How Much To Feed A Shih Tzu Puppy? Shih Tzu pups are without a doubt one of the cutest dog breeds around.
If you've recently adopted or are considering adopting a Shih Tzu puppy, you'll need to know how much to feed a Shih Tzu puppy to ensure that he grows as healthy as you want.
However, knowing how much to feed a shih tzu puppy is only half the battle.
You should be aware of the feeding requirements for pups of various ages, as well as the type of food your puppy should consume.
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How Much Should A Shih Tzu Puppy Eat?
Knowing how much to feed your Shih Tzu puppy is critical to keeping him healthy and growing.
Because you must consider your puppy's calorie needs and intake, the amount will vary depending on his age and the sort of food you are feeding him.
If we're making broad assumptions, your puppy should eat between three-quarters and one cup of food per 10 pounds of body weight every day.
It'll probably be even less than that because they're such small dogs.
Shih Tzu Puppy Feeding Chart
How Much To Feed A Shih Tzu Puppy?
| Weight at Maturity | Weight at Maturity | 1-1/2 – 3 Months | 4 – 5 Months | 6 – 8 Months | 9 – 11 Months | 1 – 2 Years |
| (lbs) | (kg) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) | (cups) |
| 3 – 12 | 1.4 – 5.4 | 1/2 – 1 | 2/3 – 1-1/3 | 1/2 – 1-1/2 | Feed as Adult | Feed as Adult |
| 13 – 20 | 5.9 – 9.1 | 1/2 – 1-1/4 | 1-1/8 – 2 | 3/4 – 1-1/3 | 1 – 1-1/2 | Feed as Adult |
| 21 – 50 | 9.5 – 22.7 | 1/2 – 1-1/2 | 1-1/2 – 2-3/4 | 1-1/8 – 2-1/3 | 2 – 3 | 2 – 4-1/4 |
| 51 – 75 | 23.1 – 34.0 | 5/8 – 2-1/3 | 1-1/2 – 4 | 1-1/2 – 3-3/4 | 2-1/2 – 4-3/4 | 2-5/8 – 6-1/4 |
| 76 – 100 | 34.5 – 45.4 | 1 – 2-2/3 | 2-7/8 – 3-3/4 | 2-7/8 – 6-1/3 | 3-7/8 -7 | 5-5/8 – 11 |
| 101 lbs and over | Over 45.4 kg | 2-2/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 3-3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 6-1/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 7 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 11 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
Here Are The Feeding Suggestions For A Shih Tzu Puppy
When determining how much to feed a Shih Tzu puppy, it's important to know how to determine the resting energy demand (RER).
This is the number of calories required for basic organ functions such as the brain and heart.
You may get this out by multiplying your dog's body weight in kilograms by 70 to the third power.
Let's pretend your Shih Tzu puppy is 3 pounds.
Then, based on his RER, he'll require roughly 88 calories, but if he's under 3 months old, that figure should be treble.
If your Shih Tzu puppy is older than four months, multiply the number by two.
2 Weeks Old Shih Tzu Puppy
You should not give your puppy anything until he or she is two weeks old.
If you have a two-week-old Shih Tzu puppy, you should also have the mother with you.
A two-week-old Shih Tzu puppy should remain with his mother and nurse on demand.
You should not feed any kibble or meal to your puppy.
When a puppy reaches this age, he will begin to see the world around him, but he will still remain close to his mother.
4 Weeks Old Shih Tzu Puppy
Your Shih Tzu puppy should still be with his mother at 4 weeks old.
The mother is likely to be reluctant to leave her puppies for long periods of time, although she may likely detach herself to take breaks now and then.
If you want to check if your puppy is interested in puppy food, tempt him with a spoonful or two of puppy kibble and observe if he eats it. If he is uninterested, then now is not the time to introduce him to it.
6 Weeks Old Shih Tzu puppy
You should be introducing your Shih Tzu puppy to more and more food by the time he is 6 weeks old.
By now, the mother of the puppies should have left the puppies and will be less and less willing to feed them.
By now, you should be able to feed the puppies kibble as their primary food source.
If you're working with a litter, you'll need more than three-quarters of a cup of food per day.
8 Weeks Old Shih Tzu puppy
When a puppy reaches the age of eight weeks, it is usually time to rehome him away from his mother.
At this point, he should be totally dependent on kibble, with no nursing from the mother.
You should continue to free-feed the puppy, which includes setting out a portion of his daily food at a time and allowing him to graze at his leisure.
That way, he'll eat when he's hungry.
Continue to keep track of how much you put out to see if he eats it all by the end of the day.
10 Weeks Old Shih Tzu Puppy
Your Shih Tzu puppy will still require food at 10 weeks of age if he is hungry.
He should be eating a little more by now, but because they are still such small dogs, you may not need to change the amount of food you give him.
You'll want to rely on knowing how many calories your puppy should be getting, using the RER calculation as a guide, because your puppy's round puppy tummy will make it difficult to tell if he's getting too many calories or not.
12 Weeks Old Shih Tzu Puppy
You should not freefeed your puppy after the age of 12 weeks, but you can still do it.
Remember to keep track of how much food you put out in the morning to monitor how much he consumes during the day.
By this time, his waist should be more distinct, making it simpler to tell whether your dog is a healthy weight or is overweight or underweight.
It's always a good idea to have the vet check his weight and make sure he's remaining on track with his growth.
How To Take Care Of Your Shih Tzu?
The Shih Tzu doesn't care where they reside as long as they're with you.
They're a breed that can live in both a small city apartment and a huge suburban or country estate.
They like occasional outdoor play, but they are clearly a housedog and should not be kenneled outside.
The Shih Tzu requires only short daily walks.
They're not very active dog; they'd rather sit in your lap, take a walk around the house, play with their toys, or meet visitors at the door.
Heat sensitivity is common in Shih Tzus and other short-faced breeds.
To avoid heat exhaustion on hot days, they should stay indoors in an air-conditioned room or one with fans.
Shih Tzus cannot fly, despite the fact that many owners claim their dogs believe they can.
A Shih Tzu is notorious for leaping with abandon from a bed or a chair.
These heights may not seem significant to you, but they are massive to a Shih Tzu.
Regrettably, these leaps usually lead to injury.
The breed is heavy in the front and has a tendency to crash forward, causing pain and perhaps a concussion.
Exercise utmost caution when transferring your Shih Tzu.
Keep them close to you and don't let them jump out of your arms or off of furniture.
Shih Tzus require early socialization and training, despite their natural docility and sociability.
They, like any other dog, might become afraid if they are not properly socialized as puppies.
Your Shih Tzu puppy will grow into a well-rounded adult dog if he or she is socialized early on.
Shih Tzus are known for being difficult to housebreak.
The most important thing is to avoid having accidents inside with your puppy.
You don't want them to start strolling around on the carpet.
Some Shih Tzu owners train their dogs to use a doggie litter box instead of walking them in the rain or rushing home to let them out.
A Shih Tzu puppy should be regularly observed inside the house for at least four to eight weeks after they have not voided indoors.
Crate training is helpful for housetraining and gives your dog a soothing setting.
When traveling with your Shih Tzu, a crate comes in handy.
Shih Tzu Puppies’ Best Dog Food
Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy Food
Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy Formula is our top pick for the best Shih Tzu puppy food.
This dry dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of a growing small breed dog.
The meal is high in nutrients like calcium and phosphorus, as well as DHA, to ensure that your dog gets everything he needs to grow into a healthy adult.
Pros
- The first ingredient is high-protein chicken.
- Phosphorus and calcium
- For dogs weighing less than 23 pounds.
Cons:
- Promotes brain health
- Some dog owners have complained about their pets' inability to digest this meal.
Now Fresh Small Breed Puppy
This is yet another meal created specifically for little dog breeds.
It's also grain-free, so you won't have to worry about fillers or calories that aren't beneficial to your health.
It also contains DHA and EPA, which are important for brain development.
Pros
- Formulated specifically for small breeds
- Grain-free
- Duck, turkey, and salmon
- DHA and EPA are both important for brain development.
- Proteins that are well-balanced
Life Protection Puppy Food by Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy is another fantastic food option for your Shih Tzu puppy.
This meal is designed for tiny breeds and meets all of your puppy's nutritional requirements.
It's also grain-free and free of by-products, indicating that it's made with the greatest ingredients available.
The sole criticism of this food is that some dogs dislike its flavor.
Pros
- Grain-free
- Designed for little dogs
- DHA and ARA for brain development are high in calcium and phosphorus.
- No meals containing by-products
Cons
- Some dogs aren't fond of the flavor.
Shih Tzu Puppy Dog Food by Royal Canin
Another fantastic meal for your Shih Tzu puppy is Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Food.
This meal differs from the others we've examined in that it's designed specifically for Shih Tzus, rather than merely little dogs.
That means they've concentrated on the nutritional requirements of Shih Tzus in particular, such as kibble size, digestive bacteria, antioxidants, and DHA.
Pros
- Kibble that is simple to consume
- Puppies of the Shih Tzu breed
- Complex antioxidants for healthy skin and coat EPA and DHA
Cons:
- Beneficial to intestinal health
Small Breed Purina Pro Plan Puppy
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed Formula is the last food we recommend for your Shih Tzu puppy.
This formula focuses significantly on brain health and development while still meeting all of your puppy's nutritional requirements.
The meal is also strong in protein and contains a significant level of active probiotics, ensuring that your dog is as healthy as possible.
Pros
- Delicious taste
- Protein-rich
- Probiotics (live bacteria)
- There are no artificial flavors or colors.
Cons
- Real chicken
- Grain content
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Shih Tzu Puppies
When you're looking at all of the dog food options, it's easy to get confused about which one is best for your Shih Tzu puppy.
Understanding the dietary requirements of a Shih Tzu puppy might assist you in determining which food is the best alternative for your dog.
You should give your dog high-quality dog food with natural preservatives rather than artificial ones.
You should also seek healthful components such as human-grade meats, vegetables, and fruits.
Some dog owners want to feed their dogs a grain-free diet, so keep that in mind when shopping for food.
For Shih Tzu puppies, kibble vs. wet food
There are advantages and disadvantages to kibble, or dry food, over wet food.
Wet food is more appealing to dogs than kibble, and it is easier to persuade picky eaters to consume it.
It's also harmful for their teeth, more expensive, and has the potential to induce diarrhoea.
Meanwhile, kibble is healthier for your dog's teeth, easier to digest, and less expensive.
Overall, it is the better food, albeit the taste is not as good as wet food.
You might also combine a small amount of wet food with kibble to get the best of both worlds.
Weight of a 2-Month-Old Shih Tzu Puppy
At two months old, your Shih Tzu puppy could weigh anything from 11 ounces to 2 pounds.
The weight of the puppy varies greatly depending on its sex and heredity, but regardless, you can expect the puppy to be relatively little at this age.
Because this is a toy breed, they will never be particularly large.
Their birth weight also influences their current weight.
Weight of a 3-Month-Old Shih Tzu Puppy
When it comes to your Shih Tzu puppy, the size difference between two and three months old is little. The puppy will still be rather little.
He could weigh as little as a pound at this point, or as much as 2.5 pounds, depending on the dog's normal size.
When it comes to a dog this size, every ounce counts, so keeping track of his weight is crucial.
Weight of a 4-Month-Old Shih Tzu Puppy
By the time your Shih Tzu puppy is 4 months old, he should weigh slightly over a pound, but depending on the size of your Shih Tzu puppy, he could weigh as much as 3.5 pounds.
If he isn't following his development curve, arrange an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure nothing is amiss.
How Much Do Shih Tzu Puppies Grow Each Week?
The rate at which your Shih Tzu puppy grows each week is determined by his or her size.
Smaller Shih Tzu puppies will gain about an ounce per week, however, larger Shih Tzu puppies can acquire up to 3 or even 4 ounces per week.
The larger Shih Tzu puppies will mature faster than the smaller Shih Tzu puppies, while the smaller dogs will mature at a younger age than the larger canines.
Switching From Shih Tzu Puppy Food To Adult Food
When your Shih Tzu puppy is around 9 months to a year old, it's time to transition him or her from puppy food to adult food.
When you do this, take it slowly over the course of a week.
Begin by adding a spoonful of adult food and subtracting the same quantity of puppy food.
Reduce the puppy quantity and gradually increase the adult amount each day until there is solely adult food.
What If My Shih Tzu Puppy Won’t Eat?
If your puppy isn't eating, it can be alarming.
However, there are other possible explanations.
The first is whether you've lately altered your puppy's food.
If you've done so, your puppy may not be used to it or appreciate the new flavor.
To help with the taste, mix a small amount of wet food with his kibble.
If you haven't changed your puppy's diet and he has suddenly stopped eating, consult your veterinarian to ensure nothing is wrong.
Should You Feed A Shih Tzu Puppy Supplements?
It might be very tempting to offer your puppy nutritional supplements because we all want the best for our dogs.
After all, supplements are supposed to make sure the dog doesn't miss out on any important nutrients, right? In reality, this is not the case.
Supplements are necessary when the food or the body's ability to absorb specific nutrients is deficient.
You risk overdosing and making your puppy sick if you give them to an otherwise healthy puppy.
If you absolutely believe your puppy requires supplements, speak with your veterinarian first.
How Much Water Should A Shih Tzu Puppy Drink?
Toy dog breeds require approximately 8 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight each day.
That implies that if your Shih Tzu puppy weighs 2.5 pounds, you need to make sure that he drinks roughly 4 ounces of water per day.
In contrast to feeding, your puppy should always have access to water if he requires it.
If you're working on housebreaking at night, you can remove it, but otherwise, make sure there's enough water to drink.
How Much Exercise Does A Shih Tzu Puppy Need A Day?
Puppies are still developing animals, so too much exercise can be detrimental.
Overexertion might cause injury since their bones and joints have not finished growing.
They do, however, require some activity.
It is not a good idea to take your dog out for more than 20 minutes at a time before his first birthday.
You should try to take him for a walk twice a day, but just for short periods of time that are more for going to the potty than for exercise.
Shih Tzu Background Information
“No one knows how the ancient eunuchs mixed: a dash of a lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of a ballerina, a pinch of old man, a bit of Beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of a teddy bear, and, for the rest, Tibetan and Chinese dogs,” wrote James Mumford, an American.
According to Mumsford, the Shih Tzu (pronounced SHEED Zoo, SHID Zoo, or SHEET Sue) is a little, royal dog with long, copious tresses, a stunning face that melts many hearts, and a sweet temperament.
The breed has a long history, with royal Chinese families preserving it during the Ming Dynasty.
With its flowing hair sweeping the ground and beautifully tied topknot, the Shih Tzu appears snobby.
They're only appropriate for lounging on silk pillows in a castle.
Nothing could be further from the truth, though. Shih Tzus are not only beautiful, but also kind, energetic, and loyal friends.
The Shih Tzu's temperament is so endearing that even critics have a hard time resisting this breed. The Shih Tzu, on the other hand, will not be overlooked.
They were created to be a pleasant company rather than to hunt, herd, or defend, and they succeed admirably.
They are happiest when they are greeted by friends and strangers equally. Everywhere they go, a Shih Tzu is recognized for making friends.
This member of the Toy Group is not only charming and kind, but also highly adaptable.
They're equally at ease in city apartments as they are on a farm in the countryside.
They appreciate being in the company of children and other animals.
The Shih Tzu's small stature puts them at a disadvantage, despite their toughness.
Adults should always keep an eye on interactions between children and dogs, which is especially important for Shih Tzus, to ensure that they do not injure themselves during rough play.
Because of the way the fur on their faces grows out in all directions, the Shih Tzu is often referred to as the Chrysanthemum Dog.
They have the appearance of a flower with a snout in the center.
The undershot bite of the Shih Tzu is a distinguishing trait.
When they close their mouth, their lower jaw is slightly wider than their upper jaw, and their top teeth bite inside rather than outside the bottom teeth.
The Shih Tzu is the subject of many legends.
Buddha is said to have traveled with a little dog that looked like a Shih Tzu.
Several robbers approached the Buddha one day with the intention of robbing and murdering him, according to mythology.
The little dog changed into a ferocious lion, chasing the robbers away and saving Buddha's life.
The lion changed into a playful small dog, which the Buddha picked up and licked warmly.
Many Shih Tzus have a white spot on their heads where Buddha is reputed to have kissed his devoted friend.
Fu Dogs, which guard Buddhist temples, are thought to be Shih Tzu depictions by many.
Frequently Asked Question Shih Tzu
How much and how often should you feed a Shih Tzu puppy?
When your Shih Tzu reaches adulthood, you should feed them at least three times a day. They may require 4-6 meals each day if they are still a puppy. Because this breed is prone to hypoglycemia, this is the case. They don't have much of an energy reserve because of their quick metabolism.
How much wet food should a Shih Tzu eat?
An ounce of food per pound of body weight should be given to a puppy, and 12 ounces of food per pound of body weight should be given to an adult Shih Tzu. The reason is obvious: pups have a higher level of activity and require more calories to grow. Weighing your dog is crucial.
What should I feed my 2 month old Shih Tzu puppy?
An ounce of food per pound of body weight should be given to a puppy, and 12 ounces of food per pound of body weight should be given to an adult Shih Tzu. The reason is obvious: pups have a higher level of activity and require more calories to grow. Weighing your dog is crucial.
How often should I feed my 9 week old Shih Tzu puppy?
However, you should feed a puppy three times a day on average, and each feeding should be roughly 1/8-1/4 cup for a small breed dog. Adjust the amount based on her personal requirements and the bag's standards.
What should I feed my 8 week old Shih Tzu puppy?
For the finest protein source, look for high-quality beef. Named meats, such as chicken flesh, in the ingredients are a positive sign. Meat and animal derivatives, which can refer to lesser pieces of meat such the head, entrails, and feet, are used in some lower-cost kibble.