How many times a day does a Shih Tzu have to feed – Most experts recommend feeding your Shih Tzu puppy twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – although Shih Tzu puppies up to five months of age should be fed three to four times a day, or as recommended by your veterinarian.
The recommended daily amount for the age of the Shih Tzu and the quality of the food. Usually, super-premium pet food requires less quantity than regular pet food.
Shih Tzu taking too long to eat
While most Shih Tzus will be out digging by the time you put the bowl down, you might think your Shih Tzu is a flesh-eater, at least at first.
After all, he’s been placed in a new house with new people, and he might be too nervous to eat. If that’s the case, you’ll need to teach him how to eat on a schedule.
Shih Tzu doesn’t want to eat
Leave the bowl on the floor for ten minutes then take it out, even if he hasn’t eaten. (If your Shih Tzu eats slowly, this period can be increased to twenty minutes, but only if he’s still eating during that time, and hasn’t looked for another distraction.)
See also: How To Help Old Shih Tzu Enjoy Life And Feel Young Again?
At the next mealtime, place the bowl on the floor, again for ten minutes. Before long he will learn to eat the offered meal.
Shih Tzu food timings
How many times should your Shih Tzu eat dog food a day – Regular feeding times not only establish a routine, but they also allow you to monitor your Shih Tzu’s health. If he eats slowly throughout the day, you won’t notice if he’s eating well.
But if he normally eats heartily the moment you put the bowl on the floor, you will notice if there is a loss of appetite, which usually indicates that he is not feeling well. If your Shih Tzu appetite doesn’t improve within a few days, take it to the vet.
Another benefit of this schedule is that a Shih Tzu with time to eat will also keep a schedule to relieve themselves.
Also, if you live in an urban area, leaving a bowl of dog food on the floor throughout the day can attract unwanted visitors such as bugs and mice.
From a psychological point of view, offering the food only at the right time helps the dog understand that you are the leader, you are the provider of his food, and this helps him to respect you. Keeping the regularity of meals is an advantage for everyone.
Therefore, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments on Facebook.