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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+12
Feeding
# Feeding your Shih Tzu well
Tibet
The Shih Tzu needs a digestible and well-balanced diet, adapted to its small size and its moderate activity level. Protein quality, control of energy intake, and support for the skin and coat are important points.
A menu for every age
## Their needs change as they grow
- Puppy: A growth diet for a small breed, split into 3 to 4 meals, helps support development without digestive overload.
- Adult: A stable ration in 2 daily meals helps control energy, weight, and digestive comfort.
- Senior: With age, a more digestible and less caloric formula may be useful depending on activity, dentition, and body condition.
Which food?
## Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
High-quality kibble for small dogs, or a well-formulated wet ration under veterinary supervision, generally works very well. A formula promoting digestion, oral health and coat quality is often of interest for this breed.
Portion sizes
## How much should you feed?
The daily amount varies according to actual weight, age, sterilization, activity and the energy density of the food. You should always start from the manufacturer's recommendation then adjust it according to the observed body condition.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 4 - 5 kg | 70 - 90 g | 2 |
| 6 - 8 kg | 90 - 120 g | 2 |
Changing food
## How to switch foods successfully
Any dietary transition must be gradual over about a week in order to limit digestive upsets. The proportion of the new food is increased little by little while monitoring appetite, stools and overall comfort.
Hydration
## Don't overlook water
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. In hot weather or if the dog mainly eats kibble, hydration deserves increased vigilance.
A little extra
## Treats in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and represent a small part of the daily caloric intake. They are useful in training, but it is better to favor small rewards that are easy to digest.
Good habits
## Make mealtimes count
- Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by volume.
- Split into 2 meals to limit voracity.
- Regularly monitor body condition under the coat.
- Adjust the ration after sterilization or a decrease in activity.
### Never feed these foods
As with other dogs, it is necessary to avoid in particular chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods, as they can cause poisoning, digestive disorders or more serious complications.
## Ready to welcome your Shih Tzu?
Find a verified breeder near you and get off to a great start, right from the food bowl.
[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shih-tzu)
## Compare Shih Tzu with other breeds
- [Maltese vs. Shih Tzu](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/maltese-vs-shih-tzu)
## Discover other breeds
[Pug
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/pug)
[Pekingese
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/pekingese)
[Tibetan Spaniel
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/tibetan-spaniel)
[Chihuahua
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chihuahua)
[Lhasa Apso
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/lhasa-apso)
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