
Enriched with calcium for healthy joints
- 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 small dogs
Only comes in a 5-lb bag
- Kibble may be too large for some small dogs
- Only comes in a 5-lb bag
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, salmon, duck, potatoes, peas, eggs, flaxseed
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 375 kcal/cup
This kibble is packed with over twenty 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.
Pros
Minimally processed
Designed to maintain a healthy weight
Made with 20+ superfoods
Crafted by vet nutritionists
Cons
Higher-budget option
Vets love Hill’s Science Diet, and they don’t hesitate to recommend it for senior dogs. The Small Bites Chicken Meal is designed to be easy to chew and digest. It’s a blend of chicken, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Minimally processed
Designed to maintain a healthy weight
Made with 20+ superfoods
Crafted by vet nutritionists
- Minimally processed
- Designed to maintain a healthy weight
- Made with 20+ superfoods
- Crafted by vet nutritionists
Higher-budget option
- Higher-budget option
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, barley, rice, whole grain wheat, corn, and sorghum
Protein content: 15.5%
Fat content: 10.5%
Calories: 353 kcal/cup
Hill’s Science Diet 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. Small Bites is packed with omega-6 fatty acids for coat and skin health and is recommended for small dogs aged 7 and up.
Pros
Vet recommended
Small kibble size
Easy to digest
Promotes coat and skin health
Cons
Lower protein and fat content than competitors
Some older dogs may need to or prefer to eat wet food, or you may like to mix wet food in with their dry kibble. If so, this Chicken Soup for the Soul recipe for senior dogs can be a great option.
Vet recommended
Small kibble size
Easy to digest
Promotes coat and skin health
- Vet recommended
- Small kibble size
- Easy to digest
- Promotes coat and skin health
Lower protein and fat content than competitors
- Lower protein and fat content than competitors
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
It’s made from a blend of poultry and fishand is sure to please any palate. Chicken Soup for the Soul contains several vitamins and supplements necessary for a maturing dog’s health. These include 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.
Pros
Formulated for picky eaters
Can be mixed with dry kibble
High-quality protein from many different sources
Cons
Lower in protein and fat
Eukanuba’s dry kibble for small senior dogs is formulated for dogs aged 7 and up that want to lead a healthy, active life. It helps keep joints mobile and muscles strong with chondroitin sulfate and 50% more glucosamine than the brand’s adult small breed kibble.
Formulated for picky eaters
Can be mixed with dry kibble
High-quality protein from many different sources
- Formulated for picky eaters
- Can be mixed with dry kibble
- High-quality protein from many different sources
Lower in protein and fat
- Lower in protein and fat
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, wheat, chicken fat, corn, sorghum
Protein content: 29%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 387 kcal/cup
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.
Pros
Contains a high protein content
Supports an active lifestyle
Kibble is small and crunchy
Cons
Includes chicken byproducts
The name says it all: Wellness aims to achieve complete health for your senior dog with this recipe. The small-sized kibble, balance of protein and grains, and carefully selected ingredients make a powerful blend for an aging dog.
Contains a high protein content
Supports an active lifestyle
Kibble is small and crunchy
- Contains a high protein content
- Supports an active lifestyle
- Kibble is small and crunchy
Includes chicken byproducts
- Includes chicken byproducts
Main ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, brown rice, peas, rice, oats
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 435 kcal/cup
Wellness Turkey and Peas is made in the USA and 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 other brands.
Pros
Features probiotics for healthy digestion
Fortified with taurine
Made in the USA
Cons
Only comes in one size
As a family-owned business based in the USA, Diamond Naturals promises only to use ingredients from trusted sources, including cage-free chicken as the first ingredient. The Senior Formula Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the needs of aging dogs with glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and superfoods like blueberries and oranges.
Features probiotics for healthy digestion
Fortified with taurine
Made in the USA
- Features probiotics for healthy digestion
- Fortified with taurine
- Made in the USA
Only comes in one size
- Only comes in one size
Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, rice, barley, egg, oatmeal
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 347 kcal/cup
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.
Pros
Probiotics designed specifically for dogs
Blend includes superfoods
Family-owned and American-based
Cons
Kibble may not be appropriate for all jaws
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain offers a slightly different spin on its kibble designed for senior dogs. It shares many things in common with the other exemplary 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.
Probiotics designed specifically for dogs
Blend includes superfoods
Family-owned and American-based
- Probiotics designed specifically for dogs
- Blend includes superfoods
- Family-owned and American-based
Kibble may not be appropriate for all jaws
- Kibble may not be appropriate for all jaws
Main ingredients: Chicken, oats, herring, eggs
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 371 kcal/cup
However, Farmina N&D is different in that it also provides an excellent option for dogs with diabetes. The low-glycemic formula will prevent spikes in blood sugar and keep a diabetic dog healthy.
Farmina’s dog food stands out from the crowd by featuring pomegranate and other fruits in its formula.
Pros
Mini, chewable kibble
Low glycemic
Pea-free
Natural and non-GMO
Cons
Strong odor might be unappealing to some dogs
AvoDerm is determined to take care of your dog’s changing needs as he ages. The company understands the unique nutritional requirements of a senior dog and provides a recipe designed exactly for that.
Mini, chewable kibble
Low glycemic
Pea-free
Natural and non-GMO
- Mini, chewable kibble
- Low glycemic
- Pea-free
- Natural and non-GMO
Strong odor might be unappealing to some dogs
- Strong odor might be unappealing to some dogs
Main ingredients: Lamb meal, peas, tapioca flour, chicken meal, salmon meal
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 10%
Calories: 350 kcal/cup
Advanced Senior Health Lamb and Chicken Meal Formula is the only option on our 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 was a little too large for their dogs, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
Pros
High protein
Mix of high-quality protein from chicken and lamb
Includes avocado oil for healthy skin and fur
Cons
Kibble might not be small enough for all jaws
High protein
Mix of high-quality protein from chicken and lamb
Includes avocado oil for healthy skin and fur
- 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
- 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 done a thorough survey of the top options on the market, we can discuss how to decide which dog food is right for your senior chihuahua. If you’re still not sure what the best choice is by the end of this article, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet to ask them for a recommendation.
Nutritional Needs of Senior Dogs
What dogs need out of their food changes as they get older. There are a few different things you’ll need to look for when choosing a brand for your senior pup.
Some important benefits that your dog’s food should provide include:
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 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 you might want to watch out for when you’re shopping.
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
- 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
These red flags include:
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 a dog food can help narrow down your choices. You can always talk to your vet and read what other chihuahua owners have written online to find out even more about an appropriate chihuahua diet.
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
- 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
Final Thoughts
The reviews are in, and we’ve narrowed our top dog food choices for senior chihuahuas to this elite 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 the most bang for your buck. In third place, Now Fresh Grain-Free comes in strong with its premium ingredients. Fourth goes to Hill’s Science Diet, with the weight of a vet recommendation behind it. And in fifth, Chicken Soup for the Soul is an excellent option if your dog likes wet food.
We hope this article has been helpful to you as you decide what’s best for your pup. Bon appetit!
See also: 10 Best Canned and Wet Dog Foods for Chihuahuas
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
