Most people know it’s essential to feed their dog a healthy diet but may not know how much food their Shih Tzu should eat. Here is a guide on how much food your Shih Tzu needs, based on weight, along with tips for feeding a healthy diet.
The amount of dog food you give your Shih Tzu may also need to be adjusted based on its activity level, age, and other factors.
A healthy, quality Shih Tzu diet includes:
- High-quality protein for muscle development and maintenance
- Essential fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin
- Vitamins and minerals for overall health
When choosing commercial dog food for your Shih Tzu, please read the label carefully to ensure it meets your dog’s nutritional needs.
How much should a Shih Tzu eat?
Shih Tzu dogs are small, and as such, they don’t require a lot of food. How much you should feed your Shih Tzu will depend on its weight.
A general guide is to give your dog 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food per day, split into two or three meals. You may need to adjust this amount up or down depending on your dog’s activity level, age, and other factors.
A pound of food per pound of body weight is adequate for a puppy, while you should feed an adult Shih Tzu half an ounce of food per pound of body weight. The reason is that puppies have a higher activity level and require more energy to grow.
- Up to 10 pounds: 1/2 to 1 cup per day
- 11 to 20 pounds: 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day
- 21 to 30 pounds: 1 1/2 to 2 cups per day
It’s important to keep an eye on your Shih Tzu’s weight and ensure it doesn’t get too heavy. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems for your dog.
How much to feed an adult Shih Tzu?
Senior Shih Tzu dogs generally require less food than when they were younger. Adult food is typically more calorie-dense than puppy food, so you may find that you need to reduce the amount you’re feeding your senior Shih Tzu.
In general, Senior Shih Tzus should be fed twice a day and given healthy snacks as needed. But too many treats can lead to weight gain, so ensure you’re not overfeeding your Shih Tzu.
When it comes to food, quality is just as important as quantity.
If you’re unsure about what type of food to feed your Shih Tzu, many brands of dog food available are formulated explicitly for Senior Shih Tzus.
What to feed a Shih Tzu?
You should consider a few things when feeding your Shih Tzu: the type of food, the amount of food, and the frequency of meals.
The best diet for a Shih Tzu is a high-quality dog food specifically made for small breeds. You should avoid giving your Shih Tzu table scraps or human food, as these can lead to weight gain and other health problems. A grain-free diet is also good for small breeds like the Shih Tzu.
It would help if you also were careful not to overfeed your dog, as obesity is a common problem in Shih Tzus. The recommended amount of food to give your Shih Tzu depends on its weight but typically ranges from 1/4 to 1 cup per meal.
Healthy snacks are an essential component of a dog’s diet and can help keep a dog going until the next meal. These additions to meals should take up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily food intake.
It’s important to space out your dog’s meals throughout the day instead of feeding it one large meal per day. This will help keep your dog’s metabolism going and prevent it from becoming overweight.
Should I feed My Shih Tzu wet or dry food?
You have two options when feeding your Shih Tzu: wet or dry food. So, which is the better option?
There are pros and cons to both wet and dry food. Wet food is often more expensive than dry food, but it can appeal to picky eaters. It is also easier to digest and contains more moisture, which is vital for dogs who don’t drink much water. On the other hand, dry food is less messy and usually has more nutrients than wet food. It is also less likely to spoil and easier to store.
My little pup’s favorite food is dry kibble, but if you give him a can of wet dog cuisine, he’ll be happy as pie!
Ultimately, the best decision for your Shih Tzu will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
When should I switch from puppy to adult food?
Start feeding your puppy adult dog food when it is nine months old.
Shih Tzu puppies should be fed puppy food until they reach their adult body weight. For most Shih Tzus, this will happen around 9 to 12 months of age.
However, some Shih Tzus may tolerate adult food sooner, while others may need to eat puppy food for longer.
Generally, it is best to switch to adult food gradually by mixing it with puppy food and increasing the proportion over a few weeks. Once your Shih Tzu puppy is eating entirely adult food, you can feed him two meals per day.
Larger dogs may benefit from three meals daily, but an average Shih Tzu is typically happy with two.
5 Tips for feeding a healthy diet to your Shih Tzu
A big part of keeping your furry friend healthy and happy is ensuring they get the proper nutrition. Here are five tips for feeding a healthy diet to your Shih Tzu:
- Choose high-quality food. Just like with humans, you get what you pay for when it comes to pet food. Higher-priced foods may cost more upfront, but they usually contain higher-quality ingredients that are easier for your dog to digest.
- Avoid foods with artificial additives. Dogs don’t need artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives in their food. These ingredients can be harmful to their health. Stick with foods that contain natural ingredients.
- Feed them several small meals each day. It’s better for your Shih Tzu’s digestion if they eat several small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large ones.
- Keep an eye on their weight. Ensure you’re not overfeeding your dog by monitoring their weight and adjusting their food intake as needed.
- Get regular vet checkups. Vet checkups are not directly related to their diet, but it’s still important for their overall health. Be sure to take your Shih Tzu to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations to avoid health issues.
Following these tips can help ensure that your Shih Tzu has a healthy diet and enjoys a long, happy life.
Food-related health issues in Shih Tzus
Some health problems can occur when a Shih Tzu eats too much or too little food. Some common health problems are obesity, Hypoglycemia, heart disease, and liver disease.
Obesity in Shih Tzus
Obesity is a common problem in Shih Tzus. It can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Getting a lot of exercises can help your Shih Tzu lose weight.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a condition that can occur when Shih Tzu’s blood sugar level drops too low. This can be caused by not eating enough food or not getting enough of the correct type of food. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia include weakness, tremors, and seizures. If you think your Shih Tzu has Hypoglycemia, you should take it to the vet immediately.
Heart disease
Heart disease is a common problem for the Shih Tzu breed. It can be caused by obesity or genetics. Symptoms of heart disease include coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. If you think your Shih Tzu has heart disease, you should take it to the vet immediately.
Heart failure is a common cause of death in older Shih Tzus, and valve deterioration causes 75% of heart disease. If your dog has a heart murmur or any physical indications of possible heart problems, your vet will do diagnostic testing to learn how severe the disease is.
Liver disease in Shih Tzus
This breed is particularly prone to developing liver problems, so it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver disease. Treatment for liver disease may include dietary changes, medication, or surgery.
Dogs often like to gobble wet food. You can hide it in the food if you need to give them medication.
How to prevent obesity in your Shih Tzu?
Obesity is a serious health concern for dogs of all breeds, and Shih Tzu dogs are no exception. If left unchecked, obesity can lead to various problems, including joint pain, respiratory issues, and even diabetes. Fortunately, owners can take a few simple steps to prevent their Shih Tzus from becoming overweight.
First, make sure to feed your dog a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level. Second, provide plenty of exercise opportunities, whether going for walks or playing fetch in the yard.
Finally, resist the temptation to overindulge your furry friend with treats and table scraps. Following these simple tips can help keep your Shih Tzu healthy and prevent them from becoming obese. Know your pet.
Related read: How much should a Shih Tzu weigh?
Shih Tzu puppy food guide
- Up to 9 months old, feed a Shih Tzu one to two ounces of food daily, 40 to 50 calories per pound of body weight.
- Start with a small amount of food and gradually increase as the puppy grows.
- Feed your puppy two or three times a day.
- Choose a quality dog food that is made for puppies.
- Make sure your puppy has plenty of fresh water to drink.
- Avoid giving table scraps or other people’s food as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.
How to keep your dog healthy with a proper diet?
A crucial part of keeping your dog healthy is ensuring a balanced diet. Just like people, dogs need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy.
Protein is essential for muscle growth, fat provides energy, and carbohydrates help maintain a healthy digestive system. Vitamins and minerals are also necessary for keeping your dog’s coat shiny and their immune system strong.
When choosing food for your dog, always look for a recipe designed to meet their specific nutritional needs. You should also avoid foods high in sugar or artificial additives, as these can cause health problems over time.
Tip: Remove all of the food from the bowl. The stale food will accumulate at the bottom if you fill it up constantly. When required, clean the bowl and fill it with new food.
The amount of food you give your Shih Tzu may also need to be adjusted based on its activity level, age, and other factors. Puppies, for example, need more calories than adult dogs because they are growing and developing. Senior dogs may also need a different diet to help them maintain their health as they age.
If you are unsure how much food your dog needs, please consult your veterinarian. They will be able to give you specific guidance based on your dog’s individual needs.
Related read: Best dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies
Why is my Shih Tzu puppy not gaining weight?
Shih Tzu puppies are notoriously tricky to keep at a healthy weight. They are small dogs, and as such, they have very high metabolisms. They burn off calories quickly and can easily become too thin.
Fortunately, owners can do a few things to help their Shih Tzu puppies gain weight. For starters, feeding them high-quality puppy food specifically designed for small breeds is essential. Puppy food is generally higher in calories than adult dog food, so it can help Shih Tzus gain weight. In addition, Shih Tzu puppies should be fed smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This will help to increase their calorie intake without overfeeding them.
FAQs
How much should Shih Tzu weigh?
The Shih Tzu is a toy breed with a height of eight to 11 inches and a weight of nine to sixteen pounds (four to seven kilograms). Shih Tzu matures rapidly, taking around ten months to reach adult size. Link to post.
What is Shih Tzu’s favorite food?
Just like any other dog, Shih Tzu loves to eat. And just like other dogs, they are not always particular about their eating. While most Shih Tzu will happily chow down on their usual kibble or dry food, they also enjoy the occasional treat from their human companions.
One popular choice is peanut butter. Many dogs enjoy the taste and texture of peanut butter, and Shih Tzu’s no exception. Another favorite is fish. They also enjoy cooked meat, such as chicken or beef. And, of course, they can’t resist banana, blueberries, sweet potato, green beans, and cottage cheese.
So, if you’re looking for a way to spoil your Shih Tzu, feel free to give them a little taste of your human foods. They’re sure to appreciate it!
Conclusion
So how much food should a Shih Tzu eat? The answer is it depends. You’ll need to consider your dog’s weight, activity level, and age to determine the right amount of food. But as a general rule, you can start by following the guidelines in this article.
With some care and attention, you can help ensure that your Shih Tzu has a healthy diet and enjoys a long, happy life.
Recent Posts
As a dog owner, you want to ensure that you take proper care of your furry companion. A common question that many pet owners have is, "Can I walk my dog 30 minutes after eating?" Understanding the...
Have you ever considered getting an elevated dog bed for your furry friend, but wondered if it's worth the investment? If so, you're not alone. As dog owners, we all want to provide the best care for...