5 Best Dog Treats for Chihuahuas in 2024 (Healthy)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect treats to delight your choosy Chihuahua? If so, worry no more! 

We consulted our resident taste-tester, Leo the Chihuahua, to help us curate this list of the 5 best dog treats for Chihuahuas that will please even the pickiest of pups!

Most dogs are known to be picky eaters, so it’s important to find treats that they love but that aren’t full of unhealthy ingredients.

If you’re looking for healthy snacks for Chihuahuas, our tips will help you select the perfect ones so you steer clear of treats full of fillers, allergens, and artificial flavors.

So whether your Chihuahua is a puppy or a full-grown adult, these 5 treat recommendations will have them wagging their tail in no time!

Disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.

5 Best Dog Treats for Chihuahuas in 2023 (Healthy) 

Here are the top picks for healthy treats for Chihuahuas, all tested and approved by our Chihuahua, Leo! These delicious treats are bite-sized (or can be broken up) and are made with minimal ingredients, making them the healthiest treats you will find. 

These will quickly become your Chihuahua’s favorite treats, but even Leo had trouble picking his favorite one!

#1 Best Freeze-Dried Treat – Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Treats

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Dog Treats are the perfect reward for any Chihuahua. These treats are made and sourced from the USA, with no added by-products, fillers, or anything artificial making them one of the best healthy treats for Chihuahuas!

Vital Essentials uses a 48-hour “slow” freeze-drying process that locks in flavor and nutrients, preserving all the natural goodness of real meat. 

The lack of legumes (high carbs) or any synthetic vitamins or minerals makes this one of the best dog treats for Chihuahuas, without sacrificing flavor.

Loaded with protein and low in calories, these will quickly become your Chihuahua’s favorite treats!

If your Chihuahua needs a change of pace, try one of the 12 delicious flavors like beef, duck, lamb, or rabbit. Not only will they love it, but you can also rest assured knowing that you’re giving them something healthy and nutritious in every bite. 

These make really good treats for Chihuahuas and other small breeds. With only 1-2 calories per treat, you won’t have to worry about spoiling your pup with too many treats.

These are the perfect high-value treat for training your Chihuahua to bark less when the doorbell rings, as a reward when cutting their nails, or after surviving bathtime.

#2 Best Training Treat – Pupford Freeze Dried Dog Training Treats

Pupford Freeze-Dried Dog Training Treats are made with only 2 ingredients. Since these treats are made from a single ingredient (plus natural preservatives), they also make the best dog treats for dogs with allergies.

Even better, each treat contains less than 1 calorie! This makes them a great low-calorie treat for owners of small dogs like Chihuahuas who must be mindful of their pup’s weight.

You can now train your pupper without worrying about them packing on the pounds!

These treats are made both in the USA and France. There are 8 different flavors available, including chicken, rabbit, sweet potato, and salmon, so you can find something to suit your pup’s taste preferences. 

As an added bonus, when you purchase these treats you also get a free 30-day dog training course included with every bag, giving you even more value for money.

These healthy, high-value treats are the best training treats for Chihuahuas. You can reward your dog with tasty treats without feeling guilty about spoiling them!

If you want to train your dog to be comfortable wearing clothes or to stop licking up your nose using positive reinforcement, these treats would be perfect.

#3 Best Jerky Treat – Wild Meadow Farms Minis

Another of the best dog treats for Chihuahuas is Wild Meadow Farms Minis. These soft jerky treats come in bite-sized pieces, making them perfect for pint-sized pups like Chihuahuas. 

Not only are they made with minimal ingredients, but they also come in a variety of delicious flavors such as turkey, chicken, lamb, and pork that your pup will love!

These treats are made in the USA and come from a family-owned small business. You can have peace of mind knowing that each bite contains no artificial colors or flavors and is free from grains and sugar.

Since these are small and soft, they make the best dog treats for Chihuahua puppies. They are also great for senior Chihuahuas who may need softer treats due to dental issues.

Although these treats may be a bit pricey compared to other brands, you can be sure that you’re getting high-quality human-grade ingredients. 

#4 Best Vegan Treat – Yitto Paws Organic Dog Treats

Yitto Paws Organic Dog Treats are the perfect choice for pups who have sensitive stomachs. They are free from the top allergens common in dogs, such as wheat, corn, chicken, or soy. 

If you’re looking for a healthy and guilt-free snack for your Chihuahua, these will be a hit! These biscuits come in four delectable flavors and are high in fiber and low in fat.

Made with all organic ingredients and no added sugar, these vegan Chihuahua snacks are a great option for pet owners who are conscious about their dog’s nutrition. 

Plus, they are made in the USA and come from a family-owned small business. 

#5 Best Fish Treat – The Honest Kitchen Superfood Cod Crisps

The last of the best dog treats for Chihuahuas is The Honest Kitchen Superfood Cod Crisps. They are the perfect way to show your Chihuahua some love and appreciation! Our Chihuahua goes crazy for these tasty fish crisps!

These treats are made with only two high-quality, human-grade ingredients (fish + fruit), and they are gently dehydrated to ensure they maintain all of their nutritional value. 

Plus, they are packed with antioxidants and omegas to help support their immune system and make their coat shiny.

The Honest Kitchen Cod Crisps also contain no GMOs, fillers, or artificial preservatives, making them a safe and healthy snack for your furry friend. 

So if you’re looking for delicious treats that provide your pup with essential nutrients without compromising on flavor or quality, these treats should be at the top of your list! 

Bonus: Best Dental Treat – Crumps’ Naturals Original Plaque Busters

Crumps’ Naturals Original Plaque Busters are the healthiest dental treat for Chihuahuas and other small breeds. 

Made with only 4-5 high-quality ingredients, these dental sticks are made by a Canadian company with ingredients sourced from North America. They contain no additives, preservatives, colors, or GMOs. Plus, they’re made in small batches to ensure freshness. 

Each stick has 70 calories and is a good source of calcium, fiber, and beta-carotene. The ground oyster shell scrapes away plaque and tartar to help keep your pup’s teeth healthy. 

Experience peace of mind knowing that your pet is getting a nutritious treat with no added wheat, potato starch, or cellulose unlike those found in today’s popular brands.

How Many Treats Should Chihuahuas Have?

When it comes to treats, you need to take into consideration your Chihuahua’s weight. 

Small breeds like Chihuahuas should not have more than 10% of their total daily caloric intake from treats. This means that if your Chihuahua needs 200 calories a day, they should not have more than 20 calories in treats. 

You can use this handy calculator to find out how many calories your dog should consume per day. Then multiply that number by 0.1 to determine how many calories can come from treats.

If you are going to have a training session where you know you’ll be feeding lots of treats, reduce the amount of food given at mealtimes. This way, you won’t be overfeeding your pup and they will still get their recommended daily calorie allowance. 

You can make treats go even further by breaking them into pea-size pieces. This will make them last longer and you won’t have to worry about overfeeding your pup.

Tips for Buying Treats

When searching for treats to reward your Chihuahua, you should consider their age, activity level, and any allergies. Choosing a healthy treat for your pup can be tough, so here are some things to consider when making the decision.

Grain Free

Chihuahuas can be sensitive to certain grains so it’s important to look for treats that are grain-free. The most common grains found in dog treats are corn, oats, wheat, rye, and rice.  

When in doubt, look for treats that are labeled as “grain-free” or “gluten-free”.

All Natural Ingredients

Look for treats that are made with natural, high-quality ingredients such as meat, eggs, fruit, or peanut butter. Avoid treats with artificial colors and preservatives as they can cause skin issues and digestive upset.

Common artificial preservatives in dog treats are BHT, BHA, and ethoxyquin. Look for natural preservatives such as rosemary, vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).

Artificial colors used are Red #40, Blue #2, and Yellow 5. All of these should be avoided due to possible toxic effects on your pup’s health. 

Be wary about animal by-products like chicken by-product meal and meat meal. These are parts of the animal that are unfit for human consumption such as blood, stomach, and intestines. 

Made in USA, Canada, or Europe

When possible, look for treats that are made in the USA, Canada, or Europe as they tend to be higher quality with fewer fillers and additives. High-quality treats can boost your pup’s health and keep them happy. 

Try to steer clear of products that contain ingredients sourced from China as they are often subpar and have less strict quality control. In 2007, melamine-contaminated wheat gluten imported from China caused the death and illness of many pets in the US, so it’s best to be cautious. 

Single or Limited Ingredients

When you’re caring for a pup that has sensitivities or multiple allergies, single-ingredient treats are the way to go. Not only will these snacks be healthier overall but they’ll also be easier for your canine companion’s system to process. 

Offering single or limited-ingredient treats will make it easier to pinpoint any reactions your pup may have to certain ingredients. 

Treats that contain only meat and/or organs are always a great option for Chihuahuas. 

Short ingredient lists will help you understand exactly what you’re offering to your pup. If it’s too long or contains words you can’t pronounce, it’s most likely not a healthy option. 

Zero Fillers or Allergens

Many Chihuahuas are allergic to certain ingredients like chicken, eggs, wheat, or dairy, so make sure to read the label carefully before purchasing. 

Be cautious of fillers like corn, wheat, or soybean hulls as these can cause digestive upset. Fillers are often used to cut costs and offer next to no nutritional benefits.

Legumes such as peas, soy, and beans are also best avoided. Not only are they high in carbs but they are rapidly digested, which will leave your poor doggy feeling famished again in no time! High amounts of carbs will be stored as body fat.

Soy is usually genetically modified and contains glyphosate which can lead to cancer and leaky gut down the line. 

Small Size

Chihuahuas are a small breed and some treats can be too large for them. Look for treats that come in smaller sizes so that your pup can enjoy them without choking. 

Otherwise, you will have to break the treats into smaller pieces to make them safe for your pup. 

Low-Calorie

These little dogs have a tendency to gain weight quickly, so it’s important to look for treats that are low in calories. Remember to factor calorie content into your treat selections for your pup – their health depends on it!

No Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals

If a dog treat has synthetic vitamins and minerals, it is more than likely highly processed. Processing can have an adverse effect on the quality of ingredients as heating/cooking strips the nutrients and they have to be added back in synthetically.

Instead, opt for treats that are made from whole foods that contain natural sources of vitamins and minerals derived directly from the ingredients!

Summary

That concludes our list showcasing the 5 best dog treats for Chihuahuas, all approved by our Chihuahua Leo.

Each of these treats has its own unique benefits that make them the right fit for Chihuahuas by being low-calorie and allergen-free, and the ideal size for small breeds.

Remember, treats should always be used in moderation and not as a replacement for regular meals. Whichever treat you choose, we hope your Chihuahua loves it as much as ours does!

Related posts:

• 6 Best Beds for Chihuahuas
• 8 Best Chews for Chihuahuas (Natural and Healthy)
• 13 Surprising Reasons Why Chihuahuas Lick Inside Your Nose
• Why Do Chihuahuas Sleep Under the Covers?