Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog with a somewhat unpredictable eating behavior, so it’s important to know what Shih Tzu can eat.
Compared to many other small breeds, Shih Tzus don’t consume a large amount of food. Some Shih Tzus are picky eaters, while others may eat with gusto. It’s crucial to feed your dog quality meals to ensure they stay fit and have a long, healthy life.
In the past, dogs’ diets mainly consisted of leftovers, and as our grandparents used to say, “they never did any harm.” However, we now know that just like for humans, a balanced diet is crucial for a dog’s good development and overall health.
Shih Tzu-specific dog foods were developed precisely because it’s challenging to create a balanced diet for dogs. It’s essential to always use Shih Tzu-specific dog food because it’s designed with many positives: it facilitates nutritional balance in a practical and cost-effective way.
Since these dogs are more prone to obesity than others, a diet high in carbohydrates is not recommended. Like all other dogs, Shih Tzus also need a good amount of protein for healthy growth. Chicken meal, chicken, turkey, and eggs are the main sources of lean protein for a Shih Tzu.
Fish is also an important component of a healthy meal for these dogs, as it provides both protein and healthy fats.
Sweet potatoes, oats, rice, and barley can be healthy sources of the carbohydrates needed by Shih Tzus. Vegetables can be given to meet mineral and vitamin requirements.
The foods that Shih Tzus can eat include rice (always without seasoning), non-acidic fruits like cantaloupe, papaya, watermelon, blueberries, and bananas, as well as vegetables like potatoes and carrots.
Finally, meats (always cooked and without seasoning) like skinless and boneless chicken, fish fillets, pork, turkey, and lamb. It’s important to choose lean meat parts when including these components in a dog’s diet.
The foods that Shih Tzus cannot eat include the biggest villain to a dog’s health, chocolate. This sweet treat that humans consume so much of is highly toxic when given as food to Shih Tzus and can cause liver damage. Other foods to avoid include coffee, sugar, onions, macadamia nuts, raw eggs, raisins, and avocado.
Remember that even foods that Shih Tzus can eat should be given in moderation. Feeding dogs excessive amounts of these foods can cause obesity, especially if the animal already has a complete diet with dog food.
If you want to provide a diet without dog food, consisting only of foods, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian for the correct calculation based on your Shih Tzu’s weight and health condition.