what to feed my 6 month old shih tzu

• Sweet Potatoes. Loaded with fiber, and easily digested, sweet potatoes make a healthy snack for your Shih Tzu puppy.
• Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a significant source of fiber and protein, but should not be used as a food substitute every day.
• Carrots. Carrots are high in beta carotene and are great treats for reducing plaque on their teeth. ...
• Salmon. Rich in healthy fat and Omega-3, your puppy will love a small piece of cooked salmon. ...

Full Answer

How much should a 6 month old Shih tzu puppy eat?

During the first six months of the dog’s life, feed him on a schedule about four times a day. After this period decrease this number to two times a day and start feeding the dog with dry food. A mature Shih Tzu is supposed to eat half a cup of dry food per day.

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.

When can Shih Tzu puppies start free feeding?

When your Shih Tzu puppy is less than 3 months old, freefeeding is a good idea. This is where you just have fresh food available at all times for your puppy. While you should not do this with large breeds, with toy breeds, the dogs are more prone to drops in blood sugar and should have access to food so that they can eat when they need to.

Can Shih Tzus eat dry food?

So dry food helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy while also being easier on their tummies. Just be sure you are buying dry food which is made for small dogs so the biscuits are the right size for them to chew. Can Shih Tzu eat human food, like bread?

How much should a 6 month old Shih Tzu eat?

How Much to Feed a Shih Tzu Puppy — Feeding ChartAge of PuppyQuantity of Food Per DayNumber of Meals Per Day5-6 months1.35 cup4-67-8 months1.5 cup4-69-10 months1.75 cup4-610-12 months1.85 cup3-53 more rows•Jan 16, 2022

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.

What human food can I feed my Shih Tzu?

Which human foods can dogs eat?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 do Shih Tzus like to eat?

Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus July 2022Nutro Ultra Small Breed.Ollie Fresh Dog Food.Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy.Health Extension Little Bites.Merrick Lil' Plates Wet Food for Small Breeds.Merrick Lil' Plates Small Breed.Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed.Wellness Complete Small Breed Senior.More items...

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.

Can I give milk to my 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.

What is the healthiest food to feed your dog?

But before you invite your furry friend to the table, you need to know quality foods that are healthy for your dog....Here Are 15 Healthiest Human Foods You Can Feed Your Dog:Rice. ... Yogurt. ... Apples. ... Green Peas. ... Peanuts and Peanut Butter. ... Pumpkin. ... Coconut. ... Oatmeal.More items...•

Is rice good for Shih Tzu?

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.

What can I give my Shih Tzu for breakfast?

Sweet potatoes, oats, rice, and barley can be healthy sources of carbohydrates which are required by Shih Tzus. Veggies can be given to meet the requirement of minerals and vitamins.

What fruits and vegetables can Shih Tzus eat?

Some fruits Shih Tzu can eat include apples, blueberries, cranberries and pumpkin, however they should never be given grapes or raisins as these can be toxic. Green leafy vegetables like spinach and cabbage are generally good choices, however you'll want to avoid mushrooms and onions.

What fruit is good for Shih Tzu?

In addition to those just mentioned you could give dogs pineapple, pears, raspberries, watermelon and strawberries, blackberries, honeydew melon, kiwi, and oranges. When considering fruits and vegetables for a Shih Tzu, many owners use Pineapple as a deterrent to dogs who like to eat poop.

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.

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.

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 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 can I switch to a new food… without making my shih tzu sick?

In the following video … Internet vet, Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your Shih Tzu’s risk of getting s...

Do shih tzus need special dog food?

There are no official pet food industry standards or FDA guidelines established specifically for shih tzus. However, because shih tzu puppies, adul...

How much dog food should I feed my shih tzu? An important study found that dogs fed an amount of food to keep them at ideal body condition lived nearly 2 years longer … than other dogs. 1 Since every shih tzu is different, it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “ideal” for every animal. So, start with the feeding amount printed on the package. Then, over time, adjust that amount up or down… to reach and then maintain your shih tzu at ideal body weight .

An important study found that dogs fed an amount of food to keep them at ideal body condition lived nearly 2 years longer … than other dogs. 1 Sin...

What’s the best dog food for a shih tzu puppy? Since they’re considered small breed dogs , shih tzus benefit from eating foods that contain the right balance of calcium and other nutrients specifically designed for puppies. So, until he (or she) reaches 9 to 12 months, your shih tzu should be eating a dog food that meets AAFCO nutrient guidelines… and is clearly labeled “for Growth” or “for All life stages”. In addition to the Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Food above, you’ll find a complete list of The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Small Breed Puppy Foods here .

Since they’re considered small breed dogs , shih tzus benefit from eating foods that contain the right balance of calcium and other nutrients spec...

When can I safely switch my shih tzu puppy to adult dog food? 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.

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 c...

What’s the best dog food for a senior shih tzu? According to VCA Hospitals , small breed dogs tend to live longer than large breeds. Shih tzus aren’t considered “senior” until they reach 11 years of age. So, if your shih tzu is 10 years (or older), you may wish to visit The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Senior Dog Foods page here .

According to VCA Hospitals , small breed dogs tend to live longer than large breeds. Shih tzus aren’t considered “senior” until they reach 11 year...

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

How much food does a Shih Tzu need?

The average Shih Tzu needs roughly 1 to 1.5 cups of food per day; however, this figure is influenced by many things. Your pet’s weight, activity level, type of food, age, and other unique situations all influence how much she eats.

How much food should I give my puppy?

If your dog is a puppy she will need about 1 ounce of food per pound of body weight. Puppies need to consume more because they are still growing and have a higher activity level. Adult dogs eat about ½ ounce of food per pound of body weight. Therefore, if your dog weighs 16 pounds, she will need roughly 8 ounces of food per day.

How much does a Shih Tzu weigh?

The average Shih Tzu weighs between 10 and 16 pounds, so you need to find out exactly where your dog lands in that range (or maybe she’s below or above it). There are a couple of ways to find out your dog’s weight. You can either take her to the vet and have her hop on the doggy scale, or you can do it yourself at home.

What to do if my dog is overweight?

You may want to discuss diet options with your vet and place your dog on a lower calorie food or a weight management product. Your vet can offer recommendations and help you adopt a plan that is best for you and your pup.

How many calories should a senior dog eat?

Adult dogs usually eat about 35 calories per pound of body weight, but a senior dog just needs about 30 calories.

Why do dogs eat different food?

If your dog has certain health issues, she may need to eat different food, or you may need to adjust how much she eats or when she eats. Your dog could have a food allergy that affects what she can eat, or perhaps she has reflux issues or other health conditions that would warrant an alteration in her diet.

How often should I feed my puppy?

An adult pup should eat twice a day, and a puppy should eat about 4 times a day until about 6 months old. To do this, simply divide the daily amount of food by the number ...