what to feed a 3 month old shih tzu

Feeding Chart

Age of Shih Tzu puppy	Amount of food	Frequency
3 months old and below	Free-feeding with a bit of nursing	3 to 6 times a day
3 to 12 months old	1 to 2 ounces (1/8 to ¼ cup)	3 to 6 times a day
1 to 2 years old	2 to 3 ounces (1/4 to 3/8 cup)	3 to 4 times a day
2 years and older	½ to 1 cup	3 to 4 times a day

Jul 18 2022

Full Answer

What should I Feed my shih tzu puppy?

Semi-moist or completely wet tinned food can be another option for your Shih Tzu Puppy. The biggest difference between wet food and kibble is water content. Wet food can be up to 80 percent water, which can help hydrate them as they eat. Regardless of this, still make sure that your Shih Tzu has access to water at all times.

How much should a 12 month old Shih Tzu eat?

Similar to when they are 3 – 12 months old, adult Shih Tzus should be fed at least 2 times but 3 times is also good. Since they are a small breed, they need more regular meals than larger breed may be able to tolerate. Should I feed my dog wet or dry food?

When to switch from puppy food to adult food for Shih Tzu?

When your puppy is about 9 months to a year old, it will be time to switch your Shih Tzu puppy from puppy food to adult food. When you do this, you will want to do it very gradually over the course of a week.

How to take care of a 6 week old Shih tzu puppy?

6 Week Old Shih Tzu Puppy By the time that your Shih Tzu puppy is 6 weeks old, you should be introducing him to more and more food. The mother of the puppies should be leaving the puppies by now and will likely be less and less willing to feed the puppies. You can feed the puppies kibble by now and move toward having it be the primary food source.

How much should a 3 month old Shih Tzu eat?

How Much to Feed a Shih Tzu Puppy — Feeding ChartAge of PuppyQuantity of Food Per DayNumber of Meals Per Day2 months.75 cup43 months1 cup44 months1.25 cup4-55-6 months1.35 cup4-63 more rows•Jan 16, 2022

What food is best for Shih Tzu puppy?

The 8 Best Puppy Foods for Shih TzusWellness Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Overall. ... Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food – Best Value. ... Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food – Premium Choice. ... Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dry Dog Food.More items...•

What can I feed my 3 month old puppy?

Eating, Playing and Napping Large breed puppies should eat puppy food for the first two years of life; small and medium-sized dogs can switch to adult food after one year. Give your puppy three meals per day, feeding him the amount your veterinarian recommends.

How do you take care of a 3 month old Shih Tzu?

To care for a shih tzu puppy, make sure you have plenty of hard, rubber toys lying around the house since shih tzu puppies tend to have rough teething periods. Also, feed your puppy a high-quality dog food 3 times a day on a consistent schedule to establish a routine and prevent fussy eating habits.

What is Shih Tzu favorite food?

The primary ingredients are deboned chicken and chicken meal, followed by beef, lamb, salmon, sweet potatoes and peas—which means it might become your Shih Tzu's favorite food. The formula helps older Shih Tzus maintain muscle tissue and support hip and joint health as they age.

Should a Shih Tzu eat wet or dry food?

Both wet and dry foods have their merits. However, it's recommended that you stick to dry kibble as your dog's main food. You see, Shih Tzus are notorious for experiencing dental problems. The hard texture of kibble can help scrape plaque off the teeth and prevent issues like periodontal disease.

Can a 3 month old puppy eat rice?

But can dogs eat rice? The answer is yes. You may not even realize it, but rice is an ingredient sometimes found in commercial dog foods.

Can a 3 month old puppy eat carrots?

Can puppies eat carrots? Yes. Carrots are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and most dogs will enjoy the taste of them too. Whilst it's true that the entire carrot is safe and digestible, avoid feeding raw carrots to your young puppy, especially if they aren't cut up into small pieces.

Can I give my 3 month old puppy chicken?

Feeding just meat/ chicken and rice is not recommended because your puppy would not be getting the proper nutrition. If you want to use a home made recipe than you should use the website called balance it to make the diet nutritionally balanced for a growing puppy.

What human foods can Shih Tzus eat?

Human foods that are safe for dogs include:Carrots. Share on Pinterest Some human foods are safe for dogs to eat. ... Apples. Apples provide many important vitamins for dogs, including vitamins A and C. ... White rice. ... Dairy products. ... Fish. ... Chicken. ... Peanut butter. ... Plain popcorn.More items...•

When can Shih Tzu puppies eat solid food?

Weaning is simply the period when the Shih Tzu puppy shifts from its mother's milk to solid food, and typically begins when a puppy is between three and four weeks old, ideally completing the process by 8 weeks. During the weaning process, your pup should eat about 3 to 4 times a day.

What should I not feed my Shih Tzu?

Here's the most dangerous foods for Shih Tzus, followed by things that they eat that are not poisonous as such, but are still bad.Chocolate. ... Onions, garlic, leeks and chives. ... Artificial sweetener (xylitol) in gum and mints. ... Candy and sweets. ... Certain peanut butter brands. ... Corn on the cob. ... Cooked bones. ... Avocado.More items...

What should I feed my 8 week old Shih Tzu puppy?

Look for good quality meat for the best source of protein. Named meats in the ingredients, such as chicken meat, are a good sign. Some cheaper kibble use meat and animal derivatives, which can refer to cheaper cuts of meat such as the head, guts, and feet.

Can we give milk to Shih Tzu puppy?

Milk is a safe treat in small quantities. A few tablespoons of cow's milk or goat's milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for your dog without the side effects of overindulgence.

How much food should a Shih Tzu puppy eat?

How Much Do You Feed a Shih Tzu?AgeFeeding AmountTotal Calories per Day0 – 1 Years (Puppy)1.0oz – 2.0oz per day40 – 55 per pound of body weight1 – 9 Years (Adult)2.0-oz – 3.4oz per day80 – 140 per pound of body weight9+ Years (Senior)2.0-oz – 3.4oz per day80 – 140 per pound of body weight

When should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy food?

Weaning is simply the period when the Shih Tzu puppy shifts from its mother's milk to solid food, and typically begins when a puppy is between three and four weeks old, ideally completing the process by 8 weeks. During the weaning process, your pup should eat about 3 to 4 times a day.

How much to feed a Shih Tzu puppy?

Keep in mind that the Shih Tzu is a toy breed, which means they will need far less food amount compared to other dogs. Consider about one-fourth or less of food per day, divided equally for 3 to 4 meals. You can increase the amount as much as one-half as your puppy grows into an adult.

Feeding Chart

To help you figure out your preferred schedule for your Shih Tzu puppy, we put together a handy feeding chart. Your Shih Tzu pup needs to be trained into eating on a schedule to avoid getting overweight and also to eliminate or lessen food begging problems.

Growth Chart

Despite being a toy breed, the Shih Tzu needs to be observed for changes in their weight. Here is a helpful chart to know how they will be in adulthood based on their weight during their 8th week:

Recommended Food

Now that we know how to feed a Shih Tzu puppy when it comes to frequency and amount, what exactly do you feed them with? Here are some recommended types of food that you can put into their breakfast, lunch, or dinner bowl:

Foods to Avoid

When it comes to feeding your puppy, what foods and ingredients should be avoided? Here’s a list of no-nos in your Shih Tzu pup’s bowl:

FAQs on Feeding a Shih Tzu Puppy

Do you want to know more information regarding a Shih Tzu puppy’s daily diet? Here are some FAQs that might help you out:

Raw feeding a Shih Tzu puppy

If you do consider feeding your Shih Tzu puppy with a raw diet, always make sure they have balanced nutrients, such as calcium, protein, magnesium, omega fatty acids, phosphorous, and the like. Consult a vet or a breeder to help you get started.

What is the nutritional needs of a Shih Tzu puppy?

A puppy who is still growing and developing has different nutritional needs compared to a senior Shih Tzu. A Shih Tzu Puppy requires a specialized diet to ensure she develops correctly. This will be at least 22-25 percent of good protein sources and 8-10 percent of healthy fat and oils.

Why is my Shih Tzu not eating?

The better food will be nutritionally valuable, meaning the Shih Tzu should not need to eat as much of it. Another reason could be due to high activity levels.

How to get a Shih Tzu to stand still?

If you are struggling to get your Shih Tzu to stand still on them, hold your dog up and stand on the scale yourself .

Is kibble good for Shih Tzus?

Kibble is a particularly good choice for Shih Tzus . Some specialized brands create uniquely shaped kibble that is easy for your Shih Tzu to pick up. Due to her nature as a brachycephalic breed, their flat faces can sometimes cause problems in reliably picking up food. This may be necessary in some cases.

Can I feed my Shih Tzu wet food?

Feeding a Shih Tzu Puppy Wet Food. Semi-moist or completely wet tinned food can be another option for your Shih Tzu Puppy. The biggest difference between wet food and kibble is water content. Wet food can be up to 80 percent water, which can help hydrate them as they eat.

Is brown rice bad for dogs?

The first ingredient is brewers rice, followed by brown rice. Not that is a bad thing in dog foods, but it feels like the cheaper option and that the best dog foods would make quality protein the priority. When it comes to actual fruit and vegetables, it seems to be a limited ingredient.

Is kibble too big for puppies?

The kibble pieces might be too big for very little puppies. Several ingredients could mean a greater chance of allergies or reactions. Summary – this high protein puppy food certainly sounds like quality pet food. The best puppy food should have a high protein content for their growing bodies which this one does!

Can Shih Tzus eat apples?

Well, a bit like for humans, fruit and vegetables are good for Shih Tzus too. Remember to keep in mind the list above of foods they shouldn’t eat though. An apple, for example, provides a crunchy treat that can be great for your dog’s dental health.

Can a Shih Tzu have diarrhea?

Milk is hard for them to digest and can cause diarrhea. Coffee, Tea; Caffeine (includes energy drinks) – Too much caffeine could cause death, particularly in small breeds like the Shih Tzu. A tiny lick of your coffee before you notice might not be deadly, however too much certainly could be.

Is Shih Tzu inherited?

Your Shih Tzu, like all other dog breeds, has some inherited or common health problems which are important to know about. That means your Shih Tzu puppy will likely be born with these traits.

Does chicory affect a Shih Tzu?

The chicory in it might not affect their wellness core – the sensitive tummy of your pup! The crude protein in this one is the highest on this dog food list. We know protein is good for every small dog breed, including your Shih Tzu however your Shih Tzu is also likely somewhat inactive.

Is Shih Tzu food grain free?

Could be messy for a little Shih Tzu face. Summary – Now this is a bit different. It is natural, grain-free dog food, however, dehydrated which makes it richer in vitamins and minerals. It also has organic flaxseed for omega fatty acids.

What is the best food for a Shih Tzu puppy?

Best for: Adult shih tzus as well as puppies. Little Bites gets the better part of its meat protein from fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, and lamb meal . Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 20% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.

How much histidine does a Shih Tzu need?

A shih tzu puppy needs 0.44% histidine (an essential amino acid)… while an adult requires less than half that amount… just 0.19% of the same nutrient. In contrast…. A senior shih tzu benefits from a dog food containing more protein … and fewer calories per serving. Here’s the point….

When do Shih Tzu puppies stop growing?

Shih tzu puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready for adult food until they reach 9 to 12 months of age. 2 3 That’s because adult dog foods can be deficient in protein as well as histidine and other essential nutrients. And why it’s SO important not to switch to regular dog food too soon.

Is there a food label for Shih Tzus?

There are no official pet food industry standards or FDA guidelines established specifically for shih tzus. However, because shih tzu puppies, adults and seniors EACH have different nutritional needs, it’s important to choose a food that’s designed to match the life stage of YOUR particular dog.

Does Shih Tzu food contain calcium?

EACH have different nutritional needs… to provide optimal long-term health. Which means…. A dog food designed for an adult shih tzu may contain too little calcium for a growing puppy … or too little protein … and too many calories for a less active senior. And there are other important differences, too.. For example….

Shih Tzu Feeding Chart

Below is the typical feed chart for the Shih Tzu. This chart provides you a rough guide on how much dry dog food (kibble) to feed your Shih Tzu.

How to Measure the Right Amount of Dog Food for Your Shih Tzu

Research has shown that most owners over-measure a cup of dog food. As a result, most dogs owners overfeed their dogs. This is because dog owners do not level off the cup when measuring out the food they give to their dogs.

How Much Food to Feed the Shih Tzu

You should feed your 16-week-old Shih Tzu puppy 1.3 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.

Best Food for Shih Tzu. Shih Tzu Feeding Guide

The Shih Tzu has different nutrient needs at different life stages. Therefore, the dog food that you feed your Shih Tzu at different ages should be the type that is appropriate for its age.

Feeding Guide for the Shih Tzu Puppy: 12 weeks to one year

The dog food that you feed your puppy should have the nutrients that will boost a puppy`s immune system since puppies easily get infected with the disease at this age.

Feeding Guide for the Young Adult Shih Tzu: Ages 1 year to 6 years

The dog food that you feed a young adult Shih Tzu should have the nutrients that will make a dog live longer.

Feeding Guide for Mature Adult Shih Tzus: 6 years and older

You should feed the mature adult Shih Tzu food that has been formulated to improve their quality of life, increase their life expectancy, and increase their overall health.

What to Feed My Shih Tzu Puppy

There are two types available to feed your pet wet and dry. Dry food is an extruded food sliced into bite-sized shapes (kibble) and baked in the oven, much like a biscuit. They spray these kibbles with liquid vitamins and other nutrients and can dry before packaging.

When to Switch from Puppy to Adult Food

You switch from puppy food to adult food when your dog finishes growing. The Shih Tzu stops growing at 12 months, and you will change to adult food at that time. Puppy food is very rich and contains a high amount of fat, which leads to weight gain in your dog.

How Much to Feed an Adult Shih Tzu?

We highly recommend following the directions on the package very closely. Most brands give the serving size by weight, so you will need to know your dog’s current weight. We recommend avoiding most specialty foods, like grain-free or senior brands, until you discuss it with your vet to ensure your dog is getting the best possible nutrition.

Shih Tzu Feeding Guide for Seniors

Senior Shih Tzu dogs tend to slow down their eating habits, and you can often cut back to two or three meals per day. They may also have developed a dental disease and require soft food exclusively.

Conclusion

Your dog should eat what it says on the package for a dog of the same age and weight. Feed them high-quality food with chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb listed as the first ingredient and avoid foods with corn, artificial colors, and chemical preservatives for a healthy dog with plenty of energy throughout the day.

What is the best food for a Shih Tzu?

Created with ingredients rich in protein, like beef, chicken, fish, and pork meal s. It is appropriate for your Shih Tzu’s different life stages, including puppyhood, adulthood, and even for pregnant and nursing dogs.

How to keep a Shih Tzu hydrated?

Keeping a bowl of fresh water available for your Shih Tzu should be a top priority. If you are feeding wet food, it contains a higher water content and will help keep your pup hydrated. If you keep your pup on a strict dry food diet, be sure he is getting adequate water intake on a daily basis.

Why is a Shih Tzu's jaw so small?

Small Kibbles Are Great for Dental Comfort – The size of your Shih Tzu makes his jaw much smaller than other dogs. Larger kibbles may be painful for your pup to chew through. Providing small kibble is suggested for this reason. When you purchase a small breed formula, you will notice that kibble size is smaller.

Why do Shih Tzus have low blood sugar?

Keep Blood Sugar Low – Shih Tzus are small dogs and need to be fed with care to prevent hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. These small, affectionate dogs do not carry a lot of body fat and their metabolism tends to work quite well, making it possible for the development of hypoglycemia if not fed adequately.

What is a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzu’s are small dogs that are well-known for their long, gorgeous coats. Pet parents have their hands full with maintaining the appearance of Shih Tzus, since their coats require daily grooming. These pups are very loving, super playful, and very social. These dogs are loved by many, not only for their sweetness, ...

What is Ollie dog food?

Ollie dog food is a delicious option that is comprised of human-grade ingredients. It is a unique dog food option that offers a tasty meal your Shih Tzu will enjoy. Their meals do not include any artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers.

Is Shih Tzu food good for a pregnant dog?

It is appropriate for your Shih Tzu’s different life stages, including puppyhood, adulthood, and even for pregnant and nursing dogs. This is a nutrient-dense dog food option that provides your dog with high-quality, balanced nutrition. This is an especially great food if your pup leads an active lifestyle.

What age should I feed my Shih Tzu?

This adult Shih Tzu food is ideal for dogs that are above ten months of age and contains nutrients designed to nourish the skin. The addition of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids make this formula a gem for any Shih Tzu that yearns for a soft, lush coat.

How much protein should I give my Shih Tzu?

The amount of protein required for a Shih Tzu depends on its age and level of activity. However, an adult Shih Tzu would need at least 22-25% protein in its diet.

How many calories should a Shih Tzu eat?

As a general rule, an adult Shih Tzu should consume about 50 calories per pound of bodyweight; seniors may need a little less, puppies may need a little more. But hey:

Why is Shih Tzu so hard to feed?

Shih Tzus can be quite a tricky breed to feed. That’s because this breed can have a sensitive stomach and some allergies as well. That’s why choosing the best dog food for Shih Tzus requires some prior research.

Can Shih Tzus eat rice?

It’s certainly safe to let your Shih Tzu have rice. Some of the best dog foods for Shih Tzu include rice in their major ingredients. That’s because rice is bland and readily converts into usable energy for the body. However, always consult your vet before making a major dietary change for your dog.

Can Shih Tzus have sensitive stomachs?

It’s not uncommon for Shih Tzus to have a sensitive stomach. But with this formula, everything’s sunshine and roses for Shih Tzus as it contains chicken meal and barley, which are good for trouble-free, healthy digestion. Also, this formula places special emphasis on the coat health of small dogs.

Does Shih Tzu kibble have a flat face?

Since Shih Tzus have a flat face, the kibble is shaped to make it easier for them to eat from a bowl. This formula also reduces fecal volume, which cuts down on those late-night walks. Analysis: Protein (min.) 22%, Fat (min.) 18%, Fiber (max.) 4.3%, Moisture (max.) 10%. Caloric content (per kg): 3,905 kcal. 2.