When it comes to our beloved Shih Tzus, understanding their dietary needs is crucial for their health and happiness. The question, “Shih Tzu What Do They Eat?” often plagues new and seasoned owners alike. This comprehensive guide dives into everything you need to know about feeding your Shih Tzu a balanced and nutritious diet, ensuring a long, vibrant life. We’ll cover the best types of food, portion sizes, and even what to avoid.
Understanding Your Shih Tzu’s Nutritional Needs
Shih Tzus are small dogs with a big personality. Despite their size, they have specific dietary requirements to thrive. A balanced diet for a Shih Tzu should primarily consist of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s crucial to choose foods formulated specifically for small breeds, as these typically have smaller kibble sizes and nutritional content appropriate for their metabolism.
Key Nutrients for Shih Tzus
- Protein: Essential for muscle development and repair. Look for high-quality sources like chicken, beef, or fish.
- Fats: Provide energy and support healthy skin and coat. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly beneficial.
- Carbohydrates: Offer a source of energy. Opt for complex carbs like brown rice, sweet potatoes, and oats.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Crucial for overall health, immune function, and bone strength.
- Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion.
Best Types of Food for Your Shih Tzu
Choosing the right food can be overwhelming, but here are the main categories to consider:
High-Quality Commercial Dog Food
This is often the most convenient and reliable option, as it’s formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs. When selecting a commercial food, pay close attention to the ingredient list and ensure the following criteria:
- First Ingredient: The first ingredient listed should be a named protein source (e.g., chicken, lamb, beef).
- Avoid Fillers: Steer clear of foods with excessive corn, soy, or wheat, as these offer little nutritional value.
- Specific to Small Breeds: Choose a formula designed for small breeds, as this will have appropriate kibble size and nutrient levels.
- Check for Certification: Look for statements from recognized veterinary organizations.
Home-Prepared Meals
Some owners prefer to cook for their Shih Tzus. This gives you complete control over ingredients, but it’s critical to ensure the meals are nutritionally balanced. It’s always best to consult with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to formulate a safe, balanced meal plan. Home-prepared meals might include cooked lean meats, veggies like carrots and green beans, and complex carbohydrates like cooked rice. Remember, what foods should you not feed to dogs? Certain foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions are toxic and must be avoided at all costs.
Raw Food Diets
Raw feeding is becoming more popular, but it’s not without its risks. Raw diets typically consist of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. It’s crucial to understand that this diet can be controversial and has associated risks, including bacterial contamination. If you consider this diet for your Shih Tzu, it is essential to do your research, talk to your vet, and be aware of the sanitation and handling requirements.
“Understanding your dog’s nutritional needs is the first step in ensuring they live a healthy and happy life,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned veterinary nutritionist. “It’s not just about what you feed them, but also about how much and when.”
Portion Sizes and Feeding Schedules
Feeding your Shih Tzu the right amount is just as important as the type of food you choose. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause a host of health issues. Underfeeding is equally problematic, resulting in nutrient deficiencies.
How Much Should You Feed Your Shih Tzu?
- Puppies: Shih Tzu puppies need frequent meals to support their rapid growth. They might need three to four small meals per day until around six months old. Check the feeding guide on the puppy food packaging for weight-based portion guidelines.
- Adults: Adult Shih Tzus usually do well with two meals a day. Consult the food packaging’s feeding guide, but adjust based on your dog’s activity level, metabolism, and body condition. Monitor their weight and adjust portions accordingly.
- Seniors: Senior dogs may require slightly smaller or more frequent meals, depending on their activity level and overall health. Older Shih Tzus might benefit from softer, easy-to-chew food.
Feeding Schedule
- Consistency: Feed your Shih Tzu at the same time each day to establish a routine.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Measure portions accurately and avoid giving extra food or treats outside of meal times.
- Fresh Water: Always provide your Shih Tzu with access to clean, fresh water.
What to Avoid Feeding Your Shih Tzu
Certain foods are toxic or harmful to dogs and should never be given to a Shih Tzu. It’s important to be aware of these to ensure your dog’s safety. Be sure to be informed of what can dogs eat and what can they not eat before offering any human food.
Toxic Foods
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate is particularly dangerous.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions and Garlic: Can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in some products, highly toxic and can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia.
- Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors.
- Alcohol: Can cause liver and brain damage, much like in humans, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
Other Foods to Limit
- Dairy: Many dogs are lactose intolerant and may experience digestive upset.
- Salty Foods: Can lead to dehydration and sodium toxicity.
- Fatty Foods: Can cause pancreatitis in some dogs.
“It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your dog’s diet,” adds Dr. Carter. “If you’re ever in doubt, always consult with your veterinarian before making dietary changes or introducing new foods.”
Transitioning to a New Food
If you need to switch your Shih Tzu’s food, do so gradually to avoid digestive upset. Follow these steps:
- Mix the Old and New: Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your dog’s current food.
- Increase New Food Slowly: Gradually increase the amount of new food and decrease the amount of old food over 7-10 days.
- Monitor Your Dog: Keep an eye out for any signs of digestive issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting.
- Consult Your Vet: If your dog is having trouble with the transition, talk to your vet for advice.
What should a 5 week old puppy be eating is quite different from what an adult Shih Tzu should eat, remember to adjust their diet as they grow and mature.
Addressing Common Feeding Problems
Sometimes, Shih Tzus can be picky eaters or develop some eating issues. Knowing how to address these problems is important.
Picky Eating
- Rule out medical issues: First, consult with your vet to make sure your dog’s lack of appetite is not due to illness.
- Establish a Routine: Stick to regular feeding times and do not offer food outside of scheduled meals.
- Avoid Giving Table Scraps: Table scraps can encourage picky eating behaviors.
- Try Different Food Options: Experiment with different flavors and textures of high-quality dog food, and if you’re noticing your pup is not interested in eating consider checking our guide on what to do when shih tzu is not eating.
Food Allergies
- Consult Your Vet: Your vet can perform allergy testing to identify any specific food sensitivities.
- Elimination Diet: Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to determine which ingredients are causing issues.
- Choose Limited Ingredient Food: Select dog foods with minimal ingredients to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shih Tzu Diets
1. Can Shih Tzus eat human food?
Yes, but only certain types, in moderation. Some human foods are toxic. Refer to what food not to feed your dog for a comprehensive list.
2. How often should I feed my Shih Tzu?
Adults are usually fed twice daily, while puppies may need three to four smaller meals.
3. Is grain-free food better for Shih Tzus?
Not necessarily. Unless your dog has a grain allergy, grains can be a good source of energy. The best food is one that provides balanced nutrition and that your individual dog thrives on.
4. Can I give my Shih Tzu treats?
Yes, but in moderation. Choose healthy treats and factor them into your dog’s daily calorie intake.
5. How do I know if my Shih Tzu is overweight?
If you can’t feel their ribs easily or if they have lost their waistline, then it’s possible they’re overweight. Consult your vet for an official diagnosis.
6. What do I do if my Shih Tzu refuses to eat?
Consider medical causes first, consult with your vet, then try different flavors and textures, and establish a routine.
7. Should I be giving my Shih Tzu supplements?
Most Shih Tzus can get all the nutrients they need from high-quality food. However, sometimes a vet may recommend adding supplements for specific health reasons. Always seek veterinarian advice before starting your dog on supplements.
Conclusion
Figuring out what your Shih Tzu should eat is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The information provided is a guideline; it’s essential to monitor your dog’s health, consult with your veterinarian, and adjust as needed. By choosing high-quality food, ensuring proper portion sizes, and being aware of what foods to avoid, you can help your Shih Tzu live a happy, healthy, and long life.