Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Adult
Image courtesy Wellness
The Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Adult formula is designed specifically for small breeds like Shih Tzu. This food contains high-quality proteins and fats to help your dog maintain a healthy weight, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Wellness also offers a variety of other recipes that are tailored for specific needs, such as their grain-free formula.
Shih Tzu Dog Food Choices: Should You Give Your Shih Tzu Dry Kibbles Wet Food Raw Diet Or Homemade
There are so many different options of pet food on the market. Some owners even resort to homemade meals. Dry food remains the most popular option as it is convenient.
Kibble size should suit their small frame because large kibbles pose a choking hazard for little dogs. It can also cause indigestion.
Wet food might be more appealing to fussy eaters, but it doesnt have the same oral benefits that kibble provides.
Since Shih Tzus can be rather picky eaters, certain owners have no choice but to feed them wet or raw food. However, it should be mixed with some dry kibble to prevent tooth decay.
Do Your Portion Research
You will need to do some research on how many calories your dog needs per day based on your dog’s activity level and your dog’s weight. There are so many factors to consider that will vary due to the breed, size, age, and activity of your pet. My dog needs about 400 calories a day and is a small dog weighing just 11 pounds.
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A General Guideline For Preparing Homemade Dog Food
My DIY dog food recipe is more of a general guideline, rather than an exact meal plan that I follow each week. My dogs diet changes the same way ours does, depending on what we do and what we buy or grow.
However, we almost always stay with this basic formula:
- 50 percent cooked protein
- 25 percent cooked complex carbohydrates
- Fats and supplements
Protein is always meat and usually chicken, though weve also used turkey, pork, and beef. We feed any and all parts of the animals, but most commonly, we saute chicken breasts or chicken thighs in coconut oil and ground turmeric.
Coconut oil has a host of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, reducing allergic reactions, promoting wound healing, preventing yeast and fungal infections, and supporting arthritis or ligament problems.
Turmeric has long been studied for its powerful medicinal properties, including its use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
We add it to the coconut oil since it is fat-soluble, and use it to support our pugs joint health.
Speaking of dark meat, we feed thighs and breasts interchangeably. While well remove the skin from poultry and trim off excessive fat from red meat, we dont worry about buying the leanest meat possible for our dogs.
A little fat is necessary for a well-rounded diet.
They tend to be the leftovers in our produce bin, so we never have to buy, say, a whole head of cauliflower just for the dogs.
Taste Of The Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Recipe
Image courtesy Taste of the Wild
The Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Recipe is perfect for Shih Tzu adults. This food is made with high-quality proteins and fats to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
In addition to chicken, this food also contains a variety of other ingredients like fruits and vegetables. Taste of the Wild also offers a variety of other recipes that are tailored for specific needs, such as their grain-free formula.
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Feed Small Meals Often
The other viable option to increase his calories is by feeding him smaller quantities but more often throughout the day. Do this by adding in one or two extra meals per day and keeping the overall daily intake the same. This is a good strategy to help a small or toy breed puppy gain weight.
When adding more meals in the day, make sure you feed a little bit less than the usual serving amount. If he is generally fed twice a day, make it three times. By doing this, it is not mandatory that you change his diet, just the number of feedings.
In some cases, feeding large quantities to a puppy is not ideal. Due to the abrupt change in his caloric intake, some dogs may outright reject the extra quantity that they are not accustomed to eating in one meal. You should also avoid making him too full as this can make a puppy feel sick and may vomit.
Shih Tzu Nutritional Guidelines To Follow
What are the nutritional requirements for Shih Tzu?
When cooking for your dog, you need to consider your dogs health conditions, activity level, size, weight, and the six essential nutrients recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials .
AFFCO is the entity regulating dog food nutritional value in commercial dog food.
| Nutrient | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs | Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. |
| Carbohydrates | Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat | |
| Fat | From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others | Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues |
| Minerals | Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. | Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production. |
| Water | Water | Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day. |
| Vitamins | A, B, C, D, E, and K | Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function. |
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How Much Should Shih Tzu Eat
There isnt really one simple answer for this.
First off, it is often easiest to check the feeding guidelines on the label of the dog food you have purchased. Make sure it is the current amount for the age and weight of your dog.
Remember, an overweight dog is not healthy so keep an eye that their weight stays in a healthy range.
Shih Tzu Weight And Diet
On average, Shih Tzu are in the range of 9-16 pounds. Of course, a healthy weight for your dog will depend on his stature. You may be able to weigh your dog on your bathroom scale.
But its also a good idea to have him weighed when you take him for his regular vet checkup. This can help ensure that your vet keeps an eye on any potential weight-related health problems.
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What Makes Dog Food Good For Shih Tzus
The best dog food is one that suits your Shih Tzus needs, weight, age, metabolism, and health. Now, just because it works for your Little Lion doesnt mean itll suit all Shih Tzus.
Its important to look at your dog when evaluating dog food. The quality of their coat, to the color and consistency of their waste, can give you an idea of whether the dog food agrees with them.
What do you think is the best dog food for Shih Tzus? Let us know in the comments below.
What Nutrition Is Important For Shih Tzu Dogs
Fats, specifically essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 oils, are very important for your dogs health. These oils and fatty acids help give your pet healthy skin and coat. Some sources include canola oil and salmon oil.
Omega 3 is also important in brain development for puppies.
Puppies need special puppy food which is made to account for these extra needs. As long as you know it is a quality food source of puppy food, good fats should already be in there.
- Calcium magnesium, phosphorous
These are good for healthy, strong bones and teeth. These little dogs can experience dental issues so minerals to support bone health is vital.
Protein is the building block of pretty much everything in the body. This includes muscles, nails, and overall body functions like that of the immune system. Shih Tzus need a diet high in quality protein such as chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or fish.
The best puppy food should have a good serving of protein as they are growing and developing a lot in the puppy stage!
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How To Choose Food For Your Shih Tzu
After finding a food that meets your Shih Tzus dietary needs, its also important to look at a few other specific needs your furry friend may have.
Your Shih Tzus Age
While your Shih Tzu is growing, they will need more fat and protein. After weaning, a puppy will need around 23% of crude protein daily. This will slowly decrease over time, as they reach adulthood and their senior years.
Once they reach adulthood, their diet should consist of a balance of carbs, fat, and protein that supports adults.
Theyll need around 21% crude protein, 8% crude fat, and 4% crude fiber, with carbohydrates being limited to 20% or less of their food source .
And, when theyre a senior, they may need more moisture, so wet food may be a better option. Senior dogs are more prone to dehydration, due to their bodies not functioning as well as they did when they were puppies. Providing water is a necessity, and wet food can help them with their water consumption.
Kibble Size
Because of their small size, Shih Tzu can choke on larger pieces of kibble. A large size could also cause tracheal collapse, although thats the worst case scenario.
However, its still better to be safe. Choose a food that has smaller, bite sized pieces that your Shih Tzu can enjoy.
Caloric Needs
As an adult, a Shih tzu will need about 35 calories of food per pound of weight they have.
Daily Calorie Requirements
The average Shih Tzu weighs 10-12 pounds and requires 350-420 calories per day.
Shih Tzu Homemade Dog Food Risks
DIY homemade dog food for Shih Tzu isnt that simple. You need to be mindful of some of the risks involved.
- Not understanding the nutritional needs of Shih Tzu
- Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
- Not preparing a balanced meal
- Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
- Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
- Neglecting your dogs health conditions
- Not understanding your dogs life stages nutritional needs
Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary, and two studies published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lackkey essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.
Here are the findings:
- 48% of homemade dog diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities
- 71.3 % of dog owners did know how much food to serve per meal
- 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe
- 40% of owners didnt measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough
- 28.3% didnt use any of the recommended vitamins, minerals, or amino acids.
- 97% of obesity cases in dogs could be traced to how owners fed and played with their pets.
Its vital to understand that dogs nutritional requirements are unique. We recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist who can address your Shih Tzus dietary requirements and help you make nutritionally balanced recipes or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.
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Can My Dog Eat Faq
So many readers are asking if these vegetables for dogs safe? So let’s go through some of the most asked questions.
Can dogs eat bell peppers?
Yes. Bell peppers are loaded with essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants beneficial to a dogs health. Rich in vitamins A, E, B6, and lutein and are great sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Red bell peppers actually start out green and mature to red. They pack the most nutrition because they’ve been on the vine longest.
Can dogs eat potatoes?
Yes. Cooked potatoes in moderation are fine. Boil, steamed, or baked without seasoning are fine. They contain a number of nutrients including vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium. Raw potatoes should never be fed to your dog. Like other vegetables belonging to the nightshade family , raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that can be toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat broccoli?
Yes. Broccoli is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, Broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Furthermore, broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus. Chop up the broccoli for your pet.
Sassy girl, is happy. Okay, she didn’t like the spinach and pulled it out! But loves the rice and beef.
The trick I learned was to chop it finer than seen here and she gobbled it all…
Fresh Diy Dog Food Tips
Dog owners do get really concerned about feeding their dogs human food and scraps. I just had a really long chat with Sassy’s vet at her annual health check-up. Each dog is totally unique. Some have food sensitivities, easily get upset tummies and some have digestive issues, so regular commercial food is best for those dogs.
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Royal Canin Shih Tzu Dog Food Review: Pros Cons Recalls
This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world’s species..
Royal Canin Shih Tzu dog food is one of the few foods designed specifically for Shih Tzus. It includes nutrients that these dogs need to stay healthy, and it is specifically designed to work with their smaller mouths.
Royal Canin Shih Tzu dog food contains specialized nutrition for these smaller dogs. In this article, well take a look at exactly what this dog food contains and why it may be a good choice for your Shih Tzu. Well take a look at each ingredient, as well as other specifications.
- Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus
- Kibble shape designed specifically for a Shih Tzus short muzzle and underbite
- Maintain your Shih Tzus long coat with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin
- Contains highly digestible proteins
Commonly Asked Questions And Food
My Shih Tzu barely eats, what should I do?Here are a couple of tips to remove the worry:1.feeding your Shih Tzu the best food possible2.3.4.My Shih Tzu is picky about his food, I can’t find one he likes. The same 4 tips above will help in most cases.Additionally,1.2.3.
- When supplements are & are not needed – and which type are important
- Odd eating habits
- Begging for food… and other quirky behaviors. These topics and so much more are included in AllShihTzu’s GIANT Book of Shih Tzu Care. Available in both paperback or ebook.
Related:
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Mix And Portion Homemade Food For Dogs
The best way to store fresh food for your doggie is to use freezer bags. I have a small dog, so using this recipe I calculated the calories she needs per day. Measure a few day supply based on your dogs caloric needs. And portion it into a 5 day supply, so it is food safe after it defrosts.
Simply pull out a frozen bag of new food and let it defrost in the fridge every 5 days. I give her of the baggie daily. The bags compress flat in the freezer or you can place them in an airtight container. Store in an airtight container or larger zip-top bag in the freezer.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Its critically important to avoid overfeeding any dog, big or small. Being even a little overweight can increase your Shih Tzus odds of developing a host of diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer. A fresh-food plan tailored to your dogs needs, and delivered in pre-portioned packs, makes weight maintenance easy.
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Unlock The Best Nutrition For Your Shih Tzu: The Ultimate Guide To The Best Food For Your Furry Friend
This post may contain affiliate links. Read privacy & disclosure policy for info
Are you looking for the best food for your Shih Tzu? You’re not alone! As a Shih Tzu parent, you want to ensure your pup gets the best nutrition possible.
With the right food, you can ensure your fur-baby stays happy and healthy for many years.
This article will cover everything you need to know about the best food for your Shih Tzu, including nutritional requirements, benefits, and more.
So, keep reading to unlock the best nutrition for your Shih Tzu!
Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult dry dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 10 months and older< br> < br> As a result of increased demand, you may experience difficulty purchasing certain products in the coming months. If you need an alternative diet recommendation or help locating a product, please contact our Nutritional Advisors at 800-592-6687 or via < a href=”https://www.royalcanin.com/us/contact-us”> Live Chat< /a>
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