My 20 Month Old -13 Lb Female Shih Tzu Has Always Been A Picky Eater. Recently We Gave Her A Beef Hot Dog....she Wont Eat Anything Else. I Give Her 2 Hot Dogs At Noon & 2 At 6pm .....she Lovvvvvvvvves Them & Is Happy As Can Be. Am I Feeding Her Too Much & Is She Getting Proper Nutrition?? Thank You

labman

Four hot dogs a day, and there are 10 in a pound package? Sounds like to much and too much fat. The hot dogs may be delicious, but are not the carefully formulated, complete and balanced diet that even the cheapest commercial chows provide. For a light eater, I would chose one of the concentrated, meat based dry dog foods, Pro Plan, Iams, Eukanuba, or a house brand. Put out half the recommended amount for a day at each feeding. Take up what isn't eaten in 15 minutes. Do not offer any more food or treats until the next scheduled feeding. Repeat. Adjust the amount to were all you offer is eaten. Check her ribs at least once a week. Compare them to this guide, http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292. This is not easy, but what is good for her to extend her life. With good care, small dogs are fine companions for a long time, always still too short. Grit your teeth and do it. I had a shepherd go 3 days without eating. She was fine, I was a wreck. Your vet will confirm what I say.

CAROLEEJOHNSTON

Thanks For Your Advice.......we Have Tried So Many Dry & Canned Dog Foods & She Turns Her Nose Up At Them.......but I Need To Do Whats Best For Her Health. So I Will Keep Looking. Suppose I Were To Give Her Cooked Lean Ground Beef?

labman

Dog nutrition is a very complicated thing. It is beyond most dog owners to formulate a good diet and so easy to use a commercial one. Check her ribs, check that site. I think you will find she is over weight. It is almost unknown for a healthy dog to harm itself when offered food. They do damage the owner's mental state. It is really hard, but in her best interest.

ladyandjan

What type of food did you find that your dog will eat? Were you feeding your dog table scraps possibly? That would make any dog picky about dog food after it has had a strong taste of what you eat.

speedball1

I have a male Shih Tzu,5 years old, that's also a picky eater. I feed him canned dog food. If he sticks up his nose at it, I wait 15 minutes and stick it in the fridge. That night I take it out agan and offer it once more. Sooner or later he'll get hungry enough and wolf it down.
Listen to labman, dogs are his thing and he's good at it. I coppied the link he gave you. It's a great help. As for table scraps, my pooch has the pitiful look of a starving animal down pat. It's hard not to resist when you're feeling guilty about eating in front of him but it's for the dogs own well being. good luck, Tom