I know a few who feed raw and hear there is nothing better. I feed kirklands from costco. I think the best advice is do what you think is best, read lables, and watch them...watch there weight, skin, coat, and stools to make sure everything is going well. I free feed, and haven't had any problems, but I know many who don't and it can be easier to potty train. as puppies I would make sure they get a little something every few hours but your kiddos are a little older already so by 6 months you could go to 1-3 feedings a day depending on how you feel and how they do. some chis can do fine on one meal a day others need a little more. Here is a good chart and some advice if you go the way of kibble. http://animalhousefll.com/gradingscale.php its a grading scale for how to rate what is in your dogs food.
"Whether or not it is clear to you, the world is unfolding as it should." -Desiderata Christy Sylvest [email protected] To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2011 23:45:17 -0500 Subject: [Chihuahuas] Another question... I am wondering what would be the best diet to wean our new chis to? The breeder starts them on Science Diet, then for some reason, she switches to Puppy Chow. I think she said it was because some of her pups were have stomach upset. I was thinking of using Royal Canin eventually, but I need some input form you much more seasoned chi parents. I know that RC is very expensive and I'm not sure if it is really the best diet for them or not. I have read that because chis are so small that it is vital for them to get as much useable nutrition as possible for their small stomachs. I also have read that they need frequent small meals, but I'm not sure about free choice feeding because I do want to be able to housebreak them. Any pratical guidance would be appreciated, as I want to get off on the best foot possible. See, my big dog is very low maintance. The only thing he can eat is a lamb and rice diet because anything else just runs through him, especially the food he steals off of the 3 yr old's plate. You'd think that after eight years he would realize that food in bowl good, food not in bowl, bad. Oh, well. At least he (big Alex) is a rescue dog. I would have liked to adopt a chihuahua, but, they are scarce around here. Thank you so much for all of the help allready. Peace and Blessings to you all, Angela M
