10 Best Wet Dog Foods for Chihuahuas – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
By Jessica Kim
Updated on
Finding good dog food for Chihuahuas can be a challenge because they’re so small and can be picky eaters. If you’re having trouble finding dry dog food that your Chihuahua enjoys eating, you can always try feeding it wet food. Wet food is more fragrant and offers a more palatable texture, so you can find more success with getting your Chihuahua to eat enough food to stay well-nourished.
These days, you’ll come across many brands that produce wet dog food. It can be overwhelming to research each one on your own, so we have reviews of some of the best wet dog food for Chihuahuas. We also have useful guidelines to help you stay on track while shopping for new wet food.
A Quick Glance at Our Favorite Choices in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small & Mighty |
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Best Value
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Purina ONE Classic Ground Canned Food |
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Premium Choice
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JustFoodForDogs Chicken & White Rice Recipe |
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Check Price |
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Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Dog Food |
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Check Price | |
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Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Small Breed Dog Food |
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The 10 Best Wet Dog Foods for Chihuahuas
1. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small & Mighty Dog Food – Best Overall
| Main ingredients | Chicken, chicken broth, whitefish, chicken liver |
| Protein content | 5% |
| Fat content | 5% |
| Moisture content | 78% |
| Calories | 465 kcal/cup |
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small & Mighty Small Breed Formula Adult Wet Dog Food is the best overall wet dog food for Chihuahuas for several reasons. While it’s more expensive than other common dog food brands, it’s packed with high-quality, natural ingredients that make it worth the price.
Chicken is the first ingredient, and the recipe also uses other excellent sources of protein, including chicken liver and whitefish. The recipe also contains healthy grains, like brown rice, oats, and barley. You’ll also find nutritious fruits and vegetables in the ingredient list. The uses of these natural ingredients make this food smell more enticing for dogs.
Since this food is specially made for small dog breeds, it contains all the appropriate nutrients that are specific to smaller dogs. So, you can rest assured that your dog is getting a complete and balanced meal with this recipe.
- Uses natural ingredients
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Palatable for picky eaters
- Can be expensive
2. Purina ONE Classic Ground Adult Canned Dog Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients | Beef, chicken, beef broth, liver |
| Protein content | 8% |
| Fat content | 7% |
| Calories | 78% |
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Ground recipe is the best wet dog food for Chihuahuas for the money, and you won’t see significant sacrifices made to the quality of the formula.
Real beef is the first ingredient, and there are other high-protein ingredients, including chicken, pork lungs, liver, and egg products. Just keep in mind that the variety of meats will be tastier for dogs, but it’s not the best for dogs with particularly sensitive stomachs or food allergies. This recipe is free of any animal by-products. It also omits wheat and contains nutritious brown rice and oatmeal instead. It uses carrots and spinach, which have essential vitamins and minerals for dogs.
Since this wet dog food is made for all dog breeds, it’s a great option for multi-dog homes. However, if your Chihuahua has specific dietary requirements, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that this meal can provide adequate sustenance.
- Real beef is the first ingredient
- Contains a savory and tasty blend of meats
- No animal by-products
- Not for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities
- Formula isn’t specifically for small dog breeds
3. JustFoodForDogs Chicken & White Rice Dog Food Recipe – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients | Chicken, rice, spinach, carrots |
| Protein content | 8% |
| Fat content | 3% |
| Moisture content | 72% |
| Calories | 43 kcal ME/oz |
If price isn’t a concern, this JustFoodForDogs Chicken & White Rice recipe is one of the cleanest meals that you can feed your Chihuahua. You’ll notice that the ingredient list is much shorter than many other dog foods produced by commercial dog food brands, and it uses all-natural ingredients, like spinach, carrots, and apples.
This recipe mainly contains chicken and can be great for dogs with allergies to other meats. It does have a small amount of fish oil, so if your dog is particularly sensitive to fish, you may want to pass on this recipe. Another great thing about this dog food is that it’s suitable for dogs of all ages and is also sustainable for pregnant and nursing dogs. So, if your Chihuahua puppy enjoys eating it, you don’t have to worry about changing dog food as it ages.
The only inconvenience about this food is that it has a pretty short shelf life. It may come in packages that are too big for Chihuahuas to finish before the food expires after opening. If you have multiple dogs, you won’t have too much of an issue. However, it might be too much food for smaller Chihuahuas.
- Clean ingredient list
- Uses natural ingredients
- Suitable for dogs of all ages
- Chihuahuas may not finish a bag before it expires
4. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Dog Trays
| Main ingredients | Chicken broth, chicken, pork liver, brown rice |
| Protein content | 5% |
| Fat content | 3% |
| Moisture content | 82% |
| Calories | 88 kcal/3.5 oz tray |
When choosing food for puppies, dog owners must be extra thorough with finding the right food because puppies have specific nutritional needs to support healthy growth and development. They also have sensitive stomachs and require recipes that are simple and easy on the stomach.
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Dog Trays creates recipes using a team of over 220 veterinarians, nutritionists, and food scientists. This team ensures that dogs are getting fed high-quality meals that have been formulated through research and backed by science. This recipe for small-breed puppies is an excellent choice for Chihuahuas because it’s packed with protein and uses all-natural ingredients, including chicken, brown rice, and vegetables. The food is also savory and tasty and comes in bite-sized pieces that are easy for small puppies to chew.
While the recipe is formulated to be easily digestible, it does contain brown rice, which can be difficult for some dogs to process1 due to its high fiber content. It also uses wheat flour, so it’s not a good option for puppies with wheat allergies.
- High-protein diet
- Contains natural ingredients
- Pieces are easy to chew
- Easily digestible formula
- Brown rice may be difficult to digest
- Not for dogs with wheat allergies
5. Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Small Breed Canned Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Beef, beef broth, water sufficient for processing, beef liver |
| Protein content | 9% |
| Fat content | 2% |
| Moisture content | 81% |
| Calories | 99 kcal/bowl |
If you’re having a particularly difficult time finding digestible food for a dog with a sensitive stomach, this Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Small Breed Canned Food may be a considerable option for you. The recipe is formulated for extra small dogs and toy breeds, and it contains a lot of organic ingredients, like organic spinach, organic carrots, and organic apples. This ingredient list is also very clean and simple.
The recipe mainly uses beef, but it does contain some egg whites, so it’s not for dogs with egg allergies. Also, it’s important to check with your veterinarian before introducing your Chihuahua to a grain-free diet. Grain-free diets are currently under investigation and research conducted by the FDA, and scientists are searching for any links between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy2. So, it’s better to err on the side of caution and get your vet’s approval to feed your dog a grain-free diet.
- Easily digestible for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Contains organic ingredients
- Specially formulated for toy breeds
- Contains some egg whites
- Grain-free diet may not be suitable for some dogs
6. Go! Solutions SKIN + COAT CARE Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Deboned Alaskan Pollock, turkey, salmon broth, turkey broth |
| Protein content | 8% |
| Fat content | 5% |
| Moisture content | 78% |
| Calories | 343 kcal/354 g |
Go! Solutions SKIN + COAT CARE Pollock Pate Dog Food is a particularly great option for dogs that need additional support for skin and coat. Alaskan Pollock is the first ingredient, and it’s a great source of omega fatty acids, which help nourish and maintain the skin and coat. In addition, this recipe contains flaxseed and sunflower oil, which also contain nutrients that can help alleviate irritated skin.
When you look at the ingredient list, you’ll find a lot of natural and nutritious ingredients. The inclusion of pumpkin helps dogs with sensitive stomachs digest food more easily.
Just keep in mind that though this dog food only mentions pollock, it also contains turkey, turkey broth, and dried egg whites. So, it’s not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies. However, it’s safe for dogs with beef allergies as it doesn’t contain any beef products.
- Alaskan Pollock is the first ingredient
- Formula helps repair and nourish skin and coat
- Safe option for dogs with beef allergies
- Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies
7. Purina Pro Plan Classic Complete Essentials Wet Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Beef, water, liver, meat by-products |
| Protein content | 5% |
| Fat content | 5% |
| Moisture content | 82% |
| Calories | 95 kcal/bowl |
This Purina Pro Plan Classic Complete Essentials Wet dog food can be served as a meal topper or standalone meal. It isn’t formulated specifically for small dog breeds, but it contains a good amount of protein and calories per pound. So, it can be an appropriate option for homes that have dogs of different breeds.
The recipe is also fortified with 23 essential vitamins and minerals for dogs and is considered a complete and balanced meal. While the name of this food doesn’t contain chicken, the ingredient list does include chicken. It also uses meat by-products. So, it’s not the best option for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities.
- Contains a lot of protein and calories
- Good for multi-dog homes
- Contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals
- Not for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities
- Contains meat by-products
8. Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition Fresh Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Chicken, ground oats, chicken liver, egg |
| Protein content | 14% |
| Fat content | 11% |
| Moisture content | 64% |
| Calories | 270 kcal/cup |
Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition Fresh dog food is another considerable fresh pet food option. This particular recipe is great for chicken lovers. Chicken is the first ingredient, and it also contains chicken liver and eggs. The recipe also has nutrient-dense ingredients that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and are free of preservatives and meat by-products.
It’s convenient to feed your dog this food because it’s safe for dogs of all life stages and breeds. The food is also gently cooked and minimally processed, so your Chihuahua will consume the optimal amount of nutrients and enjoy an aromatic and flavorful meal.
However, the number of calories in this food is on the lower end. Since smaller dogs need more calories per pound3, it doesn’t hurt to check with your veterinarian first to see if your dog will get the right amount of calories if it eats this meal.
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids
- Suitable for all breeds and life stages
- May not contain enough calories
9. Instinct Original Small Breed Wet Canned Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, cod |
| Protein content | 5% |
| Fat content | 5% |
| Moisture content | 78% |
| Calories | 88 kcal/5.5 oz can |
Instinct Original Small Breed Wet Canned Dog Food is specifically formulated for small dog breeds and toy breeds. It contains the right number of calories that small Chihuahuas need to support daily activity. It’s also free of by-product meals and contains a good variety of nutrient-dense foods, like real chicken, cod, cranberries, pumpkin, and blueberries.
This dog food is also fortified with natural sources of omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. Overall, it can provide a complete and balanced meal for Chihuahuas. However, as we’ve already mentioned before, grain-free diets may not be necessary for some dogs. So, make sure to ask your veterinarian if it’s appropriate to switch over to a grain-free diet.
- Specially formulated for toy breeds
- Free of by-product meals
- Contains a variety of natural, nutritious ingredients
- Grain-free diet may not be suitable for some dogs
10. Royal Canin Chihuahua Adult Canned Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Water sufficient for processing, chicken by-products, pork by-products, chicken |
| Protein content | 7% |
| Fat content | 1% |
| Moisture content | 81% |
| Calories | 77 kcal ME/can |
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Chihuahua Adult Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food produces a line of breed-specific dog food that includes food made especially for Chihuahuas. This recipe is designed for dogs older than 8 months old and contains nutrients that are particularly beneficial for Chihuahuas. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat. It also has both soluble and insoluble fibers to help with digestion.
When you take a closer look at this recipe’s ingredient list, it does contain low-quality ingredients. The fact that water is the first ingredient raises questions, and it also uses chicken and pork by-products.
Considering how expensive Royal Canin dog food can be and the use of low-quality ingredients, it’s difficult to justify the high price set on this recipe.
- Formulated specifically for Chihuahuas
- Supports healthy skin and coat
- Supports healthy digestion
- Contains meat by-products
- Relatively expensive
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Wet Dog Foods for Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas and other small breed dogs have different nutritional needs from larger dogs. So, it’s important to be familiar with what Chihuahuas need to eat to support and maintain daily bodily functioning. Here are some specific factors to remember when shopping for dog food.
Calorie-Dense Meals
One of the most important things for small dogs is to make sure that they are consuming a sufficient number of calories, protein, and fat per meal. Because they tend to have higher metabolic rates and lower fat and sugar reserves in their body, they burn energy more quickly than larger dogs. Not having enough calories can lead to developing hypoglycemia.
Since small dogs need to eat more calories, it’s important to feed them the right amount of food. Chihuahuas aren’t too active, so overfeeding a small Chihuahua can quickly lead to weight gain and obesity, which can lead to many more issues. Obesity has associations with diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart issues.
Small Pieces of Food
Chihuahuas, especially of the teacup size, will have a bit more of a challenging time eating wet food. While pieces of wet food are softer than kibble, they can still choke on them if they’re too big. So, food with shredded or pate consistencies will be the best and safest option for them.
Rich in Antioxidants
Smaller dogs tend to have longer lifespans, so it’s especially important to make sure that Chihuahuas are eating healthy and nutritious meals that can help them live a happy and long life.
As Chihuahuas get older, the risk of developing chronic conditions increases. This breed is genetically predisposed to hypoglycemia, hip and joint issues, heart disease, and dental disease. So, it’s important to find foods that are rich in antioxidants to support bone health and fight against inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Blue Buffalo True Solutions Small & Mighty Small Breed Formula Adult Wet Dog Food is the best wet dog food for Chihuahuas. Our reviews indicate that it’s the best because it uses natural ingredients and has a formula specially made for small dog breeds.
Purina ONE SmartBlend Classic Ground Beef & Brown Rice Entrée Adult Canned Dog Food is the best budget option because it has a fairly clean ingredient list and is relatively affordable. If you’re looking for premium dog food, JustFoodForDogs Chicken & White Rice Recipe Fresh Frozen Dog Food is a great way to provide fresh, high-quality meals to your Chihuahua daily.
Lastly, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food Trays is an excellent option for puppies because it has a healthy and nutritious formula that’s backed by science and research.
