Before we talking about Homemade food for shih tzu, several factors such as weight and age must be considered, several factors such as weight and age must be considered. The typical daily caloric requirement is 30 to 35 calories per pound of weight. Puppies, given their high energy levels, require more calories than adult dogs.
Best homemade food for shih tzu
Role of Proteins in homemade food for shih tzu
One way to ensure your Shih Tzu gets high-quality food with an optimal balance of protein and carbohydrates is through homemade food for shih tzu meals. If you lack the time or inclination to cook, consider canned and processed foods without chemical additives.
Remember, enriching the pet food doesn’t mean neglecting the choice of the main feed; it should be premium or super-premium quality. Pets, like humans, can tire of repetitive meals. If your Shih Tzu loses interest in their food, try switching to a different but equally high-quality brand.
A balanced diet for a Shih Tzu should consist of 75% carbohydrates and 25% protein. Suitable protein sources include red meat, liver, kidneys, and well-cooked and minced chicken, lamb, or tuna. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, wheat flour, soy, corn, and pasta. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and spinach can also enhance your dog’s nutrition, though in small amounts.
When preparing homemade meals, make them in small quantities, as it’s not advisable to store them for more than two days. With these tips, we hope your Shih Tzu enjoys a balanced and healthy diet.
Shih Tzu-Friendly foods to serve in moderation
- Chicken
- Ground beef
- Raw or cooked liver
- Raw or boiled egg
- Brown rice
- Raw or cooked carrots
- Sweet potato
- Boiled pumpkin
- Natural yogurt
- Kefir
- Minced raw garlic
- Coconut oil
- Cheeses
- Fruits – bananas, seedless apples, persimmons, cashews, mangoes, guava, strawberries, watermelon.
- Raw meaty bones – from the kneecap, pelvis or chest
Note: Cooked foods should not be seasoned with salt or other spices.
Feeding Habits of Shih Tzu Puppies
It’s advisable to let Shih Tzu puppies up to three months old eat as they wish. You can keep the food bowl filled and replenish as necessary, letting them decide when and what to eat.
Beyond this age, transition to a regular feeding schedule, typically three meals a day in the recommended amount according to standards. Check the labels on pet food bags for the ideal quantity for each animal type.
Choosing the best homemade food for shih tzu
If you’re considering making your Shih Tzu’s meals from scratch for a fresher and healthier diet, it’s important to understand their basic nutritional needs. Shih Tzus, while primarily carnivorous, have evolved to enjoy a diet similar to ours, incorporating eggs, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates.
Their digestive system is highly acidic, making it efficient at digesting meat proteins. However, Shih Tzus don’t have specific enzymes for starch digestion. Therefore, diets high in carbohydrates or plant fiber that might not work well for humans can be suitable for these animals.
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Several homemade food for shih tzu ideas
Here are several recipes for homemade food for shih tzu that ensure a balance of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and essential nutrients:
Chicken and Sweet Potato Dish
Combine 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken, 1 cup of mashed sweet potato, 1/2 cup of chopped green beans, 1 tablespoon of fish oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary in a large bowl. The resulting mix should be stored in a sealed container in the fridge, where it can be kept for up to three days.
Turkey and Brown Rice Meal
Blend 2 cups of cooked and shredded turkey, 1 cup of cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup of chopped carrots, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley in a large bowl. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ensuring it is consumed within three days.
Homemade food for shih tzu like Beef and Quinoa Combo
Combine 2 cups of cooked and shredded beef, 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup of chopped spinach, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme in a large bowl. Keep the resulting mixture in a sealed container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to three days.
Salmon and Sweet Potato Delight
Mix 2 cups of cooked and flaked salmon, 1 cup of mashed sweet potato, 1/2 cup of chopped broccoli, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil in a large bowl. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days.
Lamb and Barley Feast
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked and shredded lamb, 1 cup of cooked barley, 1/2 cup of chopped carrots, 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano. After mixing, store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge and use within three days.
Homemade food for shih tzu to avoid
If you’re considering preparing homemade food for shih tzu, there are certain things you’d want to avoid:
- Allergen-triggering ingredients which can cause symptoms like itching, skin rashes, hives, and watery eyes.
- Harmful chemical preservatives believed to be associated with behavioral problems, respiratory issues, heart damage, and certain types of cancer.
- Color dyes confirmed to cause behavioral problems, allergies, and some types of cancer. These include Red #40, Blue #2, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, and 4-methylimidazole (4-MIE). Unfortunately, these are only added to make the food appear more appealing to pet owners.
- Suspicious ingredients such as generic meats or oils (typically sourced from roadkill and diseased or dying farm animals), by-products (animal parts not suitable for human consumption like lungs, reproductive organs, undeveloped eggs, spine, etc.), inexpensive fillers like corn, and high gluten content (wheat).
- Dull, unappetizing flavor. Commercially produced pet food may not be particularly palatable for dogs.
Making homemade meals for your Shih Tzu enables you to:
- Have full control over what your dog consumes.
- Provide only nutritious, wholesome food, avoiding all additives and the unpleasant reactions they can cause. Essentially, your Shih Tzu will be on a clean diet.
- Save on costs by cooking in large quantities.
- Tailor recipes to suit even the fussiest eaters; homemade meals for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs are flexible and can be easily adjusted.
- Offer gluten-free or even grain-free meals for those with intolerances or allergies.
- Present food full of flavor. Homemade meals offer unbeatable tastes and textures, including fresh meats, ripe fruits, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauces that even the most discerning dogs will eagerly devour.
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