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Should I Feed My Shih Tzu Wet or Dry Food?

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There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to dog food, wet, dry, or a combination of both. It can be difficult to know what is best for your dog. So, if you have been thinking, “Should I feed my Shih Tzu wet or dry food,” here are some answers for you.

Should I Feed My Shih Tzu Wet or Dry Food?

Does it matter whether you feed your dog wet or dry food?

Will they miss out on certain nutrients?

The truth is, either or both are completely fine.

My two Shih Tzus don’t eat much at all and yours may be the same.

I have always been a fan of dry dog food because it is easy and can be left out, so my two Shih Tzus can eat when they feel the need.

I’ve never had an issue with them overeating.

Both of mine are older now, but they have both maintained a healthy weight of 10 and a half pounds their entire adult life.

When I talked to my vet about dog food, he didn’t have any issues with feeding them dry food.

My sister, on the other hand, has always given her dogs a mixture of both.

She feeds them twice a day and gives them dry food with a spoonful of wet.

She then adds a touch of water to make kind of a gravy.

And, of course, there are those who feel their Shih Tzus only wet food, and that is okay as well.

If you are really concerned about it, talk to your vet and follow their instructions.

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How Much Food Should You Feed a Shih Tzu?

Typically, you should give your Shih Tzu between 1 and 1 1/2 cups per day of food.

Your dog’s age and activity level will play a part in how much food they need as well.

An easy guide is that a Shih Tzu puppy should be provided 1 ounce of food for each pound of body weight.

An adult Shih Tzu should be provided 1/2 ounce of food for each pound of body weight.

Puppies need more because they are growing.

How Often Should You Feed Your Shih Tzu?

While a lot of dog breeds do well with 2 meals a day or even 1 meal, your Shih Tzu as one of the toy breeds does best on 3 meals each day, kind of like you.

It’s funny…

As I mentioned before, I leave dry kibble out all the time for my two Shih Tzus.

Even though they have access to it all the time, they both only eat twice a day.

My, Truman will often only eat once a day.

As long as your Shih Tzu is healthy and at a good weight and eating a healthy diet you should be fine.

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What Should A Shih Tzu Weigh?

Most adult Shih Tzus weigh between 10 and 16 pounds.

I did have a friend with one that only weighed 6 pounds, but that is unusual.

Again, you should check in with your vet to determine the right weight for your Shih Tzu.

Also, you want to keep the human food you give them to a bare minimum.

This food can add a lot of weight gain to them and if you feed them too much human food they might start turning their nose up at dry or wet food.

Not to mention, human food can cause issues if they have a sensitive stomach as well as loose stools.

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The Best Dog Foods For Shih Tzus

I’ve listed a few of the top dog foods for Shih Tzus below.

You want to stay away from cheap food. Lower quality food can lead to food allergies and digestive issues.

The quality of food can make a big difference in your Shih Tzu’s life and health.

These all will provide high-quality protein, fatty acids, and quality meals for your Shih Tzu.

Adult Dog Food

Dry Foods

1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food

  • Supports skin health with an exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A
  • Maintains a Shih Tzu’s soft, long coat with a combination of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin


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2. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws for Small Breed Dogs

  • Nourishing omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat
  • Provides high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle in small breed dogs
  • Uses an antioxidant blend specifically for lifelong immune support in toy and miniature dogs

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Wet Foods

1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Wet Dog Food

  • Supports healthy skin and shiny coat with an exclusive complex of nutrients including the omega-3 fatty acids ALA, EPA, and DHA
  • Promotes heart health through nutrients including sodium and L-carnitine, and amino acids such as taurine
  • Stimulates a picky eater’s appetite with a delicious loaf in gravy

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Puppy Foods

Dry Food

1. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

  • Helps protect a puppy’s developing immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E
  • Supports skin health and maintains a Shih Tzu’s growing, long coat with specific nutrients

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Wet Foods

1. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food

  • Made with lamb for the taste puppies love
  • Contains no poultry by-products
  • Omega fatty acids help support his healthy skin and coat
  • Antioxidants help to support a strong immune system

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You might also enjoy:

Why Do Shih Tzus Love Peanut Butter?

Should I Feed My Shih Tzu Before or After a Walk?

What Fruits Can a Shih Tzu Eat?

To Sum it All Up:

Whether you feed your Shih Tzu dry food or wet food, as long as it is high-quality dog food you should be fine. Just stay away from cheap brands as they can cause health issues for your pup and keep human foods to a minimum. Your Shih Tzu should be getting 90 percent of their nutrition from their dog food and 10 percent from their snacks.

 

 

 

Please Note:

This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.

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