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Shih Tzus are so incredibly varied in their personalities. While some scarf down any food scrap in sight, others have a more picky (or shall we say, “refined”) palate, and quickly tire of their everyday dog food. What can be done when your Shih Tzu decides to stop eating their food, or is no longer excited about it?
The Dog Food Topper Craze and the Dangers of Many Food Toppers for Your Shih Tzu
Food toppers have become incredibly popular in the pet food and treat industry in recent years, but the concept isn’t anything new. For hundreds of years, many dog owners have thrown human leftovers of some kind into their dog’s food bowl.
While this often gets the job done, it also exposes your dog to unnecessary salt and ingredients that humans have no problem processing, but that a dog’s body is not designed for.
If You’re Going to Top Your Shih Tzu’s Regular Food with Something Tastier, How Can You Ensure the Topper Ingredient(s) Are as Healthy as Possible?
A Google search of the term “dog food toppers” results in thousands of results. One popular name-brand food topper contains a whopping 87% water. Not exactly worth paying for, in our opinion.
The recent dog food and treat trend toward limited ingredients is a great sign, as many dog owners are becoming increasingly conscious of what goes into their dog’s body.
Most dog food contains an unnecessarily high amount of carbohydrates. Why? Because all those grains are cheap and a great filler, bringing the cost down, but also the nutrition along with it.
RELATED: The Complete Dog Food Guide: Nutrition, Ingredients, Feeding & How to Choose
The (Healthy) Food Topper Shih Tzus Really Want
Real meat isn’t cheap, but it’s what the ancestors of dogs were designed to eat in the wild. And not cooked meat, but raw, nutrient-packed meat.
For many people, the thought of feeding their dogs raw meat seems gross and unsafe. But a dog’s short digestive system is far different than a human’s, and is able to process raw meat without any problems.
With that said, many dog owners opt for a freeze-dried raw meat product, which is far safer, less messy, and significantly more convenient. (Freeze drying maintains 98% of the nutrients, without the use of chemicals to preserve them.)
Are Freeze-Dried Meat Toppers Right for Your Shih Tzu?
Earlier this year, when my dog began to tire of her (expensive) everyday dog food, I gave raw freeze-dried toppers a try. What happened next amazed me. Instead of her lazily free-feeding her food over a period of 24 hours, she quickly gobbled down the majority of the bowl in minutes. The topper I used actually coats her existing kibble and boosts both the flavor and nutrition. The topper is also available on Amazon Prime.
It was my personal experience, and the experience of many other dog owners I talked to, that led us to create our line of freeze-dried raw treat toppers here at iHeartDogs.
I’d highly encourage you to look into the benefits of freeze-dried meat toppers, but most importantly, I’d encourage you to make sure whatever you top your dog’s food with is healthy and safe for the long term. After all, a Shih Tzu’s life is short enough; they deserve the absolute best!
Frequently Asked Questions about Your Shih Tzu’s Dog Food Topper
1. What Can I Give My Picky Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus can easily tire of the same food every day. Some dog owners like to occasionally top their dog’s food with chicken, eggs, or ground beef. While this can definitely increase the palatability of your Shih Tzu’s food, they may simply pick out the good stuff. Many Shih Tzu owners have found great success with freeze-dried dog food toppers. Since the meat is in a powder form, it coats your existing dog food kibble and improves the flavor. Your dog won’t even know it’s the same food.
2. How Can I Get My Shih Tzu to Eat Its Food?
It’s normal for your Shih Tzu to tire of their everyday food. Just imagine if you ate the same thing every day. One strategy for improving your Shih Tzu’s appetite is to use a freeze-dried meat dog food topper. If the topper is made in a powder form, it will coat their existing food and boost the flavor. As with any change to your dog’s diet, make sure to introduce the topper slowly, and consider using a probiotic to help strengthen your dog’s digestive system and reduce the chances of diarrhea.
3. Are Shih Tzus picky or finicky eaters?
In our experience, many Shih Tzus can be fussy eaters. But you can’t blame them. Who would want to eat the same meal every day? Many Shih Tzu owners find success by rotating different freeze-dried meat toppers over their Shih Tzu’s food. Since the meat is powdered, your Shih Tzu can’t just pick out the good stuff. The topper boosts the flavor of your Shih Tzu’s regular food and makes every meal more appealing.
4. What fruits or vegetables can my Shih Tzu eat?
Feeding your dog fresh fruits and vegetables, if they’ll eat them, is a great idea. Most store-bought pet food is heavily processed, so adding fresh food can boost both flavor and nutrition. Some great options for Shih Tzus are carrots, blueberries, kale, and spinach. If your dog won’t eat fresh produce, consider using a freeze-dried dog food topper that includes fruits and vegetables. A meat-based topper makes it more likely your Shih Tzu will eat them, while freeze drying helps preserve nutrients.
5. Can I add a dog food topper to my Shih Tzu’s daily meals?
Yes, dog food toppers are designed to complement your Shih Tzu’s regular meals. They can enhance both flavor and nutrition without replacing a complete and balanced diet. Always follow serving guidelines to avoid overfeeding.
6. Are freeze-dried dog food toppers safe for Shih Tzus?
Freeze-dried toppers are generally safe when sourced from reputable brands. The process helps preserve nutrients while removing moisture that can lead to spoilage. Always check ingredient labels and avoid artificial additives or fillers.
7. How much dog food topper should I give my Shih Tzu?
The amount depends on your Shih Tzu’s size, age, and activity level, as well as the product instructions. Toppers should only make up a small portion of the daily diet. Start small and adjust as needed.
8. Can dog food toppers help with my Shih Tzu’s digestion?
Yes, some toppers include probiotics, fiber, or digestive enzymes that support gut health. If your Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach, introduce toppers slowly and choose formulas designed for digestion.
9. Will a topper help my Shih Tzu gain weight?
It can, depending on calorie content. If your Shih Tzu needs to gain weight, a nutrient-dense topper can help. However, portion control is important since small breeds can gain weight easily.
10. Can I use wet food instead of a topper?
You can, but they serve different purposes. Wet food is usually a complete meal, while toppers enhance existing food. Freeze-dried toppers add flavor without changing your Shih Tzu’s core diet too much.
11. Are there toppers specifically made for picky eaters?
Yes, many toppers are designed for picky eaters. Freeze-dried meat powders are especially effective because they coat kibble evenly, making meals more appealing without letting your Shih Tzu pick around the food.
12. How do I choose the best dog food topper for my Shih Tzu?
Look for high-quality ingredients like real meat, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. Freeze-dried options are ideal because they retain nutrients while enhancing flavor and overall health.
Make Every Meal Exciting for Your Shih Tzu
Adding a delicious and nutritious food topper is one of the easiest ways to keep your Shih Tzu excited about mealtime. Whether you choose wet, dry, or freeze-dried options, toppers enhance flavor, improve hydration, and provide valuable nutrients. With a little creativity and the right choices, every bowl can be both wholesome and irresistible for your playful, food-loving companion.
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