Should Shih Tzus eat grain free
What Dog Owners Need to Know About the FDAs Grain-Free Diet Alert and DCM
TheFDA is investigatingpotential links between canine heart disease and diet specifically grain-free dog food diets.Weve compiled the information you need to know to understand this ongoing investigation.
Why Is the FDA Investigating Grain-Free Dog Food?
It is easy to panic anytime we see an FDA headline about pet food. After all, keeping our dogs healthy is essential to us, and we know that diet can make a big difference in a dogs well-being. We reached out to Dr. Jerry Klein, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the AKC, to hear his thoughts on the ongoing FDA investigation.
The FDA is investigating a potential dietary link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating certain grain-free dog foods. The foods of concern are those containing legumes such as peas or lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes listed as primary ingredients. The FDA began investigating this matter after it received reports of DCM in dogs that had been eating these diets for a period of months to years. DCM itself is not considered rare in dogs, but these reports are unusual because the disease occurred in breeds of dogs not typically prone to the disease.
Between January 1, 2014 and April 30, 2019, the FDA received 524 reports of DCM (515 dogs, 9 cats), and most reports were submitted after the FDAs first public alert in July 2018. The total number of pets affected is greater than 524 because some reports included multi-pet households.
What is Canine Heart Disease or Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a type of canine heart disease that affects the heart muscle. The hearts of dogs with DCM have a decreased ability to pump blood, which often results in congestive heart failure.
Some breeds, especially large and giant breeds, have a predisposition to DCM. These breeds include Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, and Saint Bernards. While DCM is less common in medium and small breeds, English and American Cocker Spaniels are also predisposed to this condition.
The reports submitted to the FDA span a wide range of breeds, including many without a known genetic predisposition. When early reports from the veterinary cardiology community indicated that recent, atypical cases in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Whippets, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus all consistently ate grain alternatives in their diets, the FDA took notice.
Should you be Concerned About Grain-Free Dog Food?
In the FDAs July 2019 update on diet and canine heart disease, they examined labels of dog food products reported in DCM cases to determine whether the foods were grain-free (defined as no corn, soy, wheat, rice, barley or other grains), and whether the foods contained peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, or potatoes (including sweet potatoes). Their report states that more than 90 percent of foods reported in DCM cases were grain-free, 93 percent of reported foods contained peas and/or lentils, and 42 percent contained potatoes/sweet potatoes.
According to Dr. Klein, At this time, there is no proof that these ingredients are the cause of DCM in a broader range of dogs, but dog owners should be aware of this alert from the FDA. The FDA continues to work with veterinary cardiologists and veterinary nutritionists to better understand the effect, if any, of grain-free diets on dogs.
The FDAs July 2019 update includes the names of dog food brands that were named 10 times or more in reports submitted through April 30, 2019. Most reports were for dry dog food, but raw, semi-moist and wet foods were all represented.
- Acana (67 reports)
- Zignature (64 reports)
- Taste of the Wild (53 reports)
- 4Health (32 reports)
- Earthborn Holistic (32 reports)
- Blue Buffalo (31 reports)
- Natures Domain (29 reports)
- Fromm (24 reports)
- Merrick (16 reports)
- California Natural (15 reports)
- Natural Balance (15 reports)
- Orijen (12 reports)
- Natures Variety (10 reports)
- Nutrisource (10 reports)
- Nutro (10 reports)
- Rachael Ray Nutrish (10 reports)
In the Dec. 1 version of theJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, provided an update to the research on DCM and emphasized the issue is not just grain-free diets. She calls the suspected diets BEG diets (boutique companies,exotic ingredients, or grain-free diets).
The apparent link between BEG diets and DCM may be due to ingredients used to replace grains in grain-free diets, such as lentils or chickpeas, but also may be due to other common ingredients commonly found in BEG diets, such as exotic meats, vegetables, and fruits, Freeman wrote.
Freeman emphasizes that although there appears to be an association between DCM and BEG diets, the relationship has not yet been proven, and other factors may be equally or more important.
The FDA encourages pet owners to report cases of dogs and cats with DCM that they suspect to be linked to diet by using the Safety Reporting Portal.
As a general rule of thumb, the best thing you can do for your dogs dietary health is to consult your veterinarian. Togetheryou can weigh the pros and cons of your dogs diet, consider whether grain-inclusive dog food or grain-free dog food are right for your dog, and, if necessary, monitor your dog for signs of DCM.
Shih Tzu Feeding Guidelines
The Best Food for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs
Now that we've covered what to avoid and what you want your Shih Tzu's food to have, let's look at some of our top recommendations.
The following meet every single requirement for a top-quality, superior dog food, and go above and beyond. With any of these, you can feel 100% confident that you are offering top-notch meals.
With grains:
1.
Merrick Classic Recipe for Small Breeds.
The #1 ingredient is chicken meat. Other ingredients include turkey, salmon (great for omega-3 and 6), chicken liver, carrots, blueberries (great source of antioxidants), chia seed, oatmeal, and apples. This has a unique blend of healthy grains: brown rice, barley, and quinoa (super healthy) all 3 of which tend to be very well tolerated.
There is no soy or corn, this has all of the recommended vitamins and minerals, and there is zero artificial coloring and zero chemical preservatives. This is considered a top-quality brand, is sized for small dogs, and is made in the USA.
2.
Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds
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This is an excellent option, containing ingredients like turkey, chicken, oatmeal, salmon, flaxseed, brown rice, barley, peas, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. These components provide essential nutrients, including omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and well-tolerated grains. It's free from fillers, corn, soy, wheat, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives.
The puppy formula includes DHA for cognitive development, while the senior formula, suitable for Shih Tzu dogs aged 8 and up, contains added glucosamine and chondroitin. Designed for small breeds, the kibble size is perfect for little dogs, and it's manufactured in the USA.
3.
Halo Natural for Small Breeds - Chicken and Liver
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This organic dog food is a top recommendation for its high-quality, natural ingredients. It features antibiotic and hormone-free chicken, cage-free chickens, non-GMO vegetables and fruits, with no processed foods. Free from artificial colors, flavors, and with all-natural preservatives, Halo is known for its easily digestible food, beneficial for a Shih Tzu's stomach.
The formula includes chicken, eggs, chicken liver, salmon, peas, oats, vegetable broth, pearled barley, flaxseed, sweet potato, apples, blueberries, green beans, carrots, cranberries, and zucchini, offering a nutritious blend of vegetables and fruits. Additional ingredients are vitamins, minerals, and plant-based preservatives.
Manufactured in the USA, Halo sources some vegetables from Canada and New Zealand, known for their stringent safety standards.
Grain-free:
Please note: If you jumped down to this section but want to read the latest update regarding grain-free dog food, jump back a bit to 'What about grain-free?'.
If you do wish to go with a grain-free recipe, this is one of the best.CORE is a simple recipe with traditional meats that only includes wholesome foods: turkey, chicken, spinach, peas, potatoes, flaxseed, salmon oil, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, kale, and sweet potatoes. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve or flavor the food or are added vitamins or minerals.
There are no fillers, by-products, corn, soy, or wheat. And there are zero artificial flavoring, coloring, or chemical preservatives. This also hashealthy omega fatty acids, antioxidants, botanicals, glucosamine and chondroitin, and probiotics. This is ideally sized for a pleasant eating experience and, of course, this is made in the USA.
2.
Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Small Breed
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This is a budget-friendly grain-free option for your Shih Tzu, free from the 16 FDA-listed DCM-related brands. It offers tasty recipes like Salmon & Whitefish, Chicken & Turkey, and Poultry-free Pork, Beef & Lamb. It's 100% natural, with no artificial additives or fillers, made in the USA, and includes essential vitamins and minerals.
Can Shih Tzus Eat Rice: (Yes, But Know This First)
As a proud Shih Tzu owner, I know how important it is to provide our furry friends with a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
One question that often comes up is whether or not Shih Tzus can eat rice.
In this article, well dive deep into the topic, covering everything you need to know about Shih Tzus and rice consumption.
Covered below: Can Shih Tzus eat rice? Do Shih Tzus need rice in addition to their dog food? Types of rice and how it affects your Shih Tzu How to prepare rice for Shih Tzus Benefits of rice for Shih Tzus Risks when feeding rice to Shih Tzus Expert opinions on feeding rice Alternative to rice for Shih Tzus
The Basics: Can Shih Tzus Eat Rice?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat rice.
In fact, rice can be a healthy and easily digestible addition to your Shih Tzus diet when fed in moderation.
Its a common ingredient found in many high-quality dog foods, and it can provide essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins.
However, its important to know that not all rice is created equal, and there are a few things to consider before adding it to your dogs meal plan.
Do Shih Tzus Need Rice in Addition to Their Regular Dog Food?
While rice can be a healthy addition to your Shih Tzus diet, its important to understand whether or not they actually need it in addition to their complete dog food.
In general, a high-quality, well-balanced dog food should provide all the essential nutrients that your Shih Tzu requires for optimal health, making rice unnecessary.
Most commercial dog foods are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. AAFCO, which means they should contain the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that your Shih Tzu needs. If youre feeding your Shih Tzu a high-quality, complete dog food, adding rice to their diet may not be necessary.
However, there are some circumstances where including rice in your Shih Tzus diet might be beneficial:
- Sensitive Stomach: If your Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach or is prone to gastrointestinal issues, rice can be an easily digestible source of carbohydrates thats gentle on their digestive system.
- Recovery from Illness: If your Shih Tzu is recovering from an illness or surgery, your veterinarian might recommend adding rice to their diet temporarily to provide an easily digestible source of energy and help them regain their strength.
- Food Allergies or Intolerances: If your Shih Tzu has food allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients commonly found in dog food, rice can be an alternative carbohydrate source thats less likely to cause adverse reactions.
- Weight Management: In some cases, adding rice to your Shih Tzus diet can be beneficial for weight management, as it can provide a lower calorie and lower fat alternative to some other ingredients.
Ultimately, its essential to consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your Shih Tzus diet or adding rice as a regular supplement to their complete dog food.
Your veterinarian can provide personalized advice based on your dogs specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements.
Types of Rice and How They Affect Your Shih Tzu
There are various types of rice available, and its important to choose the right one for your Shih Tzu. Heres a breakdown of some common rice types and how they may affect your dogs health:
- White Rice: This is the most common type of rice and is generally safe for Shih Tzus. Its easy to digest and can provide a quick source of energy for your dog. However, white rice has been stripped of most of its nutrients during processing, so it doesnt offer as many health benefits as other types of rice.
- Brown Rice: Brown rice is less processed than white rice and retains more nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This makes it a healthier option for your Shih Tzu. However, brown rice can be harder for some dogs to digest, so its best to introduce it gradually and monitor your dogs reaction.
- Wild Rice: This is not actually rice but a type of aquatic grass. Wild rice is rich in nutrients and can be a healthy addition to your Shih Tzus diet. However, it can also be expensive and harder to find.
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How to Prepare Rice for Your Shih Tzu
When preparing rice for your Shih Tzu, its essential to cook it properly and avoid adding any ingredients that could be harmful to your dog. Here are some tips for preparing rice for your Shih Tzu:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, debris, and excess starch.
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions, using plain water and without adding any salt, butter, or seasonings.
- Allow the cooked rice to cool completely before serving it to your dog.
- Start by feeding your Shih Tzu a small amount of rice, and gradually increase the portion size if your dog tolerates it well.
The Benefits of Rice in Your Shih Tzus Diet
Including rice in your Shih Tzus diet can offer several benefits, such as:
- Easily digestible carbohydrates: Rice is a good source of carbohydrates that can be easily digested and provide a quick source of energy for your dog. This is particularly helpful for Shih Tzus with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from illness.
- Fiber: Brown and wild rice contain more fiber than white rice, which can help support your dogs digestive health and prevent constipation.
- B vitamins: Rice is a source of B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and pyridoxine, which play essential roles in your dogs overall health.
However, its important to remember that rice should not be the main component of your Shih Tzus diet.
Instead, it should be fed as a supplement to a high-quality, well-balanced dog food that meets your dogs nutritional needs.
Risks and Precautions When Feeding Rice to Your Shih Tzu
While rice can be a healthy addition to your Shih Tzus diet, there are some risks and precautions to be aware of:
- Overfeeding: Feeding your Shih Tzu too much rice can lead to weight gain and obesity, as rice is calorie-dense. Be sure to monitor your dogs portion sizes and adjust as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
- Nutrient Imbalance: Relying too heavily on rice as a staple in your dogs diet can lead to an imbalance in nutrients, as rice does not provide all the essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that your dog needs. Always ensure that your Shih Tzu is receiving a well-balanced diet with a variety of food sources.
- Allergies or Intolerances: Some dogs may have allergies or intolerances to rice, which can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. If you suspect that your Shih Tzu may be allergic or intolerant to rice, consult your veterinarian for advice.
Expert Opinions on Feeding Rice to Shih Tzus
Many experts agree that rice can be a healthy addition to your Shih Tzus diet, as long as its fed in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), rice can be a beneficial source of carbohydrates, particularly for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from illness.
PetMD also supports the inclusion of rice in a dogs diet, as long as its cooked properly and served in appropriate amounts.
However, its essential to consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your Shih Tzus diet, as they can provide personalized advice based on your dogs specific needs and health conditions.
Alternatives to Rice for Your Shih Tzu
If youre looking for alternatives to rice for your Shih Tzu, there are several other grains and starches that can be beneficial for your dog, including:
- Quinoa: Quinoa is a gluten-free grain thats high in protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients. Its easy to digest and can be a healthy alternative to rice for your Shih Tzu.
- Barley: Barley is a whole grain thats rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can be a suitable alternative to rice for dogs that can tolerate gluten.
- Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a nutritious source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, and can be an excellent option for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Remember to always introduce new foods gradually and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your Shih Tzus diet.
Final Thoughts on Shih Tzus and Rice
In conclusion, rice can be a healthy and easily digestible addition to your Shih Tzus diet when fed in moderation and as part of a well-balanced meal plan.
Be sure to choose the right type of rice, prepare it properly, and monitor your dogs portion sizes to maintain their overall health and wellbeing.
Always consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to your Shih Tzus diet, and dont hesitate to seek their advice if you have any concerns about your dogs health.
