THE BEST DOG FOOD FOR SHIH TZU

Shih Tzu is a breed of companion dog with a highly sociable personality. Even though their name means little lion, they are quite the opposite of it.

THE BEST DOG FOOD FOR SHIH TZU

They are affectionate and trustworthy, which makes them great for families. This is why many families adopt this breed of dog. Once you adopt a Shih Tzu, it is important that you feed them correctly. Below are a few guidelines and product suggestions to help you with that.

Table of Contents

Guide To Meals:

Dog food for Shih Tzu Puppies

Shih Tzu puppies need quality food to support the fast metabolism in their compact bodies. Special attention has to be paid to their diet to avoid future risks.

They should be given specific recipes that have been made for puppies to support their small jaws and flattened snout.

For puppies under 3 months, it’s best to give them food whenever they desire. Since Shih Tzus are prone to Hypoglycemia, it is important to make sure their sugar rates don’t drop.

For puppies between 3 to 12 months, three meals a day is sufficient. However, 4-6 meals a day would be much better. As they are in their growth period, they require more meals than an adult Shih Tzu.

Moreover, their inclination towards Hypoglycemia is why they usually require more meals than other puppies.

Dog Food for Shih Tzu Adults

For adult Shih Tzus, the ideal number of meals is two to three per day. If your Shih Tzu receives other treats during the day, then two meals may be fine.

Otherwise, it would be advisable to give your Shih Tzu 3 meals for optimum results.

Choosing The Right Brands for Your Shih Tzu:

What To Look for

Food for the Shih Tzu dog breed has to be chosen carefully because of their proneness to Hypoglycemia and obesity. Here are some things you should keep in mind:

  • Recipes that have a protein source, such as meat as their base
  • Small-sized kibbles to ensure your Shih Tzu does not choke on the kibbles
  • Easily digestible products
  • Recipe with enough vegetables and fruits
  • Grain-free foods to avoid food allergies
  • Avoid dog foods that contain unidentified animals as their source
  • Avoid products that have artificial preservatives, colors, or scents
  • Avoid recipes with corn and soy
  • Buy products with limited and clearly stated ingredients
  • Avoid products with animal by-products

Some Suggested Brands for Shih Tzu: Puppies

Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food for Shih Tzu

The “ Wellness Complete Health Puppy Dry Dog Food” carefully blends organic ingredients to create a nutritious delight for your Shih Tzu puppy.

This recipe contains chicken as its base and combines it with carefully picked whole grains. This recipe is also both good for your pup’s growth as well as their heart.

It contains Taurine that supports a wehealthy heart. Moreover, it contains fatty acids like Omega-6 and Omega-3 that spurs growth in your little Shih Tzu. Additionally, the recipe is also good for your puppy’s brain development as it contains DHA.

Pros:

  • Structured for small breeds such as Shih Tzus specifically
  • Contains fatty acids that spur growth in Shih Tzu puppies.
  • Contains DHA for brain development
  • Contains Taurine for a healthy heart
  • No added preservatives, colors, or scents
  • No meat by-products
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Protein-packed
  • All natural ingredients
  • Small-sized kibbles
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Other alternatives contain more Taurine than this product
  • Contains grain, so may not be good for all pups
  • Price: Around $40 for a 15lb bag.

Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzu

The “Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food” is a budget-friendly

product that has just the right amount of nutrition to meet your Shih Tzu puppy’s needs. With chicken at its core, this recipe is protein-packed. This helps your puppy build lean muscles as it grows. It further contains antioxidants and fatty acids which support growth as well as lead to healthier skin and coat.

Pros:

  • Structured for small breeds such as Shih Tzus specifically
  • Contains fatty acids that spur growth in Shih Tzu puppies.
  • Contains DHA for brain development
  • No added preservatives, colors, or scents
  • No meat by-products
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Protein-packed
  • Small-sized kibbles
  • Affordable
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Highly digestible
  • No wheat or corn
  • With probiotics
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Not for picky-eaters
  • Price: Around $30 for an 18lb bag

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzu

The “Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dry Dog Food” is an excellent choice for your Shih Tzu.

This premium product has real chicken as the base of the recipe to support your dog’s healthy growth. Filled with antioxidants, glucosamine, and fatty acids, this product has been specifically designed for small breed dogs such as Shih Tzus.

This product has been tailored to meet the high-energy needs of small breed puppies.

Pros:

  • Structured for small breeds such as Shih Tzus specifically
  • Contains fatty acids that spur growth in Shih Tzu puppies.
  • Contains DHA and ARA
  • Contains Glucosamine for joint health and flexibility
  • Supports a healthy immune system
  • No added preservatives, colors, or scents
  • No meat by-products
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Protein-packed
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Small-sized kibbles
  • Contains antioxidants
  • No wheat, corn, or soy
  • Reasonably priced

Cons:

  • Contains too many ingredients
  • Price: Around $35 for a 25lb bag.

Solid Gold Mighty Mini Grain-Free Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzu

Another excellent choice of dog food for your Shih Tzu puppy is the “Solid Gold Mighty Mini Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.” This grain-free formula is much easier for smaller breeds to digest. It contains numerous superfoods, making this recipe enriched with nutrients. This recipe supports your pup’s overall health and boosts their immune systems.

Pros:

  • Structured for small breeds such as Shih Tzus specifically
  • Contains fatty acids that spur growth in Shih Tzu puppies.
  • Contains DHA for brain development
  • No added preservatives, colors, or scents
  • No meat by-products
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Tiny-sized kibbles that are easy to eat
  • Contains antioxidants
  • No wheat or corn
  • Ideal for sensitive stomachs as they are highly digestible
  • Contains probiotics
  • Grain-free recipe
  • Specifically made to improve your pup’s gut health
  • Contains almost 20 superfoods
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Only one protein source
  • Comparatively expensive
  • Numerous ingredients that contain Carbohydrates
  • Price: Between $30-35 for an 11lb bag.

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzu

The “Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food” is specifically formulated for Shih Tzus. Royal Canin has made the perfect recipe for your Shih Tzu after considering and researching its characteristics very carefully.

Even though this is a premium-grade product that is priced much higher than other brands, its benefits outweigh the cost. To begin with, it is packed with DHA and EPA to support this small breed of dog. Moreover, it is filled with vitamins. Furthermore, this recipe has been proven to be effective in improving Shih Tzu’s digestive and overall health.

Pros:

  • The recipe is structured for Shih Tzus specifically
  • Contains fatty acids that spur growth in Shih Tzu puppies.
  • Contains DHA and EPA for brain and eye development
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • No meat by-products
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Tiny-sized kibbles that are easy to eat
  • Contains antioxidants
  • No wheat or corn
  • Reduces the quantity and odor of your puppy’s excretion
  • Contains probiotics
  • Grain-free recipe
  • Aids in digestive health
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Very Expensive
  • The core ingredient is brewers rice and not meat
  • Price: Around $20 for a 2.5lb bag

Food for Adult Shih Tzu

Royal Canin — Shih Tzu Adult Dry Food

The “Royal Canin — Shih Tzu Adult Dry Food” recipe has been customized specifically for the Shih Tzu breed. The size of the kibble has been designed to facilitate the small snouts of Shih Tzus, while the ingredients have been chosen to meet their nutritional needs.

This recipe promotes healthier skin and coat on your Shih Tzus.

Pros:

  • The recipe is structured for Shih Tzus specifically
  • Contains fatty acids that make Shih Tzu adults stronger
  • Contains DHA and EPA for brain and eye development
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • No meat by-products are used in the recipe
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Tiny-sized kibbles that are easy to eat
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Reduces the quantity and odor of your puppy’s excretion
  • Contains probiotics
  • Grain-free recipe
  • Aids in digestive health
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Price: Around $50 for a 10lb bag

Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain For Shih Tzu

The “Rachel Ray Nutrish Zero Grain” contains a generous amount of the right nutrition for your Shih Tzu.

This recipe contains chicken, beef, or turkey at its base which is further complemented with vitamin-packed vegetables and fruits. This brand promotes an overall improvement in health.

Pros:

  • Contains fatty acids that make Shih Tzu adults stronger
  • Contains DHA and EPA for brain and eye development
  • No meat by-products are used in the recipe
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Grain-free recipe
  • Aids in digestive health
  • No artificial preservatives, colors, or scents
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • Contains all-natural ingredients
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • The kibble size is comparatively larger than alternatives
  • Not for picky eaters
  • Price: Around $20 for a 13lb bag

Royal Canin Breed Specific Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Loaf in Sauce

The “Royal Canin Breed Specific Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Loaf in Sauce” has been crafted specifically for the Shih Tzu breed. The loaf in sauce in the recipe stimulates your Shih Tzu’s appetite.

Besides being tasty, this recipe is also filled with nutrition. This recipe also endorses a healthy heart by containing Taurine, L-carnitine, and the right amount of Sodium.

Pros:

  • The recipe is structured for Shih Tzus specifically
  • Contains fatty acids that make Shih Tzu adults stronger
  • Contains DHA and EPA for brain and eye development
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Grain-free recipe
  • Aids in digestive health
  • Supports a healthy heart
  • Good for picky eaters
  • Balanced meal, so can be served on its own or with other products
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Contains meat by-products
  • Contains Carrageenan, which can irritate the digestive system
  • Price: Between $50-60 for 24 3-oz cans

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Real Beef with Brown Rice For Shih Tzu

The “Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Dry Dog Food” is a good dog food for the Shih Tzu breed. With beef as its main ingredient, this recipe is protein-packed. This recipe also contains Quinoa that promotes better digestion. Moreover, it is infused with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy joints and hips in adult dogs.

Pros:

  • Contains fatty acids that make Shih Tzu adults stronger
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Tiny-sized kibbles that are easy to eat
  • Aids in digestive health
  • Promotes healthy joints and hips
  • Contains Taurine, which is good for a Shih Tzu’s heart
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not for picky eaters
  • Contains grains
  • Contains high amounts of fat
  • Price: Around $40 for a 12lb bag

Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzu

The “Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food” is a recipe with turkey, chicken, salmon oil, and fruits and vegetables.

It mixes all of these ingredients to make a perfect combination that supports the whole-body health of your adult corgi.

This recipe is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, as well as omega fatty acids. Additionally, it also contains whole grains, Glucosamine, probiotics, and Taurine. Moreover, the product has a savory taste to appeal to your adult corgi’s taste.

Pros:

  • The recipe is structured for small breeds
  • Contains fatty acids that make Shih Tzu adults stronger
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Tiny-sized kibbles that are easy to eat
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Contains Taurine that is good for a Shih Tzu’s heart
  • Contains probiotics
  • Aids in digestive health
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials

Cons:

  • Contains peas which can lead to allergic reactions in your dog
  • Contains a generous amount of fat
  • Expensive
  • Price: Around $45 for a 12lb bag

Best dog food for Shih Tzu Senior Dogs

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 11+ for Senior Dogs, Small Paws, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe

With the perfect balance of protein and nutrients, this recipe works to keep your senior Shih Tzu healthy and strong despite their age.

It contributes to a healthier heart, a healthier digestive system, and a healthier immune system.

Pros:

  • The recipe is structured for small breeds
  • Contains fatty acids that make Shih Tzu adults stronger
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • Nutrition-packed
  • Premium-quality ingredients
  • Tiny-sized kibbles that are easy to eat
  • Contains antioxidants
  • Contains Taurine that is good for a Shih Tzu’s heart
  • Aids in digestive health
  • Improves immune systems
  • The recipe uses high-quality raw materials
  • No artificial preservatives, colors, or scents
  • Supports joints and flexibility in senior dogs

Cons:

  • Dogs easily lose interest in the product due to its smell
  • Price: Between $30-35 for a 15.5lb bag

ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzu

This tasty kibble has been specifically crafted to appeal to your senior dog’s taste. With raw ingredients at its core, this recipe is nutrient-dense.

The ingredients are kept in a freezer to ensure their nutrients are retained and later delivered for your dog.

The base ingredient for this recipe is deboned chicken that is paired with turkey. Cage-free eggs, Atlantic Flounders, and Atlantic Mackerel are also added to the recipe to bring in the perfect blend of nutrition needed for senior dogs.

This product helps senior dogs remain healthy and active by supporting lean muscle mass and weight controls.

Pros:

  • 85% quality animal ingredients
  • Use of raw ingredients
  • Nutrition-packed
  • High-quality raw materials
  • Grain-free
  • Gluten-free
  • It has DHA
  • Good taste
  • Helps with weight maintenance
  • Promotes a lean muscle mass good for your senior dog
  • The recipe is structured for small breeds
  • Contains fatty acids that make Shih Tzu adults stronger
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • May cause itching
  • May cause bad breath
  • Price: Around $55 for a 13lb bag

Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb, & Salmon Pate with Superfoods Senior Wet Dog Food Trays For Shih Tzu

The “Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb, & Salmon Pate with Superfoods Senior Wet Dog Food Trays” also has chicken at its base that is enhanced by lamb and whitefish. The single-serve, easy-peel trays are convenient to use as well. Bursting with

nutrition, this product aims to improve the performance of your senior dogs.

Pros:

  • Good taste
  • The recipe is structured for small breeds
  • Contains fatty acids that make Shih Tzu adults stronger
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • It is nutrition-packed
  • Premium-grade raw materials are used
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Can be served alone or can be paired with other meals
  • No chicken by-product
  • Grain-free
  • No artificial additives
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • Affordable pricing

Cons:

  • Not for picky eaters
  • Price: Between $40-50 for 24 0.2lb cans

Best Dog Food For Overweight Shih Tzu

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight For Shih Tzu

It has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%. The low level of fat in this allows your Shih Tzu to maintain a healthier weight.

Eagle Pack Reduced Fat Dog Food

This recipe has a fat to protein ratio of about 25%. It derives most of its protein from a pork base and allows weight management for your dog.

Picky Eaters

Hill’s Science Diet – Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Breed Adult Formula For Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are usually picky eaters because of their sensitive stomachs. Hill’s Science

diet has made a recipe, especially for sensitive stomachs.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials for Small & Toy Breeds

This recipe is also good for sensitive stomachs. All the ingredients are natural. Moreover, the recipe is tasty, which appeals to picky eaters.

Shih Tzus with Heart Conditions

Hill’s Prescription Diet Heart Care Canned Dog Food For Shih Tzu

This product is like a medicine for Shih Tzus with heart conditions. It has been carefully crafted by scientists to help small breed dogs with heart diseases. has low levels of Sodium to ensure that your Shih Tzu’s blood levels don’t spike. It also contains Taurine and L-carnitine.

Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food

This product is also good for dogs with heart conditions. It combines multiple protein sources and adds components of Taurine to promote a healthier heart.

Scroll to Top