
How Much Should A Shih Tzu Eat A Day? An Overview
Age | Feeding Amount | Total Calories per Day | Ideal Weight |
0 – 1 Years (Puppy) | 1.0oz – 2.0oz per day | 40 – 55 per pound of body weight | 2lb – 16lb |
1 – 9 Years (Adult) | 2.0-oz – 3.4oz per day | 80 – 140 per pound of body weight | 9lb – 16lb |
9+ Years (Senior) | 2.0-oz – 3.4oz per day | 80 – 140 per pound of body weight | 9lb – 16lb |
Full Answer
What is the best diet for a Shih Tzu?
What Are The Best Dog Foods For Shih Tzus?
- Ollie Fresh Pet Food Delivery. Ollie dog food is a delicious option that is comprised of human-grade ingredients. ...
- Taste of the Wild Prairie Formula. Includes tasty buffalo and bison ingredients that deliver great protein content for your Shih Tzu, an important aspect of your dog’s diet that ...
- American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe. ...
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
How to make homemade dog food for Shih Tzu?
on Shih-Tzu Dog Food. My homemade dog food recipe is: 75% steamed meat (daily alternating chicken, turkey, beef, pork) with 25% steamed vegetables (only safe for dogs veggies used) & a little oatmeal to soak up the meat juices; this goes into the food processor when cooled a little, refrigerate some & freeze the rest.
What can Shih Tzu eat and not eat?
What Human Food Can Shih Tzus Eat?
- Vegetables for Shih Tzu Dogs & Puppies. Carrots are a great healthy treat for Shih Tzus. ...
- Meat for Shih Tzu Puppies & Dogs. Tuna is ideal meat for Shih Tzus. ...
- Fruits for Shih Tzus. ...
- Other Humans Food for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs. ...

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 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.
How much should I feed my puppy Shih Tzu?
How Much Do You Feed a Shih Tzu?AgeFeeding AmountIdeal Weight0 – 1 Years (Puppy)1.0oz – 2.0oz per day2lb – 16lb1 – 9 Years (Adult)2.0-oz – 3.4oz per day9lb – 16lb9+ Years (Senior)2.0-oz – 3.4oz per day9lb – 16lb
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...•
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.
Can Shih Tzu eat egg?
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 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...
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.
What can Shih Tzu eat 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.
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 Shih Tzu eat fruit?
There are many foods that people can eat that can be very toxic to dogs. 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.
Can Shih Tzus eat wet food?
The canned food from Blue Buffalo is a delicious treat your Shih Tzu will love. It's a homestyle recipe filled with identifiable ingredients. The main protein source is chicken. You can even see large chicken chunks in the food itself.
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….
What is the best food for a Shih Tzu puppy?
Of course, you need to ensure you have the right ingredients to ensure they get a good balance of everything they need! Here is a list of some of the best puppy food for Shih Tzus to sink their teeth into! Chicken & Sweet Potatoes.
Why is it bad for a Shih Tzu to eat pupper?
As they are so small with a rapid metabolism, their food needs to be of the highest quality. Feeding your pupper poor-quality food can lead to a wide array of issues, including undesirable weight gain, stunted development, and malnutrition. If it contains artificial ingredients, it’s a Shih Tzu food to avoid!
Why is Shih Tzu sensitive?
Sudden changes to their diet can be quite a shock to their system and they have been found to be at an increased risk of experiencing food allergies. Therefore, it’s important that you keep a close eye on them, especially if you are in the process of trying out a new diet.
Why is my Shih Tzu low in blood sugar?
This is where the dog experiences a dangerously low drop in blood sugar. In the Shih Tzu, this can be caused by a missed meal, but health conditions such as diabetes may also be a potential cause.
What does it mean when a Shih Tzu is twitching?
If you notice that your Shih Tzu is experiencing a wobbly gait, lethargy or restlessness, muscle twitching, or seizures, it’s possible that they may be experiencing hypoglycemia. In this situation, you should try to feed your Shih Tzu a meal and see if their symptoms improve.
How do you know if your Shih Tzu is overweight?
If you’re worried that you may have been overfeeding your Shih Tzu, there’s a tell-tale sign that they may be overweight. Try examining their abdomen. It should tuck in towards their body. If your Shih Tzu has a bit of a belly instead, they are likely overweight.
Do Shih Tzu puppies need to eat?
A puppy always requires their diet to be 100% spot-on. After all, this is the stage of their development where they are rapidly growing each day. Puppyhood is a particularly crucial time for the Shih Tzu. As they are so small with a rapid metabolism, their food needs to be of the highest quality.
How often should I feed my Shih Tzu?
Feed your Shih Tzu 3 times a day (puppies under 5 months, 4 to 5 times a day. But always check with your veterinarian). Meal prep weekly or monthly. Measure and control portion sizes depending on your dog’s calorie needs. Keep meals frozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about 5 days.
What is Shih Tzu food made of?
This ensures your Shih-Tzu gets the most out of it. Everything is made from real, human-grade, all-natural ingredients (meats, veggies, grains, etc.) Meals are pre-made and pre-portioned to your dog’s calorie needs based on the profile you create. They comply with AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines.
How many calories should a Shih Tzu eat a day?
A full-grown Shih Tzu can weigh between 9-16 pounds, according to the AKC. So, most Shih Tzu would need to eat between 320 and 500 calories a day based on their weight. If you are giving treats, follow the 10% rule where food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats 10%.
Why do Shih Tzus have liver problems?
Shih Tzus are also more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (liver shunt) 2. Dogs with liver shunt deprive the liver of the blood flow and increase bile acid concentrations in the blood because the liver does not get a chance to remove and store these chemicals after reabsorbed 3.
How to identify food allergies in Shih Tzu?
The best way to identify food allergens is to perform At Home Dog Allergy Test. This test will identify which foods your Shih Tzu is allergic to so you can avoid them in their next meal. Feeding only fresh, wholesome, healthy food is easier to digest than store-bought kibble due to its unprocessed nature.
Why is it important to monitor Shih Tzu reactions?
They are at an increased risk of experiencing food allergies. Therefore, it’s important to monitor your Shih Tzu’s reaction to homemade meals. If you notice symptoms such as lack of energy, skin or coat disorders, malnutrition, or obesity, you will need to immediately revise your dog’s and contact your vet.
How many calories should I feed my dog?
Usually, adult dogs eat two meals per day, so split 406 calories into two meals of 203 calories each.
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.
