Are you trying to figure out if your Shih Tzu is being overfed? You’re not the only person that has been wondering this. Shih Tzus are wonderful little dogs that are small with very big eyes and a tendency to love food. Many people are guilty of giving in to those begging faces without realizing the damage they can cause. Overfeeding can result in weight gain, low energy, and health problems. In this post, we will talk about how to figure out if your Shih Tzu is being overfed, what signs you need to be looking out for, and how to maintain a healthy weight for your dog.

What Does It Mean to Overfeed a Dog?

When you overfeed your dog, you are providing more food than your dog requires. When a Shih Tzu eats more than needed, the calories turn into fat. There are even healthy foods that are harmful if fed in excess.

Shih Tzus are small dogs with small stomachs. They do not need large meals. Providing extra snacks or adding table scraps can quickly add calories. Overtime, eating too much food will lead to serious health consequences.

Why Is Overfeeding Bad for Shih Tzus?

Many dog owners think giving more food is a way to show love. But overfeeding does the opposite. It can make your dog sick and unhappy.

Here are some problems that overfeeding can cause:

• Weight gain and obesity
• Joint pain and difficulty walking
• Heart problems
• Trouble breathing
• Diabetes
• Shorter life span

Feeding the right amount keeps your dog healthy, active, and full of energy.

Common Signs Your Shih Tzu Is Overfed

Wondering how to tell if your Shih Tzu is getting too much food? Look for these signs:

1. Your Shih Tzu Looks Overweight

A healthy Shih Tzu should show a defined waist when viewed from above. If your dog appears to have a rounded or protruding belly, he/she is probably overweight.

To test your dog’s weight, gently put your fingers on your dog’s ribs. You should be able to touch your dog’s ribs easily. If you cannot feel your dog’s ribs without using some pressure, your dog might be overweight.

2. Your Dog Is Tired or Doesn’t Want to Play

Most overweight dogs seem lethargic. If your Shih Tzu is less interested in playing or going on walks, it’s likely that he or she is carrying excess weight. A dog who feels heavy and slow is usually losing interest in his or her exercise.

3. Pooping More Often Than Normal

Dogs who eat too much often poop more. If your Shih Tzu is going to the bathroom more frequently than normal or has loose******, soft poop, it could be due to eating too much food at one time. Too much food can disrupt a dog’s stomach.

4. Your Dog’s Belly Looks Big or Feels Hard

After a meal, your dog’s belly should feel soft and not too full. If your dog’s belly feels tight, round, or hard, your dog may be eating too much food at once, or too quickly. Heavy or too much food can also lead to gas and other forms of discomfort.

5. Your Dog Begs for Food All the Time

Certain Shih Tzus are always in hungry mode. They may act starved and beg for treats or they may just stare at you when you are eating. However, just because they are seeking food, doesn’t mean they need it. Dogs are quick to learn through behaviors and begging is a great way to get special snacks. If there is a pattern where they are given food each time they ask, eventually a dog will be over fed.

6. Clothes or Collars Feel Tight

If your dog’s collar is suddenly tighter or their clothes don’t fit anymore, they may have gained weight. This is a simple way to notice changes in your dog’s body.

7. The Vet Says Your Dog Gained Weight

Your veterinarian is the best person to check your dog’s weight. If the vet says your Shih Tzu has gained too much, it’s time to look at how much and what you’re feeding.

How Much Should You Feed a Shih Tzu?

The right amount of food depends on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. In general:

• A Shih Tzu puppy needs 3–4 small meals a day
• An adult Shih Tzu (8–16 pounds) usually needs 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dog food daily
• Older dogs may need fewer calories

Always read the feeding guide on the dog food label. But remember — that’s just a starting point. Some dogs need more or less than the guide says.

Don’t Forget Treats Add Up

It’s easy to forget how many treats you give during the day. Training rewards, table scraps, or snacks from other family members all count. Too many treats can lead to weight gain fast.

Try to keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Use healthy options like carrot sticks, green beans, or small pieces of cooked chicken (with no salt or oil).

Why Are Shih Tzus Always Hungry?

Shih Tzus are smart dogs. They quickly learn that begging or acting cute gets them more food. They may seem hungry all the time, but often they just want attention or snacks.

Make sure your Shih Tzu gets enough playtime and mental activity. Sometimes boredom looks like hunger.

What to Do If Your Shih Tzu Is Overfed

If you think your Shih Tzu is eating too much, here are steps you can take:

1. Check with Your Vet

Ask your vet to check your dog’s weight and health. They can tell you the right weight for your dog and suggest how to fix any problems.

2. Use a Measuring Cup

Never guess how much to feed. Always use a measuring cup to keep portions correct. Feeding a little too much every day adds up over time.

3. Make a Feeding Schedule

Feed your dog at the same times every day. Don’t leave food out all day. Scheduled meals help control how much your dog eats and prevent boredom snacking.

4. Cut Back on Treats

Count how many treats your dog gets. Cut back slowly, and try using healthy snacks. You can also give praise, petting, or playtime instead of food.

5. Add More Playtime

Exercise helps burn calories and keeps your Shih Tzu happy. Short walks, games like fetch, or indoor toys are great for small dogs.

6. Switch to Weight-Management Dog Food

If your dog is overweight, ask your vet about switching to a low-calorie dog food. These foods help dogs feel full without extra calories.

7. Keep a Food Diary

Write down everything your dog eats in a day — meals, treats, table scraps, and even chews. This helps you see patterns and where you can make changes.

Healthy Weight Means a Happy Life

When your Shih Tzu is at a healthy weight, they move better, play more, and feel great. Keeping them in shape also helps prevent many health problems later in life.

Remember, dogs can’t choose what to eat — they trust you to feed them the right amount. It’s okay to say no to extra treats. That’s real love!

Tips to Prevent Overfeeding

• Feed based on weight and age, not by what “looks right”
• Use a digital scale for accuracy if needed
• Tell family members not to sneak food to the dog
• Avoid feeding from the table
• Choose small, low-calorie treats
• Mix in healthy veggies to help your dog feel full
• Keep your Shih Tzu active every day

Final Thoughts

The first step in achieving better health for your Shih Tzu is knowing how to recognize if your dog is overfed. Overfeeding is a common error, but a wrong weight with right exercise and habits is an easy fix. Even removing a biscuit or cutting back on some kibbles can make a healthy on for your dog- each time adding up.

If your Shih Tzu is overweight, has low energy or frequently poops several times each day, your dog might be overfed. Learning how to tell if your Shih Tzu is overfed and acting accordingly can help keep your dog in shape and living a longer, happier life.

A healthy Shih Tzu is not just cute – it is happy, energetic and loving. That all starts with the correct amount of food.

People also ask

What happens if you overfeed a Shih Tzu?
It can gain weight, feel tired, have joint pain, and develop health problems like heart disease.

How to know if overfeeding a dog?
If your dog looks round, poops more, is lazy, or begs for food often, it might be overfed.

How much food should a Shih Tzu eat per day?
Most adult Shih Tzus need about ½ to 1 cup of food daily, split into two meals.

What does overfeeding dog poop look like?
It may be large, soft, smelly, or more frequent than usual.