Giving them good food and snacks is essential to keep your Shih Tzu happy and healthy. Feeding them food with lots of chemicals or low-quality ingredients can make them sick and give them skin, coat, and tummy problems. I’ll talk about the feeding guide for your Shih Tzu dog in this article. You’ll also have some extra tips about feeding at the end of this topic.
How often to feed your Shih Tzu?
How often to feed your Shih Tzu depends on their age. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
shih tzu food for Puppies under 3 months old
Let them eat whenever they want. It’s important because little puppies can have low blood sugar if they don’t eat regularly. Keep a small amount of fresh food in their bowl, clean it, and add new food as needed. Also, remind them where their food and water dishes are so they can eat throughout the day.
shih tzu food for Puppies under 3 to 12 months old
Give them 3 meals a day. After the first month of free feeding, switch to regular meals. If you’re away during the day, you can leave the mid-day meal with them.
shih tzu food for adults
You can give them either 2 or 3 meals a day. Some adults are fine with 2 meals, especially if you give them snacks and training treats. But 3 meals a day can work too. Just remember, don’t feed them only once a day, as that’s better for larger dog breeds.
In a nutshell, feed your Shih Tzu based on their age, and make sure they have regular access to food to keep them healthy and happy.
Why Your Shih Tzu Food Is Important?
Dogs are just like people, and they need a good, well-rounded diet to stay healthy. They need the right amounts of stuff like protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with vitamins and minerals.
Protein, carbs, and fat give them energy. Protein also helps them build and keep muscles strong, while fat keeps their brain sharp and their skin and fur nice.
If you’re feeding your dog good pet food, it should cover all these needs. But every dog is a bit different, depending on things like age, health, and breed. It’s important to understand what your dog needs and how to provide it.
But does better quality mean higher prices? Sadly, it often does. Good food can mean fewer costly vet visits, especially as your dog gets older.
However, you don’t have to break the bank on the fanciest dog food out there. You can still find high-quality options that suit your Shih Tzu’s needs without draining your wallet.
Which shih tzu food you should avoid
Just like us, our cute Shih Tzu pups can’t eat everything. Some foods that we enjoy can be really bad for them. Shih Tzus are unique because they have short noses and long backs and can have health issues with their joints. Feeding them the wrong stuff can make these problems worse.
First, let’s talk about their bellies. Shih Tzus have sensitive tummies. Foods with grains can be tough for them to digest. Also, they don’t handle dairy well because they’re lactose intolerant. So, no milk or cheesy treats for them.
Chemical stuff like preservatives and dyes found in some foods can put extra stress on their liver and kidneys. Shih Tzus can be prone to liver issues, so it’s best to avoid these additives.
List of shih tzu food you should not feed them
Chocolate: It’s super toxic and can make them very sick.
Avocado: The fruit and its pit can cause stomach problems.
Bread dough: Raw dough can block their tummy.
Raw eggs: They might have harmful bacteria.
Macadamia nuts: These can make them weak and sick.
Onions and garlic: These affect their blood and tummy.
Xylitol: Found in some sweets, it’s really bad for them.
Grapes, raisins, and currants: These can hurt their stomach and kidneys.
Cow’s milk: It upsets their stomach.
Green potatoes: They’re poisonous.
Mushrooms: Some are toxic, so be careful on walks.
Raw meat and cooked bones: They might have bacteria and can hurt their tummy.
Moldy stuff: It can be toxic.
Cherries: Parts have poison, and pits can get stuck.
Fatty foods like cheese: These can make them gain weight.
Foods with lots of grains: They can upset their tummy.
Salt: Too much can be bad for them.
Spicy food: It can harm their digestion and sense of smell.
So, when it comes to your Shih Tzu’s meals, be sure to keep these foods off the menu.
How Much Food Does A Shih Tzu Need?
Figuring out how much to feed your Shih Tzu is really important. These little dogs only weigh around 9 to 16 pounds when they’re grown up. That means they’re sensitive to changes in their weight.
Big dogs can handle gaining a pound or two without much trouble. But tiny breeds like Shih Tzus can have serious problems from even a small weight gain.
Shih Tzus really enjoys eating. Even though they’re small, they can gobble up food and treats like pros. The thing is, many people forget to count those treats in their dog’s daily food needs. This can lead to unexpected weight gain.
The problem with Shih Tzus getting heavy is that their bodies can’t handle it well. They have delicate bones and joints, so extra weight can cause issues like arthritis and hip problems.
So, how much food do they need? Usually, Shih Tzus do well with around 35 calories for each pound they weigh. If your Shih Tzu is getting older, you might want to go down to 30 calories per pound.
Remember, every dog is different. Talk to your vet before you change your dog’s diet. They can help you figure out how much food your Shih Tzu really needs based on their unique needs.
What Is The Best shih tzu food?
During the early days of their life, puppies are like little sponges, soaking up all they need to grow big and strong. This is super important for Shih Tzus because they’re tiny and grow fast.
Now, here’s the deal:
- Giving your puppy low-quality food can cause problems like too much weight.
- Not growing right.
- Not getting enough good stuff.
If the food has fake stuff in it, it’s a no-go for Shih Tzu pups!
So, what do they need? Well, they need special puppy food that’s made just for them. Since they’re like little rockets growing so quickly, their food has to be just right.
That’s why we suggest fresh food – it’s packed with goodness. But remember, you’ve got to use the right ingredients to make sure they get all the good stuff they need.
what are the best yummy puppy shih tzu food ideas?
1. Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
2. Beef & Pumpkin
3. Lamb & Quinoa
Serve these up, and your pup will be one happy camper!
What is the perfect Shih Tzu food diet?
Feeding your Shih Tzu isn’t too complicated, but there are a few things to keep in mind when picking their food.
Like other small dog breeds, Shih Tzus does best with food that’s rich in protein. They have high energy levels and need lots of calories, but because their stomachs are tiny, the food should be packed with calories but not take up too much space. You can tell if the food is good by checking the ingredients. If it says it has 25% protein from fish or meat, that’s a good choice.
Now, let’s talk about their fabulous fur. Shih Tzus has those lovely long coats that need extra care. To keep their skin and hair healthy, they need good fats like Omega 3 and Omega 6, plus Vitamin A. You can find these in the ingredients list but don’t worry, and dogs can’t get as high cholesterol as we can!
So, when you’re picking food for your Shih Tzu, look for high protein and good fats to keep them happy and healthy.
Are dry food good for shih tzu?
Dry food is like those biscuit treats you might have seen. They make it by cooking and shaping it into little pieces called kibble. These kibbles are sprayed with vitamins and nutrients and then dried out before being packed.
Dry food is actually really good for your dog. Chewing on these kibbles can help keep their teeth clean, preventing dental problems.
Another nice thing about dry food is that it’s not too expensive. You can buy it in big bags, and it won’t go bad if you leave it out for a few hours. The only downside is that it might not be as tasty as wet food because it doesn’t have gravy or meaty pieces. Also, some dry food can get too dry or even get dusty or moldy.
Are wet food good for shih tzu?
Wet dog food is like a tasty, ready-made meal that comes in a can. It’s loaded with real meat, veggies, and yummy gravy that dogs adore. This food is super nourishing. It has a lot of protein. It is very awesome for puppies. Besides, it helps to keep your furry friend hydrated and avoid constipation. Plus, since dogs usually gobble it up, you can sneak in medicine if needed.
The catch is wet dog food costs more than dry kibble and goes bad quickly once opened. So, if your dog doesn’t finish it right away, you’ll have to pop it in the fridge. Unfortunately, it won’t do much for your pup’s dental health.
Top 10 Tips for Feeding Your Shih Tzu properly
Here are 10 simple ways to keep your Shih Tzu healthy through their food:
1. Stick to a regular feeding schedule.
2. Choose a good-quality diet that matches their age, size, and activity level.
3. Keep fresh water available all day.
4. Don’t leave food out all day; serve fresh portions to prevent overeating.
5. Split their meals into smaller portions throughout the day for better digestion.
6. Say no to table scraps; they can upset their tummy and lead to weight gain.
7. Avoid sugary, salty, or fatty foods in excess.
8. If you treat them, opt for healthy options like fruits and veggies.
9. Make mealtime a calm, stress-free experience.
10. Keep an eye on their appetite and energy levels; if something’s off, consult your vet.
Remember to visit your vet regularly to ensure your Shih Tzu’s diet is on track.
What are the shih tzu foods with allergies?
Shih Tzus often have a tough time with allergies, especially related to their sensitive stomachs. Unlike some other dogs, this breed tends to experience food allergies fairly frequently. If you think your dog might be allergic to something they’re eating, it’s smart to talk to your vet.
To handle allergy issues effectively, the best approach is to select a food with fewer ingredients, and it should be free from grains. Limited-ingredient formulas go even further. They skip unnecessary additives and fillers and sometimes use unique ingredients to ensure your furry friend gets all the necessary nutrients without any risks.
Conclusion
Feed your dog the food recommended on the package for their age and weight. Choose good-quality food with chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb as the top ingredient. Stay away from foods containing corn, artificial colors, and chemical preservatives to keep your dog healthy and energetic. Divide their meals into smaller portions to help digestion and avoid problems like bloat.
