Choosing the best dog food for your Shih Tzu can be one of the biggest challenges you will ever face in your pet’s life. The reason why the Shih Tzu dog is so beloved in China is because of its lovable short coat and sweet disposition. And with good reason: the dog is an exceptional breed that has been selectively bred for over a thousand years.
In choosing the ideal dog food for your Shih Tzu, you should first know the differences between the two main categories used to create the food. The first type of dog food is called a dry dog food. In this case, the main ingredient is meat, and the rest is either grain (bread) or by-products. The main appeal to dry dog food is that it contains less filler. This is in stark contrast to the cereal-based diet of the Shih Tzu. Fillers are bad for dogs, since it increases their risk of developing digestive problems such as flatulence and gas.
The next choice in dog food is the quality food. It is made with natural ingredients and the balance is given according to a dog’s needs and specifications. Common ingredients include vegetables, meat, and fruits. Puppies especially need quality food because their immature stomachs cannot handle tough kibble. If you are feeding your puppy, check the label for any harsh words like “by products” or “grind”.
And then there is the dietary nutrition. Unlike dogs, who can digest meat very well, Shih Tzus cannot eat much meat because their stomachs are too small. They have to rely mainly on fruits and vegetables in order to meet their daily nutritional needs. Even though Shih Tzu puppies enjoy some varieties of treats from time to time, their nutrition needs are very basic.
To cater to their needs, manufacturers of dog foods use a preservative to preserve the integrity of the nutrients in the food. Most of these substances are harmful to dogs. The preservatives used are usually unnatural and can be found in dog foods even more than in human foods. A large number of dog foods in the market contain BHA or ethoxyquin, a substance that is harmful for dogs.
While the diet is the most important part of dog nutrition, the health of the dog itself is just as important. You should take care that your pet remains in good physical condition. One of the best dog foods for shih tzu is a dry food. This is because shih tzu thrive on a low-calorie diet. If you feed your dog a high-calorie dry food, your pet may develop kidney disease or cancer.
Manufacturers use different preservatives in order to make the dry food appealing to the eyes and senses of the dog. Some manufacturers may include meat byproducts or by-products in their products. These substances are considered safe for human consumption but may cause sensitivity to dogs. To maintain a healthy weight, the dog food for sensitive stomach should contain adequate protein and calcium.
Even though soybean is not considered a complete protein source, dogs easily digest it. Ingesting soy has the effect of reducing the dogs’ thirst and urination, and this reduces the risk of developing kidney disease or cancer. However, it is advisable to feed soy to dogs only once a day, as frequent feeding of soy might cause allergies. It is important to make sure that your dog food contains only organic and natural ingredients. These foods help keep your dog’s energetic, happy, and healthy.
To ensure proper nutrition, dog food for sensitive stomach should contain an adequate amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The protein should be derived from quality sources, such as chicken by-products and tofu. The fat is obtained from beef liver, avocado, lamb, and other lean meats. Carbohydrates can be provided in the form of rice and oats, which are also low in protein and fat. Vitamin A, E, B-complex, and zinc are other important nutrients, which should be included in your dog food. These elements help maintain healthy skin, coat, and nails.
Additional nourishment can be obtained from fruits, vegetables, and grains. Wheat germ oil and brewer’s yeast are excellent sources of vitamin B-12 and other essential nutrients for dogs. Dogs that enjoy a variety of meat, fish, and poultry can gain adequate protein from fish and chicken by-products, grains, and fruits. For dogs that prefer vegetarian food, cooked eggs and dried beans are sufficient.
When preparing your dog’s food, make sure to read the label carefully. The American Association of Housecall Veterinarians recommends only using ingredients that have been proven safe and effective. According to a study found in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are specific ingredients that are particularly dangerous or likely to cause an adverse reaction in dogs. Corn and wheat gluten are two ingredients that are especially problematic, especially for dogs with hypoglycemia. The AAHA warns against feeding chicken, turkey, raw meat, and shellfish to dogs with hypoglycemia.