Does your little Shih Tzu ever turn their nose up at dinner, or perhaps struggle with a sensitive tummy? You are not alone! These adorable, long-haired companions have unique needs. Finding the perfect food for your Shih Tzu can feel like a maze. You worry about coat health, dental issues, and making sure they get the right energy without upsetting their small stomachs. It is frustrating when you want the best for your furry family member but feel overwhelmed by the choices.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what makes a dog food suitable for the Shih Tzu breed. You will learn about kibble size, essential nutrients for their flowing coats, and how to handle common digestive quirks. By the end of this post, you will feel confident choosing food that keeps your Shih Tzu happy, healthy, and eagerly awaiting their next meal. Let’s dive into the secrets of feeding your pampered prince or princess!
Top Dog Food For Shih Tzus Recommendations
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED SHIH TZUS: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 10 months and older
- SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble shape is designed for a small breed’s short muzzle and underbite
- SKIN SUPPORT: Promotes healthy skin and coat with an exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A
- COAT HEALTH: A combination of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin maintains a healthy coat
- OPTIMAL STOOL: Highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources help reduce amount of stools and stool odor
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED SHIH TZUS: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 10 months and older
- SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble shape is designed for a small breed’s short muzzle and underbite
- SKIN SUPPORT: Promotes healthy skin and coat with an exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A
- COAT HEALTH: A combination of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin maintains a healthy coat
- OPTIMAL STOOL: Highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources help reduce amount of stools and stool odor
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED SHIH TZUS: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Wet Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 10 months and older
- TASTY LOAF IN SAUCE: Adult dog food featuring Loaf in Sauce for a paté that appeals to a Shih Tzu’s appetite and is easy for them to eat
- SKIN SUPPORT: Supports skin health and promotes a healthy coat with an exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A
- HEART HEALTH: Targeted levels of sodium, taurine, and L-carnitine for healthy cardiac function promote heart health
- COMPLETE AND BALANCED: Canned dog food can be fed alone or mixed with Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED SHIH TZUS: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 8 weeks to 10 months old
- SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble shape is designed for a Shih Tzu’s short muzzle and underbite
- HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT: Helps protect puppy development of their immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E
- SKIN AND COAT: Promotes healthy skin and maintains a Shih Tzu’s growing, long coat with specific nutrients
- OPTIMAL STOOL: High-quality proteins and prebiotics for your small breed’s digestive health helps reduce amount of stools and stool odor
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: This Blue Buffalo dry dog food is made with real, high quality chicken as the #1 ingredient
- HIGH QUALITY NATURAL FOOD: BLUE's natural dry dog food is made with premium ingredients and contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat or soy
- SUPPORTS higher SMALL BREED ENERGY LEVELS: Contains essential proteins and carbs to support higher energy requirements of small breed dogs
- CONTAINS IMMUNITY-BOOSTING LIFESOURCE BITS: LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
- Contains: One (1) 5-lb trial-size bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice Flavor
- Made with highly digestible ingredients that are easy on your small dog's stomach
- Provides high quality protein to maintain lean muscle in small breed dogs
- Omega-6s and vitamin E for beautiful skin & coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- Hill's Pet Nutrition is the US Veterinarians' #1 recommended brand
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: Blue Buffalo's premium dog food features high quality deboned chicken as the primary ingredient; brown rice, cranberries and vegetables for a balanced diet; and high quality protein that promotes strong muscles
- HIGH QUALITY NATURAL FOOD: BLUE's natural dry dog food is made with premium ingredients and contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat or soy
- THE PERFECT BALANCE OF FLAVOR AND NUTRITION: Formulated with essential proteins and carbs for energy needs and Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat
- CONTAINS IMMUNITY-BOOSTING LIFESOURCE BITS: LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
- Contains: One (1) 5-lbs bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Natural Chicken and Brown Rice Flavor
- SMALL BREED DOG FOOD:Contains one (1) 4-pound bag of Nature's Recipe grain free dry dog food for small breed adult dogs
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients for maintenance of adult dogs
- CHICKEN DOG FOOD: Real chicken is the number one ingredient in this small breed dog food
- HEALTHY DIGESTION: Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat
- NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS OR PRESERVATIVES: Dog food with no added corn, wheat or soy protein, no poultry by-product meal and no artificial flavors or preservatives
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Shih Tzu Dog Food
Shih Tzus are wonderful little dogs. They have long, beautiful coats and charming personalities. Choosing the right food helps them stay happy and healthy. This guide will help you pick the best meals for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Shih Tzu food, look for specific things on the bag. These features match their unique needs.
- **Small Kibble Size:** Shih Tzus have short muzzles and small mouths. Large kibble is hard for them to chew. Small, bite-sized pieces prevent choking and encourage better chewing.
- **Skin and Coat Support:** Their long hair needs special care. Look for foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (like fish oil or flaxseed). These ingredients keep their coat shiny and their skin healthy.
- **Dental Health Focus:** Small breeds often struggle with dental issues. Some specialized foods have ingredients or textures that help clean teeth as the dog chews.
- **Weight Management:** Shih Tzus can easily gain weight because they are not very active. Choose formulas labeled for small breeds that control calorie intake.
Important Ingredients
The ingredients list tells you what your dog is really eating. Always check the first few ingredients.
High-Quality Protein: The first ingredient should be a named meat source. This means real chicken, lamb, beef, or fish. Protein builds strong muscles.
Healthy Carbohydrates: Good carbs provide energy. Look for brown rice, sweet potatoes, or barley. These offer sustained energy without causing sugar spikes.
Added Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins like Biotin and Zinc support healthy skin and hair growth. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are great for supporting their small joints as they age.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Quality
What makes one bag better than another? Quality ingredients boost health. Fillers hurt health.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Real Meat First: A named meat source as the number one ingredient shows high quality.
- Natural Preservatives: Foods preserved naturally with Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) are better than those using artificial chemicals like BHA or BHT.
- Digestible Ingredients: Easily digestible food means your dog absorbs more nutrients and produces less waste.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Meat By-Products: These are low-quality parts of the animal. They offer less nutritional value than whole meat.
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: Your dog doesn’t need bright colors or added fake flavors. These are unnecessary fillers.
- Excessive Corn or Wheat Fillers: While not always bad, too much low-quality corn or wheat can bulk up the food without adding much nutrition. Some dogs may also be sensitive to these grains.
User Experience and Use Cases
How does the food actually work in a Shih Tzu’s life? Owners report different experiences based on their dog’s age and activity level.
For Puppies: Shih Tzu puppies need extra calories and nutrients for fast growth. Look for puppy formulas specifically designed for small breeds. These support rapid bone and brain development.
For Adults: Adult maintenance food focuses on keeping weight steady and supporting that famous coat. If your dog eats quickly, consider a slow-feeder bowl along with kibble designed to be chewed, not swallowed whole.
For Sensitive Stomachs: Some Shih Tzus have sensitive digestion. If you notice loose stools or excessive gas, try a limited-ingredient diet (LID) or a formula featuring novel proteins (like duck or salmon) to narrow down potential allergens.
10 FAQs About Feeding Your Shih Tzu
Q: How much food should I feed my adult Shih Tzu daily?
A: Most adult Shih Tzus need about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of dry food per day. Always check the feeding chart on your specific food bag, as calorie counts differ.
Q: What is the best time to feed my Shih Tzu?
A: Most owners feed twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. This keeps their energy levels steady.
Q: Can I feed my Shih Tzu puppy food as an adult?
A: No. Puppy food has too many calories and too much protein for adult dogs. Adults should switch to adult maintenance food around 9 to 12 months old.
Q: Are grain-free foods necessary for Shih Tzus?
A: Grain-free is not always better. Only choose grain-free if your vet suggests it due to a specific grain allergy. Many healthy grains provide good energy.
Q: How often should I switch my dog’s food?
A: You should switch food slowly over 7 to 10 days. Mix the old food with the new food gradually. Fast switching often upsets their stomach.
Q: What human foods are safe for my Shih Tzu?
A: Small amounts of plain cooked chicken, carrots, or green beans make safe, healthy treats. Never give them grapes, chocolate, or onions.
Q: Why does my Shih Tzu drink so much water?
A: If your dog drinks excessively, talk to your veterinarian right away. This can sometimes signal underlying health issues like kidney problems.
Q: Should I feed wet or dry food?
A: Dry kibble is usually better for dental health because chewing scrapes off plaque. However, you can mix in a little wet food for palatability or extra moisture.
Q: What is the best protein for a Shih Tzu with allergies?
A: If your dog is allergic, try novel proteins like venison, rabbit, or specific fish. Chicken and beef are common allergens.
Q: How can I tell if my Shih Tzu is getting enough nutrients?
A: A well-fed Shih Tzu has shiny fur, bright eyes, good energy levels, and firm, small stools. They should maintain a healthy weight.