The Importance of Including Bones in Shih Tzu’s Diet

Let’s talk about bones for Shih Tzu. 

Not the plastic things from the pet store – I’m talking real, raw bones.

They’re not just treats; they’re a fundamental part of a healthy diet for your dog.

If you want to learn more about the importance of bones to dogs, check out the book Give Your Dog a Bone by Dr. Ian Billinghurst, the father of the BARF diet.

But for now, let me sum up the key points for you here.

What are the Benefits of Giving Raw Bones to Shih Tzu?

1. Bone Helps Dogs with Digestion

Raw bones have natural enzymes and good bacteria that help keep your dog’s tummy happy.

Chewing on bones before meals can stimulate the stomach to release gastric juices, making the digestion process smoother.

2. Raw Bones are Very Nutritious

Bones are like nature’s multivitamins to dogs.

They have in them the perfect balance of calcium and phosphorus, which one can’t easily replicate without real bones.

Plus, bone marrow is packed with nutrients that boost the immune system.

3. Good for Dental Health

Many dogs hate having their teeth brushed. 

Dogs fed kibble diets often need dental treatments or suffer from dental diseases by two years old.

But don’t you ever think about how wild wolves get to keep their teeth clean? 

They gnaw on raw bones.

Raw bones act like a natural toothbrush, scraping away that tartar buildup and keeping those teeth nice and shiny. 

4. Mental Stimulation

Dogs have an instinct to chew on bones.

It keeps them occupied, reduces anxiety, and prevents boredom.

A bored Shih Tzu is a mischievous Shih Tzu, right?

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But aren’t bones dangerous?”

When fed properly, raw bones are safe and very beneficial. 

It’s all about choosing the right bone for your Shih Tzu.

So, go ahead and give your Shih Tzu a bone.

What is the Ideal Bone Percentage for an Adult Dog?

Now, for adult Shih Tzus, about 10-15% of their diet should be bone.

So, for example, if your Shih Tzu eats 150g of food a day, 15g – 23g of it should be bone. 

I like to start at 12% bone.

This is the bone ratio in a BARF diet that mimics what your Shih Tzu’s ancestors ate in the wild.

Then, you can see how your dog responds and adjust it accordingly.

• If the stool comes out chalky, reduce the bone to 10%.
• If stool is still soft at 12% bone, increase to 15%.

How to Choose the Right Raw Meaty Bones for Shih Tzu?

Picking the right bones for your Shih Tzu is crucial.

First things first: size matters. A lot.

You want the bones to be big enough so your Shih Tzu can’t swallow them whole (choking hazard alert!) but not so big that they struggle to chew.

One tip: look for bones that are wider than their jaws. One to two inches longer on each side. 

Next up: texture.

You want bones that are soft enough to chew but not so soft they splinter. 

Raw bones are softer and more digestible than cooked or smoked bones, which can splinter and cause serious harm.

Common Types of Raw Meaty Bones for Shih Tzu

Here are some common bones suitable for Shih Tzus, ranked according to experience. 

After all, as much as chewing on bones is the ability of every dog, of course, they still need some time to learn how to deal with bones and not gobble it up as a whole.

1. Total Beginner

Perfect for Shih Tzus just starting their raw bone journey, these include:

• Chicken Necks
• Chicken Feet (Here’s how I feed my Shih Tzu chicken feet)
• Duck Feet
• Chicken Wings (tip and mid-joint sections)
• Duck Wings (tip and mid-joint sections)
• Rabbit Backs (small pieces)

These bones are softer, smaller, and easier to chew, making them ideal for novice bone eaters.

They help your Shih Tzu get used to the texture and process of eating raw bones.

2. Experienced Chewer

When your Shih Tzu is comfortable on beginner bones you can progress to these:

• Chicken Leg Quarter (for larger Shih Tzus)
• Duck Necks
• Rabbit Leg
• (Young) Lamb Ribs
• (Young) Pork Ribs
• Whole Chicken Wings
• Whole Duck Wings

These bones require a bit more chewing strength and experience.

They’re great for dogs who’ve mastered the basics and are ready for a bit more of a challenge.

3. Expert Chewer

These are for Shih Tzus who are pros at bone chewing:

• Chicken Head
• Duck Head
• Duck Leg Quarter
• Rabbit Head
• Ox Tail Tip

These bones are tougher, larger, or more complex.

They’re best suited for Shih Tzus who have been eating raw bones for a while and have developed strong chewing skills.

Remember, every dog is different. 

Some Shih Tzus might progress through these levels quickly, while others might need more time.

Always supervise and be ready to adjust based on your dog’s individual needs and abilities.

Variety is the spice of life.

Mix it up for different nutrients and to keep mealtime exciting.

Safety Tips When Feeding Bones

1. Always supervise when your Shih Tzu is chewing any bone.
2. You can hold one end to let them gnaw on so as to avoid gobbling the whole bone.
3. Introduce new bone types one at a time.
4. This is rare but watch for any signs of digestive upset when introducing new bones.
5. Ensure the bone size is appropriate for your Shih Tzu.
6. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.

Why Do You Need the Raw Meaty Bone Content Calculator?

Great question!

The key reason is simple but often overlooked: raw meaty bones aren’t 100% bone.

They’re a mix of bone, meat, and sometimes other tissues.

This is why the calculation is crucial.

Varying Bone Percentages Different raw meaty bones contain different amounts of actual bone.

For example:

• Chicken necks might be about 36% bone
• Duck wings could be around 39% bone
• Lamb ribs might only be 20-25% bone

Without calculating, you might think you’re feeding the right amount of bone, when in reality, you’re way off!

How to Use the Raw Meaty Bone Content Calculator?

Step 1: Gather Your Info Before you start.

You’ll need to know:

• The total weight of your Shih Tzu’s meal
• What percentage of the meal you want to be bone
• Which type of raw meaty bone you’re planning to feed

Step 2: Input Fields

Let’s get those numbers in!

Here’s what you’ll see:

1. Total Meal Weight:
   Enter the total weight of your Shih Tzu’s meal in grams. This includes everything – meat, organs, and the bone we’re calculating.
2. Desired Bone Percentage:
   Input the percentage of bone you want in the meal.
3. Select Meaty Bone Type:
   Choose from the checkbox which raw meaty bone you’re planning to feed. Options include chicken necks, duck wings, lamb ribs, etc.

Step 3: Hit that Calculate Button!

Now click “Calculate”. 

Result Display

Voila! Here’s what you’ll see:

Recommended Raw Meaty Bone Weight: This tells you exactly how many grams of raw meaty bone you should include in the meal.

Remember, this calculator is a starting point. Always observe your Shih Tzu after meals.

If you notice any digestive issues, you may need to adjust the bone content.

And there you have it! You’re now equipped with the perfect portion of raw meaty bones for your Shih Tzu’s next meal. Happy feeding, and may your pup’s tail always be wagging!

But Bones is just a piece of the puzzle…

If you want to know how to put together an appropriate diet for your Shih Tzu, get my latest ebook Holistic Shih Tzu Care!