When it comes to the health of your Shih Tzu, nutrition is a very important element. When it comes to mixing the right dog food for your dog, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re feeding them the best of the best. As with all breeds, the Shih Tzu is prone to certain health problems, but many of these can be avoided through good dog care and nutrition. Starting out with the right food early in life helps ensure your dog has a long happy life.
It can be difficult to figure out what exactly you should feed your Shih Tzu. This is compounded by the vast amount of conflicting information on the internet. Some sources state that they should only be fed raw, while others suggest vast amounts of easy to digest foods. The confusion becomes even more common when it’s time to feed a puppy.
Shih Tzu are sweet, loyal and silky dogs, but you must know what food can Shih Tzu eat. They are not easy dogs to look after and without proper diet, they can be prone to health issues like allergies.
The first question to ask when thinking of what food to feed your Shih Tzu is “what is safe to eat?” This breed is sensitive to a wide variety of foods and the answer will vary from dog to dog. You can’t give your Shih Tzu chocolate, grapes, avocados, or any other food with these ingredients. In fact, many of these foods can cause health problems in Shih Tzus.
For a start, you can’t feed your dog anything with a high calorie content. This is dangerous for their stomachs, and some formulas for older dogs contain ingredients that can prevent them from becoming overweight. Several senior-dog formulas also include ingredients that promote joint, skin, and coat health. However, most vets don’t recommend changing your Shih Tzu’s diet to a senior formula until he shows signs of aging. It is also important to monitor your Shih Tzu’s eating habits and contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice changes.
Tuna is an excellent choice for your Shih Tzu as it provides high-quality protein and healthy unsaturated fats. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can improve your dog’s heart function and lower his cholesterol levels. These foods also help to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Make sure you prepare tuna that is preserved in oil, as this is the most common form and will provide the same benefits.
Shih Tzus should be fed a meat-based diet. Meat protein is essential for the body’s lining, and the animal should eat the meat as often as possible. Besides, you should also make sure the meat is low in fillers and fatty acids. The same goes for carbohydrates. The best source of carbs is brown rice, while Omega fatty acids and Vitamin A are essential for the coat of a Shih Tzu.
While vegetables are great for dogs, you should be careful when serving them with fruits. Garlic contains thiosulfate, which is toxic to dogs, but not to people. Hence, a dog’s body may not respond well to garlic. It may also be incompatible with fruits. The most appropriate food for your Shih Tzu should include protein and fat from chicken. For example, it should not be fed with meat or poultry byproducts.
Vegetables and fruits are also important for Shih Tzu’s health. Vegetables are high in fiber and antioxidants. Vegetables can be cooked or raw. Both are low-calorie and rich in vitamins and minerals. Moreover, you can offer your dog treats of these types of foods and avoid giving them foods containing artificial sweeteners. But beware of cranberries. They are highly toxic to dogs and can cause an upset stomach.
Aside from vegetables, Shih Tzu can eat ice cream. However, you should not feed them ice cream on a daily basis because it could lead to food poisoning. A ten-pound dog can be easily poisoned with a half-ounce of grapes. Aside from causing intestinal problems, ice cream can cause gas and bloating. If you give your pet icecream, consider the risks before giving in.
Aside from fruits and vegetables, Shih Tzus can also eat some root vegetables. But you should be very careful not to give them fresh cranberries or grapes, as they can cause a stomach upset. If you can give them bananas, you should not give them fresh ones, as they contain seeds that can be toxic to dogs. The fruit is fine to serve on a spoon, but you should avoid giving them whole apples.
A Shih Tzu can eat meat, fish, and poultry. You can also give them raw meat, but make sure it’s cooked first. It can also be given chicken and turkey. Be careful not to give them raw chicken with bones. A Shih Tzu can eat chicken. But it is important to note that it is dangerous to feed your dog raw meat. As with any food, avoid giving your dog bones.