The Shih Tzus is a popular pet for a lot of reasons, starting with the fact that they are cute, beautiful, and quite attentive dogs. From puppies to adults, the Shih Tzus have become quite the favorite of dog lovers who appreciate small pooches and the love and affection that they bring.
However, Shih Tzus have special nutritional needs due to their relatively small size, long fur, short noses, and sensitive stomachs as compared to larger breeds of dogs. This means that you will need to do some shopping to find the right dog food for your Shih Tzus.
Nutritional Needs
When looking for the right dog food, especially if you have a Shih Tzus puppy, you will need to pay attention to the ingredients to see if it has the following;
- Protein: 28% to 32%
- Fat: 20%
Remember that the protein can come from meat or non-meat sources and will be needed to help build muscle as they grow. Fat is also an energy source for the puppies, but the type of fat should be chicken fat or salmon oil to maintain good health.
For adult Shih Tzus, you’ll want to reduce the amount of protein and fat while increasing the amount of good carbohydrates to provide energy.
- Protein: 22% to 25%
- Fat: 13%
Remember to read the ingredients and avoid unhealthy sources of fat, such as lard for example. If you do not understand the source, then it is best to not purchase the food.
Tips
Because of their size and nutritional needs, taking proper care of your Shih Tzus will mean providing extra attention, so they can grow and become happy dogs.
Vitamins & Fiber: Just like humans, Shih Tzus need plenty of vitamins and fiber in their diet. This combination provides them with the nutrition they need and the fiber to keep them healthy. Plus, the right amount of fiber will also help in keeping their weight at normal levels.
Sensitive Stomachs: Unlike many other breeds of dogs that seemingly can handle a wide range of food choices, Shih Tzus are rather sensitive. This often means purchasing dog food that is free of grains as that can upset their stomachs.
Energy: Shih Tzus can be quite active, so you will need to pack plenty of calories in every meal. For most puppies, around 450 calories per cup is about right. Adults do not quite need as much, so around 380 calories per cup is good.
If you have any further questions about your Shih Tzus, it is best to ask the vet for advice. They can steer you in the right direction with your pet.
Recommendations
There are several brands that offer good nutrition for your Shih Tzus. A good starting point for your search can begin with the following three companies;
- Merrick
- Natural Balance
- Wellness
All three have a solid reputation for providing good ingredients in their dog food designed for Shih Tzus puppies and adults. You’ll want to read the ingredients, but overall you can trust all three to provide the best food for your dog.
