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Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus
- Authors
- Name
- ChewyChoice team
Introduction
Ensuring that Shih Tzus receive proper nutrition is crucial in helping them avoid or deal with many of the health issues common to this breed. Health conditions such as eye ailments like pigmentary keratitis, epiphora, ocular proptosis and cataracts may potentially be lessened by incorporating a rich diet that promotes eye health. Key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants play a role in this regard. To prevent ear infections, which are prevalent among Shih Tzus due to their floppy ears and hair accumulation in the ear canal a balanced diet that bolsters the immune system with sufficient protein, vitamins and minerals is advisable.
Issues concerning joints like luxation, hip dysplasia and arthritis can worsen with excess weight. Providing a portioned diet tailored to their size and activity level helps Shih Tzus maintain an optimal body condition to alleviate pressure on their joints. Additionally incorporating supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3s into their meals can promote health. When it comes to problems such as brachycephalic syndrome managing weight through regulated nutrition eases strain, on the respiratory system.
Overall by offering a premium diet designed specifically for the needs of your Shih Tzu based on their age and requirements. Provide them with the basis necessary to prevent or better handle various health conditions prevalent among this breed. Proper nutrition stands as an aspect of preventive care, for Shih Tzus.
Nutritional Needs of Shih Tzus
Considerations for Selecting the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus
Choosing the food for Shih Tzus can be hard because each of them is unique. It's important to consider various factors when picking their dog food. One key factor is the age of the dog. Pups have different dietary requirements than adult dogs. So choosing a meal that suits their age is essential.
Understanding AAFCO Guidelines for Shih Tzus Nutrition
AAFCO guideline specifies the minimum nutritional needs of both puppies and adults. For instance, adult dogs need at least 18% protein while puppies need around 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis.
Keeping breed needs and AAFCO guidelines in mind. Convert the nutritional analysis to a dried-matter basis for easier comparison. More importantly, consulting with a veterinarian. This ensures that the chosen food meets the needs of your pup based on their life stage and specific needs.
Checklist for Choosing Dog Food for Australian Shepherds
Look for high-quality ingredients
One key aspect that sets dog foods apart aside from the cost is usually the quality of the protein sources. It's best to opt for ingredient lists that feature meat sources. When it comes to nutrient sources steer clear of anything with descriptive modifiers like derivatives, additives or byproducts. For grains and additional ingredients that offer carbs, vitamins and minerals opt for options like oats, seaweed and rice of cereals or wheat.
Ensure your Shih Tzu's food has adequate protein
This nutrient is crucial for providing your friend with the necessary energy and amino acids to support muscles and their immune system. Puppies should have diets with at least 25% protein content while adult dogs require foods with at least 20% protein. Look for foods with high quality protein sources such as chicken, beef or fish.
Find foods with appropriate fat content
This is vital for maintaining your pup's health. Despite sounding negative it actually aids in developing healthy brain tissue and serves as an energy source for your furry companion. Puppies should have diets containing between 10 to 20% crude fat and they can come from meat sources or a supplement like fish oil.
Feed your Shih Tzu the right amounts of bone health nutrients
It's important to provide your pet with calcium, phosphorus and potassium through their diet. These nutrients play roles in various health functions, especially in building and maintaining strong healthy bones. While these nutrients make up less than 5% of your pet's meals, it is crucial to ensure that your pet's food contains sufficient amounts to meet your dogs requirements. Typically aim for around half, to one percent of each of these nutrients in their diet.
Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus July 2024
1. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Turkey, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Turkey
- Chicken Meal
- Oatmeal
- Salmon Meal
- Barley
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has turkey, chicken meal, whitefish meal, and salmon meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active Shih Tzus.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Oatmeal and barley provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed and salmon oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product and others provide probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some Shih Tzus.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains lentils, peas.
Sample Review from buyers
I always start my puppies out on Wellness Small breed puppy food. I found this to be the best puppy food for my Shih Tzu puppies. Their fur is so soft.they love the taste of it!
2. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Chickpeas
- Tapioca
- Chicken Fat
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, turkey and herring as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active Shih Tzus.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Tapioca, chickpeas, and peas provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as salmon oil and chicken fat are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, chickpeas, and peas could be potential allergens for some Shih Tzus.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains chickpeas and peas.
Sample Review from buyers
I have a really picky toy poodle, and tried many different brands of food, and this is the only stuff he will eat. Not only does he eat it, but he also gets excited for it! Even my cat tries to eat his food. Sometimes I buy the raw add in bits too. Specifically the pumpkin kind. I hope your pup loves it too!
3. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken Meal
- Potatoes
- Canola Meal
- Peas
- Chicken Fat
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, turkey, and pork as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active Shih Tzus.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Potatoes and sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried lactobacillus and enterococcus fermentation products provide probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, peas could be potential allergens for some Shih Tzus.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains peas and canola meal.
Sample Review from buyers
I’m not a fan of grain free but my dog has been on this food for years and loves it! Tried a few flavors and no issues. I dog sit and many dogs come over and prefer this over what they have. I do recommend this food to my clients and many have found the same happiness when switching. Ingredients are decent and so is the price. Keeps my dog full and happy.
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Barley
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, egg, peas as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active Shih Tzus.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, oatmeal and barley provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine hydrochloride which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the Shih Tzus breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried chicory root provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some Shih Tzus.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains peas.
Sample Review from buyers
A few days ago we ordered Blue Buffalo Life Protection food for our 7 year old dog. We have fed her this food for awhile and purchased it from Chewy for a few years. Chewy always delivers the item within a few days in pristine condition. And Blue Buffalo is premium food that's kept our chihuahua-pug mix very healthy and happy.
5. Health Extension Little Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, and menhaden fish meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active Shih Tzus.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, oatmeal, and pearled barley provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed and coconut oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains chondroitin sulfate which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the Shih Tzus breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product and others provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken and egg could be potential allergens for some Shih Tzus.
- Higt fat level: The fat to protein ratio is a bit high for some dogs.
Sample Review from buyers
I have raised litters of Frenchies on this food. It’s so nice to have a pack that has multiple different ages and stages and I can feed this food to all of them. Their stools are nice they don’t throw up and I do hear a lot of complaints about Frenchies having sensitive stomachs. Mine have done very well on this food.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I safely switch my Shih Tzu puppy to adult food?
Between 9 and 12 months, take into account your puppy's breed size and switch to the appropriate adult formula to fulfill their evoling nutritional needs. The timing for switching to adult food depends on how fast your dog grows, with smaller breeds typically maturing faster than larger breeds.
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