The Shih Tzu, known for its unpredictable eating behavior, poses a challenge for owners to determine what it can consume. This breed, unlike many small breeds, doesn’t consume large quantities of food. Some Shih Tzu can be picky eaters, while others are more open-hearted. Maintaining the dog’s health and longevity requires quality meals.
Historically, dogs were fed leftovers, but the importance of a balanced diet is now recognized for both dogs and humans. Shih Tzu dog food was developed to address the challenge of creating a balanced diet. Using Shih Tzu-specific dog food is crucial for its practical and cost-effective nutritional balance.
Due to Shih Tzus’ susceptibility to obesity, a diet with excessive carbohydrates is discouraged. Like other dogs, Shih Tzus need a good amount of protein for healthy growth. Lean protein sources for Shih Tzus include chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish. Fish, being a source of healthy proteins and fats, is crucial in their diet. Healthy carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, oats, rice, and barley can be included, along with vegetables for minerals and vitamins.
Approved foods for Shih Tzus include rice (without seasoning), non-acidic fruits like melon, papaya, watermelon, blueberry, and banana, as well as vegetables such as potatoes and carrots. Meats, like skinless and boneless chicken, fish fillets, pork, turkey, and lamb (cooked without seasoning), are also suitable. Care should be taken to choose lean cuts to avoid excessive fat intake.
Shih Tzus should avoid certain foods, with chocolate topping the list as it can be highly toxic. Other prohibited foods include coffee, sugar, onions, macadamia nuts, raw eggs, raisins, and avocados. Maintaining moderation is essential, even for approved foods, to prevent obesity when providing a complete diet with dog food.
Feeding frequency is crucial, with Shih Tzus prone to obesity. For the first six months, they should be fed four times a day, reducing to two meals a day afterward. The quantity depends on factors like age, activity level, metabolism, and physical condition. Shih Tzu puppies should consume an ounce of food per kilogram of body weight, while adults require half a cup per kilogram.
Selecting the right dog food is critical, with popular, standard, premium, and super-premium categories available. Each type differs in quality and completeness, catering to various needs. Ensuring the Shih Tzu’s health requires a balanced and complete diet, and any refusal to eat or unusual eating behavior should prompt a visit to the vet.