Shih Tzu Diet

Dogs (just like humans) need a well balanced diet to stay healthy and strong. A balanced diet is required for growth, activity and repair of the body.

Your dog’s diet needs to have the right combination of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals as well as water.
Carbohydrates, protein and fat are all excellent sources for calories which are needed to keep your dog’s energy levels up. Protein also provides essential amino acids which are required for body tissue growth and repair.

Minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus are required for strong and healthy bones and teeth. Other important minerals include sodium, magnesium and potassium, these minerals assist in various different ways including with your dog’s metabolism.

Vitamins are also an essential part in aiding your dog’s body processes. Vitamin B is essential as is vitamin C which is an antioxidant. Some even believe that vitamin C helps in preventing various ailments such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.

Just like with humans, it is important to ensure that calorie intake is not higher than expenditure. Regular weighing of your dog will help you to ensure that your dog is at a healthy level and not drastically gaining or losing weight.

What to feed your dog.
Good quality commercial dry dog food and wet food often contains the correct amount and balance of nutrients necessary to ensure that your dog stays healthy. There are various different flavours which contain meat, fish or chicken as well as vegetables. When deciding on which dog food to buy it can be helpful to either ask your veterinarian or a friend who has a dog.

Remember to check the labels of the dog food before you buy it and also that different dogs will have different needs, depending on size and activity levels. There are also different diets including completely vegetarian diets, as well as completely home-cooked diets, again it is advisable to seek advice if you are thinking of an alternative diet for your dog.
It is also important to have fresh water readily available.

What you shouldn’t give your dog:
Cat Food: This is too high in protein and fat
Chocolate: Can be toxic
Raisins and Grapes: Can damage the kidneys
Fat Trimmings: Can lead to pancreatitis
Nicotine and Alcohol: Can lead to coma and death
Also avoid excess sugar, salt and fats as they can lead to both dental problems and obesity.

Will you need to change your dog’s diet?
There are a number of aspects which may require for a change in your dog’s diet. These are:
Food allergies: Sometimes dogs can be allergic to certain foods, signs of an allergy include skin rashes digestive problems.
Medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease will most often require for you change your dog’s diet.
Old age: As your dog gets older, his/her needs may also change and a change in diet may be required.