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A senior Pit Bull, named Hero, was stuck spending his final days in a shelter. No one was willing to give the elderly dog a home. Pit Crew Rescue In Sacramento heard about Hero and came to pick him up. Even though the dog was no longer in a shelter environment, his difficult days continued. He needed a forever home for the little time he had left. His graying face said it all, enough years had passed by without a family, and he needed the love he never had.

Hero was an abuse victim. His scars, both inside and out, had sad stories to tell. The rescue group wanted nothing more than to see the dog live in a happy home before crossing over the Rainbow Bridge. A loving couple met Hero and knew he belonged with them. However, this decision wasn’t just theirs to make. Their other dog, Sugar, another beautiful Pittie, had to accept Hero. Being good doggy parents, they understood they had to introduce the two pups before making the final decision.

When the family came together for a meet-and-greet, Sugar instantly lit up. She hadn’t even gotten close enough to sniff him! It was decided– the handsome boy had a forever family! Hero was finally coming home! Hero’s new parents tell the story of how he got his first kiss from Hero, and it’s quite unique. You can’t miss it! To continue Hero’s journey, scroll on down.

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When vacationing with a dog, you’ll want to make sure your pup has one of the best dog travel bags, where all their items can be stored. Planning a trip with your dog sounds simple in theory, but once you start the daunting task of packing all the things your dog needs, you might start to panic.

A pet travel bag is a convenient way to make sure you bring all your dog’s necessities.

Finding the right dog travel bag will make packing so much easier as it allows you to organize your dog’s belongings into one easy-to-carry design. Once you’ve procured your dog’s travel bag, make a list of all the supplies you’ll need to pack for your dog. Make sure to include some of your dog’s toys, a few treats, and of course, access to food and water.

The right bag should have enough space for all your dog supplies without being too bulky. So, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best dog travel bags to help narrow down your search.

Best Dog Travel Bags

1. Modoker Airline Approved Pet Travel Bag

Modoker’s canine travel bag provides your four-legged friend with their own baggage space. Your dog will be able to keep all of their favorite things close, even when you’re away from home. There’s plenty of storage to carry leashes, blankets, towels, toys, and so much more. It even comes in seven colors.

This bag is airline-compliant and small enough to slip beneath the seat in front of you when flying as it measures 16 x 11 x 8 inches. It has two dog feeding bowls and two food carriers included, so you’ll have no trouble packing your dog’s meals. Plus, the water-resistant placemat is a helpful way to prevent messes on the go.

This well-designed bag has it all when it comes to providing unique storage alternatives and extra features. It comes in a water-resistant casing and can be used for a luxurious vacation or an active outdoor adventure. The bag has consistently received positive feedback, but some users have complained that the bowls are a little weak. Aside from a few small shipment delays, this looks like an excellent pick for almost any dog parent on the move.

Pros:

• Durable
• Waterproof
• Tons of storage options
• Comes with bowls, a placemat, and food storage
• Airline-approved

Cons:

• Flimsy water bowls

2. PetAmi Dog Travel Bag

This airline-approved tote bag is ideal for traveling with your four-legged family member. It’s made of sturdy, high-grade polyester material and is the ideal size to slip under the seat in front of you on an airplane. It comes with two collapsible bowls and two food container bags, so it has everything your dog needs when traveling.

The huge interior compartment is large enough to store your pet blanket, toys, and accessories, and it has many practical compartments and an adjustable flap. This bag’s PVC backing makes it simple to clean between usage, and the leakproof liner helps prevent spills.

While it’s simple to access what you need, there aren’t as many outside pockets as on some of the other popular designs. Nevertheless, it’s high quality with an easy-to-organize layout for any dog parent. Plus, it’s customizable with nine different color options.

Pros:

• Large Dimensions
• Airline-approved
• Leakproof liner
• Comes with bowls and food containers
• Many functional pockets

Cons:

• No placemat

3. Top Dog Travel Bag And Travel Set

This small but competent dog travel bag provides all the practical space you and your four-legged companion require when on the go. With a big main compartment and a detachable internal divider, you can neatly store your dog’s blanket, toys, towel, and other must-have accessories in one place. Plus, the external zippered side pocket and mesh back pocket are ideal for fast access to your most-used goods on the road.

This backpack comes with two foldable silicone bowls that can carry up to eight cups of food or water, and owners will appreciate the two fully-lined food containers that are included. It works well for carrying onto airplanes. This is an excellent doggie day bag that is made of high-quality, easy-to-clean fabrics and is ideal for vacations. The exterior comes in five unique colors.

Pros:

• Practical design
• Easy to carry
• Extremely spacious
• Comes with water bowls and food storage
• Airline-approved

Cons:

• Not waterproof
• No placemat

4. Unicreate Dog Travel Bag for Dogs

With many pockets of varied sizes, this dog travel bag provides numerous options for keeping your dog’s equipment organized. This water-resistant and easy-to-clean doggie day bag has an adjustable shoulder strap that is pleasant to carry. It’s great for long car rides, and it also meets airline carry-on requirements.

Your pet will be well-fed while you travel thanks to two insulated dog food containers that can hold up to 30 cups of dog food and two pet silicone foldable bowls. The main compartment is spacious and safe, with enough room for your dog’s leashes, toys, blankets, towels, and so much more. Then, the exterior mesh pockets are great for holding items that are easier to access.

Pros:

• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Water-resistant
• Stores 30 cups of food
• Comes with placemat and food bowls
• Fits airline carry-on requirements

Cons:

• The mesh netting is fragile

5. Pueikai Dog Travel Bag

This successful dog travel bag is an innovative design. It has a comfortable strap that is simple to adjust, along with a carrying handle. It’s also composed of a sturdy water-resistant substance that can last for many years. The supplied food bags are simple to close, preventing leaks and spills.

It also comes with collapsible bowls, but according to some reviewers, the bowls aren’t quite big enough for larger breeds. The bag is designed for any type of travel, including road trips and plane rides. However, some users complained that the straps on this airline-approved bag were too narrow to attach to a luggage handle. Overall, if you need a simple and effective design to keep your pet’s supplies organized, this is a great option to consider.

Pros:

• Easy-to-adjust straps
• Waterproof material
• Leakproof food containers
• Comes with bowls and food storage containers
• Airline-approved

Cons:

• Bowls might be too small for some breeds

6. Moetyang Dog Travel Bag

Anyone who has tried to arrange and secure a dog’s supplies knows that it takes more than a standard travel bag to get the task done. Instead of settling for a simple design, it could be a good idea to explore something like this. It comes with a variety of handy attachments, including sealable pockets that may be used to hold almost anything your dog would require throughout the journey.

Its detachable partitions make it simple to organize goods in whatever way makes the most sense. Most dog travel bags have bowls and food storage containers, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It has collapsible bowls, treat pouches, and a large food storage bin that’s perfect for large dogs.

Overall, this is a stylish and functional backpack that may assist any dog owner that’s embarking on a new trip with their furry companion. Some customers reported that the bag might absorb unwanted scents, so it needs to stay as clean and dry as possible.

Pros:

• Removable dividers
• Waterproof fabric
• Sturdy bowls, treat pouches, and food containers
• Sealable pockets
• Airline-approved

Cons:

• Might absorb some odors
• Doesn’t have a placemat

7. Baglher Dog Travel Backpack

You might not need too much space if you have a small or medium-sized dog. In that situation, something easy and portable, like this backpack design, will suffice. Simply load all of your pup’s food and other necessities into the backpack and sling it over your shoulder to get started on your journey without any trouble.

Of course, it’s much smaller than the largest dog travel bags on the market right now, so be sure everything your dog needs fits inside. Food containers and bowls are provided, however, there may not be enough space for large dog supplies. Anyone searching for a low-cost solution for carrying a dog’s accessories securely and easily may want to check out this product. It even comes in 14 unique colors for maximum customization.

Pros:

• Compact design
• Easy to carry
• Comes with food containers and bowls
• Airline-approved
• Waterproof fabric

Cons:

• Limited storage space

8. Wakytu Dog Travel Bag

A practical dog travel backpack doesn’t have to be expensive. If you don’t mind a more basic style, this alternative may deliver all you need at an affordable price. It includes bowls and containers, as well as a waterproof shell that should keep everything safe even in the roughest settings. The bag may be carried in a variety of ways and often meets airline carry-on dimensions.

However, it may not have the most ergonomic shape and might be bulky if space is a concern when traveling. Yet, when it’s not in use, it’s easily collapsible for storage. Some reviewers mentioned that it might become soiled after prolonged usage, so spot-cleaning is advised regularly. Overall, this model performs excellently and is one of the most reasonably-priced bags on the market. You can order it in a medium or large size.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Durable construction
• Collapsible design
• Low price
• Has more than one size
• Comes with food containers and bowls

Cons:

• Can attract dirt
• A little bulky

9. Arca Pet Dog Travel Backpack

This dog travel bag has one of the most practical designs. It’s light to carry on your back and has all the necessary features. Despite its small size, this design has a large space in its main compartment. It lacks the number of attachments and pockets seen in some of its competitors, but it still has collapsible bowls and a food storage container.

Everything this bag features is simple to use and thoughtfully set up. Other pet parents will likely envy this bag’s attractive appearance and ease of carrying. There isn’t much to complain about when using this product, but a few reviews mentioned that the cloth isn’t the sturdiest. Regardless, it’s still designed to fulfill its role dependably as long as you offer some basic care and avoid stuffing it too tightly.

Pros:

• Comfortable straps
• Lots of room
• Sleek and stylish
• Waterproof
• Comes with bowls and a food storage container

Cons:

• Limited accessories
• Cloth isn’t sturdy

10. Petrip Dog Travel Bag

This adorable 6-piece kit includes practically everything you need to have a good trip with your pup. It’s robust, waterproof, and simple to clean. It has an oxford fabric covering, PVC backing, and a leakproof interior. Plus, the removable nylon strap is pleasant to carry, even over prolonged distances.

This backpack contains everything you need for pet-friendly vacations, including two foldable silicone bowls, a moisture-proof storage food bag, a plush flannel blanket, and a frisbee to keep your dog entertained. This backpack is designed to suit most major airlines’ carry-on requirements. So, it’s a fantastic choice for traveling with your furry friend.

Pros:

• Detachable strap
• Leakproof interior
• Waterproof exterior
• Easy to clean
• Includes food bag, bowls, blanket, and frisbee

Cons:

• The food bag can weigh the main bag down when it’s full

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the common dog travel bag accessories?

Most dog travel backpacks include sealable food containers and foldable bowls for feeding your dogs on the road. Certain versions have extras like detachable bags, placemats, and waste bag dispensers to make your excursion even more efficient and enjoyable.

How much food can you fit in a dog travel bag?

Although the sizes vary from bag to bag, most dog travel bags have a decent amount of food storage space. Depending on your dog’s size, it’s typical for bags to hold at least a few days’ worth of food. Some of the bigger alternatives may hold 15 cups or more of food, treats, or a combination of the two.

How much dog food can I bring on a plane?

TSA does not specify how much solid dog food you may bring on a plane, but it may vary depending on the airline and your location. Wet dog food, on the other hand, must follow the TSA’s 3-1-1 guideline and be less than 3.4 ounces per container.

What else can you pack in a dog luggage bag?

Whether your pet has a favorite chew toy, requires daily medicine, or prefers to lay on a beloved blanket, all of these items and more may fit inside most high-quality dog bags. These items may also be used to contain poop bags, a brush, snacks, or nearly anything else that might be useful during your vacation.

Buying Guide

Your dog’s travel backpack should be large enough to accommodate all of their favorite items while being lightweight. There are several fantastic canine travel backpacks to select from, with most also including separate food storage and feeding bowls. Consider the following before making a purchase.

Size

Most dog travel backpacks are around the size of a standard backpack or carry-on bag. While the overall size must be manageable, the duration of your stay and the number of four-legged companions accompanying you should be considered when determining what size bag to purchase. Choose a bag with a little more room than you need to provide you with extra storage in case you need to pack extra supplies. Choose a bag that fits your dog’s size and breed.

Practicality

Find a bag with enough distinct compartments to keep your stuff separate and well-organized as you travel. Consider having a convenient location for leashes, poop bags, and other outside necessities, as well as extra space for toys, towels, and blankets. Detachable food storage containers are a huge plus, and having a place to put feeding dishes and mats makes meals on the go much easier.

Don’t forget that you may want to pack some of your personal belongings in your canine travel bag as well. If this is the case, search for bags with front-zippered storage so you can easily access your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials while walking your dog.

Durability

As you play, exercise, and spend some time with your dog, your doggie travel bag is likely to witness a variety of outside activities. As a result, search for bags constructed of durable, water-resistant material to guarantee that your dog’s prized possessions remain secure and dry in all weather conditions.

Your dog travel bag will also get dirty from time to time, especially if you use it to hold wet or soiled blankets, toys, and other stuff on the trip home. Choose a bag that can easily be wiped clean or machine-washed to keep it looking and feeling newer for longer.

Food

Many dog travel bags have food storage compartments and feeding dishes. Before you buy, make sure the capacity is the ideal size to hold enough food for your dog’s stay and that it can be readily cleaned between uses.

Conclusion

Give your four-legged companion their own travel bag so you can keep all of their belongings together. These backpacks and travel bags, made of robust and durable fabrics, have been particularly designed to accommodate your dog’s toys, blankets, leashes, and more. They also provide food storage and space-saving bowls for fuss-free meals away from home. So, if you travel a lot with your pup, consider one of the best dog travel bags.

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Feeding your Shih Tzu the best fresh dog food can have a big impact on their overall health. There are so many brands out there, but many Shih Tzu parents are wary of the processed ingredients used in them. Have you ever considered making homemade food for your Shih Tzu but didn’t have enough time or knowledge to do it? If so, the best fresh dog food brands might be for you.

Fresh dog food is a great way to give your Shih Tzu a balanced diet with human-grade ingredients, but how do you know which brand is the best for your pup? Let’s take a look at the qualities of fresh dog food along with some popular brands.

What is Fresh Dog Food?

Fresh dog food usually refers to pet food that’s made with natural ingredients cooked at a lower temperature to preserve the nutrients. Thus, it doesn’t contain the additives and preservatives that are often in kibble.

Most fresh dog food brands will make a custom formula for your Shih Tzu based on its lifestyle, and it’ll get delivered right to your door. Most formulas are made from scratch shortly before shipping, which is why it’s called “fresh” food.

Some Shih Tzu parents are hesitant to try fresh dog food because it can be pricier than processed dry or wet food, but it makes up for it because of the quality ingredients and the personalization.

Benefits of Fresh Dog Food for Shih Tzus

Every type of dog food has its advantages and disadvantages. These pros and cons might help you decide if fresh dog food is right for you and your Shih Tzu.

Pros

• Customizable – Fresh dog food brands usually personalize meals to fit your dog’s needs. This will ensure that your Shih Tzu gets proper portions and nutrients while avoiding sensitivities.
• Fresh Ingredients – The ingredients are fresh, natural, and minimally processed, giving your dog the maximum nutrients possible. You’ll know exactly what ingredients are going into your Shih Tzu‘s tummy.
• Good for Picky Eaters – Fresh food is more flavorful than kibble, making it appealing even for picky Shih Tzu pups.
• Delivered to Your Door – Most brands deliver their fresh food right to your door on a set schedule, so you don’t have to carry home heavy dog food bags anymore.

Cons

• Pricey – Fresh food tends to be more expensive than kibble, so it might not be ideal for Shih Tzu parents on a budget.
• Short Shelf Life – Since fresh food doesn’t have as many preservatives as kibble, it doesn’t last as long. It usually needs to be refrigerated or frozen to stay fresh. So, it will need to be delivered more frequently than other types of food would.
• Needs to be Refrigerated – The food needs to stay cold to stay fresh, so it could be an inconvenience for storing during travel.

What to Look For in Fresh Foods for Your Shih Tzu

Looking closely at the features of each dog food brand can help you narrow down your choices. So, here are a few aspects to choose from when selecting the best fresh dog food delivery.

Ingredients

Ingredients are important in any dog food. Many dogs have favorite flavors or ingredients they’re allergic to. So, by examining the ingredients listed, you can decide if the food is something that will be safe and interesting for your Shih Tzu. Luckily, many of the best fresh dog food brands offer customizable meal plans to make sure the ingredients cater to your Shih Tzu‘s needs.

Customizable

For many Shih Tzu parents, having personalized meals is important. If the meals are catered to your pup’s needs, they’re more likely to be beneficial. Plus, customizable meals help many dog parents feel at ease knowing exactly what’s going into the food. If this aspect is important to you, choose a fresh dog food brand that offers custom meal plans.

Price

It’s no secret that fresh dog food can be pricey, but some options cost more than others. The more customizable the food is, the more expensive it will likely be. Food that’s shipped to your door may also cost more than fresh food sold at stores. If you’re on a budget, you may need to consider the prices closely when making your decision. Usually, the higher prices have better quality, but more affordable options can still provide health benefits.

Delivery

Fresh pet food usually offers delivery options, so the food can be shipped frozen right to your door. Delivery is more convenient than picking food up at a store, but it may also cost more. So, decide if delivery is a priority to you when selecting a brand.

Contact

Finally, the company’s customer service is an aspect that shouldn’t be ignored. If you have questions about the company or concerns about your order, it should be easy to reach out to them and get help. The best fresh dog food companies are usually happy to send you a new order if something goes wrong. Check the company’s reviews to see how other people rated their communication.

Best Fresh Dog Food Brands for Shih Tzus

Now that you know what to expect when buying fresh dog food, let’s take a look at some options. Here are ten of the best fresh dog food brands that can help keep your furry friend healthy.

1. Ollie

Ollie’s subscription food is catered to your dog’s nutritional needs. New customers will fill out a quiz about their dog so Ollie can send them a starter box with personalized food based on their dog’s age, breed, and activity level. Then, customers can get their Shih Tzu‘s food delivered to them on a set schedule. The food arrives frozen, so pet parents can let it thaw when it’s time to feed it to their pups.

The food comes with feeding instructions that are both detailed and easy to understand. Ollie has beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb proteins available. They also have treats and supplements that can be purchased by members and delivered alongside their fresh meals.

The food is always made in small batches at USDA kitchens using human-grade ingredients. Ollie’s protein-packed recipes are carefully crafted with whole foods and slow-cooked for maximum nutrition and flavor. When recommending a meal plan, Ollie’s team will take crucial aspects into account, such as weight goals and allergies.

Benefits:

• Personalized for your dog
• Ships on a set schedule – you can choose how often you want food deliveries
• Formulated by a canine nutritionist
• Comes with a scoop and puptainer to help you portion and store meals
• Uses human-grade ingredients
• Made in USDA kitchens
• Comes with detailed feeding instructions
• Ollie’s subscription food is catered to your Shih Tzu pup’s needs. New customers will fill out a quiz about their dog so Ollie can send them a starter box with personalized food. Then, customers can get their dog’s food delivered to them on a set schedule. The food arrives frozen, so pet parents can let it thaw when it’s time to feed it to their pups.

2. Nom Nom

Nom Nom has the easiest system to use. The meals are portioned in compact vacuum-sealed bags, so all you have to do is open the packaging and pour the meal into your Shih Tzu pup’s bowl. Their meals can include beef, chicken, pork, or turkey.

You’ll start by telling Nom Nom about your dog. Then, they’ll formulate meals that cater to your Shih Tzu‘s needs. They’ll regularly ship the fresh food to your door while keeping it cold until you use it.

The recipes only use natural ingredients like meat and vegetables. The food is packed with essential nutrients and no filler ingredients. Nom Nom uses a colorful blend of only human-grade ingredients that are USDA-certified.

Benefits:

• Personalized for your dog
• Servings are individually packaged
• Recipes are formulated by a veterinarian and nutritionist
• Ingredients are natural and human-grade
• Food is delivered to your door and kept cold

3. Raised Right

Raised Right only sells fresh, human-grade dog and cat food. The food is slow-cooked on low heat, so it can hold its moisture and nutrients while still meeting all the required health and safety standards. For dogs, they sell beef, turkey, chicken, or pork as the primary protein. The recipes are designed by vets and canine nutritionists, and they have limited ingredients to make them a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

This brand doesn’t sell any already-made formulas, but instead, they create a custom meal plan based on your Shih Tzu‘s needs. The questionnaire isn’t as thorough as it is for other personalized fresh food brands. The frozen food is shipped to your door. You’ll need to defrost it overnight and scoop out your pup’s portion to serve their meal. If you don’t want to serve only this food to your Shih Tzu, you can set up a meal plan that allows you to mix the fresh food with your dog’s dry food.

Transparency is important to this brand. On their website, they have a map that shows you where each ingredient is sourced from. Each batch goes through strict lab safety testing before being shipped to customers, and the food is always prepared in USDA-certified kitchens.

Benefits:

• Personalized food for your Shih Tzu
• Shipped to your door
• Made in USDA-certified kitchens
• Website shows a map of where all ingredients are sourced from
• Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs

4. A Pup Above

A Pup Above sells dry dog food, but they’re best known for their fresh dog food. You can also buy combos of the dry and fresh food. This brand doesn’t provide a personalized service like some of the other brands, but you can save money if you get a subscription. The food is delivered in frozen packages to your door, but a few stores also sell it.

This brand uses sous vide cooking, which means “under vacuum” in French. The food is vacuum sealed and cooked at a precise temperature to preserve the flavor and nutrients. When you receive the food, you can let it thaw in the fridge overnight before your Shih Tzu‘s next meal.

The fresh food options come in beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. You’ll determine how many patties to give your Shih Tzu based on their weight. All the formulas are created by a veterinary nutritionist, and they’re only ideal for adult dogs, not puppies.

Benefits:

• Sous vide cooking
• Shipped to your door and available in some stores
• Crafted by a veterinary nutritionist
• Only made with human-grade ingredients
• Made in a USDA-approved kitchen

5. Spot & Tango

Spot & Tango sells two types of food: traditional fresh food and Unkibble. Unkibble is a more affordable fresh food option that resembles kibble, but only uses fresh, whole ingredients. Unkibble has recipes with fish, beef, and chicken, while the traditional fresh food comes with turkey, beef, or lamb.

Both types of fresh food are personalized based on your Shih Tzu‘s needs before they’re sent to you. All you need to do is fill out a questionnaire about your dog, and the brand will create a personalized meal plan. Both types of food use human-grade ingredients, and they’re formulated by veterinarians and animal nutritionists.

Once you set up a meal plan for your Shih Tzu, you can get the food shipped to your door. The fresh food arrives frozen, and the Unkibble is a unique type of fresh food that’s dry. The slim packaging of the traditional fresh food comes in serving sizes, so it’s clear how much you need to feed your dog per meal. You’ll find whole ingredients in the dog food.

Benefits:

• Has two types of fresh food: traditional recipes and Unkibble
• Ships to your door in slim packaging
• Personalized for your Shih Tzu
• Formulated by vets and animal nutritionists
• Made with human-grade ingredients

6. Open Farm

Open Farm is a pet food brand with a variety of products, including dry food, wet food, freeze-dried raw food, treats, supplements, and toppers. Yet, they also have a “gently cooked” dog food option, which is one of the best fresh dog foods. The Gently Cooked dog food is slow-cooked to preserve the nutrients of its human-grade ingredients.

This brand has four fresh dog food recipes: beef, chicken, turkey, and surf & turf. The recyclable food packaging is transparent, so you can see the variety of ingredients before you open the package. The lot code on the packaging traces every ingredient to its source, so you’ll know exactly what your Shih Tzu is consuming. All the meat comes from humanely-raised animals.

You can get the food shipped to your door, or you can find it in select stores. It’s shipped frozen to preserve the freshness. Open Farm doesn’t provide customizable plans like some of the other brands, but you can fill out a quick questionnaire on the website to calculate a custom serving size for your Shih Tzu pup. The company focuses on sustainability by making an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

Benefits:

• Ships to your door and is offered at select stores
• Uses human-grade ingredients
• Has recyclable packaging
• All ingredients can be traced to their source
• Calculates your Shih Tzu‘s custom serving size for you

7. The Farmer’s Dog

The Farmer’s Dog is another fresh food subscription service that will ship right to your door. The brand works with vet nutritionists to build a plan for your Shih Tzu based on the information you provide. They can ship to the 48 contiguous states on a continuous schedule.

The food arrives at your door frozen in ready-to-serve, biodegradable packages. The feeding and storing instructions are easy to follow, and they have your dog’s name on them, so you know you’re getting their special meal.

All the ingredients used in these meals are human-grade, and the meals are made in a USDA-approved kitchen in the United States. This brand has turkey, beef, chicken, and pork formulas, all of which are made with no fillers or preservatives.

Benefits:

• Has eco-friendly packaging
• Personalized for your Shih Tzu
• Vet nutritionists help formulate the meals
• Only made with human-grade ingredients
• Food is delivered to your door frozen
• Made in USDA-approved kitchens

 

8. PetPlate

PetPlate is another fresh dog food delivery brand that personalizes your Shih Tzu pup’s meals. You can share some characteristics about your dog, and they will craft a meal that’s healthy and appealing to them. The meals are always made with human-grade ingredients in a USDA kitchen. The food is flash-frozen before shipping to lock in the freshness.

Shih Tzu parents can choose a full meal plan or a topper plan. The meals may include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, or venison as the animal protein. Customers can also build their own packs of supplements and organic treats if they choose.

All the meals are shipped in recyclable containers that have resealable lids, making it easy to save extra food for later. The feeding guidelines for the personalized meals are printed on the containers.

Benefits:

• Comes in recyclable containers
• Personalized for your dog
• Uses human-grade ingredients
• Flash-frozen and shipped to your door
• Made in a USDA kitchen

9. JustFoodForDogs

JustFoodForDogs is one of the best fresh dog food companies for variety. They offer many unique recipes, including options for dogs with special needs, like puppies, large breed dogs, dogs with sensitive skin, and dogs that need to lose weight. They can also create a custom diet for your Shih Tzu if you do a free consultation.

Some other products include treats, supplements, and food for cats. All products are designed by canine nutritionists. The food is made in a kitchen that’s open to the public, so curious Shih Tzu parents can visit the facility to see how the food is made. In each recipe, you can see a colorful assortment of healthy ingredients, including meat and vegetables. So, you’ll never have to wonder what’s going into your pup’s tummy.

These meals may use chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, venison, or fish as the animal protein source. The food is shipped to your door frozen in a thermal bag with ice. They come with informational pamphlets to help you successfully serve and transition the new food. If you want the food on a regular schedule, you can set up Autoship and choose how often you want dog food to arrive at your door. A few stores sell this food in person as well.

Benefits:

• Can choose from recipes or get personalized meals
• Designed by canine nutritionists
• Shipped to your door as often as you choose (or offered at some stores)
• Made in open-to-the-public kitchens
• Made with human-grade ingredients and no preservatives
• Offers full box shipping as an environmentally-conscious option

10. Evermore

Evermore has four recipes Shih Tzu parents can choose from: chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb. These meals are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs because they don’t include common allergens, such as corn, soy, and potatoes. The beef comes from grass-fed cows, and the chicken and turkey are free-range.

This food comes in compact packaging that includes slim cardboard boxes and vacuum-sealed bags of food inside. The food is shipped frozen, and large cases can be shipped on a subscription basis. Select retailers in the United States also offer this food in-store. The serving sizes are listed on the box.

Evermore crafts its recipes using “a rainbow array of color” as a way to include a variety of ingredients that have all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Evermore is a smaller business compared to some of the other fresh dog food brands, and they partner with local rescues to provide food to foster dogs.

Benefits:

• Compact packaging
• Ships to your door and is available at some stores
• Good for sensitive dogs
• Donates food to foster dogs
• Sources ingredients from humane and sustainable operations

How to Transition Your Shih Tzu‘s Food

When you switch your Shih Tzu to a drastically different diet, there’s a chance they could get sick. So, if you switch your dog from kibble to fresh food, their tummy may not react well. Even though fresh dog food uses healthy human-grade ingredients, it’s drastically different than your dog’s dry food. Thus, you’ll need to carefully transition them to the new food to avoid digestive problems.

Many of the brands have information on how to transition the food on their website, and their customer service teams may be willing to give you advice too. But here’s a general schedule you can follow when transitioning your dog to a new diet:

• Days 1 and 2: 80% old food, 20% new food
• Days 3 and 4: 60% old food, 40% new food
• Days 5 and 6: 40% old food, 60% new food
• Days 7 and 8: 20% old food, 80% new food
• Day 9: 100% new food

This is a more cautious schedule, but the more gradual the transition is, the less likely your Shih Tzu will react negatively. You can adjust this schedule based on your pup’s needs. If your dog is more sensitive to new foods, you may want to make the transition even more gradual. On the other hand, if your dog rarely has digestion problems, the process doesn’t have to be as slow. It all depends on your furry friend’s specific needs.

Choosing the Best Fresh Dog Food

The best fresh dog food will be different for every dog. Look at the benefits of all the brands mentioned above to help you decide which one will be the healthiest and most appealing for your Shih Tzu pup.

Fresh dog food is great for your furry friend because it has natural ingredients you can feel comfortable giving your pup. Many brands will make the process even easier by shipping customized meals right to your door.

If you’ve been thinking about improving your Shih Tzu‘s diet, consider switching them to a fresh dog food brand to reap the health, taste, and convenience benefits.

Related: Best Dehydrated Dog Foods of 2022

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via Whisker Therapy