To keep your Shitzu happy and healthy, it's essential to feed them a balanced diet. A Shitzu's ideal weight is between 9-16 pounds, so monitor their food intake to prevent overfeeding.
Shitzus are prone to obesity, which can lead to serious health issues. Their small size makes them more susceptible to weight gain.
Feed your Shitzu high-quality dog food that's rich in protein and low in fat. A mix of 25-30% protein and 10-15% fat is ideal for their nutritional needs.
A good rule of thumb is to divide your Shitzu's daily ration into 3-4 meals to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy digestive system.
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Nutrition Basics
A Shih Tzu's nutritional needs are relatively simple: they require digestible, complete, and balanced food that supplies enough energy for daily activities while maintaining a healthy weight.
Their small stature makes it crucial to be precise about their daily caloric needs, taking into account their weight, body condition, age, activity level, and other factors.
To avoid unhealthy weight gain, treats and extras should compose no more than 10% of their daily intake, and a pre-portioned meal plan can help achieve this balance.
A fresh diet rich in balanced Omega-3 fatty acids can also support joint health and potentially ward off joint issues.
Basic Facts
Shih Tzus typically weigh 9 to 16 pounds, making them a small breed dog.
Their average lifespan is 10 to 18 years, which is a good thing considering how much love and attention they'll need throughout their lives.
Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, meaning they have flat faces and short snouts that can make breathing challenging when it's hot or during heavy exertion.
Their silky double coats come in a wide variety of colors, including white, black, gold, and brindle, with various markings to match their unique personalities.
Meets AAFCO Requirements
A pre-portioned meal plan can help ensure your Shih Tzu gets the right amount of food for their daily activities.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is an independent organization that guides feed regulators with ingredient definitions, labels, and laboratory standards.
Their endorsement guarantees the food is balanced and meets high standards to protect your dog's health, and it's one of the most reliable and respected seals of approval an animal food can have.
A balanced and complete food is essential for a Shih Tzu's overall health, and AAFCO's endorsement ensures that your dog's food meets these standards.
Treats and extras should compose no more than 10% of your Shih Tzu's daily intake, and a pre-portioned meal plan can help you keep track of what they're eating.
Choosing the Right Food
A pre-portioned meal plan can work wonders for your Shih Tzu's health and weight management.
Shih Tzus can be picky eaters, but you should aim to keep treats and extras to no more than 10% of their daily intake to avoid unhealthy weight gain.
A fresh diet that provides balanced Omega-3 fatty acids can help ward off joint issues.
Crunchy kibble can't clean your Shih Tzu's teeth, and in fact, it can fuel inflammation in the body.
A diet of fresh dog food contributes to a healthy, active life and can help stave off some of the ailments common to this breed.
A different take: Food Diet for Dogs
Highly processed kibble can contribute to many health issues that can compromise your Shih Tzu's health.
For Shih Tzus with dry and itchy skin, sensitive stomachs, or other signs of food allergies and sensitivities, it's essential to know exactly what you're feeding.
High-quality proteins should be the first ingredient in your dog's food, providing essential nutrition.
Internal organs fall into the high-quality category, containing important minerals like zinc.
Elevate Your Diet with The Honest Kitchen
The Honest Kitchen's dog food has been a game-changer for many Shih Tzus, including Bravo, who suffered from dry and itchy skin. He saw a drastic improvement after switching to their Grain Free Beef Recipe.
Their food is not only beneficial but also delicious, as Kavu, a Shih Tzu, immediately loved his new food and it even helped with his allergies.
Some Shih Tzus, like Luna and Layla, have experienced digestive issues and skin problems that were resolved after switching to The Honest Kitchen's food.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your Shih Tzu's overall well-being. Being even a little overweight can increase your dog's odds of developing diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer.
Overfeeding is a common mistake that can lead to weight gain. A fresh-food plan tailored to your dog's needs can make weight maintenance easy.
Rancid fats in kibble can contribute to inflammation, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Fresh food delivers healthy fats like Omega-3 intact, which can help reduce inflammation.
A lean body condition can help prevent joint issues in Shih Tzus. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for achieving this condition.
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Food Options
A pre-portioned meal plan can work wonders for your Shih Tzu's health and weight management.
Shih Tzus can be picky eaters, so it's essential to keep track of their daily intake, ensuring treats and extras make up no more than 10% of their daily calories.
A balanced diet that supplies enough energy for daily activities is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight in Shih Tzus.
Highly processed kibble can contribute to many issues that can compromise your Shih Tzu's health, so it's best to opt for fresh dog food.
A fresh diet that provides balanced Omega-3 fatty acids can be an asset in warding off joint issues.
Crunchy kibble may be touted as a teeth cleaner, but it's actually an ultra-processed food that can contain substances that fuel inflammation in the body.
Eating for dental health means eating for overall health, and a fresh, whole-food diet can promote a healthier immune system that helps ward off dental maladies.
For your interest: Shih Tzu Food List
The Ideal Diet
Your Shih Tzu deserves food that supports their breed's specific needs.
The Honest Kitchen's human grade dog food is a great option because it's just as nutritious as it is tasty.
Shih Tzus love to play, and they need food that will give them the energy to keep up.
Their diet should be high-quality to ensure they stay healthy.
Your Shih Tzu's next favorite food could be from The Honest Kitchen, which offers a range of options to choose from.
Find the perfect fit for your furry friend today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What foods can Shih Tzu not eat?
Dogs, including Shih Tzus, should avoid foods like chocolate, citrus fruits, grapes, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and raw meat to ensure their safety and health. Be cautious with these common human foods to prevent potential harm to your furry friend
How many times should a Shih Tzu eat?
Adult Shih Tzus require at least 3 meals a day, while puppies may need 4-6 meals due to their fast metabolism and risk of hypoglycemia.
Can Shih Tzu eat rice every day?
No, Shih Tzus should not eat rice every day as it lacks essential nutrients, but it can be a nutritious addition to their varied diet when served in moderation. Consult with a veterinarian for a balanced meal plan tailored to your Shih Tzu's needs.
Sources
- Shih Tzu - Dog Breeds - American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- The Shih Tzu Guide: History, Personality, Food, Training ... (thefarmersdog.com)
- Fresh Food for Shih Tzus (thefarmersdog.com)
- Best Dog Food For Shih Tzus: Adults, Puppies, and ... (thehonestkitchen.com)
- The Ideal Diet for your Shih-Tzu is here! (doggiliciouus.com)
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