When you look into the eyes of a Shih Tzu, it's hard to not want to give them anything they want - including all the food they can eat. When they beg, who could say no to that cute little face? It is very easy to overfeed your Shih Tzu, and this particular breed is known to pack on some serious weight quickly. They don’t have a ton of special dietary needs, but there are a few things you could be feeding your pet that would improve your pup’s overall health.

Related: 5 Shih Tzu diet tips

Consider caloric intake

How many calories your Shih Tzu needs depends on how much he or she weighs. Your dog should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds normally. The typical adult Shih Tzu needs about 35 calories for every pound they weigh daily. It is important to know how many calories they need to keep a healthy weight so your dog doesn’t become obese.

Protein and fat

These little dogs need to have food that has protein and fat as main ingredients. Shih Tzus also need Omega 3, Omega 6, and Vitamin A to keep their skin and coat in optimum condition.

Good proteins for your dog include chicken, chicken meal, turkey, turkey meal, and eggs. These are lean proteins and your dog will go nuts for them. You can also try fish because it contains both good lean protein and fats.

Carbs

Yes, your dog does need carbs. It is a good idea to go with complex carbohydrates, so look for foods that have sweet potatoes, oats, rice, and barley. Try to avoid food made with corn and soy.

Dry food

Shih Tzus really love dry food for some reason. This is a good thing! Shih Tzus typically develop dental problems, but the dry food will help to keep their teeth clean because of its texture. Try to get dry dog food with small sized pieces if you want to keep your doggie’s teeth as strong as possible.

Recommended Foods For Shih Tzu

Protein and fat