Shih Tzu is a small dog with quite unpredictable eating behaviour. Compared to other toy breeds, this breed eats a large amount of food. Some Shih Tzu dogs are fussy eaters, while others can eat with an open heart. It is very important to feed your dog quality meals to ensure that it stays in shape and lives a long and healthy life. The present article discusses more about how to feed a Shih Tzu:

How Much Food is Sufficient For a Shih Tzu?

The amount of food which should be given to a Shih Tzu depends on his age, activity level, metabolism and build. Recommended daily amount for a Shih Tzu is 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food. There is also a difference in calories in various foods that you feed to your dog. 

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Generally, a puppy should be given an ounce of food per pound of its body weight, while an adult Shih Tzu should be given ½ ounce of food per pound of body weight. The reason is very obvious that puppies have a higher activity level and do need more calories for growing.

It is important to weigh your dog. A healthy and normal Shih Tzu dog weighs anywhere between 10 and 16 pounds. You can take your dog to a vet to weigh it. 35 calories per pound of body weight is sufficient for an average adult Shih Tzu dog, while 30 calories per pound of body weight is sufficient for senior dogs.

How Often Should a Shih Tzu Be Fed?

It is very important to keep a check on how much and how often you are feeding your dog, as these dogs are prone to obesity. Do not provide access to food to your dog all day to make sure that your dog doesn’t get obese. To be specific on the frequency of meals, a Shih Tzu should be fed four times a day for the first six months. After six months, two meals per day will work best.

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Ingredients to Look For in a Quality Shih Tzu Diet: 

Since these dogs are more likely to get obese than other dogs, too much carbohydrate in their diet is not suggested. Like all other dogs, these dogs also require a good amount of protein for healthy growth. Chicken meal, chicken, turkey, and eggs are the major sources of lean protein for a Tzu. Fish is also an important constituent of a healthy meal for these dogs, as it is also a good source of protein and healthy fats. 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 requirements of minerals and vitamins.

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What are Some of the Best Foods For Shih Tzu?

Here are 10 foods that are ideal for Shih Tzus to eat.

1) Chicken

Chicken is an excellent food for Shih Tzu, since it helps build lean muscles in them and also supports body tissues. It would be best if you could serve the chicken in a cooked and boneless form, without any added seasoning or oil.

2) Salmon

Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which encourage healthy skin, reduce inflammation and keep your Shih Tzu’s coat soft and shiny. Remember to cook the Salmon fish thoroughly and remove any bones before serving.

3) Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are loaded with Vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. These foods also offer a consistent dose of energy for active playtime. 

4) Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help counter cell damage,  support brain functioning, and improve overall immunity. They also serve as a healthy, low-calorie treat.

5) Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of Beta-Carotene, which gets converted into Vitamin A and supports excellent eye vision and health.  Their crunchy texture also keeps the Shih Tzu’s teeth clean and natural.

6) Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a highly nutritious vegetable that helps regulate bowel movements. It’s high in fibre and also consists of essential nutrients like potassium, iron, and vitamin C. Perfect for boosting the health of your Shih Tzu.

7) Brown Rice

An easily digestible grain, Brown Rice is an excellent source of carbohydrate that offers sustained energy. It is also soft and gentle on Shih Tzus, which have sensitive stomachs. 

8) Boiled Eggs

Eggs are loaded with protein, iron and bitcoin, all of which support healthy skin, shiny coat and muscle development. You can serve boiled eggs in both cooked and plain form.

9) Plain Yoghurt

A natural prebiotic, plain yoghurt supports digestion and promotes a healthy gut flora. It’s ideal to choose a low-fat, unsweetened yoghurt without artificial additives.

10) Green Beans

Green Beans are excellent vegetables for Shih Tzus, as these foods are low in calories and rich in fibre. They also consist of Vitamin A, C, and K, which bolsters their overall health and well-being.

Foods Which You Should Avoid Feeding Shih Tzus

Below are some of the foods that are toxic for Shih Tzus, and hence, you should avoid feeding them.

1) Chocolate

Chocolate consists of theobromine, which is a highly toxic ingredient for dogs. Even a small piece can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat and seizures, etc. 

2) Grapes and Raisins

Although Grapes and Raisins are harmless fruits for humans, they can cause kidney failure in dogs. So never feed your dogs these foods, even in baked form.

3) Onions and Garlic

Both of these foods consist of elements that can damage your Shih Tzu’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Irrespective of whether the onions and Garlic are raw, cooked or powdered, they are all harmful for the dogs.

4) Avocado

Avocados consist of Persin, an element that causes stomach upset in dogs. It also poses a significant choking hazard in dogs, especially in a small breed like the Shih Tzu.

5) Alcohol

Even small amounts of Alcohol can be extremely dangerous for Shih Tzus. It can trouble the central nervous system and result in serious complications. 

6) Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that results in restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors and even death in severe cases.

7) Artificial Sweetener

Found in sugar-free gum, candy, and peanut butter, artificial sweeteners can cause a rapid insulin spike, leading to low blood sugar levels, seizure or even liver failure.

8) Cooked Bones

Cooked bones can splinter easily, causing internal injuries or choking. You can, instead, feed them a good dog treat or a rawhide bone, under strict supervision. 

9) Yeast

Unbaked yeast dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing severe bloating and even life-threatening gastric problems.

10) High-Fat or Fried Foods

These foods can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting and lethargy.

The Final Word:

You have just seen the feeding guide for Shih Tzu dogs. Having the right diet plan for Shih Tzus will tremendously help you to feed the most nutritious food for the dogs. 

Also, it is important to use to right bowl and other feeding accessories to make sure that there are no issues related to digestion. If your dog is refusing to eat or is showing unusual feeding behaviour, he should be taken to the vet.