Does your little Shih Tzu turn their nose up at dinner? You see shelves packed with colorful bags, each promising the best for your furry friend. Choosing the right food for your tiny companion can feel like a huge puzzle. Shih Tzus have unique needs because of their small mouths and sensitive tummies. Finding food that keeps their coat shiny and their energy up is a real challenge for many owners.
It’s frustrating when you spend money on food that your dog won’t eat or that causes tummy troubles. You want them to be healthy and happy, but the sheer volume of choices overwhelms you. This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly what nutrients your Shih Tzu needs to thrive.
Keep reading to discover the top ingredients to look for, the best kibble sizes, and common pitfalls to avoid. By the end, you will feel confident picking the perfect meal that your Shih Tzu will actually love. Let’s dive into fueling your adorable, whiskered companion!
Top Dog Food For A Shih Tzu 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 small, charming dogs with big personalities. Choosing the right food helps them stay healthy and happy. This guide gives you the facts you need to pick the best kibble for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Shih Tzu food, look for specific things that match their needs. Shih Tzus have small mouths and can sometimes have sensitive stomachs.
- **Small Kibble Size:** Shih Tzus have short muzzles. Large, hard kibble pieces are hard for them to chew. Look for small, bite-sized pieces designed for toy breeds.
- **Skin and Coat Support:** Their long, beautiful coats need help! Look for foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (like fish oil). These help keep their skin healthy and their fur shiny.
- **Dental Health Ingredients:** Small breeds often have crowding in their mouths, making dental issues common. Some kibbles are shaped or textured to help scrub teeth while they chew.
- **Calorie Control:** Shih Tzus are not super active athletes. They need food that provides enough energy without causing them to gain too much weight, which strains their joints.
Important Ingredients: What Makes Good Food?
Good dog food starts with quality ingredients. Think of this as the building blocks for your dog’s health.
Protein Power
Protein is the most important ingredient. The first ingredient listed on the bag should be a named meat source. Good choices include deboned chicken, lamb, salmon, or turkey. Avoid foods where “meat by-products” are the main ingredient.
Healthy Fats and Carbs
Fats provide energy and help absorb vitamins. Healthy sources include chicken fat or fish oils. Carbohydrates give sustained energy. Good sources are brown rice, sweet potatoes, or oatmeal. Avoid excessive fillers like corn or wheat if your dog shows sensitivities.
Vitamins and Antioxidants
Look for added vitamins (like Vitamin E) and antioxidants. These support the immune system, helping your Shih Tzu fight off sickness.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all dog foods are made equal. Some things boost the quality, while others signal lower quality.
Quality Boosters:
- **Named Protein Sources:** “Chicken” is better than just “poultry meal.”
- **Whole Vegetables and Fruits:** These add natural vitamins and fiber.
- **Prebiotics and Probiotics:** These ingredients support good gut bacteria, which helps digestion—very important for sensitive Shih Tzu tummies.
Quality Reducers:
- **Artificial Colors and Preservatives:** Avoid BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. These synthetic chemicals are unnecessary.
- **Excessive Fillers:** Ingredients like corn gluten meal or soy hulls provide little nutrition and can cause digestive upset.
- **Vague Ingredient Labels:** If the label says “animal digest” without specifying the source, the quality is likely lower.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you feed your Shih Tzu matters. Their small size creates specific use cases.
For puppies, you need food specifically labeled for “small breed puppies.” They grow quickly and need higher amounts of protein and calcium for bone development. Transitioning adult food to a senior diet is also important as they age, often requiring fewer calories.
Many owners report that specialized small-breed formulas reduce the mess around the food bowl because the kibble is easier to pick up. If your dog refuses to eat, try soaking the kibble slightly or mixing in a small amount of wet food. Always introduce new food slowly over a week to prevent stomach upset.
10 FAQs About Shih Tzu Dog Food
Q: What is the best protein source for a Shih Tzu?
A: High-quality, named animal proteins like chicken, salmon, or lamb are the best choices for building strong muscles.
Q: Should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy food or adult food?
A: Puppies need puppy food until they are about 10 to 12 months old. Puppy formulas have the extra calories and nutrients they need for rapid growth.
Q: How much should I feed my Shih Tzu each day?
A: This depends on the food brand and your dog’s activity level, but most adult Shih Tzus eat between 1/2 cup to 1 cup total per day, split into two meals.
Q: Why does my Shih Tzu sometimes refuse to eat their dry food?
A: Shih Tzus can be picky eaters. Try adding a little warm water or low-sodium broth to soften the kibble, or check if they are experiencing dental pain.
Q: Are grain-free diets necessary for Shih Tzus?
A: No. Grain-free diets are not automatically better. If your dog does not have a grain allergy, quality grains like brown rice are excellent energy sources.
Q: What ingredients should I absolutely avoid?
A: Avoid foods high in artificial colors, chemical preservatives, or ingredients listed vaguely like “meat meal.”
Q: How often should I switch my dog’s food?
A: Only switch food when necessary (like moving from puppy to adult food) or if the current food causes health issues. Always switch slowly over seven days.
Q: Does the kibble size really matter for this breed?
A: Yes, it matters a lot. Small kibble prevents choking and makes chewing easier for their short snouts.
Q: How can I help my Shih Tzu’s skin and coat?
A: Look for foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids, often sourced from fish oil or flaxseed, to promote a shiny coat.
Q: When should I switch my adult Shih Tzu to senior food?
A: Most veterinarians recommend switching around age 7 or 8. Senior food usually contains fewer calories to prevent weight gain.