The Maltese Shih Tzu is a small dog with a huge appetite. This is why it is important that you consider its age, size, metabolism, and activity level when deciding how much to feed it. Otherwise, it can develop some health issues. If you are a first-time canine owner and don’t know the amount of food your pup needs daily, here is the ultimate food guide for Maltese Shih Tzu dogs:

Under Three Months Old

A Mal-Shi puppy is normally completely weaned from its mother at eight to 10 weeks of age. At this time, free-feeding is recommended. This means you should have fresh food available for your dog to eat at all times. Otherwise, it can suffer from hypoglycemia which is a condition that may result in loss of appetite, muscle twitching, skin discolouration, and extreme fatigue.

During your Mal-Shi’s first month, it is important that you keep showing it where its food and water bowls are located. This way, it can eat away throughout the day without the need for your supervision.

Three to 12 Months Old

Replace free-feeding with scheduled meals once your Mal-Shi turns 12 weeks old. This is because it needs to eat more to support its energy and activity levels. By scheduling your pooch’s mealtimes, its food intake will increase. The recommended amount is ½ to 1 cup of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into three meals.

One Year and Above

For an adult Mal-Shi, ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into two meals, is suggested. This is enough to keep your pooch’s tummy satisfied the whole day, especially if you are also giving your dog snacks and training treats between hours. Otherwise, three meals per day are just as appropriate.

Many new dog owners make the mistake of feeding their Maltese Shih Tzus only once a day because of their size. However, it is the other way around. Small breeds like the Mal-Shi need more calories than larger dogs because they have a faster metabolism. So, regardless of your pup’s size, it needs to eat more.

The Bottom Line

When feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu, it is important that you keep track of its food intake as it is prone to obesity. If you must, measure its food and conduct a hands-on test from time to time. If you are still unsure of how much and often you should feed your pooch, consult with your breeder or vet.