#shihtzu

Bringing home a Shih Tzu puppy is an exciting experience, but knowing how much to feed your new companion can be confusing. Feed too little, and your puppy may not get the nutrients needed for healthy growth. Feed too much, and you could increase the risk of obesity, even at a young age. The key is finding the right balance based on your puppy's age, size, and activity level.

Why Proper Portions Matter

Shih Tzus are a toy breed, which means they have small stomachs but high energy needs during puppyhood. They require nutrient-rich meals spread throughout the day instead of one or two large servings. Consistent feeding helps support healthy bones, muscles, brain development, and a strong immune system.

Recommended Feeding Schedule

As your puppy grows, the number of daily meals should gradually decrease.

8 to 12 Weeks

Feed 4 meals per day. Frequent meals help maintain stable blood sugar levels and provide the energy needed for rapid growth.

3 to 6 Months

Reduce feeding to 3 meals per day. At this stage, your puppy is becoming more active and developing stronger muscles and bones.

6 to 12 Months

Feed 2 to 3 meals daily. Many Shih Tzus are ready to transition to an adult feeding routine around their first birthday.

Daily Food Amount

The amount your puppy needs depends on the food's calorie content and your puppy's individual needs. As a general guideline:

2–3 months: About ¼ to ½ cup of puppy food per day 4–6 months: About ½ to ¾ cup per day 7–12 months: About ¾ to 1 cup per day

Always divide the daily amount into multiple meals and adjust as your puppy grows. Read the feeding instructions on the puppy food label, as different brands contain different calorie levels.

How to Tell if Your Puppy Is Eating Enough

A healthy Shih Tzu puppy should:

Gain weight steadily without becoming overweight Stay playful and energetic Have a soft, shiny coat Produce firm stools Show excitement at mealtime without acting constantly hungry

If your puppy appears unusually thin, gains weight too quickly, or frequently skips meals, consider discussing their diet with your veterinarian.

Choosing Quality Puppy Food

A nutritious diet lays the foundation for a healthy life. Look for puppy food that offers:

High-quality animal protein DHA for healthy brain development Calcium and phosphorus for growing bones Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat Complete and balanced nutrition designed for puppies

Small-breed puppy formulas are especially beneficial because they are made with smaller kibble pieces that are easier for Shih Tzu puppies to chew.

Healthy Treats in Moderation

Treats can be useful during training, but they should not replace balanced meals. Keep treats to no more than 10% of your puppy's daily calorie intake to avoid overfeeding.

Safe treat options include:

Small training treats Tiny pieces of cooked chicken Plain cooked turkey Small slices of carrots or green beans

Avoid giving table scraps, as many human foods contain excess salt, fat, or harmful ingredients.

Keep Fresh Water Available

Your puppy should always have access to clean, fresh water. Proper hydration supports digestion, temperature regulation, and overall health, especially during playtime or warm weather.

Final Thoughts

This video breaks down how much your puppy should eat, how often to feed them, and offers practical advice to help support healthy growth.

She randomly switches into Ciel mode at 1 a.m., one nightmare later and it's suddenly Victorian tragedy hours, her puppy sobs basically on surround sound for the WHOLE neighborhood.

I didn’t really notice my Shih Tzu gaining weight at first, because to me he just looked extra fluffy… like, cute fluffy. I kept telling myself it was normal, that maybe it was just his fur or something.