A netizen asks:
“How long can a hamster
go without food or water? During the Lunar New Year, my hamster managed to open its cage and escape, but fell onto the floor. When I returned more than 10 days later, I found it had become emaciated, though it has since regained its weight. But how long can
a hamster
go without food or water?”
Many people really enjoy keeping hamsters as pets, and caring for them is much easier than caring for dogs or cats. However, many new pet owners aren’t very familiar with some of their hamsters’ habits, and many often ask online, “My hamster is always eating—will it overeat and die?”
One netizen, however, asked,
“How long can a hamster go without eating or drinking?”
As for how long a hamster can go without food or water,
I personally think it’s around 5 to 10 days
! However, I’m not entirely sure. Generally speaking, many animals can go without food for a few days, but they cannot go without water.
According to online sources, if a hamster at home hasn’t eaten for about 10 days, it might actually find some food on its own to fill its stomach. This is because many animals have an instinct to seek out food and water on their own.
Especially when they’re hungry, even if you’re not home, they might scour the place looking for something to eat or drink. While it might not be enough to fill them up, it can help them survive a few more days.
In addition, hamsters have cheek pouches in their mouths where they can store food, so it’s possible that they still have some food stored there when they go out.
Sometimes, when we see a hamster constantly stuffing food into its mouth—far more than it can eat—and swallowing it without chewing, it’s usually just storing the food in its cheek pouches rather than eating it all at once. Later, it will take the food out to hide it or savor it slowly.
Hamsters are omnivores; they’ll eat anything—whether it’s spicy, sour, sweet, meat, or vegetables. They can eat many of the vegetables found in your home.
Although hamsters are cute, they are still rodents, and there’s no doubt about their ability to survive.

Almost everyone who has ever owned a dog has noticed that they like to eat their own feces, which drives many pet owners to the brink of despair. What exactly causes dogs to eat their own feces? Pet Sky has identified the following reasons:
Why do dogs eat feces?
1.
Maternal behavior:
After giving birth, a mother dog will lick her puppies’ genitals and anal areas. In addition to stimulating the puppies to urinate and defecate and eating their waste to keep the environment clean, this behavior also prevents odors from escaping, thereby avoiding predation by other animals. This is considered normal maternal behavior.
2.
Imitative behavior
:
If owners regularly clean the doghouse and the area where the dog lives, over time
the dog will also
clean up its own waste in the vicinity,
Dogs
sees other
dogs
eating feces, they will imitate this behavior.
3.
Inappropriate punishment:
Dogs
After relieving themselves or chewing on or destroying things, dogs are often punished by their owners, which causes them to feel afraid. As a result, after defecating, they eat their feces to cover up the evidence out of fear of being punished by their owners.
4.
Substitute behavior:
It is natural for dogs to eat feces; they are attracted to certain odors found in feces, and they are particularly drawn to the fermented excrement of herbivores. When they cannot find such excrement, they will eat their own or other dogs’ feces instead.
5.
Get your owner’s attention:
A dog eats feces due to an underlying medical condition; the owner punishes the dog to get its attention. Even after the medical condition is cured, the dog continues to eat feces—despite being scolded by the owner—in order to keep getting the owner’s attention.
6.
Acts of class hegemony:
In a pack, lower-ranking dogs may have to eat the feces of higher-ranking dogs as a sign of submission.
7.
Feeding habits:
Some dogs are used to eating several meals a day, and when switched to a single meal a day, they may resort to eating their own feces to stave off hunger, which leads to this habit.
8. The main reason dogs eat feces is
simply a deficiency of certain vitamins in their bodies
.
It’s just like how cats like to eat mice (which lack taurine and other nutrients). Just as cats sometimes eat certain types of grass when they’re sick, if your dog starts eating its own feces, we recommend taking it to a veterinary clinic, where there are specialized medications or foods available to treat the condition.
What should I do if my dog eats feces?
1.
Cut off opportunities:
Clean up immediately after your dog defecates to prevent him from eating his feces. When you can’t predict when he’ll defecate, wear a mask to avoid contact with the feces or keep him in a crate. Ensure the crate has sufficient clearance at the bottom so feces won’t get stuck inside and give him a chance to eat them. Always use a leash when walking your dog to prevent him from eating feces if you can’t stop him in time. After he defecates, walk away and praise him.If your dog tries to sniff its own feces after defecating, stop it immediately. In your dog’s living environment, clean up all feces—including those from other dogs or animals—to ensure your dog has no opportunity to eat them.
2.
Reprimand and intervene promptly:
If your dog is eating feces, stop it immediately and firmly. Do not use physical punishment, as this will backfire. If the dog has already finished eating the feces, do not punish it in any way, because the dog will not understand why you are punishing it.
3.
Encouragement:
Praise your dog after he goes to the bathroom, and use treats to distract him so he forgets about eating his poop. This will help him gradually break the habit.
4.
Add a scent that dogs dislike to their feces:
After your dog defecates, add very spicy chili peppers, very bitter medicine, or a scent your dog dislikes to the feces. It’s up to you to figure out what smells your dog dislikes; every dog is different, so you may need to experiment a bit.
5.
Block using a command:
This method only works with dogs that have undergone obedience training; they must be able to understand commands such as “No,” “Sit,” and “Come.” After the dog has finished defecating, give it an obedience command to divert its attention and prevent it from eating its feces.
6.
Adding substances to the food that dogs don’t like after digestion:
In some countries, certain ingredients are added to dog food for dogs that eat their own feces. If your dog eats its own feces, you should add these ingredients to its food; if it’s just one dog, you must add them to that dog’s food. However, the effectiveness of this method is still being evaluated. Some people suggest adding ingredients like MSG, garlic, or pumpkin to dog food; after digestion, these ingredients give the feces an unpleasant odor, which dogs tend to avoid. You can give this a try and let us know how it goes.
7.
Add digestive aids
:
Some people believe that taking digestive enzymes can aid digestion and thereby prevent coprophagia caused by digestive issues; however, the effectiveness of this approach has not been proven by research. Based on the methods described above, you may choose to try one or several of them simultaneously. If other symptoms appear at the same time, you should consider whether they might be caused by an internal medical condition; you should take your pet to a veterinarian for an examination to identify the true cause and receive appropriate treatment.
I hope these answers are helpful to you.

We often get questions from readers asking, “Is it okay for cats to eat human food?”
So what’s the difference between cat food and human food?
Cat food and wet food are the main staples in most pet
cats’
diets.
Cat food generally refers to commercial cat food, including dry food, wet food (canned food and pouches), and treats (dried meat, nutritional pastes, etc.).
Cat food is generally divided into traditional and modern varieties; traditional cat food refers to rice mixed with chicken liver or fish.
“New-style cat food” refers to food that is formulated based on scientific research and using scientific methods.
Nutritional Requirements for Cats: An adult cat’s nutritional needs are primarily met by fats and proteins. In a cat’s diet, fat should account for at least 10%, protein for at least 28%, carbohydrates for no more than 30%, and water intake should be 50–70 milliliters.
In addition, the following are required: 1 gram of calcium per day, 0.8 grams of phosphorus per day, 0.2 grams of sodium per day, 0.4 grams of potassium per day, 0.05 grams of magnesium per day,10 micrograms of iron daily, 0.5 micrograms of copper daily, 1 microgram of manganese daily, 4 micrograms of zinc daily, 0.1 micrograms of iodine daily, 550 International Units of vitamin A daily, 0.5 micrograms of vitamin B1 daily, 0.5 micrograms of vitamin B2 daily, 0.4 micrograms of vitamin B6 daily, 1 microgram of pantothenic acid daily,4.5 micrograms of niacin daily, 0.1 micrograms of folate daily, 0.02 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily, 200 micrograms of choline daily, 100 micrograms of taurine daily, no dietary intake of vitamin C required, 100 International Units of vitamin D daily, 8 micrograms of vitamin E daily, and no dietary intake of vitamin K required.
However, the food we eat differs greatly from what cats need, and it contains many ingredients that are harmful to them. The most common of these is salt. In the wild, cats typically feed on small mammals, whose bodily fluids contain just the right amount of salt to meet their natural needs.
Feeding a cat more than it needs can put a strain on its kidneys.
While there may not be any obvious symptoms right away, over time this can lead to kidney failure, which is life-threatening. This is not an exaggeration; it’s
because cats lack sweat glands
.
Salt is just one example; there are many other foods that humans commonly eat but that cats cannot eat—or at least should not eat in large quantities.
These include onions, sweets, abalone, conch, fish bones, and chicken bones (since cats swallow their food whole rather than chewing it, these bones can easily scratch their stomachs).
There is now scientific evidence showing that cats fed commercial cat food live longer than those fed homemade meals.
Human food does not contain all the trace elements that cats need, so outdoor cats tend to be healthier than indoor cats.
Also, cats still hunt in the wild, and mice, insects, and grass all help supplement the trace elements they need. If your cat stays indoors all the time, be sure to provide a balanced diet!

A netizen asked: “Every time he sees someone eating, he immediately puts on a pitiful act. If you don’t give him any food, he looks so innocent, and he ends up eating almost everything. Is this normal?”
Pet Sky believes this is a perfectly normal phenomenon; many dogs aren’t particularly picky eaters—they’ll eat whatever you give them. However, that doesn’t mean dogs will eat absolutely anything; they do have their own judgment.
Before eating, dogs often sniff their food to determine if it’s safe to eat. This is because their sense of smell is extremely keen. Dogs generally trust their noses more than their eyes.
It’s not the dogs’ fault that they’ll eat just about anything. However, pet owners need to be vigilant, because many foods are toxic to dogs—never let them eat them. For example:
1. Chocolate: First on the list, of course, is chocolate. While chocolate is delicious for us humans, it can be deadly for
dogs
! It reduces blood flow to the brain and can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening conditions. The higher the cocoa content, the higher the caffeine and the more dangerous it is for dogs.
2. Onions: Onions are a very common vegetable in our daily lives, and for
dogs
can also be deadly. While harmless to humans, onions pose a risk of oxidizing red blood cells in cats, dogs, sheep, horses, and cattle. This can lead to hemolytic anemia; just one or two small slices of onion are enough to impair red blood cell function, reducing oxygen delivery and preventing the body from receiving the oxygen it needs.
3. Grapes and raisins: Dogs should not eat grapes, as they can cause kidney failure and, in severe cases, lead to death. Therefore, for your dog’s health, grapes and raisins should also be avoided.
4. Coffee: Coffee is a beverage we enjoy every day, but it can be deadly for dogs. If a dog drinks coffee, it can suffer from caffeine poisoning. A small amount may not cause any harm, but drinking too much can be fatal. For your dog’s health, it’s best to keep coffee out of its reach.
5. Salt: Salt is an essential seasoning in our daily lives, but if dogs consume large amounts of it, it can lead to electrolyte imbalance. Just one teaspoon of salt per kilogram of a dog’s body weight can be life-threatening. In mild cases, excessive salt intake can cause tear stains; in severe cases, it can be fatal.
6. Xylitol: Remember xylitol, which we mentioned earlier? This type of chocolate is even more dangerous. Make sure your dog doesn’t eat any of it. Besides chocolate, what other foods should dogs avoid?
As for preventing dogs from scavenging for food, Pet Sky believes that owners need to learn some pet training techniques to teach their dogs not to scavenge, especially when offered food by strangers.
Editor’s Note:
Owning a pet is a responsibility; please don’t abandon them. If possible, please treat these little lives with kindness.
Pet Sky Network
petssky
.com. Original article. Please contact us for permission before reprinting, and credit the author and source.
WeChat Official Account (
petssky
), Weibo:
Pet Sky Network
.

Puppies have small stomachs but big appetites—they always seem to want more at every meal! As a responsible pet owner, you should adjust their feeding schedule based on their age.
Pet Sky reminds pet owners: Most Golden Retriever puppies don’t have the ability to control their appetite, so owners should feed them small portions multiple times a day
. Feeding puppies too much at once can cause them to overeat or lead to gastrointestinal issues, so please be sure to feed them small meals frequently!!!
What should I do if my puppy has overeaten? What should I do if my puppy has eaten too much?
When raising a pet, accidents are bound to happen—such as accidentally overfeeding
your dog
, or
your dog sneaking
a snack and overeating. What should you do in such situations? Here’s what Pet Sky recommends:
1. When a dog’s life is in danger
Take the dog to the vet immediately. Depending on the dog’s condition, the veterinarian will decide whether to induce vomiting or perform surgery to remove the food from the dog’s stomach.
2. When the dog is not in life-threatening danger
You might want to skip the next meal and give your dog some
digestive tablets
. Also, if your dog is able to exercise, take it out for a walk. If it’s a puppy, be extra careful, as they don’t have much stamina—you can play with them instead.
In short, if your dog has been overfed, you should take this as a wake-up call to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Also, keep a close eye on your dog’s condition.
Further Reading:
How many times a day should I feed my puppy? How should I feed it?
2–3 months: Feed about 4 times a day
4–6 months: Feed 2–3 times a day
6 months and older: Feed twice a day
1. When we first get the puppies, most of them are 2–3 months old.
A puppy that is two or three months old should be fed about
one-third of a disposable paper cup
per meal
;
for small breeds, the portion can be reduced accordingly.
2. After three months, you can gradually transition from wet food to semi-moist food and then to dry kibble.
At first, you might want to soak the dog food until it’s very soft before feeding it to your puppy. Gradually reduce the soaking time so that your puppy can slowly get used to slightly harder kibble. Eventually, you can switch completely to dry kibble in about 10 days.
We also usually recommend that, when transitioning to dry dog food, you intentionally offer your puppy one or two pieces of dry kibble to encourage them to eat it. Since you’re only giving one or two pieces at a time, there’s no risk of the puppy choking. As the puppy gradually realizes that the food isn’t as soft as before, their eating habits will naturally adjust.
Although it may still look like the puppy is wolfing down its food, it has already learned how to eat quickly without choking. After a while, the puppy will naturally start to reject softened kibble and prefer dry kibble, so switching to dry kibble at this point is perfectly fine. Therefore, switching to dry kibble at this stage has nothing to do with whether the puppy’s digestion is good or not.
3. Don’t try to speed up your puppy’s growth by overfeeding; doing so will result in most of the food going to waste.
Feeding a puppy more food than its developing digestive system can handle can lead to bone pain later in life. Furthermore, if an overweight puppy grows into an overweight adult dog, it may be prone to various health issues.
Therefore, it is best to strictly follow the feeding guidelines listed on the puppy food packaging.
Editor’s Note:
Owning a pet is a responsibility; please don’t abandon them. If possible, please treat these little lives with kindness.
Pet Sky Network
petssky
.com. Original article. Please contact us for permission before reprinting, and credit the author and source.
WeChat Official Account (
petssky
), Weibo:
Pet Sky Network
.

What is commercial grain?
Commercial dog food refers to dog food processed from animal carcasses and offal. Although the ingredients in commercial dog food are not particularly appealing to dogs, the addition of large amounts of flavor enhancers generally makes it more aromatic, and most dogs enjoy eating it. Royal Canin and Pedigree are representative examples of commercial dog food. Long-term consumption of commercial dog food can have certain side effects on a dog’s health, and nutritionally, it falls far short of natural dog food.
What is natural dog food?
This refers to dog food that contains no animal carcasses, animal by-products, or similar ingredients, and uses no harmful substances such as flavor enhancers or preservatives. Natural dog food is preserved with vitamin E and contains no elements harmful to dogs; however, with long-term use, your dog’s coat and stool will become healthier and more vibrant.Of course, different dogs have different constitutions, so the natural dog food that suits them will vary! While many natural dog foods provide essential nutrients, they often overlook the unique nutritional needs of each individual dog.
Therefore, when choosing natural dog food, it’s important to carefully check the nutritional information listed on the packaging. Different breeds of dogs require natural dog food with different added ingredients. For example, breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frisés, which have thicker coats and produce more dander, should be fed natural dog food with a higher protein content. For older dogs, we can choose dog food containing shark cartilage powder, which helps supplement calcium and prevent osteoporosis;Natural dog food containing prebiotics is often the top choice for pet owners, as prebiotics help break down unsaturated fats in the food, which greatly aids in digestion.
What’s the difference between natural, commercial, grain-free, and prescription dog food?
Most of the classifications currently in vogue on the market are marketing concepts that have been contrived.
Natural grains and commercial grains:
Common beliefs:
Natural pet food refers to food
that contains no animal carcasses or by-products and is free from harmful substances such as flavor enhancers and preservatives. It is preserved with vitamin E and contains no ingredients that are harmful to cats or dogs. With long-term use, cats’ and dogs’ coats and stools remain healthy and in good condition.
Commercial pet food
primarily consists of 4D ingredients and their by-products. The term “4D” is an acronym for animals in the following four conditions: Dead, Diseased, Dying, and Disabled. By-products refer to their internal organs, fur, and the like. Although the ingredients in commercial pet food are not naturally appealing to cats and dogs, the addition of large amounts of flavor enhancers generally makes it more aromatic, and most cats and dogs enjoy eating it.
The
AAFCO
(Association of American Feed Control Officials) has issued the following statement:
Clarification:
There is no such thing as “natural” grain, nor is there such a thing as “commercial” grain. “Natural” is merely a descriptive term; it does not refer to a classification of grain. So-called “natural” grain is not necessarily better than regular grain, but it is certainly more expensive.
1. Grain-free:
“Grain-free” is a marketing term that leads people to believe the product contains only meat; it capitalizes on this confusion to boost sales and profits. In reality, grain-free foods replace grains with ingredients such as potatoes, tubers, and beans—not with meat.
Clarification
: “Grain-free” cat food does not refer to food made exclusively from meat; grain-free formulas are actually designed for cats that are sensitive to grains or have specific dietary requirements regarding carbohydrates.
2. Prescription food:
Prescription diets are foods prescribed by veterinarians and other professionals based on a cat’s medical condition or nutritional needs to help restore its health. They combine treatment with nutrition, and different prescription diets are available for different medical conditions.
Clarification
: Prescription diets are not necessarily better than regular pet food. Prescription diets are designed for specific medical conditions and should be used under the guidance of a professional; they should not be used as a regular staple food.
What are the main ingredients in cat food?
Cat food is designed to meet a cat’s physiological needs and contains certain essential ingredients. However, there is a world of difference between high-quality and low-quality cat food when it comes to their ingredients.
1. Barley (rice)
. Generally speaking, cats have a harder time digesting whole grains than rice. High-quality cat food contains grains rich in plant-based protein. Poor-quality cat food, on the other hand, uses cheap grains—such as bran—as a substitute to cut costs.
2. High-quality chicken
. Good cat food uses high-quality chicken as a raw ingredient because it provides a source of animal protein that is reliable and easily digestible.In contrast, low-quality cat food substitutes this with poultry by-product meal. Poultry by-product meal is typically made from chicken heads, beaks, bones, and even feathers that have been dried and processed. In some cases, manufacturers even collect 4D animals (dead, dying, diseased, or disabled animals) and add them to the food after processing. These ingredients offer no guarantee of hygiene or nutritional value, and are difficult for cats to digest, making health issues highly likely.
3. Bone meal.
In high-quality cat food, the bone meal is derived from salmon and meets human food safety standards. In low-quality cat food, however, any bones that can be turned into bone meal are simply dried, ground up, and haphazardly added to the mix.
4. Additives and colorants
. Additives include flavor enhancers, preservatives, and appetite stimulants.High-quality cat food uses preservatives derived from animal fats, and the color of the food remains the natural brown or light brown of cooked grains. Since these products use only “genuine ingredients,” no additional flavor enhancers are added. In contrast, low-quality cat food contains artificial preservatives and excessive colorants, resulting in food that is often brightly colored. This can weaken a cat’s immune system and lead to various health issues.
How to Choose Cat Food
The most basic and most important rule: what’s best for your cat is what matters most.
1. Carefully review the ingredients and nutritional information
The quality of cat food depends primarily on its ingredients. Choose cat food with clearly listed ingredient sources (specifying the types of animals and plants used), such as chicken meal or chicken liver. The two most important components are protein and fat. Protein is essential for a cat’s growth, development, and maintaining a healthy coat, while fat largely determines whether the food is likely to cause weight gain. Of course, this doesn’t mean that higher levels are always better. You should still choose the food that best suits your own cat.For example,
if your cat
is overweight, you should choose a food that is low in calories and fat. If
your cat’s coat
appears coarse and lacks luster, you should opt for a food rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, as this is very beneficial for your cat’s coat health.
2. Based on your financial situation and the availability of goods
Some families with more disposable income choose to buy imported cat food for their pets. In such cases, it’s important to select products that have been approved for import by the Ministry of Agriculture. This ensures not only that the quality meets standards and the product is safe and reliable, but also that you won’t have to worry about customs inspections causing a disruption in your pet’s food supply. Therefore, based on your financial situation, choose a cat food brand that offers safety guarantees and a consistent, stable supply.
You can’t tell the quality of cat food just by looking at it, and it’s not necessarily true that the more expensive the cat food, the better it is. Furthermore, just because a certain brand works for someone else’s cat doesn’t mean it will work for yours. The best approach is to let your cat try different options until you find the one that’s right for them.

Abstract
The Bichon Frise is often referred to as the “rich, beautiful, and fair-skinned” member of the dog world. With its snow-white, curly coat, elegant and noble demeanor, and a face that’s both beautiful and adorable, it’s deeply loved by families everywhere. However, since most people are first-time dog owners and lack experience, they often fall into some common pitfalls.
The Bichon Frise
is
the ”
rich, beautiful, and fair-skinned
” star of the dog world
. With its snow-white curly coat, elegant and noble demeanor, and face that is both beautiful and adorable, it is deeply loved by families everywhere.
However, since most people are first-time dog owners and lack experience, they often fall into some common pitfalls.
Below, we’ll share the top ten mistakes people make when raising Bichon Frisés!
Misconception 1: Milk + Raw Egg Whites
Although milk is highly nutritious, Bichon Frisés have difficulty digesting and absorbing it, which may cause diarrhea. Never feed your Bichon Frisé raw egg whites, as they contain an antibiotic protein that can impair their ability to absorb vitamins.
Misconception 2: Seafood
Fish contain bones, and if you’re not careful, they can get stuck in your throat. Furthermore, fish bones contain calcium and phosphorus, and long-term consumption can lead to urinary tract stones.
Misconception 3: Onions + Green Onions
The odor of onions and green onions can affect a Bichon Frise’s sense of smell. Bichon Frises that regularly eat onions are more prone to developing skin conditions, while green onions can irritate their stomachs. Under no circumstances should you feed them these foods, nor should you give them any foods containing onions or green onions, such as hamburgers.
Misconception 4: Chocolate
The most dangerous thing is chocolate. The theobromine in chocolate can cause food poisoning in Bichon Frisés. Data shows that a 1-kilogram Bichon Frisé could die after consuming just 9 grams of pure chocolate. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, restlessness, hyperactivity, rapid heartbeat and breathing, and may even lead to death due to cardiovascular failure. Please be very careful!
Myth 5: Fish bones and chicken bones
Since Bichon Frisés tend to swallow food without chewing it thoroughly, this can often lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Fish bones and chicken bones can also get stuck in their throats. You can give your Bichon Frisé a small amount of pork or beef bone to gnaw on. While gnawing on bones is simply a hobby for Bichon Frisés, eating bones does not necessarily make their bones stronger.
Myth #6: Ice cream, cream cakes, and mooncakes
In fact, Bichon Frisés shouldn’t be fed ice cream, cream cakes, moon cakes, or zongzi. Some of these foods contain excessive amounts of sugar, while others are hard to digest, which can lead to obesity or diarrhea. In short, they can have a significant impact on a Bichon Frisé’s digestive system. Often, after eating these foods, they’ll develop stomach problems the very next day.
Myth 7: Chicken + Beef + Pork
Bichon Frisés do love meat, and it’s fine to feed them some occasionally. However, feeding them meat on a long-term basis not only encourages picky eating habits but also increases the risk of dental problems, such as cavities and tartar buildup—the most common issue being bad breath. Additionally, meat seasoned with spices or hot sauces can dull a cat’s sense of smell and is therefore not suitable for their diet.
Myth 8: White Rice + Offal
This is a well-known fact: in reality, this type of diet is most likely to cause skin problems in Bichon Frisés, such as eczema, dandruff, and itching. Furthermore, a diet consisting mainly of rice can lead to excessive weight gain in the lower body, resulting in a non-standard body shape.
Myth #9: Late-night snacks
When feeding a Bichon Frise, it is best to feed them twice a day. Feeding them at night can lead to indigestion and a distended abdomen, which can affect their physique and cause obesity.
Myth #10: The Owner’s Food
Our meals contain a fair amount of oil, salt, and other seasonings, and some even contain a significant amount of spices—none of which are suitable for Bichon Frisés. An adult Bichon Frisé should consume no more than 5% salt content in its diet; excessive oil and salt are harmful to their health.Spicy foods are especially off-limits, as they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, Bichon Frisés are particularly prone to tear stains, and their tear ducts are easily blocked. A long-term diet high in salt will only exacerbate this condition.

Abstract
Puppies often eat very quickly, swallowing their food after only a few chews and relying entirely on stomach acid for digestion. However, a puppy’s digestive glands—especially shortly after weaning—are not yet fully developed. Additionally, puppies lack the ability to gauge when they are full. As a result, diarrhea is one of the most common and potentially fatal conditions during the puppy stage, and this condition is largely linked to improper feeding practices by dog owners.
Statistics show that
more than 80%
of puppies that
have just arrived at their new homes die from severe dehydration caused by diarrhea! This is a documented fact. Dog owners might assume that factors such as infectious diseases triggered by exposure to cold have claimed their little one’s life.
However, catching a chill is merely a contributing factor to diarrhea. The root cause of the fatal condition—and the one most easily overlooked by dog owners—is the way you feed
your puppy
dry dog food!
Often, many dog owners feed their puppies what seems like a very small amount of dry dog food, only to find that the puppy never seems full and looks very hungry. As a result, the owners think: “Let’s make sure it eats its fill—and then some. I have to go to work and won’t be back until tonight, so it can’t go hungry; it absolutely must eat its fill.”
Little do people realize that this is the first step toward a fatal outcome for the puppy, because a puppy’s voracious appetite makes it unaware of the dangers of overeating—consuming too much dry dog food can be deadly for a puppy!
Veterinarians have observed in clinical practice that nearly all puppies brought in for diarrhea have been fed dry dog food. Dry dog food is similar in nature to compressed biscuits; when exposed to water, it expands to three times its original volume.
Puppies often eat very quickly, swallowing their food after only a few chews and relying entirely on stomach acid for digestion. However, a puppy’s digestive glands—especially shortly after weaning—are not yet fully developed. Additionally, puppies lack the ability to gauge when they are full. As a result, diarrhea is one of the most common and potentially fatal conditions during the puppy stage, and this condition is largely linked to improper feeding practices by dog owners.
This issue of the Dog Care Guide addresses the key considerations for feeding puppy food to new dog owners.
Should I soak dry dog food or not?
It is recommended to feed puppies between 45 and 90 days old softened dog food.
It’s not just because softened food is easier to digest; it’s also because puppies are teething at this stage and can’t eat food that’s too hard.
Once you’ve soaked the dog food until it’s soft, it will be easier for your puppy to eat by licking it up, and they’ll enjoy it very much.
How do you rehydrate dog food?
First, regarding how soft the food should be: soak the dog food in hot water
for
about
5–10 minutes
, and it will swell and soften as it absorbs the water. At this point, if there is any excess water, you can drain it off, and then serve the food to
your dog
.
In addition, if a puppy is eating softened dog food, it will typically drink less water because the food contains a high moisture content, so its fluid intake is already sufficient.
Sometimes observant parents may notice that their puppy isn’t drinking water, but this is normal. Once they start eating dry dog food, they’ll begin drinking water on their own.
How much should I feed?
Puppies have small stomachs but big appetites—they always seem to want more at every meal! As a responsible pet owner, you should adjust their feeding schedule based on their age.
Feeding
your dog
too much can cause them to overeat or lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as parvovirus, so be sure to feed them small meals throughout the day!!!
2–3 months: Feed about 4 times a day
4–6 months: Feed 2–3 times a day
6 months and older: Feed twice a day
1. When we first get the puppies, most of them are 2–3 months old.
A puppy that is two or three months old should be fed about
one-third of a disposable paper cup
per meal
;
for small breeds, the portion can be reduced accordingly.
2. After three months, you can gradually transition from wet food to semi-moist food and then to dry kibble.
At first, you might want to soak the dog food until it’s very soft before feeding it to your puppy. Gradually reduce the soaking time so that your puppy can slowly get used to slightly harder kibble. Eventually, you can switch completely to dry kibble in about 10 days.
We also usually recommend that, when transitioning to dry dog food, you intentionally offer your puppy one or two pieces of dry kibble to encourage them to eat it. Since you’re only giving one or two pieces at a time, there’s no risk of the puppy choking. As the puppy gradually realizes that the food isn’t as soft as before, their eating habits will naturally adjust.
Although it may still look like the puppy is wolfing down its food, it has already learned how to eat quickly without choking. After a while, the puppy will naturally start to reject softened kibble and prefer dry kibble, so switching to dry kibble at this point is perfectly fine. Therefore, switching to dry kibble at this stage has nothing to do with whether the puppy’s digestion is good or not.
3. Don’t try to speed up your puppy’s growth by overfeeding; doing so will result in most of the food going to waste.
Feeding a puppy more food than its developing digestive system can handle can lead to bone pain later in life. Furthermore, if an overweight puppy grows into an overweight adult dog, it may be prone to various health issues.
Therefore, it is best to strictly follow the feeding guidelines listed on the puppy food packaging.
4. Only after they reach 12 months of age (or 24 months for large breeds)—when they no longer require additional calories and nutrients—should you begin transitioning them to adult dog food.
To avoid upsetting their sensitive digestive systems, start by mixing the new adult dog food into their regular puppy food, then gradually increase the proportion of adult dog food over a period of about 7 to 10 days.
Other Notes
1. After eating dog food, puppies should avoid drinking large amounts of water or engaging in excessive exercise.
2. Foods that are harmful to dogs—such as onions, chocolate, and chicken bones—must be strictly prohibited.
3. If your puppy has diarrhea, withhold food for at least half a day. You can give them some Jianchangle probiotics, but never withhold water.
4. If your puppy has a bloated stomach, you can apply a warm water bottle to help relieve the gas and use probiotics to aid digestion.
5. Take extra care to keep your puppy warm at night. If possible, use a doghouse and cover your puppy with a blanket. Make sure it stays warm to prevent its condition from worsening. Statistics show that the vast majority of puppies with diarrhea die in the middle of the night.
6. If there is no improvement within 6 hours of the onset of symptoms, or if the diarrhea worsens (such as bloody or watery diarrhea), please take your pet to a veterinary clinic immediately for intravenous fluid therapy. For puppies with very weak immune systems, time is of the essence.

Abstract
If you have a new Shih Tzu puppy, it’s best not to feed it meat. Some owners have recently purchased a Shih Tzu puppy that is less than two months old. In this case, it’s best not to give the puppy meat, as it will be very difficult for the puppy to digest and could easily make it sick. For Shih Tzu puppies of this age, it’s best to feed them puppy-specific milk-based food or formula.
Can Shih Tzus eat
meat?
Some people say it’s possible, but others are adamant that it’s out of the question.
Actually, a good rule of thumb is: “You can feed meat
to Shih Tzus
, but only in small amounts. It’s best not to feed it to newborn Shih Tzu puppies.”
1. Don’t feed your Shih Tzu meat all the time. Some dog owners love their Shih Tzus so much that they’re constantly worried their pets might become malnourished. They’d love to see their little Shih Tzus grow into “lions” overnight, so they keep boosting their nutrition by constantly feeding them meat.
In fact, this is a very bad idea! Feeding a Shih Tzu an all-meat diet will not only fail to make them stronger, but can also lead to indigestion and poor nutrient absorption, causing diarrhea in most dogs.Although meat is rich in protein, it is low in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as iron. Additionally, meat contains low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphorus. A long-term meat-only diet can easily cause an imbalance in the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in Shih Tzu puppies, leading to skeletal development issues, such as brittle bones or lameness. This is particularly true for large breeds like Great Danes, which should not be fed large amounts of meat too early, as this may cause their front legs to become bowed.Although Shih Tzus are not considered large breeds, they are still relatively large in size.
So dog owners should be careful—feeding your dog too much meat can also lead to bone and joint problems.
II. If you have a new Shih Tzu puppy, it’s best not to feed it meat. Some owners have recently purchased a Shih Tzu puppy that is less than two months old. In this case, it’s best not to feed the puppy meat, as it will be very difficult for the puppy to digest and may make it prone to illness. For Shih Tzu puppies of this age, it’s best to feed them puppy-specific foods such as puppy formula or puppy milk powder.
Also, remember never to give your dog milk, because if their stomach can’t handle it, they’ll get diarrhea. If your puppy is very frail and you really want to feed them some meat, make sure to mince it finely; if using ham, it’s best to mash it into a paste and mix it with rice. As they get older, you can mix minced meat with rice and add some greens to their meal. Finally, “
Pet Sky Network
” would like to remind dog owners of two more points:
1. If you’re raising a Shih Tzu puppy, once it’s over 3 months old, you can gradually introduce foods like rice, egg yolks, and small pieces of veal. However, be sure to soak the dog food until it’s soft before feeding it to your dog.
2. Also, don’t overfeed them—it’s enough for dogs to eat until they’re about 60% full.

Abstract
Whether you have a Shih Tzu puppy or an adult Shih Tzu, dog owners should follow the “Four Consistencies” in their daily feeding routine. These are: “consistent timing, consistent portion size, consistent temperature, and consistent quality.” By adhering to these four principles, your dog will be less prone to illness and will have a beautiful coat. As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Well, this principle actually applies to dogs as well.
The “Four Rules” for
Feeding
Shih Tzus
Whether you have a Shih Tzu puppy or an adult Shih Tzu, dog owners should follow the “Four Consistencies” in their daily feeding routine. These are: “consistent timing, consistent portion size, consistent temperature, and consistent quality.” By adhering to these four principles, your dog will be less prone to illness and will have a beautiful coat. As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Well, this principle actually applies to dogs as well.
>One of the “Four Constants” to keep in mind when feeding a Shih Tzu: “Feeding at set times.”
“Scheduled feeding” means feeding your Shih Tzu at fixed times each day. By feeding them at the same time every day, their gastric juice secretion and gastrointestinal motility will increase in a regular pattern when mealtime arrives, intensifying their sense of hunger. This is highly beneficial for boosting their appetite and improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
Irregular feeding schedules disrupt this natural rhythm, which not only affects the dog’s appetite and digestion but also increases the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. How many times a day should you feed a Shih Tzu? Generally, this should be determined based on the dog’s age and activity level. Puppies typically have smaller stomachs and weaker digestive systems, so it’s best to follow the principle of feeding small amounts frequently. Generally, puppies aged 1–2 months should be fed 4 times a day;puppies aged 3–6 months should be fed 3 times a day; dogs aged 6 months to 1 year should be fed twice a day; and dogs over 1 year old should be fed 1–2 times a day.
In addition, hunting dogs, police dogs, and military dogs—which have heavy workloads and engage in vigorous activity—are generally fed twice a day, while guard dogs kept as pets only need to be fed once a day. Small dogs are fed more frequently than large dogs. Pregnant or nursing dogs should be fed 3 to 4 times a day. It is also important to note that dogs should not be fed immediately after strenuous exercise, nor should they engage in strenuous exercise after eating.
>The second of the “Four Constants” to keep in mind when feeding Shih Tzus: “Consistent portions.”
“Portion control” refers to keeping the daily food intake for your Shih Tzu relatively consistent—avoid giving too much or too little at different times to prevent the dog from going hungry or overeating. So, how should you determine the right portion size for different dogs?Generally speaking, portion sizes should be determined based on the dog’s needs, which depend on factors such as breed, age, and activity level. If the dog continues to gnaw on an empty bowl and whine after finishing a meal, it may not be getting enough to eat; if there are often leftovers, the portion may be too large. Both overfeeding and underfeeding can affect a dog’s normal development. For puppies in particular, overfeeding can lead to symptoms such as a distended abdomen and limb deformities, so it is best to feed them until they are about 80–90% full.
>The third of the “Four Constants” to keep in mind when feeding Shih Tzus: “Constant temperature.”
“Maintaining a constant temperature” means keeping the food at around 40°C; avoid serving it too cold or too hot. If the food exceeds 50°C, your dog may refuse to eat it. In the summer, when it’s hot, let the food cool completely. In the winter, when it’s cold, the food must be warmed up. Feeding your dog cold food can cause it to expend a significant amount of energy, and in some cases may lead to miscarriage in pregnant dogs or cause gastrointestinal disorders.
>The fourth of the “Four Constants” to keep in mind when feeding Shih Tzus: “Consistency in quality.”
“Quality control” refers to maintaining good hygiene during feeding. Feeding utensils should be disinfected regularly, and food should be prepared fresh and served immediately—ideally not left overnight. Never feed your dog food that has gone moldy or spoiled. If you choose to feed your pet commercial pet food, opt for high-quality brands.
At the same time, it is essential to train the dog not to eat food that is not served in its bowl or provided by its owner, to prevent it from developing the habit of scavenging food from random sources. Drinking water should be clean tap water; do not use kitchen wastewater or standing water, as this can lead to food poisoning, parasitic diseases, and digestive disorders.