Should a Shih Tzu eat wet or dry food
Dry Dog Food vs Wet Dog Food: Which Is Better For Your Shih Tzu?
Dry Dog Food vs Wet Dog Food: Which Is Better For Your Shih Tzu?
BY MOLLY | EVERYTHINGSHIHTZU.COM
As a dog guardian, you know that your furry little friend loves to eat! One of the challenges of having a dog is deciding which type of food is best for them.
The two main choices dog owners have to choose between are dry dog food and wet dog food.
Many dogs are not picky eaters (though some are), so they will likely be content with either choice.
However, you have many factors, such as budget, health benefits, and cleanliness, to consider when choosing the right option for your dog.
Both food options have benefits and drawbacks, so there is no overall proper choice. The best choice will depend on your dog and your preferences.
Feeding your dog dry dog food
Dry dog food is the go-to choice for many dog owners. It is the more economical choice of the two dog foods, meaning you can buy a more significant amount of food for your money.
However, there are more advantages to dry dog food than its budget:
- You can leave dry dog food in the open for a long time. It doesnt spoil quickly, so if your dog likes to pick at his food throughout the day instead of eating it all at once, his food should still be good after sitting out for a day.
- It helps clean your dogs teeth. Many dry dog foods feature ingredients that assist with cleaning and shaping your dogs teeth.
- It promotes healthy jaws, especially in puppies who are still developing. Chewing hard foods helps strengthen the jaw. Adversely, this may be difficult for older dogs or dogs with weaker jaws.
- It is easy to measure. If your dog needs to eat a specific portion of food every day, it is easy to measure out the correct portion with dry dog food.
Dry dog food is easy to store too. You can keep it in its bag if you roll up and seal the bag, or you can store it in a container with a lid secure enough to keep out insects.
Dry dog food does have its drawbacks. As the name implies, dry dog food is dry!
There is not much moisture in this food, so if your dogs diet is primarily dry dog food, he needs to drink plenty of water.
Furthermore, not having much moisture in the food is challenging for older dogs or dogs who live in hot and dry climates.
Some dry dog foods also tend to be higher in carbs and may not have an optimal amount of protein.
Certain breeds of dogs on a diet should not eat too many carbs, so dry dog food may not be the best option in these cases.
Feeding your dog wet dog food
Wet dog food is the more savory of the options. Wet dog foods contain more moisture, so if your dog lives in a dry and hot climate, it is an excellent option for additional hydration!
Furthermore, the advantages of wet dog food include:
- It has a powerful scent. Some dogs, especially older ones, have a limited sense of smell, so they are more inclined to eat food that is full of scents they love.
- It is soft. Dogs with missing teeth, weaker jaws, and smaller mouths may have difficulty eating dry dog food, whereas wet dog food is easy for them to chew.
- Its nutrients and minerals are more balanced than dry dog foods. Most wet dog foods do not tend to be as carb-heavy as dry dog food which is good for dogs on a diet or for breeds that are not supposed to eat too many carbs.
One of the main drawbacks of wet dog foods is the shelf-life.
Once a container of wet dog food is open, it cannot remain exposed for too long. If your dog cannot finish their food, you must put the leftovers in a container and refrigerate them to prevent spoiling.
Additionally, wet dog food can be messier. Dogs tend to get it caught in their whiskers and fur and stuck on their noses.
Wet dog food is also more expensive than dry dog food, and it does not feature the dental benefits associated with dry dog food.
Mixing dry and wet dog food
Another option you have is to mix dry and wet food together.
There are different strategies for this method. Some owners measure a portion of dry dog food with a little wet food every day to give their dogs the benefits of both.
Other dog guardians choose to feed their dog wet food most days of the week and dry food for one or two days, or vice versa, which is what we do with our dogs.
Our pups love their wet meals, and we love the nutrients and hydration they get from their food.
We feed them dry food, though, since it helps their dental hygiene.
Its also nice to let them have dry food now and then, so we dont always get food-soaked noses in our faces!
Tips for switching from wet food to dry or vice versa
Usually, for health or economic reasons, owners choose to switch their dogs primary diet from wet dog food to dry dog food or vice versa.
Switching food may be a challenge, though, if your dog has spent most of his life with wet food.
In these cases, your dog may be more reluctant to eat dry food. You can help ease them into their new diet by mixing three parts of the wet food into one part dry food.
The exact amount depends on the recommended portion size for your breed. For example, fully grown Shih Tzus usually eat three-fourths of a cup to a full cup of food each day.
Once your dog has accepted this new meal, you can slowly begin shifting the ratio over the next couple of weeks until it is heavier on the dry food side.
Eventually, you can remove wet food from the mixture completely, and your dog should be okay with his new diet.
final thoughts on Dry dog food vs Wet dog food
Every dog food should contain the base amount of nutrients that your dog needs to survive, but some options are more healthy or nutrient-rich for specific breeds.
Whether wet or dry, you should choose the foods that will best meet your dogs nutritional needs.
If you have any questions about which food is best for your dogs nutritional needs, you should talk to your veterinarian.
Your vet will consider factors like your dogs breed, age, weight, health, and activity levels for determining which food will get your dog the most nutrients he needs to live a happy and healthy life.
Happy eating!
You might like these
Some foods could be poisonous to dogs even in moderation. Learn which people foods can be toxic to your dog and should be avoided at all costs
A chicken and rice diet can be a great way to feed your pup, but it shouldn't be the only thing they eat. Here's what you need to know about this popular combo
Share this with a friend:
Posted 3/18/21
Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult is one of 9 dry recipes rated in our review of the Nutro product line.
This small breed recipe derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 19% fat and 44% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.
A holistic blend of superfoods containing a balanced mix of 3 premium (lean) proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and healthy whole grains ideal for optimal small breed nutrition. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Ultra Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain oats, whole grain brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not suitable for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I am a huge fan of Nutro. My dogs are picky and have sensitive stomachs. The small breed ultra is their favorite. We purchase a bag once every 3 weeks and it suits my two 15 lb boys."
Ollie Turkey is one of 4 fresh cooked recipes included in our review of the Ollie product line.
This Ollie recipe derives the share of its animal protein from turkey thigh, turkey liver, and turkey heart. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 39% protein, 25% fat and 28% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
A nutritionally balanced, fresh-cooked meal thats as close to homemade as you can get but without all the fuss and hard work. Ollies made in small batches, custom packaged and delivered fresh, right to your door.
A super-tasty, healthy option ideal for smaller dogs. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, pumpkin, turkey liver, turkey heart, carrot Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 39 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Jolene has been with Ollie from the beginning. She never has digestive issues or allergies. Her coat is shiny, she has energy, and Im thankful I can get fresh food for her delivered at my door."
Small Breed Puppy is one of 21 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
This Small Breed Puppy formula obtains the better part of its animal protein from fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 19% fat and 41% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
We also note this recipe is fortified with taurine, an amino acid many veterinary professionals believe may help reduce the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease found in certain breeds.
An affordable choice for those shih tzu parents who prefer a quality, grain-inclusive recipe. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Shih Tzu puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My Shih Tzu loves this kibble puppy dry dog food. With vet's instructions, I weaned her off what the breeder had been feeding her. She took to it easily without any stomach issues and was eager to eat it, unlike the food the breeder sent home with us. Best decision ever to make this switch. Our vet stamp-approved the decision 100%."
Raised Right Beef is one of11 fresh recipesincluded inour reviewof the Raised Right product line.
Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein fromfresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries) Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Little Bites Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Health Extension product line.
Little Bites gets the better part of its meat protein from fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, and lamb meal . Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 20% fat and 45% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
The formula contains 8 different probiotic ingredients to help support healthy digestion as well as zinc polysaccharide complex and 4 other costly chelated minerals for superior absorption and balanced nutrition.
A classic, grain-inclusive design thats ideal for Shih Tzus of all ages. Easily recommended.
Read our review of the full Health Extension Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, chicken fat, lamb meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have two small dogs. Recently our regular food had not been agreeing with the older of the two. Both of my dogs Love. This. Food! When I was introducing it with their old food, they would pick it out and leave the old food all over the floor. My older dog no longer gets bloated after eating and both dogs seem to have energy. This is our new regular food."
Teeny Tiny Steak Tip Dinner is one of 8 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick product line.
Merrick Lil Plates derives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Contains above-average levels of omega fatty acids as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy skin and joints. Complete and balanced design with both prebiotics and probiotics to aid in digestion.
A top pick for smaller breeds. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, venison broth, beef liver, dried egg whites Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Shih Tzus only Texas Beef and Sweet Potato is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick product line.
Merrick Lil Bites Small Breed derives most of its animal protein from fresh deboned beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 17% fat and 32% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
We note this formula contains BOTH prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion. Lil Bites also includes naturally sourced levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal point health.
Reasonably priced. A top quality kibble option for smaller breeds. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Merrick Lil Plates Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned beef, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have been giving my furbaby the chicken recipe of this Merrick small breed kibble. He likes it, so I decided to try the beef and he loves it. Merrick kibble is an excellent product free of corn, grains and fillers etc. I know I am feeding my sweet boy quality food. As a result he is a healthy senior with a full, silky, shiny coat. I add a bit of pumpkin and he seems to really enjoy both the chicken and the beef. I highly recommend this kibble (and the chicken too)."
Small Breed with Real Chicken is one of 12 dry recipes contained in our review of the Instinct product line.
This Instinct Raw Boost formula receives the major part of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 22% fat and 32% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
Its not only made with cage-free chicken, the recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy or artificial colors or preservatives. The formula also includes zinc proteinate and 3 other chelated minerals, costly supplements for superior nutrition ingredients found in better quality dog foods.
Read our review of the full Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, chickpeas, tapioca, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not suitable for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have tried so many dry dog foods and given them away because my Shih Tzu just won't eat them. He gets a handful of this to go next to his wet food and eats it. Picky eater doesn't begin it describe him and add senior into the mix, ugh. I can honestly recommend this one."
Turkey Fare is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes evaluated in our review of the Nom Nom product line.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare receives the majority its animal protein from ground turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
If youve ever wanted to serve your Shih Tzu a fresh home-cooked meal but without all the time-consuming effort then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
Top level, human-grade ingredients and a 100% balanced recipe designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Not cheap. Yet highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Grain-inclusive, fresh Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
Small Breed with Chicken and Turkey is one of 4 dry recipes contained in our review of the Whole Earth Farms product line.
Whole Earth Farms Small Breed derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
In addition, the recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy or artificial coloring agents. Plus, its not only optimized for smaller dogs, its also 100% free of BHA or other high-risk, chemical preservatives.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, potatoes, canola meal, peas, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 30 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I changed from a expense grain free brand to this; my dogs are very happy with it. I'm happy with the savings in cost."
Shih Tzu Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Royal Canin product line.
This Royal Canin breed-specific puppy recipe obtains the major part of its meat protein from chicken by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs which produces a favorable fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note this formula includes fish oil. Fish oil is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, for healthy skin and coat as well as optimal joint nutrition. Recommended with confidence.
For More Choices: Visit our Best Puppy Foods page
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Puppy Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, corn, chicken fat, wheat gluten Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29 AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Shih Tzu puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I was able to easily transition my shih tzu to this brand. The small kibble is easy for her to pick up and chew, and she loves it. No tummy issues, no poop issues; this brand is perfect for us. And our vet approves! This is Presley Approved. :)"
Chicken and Wild Salmon is one of 3 wet recipes analyzed in our review of the Natures Recipe product line.
This Natures Recipe derives the better part of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 65% protein, 12% fat and 16% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 18%.
Were also pleased to note the inclusion of zinc glycine complex and 3 other chelated minerals for superior nutrition. These are more costly forms of nutritional supplements typically found only in better quality dog foods.
Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Natures Recipe Dog Food (Trays) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, pumpkin, salmon, brown rice Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 65 AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not suitable for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog loves these! he is a small dog who struggles to eat and is superrrrrr picky with his food. I've tried so many different wet food items and this is the one he actually eats when i put it down. 10/10 recommend for dogs who are picky eaters."
