Raw Diet for Shih Tzu: A Comprehensive Guide

A raw diet for Shih Tzus can be a highly effective way to improve their overall health, but it's essential to do it right. Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues, and a raw diet can help reduce tartar buildup and promote healthy teeth and gums.

Shih Tzus require a balanced diet that includes a variety of meats, bones, and organs. They have specific nutritional needs, including protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Feeding your Shih Tzu a raw diet requires careful planning to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients. A good starting point is to include a mix of raw meat, such as chicken, beef, and fish, along with bones and organs.

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A raw diet for Shih Tzu is a type of dog food that uses raw, uncooked ingredients like meat, organs, bones, fruits, and vegetables.

This type of diet is designed to mimic the high-protein diets of your Shih Tzu's ancestors, who hunted and ate whole animals in the wild.

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Dogs have changed a lot since their time in the wild, but they still benefit from a diet that contains lots of real meat, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems if they're fed high-carb kibble instead.

Raw dog food is often served in frozen or freeze-dried forms, making it a convenient option for many Shih Tzu parents.

Most Shih Tzu parents feed their dogs dry food, which is high in carbohydrates to give it a crunchy texture and increase its shelf life, but this can lead to digestive issues and other health problems.

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM, notes that when dogs eat large amounts of fiber, grain, and complex carbohydrates, they can't digest them properly, resulting in large, smelly feces.

A raw diet can help reduce the size and odor of your Shih Tzu's feces, making it a more pleasant experience for everyone.

Some animal nutrition experts believe the benefits of a raw diet extend beyond the digestive tract, with Dr. Michael Dym, DVM, seeing a marked improvement in behavior following the switch to a raw diet.

A raw diet can also help reduce allergies and inflammation in Shih Tzus, with many veterinarians and animal researchers pointing to this as one of the most important effects of a raw diet.

Dr. Susan G. Wynn, DVM, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, notes that raw food contains thousands more bioactive factors than processed food, which can reduce inflammation and suppress damage to DNA.

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There are several types of raw diets that you can consider for your Shih Tzu. A BARF diet is one option, which must include a specific ratio of ingredients derived from both animals and plants to be considered nutritionally complete.

You can buy commercial BARF formulas or prepare them at home. A Raw Meat-based Diet (RMBD) is another option, made up of uncooked animal tissue, organs, and bones with no additional ingredients required.

Some dog owners choose to go with the Prey Model Diet, where their Shih Tzu eats entire prey animals like rabbits or chickens. This diet aims to mimic how a dog might eat in the wild, but it's essential to ensure your pet receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

The Prey Model Diet is a type of raw diet that seeks to mimic how a dog might eat in the wild. This diet involves feeding dogs entire prey animals like rabbits, chickens, and other small game fowl.

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The idea behind the Prey Model Diet is that dogs will derive all the nutrition they need from the animal and its diet. However, this can be impractical for many dog owners.

Some dog owners provide these dietary components by feeding their dogs whole prey. This might mean allowing your dog to help themselves to a deer carcass or perhaps a whole rabbit – fur, feet, and all.

But whole prey is not practical for everyone. So, what does the average Prey Model feeder do? They piece together whole prey as best they can.

To give you an idea of what this might look like, here are some common components of a Prey Model Diet:

Keep in mind that this diet requires careful planning and attention to ensure that your dog is getting all the necessary nutrients.

Primal Nuggets are a convenient choice for Shih Tzu parents who are new to raw dog food. They come in a variety of protein options, including beef, lamb, pork, duck, venison, and rabbit.

The nuggets are easy to portion out based on your Shih Tzu's weight, making mealtime a breeze. You can crumble up the nuggets and add warm water, broth, or goat milk to rehydrate them.

These freeze-dried nuggets make great full meals or food toppers. They're packed with nutrients, including organic fruits and vegetables, and non-synthetic vitamins and minerals.

Primal sources their ingredients from sustainable ranchers and inspects them with the USDA. This ensures the highest quality animal protein for your Shih Tzu.

Here are some benefits of Primal Nuggets:

Raw diets can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to figuring out the right balance of bone content. The typical bone content for raw dog food varies depending on the type of bone used.

You can find common meaty bones at your butcher or local pet store, and here's a rough estimate of their bone content: Bone TypeBone Content (%)Whole chicken (not including head and feet)25%Leg quarter30%Split breast20%Thigh15%Drumstick30%Wing45%Neck36%Back45%Feet60%

It's essential to balance the bone content to avoid overloading your dog with too much bone. A good starting point is to aim for 10% to 15% bone in your dog's diet. You can mix and match different bones to achieve this balance, or do the math to get it just right.

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Adding organ meats to your dog's raw diet can be a great way to boost their nutritional intake. About 10% of your dog's diet should be liver, which will supply most of their vitamins and many of their minerals.

You can also try adding other organ meats like lung, brain, eyes, sweetbread, and green tripe. These can make up about 5% of your dog's diet, but be sure to choose green tripe from grass-fed animals to avoid unhealthy omega-6 fats.

If you're new to adding organ meats, start with a small amount, around 5% of the diet, and gradually increase it to 20% if your dog can tolerate it. This will help prevent digestive upset.

It's worth noting that you should avoid adding meat sources your dog is allergic to, and also choose organ meats that are free from unhealthy fats and other contaminants.

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As you consider a raw diet for your Shih Tzu, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons.

The benefits of a raw diet for Shih Tzus far outweigh the risks. In fact, a BARF diet can result in better digestion, better weight control, and decreased stool odor and volume. You may also notice healthier coats with less shedding and fewer "hot spots".

One of the most significant advantages of a raw diet is that protein retains its natural efficiency, allowing your dog to consume less food at each meal. This is because protein cannot be stored in a dog's body, so they'll keep eating to replace it.

A raw diet can also lead to improved dental health, improved urinary health, increased energy, and a lower risk of developing health complications like diabetes or kidney disease. This is because the diet is more in line with a dog's natural instincts and nutritional needs.

Here are some of the key benefits of a raw diet for Shih Tzus:

There are several options to consider when it comes to raw diets for Shih Tzus. One option is to source ingredients and create meals yourself, which can be less convenient but more affordable.

This approach allows you to have the most control over your dog's diet and health.

A more forgiving format is the BARF diet, which focuses on raw meat and has a lower barrier to entry.

New raw feeders often gravitate to the BARF diet due to its wider commercial availability and less restrictive format.

Some popular raw dog food brands for Shih Tzus include Stella & Chewy's, which offers a convenient option with their freeze-dried raw dinner patties.

Here are some key features of Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried raw dinner patties:

Raw feeding has been around for thousands of years, long before the Paleo Diet became popular or kibble was invented. This ancient practice has been a staple in many cultures, showing its effectiveness.

The idea of feeding a raw diet is to mimic the way our ancestors ate. By doing so, we can give our pets the nutrients they need to thrive.

Raw feeding allows for a more natural diet, with a focus on whole foods rather than processed kibble. This approach can lead to improved health and well-being for our pets.

A raw diet can be tailored to meet the specific needs of our pets, taking into account their age, breed, and health conditions.

Choosing a commercially prepared raw diet for your Shih Tzu can be a convenient and affordable option. You can source the ingredients, create meals, and feed your dog like you would for yourself or your children, minus the cooking.

One popular option is Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Raw Dinner Patties. These patties are made with 95% meat, organs, and bones, and come in a variety of protein options, including chicken, lamb, pork, and venison. They're easy to portion out and can be served as-is or rehydrated with water.

Another option is Halo Meal Bites Freeze Dried Raw. These crunchy pellets are made with animal meat and organs, and can be served as-is or rehydrated with water. They come in four different recipes, including beef, turkey, whitefish, and turkey & duck.

If you're looking for a more customizable option, Sojos Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food allows you to mix and measure the correct amount of food and water as directed on the bag. This helps activate the nutrients and enzymes in the food, and every pound of Sojos dog food makes up to five pounds of food when rehydrated.

Here's a comparison of some commercially prepared raw diets:

These are just a few examples of commercially prepared raw diets available for Shih Tzus. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.

Transitioning to a raw diet for your Shih Tzu requires patience and a gradual approach. It's best to have a slow transition, which should take at least one to two weeks before you feed your Shih Tzu a 100% raw diet.

To start, serve 80% old food with 20% new raw food for the first three days, then gradually increase the ratio of raw foods until their bowl is entirely raw. This will help prevent tummy troubles and allow your Shih Tzu's body to adjust to the new diet.

You can also introduce the diet gradually over a 7-10 day period by adding a small amount of raw foods to their current diet, then slowly increasing the ratio of raw foods. This will help your Shih Tzu's body adjust to the new diet and prevent any unpleasant symptoms.

Here's a simple transition plan to follow:

Remember to consult with a nutrition-focused veterinarian before making any major changes to your Shih Tzu's diet, and be prepared to adjust portions or ingredients as necessary to ensure a smooth transition.

Transitioning to a raw diet can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. A slow transition is key to preventing tummy troubles, especially when switching from kibble to raw food.

The recommended transitioning process involves gradually increasing the amount of raw food in your dog's diet over a period of 14 days. Here's a breakdown of the steps:

It's also essential to introduce the diet gradually, allowing your dog's body to adjust to the new food. A 7-10 day transition period is recommended, starting with a small amount of raw foods and gradually increasing the ratio of raw foods until their bowl is entirely raw.

Remember, a slow transition will help prevent digestive issues and ensure a smooth switch to a raw diet.

Changing your Tzu's litter can be a bit tricky, especially during the transition to a raw diet. You may notice loose stool as their body adjusts to the new diet.

Keep an eye out for smaller and firmer stool once they get used to the raw diet. This is a normal part of the process and a sign that their body is adapting.

During the transition period, be prepared for potential accidents outside of the litter box. This is usually a temporary issue and will resolve once they settle into their new diet.

Regular cleaning of the litter box is still essential, even if stool is firmer. This will help maintain hygiene and prevent any unpleasant odors.

Puppies need to eat more to support their growth, and their diet should be rich in nutrients to ensure they get enough minerals and calcium. Puppies 2 to 3 months old should eat 8% to 10% of their body weight daily.

Pound for pound, puppies need more calories and nutrition than adult dogs, so it's essential to feed them a diet that's about 5% to 10% of their current weight. This will help them grow strong and healthy.

Bone is about 65% minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, and most importantly, calcium. Your dog needs a steady supply of these minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, which work synergistically in their body to move their muscles and control all body functions.

To ensure your puppy gets enough calcium, aim to feed 10% to 15% of their total diet as bone. Puppies need at least 12% and up to 15% bone to support their skeletal growth and development of adult teeth.

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To ensure your dog gets the right balance of fats, you need to consider two properties: saturation and the omega family.

The meats you feed your dog will have a combination of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, mainly saturated and polyunsaturated.

Saturated fats can cause an imbalance of your dog's gut flora or microbiome if consumed in excess.

If you buy tripe, try to get green tripe from grass-fed animals, as it will be too rich in unhealthy omega-6 fats if the animal is fed corn.

Feeding pork that's not grass-fed can contain large amounts of omega-6 fat, so it's best to avoid it.

Trimming the skin off poultry can reduce the amount of omega-6 fat in your dog's diet.

To balance the omega fats, make sure to feed both poultry and ruminants like beef, lamb, and goat.

Here's a simple rule to follow: if the fat dips much below 10%, you'll start to see dry, itchy skin in your dog.

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The typical fat percentage in common meats you can buy at the butcher or grocery store is:

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your dog gets the right balance of fats for optimal health.

Calcium and minerals are essential for your dog's overall health, and getting them right is crucial. Your dog needs a steady supply of minerals and trace minerals to fire all of the metabolic processes in their body.

Calcium is particularly important, as it works synergistically with phosphorus to move your dog's muscles and control all of their body functions. If your dog is missing calcium, they can develop joint disease, heart issues, and even seizures.

Bone is about 65% minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, and most importantly, calcium. Meat without any bone at all contains a lot of phosphorus and very little calcium.

To ensure there's a steady supply of calcium and other important minerals, you can add bone to your dog's meals. In fact, if your dog were a wolf in the wild, they would eat whole animals like deer and rabbits, which average about 12% bone with little variation.

Here's a rough guide to the bone content of common meaty bones:

To give your dog 10% to 15% bone, you need to mix the above bone choices with their meat. You can do this with a little guesswork or do the math.

Raw dog food is generally better for dogs with allergies because it has fewer ingredients, making it easier to keep track of what your dog is eating and avoid potential allergens.

Dogs with food allergies can indeed eat raw food, which is a great option for them.

Raw dog food is a good choice for dogs with allergies because it's less processed than kibble, reducing the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.

Some dogs might still react to certain ingredients in raw food, so monitoring their diet closely is essential.

Raw food can be a great option for dogs with allergies, but it's crucial to work with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your furry friend.

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Raw diets can be safe for Shih Tzus, but it's crucial to provide a balanced diet.

To minimize the risk of contamination from bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, it's essential to take proper precautions when handling raw meat. This includes rinsing all cuts of meat, using a clean cutting board and knives, washing hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat, and storing raw foods at 32°–42°F.

You should never feed your dog cooked bones, as they can break into shards and get lodged in your dog's throat. Opt for larger bones or ground bones for easier digestion.

Raw foods require regular maintenance, including measuring, mixing, storing, and defrosting. Be sure to commit to this routine to ensure your dog receives proper nutrition.

To prevent weight gain and digestive troubles, restrict starch and limit dairy and fish to small portions or once-a-week feedings. Keep raw foods tightly sealed and frozen until ready to serve.

Here's a list of essential precautions to take when handling raw dog food: