Feeding Your Adult Shih Tzu
By Connie Limon
When it comes to feeding your Shih Tzu always purchase the highest quality of food you can afford. Although the dog is a carnivorous animal, this does not mean that he needs an all-meat diet and nothing else. It has been proven that dogs fed solely on meat are more prone to skin problems than others.
To another extreme are people who insist on feeding their dogs and/or Shih Tzu nothing but vegetables. For one thing, if you do not grow your own vegetables, your dog will be lacking the same vitamin and minerals you lack eating commercially prepared vegetables. Humans are facing a vitamin and mineral shortage in commercially compared vegetables due to chemicals being added to poor soil. So then it is only logical to conclude your Shih Tzu will be facing the same sort of vitamin and mineral shortage unless you grow all your own vegetables.
Furthermore, dogs and/or Shih Tzu are not people. They do not require exactly the same nutrients as humans. I feel it absolute best to purchase the highest quality of commercially prepared dog food for your Shih Tzu from those who are highly trained and professional in these types of matters. There are many excellent brands on the market these days. Do your research. I personally feel HealthyPetNet has one of the best lines of dog products I have ever used. However, you need to find what in particular best nourishes your unique Shih Tzu.
Consult with your vet, although not all vets are highly trained in these matters either. Your vet may be selling a certain type of dog food that may not even be right for your Shih Tzu.
Feeding still remains the most responsibility of the owner. To guard against long term disease and help to prolong your Shih Tzu’s life, you should take some time to study the information and research available to you about dog foods and determine what is best for your own unique Shih Tzu.
Obesity
The Shih Tzu is a charmer. He will charm every bit of food out of you that he most possibly can. If it is your food your Shih Tzu will have a twinkle in his eye and beg so pitiful that you will feel as though you absolutely must give him not one bite, but half your meal if he stands begging for it. Do not be fooled by this charmer. He does not need your food too. Bites here and there are enough and make it clear to him that is absolutely all he is getting of your lasagna tonight!
One of the main reasons for obesity in the Shih Tzu is feeding him “your food.” Avoid this as much as possible. Likewise, the Shih Tzu can be just as charming begging for his own food. Feed him the recommended allowance per day and do not give in to his charming ways of asking for more.
Shih Tzu of all ages enjoys edible Nylabones. Give him one occasionally, but do not leave one out continuously. They will feast on Nylabones as well and I have seen them eat the Nylabones so heartily and as quickly as possible until they throw up. Most of my Shih Tzu just loves the edible Nylabones. They are good for them, but not continuously. I see those eating Nylabones as humans will start with a few Doritos and suddenly the whole bag is gone. I usually feel much worse on the last bite than the first. This is the same with Nylabones and the Shih Tzu.
Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies for sale in a variety of colors. Visit us at http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our FREE newsletter. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. Our website offers you an educational experience all about the Shih Tzu. Information is added daily. Visit us often and bookmark us to return later for updates.