Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone.

I have two little girls. One is a 2 year old chihuahua who is around 3 lbs and my other is 11 months old almost will be the big 1 and is around 1 1/2 lbs.

I have a quick question or well needing a little opinions on feeding. I feed them both royal canin chi food. They both get 1 cup and They just love it. My 2 year old who is the 3 lber especially, I feed her in the morning with the rest of the dogs. My doberman does fine eating his serving size once a day at the same time. But she gets so hungry again in the afternoon. So I usually give her a little more. Do you guys feed your chis just by how much they are wanting and by keeping eye on their weight (bellies). She loves to get food, especially people human food as treats. I just can't tell if it is necessary.

Thanks
Kerry with Kika & AnaBella

You know, I can't imagine having a dog that small. No offence meant. I'm sorry. I just don't know how to answer your question.

I personally feed "people food" to my dogs as a snack or for training treats. I don't have a problem with it. However, if it's being used as a substitute for their regular meals, then it becomes an issue.

With my dogs, I have a pretty good feel for what they should weigh and I feed accordingly. Some days they get a bit more added and sometimes a bit less. I also adjust based on how many "treats" they have gotten during the day.

Initially I weighed out my food so I had a good idea of exactly how much I was feeding. I use the same measuring device so now I can guess fairly accurately.

SO, for your dogs, if they are at a good weight, what you are doign is fine, but if they are gaining inappropriately, you need to cut back. For the young one- offer more and remove the dish after 15 to 20 minutes. Most dogs are decent at regulating their own needs.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

As adults, I have always fed my dogs twice a day. I break the meals up so they eat in the morning and the evening.

Personally I can't imagine these little guys going 24 hours with out food. Heck, how may times a day do we eat? And we have a much larger body mass...

If your little one is exhibiting signs that draw your attention maybe you can try splitting her meal up into two feedings. Give the same quantity for the entire day but do it in two sittings.

LaVie weighed 4.5lbs pretty consistently through her entire life span. It's been just over a year since I had to let her go, I still miss her regularly.

tabitha