People often confuse which human foods are safe for their Chihuahuas. But Chihuahuas have a different metabolic system from humans. That’s why some foods that are safe for people can be harmful or even fatal for Chihuahuas. However, many human foods are completely safe for Chihuahuas and can provide important nutrients and health benefits. In this article, we look at the list of the most common 37 people’s foods that are safe or unsafe for Chihuahuas.
List of fruits Chihuahuas can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Chihuahua can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Chihuahua can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat apples.
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Chihuahua. They’re low in protein, fat, and calories, making them the perfect snack for senior Chihuahuas. But before you let your Chihuahua munch on one of these fruits, there are a few things you should know.
First off: remove the seeds and core first. The seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide that can poison your Chihuahua if they consume too much of it. And while the core is safe to eat, it’s not delicious—and your pup may not be interested in eating it, anyway.
Second: avoid processed apples like applesauce or apple pie filling. These foods often contain added sugar, which can cause dangerous health problems for your pet.
Avocado
Avocado is not safe for your Chihuahua to consume.
Avocado fruit, pits, leaves and skin all contain persin, which is potentially poisonous to Chihuahuas. It’s best to avoid giving avocado to your Chihuahua entirely because of the risk involved.
However, avocado oil is safe in small amounts. If you want to give your Chihuahua a treat that includes avocado oil, we should give it sparingly with only 1/2 teaspoon.
Bananas
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat bananas.
Bananas are a great low-calorie snack for Chihuahuas. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber and copper. Bananas also have a low amount of cholesterol and sodium, but they’re high in sugar—so you should only give your Chihuahua a banana as an occasional treat.
Bananas are often marketed to humans as “pre-peeled” or “ready-to-eat.” These types of bananas may contain added toxic ingredients like propylene glycol (a preservative), polyethylene glycol (a thickener or emulsifier) and potassium sorbate (an antifungal agent). If you’re going to feed bananas to your Chihuahua, make sure that they don’t come with any added ingredients or preservatives—you should always be able to see the actual fruit inside its peel.
Blackberry
Chihuahuas can eat blackberries. They’re low in calories and sugar and high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Frozen or fresh, either is fine.
However, avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, blackberry-flavored ice cream, as they may contain harmful preservatives. Two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight per day is the recommended amount for Chihuahuas to eat.
Blueberry
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and are also high in sugar. So, feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed—either is fine for most pups. Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie and blueberry pancakes, as they may contain added harmful ingredients.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe is a low-calorie fruit that’s high in vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and moisture. However, it’s also quite high in sugar—so give your Chihuahua cantaloupe in moderation. You should remove the rinds and seeds before giving it to your Chihuahua because they can be choking hazards.
Cherry
No, Chihuahuas can’t eat cherries.
Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, cherry pits contain cyanide, which destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Chihuahua. The symptoms of cyanide toxicity include dilated pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death. Contact your vet if your Chihuahua ate cherry.
Grapes
Grapes are very toxic to Chihuahuas. Even a small amount can cause sudden kidney failure in your Chihuahua. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you suspect your Chihuahua has eaten grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
Mango
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat mango.
Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are good for your Chihuahua’s health. It also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants.
However, make sure you remove the skin and pits to prevent choking in your Chihuahua.
Also avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles, mango ice cream as they may contain harmful preservatives or other additives.
The amount depends on the size of your Chihuahua, but one-quarter cup of fresh ripe mango once a week should be fine for most Chihuahuas.
Oranges
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges are a fruit that provides Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture, which makes them an excellent treat for your Chihuahua. However, there are some precautions you should take when giving your Chihuahua oranges.
First, remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds before feeding them to your Chihuahua. Remember that these parts are toxic to Chihuahuas, so we should never give them.
You also want to be careful not to overfeed them because too much vitamin C can cause an upset stomach. As a general rule of thumb, one-two sections as an occasional treat are enough for most Chihuahuas.
Peaches
Do you have a Chihuahua that loves peaches? If so, you’re in luck!
Your Chihuahua can eat peaches as long as you give them in small amounts. Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, both of which are important for your Chihuahua’s health. However, it’s important to remove the pit before serving it to your Chihuahua, as it contains cyanide. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives.
Pears
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat pears!
Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. These nutrients are essential for your pup’s health and well-being.
Eating the fruit has been shown to reduce the risk of having a stroke by as much as 50 percent. Pears also contain phytochemicals that help prevent cancer and heart disease.
Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that are harmful for Chihuahuas.
One small slice is ok for most Chihuahuas as pears contain sugar—however, if you have an overweight Chihuahua or one with diabetes or pancreatitis, avoid feeding them any type of fruit entirely until they become healthy again.
Pineapples
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat pineapple.
We all love how tasty and juicy pineapples are. And it turns out that Chihuahuas love them, too. Pineapples contain vitamins, minerals, bromelain (a compound that helps digestion and promotes blood circulation), and moisture.
The only part of the pineapple that’s not safe for your Chihuahua to eat is the hard inner core, which contains seeds and thick fibrous strands that can be harmful if eaten. So remove any spiky skin or core before feeding your Chihuahua some delicious pineapple.
2/3 small bites of raw pineapple are enough to give your Chihuahua a healthy snack full of nutrients that will keep him feeling satisfied for hours on end.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an amazing food for your Chihuahua. It can help with their skin and coat, digestion, diarrhea, constipation and more.
Don’t feed your Chihuahua pumpkin pie mix—only pure pumpkin is safe for your Chihuahua to eat.
Pumpkin supplements are available, as well as pumpkin treats. You should start out by giving your Chihuahua a teaspoon daily and increase the amount according to their size and activity level.
Pumpkin is a great snack for your Chihuahua. It helps with the skin, coat and digestion. It can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Chihuahua.
Pumpkin pie mix is not a good choice for your Chihuahua. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Chihuahua but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today. The amount varies with your Chihuahua’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat strawberries.
Fresh and frozen strawberries have the same nutritional value, but they are not considered a good idea for Chihuahuas to eat in large quantities.
If you want to give your Chihuahua strawberries, cut them into small pieces and remove the stems before serving.
Strawberries have vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can be beneficial to your Chihuahua’s health if they are eaten in moderation.
Watermelon
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat watermelon.
Watermelon is a low-calorie treat that contains vitamins and minerals, as well as lycopene. It can offer your Chihuahua the moisture he needs during the summer months. However, you should only feed your Chihuahua the flesh of a watermelon and not the rind or seeds.
Cut your watermelon into small chunks to avoid any choking hazards, remove any seeds and skin from the watermelon, then give half a cup of diced seedless watermelon per 10 pounds of body weight to your Chihuahua once daily.
List of vegetable Chihuahuas can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Chihuahua can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Chihuahua can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, broccoli is safe for Chihuahuas to eat.
Broccoli contains vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber, which are all good for your Chihuahua’s health. Broccoli stems and florets, both are safe to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your pup to prevent choking. Offer 1/4 (0.25) cup broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup.
Cabbage
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat cabbage! In fact, it’s a great food for them.
Cabbage is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—namely Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and folate. It’s also high in fiber and moisture. Red cabbage is particularly nutritious because it has 10 times the amount of vitamin C than green cabbage does. The best part? All colors of cabbage are safe and healthy for Chihuahuas.
If you want to give your pup some cabbage in his diet, make sure you cook it lightly or roast it until there’s no moisture left. That way, it will be easier to digest.
However, avoid using any seasonings with oil or salt when preparing the cabbage for your Chihuahua.
You can feed your Chihuahua 1 bite of cooked or roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight every day.
Carrots
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat carrots. Carrots are low in calories and contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Chihuahuas love the crunching sensation of chewing on carrots, which is great for their teeth.
You can feed your Chihuahua either raw or cooked carrots. However, cooked carrots are easier for Chihuahuas to digest than raw or frozen carrots. If you choose to cook your Chihuahua’s carrots, be sure to avoid adding any harmful additives like salt or sugar. If you opt for raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards.
For a healthy snack, feed your pup 1 or 2 baby carrots per day. If you want to make carrot cake for your pup, make sure there are no harmful additives in the recipe before feeding it to him.
Celery
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat celery. It’s an excellent low calorie treat that contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. There are a variety of ways you can feed it to your Chihuahua. You can top it with small peanut butter or mix it with their regular food. You can also pair it up with other treats!
Sticks are ok for big pups. Leaves are ok too, as long as they are organic and washed well before serving. However, always cut them into bite-sized pieces and give your Chihuahua just a few bites at first until you’re sure that he enjoys it.
Cucumber
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat cucumbers.
Cucumbers contain vitamins, minerals, moisture and fiber that can benefit your Chihuahua’s health. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Chihuahua’s breath. Cucumber seed and peels or skin are safe as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful food additives like salt, onions and sugar.
Amount depends on the size of your Chihuahua but only one or two pieces of cucumber are fine per day.
Garlic
No, garlic is toxic to Chihuahuas.
Garlic contains a compound called N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolysis leading to anemia. Other symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite. The toxic dose of garlic is 15 to 30 grams per kilogram of body weight. Contact the vet immediately if your Chihuahua ate garlic.
Onions
Can your Chihuahua eat onions?
Nope! It’s not just the onion itself that’s dangerous—it’s all parts of the plant. It contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Chihuahuas. The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Chihuahua. So, don’t let them anywhere near them.
And even more bad news is that it doesn’t matter what type of onion you have—red, white or whatever—they’re all bad for Chihuahuas.
Zucchini
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat zucchini. Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants. It’s also high in fiber and moisture that Chihuahuas need to stay hydrated.
You can purchase plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini at your local grocery store. Plain raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones, but both are safe for your Chihuahua to eat. Start with just one or two small bites to see how your Chihuahua reacts to it.
List of some other snacks Chihuahuas can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Chihuahua can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Chihuahua can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Chihuahua should not eat bacon. Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. This can prove to be too much for a Chihuahua’s stomach to handle, especially when given in large amounts. Eating large amounts of bacon can cause pancreatitis—a painful inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to death if left untreated. It’s important to remember that the answer to “can Chihuahuas eat bacon” depends on the amount you feed them at a time and how often you do it.
However, giving your Chihuahua small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm. You may notice that your Chihuahua has a little extra energy after eating bacon, but if he seems unusually hyper or aggressive, consult your vet immediately.
Beef
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat beef—but it’s important to make sure you’re serving them the right kind.
Beef is a great source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals. It’s also safe for Chihuahuas in small amounts unless your Chihuahua is allergic to beef.
Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Chihuahuas in small amounts unless your Chihuahua is allergic to beef. Source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals.
Beef broth, beef stew, and specialized Chihuahua beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Chihuahua. Stay away from raw beef because…
Never feed cooked bone to your Chihuahua, but larger raw beef bones can be a chew toy for them! For a 10 pounds pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.15 pound of ground beef is enough if you go for a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat bread provided your Chihuahua is not allergic to it. However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Chihuahuas to eat. Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Chihuahua, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Chihuahua.
Too much bread can cause bloating and indigestion in Chihuahuas.
Cheese
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat cheese. In fact, cheese contains a lot of vitamins and fatty acids that are good for your Chihuahua’s health. Cheese also contains proteins, which help your Chihuahua’s muscles grow and repair.
However, there are some types of cheese that you should avoid feeding your Chihuahua. Spicy cheeses like cheesecake, blue cheese, goat cheese, parmesan and cream cheese have lots of salt in them and could cause serious stomach problems for your pup. Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer options because they contain less salt than other kinds of cheese.
The amount of cheese that you feed your Chihuahua depends on their size — a few small bites should be fine for them to eat at one time.
Chicken
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are all beneficial for your Chihuahua’s health.
Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option as it has the least amount of fat and will help your Chihuahua maintain a healthy weight. However, avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis in Chihuahuas if they consume too much of it at once.
The amount depends on the size of the Chihuahua, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Chihuahua is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to your pup. But did you know it contains both theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to pups? Cocoa powder (most toxic), unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate and milk chocolate—all are toxic. If your Chihuahua ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately.
The best way to keep your pup safe from the dangers of chocolates is by educating your family about them. That way, they can be more aware of making sure they don’t let their pets eat any leftovers that may contain this sweet treat.
Eggs
Yes, your Chihuahua can eat eggs. Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and well-cooked eggs without seasoning are fine for Chihuahuas.
Raw eggs are not recommended because the avidin in them prevents absorption of biotin and may contain harmful bacteria.
Egg shells are fine as long as you grind them up and there aren’t any sharp edges.
Fish
Can Chihuahuas eat fish?
Yes, it’s true: fish is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. But not all fish is safe for Chihuahuas to eat. There are some things you should know about your Chihuahua’s diet before you give him any fish.
To start off with, it’s important to make sure that your Chihuahua doesn’t have any allergies to fish or seafood. If you’re not sure, test it out by giving him a small amount of cooked fish first—just to be on the safe side.
Next up is the type of fish you give your Chihuahua. Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp and tilapia are safe for your Chihuahua. Avoid longer-lived species like tuna and swordfish as they can contain heavy metals like mercury that could harm your pup’s health.
Always clean them properly before cooking them; debone them so there are no bones left behind when feeding them to your pet! And don’t forget: no harmful additives! Feeding your Chihuahua one or two times per week in small controlled amounts is enough.
Icecream
Ice cream may be a delicious treat for humans, but it’s not so great for your Chihuahua. In fact, the high sugar content in ice cream can be dangerous for your Chihuahua.
Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. If you think your Chihuahua has eaten ice cream and is showing these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary help.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to ice cream for your pooch, consider yogurt.
Peanut butter
Can Chihuahuas eat peanut butter? Yes, but only in moderation.
Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats, which is great for your Chihuahua’s health. However, ensure the peanut butter is pup safe without xylitol or chocolate. Also, avoid peanut butter pretzels as it contains three times more sodium than regular peanut butter.
Depending on your Chihuahua’s size and activity level, start with a half teaspoon per day and adjust accordingly.
Popcorn
Can Chihuahuas eat popcorn?
While plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Chihuahuas to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat, it’s best to avoid overdoing it. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Chihuahuas, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc—and fiber! So you can feel good about giving your Chihuahua a little snack here and there.
Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like butter or cheese are not safe for your Chihuahua. Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Chihuahua’s teeth.
Turkey
The short answer is yes, Chihuahuas can eat turkey.
Turkey is a good source of protein, fat, and minerals for your pooch. It’s safe as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your Chihuahua. Turkey breast meat is the best option.
However, there are a few precautions that you should take when feeding turkey to your Chihuahua:
1) Avoid giving them any type of skin (no matter what kind it is). This can cause gastric upset and pancreatitis in some Chihuahuas.
2) Also avoid any processed types of turkey (such as hot Chihuahuas). Processed meats may contain harmful additives which could cause stomach issues in your pup. You should also avoid feeding them too much at once because this could also lead to GI upset or pancreatitis.
3) The general rule is 10 grams of white meat turkey or 7.5 grams of dark meat per 6 pounds body weight for your pooch.
Yogurt
Can Chihuahuas eat yogurt?
The short answer is “yes.” Plain, unsweetened yogurt can be a perfectly acceptable snack for your Chihuahua. However, some Chihuahuas may have trouble digesting dairy products, so it’s important to check with your vet first.
If your Chihuahua can digest it, the beneficial bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system and aid in digestion. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Chihuahua. Avoid any yogurts with added sugar or artificial sweeteners as they can cause stomach upset. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most pups.
Conclusion
That’s it! You’ve finally completed your list of 37 human foods that your Chihuahua can and can’t eat.
This is a great reference to have on hand whenever you’re shopping for food, or want to know what your Chihuahua would like to try.
However, with any safe food, follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of the time, feed your Chihuahua a normal balanced diet; 10% of the time, give them a treat.