Chihuahua puppies have lots of energy and love to play, that is why it is important that you provide them with good food that will not only meet their energy needs, but also help nurture their growth and development. In addition, chis can be prone to many health issues related to poor nutrition, such as hypoglycemia. Thus it is essential you find quality food for your pups.

What type of food should I feed my chihuahua puppies? The following is a brief guideline of what you should look for when making your selection:

• Quality protein - Many dog food brands claim to have premium products, but if you look at the ingredients list, what you will notice is that though the food is chicken and rice, for example, all that has been used is chicken by product. The by products may indeed come from a chicken, but not the meaty parts you are expecting. Instead, what has been added are the intestines, feet, beaks, and other undesirable and difficult to digest sources of the bird. Thus, avoid food that is made with byproduct, artificial coloring and flavoring, and look for chicken meal, which is a much more concentrated source of protein, and a healthier choice for your chi.

• Health promoting ingredients - Just as protein is important for chihuahua puppies, so are vegetables, proteinated minerals, probiotics and grape seed extract. Look for these products in the ingredients list as they benefit a canine's overall immune system.

• Small bite size food - Chihuahuas have small mouths and tiny teeth so they need small portions of bite-size food that is easy to chew and digest.

• Dried food - You should only or primarily feed your pet dried food because it is lower in fat and is much better for your dog's teeth, as dried kibble helps to prevent a build up of plaque and tartar.

• Look for food approved by the AAFCO - The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) enforce certain standards for the regulation, manufacturing, and distribution of animal food. Therefore, dog food that has been approved by the AAFCO has met their standards and is considered safe for all stages of a dog's puppy and adult life.

Last, but certainly not least, you need to find a food that your chihuahua puppies like. This is just as important as finding nutritious ingredients, because if your dog won't eat, it doesn't matter how good the food is you're giving him. You will find that some companies will offer samples of their food. If this is not an option, purchase the smallest bag of the brand you want to try, and let the trial and error process begin.