5 Best Fish-Based Treats & Supplements for a Shih Tzu: Enhancing Wellness with Omega

Overview

Embarking on a quest to enhance the health and happiness of your Shih Tzu, it’s essential to consider the power of what they eat. And sometimes, the best ingredients come from the water. Fish, with its rich omega fatty acids, stands out as a remarkable source of nutrition.



Join us to see how these carefully chosen fish-based treats can make a significant difference in your Shih Tzu's life, setting the stage for a vibrant, healthy, and joyful companionship.

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The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Fish-Based Nutrition for Shih Tzu Dogs

Venturing into the world of fish-based treats and supplements opens a plethora of health benefits for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs, centered around the vital omega-3 fatty acids they contain:

• Skin and Coat Health: Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. They help alleviate the discomfort associated with dryness and itching, making them a key ingredient for managing skin conditions.
• Cognitive Function: These nutrients are essential for brain development and enhancing cognitive abilities. Incorporating omega-3s into a Shih Tzu's diet supports mental agility, making learning and training processes more effective.
• Cardiovascular Health: The omega-rich profile of fish aids in maintaining cardiovascular health, ensuring a healthy heart rate and optimal blood circulation. This is especially beneficial for maintaining a Shih Tzu's vitality throughout its life.
• Joint Health: Omega-3 fatty acids have strong anti-inflammatory properties that improve joint health. They provide relief and improved mobility for dogs with arthritis, and can also serve as a preventive measure against future joint problems.
• Dietary Appeal for Selective Eaters: The distinct and enticing flavor of fish-based treats and supplements can be the perfect solution for picky eaters, helping them get the nutrition they need.
• Training Aid: Fish-based treats stand out as a valuable training aid due to their robust flavor. Regarded as high-value rewards, they can make a Shih Tzu more eager to please and responsive during training sessions, enhancing the overall learning experience.

As you can see, fish-based treats and supplements offer a multifaceted approach to a Shih Tzu's health and well-being.

Here are Our Top 5 Favorite Ways to Offer Fish-based Goodies to a Shih Tzu: 

#1 Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Fish Oil

Fish oil provides an easy way to enrich your Shih Tzu's diet. This is a good choice for picky eaters, since dry kibble can be made more appealing by mixing this in well. Dispensing is easy, adjusting dosages is straightforward, and a small amount goes a long way (just ½ to 1 teaspoon daily). With oil, such a small amount is used for breeds like the Shih Tzu, a fishy smell is usually kept to a minimum. 

Our top selection, Zesty Paws Wild Alaskan Fish Oil is 100% all-natural, made exclusively from wild-caught fish, avoiding farmed sources and is made in the USA. Its purity is maintained with just one additional ingredient: mixed tocopherols, a natural preservative. And while salmon naturally contains little to no mercury, Zesty Paws thoroughly screens for any impurities, offering peace of mind about its quality and safety.

#2 Zesty Paws Omega Bites Alaskan Fish Chews

Choosing fish oil chews (as opposed to liquid oil) may be preferable if you’re looking for convenience and a way to provide essential fatty acids without altering your Shih Tzu’s kibble. And compact chews offer a hassle-free alternative with the dosing built-in, eliminating the need for measuring. In addition, chews like this will have minimal fishy odor.

With our top pick, Zesty Paws Omega Bites Alaskan Fish Chew Treats, the solid chew consistency requires some adjustments from the liquid form, but it still maintains a healthy all-natural recipe. Ingredients include Alaskan pollock, Vitamins C and E, biotin (great for the coat), flaxseed, natural chicken flavor, and other natural ingredients. As with all their products, this is also made in the USA.

#3 A Better Treats Co's Freeze-Dried Salmon Dog Treats

Offering freeze-dried treats is a choice sometimes overlooked by pet parents. This type of snack consists of cuts of raw fish that are quickly flash-frozen. This method ensures these are safe for dogs and convenient for pet parents, often without added oils, allowing for mess-free handling and distribution. Their strong aroma is usually not an issue when stored in a sealed bag and given out individually.

Our top pick, A Better Treat’s Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats, have just the one salmon ingredient and are human-grade snacks. These are fresh (not farmed salmon) and are made in the USA. We also love that these are cut into small pieces, which makes them perfect for both Shih Tzu puppies and dogs. 

#4 Wellness Rewarding Life Lamb and Salmon Dog Treats

Incorporating fish-based training treats can make learning more enjoyable and effective, by merging the health benefits of fish with positive reinforcement. Treats with fish in its base offer a distinct flavor that many dogs love, which means these can serve as strong incentives for engagement and response during training sessions. 

Our top selection, Wellness Rewarding Life Lamb and Salmon Treats is a great blend of lamb and salmon, along with carrots, cane molasses and other natural ingredients. No artificial preservatives are used; instead, they rely on a blend of spearmint, rosemary, and mixed tocopherols, an organic compound for natural food preservation. These are soft, so they can be halved for puppies or adult Shih Tzu dogs on the small side

#5 The Honest Kitchen Ocean Fish Skin Chews

Crunchy fish skins are often underrated as a fantastic snack, yet they provide the same omega fatty acids benefits as other formats, along with some unique advantages. Fish skins are often low in calories and easily digestible, making them suitable for pups with sensitive stomachs or weight management goals. Moreover, their hard, crunchy texture can help promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup, leading to fresher breath and healthier gums. It is important to note, however, that fish skins tend to a strong smell. 

Our top selection, The Honest Kitchen Ocean Fish Skin Chews, contains just the one ingredient of cod fish skins, which are cooked to a crispy texture. Note that these cod skins are thin, crispy and sized for small dogs (though there is a 'large' size as well). They also have wolfish skins sized for small dogs which are harder and thicker (more akin to a dental chew). 

Fish Treat & Supplement FAQ:

What are the most common types of fish used in dog treats and supplements? 

Salmon, trout, and whitefish are among the most common types used due to their high omega-3 fatty acid content and palatability for dogs. 

Is mercury a concern? 

The concern about mercury primarily relates to large predatory fish consumed by humans, such as tuna and swordfish, which bioaccumulate mercury over time. However, the types commonly used in treats, such as salmon and whitefish, typically have little to no mercury levels and are considered safe for canine consumption. 

How exactly does fish help with a Shih Tzu's skin issues? 

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a crucial role in maintaining skin health in dogs. These fatty acids help regulate inflammation and support the skin's natural barrier function, which is essential for protecting against environmental irritants and allergens. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce itching and inflammation associated with common skin issues like allergies, hot spots, and dermatitis. 

How exactly does omega help with a Shih Tzu's cognitive abilities as they age? 

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play a crucial role in supporting cognitive function in aging dogs. DHA is a major component of brain tissue and helps maintain cognitive health by supporting neuronal structure and function. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which may contribute to cognitive decline with older, senior Shih Tzu dogs. 

Can treats help with my Shih Tzu's skin allergies? 

Yes, treats or supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for managing your Shih Tzu's skin allergies. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce itching, redness, and irritation associated with allergic reactions. 

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids support the skin's natural barrier function, which helps protect against allergens and irritants. By incorporating these treats into your Shih Tzu's diet, you can help alleviate symptoms of skin allergies and promote healthier skin and coat overall. 

Are these safe for a Shih Tzu with food sensitivities? 

These treats are often a very safe option for dogs with food sensitivities, but it's essential to monitor for reactions if fish is being introduced to your Shih Tzu’s diet for the first time. Though very rare, a small number of canines are allergic to fish or seafood. 

How exactly does omega help with a Shih Tzu's joint health and mobility?

Fish and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in supporting dog joint health and mobility. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain seen with arthritis or other joint conditions, which is one of the top physical discomforts a Shih Tzu can have. 

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids help maintain the integrity of joint cartilage and lubricate the joints, promoting smoother movement and improved flexibility. By incorporating fish-based products rich in omega-3 fatty acids into your Shih Tzu's diet, you can help support their joint health and enhance their overall mobility and quality of life.

Are this flavor a suitable training reward? 

Absolutely! The flavor and scent of fish are often irresistible to dogs and can be an excellent motivator for training sessions, providing a healthy and tasty reward. 

How should I store treats to maintain freshness? 

Store them in a cool, dry place, preferably in a sealed container or bag to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming stale or rancid. Many freeze-dried options can also be stored this way. 

At what age should I start my Shih Tzu on a fish supplement or give fish-based treats? 

You can start incorporating fish-based supplements or treats into your dog's diet at any age. However, it's generally beneficial to introduce omega-rich treats early on to support your Shih Tzu's overall health and well-being.

Puppies can benefit from the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish supplements to support their growth and development, while adult and senior dogs can benefit from the joint, skin, and coat benefits provided by these products. 

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