What to Do When Your Shih Tzu is a Picky Eater

How can you deal when your Shih Tzu is a Picky Eater?

Picky eating in dogs can be frustrating, but there are some things you can do to help your Shih Tzu enjoy their food. One of the most common reasons for a picky eater is that they are just not hungry enough when they eat and so they don’t finish what’s given to them.

If this sounds like your pup, try feeding him or her earlier in the day before their energy levels start to wane as well as increasing the size of their meal. Another option is to add water and canned pumpkin (or other high-fiber ingredient) into his or her dry kibble or wet food.

This will make it more appetizing by adding more flavor while also adding moisture content which could help with hydration needs.

What are some reasons a Shih Tzu is a Picky Eater – what can you do to help them eat better

I’ve heard from many people that their Shih Tzu is a picky eater with food. Sometimes, they’re not eating at all and sometimes they’ll eat one type of food but refuse another.

There are a few reasons why this might be happening and below, I will discuss some things you can do to help your pup feel more comfortable in the kitchen!

*If your dog is not eating at all, the first thing you should do is consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problems. If they are on medication or have an illness that causes nausea, this can cause them not to want to eat!

*Next, if their stomach might be upset from being too full due to recent overfeeding and/or lack of exercise as well as certain foods like onions in their diet causing gastrointestinal distress things will improve once these issues get resolved.

This includes getting more frequent walks or playing fetch indoors when it’s raining outside so they don’t overexert themselves.

Why are Shih Tzus picky eaters in the first place

Why your Shih Tzu is a Picky Eater in the first place

There is a reason why Shih Tzus are so picky about what they eat. They have been bred to be small and compact, but also alert with their senses. This means that the food has to be both tasty and easily digestible.

In order for this diet plan to work, Shih Tzus need three main things: high-quality protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates (which includes grains).

The high-quality protein is essential because it helps build muscle and bone, which are used for strength. The vegetables give the dog the vitamins they need to stay healthy, while carbs keep them full of energy.

Shih Tzus should get a diet that consists of 30% protein, 40% carbohydrates (grains), and 30% veggies/fruits. This means that their food bowl will have two cups of grains or rice mixed with one cup each of meat and vegetable scraps.

How to introduce new foods to your dog

Many dog owners have a difficult time introducing new foods to their dogs. The best way is to start with something they are familiar with and then slowly introduce the new food as a reward for eating it. For example, if you want your dog to try broccoli at dinner, give them some chicken first and then put in the broccoli while they’re not looking.

Many people also make sure that their dogs eat before adding anything new to their diet so that they don’t get too hungry or distracted by other smells from the kitchen.

The best way to feed your dog for optimal nutrition and weight management

The best way to feed your dog for optimal nutrition and weight management is to find a high-quality, grain free dry food that has an appropriate amount of protein. There are many different brands available on the market today, but it can be hard to know which one will work best for your pup.

We have done some research and found some top contenders that we would like you to consider. All of these foods are made with a variety of quality ingredients that help provide essential nutrients in order to maintain a healthy body weight, as well as promote strong teeth and bones.

Tips for feeding treats, food puzzles, and other rewards if your Shih Tzu is a Picky Eater

Shih tzus are small dogs with a lot of energy and intelligence. It can be difficult to find the best way to feed them, but there are a few things you should know about how they eat! You can read all about feeding treats and food puzzles in this blog post.

-When you’re feeding your shih tzu, it’s important to use the right food size for their mouth. You can find specially made dog bowls that are just the right height and width for little dogs!

-If they don’t eat a treat quickly enough, make sure not to leave them in their bowl too long or else they may get soggy with water droplets from saliva.

-Shih tzus have short noses which makes it difficult for them to smell things so be careful about what you choose as treats since most of them will end up being gobbled down without even chewing because there is no scent that tells the brain “this needs to be chewed!”

Tips for feeding treats, food puzzles, and other rewards

When should you call the vet if your Shih Tzu is a Picky Eater or seems sick at all

Vets are the experts when it comes to your pup’s health and well-being. If you have any question about whether or not your pup is sick, don’t hesitate to call the vet!

There are a lot of things that could be going on with your pup from an illness like parvo virus to something as simple as indigestion. Your vet will know what the best course of action is for you and your pet – trust them!

Conclusion:

Shih Tzu dogs are known for being picky eaters. So if your Shih Tzu is a Picky Eater it can be difficult to find the perfect diet when your pet is so selective about what they will and won’t eat. However, there are many things you can do to help them out!

Here’s a few tips on how to get started with feeding your dog in order for their nutrition needs met and weight management goals achieved.

Be patient and persistent as it takes time introduce new foods to your dog but soon enough they should come around enjoying all that delicious food has to offer!

You may also want to explore some of these fun rewards like puzzles or treats which keep those pups busy while providing plenty of enjoyment too!

FAQ’s

How big are Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu is a snugly built little animal with a solid, sound structure. It stands from about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh from 9 to 16 pounds. Its body length is slightly greater than its height, and it should be physically proportional all over, not too short or too small, but a true miniature breed dog. In movement, it moves with effortless, smooth strides, showing good drive and reach, with the head and tail held high, giving away its ancient royal bloodline.

Where does the Shih Tzu come from, and why was the breed developed?
The Shih Tzu lineage is hotly debated; however, one theory is that the Shih Tzu descended from a cross between the Pekingese and Lhasa Apso breeds. This cross breed that would eventually become Shih Tzus, were favourites of the Chinese royals and so prized that, for years, the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give any away.

The first dogs of the breed were imported into Europe in 1930 and were classified by the Kennel Club as “Apsos”. The first European standard for the breed was written in England in 1935 by the Shih Tzu Club, and the dogs were categorised again as Shih Tzu. The breed is now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world.

How is Shih Tzu pronounced, and what does it mean?
The most common and incorrect pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: Sh*t Zoo however, that isn’t actually how the little lion breed is supposed to be announced. According to the American Shih Tzu Club, the official and publicly confirmed pronunciation of Shih Tzu is: “Sheed-zoo."

The name comes from the Chinese language word for "lion" because this kind of dog was bred to resemble "the lion, as in traditional oriental art". Interestingly they are also known by another name tied to their European introduction. The Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on their face grows out in all directions. They look like a flower with a nose for the centre.

For more than one Shih Tzu, do you say Shih Tzus?
The age-old question, it is Shih Tzu or Shih Tzus? When writing or saying the plural of Shih Tzu, it is a common mistake for a person to write or say Shih Tzus, as one would think this is the normal way to put the dog in their plural form, and in fact, it is so common that I wouldn’t be surprised if we have even made such a slip up in this very article. However, the correct way to say Shih Tzus is Shih Tzu, due it being an irregular noun, allowing the plural of Shih Tzu can be Shih Tzu, just like ‘fish and fish’. With two or more Shih Tzu, there does not need to be an ‘s’.

What colours do Shih Tzus come in?
The Shih Tzu is a breed that can be found in an array of colours and with a variety of markings. It's common for owners to not know for sure what colour their Shih Tzu is. Sometimes a puppy may be referred to as an unofficial colour that is not recognized by the AKC, or another kennel club, through which the pup is registered. And in other cases, there can be some confusion when the colour listed on the papers does not seem to match what is seen. In addition to this, it's common for Shih Tzu dogs to change colour as they grow and mature, meaning that your little snowball of joy may turn sooty in their old age.

How much attention does a Shih Tzu need?
Despite their small stature, Shih Tzu are relatively active dogs. Puppies can be extremely hyper and adults are most content when given opportunities to release stored-up energy and be out and about. Without regular moderate exercise, a Shih Tzu can start to feel pent up and frustrated. This can manifest as behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing.

Aim to take your little guy or gal for a minimum of two 20 to 30-minute walks per day, along with sessions of play like fetch to meet exercise requirements for this breed. If so, this will allow your Shih Tzu to enjoy being inside at home, able to relax beside you (or at your feet) and with a calmer disposition.

Do Shih Tzu get along with other pets?
In general, the Shih Tzu gets along quite well with other dogs, large and small. Shih Tzu rarely suffer from the ‘short leg syndrome’ common in small dogs, and more often than not, are simply little bundle of love.

However, every dog has their own personality, and it will depend on how well your dog as well as the other dogs have been socialized. Overall the Shih Tzu breed is calm and very playful and enjoys a variety of canine friends. But keep in mind each dog has their unique personality and circumstances. To say they will all behave exactly the same isn’t very realistic.

How do I provide the best care for a Shih Tzu?
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch their diet, make sure they get plenty of exercise, regularly brush their teeth and coat, and call a veterinary clinic or pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual.

It is also a good idea to create a routine for your Shih Tzu to lessen their anxiety and ensure they live a happy and calm life. Build their routine care into your schedule to help your Shih Tzu live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during their lifetime. Most importantly a proper diet and exercise routine is key to the long-term health of your pet.