Nutrition rules for Shih Tzu dogs

How to feed

Feed puppies up to 3 months 5-6 times a day. Dogs of this breed are often susceptible to hypoglycemia, low blood sugar levels, so it is undesirable to go without food for a long time. It is recommended to feed puppies from 3 to 12 months 3 times a day.

We advise adult dogs to follow the same schedule, but you can switch to 2 meals a day.

The serving size is indicated in the instructions on the box and depends on the weight of your pet.

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Choosing a diet type

The next step is choosing the type of food. Adherents of both types cite pros and cons of their choices. In a global sense:

Natural feeding: Cheaper.
Quality products must be environmentally friendly, meaning most of them are not sold in stores.
Meat and other animal products cannot be purchased at spontaneous markets.
It requires separate preparation of food for the dog, which means additional time.
Eliminates table feeding.
Requires product selection if the dog has allergies.

Industrial feeding: Saves time.
More expensive than straight.
Requires certain knowledge and skills in choosing feed.
Allows you to leave food in the automatic feeder.
With severe food allergies, it may become the only acceptable type of food.

Let's take a closer look at natural nutrition. By choosing this type of feeding, you exclude any industrial feed from the diet. You can leave store-bought treats. If you have to travel or move, porridge can be replaced with good canned food. Almost all approved foods can be given to your dog, both cooked and raw. The menu must include meat porridge (with added vitamins), and raw foods can be considered a snack or one of the meals.

According to the standard scheme, an adult dog should receive porridge consisting of equal parts vegetables, grains and meat (that is, 33% each). Up to 15% of the mass fraction of meat can be replaced by offal. This instruction is only a support and there is no need to strive for it; it is better to focus on the tastes and needs of your ward. The puppy can (and should) be offered all permitted products:

Meat: beef, veal, rabbit, turkey, chicken (the dog is likely to have an allergic reaction to store-bought products).

By-products (preferably beef): heart, liver (heat-treated only), rarely kidneys, washed stomach (tripe), trachea and other cartilage, lung, tongue, ears (pork or boiled).

Chicken egg (1 pc.) or quail egg (2 pcs.) 2-3 times a week.

Cereals – optimally rice, rarely buckwheat or oatmeal.

Whole milk (compulsory for puppies, individually for adults), kefir, fermented baked milk, homemade yogurt without flavors, cottage cheese (preferably homemade), hard cheese.

fish , ocean or sea - cod, salmon, pink salmon, rarely capelin or boiled sprat.

Vegetables: carrots, zucchini, cucumber, bell peppers, turnips, pumpkin, cabbage (cooked only), tomato, beets (not too much), any not too spicy greens, etc.

Fruits: sweet and sour green apples in unlimited quantities. Any juicy fruit can cause diarrhea, so they are fed in small quantities.

oil , olive oil, flax seed oil.

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

pros

There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating;
The condition of the coat improves;
Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract;
Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein);
Does not cause allergies;
Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed;
Difficult to find in pet stores.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

pros

High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
Does not cause allergies;
Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

Not found in all pet stores.

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

pros

Record high animal protein content;
Does not cause allergies;
The composition contains several types of fish.

Minuses

There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container;
Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth;
Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

Dry food

A good alternative to natural food is dry food. It is produced in dry, wet and canned forms.

When choosing good food for your Shih Tzu, consider:

Age. A puppy and an adult dog require different ratios of minerals and nutrients.
Activity. Often food is made for active or passive dogs.
Preferences. A dog is a living creature and may not like this or that product. There is no need to force an animal to eat if you can choose an alternative product that your pet will like.

When choosing food, you should ask about the brand that the breeder used, or study the composition yourself and choose the optimal one.

It is important to always have a bowl of water or an automatic drinking bowl nearby. Regardless of the type of feeding, Shih Tzus are given an additional multivitamin complex.

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

pros

Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties;
The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced;
High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time;
The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding;
Does not cause allergies or dental problems;
The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time;
Can be found in every pet store;
Does not have a pronounced odor.

Minuses

Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them;
Possible odor from the animal's mouth;
Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

pros

High content of lycopenes;
Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity;
Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth;
All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%;
Small granules that are easy to digest;
Distributed in pet stores;
Hermetically sealed packaging.

Feeding an adult and elderly dog, special recommendations

Experienced Shih Tzu owners advise beginners to feed their charges mixed food, but as practice shows, the recommendation is taken incorrectly. Mixed means hard and soft, not natural or industrial. When feeding natural food, you should not mix milk and vegetables, get carried away with fish (there are also recommendations for feeding fish daily) and pamper your dog with semolina. For unknown reasons, semolina is considered tasty for dogs, but those who recommend it do not take into account how un(!) healthy it is.

Note! From puppyhood, teach your dog to wipe his face after eating and drinking. A wet beard is a cozy home for bacteria, which can lead to dermatitis and unpleasant odor from your pet.

The Shih Tzu's feeding habits are more consistent as adults. Most dogs get used to 5-6 foods and react to new things without much enthusiasm. The diet of an elderly dog needs to be simplified, that is, the mass fraction of protein food should be increased by reducing carbohydrate food. The breed is prone to age-related joint problems . For older dogs, special strengthening complexes with chondroprotectors and a high content of minerals are recommended. Be careful, in case of kidney failure and urolithiasis, a vitamin complex with microelements should only be selected by a veterinarian.

Tip: To avoid wiping your dog’s face after he drinks, use special water bottles for bearded dogs.

Many Shih Tzu bitches develop coprophagia after giving birth and nursing puppies. The dog eats feces (both his own and others) with frightening passion. The problem is (usually) temporary and can be resolved with proper feeding and rest. The bitch should be protected from active walks, visits from guests and other stress. Coprophagia can have two natures - physiological and psychological, and the first can transform into the second. A dog with a mental disorder should receive treatment and be excluded from breeding.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
Moderate size granules;
No noticeable odor;
Elegant, high quality packaging;
The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

Rarely available in pet stores;
In isolated cases may cause constipation

List of prohibited foods

You should not feed your Shih Tzu meat with high fat content, smoked meats, river fish, raw liver and bones (which can cause damage to the digestive tract), and sweets (which cause problems with teeth and excess weight).

Do not feed the Shih Tzu legumes - due to increased gas formation, bloating appears in the stomach; do not give milk to drink - due to the risk of digestive problems.

There is no place in feeding for salty and spicy foods, processed foods, potatoes, white flour products, spices, pearl barley, soybeans, pasta and corn grits. Do not give very hot or very cold, rotten or sour food.

If an upset stomach occurs, the Shih Tzu is given rice water or herbal infusions (chamomile, St. John's wort), which normalizes stool.

An alternative is to take bifitrilak for 1-2 days. It is also recommended for recovery after poisoning. The main thing is not to let the problem get worse and start treatment on time.

Conclusion

The owner of a Shih Tzu does not have any difficulties in choosing a feeding method. The best choice is to feed with natural food. If this is not possible, then super-premium granulated food is suitable.

Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

pros

High meat content - >60%;
High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time;
No chemical flavors or additives;
Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems);
Improves the condition of the coat.

Minuses

High in fat, a lazy dog will quickly gain weight.

For an aging pet

After the Shih Tzu reaches 7-8 years of age, further feeding is replaced with low-fat food to avoid obesity. Associated with a decrease in physical activity and a decrease in calorie needs.

If there are no problems with dry food, then natural feeding is chosen without fatty foods and anything that leads to problems in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. A single meal becomes smaller in volume, and the amount of protein food is slightly increased.

To correctly create a diet, contact a veterinarian and select vitamin supplements and diet.

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

pros

Does not cause allergies;
Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated);
Available at many pet stores;
High-quality packaging;
Moderate size granules;
Restoring the condition of the coat;
Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque;
The composition includes many useful microelements;
Improved digestion.

Minuses

With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements;
Inconvenient packaging without fastener;
Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

Feeding tips for miniature dogs

To maintain the health of a small dog, it is important to consider recommendations and advice on feeding and managing the animal’s diet:

It is advisable for miniature breeds to eat dry food daily. This is due to the fact that they often experience oral diseases: inflammation of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth, loose teeth, and excessive deposits of tartar. Diseases develop faster than in large individuals. Preference is given to holistic feeds; they do not contain dyes, preservatives, or by-products. Dry food reduces the risk of these diseases, but is not a panacea.
The diet should include wet food. Miniature dogs are prone to diseases of the urinary system; due to their size, the kidneys produce a small amount of urine, which contains a concentration of harmful inorganic substances. Wet food helps saturate the body with additional fluid and prevents the appearance of formations in the urinary system. It is not advisable to mix dry and wet food; it is better to offer them to the animal at different times.
Do not choose your own nutritional supplements for the animal and do not give food from your table. The advantage of ready-made dry food is its balance. The substances your dog needs are available in the right quantities. Homemade table food contains a lot of salt, fat, spices, and other substances harmful to the animal. A dog whose diet is based on dry food does not need additional biological additives. An excess of vitamins is more harmful than their deficiency.
Do not overfeed. Small individuals have a tendency to become obese. If you do not control the number of servings in the bowl, then over time the animal may become overweight. On packages of ready-made dry food there is a table on portion sizes and feeding frequency. Compliance with these standards will protect your dog from weight problems.

Natural nutrition

Still, many, many owners, about half of them, remain of their own opinion regarding the usefulness of the products. They believe that a natural menu is a storehouse of the most beneficial things for a dog, it is healthy food that gives strength, and a dog on natural feeding looks even fresher and more well-groomed. Well, this is purely the opinion of each owner, but we will tell you which natural products are beneficial and which are harmful for Shih Tzu.

I immediately want to make a reservation and remove unnecessary amounts of food - do not give legumes, peas, pasta, river fish, pork, spicy, smoked, sweet. Quite a small list, but if you follow the rules, then the dog will not experience discomfort.

Based on the list, it is clear that you cannot give food from the table! By doing this you will spoil the Shih Tzu, which can lead to even worse consequences and the dog, God forbid of course, but this is possible - it may find itself on the verge between life and death.

Feeding your Shih Tzu with natural products is a special topic and it is worth devoting a lot of time to this issue. So, you can feed them foods that are perfectly acceptable to your dog:

Meat scalded with boiling water – beef and its offal;
You can try giving rabbit and turkey;
Cottage cheese, preferably homemade;
Sea fish, eggs;
Hercules, rice, buckwheat;
Vegetable stew, excluding potatoes.

You need to be careful with these products:

Fatty, salty;
Too hot or cold;
Milk;
Smoked, fried and flour;
Sweets.

It’s not for nothing that we included fish and eggs in one item - they should be given once a week so as not to cause allergies. Porridges go very well with meat; it is in them that experienced dog breeders recommend including vitamin supplements. It should be taken into account that buckwheat can turn the hairs pink on a Shitzu with light hair, so then you will have to eat other grains.

It is better not to give milk to a dog of this breed, it is poorly digested, but fermented milk products are a must. Pureed fruits also have a beneficial effect on the Shih Tzu's body, only if you know that they do not contain pesticides. Add vegetable oil to porridge with vegetables.

Many adhere to a separate diet, so they recommend that Shih Tzu owners be given, for example, porridge in the morning, vegetables or fruits for lunch, and meat in the evening. But there are so many people, so many opinions. This applies to an adult dog, but what to do with a small puppy, let's figure out how to feed a puppy.

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

How to properly feed small breed dog puppies

When a puppy is just born, its digestive system is on its way to development; a diet of the right foods is the key to health for years to come. Newborn puppies can be supplemented with milk or a specialized formula. At the age of about 1-3 months, you need to feed puppies with natural food: lean meat, eggs, fish, porridge, fermented milk.

Protein should make up at least 70% of the diet. We add healthy fats and boiled vegetables to the rest of the diet. This menu may seem boring to humans, but puppies do not need a variety of foods.

Their gastrointestinal tract is just learning how to digest food, and preference is given to simple and healthy foods. The diet should not contain fatty, fried, sweet foods; they are prohibited for puppies and cause serious health and digestive problems.

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.