Best food for Shih Tzu: Give Them Everything They Need
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Shih tzus are a small dog breed and are often known for their unpredictable eating habits. If you compare the quantity they eat with that of other toy breeds, they definitely eat a lot more. Some are fussy eaters, while others remain open-minded.
However, it is essential that you serve them quality food to make sure they live a long, healthy life and stay in shape. You have to include quality animal protein in their food to support and maintain their muscles.
Also, there are some Shih Tzu foods to avoid, as they do not do well with those. So, it is best to get them high-quality commercial dog food that will give them a balanced meal. But what is the best food for Shiz Tzu?
Best Food For Shih Tzu
If you are wondering what the best food for Shih Tzu is, you need to get them commercial food that is specifically designed for them. These foods will primarily focus on protein sources like fish or chicken and avoid fillers like soy, corn, and wheat.
You have to keep a check on their portion size as well, so that they do not get obese, and give them multiple small meals throughout the day. Here are some of the best commercial dog foods that are specifically made for the Shih Tzu breed.
1. Royal Canin Shih TZU Puppy Food
- Product Rating On Amazon: 4.4
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Item form: Dry
- Special Ingredients: Meat, fish oil, beet pulp, animal fat
- Protein Percentage: 28%
- Net Quantity: 1.5 kg
- Price: ₹1,700
Shih Tzus are known for their unique coat, which is in 2 layers. The upper coat is silky and long, and the undercoat is fleece-like.
Another striking feature of this dog breed is their tongue, which is larger compared to their mouth and often causes difficulty in grasping food. They have a round head with a short muzzle, and this is known as brachycephalic.
If you are looking for a dog food that would take care of their coat and skin, you should definitely pick this one. It supports the skin barrier, and the DHA & EPA, along with vitamin A, keep their coat nourished. It also contains borage oil.
Moreover, it also takes care of their digestive health and maintains a balance in their intestines. It also supports their natural defenses. Also, the kibble is made in such a way that it encourages them to chew more.
Here Is A Feeding Chart According To Their Age
It is suitable for puppies of 2 to 10 months. Here is a sample feeding guideline that you can follow.
| Age | 7 kg | 5kg | 4kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 116 g or 1+1/4 cups | 96 g or 1 cup | 80 g or ⅞ cups |
| 3 months | 136 g or 1+½ cup | 108 g or 1+⅛ cups | 91 g or 1 cup |
| 4 months | 144 g or 1+½ cups | 113 g or 1+¼ cups | 95 g or 1 cup |
| 5 months | 146 g or 1+½ cups | 113 g or 1+¼ cups | 95 g or 1 cup |
| 6 months | 145 g or 1+⅜ cups | 103 g or 1+⅛ cups | 86 g or ⅞ cups |
| 7 months | 131 g or 1+¼ cup | 92 g or 1 cup | 77 g or ⅞ cups |
| 8 months | 117 g or 1+⅛ cups | 81 g or ⅞ cups | 68 g or 6/8 cups |
| 9 months | 104 g or 1+⅛ cups | 81 g or ⅞ cups | 68 g or 6/8 cups |
| 10 months | 103 g or 1 cup | 80 g or ⅞ cups | 67 g or 6/8 cups |
However, you need to consult a vet to decide on the amount of food you should give them, as they will be able to assess the matter best.
2. Royal Canin Shih TZU Adult Dog Food
- Product Rating On Amazon: 4.5
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Item form: Dry
- Special Ingredients: Poultry meat, rice, vegetables, beet pulp, fish oil
- Protein Percentage: 24%
- Net Quantity: 1.5 kg
- Price: ₹1,579
This adult Shih Tzu food is rich in EPA-DHA omega-3 fatty acids and biotin, which helps them maintain a soft, shiny, and healthy coat. Shih Tzus are known for their dense, long hair, and this helps them maintain it.
The kibble is particularly designed for their short muzzle and encourages them to chew more. This reduces tartar build-up because of mechanical brushing.
Also, this food is formulated in such a way that it is highly digestible with targeted fibres and proteins that help reduce the volume of stool and its odour. The makers have made the shape and size of the kibble in a particular way that is unique to the jaw, making it easy to chew.
This is a complete and balanced food for a Shih Tzu, who is over 10 months of age and takes care of their specific nutritional needs and maintains optimum health.
Moreover, they have developed this formula in consultation with a vet to make sure it supports their health and keeps them nourished.
Here Is A Feeding Chart According To Their Age
Here is a feeding guide that you can follow depending on the body weight of your Shih Tzu.
| Weight Of The Shih Tzu | High Activity | Medium Activity | Low Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kg | 88g or 1 cup | 78 g or ⅞ cups | 67 g or 6/8 cups |
| 5 kg | 104 g or 1+⅛ cups | 92 g or 1 cup | 79 g or 7/8 cups |
| 6 kg | 120 g or 1+2/8 cups | 105 g or 1+⅛ cups | 91 g or 1 cup |
| 7 kg | 134 g or 1+⅜ cups | 118 g or 1+2/8 cups | 102 g or 1+⅛ cups |
However, it is always recommended that you consult a vet before you decide on the food and their feeding schedule. They will be able to guide you best depending on their specific health condition.
Manage Their Nutrition
Now you have a fair idea about the best food for Shih Tzu. You need to take care of their health and ensure they have a complete diet to get the nutrition they need. Feeding them commercial dog food gets them the required nutrients to maintain their health.
Moreover, use the right kind of feeding accessories, like the right kind of bowl, to ensure there are no issues with their feeding and digestion-related issues. If they are not having their usual amount of food or showing any sign of distress, get them to a vet immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the common questions people ask while discussing the best food for Shih Tzu.
Well, this depends on the age and weight of a Shih Tzu. In general, they need about ½ to 1 cup of dry food in a day. However, if you are giving them homemade food, consult with a vet and check the amount of calories you are feeding them.
Yes, you can give them chapati, but in moderation. However, do not give them this regularly, as they need a lot of proteins and carbs.
Yes, you can give your Shih Tzu cooked and unseasoned rice, but again in moderation. However, make this a part of their balanced diet. This is easily digestible and also non-toxic to them. So, you can use it to soothe their upset stomachs.
You can try a homemade turkey-based meal for your Shih Tzu. Cook the ground turkey, add some peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Moreover, you can also add some brown rice or quinoa for fibre, but do not add any seasonings.
There are some foods that you should never give a Shih Tzu. Some of those are onion and garlic, chocolate, raisins, grapes, avocado, and caffeine.
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