- 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. ...
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 is the best food to feed a Shih Tzu?
The Best Dog Foods For Shih TzusNutro Small Breed Adult Farm-Raised Chicken Dog Food. ... Blue Buffalo Freedom Small Breed Dog Food For Puppies. ... Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Dog Food. ... Nom Nom Turkey Fare. ... Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dog Food. ... Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Dog Food.More items...
What human food 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...•
What should a Shih Tzu eat in a day?
A good equation to determine how much to feed your specific Shih Tzu is 35 times each pound of body weight equals the total number of daily calories. For example, a 9-pound Shih Tzu would need to consume 315 calories a day: 9 X 35 = 315. Older dogs and puppies need to consume about 30 calories per pound of body weight.
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...
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 Tzus eat chicken?
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.
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.
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.
How many times a day should a Shih Tzu 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.
Is banana good for Shih Tzu?
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 meat is best for Shih Tzu?
Use human-quality beef, lamb, chicken, or oily fish such as salmon, minced or finely chopped, and avoid feeding more than 5 percent organ meats, as these are rich in saturated fats.
Is Tuna good for dogs?
Can dogs eat tuna? The answer is no. You shouldn't feed your canine companion the saltwater fish because it could lead to a number of different health problems.
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.
Can Shih Tzu eat eggs?
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.
Can Shih Tzu eat bread?
The short answer to the question “can dogs eat bread?” is yes. Dogs can safely eat bread in much the same way as humans—in moderation. Plain white and wheat bread is generally safe for dogs to eat, provided they don't have any allergies, and it usually does not cause any stomach upset.
Can Shih Tzu eat chicken nuggets?
Can dogs eat nuggets? Whilst dogs can eat chicken nuggets, most of the meat used by fast food outlets will be processed, offering less nutritional value than standard chicken. Chicken nuggets are also fried in a batter, so this should be removed before feeding nuggets to your dog.
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?
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 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 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.
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.
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.
What Human Food Can Shih Tzus Eat?
There is a lot of food that Shih Tzus can eat, but when we are talking mainly about can Shih Tzus eat human food, there are only a few then. Here are some of the healthy human foods Shih Tzus can eat. Undoubtedly, your pet will feel happy about these foods and will be able to enjoy them.
How Much to Feed a Shih Tzu Puppy?
In the Shih Tzu feeding guide, you need to make sure they eat in small portions.
Health Issues in Shih Tzus Caused By Diets
There are some health issues that Shih Tzus experience. The reasons for their problem can be anything, but you need to keep an eye on them to catch the disease at a timely date.
Conclusion
What human food can Shih Tzu’s eat? You should only give your dog human food if that food is healthy for them. What are the healthy human foods that Shih Tzu’s can have: Broccoli, carrot, rice, popcorn, meat, chicken, eggs, apples.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Food Type
There will always be debate regarding whether dry food or wet food is best for your dog, while raw food has also entered the conversation. Each of these types of food has its advantages, as well as its disadvantages.
Grain-Free vs Grain-Inclusive
Whatever type of food you choose, every recipe has different ingredients. Some are grain-free while some are grain-inclusive. Some dogs are sensitive to grains and eating them can cause sickness, diarrhea, and other digestive upset.
Life Stage
Shih Tzus, like all dog breeds, have different nutritional requirements according to their age or stage of life. For example, senior dogs need more protein but fewer calories than adult dogs.
Primary Ingredients
Always check the primary ingredients of dog food before feeding it to your little companion. Ingredients are listed in order, by weight, of unprocessed contents. This means that the ingredients at the top of the list are the most important.
Kibble Size
One important factor when buying food for a small breed like the Shih Tzu is the size of the food. The Shih Tzu is a very small breed and has a small mouth and small teeth. Large adult kibble is not suitable for these little ones and their kibble needs to be smaller so that it is easier to chew and digest.
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.
