Best Blue Buffalo Dog Food for My Shih Tzu

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus benefit from a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. In addition, the meat should be from a quality source, preferably a named animal. All-natural ingredients from reputable dog food companies are ideal.

What Things to Consider When Buying Food for Shih Tzu

Nutritional Needs of Shih Tzu

Calories

The average adult Shih Tzu needs around 35 calories per pound of body weight. If he is particularly active (walking outdoors for 2-3 times a day), he may need more calories. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 40-45 calories.

It's important to remember, though, that Shih Tzus are highly susceptible to obesity. You need to continually check his weight to see if he is being overfed. Then, gradually add or reduce the amount of food accordingly.

Proteins

A healthy adult Shih Tzu needs at least 18% of his diet to come from protein. These need to come from high-quality sources, preferably leaner sources. Significant examples include pure chicken and beef. Organ meats (such as liver, hearts, and kidneys) are also good options but use them sparingly as they contain higher amounts of saturated fat.

If your dog is not lactose intolerant, you can also feed them dairy sources like yogurt and cottage cheese. Eggs can also be used but shouldn't be the dominant source because of their fat content.

Carbohydrates

Unlike humans, dogs like Shih Tzu can survive without many carbohydrates. In fact, eating too much of it can lead to a higher risk of obesity in this breed. Besides, the bulk of a dog's diet should come from protein and fat sources.

That being said, carbs still do provide a good source of energy for dogs, especially active dogs. If you plan to include some, get it from non-grain sources such as potatoes and vegetables instead.

Vitamins and Minerals

Shih Tzus are dogs with a particularly long lifespan. While this is good, it does present some health challenges. It makes them much more likely to contract complications such as diabetes and cancer.

To avoid this, make sure to include lots of vitamins and minerals in their diet. Food rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, should be considered to prolong their life.

Fiber

Just like in humans, fiber is an essential component of a healthy digestive tract for a Shih Tzu. A dog's high protein needs a little bit of fiber to counteract it and can be derived from vegetables and fruits.

Be careful not to overdo it, though. Excess dietary fiber can lead to gassiness.

Related:Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

Life Stage of Shih Tzu Dog

Puppy

The first 12 months of a Shih Tzus life is marked by rapid growth and a large intake of food. This is especially important for puppies under three months, because they are at higher risk of hypoglycemia, a dangerous drop in blood sugar.

Hence, puppies are usually free feed during this stage. This is where food is available to them at all times and topped up as necessary.

Related:Best Puppy Food

Adult

As Shih Tzus reach adulthood, their nutritional needs shift. Here, their calorie intake should be carefully monitored. Unlike larger breeds, Shih Tzus benefit from smaller, frequent meals throughout the day.

Senior

As Shih Tzus reach senior age (past the 8-year mark), their daily calorie needs begin to decline. This is in line with their reduced activity levels. In general, older Shih Tzus need around 33 calories or less per pound of body weight.

However, be especially careful that their reduced food intake is due to age, and not because of a more severe health issue.

Related:Best Senior Dog Food

Shih Tzu Health Conditions and Special Dietary Needs

Bone and Joint Health

Shih Tzus, despite their energy levels, can be delicate breeds. They are especially prone to bone and joint problems later in life. In particular, most suffer from spine disc problems and hip dysplasia.

It's, therefore, crucial to control your Shih Tzu's weight so as not to put unnecessary pressure on his bones. Do portion control to prevent him from becoming obese. You should also include more copious amounts of protein and glucosamine to promote muscle and bone health.

Healthy Skin and Coat

Shih Tzus need a healthy dose of Omega Fatty Acids to maintain their skin and coat. Not giving them enough of this nutrient can lead to excessive itching from dry skin. In some cases, itching might also be due to a food allergy.

Digestive Health

Shih Tzus can also have the occasional case of an upset stomach. However, such occurrences are risky. Since they are a smaller breed, they are much more at risk of rapid weight loss and dehydration than bigger breeds.

When this happens, determine what caused this in the first place. This is often due to food allergies. Try to switch him to a bland or a limited ingredient diet to determine the cause of the problem.

Also, be sure your Shih Tzu stays hydrated with plenty of water.

Food Allergies

Shih Tzus are one of those breeds that are highly prone to allergies, especially food allergies. If you notice that your dog has constant loose stools, consider replacing his diet with a grain-free one. Going for a limited ingredient dog food can help you pinpoint the exact cause of this.

For skin allergies, you need to add a bit more Omega-3 Fatty Acids to his diet. This healthy fat is essential for skin health and can reduce inflammation and itching arising from these bouts of allergies.

Weight Management

As a breed, Shih Tzus are more at risk of becoming overweight as they age. This can lead to a host of complications, such as bone disease and heart problems.

You need to be more proactive in controlling your Shih Tzu's caloric intake. Regularly monitor his weight and adjust serving portions as required. You might also need to cut back on the carbs, which is the #1 culprit in weight gain among Shih Tzus.

Related: Best Dog Food for Weight Loss

FAQs

How much to feed a Shih Tzu puppy?

Since they are in a rapid growth stage, Shih Tzu puppies need more calories than adults. A rule of thumb is to start with 55 calories per pound of body weight.

An average healthy Shih Tzu puppy would fall in the 5- to 6-pound range, or roughly 280 to 335 calories. Aim for about a maximum of 1 cup of dog food daily, adjusting as needed. Shih Tzu puppies are extra energetic, so you need to take this into account as well.

How much to feed an adult Shih Tzu dog?

As a general guideline, adult Shih Tzu dogs need to consume around 35 calories per pound of body weight. As most adult Shih Tzus weigh on average of 10 pounds, this translates to 350 calories per day. Or roughly around 1 to 1.5 cup of dog food a day.

Of course, this figure varies wildly. You need to take into account how active your dog is since Shih Tzus tend to be active. Also, be warned that Shih Tzus are prone to obesity. A restrained diet works best for them.

When should a Shih Tzu switch from puppy food to dog food?

Once your Shih Tzu goes past the one-year mark, it's time to consider a switch. At this point, their growth spurts start to reduce, and their caloric needs lower. A dog food designed for the exact nutritional needs of an adult Shih Tzu should be considered.

Take note, though, that each Shih Tzu is different. It is best is to observe his eating patterns. If he starts to ignore or nitpick his food than usual, then it might be a sign that he needs adult dog food.

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Source: https://fuzzy-rescue.com/best-dog-food-for-shih-tzu/#:~:text=All%20in%20all%2C%20Blue%20Buffalo's,few%20and%20far%20in%20between.