Shih Tzu: Eating Problems

The Shih Tzu, like most small-sized dogs, are long-lived. However, they will not be able to stay healthy until old age without proper care. So, the key point to which the owners of these miniature dogs need to pay attention is nutrition. Their health, life expectancy, and appearance depend on the diet.

Shih Tzu Food Chart

Those who are going to have a puppy of this breed at home should familiarize themselves with the following recommendations of dog handlers:

• Feeding should be carried out at a time and place specially designated for this.
• Your dog shouldn’t take food from the ground.
• In the early days of a puppy in a new home, he is fed with the food he received in the nursery.
• New foods are carefully introduced into the dog’s diet. It is allowed to give no more than one new product to try a day.
• If the dog has moved away from the bowl, and the food is still in it, then the portion is too large for the pup.

It is not difficult to follow these recommendations. You should not deviate from the rules, even as an exception.

How Many Times to Feed?

From birth, up to two months of age, the puppy is fed 6 times a day. As soon as the baby is 2-3 months old, the number of feedings is reduced to 4-5. At the same time, portions are allowed to slightly increase in volume. Five-month-old Shih Tzu is fed four times a day. No more than three times a day – for 11 months. One-year-olds and older are usually invited to the bowl in the morning and evening. This applies to natural nutrition. Dogs that eat dry food should be fed as directed on the packaging.

Shih Tzu Puppy Food Chart

In the natural menu of small Shih Tzu, there should be:

• dairy products;
• milk porridge;
• cooked meat;
• mashed vegetables in oil or fish oil;
• sea fish;
• chicken, hard-boiled eggs.

As for dry food, you need to buy one that is specially designed for puppies of small breeds.

Shih Tzu Feeding Chart

Natural food for Shih Tzu includes:

• raw and processed meat;
• boiled offal;
• sour milk;
• eggs;
• porridge;
• greens;
• dried fruits;
• berries.

Dry food should include nutrients, minerals, vitamins. If the pet gets natural, then he needs to buy vitamins separately.

How to Feed the Elderly Shih Tzu?

After the pet turns 8-10 years old, he needs to change the diet. So, there should not be too much fat, because there is no longer a need for calories. Food is bought special, natural dishes are steamed, without the addition of fatty meat. It is advisable to increase the amount of protein consumed.

Do not forget about feeding and, of course, clean water. The pet should always have access to it.

As for the prohibited products, then everything that is on the human table can be attributed to their number. And also do not treat your pet with bones, liver (raw). Legumes, potatoes, flour are not suitable for this breed.