Did you know that the Shih Tzu is a giant among small dogs? In fact, this toy breed has been around for more than 3,000 years. If you want to keep your pup healthy and happy, choosing the right dog foods is an essential first step.
Read on to learn about the nutritional needs of this curious and friendly breed, as well as factors to consider when shopping for the right dog foods for your shih tzu.
What are the ideal nutrition requirements for a Shih Tzu?
When choosing the right dog foods for your shih tzu, the first thing to keep in mind is the size and age of your pet. If you have a young pup, pick a lower-protein, lower-fat diet. As your shih tzu gets older, you can gradually switch him to a higher protein, higher-fat diet.
Pup weight also matters, as puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs. If you have a toy breed who is under 10 pounds, you can use a diet specifically formulated for small dogs. For larger breeds, consider switching to a higher-protein diet as your pup gets older.
Dog Foods for Skin and Coat Care
The Shih Tzu is a proud breed who loves to show off his elegant looks. You can keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and beautiful by feeding him a high-quality dog food that’s been specially formulated for coat and skin health. Weeds, pests, and other harmful organisms can thrive in dry and hot climates where air and water temperatures are warm.
These conditions can cause your shih tzu’s skin and coat to become reddened, irritated, and dry. Give your dog a high-quality dog food that’s been formulated with ingredients that promote healthy skin and coat. Look for foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, and enzymes to promote strong, glossy coat and soft, supple skin.
Dog Foods for Weight Management
When your dog is overweight, he’s at an increased risk of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Obesity can also make it difficult for your dog to perform physical activities, such as hiking with you or playing Frisbee with his friends.
One key way to keep your shih tzu healthy and maintain his ideal weight is to feed him a high-quality dog food that’s lower in calories. Look for dog foods that contain ingredients that help your dog feel full, so he doesn’t feel the need to eat more.
Another way to manage your shih tzu’s weight is to feed him fewer calories in fewer meals throughout the day. If you feed him twice a day, limit his meal size to 400 calories or less.
Dog Foods for General Health
All dogs are different, and some may need extra vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients to stay healthy. If you notice that your shih tzu isn’t doing well, give him a checkup with your veterinarian. In addition to regular checkups, you can boost your dog’s immunity with a high-quality dog food that’s rich in probiotics.
Probiotics are microbes found in the digestive system of humans and animals that help the body defend against infectious bacteria and yeast. Some probiotics also help your dog digest food more efficiently. Look for dog foods with probiotics like k9 vitality, which have been shown to support overall health and vitality in dogs.
Dry Dog Foods
Dry dog foods are ideal for dogs who have a hard time digesting wet foods. These foods are easy to administer and may make it easier for your shih tzu to process protein and fat. However, some shih tzus may not do well on dry dog food.
If your pup is finicky or has a sensitive stomach, try feeding him a wet dog food first. If he still has issues, try feeding him a dry dog food. Keep in mind that dry dog foods are usually less expensive, so you may end up feeding your shih tzu dry dog food even if he doesn’t tolerate it very well.
Semi-Raw Dog Foods
Semi-raw dog foods contain a combination of ingredients, including fresh meat, fresh bones, fresh organs, and fresh ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables. The semi-raw dog food is then cooked for a short period of time, such as 30 minutes.
This type of diet helps your shih tzu get the many benefits of raw meat, such as the presence of enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, but with less chance of bacterial contamination. Semi-raw dog foods are easy to digest, so your pooch should feel full after eating only one cup.
If your shih tzu has a sensitive stomach, consider feeding him semi-raw food. Keep in mind that semi-raw dog foods are usually more expensive than regular dog foods, so you may need to feed him semi-raw dog food even if he doesn’t like the taste.
Raw Dog Foods
Raw diets are fed in a raw-food format and are not cooked. The raw diet consists of fresh meat, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits that have not been cooked. These diets may be fed to dogs with stomach problems, such as lactose intolerance or having a sensitive stomach.
Many raw dog foods are also semi-raw, so your shih tzu can try either a raw or semi-raw diet. Make sure to buy a raw dog food that has been specially formulated for dogs and is appropriate for his age and weight. Look for foods that have been verified by a third-party company as being 100% raw and meet your shih tzu’s nutritional needs.
Keep in mind that feeding your shih tzu a raw diet may be expensive and require more time and effort on your part. For example, you’ll need to feed him twice per day and need to find recipes that meet his needs and meet his taste.
Conclusion
The Shih Tzu is a large and majestic breed, making him an ideal pet for families with children. If you want to keep your pup healthy and happy, choosing the right dog foods is an essential first step. The nutritional needs of the Shih Tzu depend on the size of your pet, so be sure to take his age and weight into consideration when choosing the right dog foods for your shih tzu.
