As a Shih Tzu owner, I always believed I was doing everything right. I bought good-quality dog food, followed feeding schedules, and tried to give my dog the best care possible. But despite all that effort, something just didn’t feel right.
My Shih Tzu had a very unpredictable relationship with food. Some days he would eat a little, other days he would completely ignore his meals. It became frustrating and honestly a bit worrying. Watching your dog refuse food is never easy, especially when you know how important proper nutrition is for their growth and health.
Over time, I started noticing other small issues too. His energy levels weren’t what they used to be. He would play for a short time and then quickly lose interest. There were also moments when he seemed slightly uncomfortable after eating, and occasionally, he would even vomit. It wasn’t frequent, but enough to make me concerned.
Another thing that stood out was his coat. Shih Tzus are known for their beautiful, silky fur—but his coat started to look dull and less healthy. It lacked that shine and softness that I had seen before.
That’s when I realized something important: food might be the root of all these problems.
So, I decided to make a change.
🐾 The Problem I Faced
Before switching his diet, my Shih Tzu showed several clear signs that something wasn’t right:
- Poor appetite
- Low energy levels
- Occasional vomiting
- Dull and lifeless coat
At first, I thought maybe it was just a phase. But as time passed, it became clear that this wasn’t something I could ignore.
👉 I knew something needed to change—and I needed to act fast.
🍗 The Diet I Tried
Instead of relying only on packaged dog food, I decided to try a more balanced approach. I didn’t completely remove commercial food, but I added simple, homemade meals that were easy to digest and nutritious.
The goal was to keep things natural, gentle, and balanced.
🥣 Morning Meal
In the morning, I kept it very simple:
- Boiled chicken (without salt or spices)
- Soft, plain rice
This combination worked really well because it’s light on the stomach and easy to digest. The chicken provides clean protein, while the rice helps settle digestion.
🍖 Evening Meal
For the evening meal, I didn’t completely remove dog food. Instead, I improved it:
- High-quality dog food (small portion)
- Mixed with a little boiled chicken
This made the food more appealing and nutritious at the same time. My Shih Tzu actually started looking forward to his meals again.
🥕 Extras (2–3 Times a Week)
To keep things interesting and add extra nutrients, I included:
- Boiled carrots
- Small apple slices (without seeds)
These worked as healthy treats and also added vitamins and fiber to his diet.
👉 Fresh water was always available throughout the day, which is extremely important—especially when changing diets.
⏱️ When I Started Seeing Results
Honestly, I didn’t expect results so quickly. I thought it would take at least a month to see any changes.
But surprisingly, within just 1–2 weeks, I started noticing clear improvements.
First, his eating habits improved. He began finishing his meals regularly, without hesitation.
Then came the energy. He became more playful, more active, and more engaged. It felt like his old personality was coming back.
I also noticed that his digestion improved. The occasional vomiting stopped, and he seemed much more comfortable after eating.
And one of the most visible changes?
👉 His coat started to look healthier and shinier again.
🌟 The Amazing Results
After following this diet for a few weeks, the transformation was honestly amazing.
My Shih Tzu:
- Became more energetic and playful
- Stopped being a picky eater
- Had fewer digestive issues
- Developed a healthier, shinier coat
It felt like I had a completely different dog—not because he changed, but because he was finally getting the right nutrition his body needed.
👉 It was a huge improvement, and it made me realize how powerful the right diet can be.
⚠️ Important Tips Before You Try This
If you’re thinking of trying a similar diet for your Shih Tzu, here are some very important tips:
✔️ Introduce Food Gradually
Never switch food suddenly. Mix the new food with the old one and slowly increase the ratio over a few days.
✔️ Avoid Harmful Ingredients
Do NOT use:
- Salt
- Spices
- Oil or fried food
These can harm your dog’s digestive system.
✔️ Keep Portions Balanced
Even healthy food can cause problems if overfed. Stick to proper portion sizes based on your dog’s weight.
✔️ Consult a Vet (If Needed)
If your dog has existing health problems, always check with a vet before making major diet changes.
🐶 Why This Diet Works
The reason this simple diet worked so well comes down to balance and digestibility.
🍗 Boiled Chicken = Easy Protein
Chicken is a clean, high-quality protein source that supports muscle growth and energy.
🍚 Rice = Gentle on the Stomach
Rice helps calm the digestive system and is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
🥣 Quality Dog Food = Complete Nutrition
Dog food provides essential vitamins and minerals that homemade food alone may lack.
👉 When combined, these elements create a balanced, natural, and effective diet.
It’s not complicated. It’s not expensive. But it works.
💡 Final Thought
Sometimes, the solution to a problem isn’t something complex—it’s something simple that we overlook.
For me, changing my Shih Tzu’s diet was a small step—but it made a huge difference.
If your dog is struggling with similar issues like picky eating, low energy, or digestion problems, this approach might help you too.
👉 Every dog is different, but giving them clean, balanced, and natural food can truly transform their health.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is boiled chicken good for Shih Tzu?
Yes, boiled chicken is an excellent source of protein and is very easy to digest, making it ideal for Shih Tzus.
Can I feed my Shih Tzu rice every day?
Yes, rice can be given daily in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
How long does it take to see results after changing diet?
Most Shih Tzu owners notice positive changes within 1–2 weeks, including better appetite and energy levels.
Can I stop feeding dog food completely?
No, it’s better to combine homemade food with high-quality dog food to ensure complete nutrition.
What foods should I avoid for my Shih Tzu?
Avoid feeding:
- Chocolate
- Onions & garlic
- Spicy or salty food
- Oily and fried food
These can be harmful to your dog’s health.