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Shih Tzu Puppy
Feeding a Shih Tzu Puppy
After a puppy has been fully weaned from his mother, until approximately three months of age, he needs to be fed four times a day. In the morning and in the evening, offer kibble (dog meal), soaked in hot water or broth, to which you have added some canned meat-based food. At noon and bedtime feed him a bit of kibble or moistened cereal. From three to six months increase his portion size and offer just three meals. At six months two meals are sufficient. At one year one single meal can be given, supplemented with a few dry biscuits in the morning and evening. During the colder months, you might want to mix in some wheat germ oil with the meal to add extra calories. Remember to keep a bowl of cool fresh water on hand to help your dog regulate his body temperature and to aid in digestion.
Be sure to read the labels carefully before you make your dog food purchase. Most reputable pet food manufacturers list the ingredients and the butritional content right on the can or package.
If you MUST feed a commercial diet, look for one that is "all natural" and does not contain Ethoxyquin or BHT as a preservative. Look at the quality of the ingredients and the palatability. Price should be a minor consideration. These diets will cost more to feed but you will use less and the improvement you see in your animal will be worth it. You may also benefit from less medical problems and less veterinary bills.
There is another popular diet called the BARF diet. This stands for Bio Active Raw Food (I used to think it was Bones and Raw Food and that also works). This is a diet based on the book "Give Your Dog a Bone" by Dr. Ian Bilinghurst and has been popular since 1993. It has a large following and consists of feeding raw meaty bones and a veggie mix.
Try to serve your puppy his meals at the same time each day and in the same location so that he will get used to his daily routine and develop good eating habits. A bit of raw egg, cottage cheese can be offered from time to time, but never accustom your dog to eating human food. Avoid offering spicy, fried, fatty, or starchy foods.
Hard foods, such as biscuits and dry dog food should be offered regularly. Chewing on these hard, dry morsels helps the dog keep his teeth clean and his gums healthy.
Internet sources of interest:
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