| Shitzu puppies are very active and they burn calories | | | | eats whenever it desires. This method works well for |
| quickly. Their initial growth phase is during the first six | | | | dogs that are nibblers, not heavy eaters. Free choice |
| months of life, although theoretically they are still | | | | feeding may be convenient, but it is difficult to know |
| puppies until eight to twelve months of age, or when | | | | exactly how much food your shitzu is eating daily. It |
| they reach puberty. | | | | also is not usually successful because most dogs will |
| While your shitzu is still a puppy, he should be fed at | | | | eat even if they are not hungry. These dogs will |
| least four times a day because he has a small | | | | eventually become overweight. |
| stomach and a high metabolism. As he gets older and | | | | Obesity in dogs has now reached epidemic |
| his growth and development slow down, you can | | | | proportions in the United States - more than 30 |
| decrease the feedings to three meals, and later two | | | | percent of the canine population is obese. Overfeeding |
| meals a day. Be sure to consult your veterinarian to be | | | | your shitzu (especially if it is a puppy) and inactivity can |
| certain this feeding schedule matches your shitzu's | | | | cause obesity, which in turn can lead to heart disease, |
| needs. | | | | skeletal and joint problems, and metabolic diseases. |
| Unless your shitzu is a very active dog, he probably will | | | | The most effective way to prevent your shitzu from |
| not require more than one to two meals a day when | | | | becoming overweight is to closely monitor his food |
| he is an adult. Ideally the meals should be provided at | | | | intake and not overfeed him. Overeating is the most |
| twelve-hour intervals, or if only one meal is provided, in | | | | common cause of obesity in dogs. |
| the early evening, after he has exercised and before | | | | The best way to know if your shitzu is eating the |
| bedtime. If all of the food has not been eaten after | | | | proper amount is to check his overall physical condition. |
| twenty minutes, remove it. An after dinner stroll before | | | | You should be able to feel the ribs, but not see them. |
| bedtime will help your shitzu sleep more comfortably. | | | | Weigh him once a week, if possible, and not less than |
| Some shitzu owners prefer to feed free choice, which | | | | once a month. |
| means that food is available at all times and the dog | | | | |