Can Chihuahuas Eat Eggs, Cheese, Yoghurt? Or Drink Milk?

It’s natural to wonder if Chihuahuas can eat eggs, cheese, and yoghurt. Or drink milk for that matter.

These are all tasty human foods. And although dogs might like them, is it safe to give your Chi any of that?

Read on to discover:

• Whether the pros of giving eggs to your Chi outweigh the cons.
• Why you should limit your Chi’s consumption of these products to 10%.
• The 5 most dangerous spices for dogs to look out for and the symptoms they cause.
• And much, much more…

Paying attention to your Chi’s dietary health is crucial. That’s why this article focuses on safe diets with eggs and dairy. This will allow you to make the best and safest choice for your pet. 

Can Chihuahuas eat eggs?

It is safe for Chihuahuas to eat cooked eggs. Eggs make a nutritional, cheap, and easy snack for your Chihuahua. They should make up for no more than 10% of your Chihuahua’s diet. Otherwise, they can lead to obesity as they’re high in calories. Uncooked eggs pose risks to your Chihuahua’s health. 

According to the American Kennel Association:

‘In the past, dogs stole eggs from birds’ nests and ate them raw, shell, and all.’

Today, eggs can still be a part of a healthy diet for your Chihuahua. 

Why?

There are many positive benefits that come from eggs:

• High in protein.
• Useful as treats.
• Inexpensive to purchase.
• A way to settle a Chi’s upset stomach.
• A great source of vitamins and nutrients.
• Contain a variety of essential amino and fatty acids.

Despite this, there are some potential drawbacks and safety concerns you should be aware of. 

Here are some of the risks of feeding your Chi eggs:

• Possible egg allergy.
• Raw eggs sometimes cause salmonella.
• Raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency.
• Eggs with butter or other fats can lead to obesity.
• Eggs with added spices can be dangerous or toxic.

An egg allergy is something to look out for, as eggs are one of the most common reasons for allergies in dogs. 

 Symptoms of an egg allergy include:

• Sores.
• Redness.
• Dry skin.
• Itchy skin.

It can be useful to keep note of what your dog eats. Knowing this information can help better determine the source of an allergy. 

By giving your vet additional information about what your dog has eaten, you can help them. Keeping track of what your dog eats is very helpful in diagnosing allergies, for example. It can also help cut down on the cost of testing.

Warning: Contact a vet immediately if your Chi has swelling or difficult breathing.

Limit consumption

Chihuahua owners should limit the consumption of eggs.

According to Preventive Vet too many treats can cause two main issues:

• Nutrient and calorie imbalance.
• Lack of interest in regular dog food.

Your Chi should get most of their calories from regular dog food. 

And since scrambled eggs are a treat, it’s best to use the 10% rule.

Scrambled Eggs, Hard Boiled Eggs, or Raw Eggs?

Your Chi can eat eggs, but preparation matters.

The three main ways to give an egg to your Chihuahua are:

• Raw.
• Scrambled.
• Hard Boiled.

Raw eggs are the least recommended form. 

Let’s go through each version of eggs to help you decide which to use:

Scrambled Eggs

Most people whip up scrambled eggs for breakfast. 

Turns out your Chihuahua can have some of these eggs, too!  Scrambled eggs are a great treat for your Chi. 

Note: Preparation can greatly impact the safety of your Chi. While you may prefer butter and spices, your Chi’s eggs should be plain. Many spices and condiments can upset a dog’s stomach.

These include:

• Spices.
• Butter.
• Vegetable or olive oil.

Spices added to eggs can cause critical health issues for your Chi. That’s why it’s very important to know what is toxic to dogs.

Rover lists…

The 5 most dangerous spices for dogs:

• Salt.
• Garlic.
• Nutmeg.
• Cocoa Powder.
• Onion powder.

Upset stomach and diarrhea are likely to occur from consuming spices. If your Chi eats spices, monitor their health and behavior closely.

Watch for these symptoms:

• Vomiting.
• Blood in urine or vomit.
• Swell of mouth or throat.
• Extreme itching of the skin.

These can be symptoms of larger health issues and should be addressed immediately. Call your vet if your Chi shows any of these symptoms.

Butter is not as dangerous as certain spices. But it’s still unhealthy for your Chi.

Humans can consume a lot more fat than small dogs. But even tiny amounts of butter can cause weight gain for your Chi.

Butter can also lead to:

• Obesity.
• Diarrhea.
• Pancreatitis. 

Note: It is best to stick to plain scrambled eggs for your Chi. No spices, no butter, no oils.

There are a few mix-ins that are safe and even healthy:

• Spinach.
• Breadcrumbs.
• Cottage or shredded cheese.
  

Scrambled eggs should be given in very small portions. Around one to two tablespoons, to be exact. They should be used as a treat or training incentive. Eggs should never be a meal-replacement.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are safe for Chihuahua consumption. In fact, they are the preferred choice due to ease and safety. Hard-boiled eggs are rarely made with additional ingredients. There are no non-stick sprays, fats, or spices necessary. 

Here are some pros of using hard-boiled eggs – they:

• Are fast and easy to make.
• Can be easily cut into small pieces.
• You can store them for about a week in a fridge.

Cutting eggs into small bite sizes is a must. Your Chi has a small mouth, so treats should be small as well! And the same goes for the portions you serve your Chi..

Eggs can serve as a great boost of protein.

They are good to be added to your Chi’s meal:

• After your dog has exercised a lot. 
• If your Chi has a protein deficiency.
• Before they go on a high energy walk or hike.

Raw eggs

There is some conflicting information when it comes to raw eggs. This is because there are certain health issues involved with raw egg consumption.

According to Banfield Pet Hospital:

‘Raw foods, especially chicken products like eggs, can always present risks.’

The 3 main risks of your Chihuahua eating raw eggs are:

• Salmonella.
• Biotin inhibitors.
• Enzyme inhibitors.

Egg whites have enzyme inhibitors. These inhibitors have the potential to interfere with digestion. This is especially true in puppies and senior dogs. 

Egg whites can be served in addition to a well-balanced diet. However, raw egg whites pose a much greater risk. That’s why it’s  recommended to cook egg whites before serving them to your Chi.

Egg whites are Biotin inhibitors. Biotin is an essential B Vitamin. It is important for cellular growth. It also helps a dog’s metabolism. Plus, it promotes healthy skin and coats. Egg whites can inhibit the absorption of Biotin.

Luckily, Biotin deficiencies are rare in dogs. Egg yolks contain a lot of Biotin. So, it’s better for your Chi to eat eggs that contain the yolk.

If you do choose to serve eggs raw, be sure to give the whole egg. Raw eggs are best when mixed in with dry food.

Raw eggs can cause salmonella. 

Chihuahua stomachs can handle bacteria found in raw eggs. But bear in mind that here can be varying levels of bacteria in raw eggs.

The amount of bacteria in raw eggs can vary due to:

• Health of the hen.
• Quality of the hen’s food.
• Safety of the hen’s environment.

It is recommended to use organic or free-range chicken eggs. Eggs must also be kept refrigerated to manage bacteria levels.

There are some important salmonella symptoms to watch out for:

• Fever.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Decreased activity level.
• Blood in vomit, urine, or feces.

Visit your vet immediately if your Chi shows these symptoms. 

Note: Severe cases of salmonella will require antibiotics. 

Many owners do feed raw eggs to their Chi. In the end, it comes down to your personal preference.

Other owners do not feel it is worth the risk. Not to mention that cooked eggs offer many of the same nutritional benefits.

Small dogs especially have sensitive stomachs.

Remember:

• Cooked eggs are safer.
• Eggs should be an addition to an already balanced diet.
• If you feed raw eggs, keep the health of the eggs in mind.
• Consult your vet immediately if any health conditions arise.

Can Chihuahuas eat cheese?

Chihuahuas can safely consume cheese. There are many benefits associated with cheese consumption. Cheese contains high amounts of calcium, is protein-rich, can be served as a treat, can be used for training purposes, is a good source of vitamins, and contains Omega-3 fatty acids.

Besides that, cheese is also a good method for hiding medications in pill form. You can use a softer type of cheese that can be molded around the pill.

Here are the vitamins that cheese contains:

• Zinc.
• Vitamin A.
• Riboflavin.
• Phosphorus. 
• Vitamin K-2.
• Vitamin B-12. 

Types of cheese

Chihuahuas thoroughly enjoy the flavor of cheese. 

The four most popular cheeses to feed your Chi are:

• Cream Cheese.
• Cottage Cheese.
• Aged Cheddar Cheese.
• Swiss/American Cheese.

Note: Chihuahuas can only have small amounts of lactose. Different cheeses contain various amounts of lactose. The less lactose, the better for your Chihuahua. 

Aged Cheddar Cheese 

This contains less than 1 gram of lactose per serving. It can also be bought in block form, which is inexpensive. Blocks of cheese can also last in your fridge for 4 – 6 weeks.

Swiss/American Cheese 

This contains around 1 gram of lactose per serving. Swiss and American cheeses can often be bought in small cube form. Cubes of cheese are great to use as treats. They are inexpensive and cut down on preparation.

Cream Cheese 

This contains 1.5-2 grams of lactose per serving. It can be added to foods for flavor or to increase moisture. 

Note: Like eggs, cheese is safe and tasty in small amounts. Your Chi should have a well-balanced diet. If you are unsure of the best diet for your Chi, consult with your vet.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese contains 3 grams of lactose per serving. Although this type of cheese is heftier, it has a lot of benefits.

These include:

• Long-lasting protein.
• Easing upset stomachs.
• Great source for calcium.

Always serve a Chihuahua whole cottage cheese. It should be plain. 

Flavored varieties can contain unwanted ingredients. Some, like artificial sweeteners, can be toxic to your Chi. Certain chemicals can also lead to allergic reactions. 

Note: Try and find low-sodium cottage cheese. This is because whole cottage cheese tends to be high in sodium. And high amounts of sodium are unsafe for Chihuahuas.

Cottage cheese servings should be 1 to 2 tablespoons. It is best mixed into regular dog food. 

This promotes flavor and moisture. 

You may also add other nutritious ingredients, such as:

• Bananas.
• Blueberries.
• Raspberries.

Excessive Cheese Consumption

There can be too much of a good thing, such as cheese.

Excessive cheese consumption can lead to health issues such as:

• Vomiting.
• Upset stomach and diarrhea.
• Constipation due to a lack of fiber.

Ensure your Chi is adequately hydrated. 

Some owners use Pedialyte to ease upset stomachs. Small amounts of Pedialyte can be safe for your Chi. But beware as nutrient or electrolyte imbalances can be dangerous.

PetMD states:

‘Pedialyte is not formulated based on canine electrolyte balance.’ 

This means that Pedialyte is designed for humans. Humans can intake a lot of sodium and sugar.

This can, in turn, potentially make your Chi worse if consumed.

Consult your vet: Diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation can be severe conditions. Call your vet immediately if symptoms persist. 

Can Chihuahuas eat yoghurt?

Yoghurt is a common treat for Chihuahuas. It is safe and often healthy for your Chi. The two main benefits of yoghurt are that it contains high amounts of protein, and  probiotics. Probiotics help to support a healthy digestive tract. They also help to keep the balance of good and bad bacteria.

Plain yoghurt is recommended for Chihuahuas of all ages. 

Note: Avoid yoghurts that contain artificial sweeteners. This, amongst other chemicals, can be toxic to furry friends. Added fruits and coloring can also cause allergic reactions. Stick to plain yoghurt.

Types of yoghurt

There are two types of yoghurt recommended:

• Greek yoghurt.
• Whole white yoghurt.

Both should be plain in flavor. 

Note that Greek yoghurt is the healthier of the two. It contains less lactose than whole white yoghurt.

Yoghurt can be offered alone or mixed with dog food. It can be mixed with fruit to enhance the flavor and nutrient content. 

Blueberries and raspberries are a healthy and safe option. But remember that your Chi is a small creature.

So, you should keep servings low, between 1 – 3 tablespoons.

Can Chihuahuas drink milk?

Chihuahuas can drink milk in very small servings such as a tablespoon or two. You can use it as a reward occasionally. Although milk itself is not toxic to your Chi, its consumption holds many risks. Your dog’s body processes fat harder than a human’s. Plus, your dog might be lactose-intolerant.

Many dog owners consider adding milk to their dog’s food. Some may also consider it for newborn puppies. Both should be avoided.

The risk of giving your Chihuahua milk include:

• The fat content can lead to obesity. 
• Some dogs may be lactose sensitive.
• Some dogs may be lactose intolerant.
• Regular consumption of milk may lead to digestive issues.

Lactose intolerance or sensitivity

Lactose is a complex sugar. This complex sugar is found in cow and goat milk. Digesting lactose can be challenging and requires a lot of lactase. 

Chihuahuas have very low levels of lactose. This makes it very difficult to digest milk properly. 

Let’s make a comparison. Cheese and yoghurt contain between 1 – 3 grams of lactose per serving.

Cow’s milk contains 11 grams of lactose per serving. Goat’s milk contains 9.9 grams of lactose per serving.

Too much lactose can cause:

• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Upset stomach.
• Digestive issues.
• Excessive flatulence.

All of these can lead to dehydration. 

Keep in mind that there are other ways to make a dog’s food moister. Avoid adding milk.

Here are some alternatives to give to your Chi instead of milk:

• Yoghurt.
• Beef broth.
• Chicken broth.
• Cottage cheese.

Note: If using a broth, be sure it is low in sodium. 

Overall, milk should be avoided in a Chihuahuas diet. 

Other dairy products, such as cheese and yoghurt can still be used. This is due to their lower levels of lactose.

Can Chihuahua puppies drink milk

Puppies rely on their mother’s milk for important nutrients. Receiving those nutrients is critical for their health.

Some circumstances may leave a newborn Chi without his mother. In such cases, many owners turn to cow’s milk. Cow’s milk does contain high levels of nutrients.

But remember…Milk should never be offered to a newborn or puppy Chi. Their body is unable to handle the properties of lactose. Consumption of milk is dangerous. Even small amounts can be highly damaging.

Warning: A puppy can end up violently ill. Diarrhea and upset stomach are most commonly reported. 

The puppy may also suffer from vomiting. This can lead to severe dehydration. The puppy’s health and safety will be severely compromised.

The good news is that you can do something else instead.

Use a puppy formula. Canine milk replacers are closely matched to the mother’s milk. The formula contains the right protein and good levels of fat. Plus far less lactose. It will also contain vital vitamins and amino acids. 

Final Thoughts

Small amounts of eggs, cheese, and yoghurt can be a beneficial addition to a Chi’s diet.

Milk on the other hand should be avoided entirely. 

Remember:

• Feed dairy products in small portions.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet for your Chi.
• Watch for signs of allergic reaction or intolerance.
  

Now, feel free to go and give your Chi a cheese cube. 🙂