What foods can shih tzu eat?
Nutrition is a crucial factor when it comes to your Shih Tzu’s health. When choosing the right food for your dog, you want to ensure you are providing the best. Like all breeds, Shih Tzus are prone to certain health issues, but many can be avoided with proper care and nutrition.
Starting with the right foods early in life can help ensure your dog has a long and happy life.
It can be challenging to figure out exactly what you should feed your Shih Tzu. The situation is further complicated by the abundance of conflicting information on the internet. Some sources claim they should only eat raw, while others recommend large quantities of easily digestible foods. Confusion becomes more common when feeding puppies.
Shih Tzus are sweet, loyal, and silky dogs, but you need to know what foods a Shih Tzu can eat. They are not easy dogs to care for and can easily develop health issues like allergies if not fed properly.
The first question to ask when considering feeding your Shih Tzu is, “What is safe to eat?” The breed is sensitive to a wide variety of foods, and the response varies from dog to dog.
You cannot give Shih Tzu chocolate, grapes, avocado, or any other food containing these ingredients. In fact, many of these foods can cause health problems in Shih Tzu dogs.
First and foremost, you cannot feed your dog anything high in calories. This can be dangerous for the stomach, and some formulas for older dogs contain ingredients that can prevent them from lying down. Many formulas for older dogs also include ingredients that promote joint, skin, and coat health.
However, most veterinarians do not recommend changing your Shih Tzu’s diet to a high-quality formula until they show signs of aging. It is also essential to monitor your Shih Tzu’s eating habits and contact the veterinarian as soon as you notice changes.
Answering what foods Shih Tzu can eat, we can consider tuna 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 heart function and lower cholesterol levels in dogs.
These foods also help keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Be sure to prepare the tuna in oil, as this is the most common method and will provide the same benefits.
Shih Tzus should be fed a meat-based diet. Meat protein is essential for body coat lining, and animals should eat meat as soon as possible. Additionally, you should ensure that the meat has low fillers and fatty acids.
The same goes for carbohydrates. The best source of carbohydrates is brown rice, while omega fatty acids and vitamin A are necessary for a Shih Tzu’s coat.
While vegetables are good for dogs, caution should be exercised when consuming them with fruits. Garlic contains thiosulphates, which are toxic to dogs but not to humans. Therefore, a dog’s body may not respond well to garlic. It may also be incompatible with fruits.
The best Shih Tzu food should include chicken protein and fat. For example, meat or poultry by-products should not be fed.
Vegetables and fruits are also essential for your Shih Tzu’s health. Vegetables are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Vegetables can be consumed cooked or raw. Both are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, you can offer treats to your dog with these types of foods and avoid giving treats with artificial sweeteners. But be cautious with cranberries. They are highly toxic to dogs and can cause stomachaches.
In addition to vegetables and fruits, Shih Tzus can also eat some root vegetables. But you have to be very careful not to give them fresh cranberries or grapes as they will upset the stomach. If you can give bananas, do not give them fresh as they contain seeds that are toxic to dogs. The fruit can be served by the spoon, but whole apples should be avoided.
Shih Tzu can eat meat, fish, and poultry. You can also give them raw meat, but be sure to cook it first. Chicken and turkey can also be given.
Be careful not to give them raw chicken with bones. Shih Tzu can eat chicken. But it is essential to note that feeding your dog raw meat is dangerous. As with any food, avoid giving bones to your dog.
Now that you know what foods Shih Tzu can eat, just feed your little pet right and without excuses. Enjoy the tips!