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How much to feed a Chihuahua

A Chihuahua usually weighs 2.2–6.6 lb. Here’s how much food that is per day, plus a calculator for your own food.

Typical weight

males
2.2–6.6 lb
females
2.2–6.6 lb

Source: FCI-Standard Nr. 218

Feeding chart by weight

Example: dry food with 380 kcal/cup, wet food with 30 kcal/oz.

Weightkcal/dayDryWet
2 lb1040.27 cups3.5 oz
3.5 lb1580.42 cups5.3 oz
5 lb2070.54 cups6.9 oz
6.5 lb2520.66 cups8.4 oz

For spayed or neutered dogs with normal activity. Intact dogs need about 12% more. The amounts only apply to food with exactly these calories; use the calculator below for yours.

Is my dog overweight?

Calculate with your food

per day

55 g per day

2 meals of 28 g · 207 kcal per day

Treats up to 21 kcal

Age
Spayed or neutered
Activity
Food

Look for “Calorie Content”, e.g. “3,750 kcal/kg, 375 kcal/cup”.

Meals per day

A starting point – the scale has the final say. If your dog is ill, talk to your vet.

Questions

How much should a Chihuahua eat per day?

A Chihuahua weighing 4.5 lb, spayed or neutered with normal activity, needs about 191 kcal a day. That’s about 0.50 cups of dry food or 6.4 oz of wet food with the calories from the chart. Use the calculator above for your food.

How much does a Chihuahua weigh?

According to FCI-Standard Nr. 218, adult males weigh 2.2–6.6 lb and females 2.2–6.6 lb.

My dog weighs more than this. Is that too much?

Not necessarily. The range is for typical dogs; large or muscular dogs can weigh more. Your dog’s shape tells you more than the number: you should feel the ribs and see a waist from above. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Sources

Last checked: October 2026

How much to feed, by breed