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NUTRITION
Healthy dogs start with great nutrition. As a registered nurse, I have an understanding of how important good nutrition is to the health of our dogs. We cannot expect to have healthy animals if we cut corners on their nutrition.
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The Shih Tzu breed is a sturdy breed that live about 10 to 18 years. They are a hypoallergenic dog, so they make perfect pets for people with allergies.
As with all breeds, they are prone to a few specific health issues. They can have renal issues, eye problems, or neck and spine problems. Breathing problems with any brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog are common. Respiratory problems such as breathing spasms, reverse sneezing, brachycephalic syndrome, and pneumonia can occur.
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To address these breed-specific issues, we feed all our adult dogs a homemade dog food and reserve the commercially made dog food for only supplementing. The added phosphorous from the bone meal helps protect the kidneys from disease and stones. The carotene in the carrots strengthen the eyes. The calcium from the egg shells and the spinach help strengthen bones.
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Healthy Dog Food
Healthy dogs start with healthy food. Here is the recipe that we use to ensure the best nutrition to our adult dogs. Better nutrition to our moms ensure the best milk production for our puppies.
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3 cups brown rice (cooked)
3 pounds ground turkey
3-4 cups chopped fresh spinach
3-4 cups shredded fresh zucchini
3-4 cups shredded fresh carrots
4 eggs with crushed eggshells
1 can green peas (drained)
3 tablespoons bone meal (must be food grade quality, not from a garden store)
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Mix all the ingredients together. Form into a small meatball (about 3 ounces). Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Store the cooked meatballs in the freezer and pull out what is needed for each day.
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We are often asked, "Where do I get food-grade bone meal?" Here is a link to a bone meal product that we recommend.
https://www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/bone-meal-powder
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***DO NOT add salt*** The kidneys cannot handle extra salt in their diet.
More Information About Shih Tzus
Here is a great video to explain more about the breed.