Shih Tzu Feeding Chart
| Age | Typical Weight | How Much Food |
| 20 weeks | 8.7 lbs (4.0 kg) | 1.0 cups per day |
| 5 months | 8.7 lbs (4.0 kg) | 1.0 cups per day |
| 6 months | 9.8 lbs (4.5 kg) | 1.1 cups per day |
| 7 months | 10.7 lbs (4.8 kg) | 1.2 cups per day |
Full Answer
What are the dietary needs of a Shih Tzu?
- Wholesome grain-free dry dog food with beef
- Developed with high levels of omega fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin
- Deboned beef as the number 1 ingredient
What is the best snack/treat for my Shih Tzu?
However, the following human foods are safe for Shih Tzus:
- Chicken
- Peanut butter (without xylitol)
- Salmon (provides Omega fatty acids which are great for coat health)
- Green beans (source of fiber)
- Carrots (perfect treats)
What is a healthy diet for Shih Tzu?
What is the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu Puppies?
- Wellness Small Breed Puppy Turkey & Salmon Dry. Wellness Small Breed Puppy Turkey & Salmon Dry Dog Food is perfect for your little shih tzu. ...
- Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken Recipe. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Small Breed Chicken Recipe is made for your Shih Tzu. ...
- Now Fresh Small Breed Puppy Recipe Dry Food. ...
What are the best toys for Shih Tzus?
What Are The Best Toys For Shih Tzus?
- Thinker Toys. As mentioned, Shih Tzus are full of playful energy. ...
- Fetch Toys. Shih Tzus are small dogs, so they don’t need a ton of exercise. ...
- Plush Toys. Shih Tzus are very cuddly, affectionate dogs that don’t love to be left home alone. ...
- Keep The Toys Comin’ With BarkBox! When it comes to which toys are best for Shih Tzus, you have plenty of options. ...
What should I feed my 5 week old puppy?
As for a 5-week-old puppy feeding schedule, this is around when most people will start to wean their puppies. For what to feed puppies who are weaning, use a commercially made, balanced food. Kibble should be softened with water or broth to a soupy texture, or you can add a little extra water to wet puppy food.
What should a Shih Tzu puppy eat?
Some great wholesome foods that can be incorporated into meals includes:Organs (liver, heart) White chicken meat.Lamb. Veal.Fish. Lean beef.Sweet potato. Green beans.Sweet peas. Sugar snap peas.Baby carrots. Blueberries.Raspberries. Cottage cheese.Whole yogurt. Brown rice or quinoa.
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 feed my 4 week old Shih Tzu?
What is needed: The food that you will prepare to wean a pup will be a blend of dog food kibble, canine milk replacer for puppies, and hot water (note that water is only needed for the first day or so to make the blend super thin). You will need an electronic blender to properly make this mixture.
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.
What should a 6 week old Shih Tzu eat?
Feeding a Shih Tzu Puppy Kibble This is the most common choice that Shih Tzu Puppy owners make. With the right brand, it can provide all the nutrition a growing Shih Tzu needs. However, there are also a lot of choices when it comes to kibble.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat rice?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat rice. In fact, in some circumstances, veterinarians have recommended rice as a great food for dogs suffering from common gastrointestinal issues. Although, it is worth noting that white rice is usually recommended over brown rice for dogs.
When can Shih Tzu puppies drink water?
The best time to introduce water and puppy food is around 3 to 4 weeks of age. This is the time to start to slowly wean the puppy from her mother's milk and care so she can become more independent.
When can puppies drink milk from bowl?
The first step in the weaning process is to introduce your puppy to a bowl. This can be done when the puppy is about 3 weeks old. Fill the bowl with the milk replacement formula your puppy is used to getting in his bottle. At this early stage, your puppy may do more playing in the bowl than eating, but that's OK.
Is Egg good for Shih Tzu?
Eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, Eggs are a great source of nutrition for your canine companion. They are high in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids that help support your dog inside and out.
What should a 1 month old Shih Tzu eat?
At about this age little teeth start to appear in the gums and it's time to start transition off moms milk and supplementing with dog food. Some people feed canned food, some soak dry kibbles in warm water or a mixture of those to start encourage the pup to eat on their own.
Can a 1 month old Shih Tzu drink water?
Until weaning starts a few weeks after a puppy is born, he generally won't drink or eat anything other than mom's milk, and that's perfectly normal and wonderful. Weaning typically ends when a puppy is about two months old.
How much should Shih Tzu puppy eat?
One Ounce Per Pound According to the All Shih Tzu website, a shih tzu puppy needs to be fed three times a day. It should eat one ounce of food for every pound that it weighs. For example, if the puppy weighs five pounds, it should eat five ounces of food at each meal.
What human food is good for Shih Tzu?
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...•
What are Shih Tzu not allowed to eat?
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives Anything in this bracket is a poisonous food for Shih Tzus, whether it's been boiled, cooked, or whatever – it's not something your Shih Tzu should eat ever. These foods are said to makes dogs feel poorly and in larger amounts can lead to red blood cell damage.
How many times a day should a Shih Tzu puppy eat?
It's recommended that you feed your Shih Tzu at least three times a day when they are of adult age. If they are still a puppy, they may require 4-6 meals a day. This is due to the fact that this breed is susceptible to hypoglycemia. With such a fast metabolism, they lack the ability to hold much of an energy reserve.
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.
How much protein should a Shih Tzu have?
These little dogs will weigh between 9 and 16 pounds at maturity and are recommended to have at least 25 percent protein and 10 percent healthy fat in their diet. Shih Tzu puppies should be fed on a schedule 5-6 times daily as they are prone to hypoglycemia.
Why do you have to keep a Shih Tzu on a schedule?
Final Thought. Keeping your Shih Tzu on a schedule will help to ensure your puppy doesn’t feel hungry all the time. Whatever brand you decide on, one with a high nutritional value will be best for the optimal health of your puppy and guarantee its health for many years to come.
Why did the Shih Tzu breed not gain popularity until the 1930s?
The Shih Tzu is a dog that did not gain popularity until the 1930s, mainly because this breed was kept from the outside world. The Chinese Royals loved and cherished these little dogs, so much that they refused anyone from owning one.
Why is my puppy hungry after eating?
If your puppy appears hungry after feeding, it could be because of the nutritional value of the food. Poor quality food will not satisfy your puppy as much as a high, dense brand, filled with higher nutritional content.
Is it safe to feed salmon to puppies?
If you are serving salmon as a treat or thinking of starting a raw food diet, fish is an excellent source of healthy protein. Freezing raw fish for at least a week will kill any parasites, making it safe for your puppy to consume.
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Dogs should not ingest wild mushrooms, as most contain toxins. If you take your puppy out for a walk in an area where mushrooms grow and there’s a possibility it may have eaten one, watch for symptoms such as vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, and convulsions.
Can dogs eat bones?
It’s natural for puppies and dogs to gnaw on bones, especially if there’s still a little meat left on them. Not all bones are safe for chewing, as they can be very brittle and sharp.
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 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.
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 .
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.
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.
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….
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 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.
