what to feed a shih tzu pup

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 are the dietary needs of a Shih Tzu?

• Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus
• Kibble shape designed specifically for a Shih Tzu’s short muzzle and underbite
• Maintain your Shih Tzu’s long coat with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin
• Contains highly digestible proteins

What is the best snack/treat for my Shih Tzu?

What Do Shih Tzus Like to Eat?

• Peanut Butter
• Pumpkin. Pumpkin is another easy dog treat that you can use to make your own dog treats. ...
• White Rice
• Baby Carrots
• Salmon
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Cheese

What are the best toys for Shih Tzus?

Best Dog Toys for Shih Tzus. 1. Kyjen Outward Hound HideASquirrel Small. 2. Multipet Plush Dog Toy. 3. KONG – Classic Dog Toy – Durable Natural Rubber. 4. UEETEK Squeaky Dog Toys for Small Dogs Fruits and Vegetables Plush Puppy Dog Toys.

What human food can Shih Tzus eat?

What human food can you feed a Shih Tzu?

• Peanut butter. This is a great source of added protein and fiber for your pup and a tablespoon on their dry food is a surefire way to get them to ...
• Yogurt. …
• Lean proteins (like chicken, turkey and beef). …
• Salmon. …
• Pumpkin and sweet potatoes. …
• Rice and pasta. …
• Apples. …
• Peas and green beans.

What human food can Shih Tzu puppies eat?

What's safePeanut butter. This is a great source of added protein and fiber for your pup and a tablespoon on their dry food is a surefire way to get them to eat it! ... Yogurt. ... Lean proteins (like chicken, turkey and beef). ... Salmon. ... Pumpkin and sweet potatoes. ... Rice and pasta. ... Apples. ... Peas and green beans.

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.

What's best to feed a Shih Tzu?

Our Guide to The Best Dog Food Choices for Shih TzusRoyal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food. ... Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken &Sweet Potato Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food. ... Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. ... NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food.More items...•

What can I feed my 1 month old Shih Tzu?

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 we give milk to Shih Tzu?

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.

Is rice good for Shih Tzu?

Rice is a cost-friendly and nutritious feed to Shih Tzus since they won't have any eating issues. Further, they'll even gain energy from the carbohydrates it offers. As long as you cook rice plain and straightforward, your Shih Tzu can eat it as frequently as every day.

What Shih Tzus Cannot eat?

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...

Is chicken Good for Shih Tzu?

As with any other living creature, a good diet is essential to a shih tzu's health. Healthy meals can include chicken, turkey, or fish for shih tzu, homemade dog food, and even a shih tzu raw diet.

Should I feed My Shih Tzu wet or dry food?

Despite how it may sound, dry food is very beneficial for your dog and provides them with a well-balanced meal containing all the nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy well into their advanced years.

Can Shih Tzu eat banana?

Bananas are also great for a Shih Tzu because they can help prevent bladder infections, boost the immune system, and can help with proper bone formation in young puppies.

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.

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.

How often should I feed my 8 week old Shih Tzu puppy?

Congrats on your new puppy. I would first reference your puppy food, since every food has a different kcal/kibble ratio that will change how much you should feed her. However, on average you will feed a puppy 3 times a day and for a small breed dog it will be around 1/8-1/4 cup each feeding.

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.

How do I train my 8 week old Shih Tzu?

4:237:58Crate Training A Shih Tzu Puppy (8 weeks old or older) Fast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOften through the night so be sure to take them outside every time they start whimpering. Then whenMoreOften through the night so be sure to take them outside every time they start whimpering. Then when you bring them back in say your command word praise them and calmly.

How much should a Shih Tzu puppy eat?

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 is the best food for a Shih Tzu puppy?

The kibble size is too small for some dogs. #3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food . Another great food choice for your Shih Tzu puppy is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy. This food is small for small breeds and it meets all of the nutritional needs that your puppy might have.

How much water should a Shih Tzu drink?

Toy dog breeds should have about 8 ounces of water per 5 pounds of water a day. That means that if your Shih Tzu puppy weighs around 2.5 pounds, you would need to make sure that your puppy drinks about 4 ounces of water a day. That said, unlike with feeding, your puppy should always have access to water if he needs it.

How much does a Shih Tzu puppy grow?

Some of the smaller Shih Tzu puppies will only gain around an ounce a week, but the larger Shih Tzu puppies can gain as much as 3 or even 4 ounces every week.

How much does a Shih Tzu weigh?

By the time your Shih Tzu puppy is 4 months old, you can expect your Shih Tzu puppy to weigh just over a pound, but he also might weigh as much as 3.5 pounds at this point, depending on the size of your Shih Tzu puppy.

How much does a 2 month old Shih Tzu weigh?

2-Month-Old Shih Tzu Puppy Weight. When your Shih Tzu puppy is 2 months old, he could weigh anywhere from 11 ounces up to about 2 pounds. The variation in the weight depends a lot on the sex of the pup and the genetics, but regardless, you know that the puppy is going to be very small at this age.

How old should a Shih Tzu puppy be?

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 many calories should a Shih Tzu eat?

Say your Shih Tzu puppy weighs 3 pounds. Then, he will need about 88 calories based on his RER, but if he is under 3 months of age, that number needs to be tripled. If your Shih Tzu puppy is over 4 months of age, the number should be doubled.

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 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.

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….

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.

What to feed a Shih Tzu?

Look for good ingredients like fresh chicken, duck, egg, pea flour, oats, and rice, and avoid problematic ones like cereals, propylene glycol, corn, and animal fat. Due to their household status as a family member and lapdog, Shih Tzus are particularly prone to fussy eating habits.

How to keep a Shih Tzu puppy safe?

Your new Shih Tzu will be a curious little canine with no sense of boundaries, so you’ll have to make sure your home is an appropriate and safe place for such a playful and inquisitive new inhabitant. Place all shoes and chewable items out of reach, install locks on cabinets containing harmful household chemicals, and bundle up and remove any exposed cords which could look like tempting chew toys. Also, ask that everyone in the house keep closet and outer doors closed when your new dog arrives so that it can’t get into any mischief or accidentally escape your home. [2]#N#X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source#N#You might know to keep bags of dog kibble tucked into locked cabinets or bins, but don’t forget that dogs—and especially puppies—are attracted to people foods as well! Don’t leave half-eaten bags of chips or candy out, and make sure that all kitchen items are stored out of reach from your canine companion. Dried fruit, chocolate, and allium vegetables like onions and garlic are particularly harmful to dogs, so be especially careful with these items. [3]#N#X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

How to take a puppy to the vet?

Take your puppy to the vet for a wellness exam and vaccinations. You probably can't wait to take your new puppy home and start playing, but make sure you go to your local veterinarian first in order to get a check-up and vaccinations. Rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and canine hepatitis vaccines are all non-negotiable, and you should ask your vet if they recommend any additional vaccines, such as those for kennel cough or Lyme diseases.#N#The wellness exam is particularly important if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, as most breeder contracts include this initial visit in your purchase as long as you do it within the first three days of ownership. [12]#N#X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source

How big should a Shih Tzu be?

For an average Shih Tzu, expect an adult height of eight to eleven inches to the shoulder and weight of 9-16 pounds.

When was the Shih Tzu bred?

Originally bred by the Chinese nobility as far back as 629 AD, the Shih Tzu is now a popular dog across the world as a devoted and enthusiastic companion. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership ...

How to stop my dog from swollen gums?

Provide plenty of hard rubber toys so that your dog won’t take its teething frustration out on furniture and household items, and purchase special freezable toys in order to alleviate the pain of swollen gums. Avoid chewables like rawhide and bones, as these can splinter and be swallowed by your hapless pup. ...

Can a Shih Tzu break off a leash?

Even at full size, your Shih Tzu won’t be powerful enough to break away from an average leash, but you should still make sure that your walking supplies are sturdy and safe. Measure your puppy’s neck and get a collar which can be adjusted as the dog grows.