How Often Should I Feed My Shih Tzu Puppy
3 months old or younger These little cuties need constant access to food. Make sure a small amount of fresh food is always available.
You might even want to periodically put your puppy near the food to remind him. They are just babies after all and need a little help.
Shih Tzus can be prone to hyperglycemia when they are this little, so this regular feeding help keeps their blood sugar levels stable. If they spend too long without food, their blood sugar levels can drop.
3 to 12 months These puppies no longer need access to food at all times however, they still need to be feed 3 times per day.
Nutro: Hearty Stew Meaty Lamb Green Bean & Carrot Cuts In Gravy Grain
Serve your dog a premium meal with Nutro meaty lamb, green bean, and carrot stew! Your pooch with fall in love with youall over again, meal after meal. The protein levels in this recipe are higher than most wet dog food formulas. Aside from lamb, there is pork and poultry in the mix as well. Then you have enough fiber, vitamins, and minerals to balance out the equation. Overall, the formula is created with larger breeds in mind but it can also work as an occasional protein boost for medium and smaller dogs.
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Important To Know When Caring For A Shih Tzu
If you want to take excellent care of your dog, it is important to know the best options for the particular breed of dog that you have. Breed-specific advice is better than guidelines only about dogs in general.
In this case, you have an adorable Shih Tzu. This small breed definitely has some unique attributes that can affect the type of dog food you choose to feed them.
We will discuss some background information about your dogs common health conditions, as well as diving into the nutrition needed for them to keep healthy.
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Will Canned Cat Food Hurt My Dog
A little cat food now and then isnt great for your dog, but depending on the type of cat food, it shouldnt cause too much of a problem, either.
If your cat is on any sort of prescription canned food, such as brands that treat kidney disease or other health problems, take extra care not to let your dog have any of it.
This would be similar to letting one of your children take the prescription medicine of the other its not only unhealthy, but dangerous.
In most cases, dogs who eat a little bit of canned cat food can experience no symptoms at all, or may display symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, gas or vomiting.
Unless there are other health issues at play, its highly unlikely that a few bites of cat food will kill a dog.
If dogs are fed cat food consistently over time, even just a little bit every day, they are at risk of becoming obese or developing pancreatitis, which is potentially life-threatening.
One of the reasons why cat food isnt good for dogs is because canine and feline digestive systems are so different.
Cats are carnivores, and wet cat food is almost exclusively meat. Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores, and need more than just meat to have a balanced and healthy diet.
In fact, even if you have two of the same type of pet, such as two dogs, they may have different nutritional needs.
If dogs eat cat food regularly, their bodies cant process the overload of protein. Besides obesity, this can lead to serious liver and kidney problems.
The Pros And Cons Of Mixing Wet And Dry Dog Food
Dog food options abound when you walk into a pet store and while there are fresh, frozen, and even freeze-dried options, the most common types of food you will find are either dry kibbles or canned, wet dog foods.
Some dog owners will mix both kinds of food for various reasons. It is helpful to know the benefits of both kinds of food individually as well as whether mixing them negates these benefits so that you can provide the best diet for your dog.
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Should I Feed My Dog Wet Or Dry Food
Although your Shih Tzu may be a fussy little picky eater and want some fancy gravy-looking dinner, it may not be the best choice. Actually, wet food can cause diarrhea and runny stools.
Dry food, on the other hand, provides a crunchy, safe option that is good for their dental health. Dogs need to chew, it is pretty much how they brush their teeth.
So dry food helps keep your dogs 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
In short, yes your dog can eat some human foods.
Lets talk about Shih Tzus and eating bread to start with. Technically? Yes, they could eat it with no extreme side effects. Should they eat it though? Well, it isnt the healthiest choice.
Bread is essentially a source of carbs which provide a quite source of energy for the body. Yet, sometimes Shih Tzus dont exactly have active lifestyles or really need this kind of food.
In fact, weight gain is a problem for these dogs. They will also get sufficient carbs from their actual dog food. So a little bit occasionally might not hurt, but too often and they may put on weight.
Bread is also not overly nutritious for dogs so it is best to save their calorie intake for their dog food which contains the nutrients they need to thrive.
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There Are So Many Food Type Choices: Dry Canned And Semi
While feeding dogs does not need to be a mysterious process, it is easy to be overwhelmed with choices. It is logical to wonder which approach is best. Your veterinarian is the best source for a specific recommendation for a nutrient profile that best fits your dog’s needs. Beyond that, however, it is good to think about the advantages and disadvantages of the various formulations that are available.
What If Your Dog Will Only Eat Wet Dog Food
If your dog will only eat wet food then it has got used toeating it. if you want to change back then take it slowly. onenight feed him wet food then the next night feed him dry food if hedoesn’t eat then he will go to bed hungry but make sure he eats thenext day please. eventually increase the amount of dry food and heshould change. you can also try mixing wet food with dry food andevery night increase the amount of dry food in it.
Video answer: Nutrition 101: wet or dry food — which is better for my dog?
10 other answers
What to do? One tip is to feed your pup both dry and wet food to take advantage of the positive features of each option. Mixing one tablespoon of wet food into your dogs dry food will also help make the meal an important event between you and them, as it will not only satisfy their hunger, it will also satisfy their taste buds. Furthermore, the dry food will play its role, aiding nutrition, digestion and teeth cleaning, and the wet food will play an equally nutritious role …
There is a world of flavors and textures out there that your pup may want to experience. Maybe substituting your dry kibble for some wet dog food for a while will do the trick. If he does not like the next food, try again until he does. Once he does seem to like whats on the new menu, stick to it.
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Create A Plan To Take Care Of Your Pets Oral Health
To prevent tooth decay or food getting stuck in your pups teeth, ask your vet about brushing your dogs teeth with an enzymatic toothpaste. Dogs need to be sedated for dental cleanings. You dont want to put your dog under if you dont have to, so try to keep up with the cleanings to minimize the number of professional cleanings your pet will need.
Try Enhancing His Meal
Some dogs just dont like the taste or texture of dry food. If your dog is not eating his dry food, you may want to mix a small amount of wet food with his dry food to make it more palatable. If you do decide to add wet food to his regular meal, remember to scale back the amount of dry food to avoid over-feeding him. Other options include adding meal enhancements, which coat the dry kibble with a flavorful puree, or try creating your own personalized dry dog food blend.
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Dogs And Cats Have Different Nutritional Needs
Cats and dogs are both considered carnivores, but cats are defined as “obligate carnivores”. What this means is that they are true carnivores, and as such, cats survive better on eating a diet of mostly meat proteins, while dogs survive better by eating a balanced diets of meat proteins, grains and vegetables.
For this reason different standards have been provided for each group. According to AAFCO standards on dry foods, dogs require 18% protein for minimal maintenance. Cats on the other hand require a higher, 26% protein for minimal maintenance of good health.
That said, most manufactured dry cat foods actually contains 30% to 35% protein, which means that if your dog is frequently eating from the cat’s bowl instead of his own, he can potentially be consuming up to twice the amount of protein he needs. A high protein diet is not necessarily bad for your dog. Dogs can consume higher amounts of protein so long as they’re appropriate for them and of high quality. And what happens if your cat eats dog food? That’s not a good thing either.
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Purina: Pro Plan Savor Adult Classic Chicken & Rice Entree
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Liver, Meat By Products, Rice, Guar Gum
There is a reason this one is a classic favorite of thousands of dog owners out there. This recipe was formulated to provide your four-legged friend with a perfectly balanced diet while keeping it safe and healthy. It has a powerful punch of proteins from quality sources, plus you get beneficial ingredients such as carrageenan, a known immune system enhancer.
You get the right amount of carbs, fiber, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids with this one. Purina Pro Plan is great for dogs that fall sick often or lack the energy to stay active. It can also be great for dogs that are recovering from illness, and is even appropriate for senior dogs.
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Wet Dog Food Vs Dry Dog Food
I know there is a lot of high-quality kibble out there but wet food does have some advantages. They are easy to digest and contain ingredients closer to their natural form. Processing is often minimal and that is how they retain a higher amount of proteins and other nutrients. Additionally, it contains more moisture than dry food, helping to keep your dog hydrated.
It is a very good option for picky eaters.
One downside, however, is that it may not be as good for teeth and gums as kibble. Also, since dogs are naturally used to the crunchiness of bones, they enjoy a similar texture in kibbles. You can mix dry and wet dog food to give them a bit of both.
Why Is Nutrition Important For Shih Tzu Dogs
Shih Tzu dogs require a unique diet to account for their gorgeous, double coats and to counter known common health issues.
They have been known to have sensitive tummies at times and even, be a little fussy when it comes to their food. Perhaps their fine tastes come from their royal Chinese history?
So the obvious hurdle when feeding your Shih Tzu food, might simply be to make sure they want to eat it, and that it doesnt upset the stomach.
Your Shih Tzu will surely tell you if the food isnt up to their standards.
However, perhaps more important is ensuring what you feed them going to nurture your dogs health.
Your dog or puppy needs a diet that includes the right balance of vitamins, essential fatty acids, minerals, and quality lean proteins to maintain coat and skin health, energy levels, immune systems, and weight management.
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Wet Food Can Be More Filling
When your dog needs to shed a few pounds, some turn to wet diets as a solution. Because canned food has a much higher water weight than kibble, canned occupies more space in the bowl , and can provide an easy way to scale back on calories. Wet food also provides more moisture which helps with ease of digestion. Pay attention to serving size for your dogs weight to make sure theyre getting enough. For more tips and insights on your pudgy pet, read Help your pet lose weight the smart way.
Digestive Upset Or Obstruction
Puppies are notorious for eating things they shouldnt, and unfortunately, many puppy owners intentionally give their dogs snacks and treats that they shouldnt. Some snacks and treats, whether stolen by your puppy or given freely by you, can cause digestive upset as well as obesity and begging later in life. They may even cause your puppy to reject the healthier and balanced dog foods they should be eating!
You can greatly decrease the chance of your pup sneaking their own treats by puppy-proofing your home and teaching them not to counter surf. And even if neither of you is doing anything naughty, some puppy foods can just be too rich for some dogs, and every puppy will handle certain foods differently.
If your pup is having diarrhea for more than 12 hours, they are at risk for dehydration. The risk for dehydration increases if your puppy is also vomiting.
It is time to seek medical attention if:
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Organ Disease Or Dysfunction
Puppies can suffer from problems in their liver, kidneys, endocrine/hormonal system, and pretty much any other organ or part of their body. It can be the result of problems they were born with , an infection, toxic injury, or something else theyve picked up.
For example, puppies with liver shunts will have stunted growth, poor muscle development, abnormal behavior such as head pressing, seizures, circling, etc. They may also have vomiting, diarrhea, or abnormal appetites.
Acute kidney failure due to a toxin or infection can cause decreased appetite, abnormal urination, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, etc.
How Is Wet Dog Food Processed
Wet food starts with grinding the protein sources, or meat ingredients. Then a gravy that contains vitamins, minerals, and grains is added. Once those are mixed, the food is cooked and sterilized to produce the canned product.
As a result, wet food has a much higher moisture content than dry food. You can see the percentage of maximum moisture on the label, under the Guaranteed Analysis section. A dry food might have around 10% moisture while a wet food might have something like 78% moisture .
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How To Feed Wet Food
When introducing wet food into your dogs diet, start slow! Your pup’s digestive system is much shorter than that of a human’s, so they have less time to recognize, breakdown, and absorb nutrients. When introducing any new food, slow and steady is the mentality to keep in mind.
Start with adding it to the food they are already eating. Depending on your dogs size you can start with a teaspoon or a few tablespoons and increase the amount from there. Make sure to take kibble out of the bowl when you are putting wet food in! You can save open cans of wet food in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to cover it with a lid to keep it fresh!
Remember to rotate your wet foods! Try out different brands, proteins, and textures. Keeping things interesting for mealtime keeps our pets interested in coming back to the bowl. Different proteins provide different vitamins and amino acids which are essential for making sure our pets have a complete and balanced diet.
Making The Right Choice
There is no single right or wrong way to feed your dog. What matters most is that the food you choose is as healthy as possible and is a good match with your feeding philosophy.
If you feed your dog only canned dog food, give them opportunities to crunch on snacks that can help clean their teeth and satisfy their need for a good chew. Likewise, dogs that are fed dry food may occasionally enjoy a delectably meaty treat. Balancing out the crunchy with the yummy is just one more way you can provide the best possible care for your dog.
To help find the right foods for your dog, check out our Food-Finder Tool. With so many nutritious and delicious choices, your dog will have a hard time deciding which is their favorite.
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