with so much processed food on the market, do you ever wonder what foods are healthy for your chihuahua to snack on? its ok to allow your chihuahua to indulge on occasion, but just be sure to choose healthy treats.

if you are selecting from store-manufactured dog food, make sure you check the package label for the nutritional analysis, ingredient list and recommended serving. some manufactured treats are actually formulated to provide complete nutrition, but this doesn’t mean it should be the staple of your chihuahua’s diet.

as with people, it is best to avoid treats with too much sugar, salt or fat. crunchy treats tend to have less sugar than semi-moist ones, so they are better for your chihuahua’s teeth and waistline. in addition, they provide satisfying chewing exercise which also promotes dental health.

low-cost alternatives to commercial snacks include:

vegetables: cooked, raw or frozen – carrots, broccoli stems, green beans, fresh peppers, peas, lettuce stems

fruits: apples, pears, bananas (only small amounts to avoid digestive upset)

breads: crackers and dry cereal (only occasionally and reduced fat or no-fat)

cheese: high in fat so offer only reduced fat on occasion

meat: small chunks of cooked lean meats – chicken, turkey, pork, steak, liver

teaka the famous chihuahua favorite snacks: fresh red pepper slices, romaine lettuce stems and broccoli

* it is important to note that not every food that is safe for humans is also safe for your chihuahua. do NOT feed your chihuahua chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins or macadamia nuts - all have been associated with toxic reactions ranging from vomiting, diarrhea and death

source: karla s. rugh, d.v.m., ph.d – chihuahuas, vol 3, 2nd edition
picture source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rdmsf/1477490312/