How much to feed a Chiweenie
A Chiweenie — a Chihuahua and Dachshund cross — is a small dog with a small stomach and a tendency to gain weight easily, which makes portion control genuinely important rather than a minor detail. There is no single fixed daily amount that suits every Chiweenie; the right portion depends on their individual weight, age and activity level, read against the feeding guide on whatever food you use.
Why portion control matters so much for this breed
Both parent breeds carry a tendency towards weight gain, and a Chiweenie's small frame means even a modest excess of food or treats shows up as extra weight quickly, in a way it might not on a larger dog. Extra weight is a particular concern for the Dachshund side of the cross, given the breed's known predisposition to back problems that carrying extra weight can make worse.
Puppies need considerably more food relative to their size than adults do to support growth, then less as they mature and their growth rate slows — feeding a puppy-level amount into adulthood is one of the more common ways small-breed dogs end up overweight.
How to work out the right amount
Start with the feeding guide on the specific food you are using, which is based on your dog's current weight, and adjust from there rather than treating it as fixed — feeding guides are a starting estimate, not a guarantee for every individual dog. Weigh out portions rather than judging by eye, since a small bowl makes it easy to misjudge quantity for a dog this size.
Check your dog's body condition every few weeks by feeling for their ribs and looking at their waist from above, and adjust portions gradually if they are gaining or losing condition. Splitting the daily amount into two or three smaller meals suits most small dogs better than one large meal.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice
A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.
£49.00
Alpha Working Dog Maintenance Chicken
An energy-controlled chicken dry food for working dogs with lower energy needs or a tendency to put on weight.
£29.00
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Bakers Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Bakers Chicken with Vegetables dry dog food, 14kg, complete nutrition for adult dogs
£39.15
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
Complete salmon and potato dry dog food with 21% protein in a 1.7KG bag
£6.25
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food Turkey Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for adult dogs, evenly balanced with potato in the mix
From£12.75
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Lily's Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Common questions
- How many times a day should I feed a Chiweenie?
- Two to three smaller meals generally suit a small dog like a Chiweenie better than one large one, helping avoid the swings in energy and appetite that can come with a single big meal. Puppies typically need more frequent, smaller meals than adults.
- Are Chiweenies prone to being overweight?
- Yes, both parent breeds carry a tendency towards weight gain, and their small frame means excess weight shows up quickly. This matters particularly for the Dachshund side of the cross, given that breed's known predisposition to back problems that extra weight can worsen.
- How do I know if I'm feeding my Chiweenie the right amount?
- Check their body condition every few weeks by feeling for their ribs and looking at their waist from above, and adjust portions gradually if they are gaining or losing condition rather than sticking rigidly to a fixed amount regardless of how they look.
- When should a Chiweenie switch from puppy to adult food?
- Small breeds typically mature faster than larger ones and can often move to adult food from around nine to twelve months, but check the guidance on your specific food and ask your vet if you are unsure about the timing for your dog.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.