12 Best Wet Food For Shih Tzu: 2023 Nutritious Diet Guide
Hungry shih tzu? Dive into the world of doggie cuisine and find out the best wet food for shih tzu that keeps their tails wagging.
The Shih Tzu Breed and Their Dietary Needs
Shih Tzu is a small, toy dog breed that originated in China. These dogs were bred to be companions for royalty, and they are known for their affectionate and playful personalities.
They have a distinctive long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. When it comes to feeding Shih Tzu, it’s important to understand their dietary needs.
Like all dogs, Shih Tzu require a balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients for their health and well-being. However, because they are a small breed, they have unique nutritional requirements that must be taken into consideration.
One of the most important things to consider when feeding your Shih Tzu is their calorie intake. Because they are small dogs with low energy levels, they require fewer calories than larger breeds.
Overfeeding your Shih Tzu can lead to obesity, which can cause serious health problems like diabetes and joint pain. Another factor to consider is the ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in their diet.
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, while fat provides energy and helps regulate body temperature. Carbohydrates provide energy as well but should be limited since too much can lead to weight gain.
The Importance of Wet Food in Their Diet
Wet food is an excellent option for meeting your Shih Tzu’s nutritional needs because it provides them with moisture that dry kibble cannot offer. This added moisture helps prevent dehydration and promotes healthy kidney function. Additionally, wet food usually has higher protein content than dry kibble because it contains more meat-based ingredients rather than fillers like grains or corn.
Higher protein content ensures that your dog’s muscles stay strong while reducing the risk of developing conditions like obesity or diabetes. Wet food also tends to have less preservatives compared to dry kibble since the moisture present acts as a natural preservative.
This can be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies as preservatives can sometimes trigger digestive issues. Feeding your Shih Tzu wet food is an excellent way to meet their unique nutritional needs and promote overall health.
By providing them with a balanced diet that contains high-quality ingredients, you can ensure that they lead a long and happy life. In the next section, we will discuss factors to consider when choosing the best wet food for your furry companion.
Factors to consider when choosing wet food for Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, adorable dogs that require a balanced diet to live a long and healthy life. A good diet should have the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. When choosing wet food for your Shih Tzu, there are several factors to consider.
Protein content
Protein is essential for the growth and development of muscles in dogs. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends a minimum of 18% protein content in adult dog food.
However, some dogs may require more protein depending on their age, size, and activity level. In general, Shih Tzus need at least 20% protein in their diet.
You can find this information on the label of the wet food you’re considering. Look for high-quality sources of protein such as chicken, beef, lamb or fish.
Fat content
While fat is often associated with unhealthy foods in humans, it’s an essential part of a dog’s diet. Fat provides energy and helps with nutrient absorption. However, too much fat can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
The AAFCO recommends at least 5% fat content in dry dog food for adult dogs but this isn’t applicable to wet dog foods since they usually contain more moisture than dry kibbles. A good range is between 7-10% fat content but if your Shih Tzu is less active or overweight then you may want to look for lower-fat options that contain around 5% fat content.
Carbohydrate content
Dogs don’t need carbohydrates like humans do since they get most of their energy from protein and fat. However, some carbohydrates are still important for providing fiber and other essential nutrients.
When choosing wet food for your Shih Tzu, look for foods that have around 10-15% carbohydrates. Avoid foods that have high amounts of fillers such as corn or wheat since these can cause digestive problems and allergies in some dogs.
Ingredients to avoid
It’s important to read the ingredient list carefully before choosing a wet food for your Shih Tzu. Avoid foods that contain by-products, artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
These ingredients are often low-quality and can cause health problems in dogs. Avoid ingredients such as onions, garlic, grapes or raisins which can be toxic to dogs.
Also avoid foods with high levels of sodium or sugar since they can lead to obesity and other health issues. Choosing the right wet food for your Shih Tzu is essential for their health and wellbeing.
Look for high-quality sources of protein with moderate levels of fat and carbohydrates. Avoid low-quality ingredients that could harm your dog’s health in the long run.
Top 12 Wet Food Options for Shih Tzu
When it comes to selecting the best wet food for your Shih Tzu, you need to be mindful of their dietary needs. The following 12 options are some of the best wet dog foods available that are specifically formulated for the nutritional requirements of your furry friend.
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Wet Dog Food
Royal Canin’s Shih Tzu Adult Wet Dog Food is designed to cater to the unique and delicate digestive systems of small breed dogs like Shih Tzus. This savory recipe contains an optimum balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that can meet your pet’s energy needs while keeping them healthy and strong. With its aromatic scent and delicious taste, this canned dog food will become a staple in your pet’s diet.
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe provides a high-quality source of protein from real chicken in every bowl. Enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe promotes good health for a long and happy life with your furry companion. It contains no poultry by-product meals or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet offers a range of wet dog food formulas tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of dogs based on their life stage, size or special dietary requirements. Their delicious wet canned dog foods come in many different flavors like chicken barley entrée, beef stew flavor, sweet potato & venison stew among others.
Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Canned Wet Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Canned Wet Dog Food is made with high quality protein sources such as real chicken or beef that provide your pet with essential nutrients they need for growth and development. It contains a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, strong bones, and healthy digestion.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Dog Food
Wellness Complete Health Natural Wet Canned Dog Food is made with only high-quality ingredients like real chicken and beef, wholesome grains, and fresh vegetables. This delicious dog food contains omega 3 fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and coat. It also has no wheat, corn or soy which makes it a great option for dogs with allergies.
Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food is a protein-rich recipe made with real deboned meat or poultry as the main ingredient. This grain-free formula contains no artificial preservatives or colors and is free from gluten, soy, and corn. With its savory taste and texture, this wet dog food will become your Shih Tzu’s favorite meal of the day.
Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Paté Adult Wet Dog Food
Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Paté Adult Wet Dog Food is a premium-quality natural canned food that provides your pet with all the essential nutrients they need for optimal health. Made with real chicken as the first ingredient combined with superfoods like kale, blueberries or coconut oil – this wet dog food is packed with flavor while being highly nutritious.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe in Gravy
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe in Gravy features buffalo as the first ingredient along with other high-quality animal proteins such as bison or lamb to provide your furry companion with complete nutrition they need to lead an active lifestyle. The added vegetables like sweet potatoes or peas make it an excellent source of dietary fiber for optimal digestive health.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Natural Wet Canned Dog Food by Nature’s Variety
Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Natural Wet Canned Dog Food is made with cage-free chicken meat as its first ingredient, providing your furry friend with high-quality lean protein for optimal muscle development and growth. This recipe is free from grains, artificial colors or preservatives and provides a complete and balanced diet.
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Dog Food
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe Canned Dog Food features high-quality turkey as the main ingredient, which is a great source of lean protein. This grain-free recipe contains other natural ingredients like sweet potatoes or cranberries that provide essential vitamins and minerals. It also has no grains, soy or artificial preservatives.
Canidae All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Formula Canned Dog Food
Canidae All Life Stages Chicken & Rice Formula Canned Dog Food offers premium quality nutrition that can cater to dogs of all ages. This recipe features real chicken and brown rice along with other essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy growth and development in puppies as well as adults.
Orijen Original Biologically Appropriate Grain-Free Adult Wet Dog
Orijen Original Biologically Appropriate Grain-Free Adult Wet Dog is a premium wet dog food made with fresh regional ingredients like grass-fed beef or wild boar mixed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and botanicals for maximum nutrition. It contains no grains or fillers ensuring your pet gets only the best quality food available.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wet food for your Shih Tzu can be overwhelming considering the various brands in the market claiming to offer the best diets for your pet. Always remember to check out the ingredients list on each product before making any purchase.
By using this guide of top 12 wet food options, you can be sure to find a recipe that meets your furry friend’s dietary needs and tastes great too. With proper nutrition, your Shih Tzu can live a long, healthy and happy life.
