Shih Tzu puppies are very energetic, lively and sociable. They can easily get along with each other, so bringing such a puppy home and dressing it up is a very exciting feeling. But after bringing it home and dressing it up, the thought that naturally comes to our mind is what kind of food to feed it? Will it be the best and will it be healthy? From this thought, most people would say that they support giving homemade food to Shih Tzu puppies because although the food bought from the market is convenient in some cases, it has several limitations. So most of the paid owners are more inclined towards giving homemade food.
In this post, we will discuss few recipes that might be the best homemade food for shih Tzu puppy how to make the best food for puppies at home and the pros and cons of that food. We will also try to answer some common questions related to dog food here, which are asked by parents of Shih Tzu dogs in different places around the world.
Why Homemade Food for Your Shih Tzu Puppy?
There are several common reasons why most pet parents provide homemade food for their Sneha Tzu puppies. If we analyze these, we will see that it is very beneficial for the health and well-being of every dog and for its quarantine. Let’s take a look at those reasons. If you make it at home, you will know exactly what to do.
- Control over Ingredients: If we make dog food at home, then what we mix in that food is entirely in our hands. If we buy food from the market, we cannot know whether it contains any harmful substances. Therefore, while making food at home, we can keep our dogs healthy by avoiding low-quality filters and other harmful substances.
- Freshness and Quality: Homemade food for dog is always very fresh and nutritious if we compare it to processed kibble. Then there is no comparison. It is much more nutritious and beneficial and also contains the necessary vitamins, minerals, etc. in the right amount.
- Personalized Diet: You can tailor your favorite Shih Tzu puppy’s food to his specific needs, as each dog is unique and their needs may differ from others. That’s why homemade food can be much more personalized and therefore beneficial.
- Bonding Experience: Just as humans always think about feeding their children the best, so too do pet parents’ main needs are that their pets always get the best food. So if you serve your beloved dog food by preparing it at home, then a heavenly bond is created between you and your pet.
Essential Nutrients for a Growing Shih Tzu
Lion dogs are one of the most active and energetic dog breeds, so their puppies must also have a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for rapid growth and overall development.
Protein: Protein is one of the most important parts of building and repairing tissue. Protein should come from non-vegetarian sources such as chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish.
Fats: Healthy fats are essential for the overall health and development of a dog, providing energy and promoting brain development. Some of the best sources of fats are fish oil, olive oil, and flaxseed oil.
Carbohydrates: Active dogs like Shih Tzu need a good supply of energy, so choose foods with easily digestible carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa.
Vitamins and Minerals: Like humans, dogs can suffer from various diseases when they are young because their immune system is much weaker at this time. Therefore, it is important for puppies to have the right amount of vitamins and minerals in their food. These help in proper bone health, bodybuilding, and also boost their immune system. A balanced homemade diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide these important nutrients.
Recipes of Best Homemade Food for Shih Tzu Puppy
Here are some recipes that you can easily make at home for your beloved Shih Tzu dog. They are very easy and can be made in less time.
Recipe 1: Chicken and Rice Delight
Instructions:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed well
- 1/4 cups cooked green beans, cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon fish oil
- Directions: Combine all ingredients, mix well, then serve warm.
Recipe 2: Lamb and Veggie Medley
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked ground lamb
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup cooked carrots (fine pieces)
- ¼ cup cooked peas
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve warm.
Important Considerations:
If you decide to prepare food for your pet-child Shih Tzu, you must consider few important things as mentioned below:
Consult your veterinarian: Consult your veterinarian before or during the introduction of homemade food to your beloved feline. They will help you come up with some amazing meal plans. This food list will be able to meet your beloved feline’s needs.
Introduce new foods gradually: When feeding homemade food to someone other than the dog, start giving it slowly because if you have to transition from a necessary habit to a new one, it needs to be done gradually.
Portion control: The biggest advantage of making homemade dog food is that you can feed the right amount of food based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
Food safety: If you make your puppy food at home, you know exactly what ingredients you are adding and how much, so your puppy gets the right amount of nutrients, which is very beneficial for his health.
Supplementation: Consult your veterinarian if there are any nutritional deficiencies in the homemade food. He or she can advise you to add essential vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and vitamin D.
Observe: When feeding your dog homemade food, be sure to observe how it reacts to the food. If any behavioral or health problems arise outside of the dog, take necessary measures.
How do I transition my Shih Tzu puppy to a homemade diet?
Introduce new foods gradually, mixing small amounts of the homemade food with their current food. Gradually increase the proportion of homemade food and decrease the present food in 7-10 days.
FAQs: Homemade Food for Shih Tzu Puppies
Can I feed my Shih Tzu puppy a completely homemade diet?
You can feed your beloved puppy a completely homemade diet, but make sure that this diet is balanced and able to meet all their nutritional needs.
How often should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy homemade food?
Puppies usually need to be fed 3-4 times a day. As they get older, you can reduce feedings to 2-3 times a day.
What are some signs my Shih Tzu puppy isn’t tolerating homemade food?
If your Google seedlings are not able to tolerate your homemade food, a number of problems can arise. Some of the most common problems are diarrhea, vomiting, itching, rashes, behavioral changes like lack of appetite, lethargy, etc. If you see any of these symptoms, immediately consult your veterinarian.
Can I freeze homemade puppy food?
Yes, you can prepare meals at home and freeze them in separate portions for convenience. However, leave the food in the refrigerator overnight before serving and let it thaw, then serve it slightly warm or at room temperature.
Are there any foods I should avoid feeding my Shih Tzu puppy?
Some foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, Little Krispy Kreme sweets, etc. are toxic to dogs. Avoid feeding these foods to your beloved pet Tzu puppy.
Conclusion
Feeding your beloved pet puppy homemade food can be a healthy and best choice. If you prepare food at home, it is possible to use high-quality ingredients. Following balanced recipes, you can provide the best food for your loved dog Shih Tzu. The decision to feed your dog homemade food indicates your responsibility and awareness towards your dog. Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s present diet. If you continue to feed your dog homemade food and make any changes to its diet, monitor the effects on your puppy and take appropriate action immediately if there are any behavioral or physical problems.