Life with our four-legged family members is never dull — and sometimes it brings surprises we never expected. My sweet Ruby, my 9-year-old Chihuahua grandpup, recently gave us quite a scare. She choked on what I thought was just one of my homemade dehydrated sweet potato chews. But it wasn’t the treat — it was something much deeper. That scare led us to the vet, where we found out Ruby has a small enlarged heart.
Ruby is special in more ways than one. She was born on November 7th, just two days before my own birthday — which means we share the same Scorpio spark. She’s fiery, sassy, and full of personality, just like her Grammy (me). 💜
We love and trust our vet — she’s truly fantastic. She not only guided us through Ruby’s diagnosis but also helped with our other pup, Daisy, an Australian Cattle Dog with her own wild and wonderful personality. Daisy had a lump removed recently (thankfully non-cancerous), and our vet’s careful hands gave her a new lease on life. Each of our pups has their own quirks, personalities, and graces — and that’s exactly why I call them my “grand pups.”
So when Ruby’s diagnosis came, I wanted to do everything I could to support her heart health — and that started with her diet.
🍽️ The Chihuahua Heart Menu Plan
Here’s a simple, rotating meal plan for small dogs with heart concerns, built from what I already cook fresh every day: organic chicken breast and dog-friendly veggies. It’s low-sodium, nourishing, and keeps mealtime interesting.
Breakfast Options
- Chicken & Green Bean Scramble
- Shredded boiled chicken breast, steamed green beans (chopped small), and a little mashed sweet potato.
- Pumpkin & Chicken Mash
- Cooked chicken breast mixed with plain pumpkin puree and a spoon of steamed zucchini.
- Carrot & Chicken Bowl
- Diced chicken, steamed carrots, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley (great for breath and digestion).
Dinner Options
- Zucchini & Chicken Stew
- Boiled chicken breast, zucchini cubes, and mashed peas with a little warm water as broth.
- Broccoli & Sweet Potato Blend
- Chicken breast shredded over mashed sweet potato with steamed broccoli bits.
- Rainbow Veggie Mix
- Chicken with a mix of carrots, green beans, and pumpkin — a colorful and nutrient-rich plate.
Treats (Always Soft and Safe!)
- Soft steamed carrots or green beans (cooled)
- Small spoonful of plain pumpkin puree
- Tiny bites of boiled chicken breast
- A few blueberries (if tolerated)
⚠️ Note: After Ruby’s choking scare, I avoid hard or dehydrated treats altogether. Soft, moist treats are safer for dogs with heart issues or breathing concerns.
💜 Grammy’s Takeaway
This isn’t just about food — it’s about love, prevention, and paying attention. Ruby’s diagnosis could have been terrifying, but instead, it’s teaching us to live more intentionally with her — celebrating every quirky, bossy, Scorpio-fueled moment she gives us.
And Daisy, well… she keeps us laughing and rolling our eyes with her antics. Together, my pups fill my life with chaos, cuddles, and the kind of joy that no medicine can bottle.
📣 Let’s Learn From Each Other
If your pup has dealt with an enlarged heart, choking scares, or even just quirky health stories — I’d love for you to share in the comments or reach out. Every story helps us learn and love our fur babies better.
⚖️ Disclaimer
I’m not a veterinarian — just a loving Grammy who cooks for her pups and trusts her vet’s advice. This meal plan is based on my personal experience with Ruby and Daisy. Always talk to your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet or adding new foods, especially if your pup has heart disease or other medical conditions.
✍️ About the Author
A.L. Childers (aka Grammy to Ruby & Daisy) is a writer, health advocate, and proud grandpuppy mom who believes in the healing power of food, love, and a little Southern stubbornness. When she’s not cooking fresh meals for her pups, she’s writing books, sharing stories, and building communities where we can all learn from one another.
📖 Want More Dog-Friendly Recipes?
I’ve put together a full cookbook of healthy, homemade recipes for dogs:
Pawsitively Nourished: Heartfelt Recipes for Your Dog’s Well-Being by A.L. Childers.
It’s available now on Amazon — just search for my name, A.L. Childers, or the book title. You’ll find pages of wholesome meals, treats, and tips to help give your pups the same fresh, loving meals Ruby and Daisy enjoy.
👉
📣 Let’s Learn From Each Other
If your pup has dealt with an enlarged heart, choking scares, or even just quirky health stories — I’d love for you to share in the comments or reach out. Every story helps us learn and love our fur babies better.
⚖️ Disclaimer
I’m not a veterinarian — just a loving Grammy who cooks for her pups and trusts her vet’s advice. This meal plan is based on my personal experience with Ruby and Daisy. Always talk to your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet or adding new foods, especially if your pup has heart disease or other medical conditions.
✍️ About the Author
A.L. Childers (aka Grammy to Ruby & Daisy) is a writer, health advocate, and proud grandpuppy mom who believes in the healing power of food, love, and a little Southern stubbornness. She is the author of Pawsitively Nourished: Heartfelt Recipes for Your Dog’s Well-Being, available on Amazon. When she’s not cooking fresh meals for her pups, she’s writing books, sharing stories, and building communities where we can all learn from each other.
Discover heart-healthy homemade dog food recipes for Chihuahuas and small dogs with enlarged hearts. Inspired by Ruby, my Scorpio grandpup, and featured in my cookbook Pawsitively Nourished by A.L. Childers — available now on Amazon.
