Today more and more Shih Tzu owners feed their dogs homemade food. Dog owners are well informed and gone are the days when dog food manufacturers can convince owners that their food is all a dog needs to live a long and wholesome life. There is a lot of facts available how to make homemade foods and every owner is now in a position to give his dog appetizing and wholesome homemade meals. If you don't all the time have the time to prepare homemade food, at least give your Shih Tzu homemade food once in a while to vary his diet. Just think if you received the same food day in and day out. How boring! I am sure you will consideration that he waves his tail and runs to the bowl when he sees you have ready his favorite homemade meal.
The question with industrial foods
Shitzu Dogs
The first objective of industrial dog food manufacturers is to make money and the condition of your dog is of secondary importance. They add preservatives so that the food can last longer and colorants to make the food more appealing. Exactly what effect preservatives and colorants have on animals are difficult to quantify, but I can tell you this: many Shih Tzu allergies disappear not long after they started eating homemade food.
There is also a request mark about the quality of the meat going into industrial products. In some cases it is by-products and meat that is not fit for human consumption. The more high-priced brands, as a rule, consist of great ingredients than the cheaper varieties.
I am also sad to say that most owners have convenience, instead of their dog's health, in mind when they pick their dog's food and manufacturers know and exploit this.
What is homemade dog food?
As the name suggests homemade dog food is food you make at home, but there is more to it than that. Your Shih Tzu should not receive the same food you eat or even worse the scraps from the table. Nor should he receive processed foods that are the cause of so many illnesses in humans. Homemade food should consist of all the key ingredients of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals in the right proportion to ensure your Shih Tzu receives everything he needs from his food. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the food is 40% protein, 30% starch and 30 % vegetables. Proteins are usually in the form of meat.
Just a word of warning! Stay away from the following ingredients when you prepare a homemade meal, as it is poisonous to your dog: raisins, avocados, citrus fruits, bread dough, garlic and onions.
The big advantage of homemade dog food is that you can operate what goes into your Shih Tzu's food - whether it is A grade steaks or chicken breast.
Think nature
Some population take homemade dog food one step further. They believe their Shih Tzu's diet should resemble, as closely as possible, what a dog would eat in nature. They argue that the heating process destroys vital ingredients and nutrients in food. They may have a point, but keep in mind that the prey a wild dog catches in nature is commonly consumed immediately, and eating raw meat after it has matured a bit may not be the same. Some vets warn that the pathogens in the raw meat can cause food poisoning in your dog - so be warned.
If your dog suffers from unexplained illnesses, give homemade dog food a try. It may just mean the end of your Shih Tzu's allergies.
Should Your Shih Tzu Eat Homemade Dog Food?