What human foods can Shih Tzu dogs eat
What Can Shih Tzu Eat? 15 Safe Foods!
According to legend, there was a Tibetan Buddhist who traveled with a small lion dog that could transform into a full-sized lion. In Mandarin, Shih Tzu refers to a little lion. It is probably where our adorable little friend gets its name from.
Generally, it is pretty simple to look after a Shih Tzu when it comes to animal care. With a mix of comfort, love, and care, they light up the lives of their owners. Although, certain dietary requirements have to be met to sustain a healthy lifestyle for your Shih Tzu.
What Can Shih Tzu Eat?
You can create a perfect balance of meals for your pup with the following items:
- Organs such as the liver or heart
- Fish
- White chicken meat
- Lamb
- Blueberries
- Sweet potato
- Green beans
- Sweet peas
- Cottage cheese
- Baby carrots
- Whole yogurt
- Raspberries
- Plain white or brown rice
- Pasta
If we were to compare the amount of food a Shih Tzu consumes with other dogs of the same breed. A Shih Tzus diet is quite large in contrast.
Dogs do prefer wet food and find it more appealing. Although, it may be more beneficial for their teeth for them to have dry food.
Furthermore, arranging for wet food can get costly, and you cannot use it to fill treat-release toys.
A diet with wet commercial foods as its chief component can cause runny stools.
While dry food options are generally gentler on the stomach and result in healthier stools.
With all these factors in consideration, a diet of dry kibble may be the most suitable choice for your Shih Tzu.
If you notice your dogs preference for wet food, you can dribble some chicken broth over it.
However, take note that the broth is low-sodium.
The primary aspect of being extremely careful about the meals quality.
It is crucial that you feed your dog good standard food.
It will ensure that your Shih Tzu remains in shape and give them a long, healthy life with you.
The basic thing to remember is that any meal you provide to your pet should have a good nutritional balance of protein and carbohydrates. An adequate example of such as meal would be plain chicken served over plain brown rice in about a half-half ratio.
The Ideal Food List For A Shih Tzu Puppy
While measuring how much food is being fed to your pet. It is also imperative to keep an eye on how often you are feeding them.
A Shih Tzu dog is susceptible to becoming obese, and this does not give them access to food all day long.
Sticking to the rule of quality over quantity, lets break down the best food items for your Shih Tzu. As the likelihood of a Shih Tzu gaining weight as they grow older is high, it is better to limit their carbohydrate intake.
The component to have in abundance, however, is protein. For a healthy growth pattern, include these major sources of lean protein for a Tzu in the meal plan:
Focus on integrating healthy fats into their diet with a combination of nutritious carbs such as sweet potatoes, oats, rice, and barley.
Also, lets not forget about our plant friends. You can give veggies to fulfill the demand for minerals and vitamins.
1 Month Old Shih Tzu Food
The endearing month-old Shih Tzu is at the age where tiny teeth are beginning to appear in the gums. It is the moment when the transition from moms milk should begin.
You should start supplementing dog food to the little champ.
Options for this diet include using canned food, soaked dry kibbles in warm water, or a mixture of them. These soft items will motivate the pup to eat on its own.
2 Months Old Shih Tzu Food
A Shih Tzu puppy at this age should eat four meals a day, divided into a portion of 0.75 cups.
At this stage, start introducing lean proteins to them.
Chicken meals, turkey, fish, and eggs are all viable alternatives.
Best Foods For A Shih Tzu Puppy
It is a quick and easy fix to whip up with the ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator.
Taking 2-3 scrambled eggs and serving them over vegetables with cooked grain is another suitable meal for your dog. Fruits can also be a good option if you want to give your dog something sweet to munch on.
If you choose inferior elements for your Shih Tzu diet, it might end up causing you immense trouble in the future. Subpar food options consist of additives and low-quality ingredients. These can cause a range of issues and reactions.
These often include itching or upset digestive systems. If you find your Shih Tzu chewing on the paws, having a rash, hot spots, or hives, become conscious.
It is highly likely they may be responding negatively to an ingredient in their food.
No one will argue the significance of the nutritional value of the food. However, it is also equally vital, if not more, that the food you give your pet is safe for them to consume.
Our pets blindly trust us to provide for them the best of everything.
We have to ensure that their well-being is at the top of our minds. Some everyday safe options for Shih Tzu comprise peanut butter, yogurt, salmon, pumpkin and sweet potatoes, rice and pasta, apples, peas, and green beans.
Knowing the preferences of your Shih Tzu will make the entire process easier for you.
The diet regimen for your dog does not need to be too complicated.
A fun fact is that even plain popcorn is safe for your Shih Tzu to nibble on. Just be consistent with regular checkups and try to include healthy alternatives as a part of their meals.
How Much Food Should A Shih Tzu Eat Per Day?
Shih Tzu Eat Per Day? class=wp-image-1199/>Keep in mind that animals find it difficult to align their actions with what is good for them. For instance, they might continue to eat well past their requirement when it comes to food. They might not realize when to stop.
They have unpredictable behaviors, which can make the entire process of figuring out their diet plan quite daunting.
To give you an idea, feeding a Shih Tzu four times a day for the first six months should be fine. After the initial period, two meals per day will be perfect.
A core factor to include when deciding the quantity of food that you can give to a Shih Tzu is their age.
The older your dog gets, the slower its metabolism becomes. Your Shih Tzus build and activity level will largely impact the quantity of food they can digest properly.
The suggested amount of dry food categories for a Shih Tzu is 1 cup every day.
However, there is a distinction in calories in multiple foods that are fed to a dog.
Before making these decisions, it is important to weigh your dog. A Shih Tzu dog anywhere between the weight of 10 to16 pounds is considered fit as a flea.
Commonly, a puppy Shih Tzu must be given an ounce of food per pound of their body weight. For an adult Shih Tzu, we make it half and give them ounce of food per pound of body weight.
The quantity of food deviates due to the higher levels of activity which in return requires more calories for growing.
What Not To Feed A Shih Tzu?
Just as we do detailed homework for ourselves when working on a diet plan, we should do the same for our pets.
Certain foods could be bad for the digestive system of your Shih Tzu. As the accountability for their health falls on your shoulders, be vigilant that your dog does not intake any of the following food items:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and Raisins
- Onions
- Tea and coffee
- Salt
- Soda
- Fruit pits and seeds
Given the number of dog foods out there that consist of chicken as one of the main ingredients. It is a safe option to feed your dog. It is even a good source of protein, and cooked chicken can be traded with or put into your dogs daily meal.
Additionally, it is perfectly okay for your dog to have a piece of bread every now and then.
Staying within moderate limits, dogs can consume it pretty much in a similar manner as us humans. Plain white and wheat bread are generally safe choices for dogs to eat.
Certain food groups have been identified as being toxic to canines. For instance, fruit seeds and puts can create breathing complications and fill the dogs abdomen and heart. Caffeine can result in seizures, coma, and ultimately death.
It is better to steer clear of these ingredients altogether. To sum it up, the potentially poisonous food items for a Shih Tzu include the following:
- Grapes and Raisins
- Chocolate
- Onions
- Coffee, Tea, and Soda
- Salt
- Macadamia nuts
- Fruit pits and seeds
- Xylitol
There has been some speculation about how grain food may be dangerous to a Shih Tzus health.
There have been numerous cases where dogs have exhibited signs of having grain allergy and issues with gluten.
Shih Tzu Eating Problems
A major concern that some Shih Tzu dog owners have is how fussy their dog is when it comes to eating.
A select few people become proud owners of Shih Tzus who are fussy eaters, while others can eat with an open heart.
When your Shih Tzu gets older, their dietary requirements have to be adjusted accordingly. We have to avoid excessive weight gain in older pets strictly.
Obesity can become the cause of numerous other medical conditions and make your dog sick.
A few health issues can make a Shih Tzu picky about what they choose to eat. Decreased appetite is one of the main symptoms that manifest due to dental issues such as painful tooth decay, tooth infections, or loose teeth.
Make sure to get your dog tested for food allergies if you notice any symptoms, such as skin outbreaks, chronic itching, or stomach troubles.
A Shih Tzu is a relatively small dog that tends to exhibit variable eating behavior.
How your pet eats is just as important as how much they eat. Properly chewing the food is significant, and swallowing food whole is a habit that dogs fundamentally possess.
Numerous things can initiate this instinct in them.
If your Shih Tzu is giving you trouble eating, there are a few strategies that you can try.
You must avoid providing them any kind of treats or snacks in the middle of their meal for twenty-four hours; it also includes foods that Greenies or any other edible material.
It is definitely not the safest option for your dog to eat their food quickly and not chew. It can result in an upset stomach and might even cause your Shih Tzu to choke.
As a dog owner, ensure that you arm yourself with any knowledge of your dogs special diet.
Final Thoughts: What Can Shih Tzu Eat?
Diet contributes significantly to the standard of life that any living being spends. Being conscious about your dogs diet and hygiene is vital. Using the right bowls is important, along with feeding accessories.
The correct dish will assist you with everything ranging from preventing facial hair staining to relieving any stomach distress. Look for stainless steel and non-skid-bottomed bowls, and keep away from plastic at all costs.
It will guarantee that there are no problems later on linked to digestion. It is always better to err on the side of caution. Take your Shih Tzu to the vet if they refuse to eat their food or display abnormal feeding patterns.
Comment below your recommendations of what should a Shih Tzu eat and if this article was helpful.
More Shih Tuz questions are answered below:
What Can Shih Tzu Eat (20 Safe Foods For Shih Tzus)
What can Shih Tzu eat is a common question among Shih Tzu owners, and I will be discussing the safe things Shih Tzus can eat.
The food listed here has been tested, but we still advise you to contact your veterinarian because each Shih Tzu is unique.
That being said, lets outline and discuss some common food you can offer your Shih Tzu, I added links to other resource pages for each food.
What Can Shih Tzu Eat
Foods that are healthy for Shih Tzusto eat are listed below; however, fruits and vegetables should be fed in moderation:
1. Apples
Shih Tzus can eat apples in moderation since they include antioxidants and vitamins that can benefit Shih Tzus; however, owing to the complexitiesof apple seeds, Shih Tzus should not eat apples with the seeds.
Shih Tzus should not consume apple core to avoid gastrointestinal obstructions that are unneeded and avoidable.
Apples can be beneficial to Shih Tzus if given in moderation as part of a nutritious diet.
There are safe ways to offer apples to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
2. Watermelon
Shih Tzus caneat ripe watermelon slices without the seeds or rinds since they are good food for Shih Tzus when served in moderation.
Watermelon is a low-calorie, high-nutrient food high in vitamins A, B6, C, and potassium, which are all beneficial to Shih Tzus.
To begin, watermelon seeds might clog your intestines, so be careful when removing them.
A watermelons skin should also be removed because it might cause gastrointestinal troubles.
There are safe ways to offer watermelon to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
3. Eggs
Cooked or scrambled eggs are entirely safe for Shih Tzu. Eggs are also healthy for Shih Tzu pups since they are abundant in protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and fatty acids, all of which aid in growth and development.
Your Shih Tzu should be given organically farmed eggs from free-range farm chickens. If you can acquire them from a trusted dealer, thats perfect.
Although eggs should not be the primary source of nutrition for your Shih Tzu, they can be a tasty treat on occasion.
There are safe ways to offer eggs to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
4. Potato
Cooked potatoes are good for Shih Tzus because they include vitamins C, B6, iron, magnesium, and other essential elements.
However, if you dont cook them properly or feed them in huge quantities to your Shih Tzu, you risk endangering his health.
Potatoes are high in vitamins and fiber and will benefit your Shih Tzu. Theyre also simple to digest and can aid in the treatment of digestive issues.
There are safe ways to offer potatoes to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
5. Cucumber
Cucumbers are a good addition to a Shih Tzus diet since they are non-toxic, safe, and a high-water-content meal that is full of nutrients and may be used as a low-calorie snack.
Cucumbers are fine for your Shih Tzu, but they should not be served as food to him. Cucumbers should only be offered as a special treat.
Cucumbers are a nutritious addition to any diet since they are low in calories and high in water, vitamins, and minerals.
Theyre made out of 90% water, so theyll keep your Shih Tzu hydrated.
There are safe ways to offer cucumber to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
6. Pineapple
Pineapples can be eaten by Shih Tzus, but only in moderation. Pineapples are abundant in vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus, making them a healthy treat for Shih Tzus.
Unripe pineapples should never be served to Shih Tzus for any reason due to the high quantity of citric acid in them, which can cause digestive upset and dehydration in Shih Tzus.
There are safe ways to offer pineapple to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
7. Peaches
Shih Tzus may have peaches as treats instead of wholemeal, and because peaches are high in vitamin A and fiber, they are excellent incentives for Shih Tzus during training or after a workout.
Fresh, juicy peaches are Shih Tzus favorite summer treat; but, due to their high sugar content, peaches should be given in moderation to Shih Tzus.
Despite the fact that Shih Tzus may eat peaches, you should not feed canned or preserved peaches to your Shih Tzu.
There are safe ways to offer peaches to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
8. Oranges
Because oranges are non-toxic, they are okay for Shih Tzu to eat; nevertheless, due to their high sugar and acid content, they should only be given to Shih Tzu in moderation and as a delightful treat.
Oranges are high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, and if given in moderation, the juicy flesh of orange might be a delightful treat for your Shih Tzu.
There are safe ways to offer oranges to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
9. Broccoli
Shih Tzus may eat cooked and raw broccoli in tiny amounts as long as no additional spices, flavors, or oils are added to the dish before serving.
If given in moderation, broccoli may be a nutritious snack for Shih Tzus.
Broccoli, on the other hand, should be eaten in limited amounts due to the presence of isothiocyanates in the florets, which can cause gastrointestinal upset in Shih Tzu.
There are safe ways to offer broccoli to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
10. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is safe for Shih Tzus to eat since it contains dietary fiber, vitamins, and potassium, all of which are good for their health and make melon a pleasant and enjoyable treat on a hot day.
Cantaloupe is a low-calorie fruit with a high water content that keeps Shih Tzus hydrated and rejuvenated without making them gain weight.
There are safe ways to offer cantaloupe to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
11. Blueberries
Shih Tzus may eat blueberries in moderation as nutritious snacks since they are low in calories and high in vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals that are beneficial to Shih Tzus.
Fresh or frozen blueberries can be fed to your Shih Tzu. Give this fruit to your Shih Tzu in moderation, just like any other treat.
There are safe ways to offer blueberries to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
12. Bananas
Bananas are low in calories, contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium, and can give extra nutrients for Shih Tzus when eaten in moderation as a nutritious snack.
Because of their size, Shih Tzus should eat five to seven little banana pieces per day rather than one whole banana; this should account for no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
There are safe ways to offer bananas to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
13. Carrots
Carrots possess a high fiber content, beta-carotene, and may be used as a low-calorie snack and reward for Shih Tzus, so they can safely consume them raw or cooked in moderation.
Carrots, both raw and cooked, are beneficial to Shih Tzu and provide a nutritious boost to their diets when consumed in moderation.
While carrots are generally safe to feed to your Shih Tzu, its important to cut whole carrots and even carrot sticks into bite-size pieces beforehand.
Choking will be avoided by slicing carrots into little pieces, especially in small dogs like Shih Tzus.
There are safe ways to offer carrots to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
14. Strawberries
Strawberries are safe for Shih Tzus to eat since they include many vitamins and minerals that are useful to Shih Tzus.
As a result, Shih Tzus may eat strawberries in moderation as part of a nutritious snack.
Strawberries are a great snack for Shih Tzus to eat in moderation since they are high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, all of which pugs require.
Strawberries are abundant in antioxidants, which can aid in the cleansing of a Shih Tzus liver, thus theyre okay to feed in moderation to Shih Tzus.
There are safe ways to offer strawberries to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
16. Tomatoes
Shih Tzus can eat mature and ripe tomatoes in moderation as a treat since they are safe for dogs; however, unripe tomatoes and tomato plants should be avoided because they might cause avoidable gastrointestinal issues.
Solanine is contained mostly in the green parts of the tomato plant, which is bad news for Shih Tzus who enjoy eating tomatoes.
Ripe tomatoes are generally safe to feed to Shih Tzus since solanine levels in the leaves, stems, and immature green tomatoes are greater than in the ripe fruit.
There are safe ways to offer tomatoes to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
17. Mango
Shih Tzus may safely eat mango as a nutritious snack in moderation since ripe mangoes can provide additional vitamins and minerals that can benefit Shih Tzus.
Its critical to remember that you should only give your Shih Tzu mango in little quantities.
Before feeding the mango to your Shih Tzu, peel it and remove the pit.
Although Shih Tzus can eat the skin, it is difficult for them to digest it, therefore it is best to remove it first.
Mango should only be given to your Shih Tzu as a reward or as a treat, not as dog food.
There are safe ways to offer mango to Shih Tzus that are totally safe, you should know.
18. Unsalted peanut butter
Peanut butter is completely safe for Shih Tzussince it is high in protein, heart-healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin.
Peanut butter, on the other hand, contains lipids and should be limited to no more than 10% of your Shih Tzus diet.
Raw, unsalted peanut butter is the healthiest option. Check the label to be sure the peanut butter doesnt include xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be harmful to Shih Tzus.
19. Honey
Honey contains vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants, and is completely healthy for Shih Tzusto take.
Your Shih Tzuwill come to adore and want honey, despite the fact that it may be prohibitively expensive in some areas of the world.
Honey has all of the vitamins your Shih Tzuneeded, so give it to him once a week.
You may add honey to your Shih Tzus meal or offer it to him to lick off his plate.
Check to see whether the honey is from your area and hasnt been genetically modified; if you cant find local honey, dont waste your time.
20. Fish
Fish is high in healthy fats and amino acids, which will benefit your Shih Tzus health.
Salmon and sardines are particularly nutritious, with salmon being high in vitamins and protein and sardines having soft, digestible bones for added calcium.
With the exception of sardines, make careful to pick out all of the microscopic bones, which can be time-consuming but is essential.
Never give your Shih Tzu raw or undercooked fish; only completely cooked and cooled fish will suffice, and restrict your dogs fish consumption to twice a week.
