How many calories does a neutered adult Chihuahua need?

At 6 lb, the verified feeding table lists 236 kcal per day for a Chihuahua (resting energy 147 kcal times a factor of 1.6).

How many calories does an intact adult Chihuahua need?

At 6 lb, the verified feeding table lists 265 kcal per day for a Chihuahua (resting energy 147 kcal times a factor of 1.8).

How many calories does a Chihuahua puppy under 4 months need?

At 6 lb, the verified feeding table lists 442 kcal per day for a Chihuahua (resting energy 147 kcal times a factor of 3).

How many calories does the weight-loss row list for a Chihuahua?

At 6 lb, the verified feeding table lists 147 kcal per day for a Chihuahua (resting energy 147 kcal times a factor of 1).

Feeding calculator

How much to feed a Chihuahua

A 6 lb Chihuahua is the starting weight on this calculator, taken from the verified adult range (up to 6 lb).

Last reviewed November 1, 2026.

Chihuahua dog — Photo: Niewiadomek · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Daily portion

Dog food calculator: 261 kcal; 0.75 cups · 89 g · 2 meals
Merck chart, Adult, neutered: 237 kcal; Resting energy 148 kcal × 1.6, before the calculator's activity and size adjustment.

Lifespan14–16 years

Weightup to 6 lb

SizeToy GroupToy Group

Resting energy at that weight is about 148 kcal per day. The Merck neutered-adult factor of 1.6 puts maintenance near 237 kcal before activity is added. The dog food calculator on this page uses that same resting-energy formula, then applies the activity and size adjustments from the main dog food calculator.

Reading the portions

Portions are a starting estimate. Chihuahua individuals can vary by body condition, neuter status, and how much they work. Adjust the bowl from what you see on the ribs, not from the table alone.

Feeding table from the verified weight chart

RER=70*kg^0.75; MER=RER*factor. Starting estimate only; individuals vary up to 50%; adjust by body condition

Chihuahua adults maintenance energy

Swipe sideways to read every column.

Weight	RER	Adult, neutered	Adult, intact	Puppy under 4 months	Puppy 4 months and older	Weight loss
2.4 lb (1.1 kg)	75 kcal	120 kcal	135 kcal	226 kcal	150 kcal	75 kcal
4.2 lb (1.9 kg)	113 kcal	181 kcal	204 kcal	340 kcal	227 kcal	113 kcal
6 lb (2.7 kg)Current weight	147 kcal	236 kcal	265 kcal	442 kcal	295 kcal	147 kcal