Does your tiny Shih Tzu turn their nose up at just any treat you offer? You are not alone! These little lions have big personalities and even bigger opinions about what they eat. Finding the perfect treat for your furry friend can feel like a treasure hunt where the map keeps changing.
Choosing the right treat for a Shih Tzu is more than just a fun spoiling session. Their small size and sometimes sensitive stomachs mean that the wrong snack can lead to upset tummies or choking hazards. Many owners worry about unhealthy ingredients, hard textures, or simply wasting money on treats their dog won’t even touch. It is a genuine challenge to balance deliciousness with health and safety for these delicate pups.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what makes a treat ideal for your Shih Tzu’s unique needs—from size-appropriate crunch to tummy-friendly flavors. Keep reading to discover the top-rated, vet-approved snacks that will have your Shih Tzu wagging their tail with excitement. Let’s dive into finding the very best rewards for your pampered companion!
Top Dog Treats For Shih Tzu Recommendations
- USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified.
- Main ingredient is organic chicken! No wheat, corn, or soy!
- The perfect bite sized training treats made in small batches for freshness, quality, and safety!
- MADE IN THE USA! Buy with confidence! All Healthy Breeds products are made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. All raw materials utilized are of the highest quality and are evaluated for purity and potency prior to use.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog products including health care, grooming, dental care and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our Amazon storefront. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified.
- Main ingredient is organic beef! No wheat, corn, or soy!
- The perfect bite sized training treats made in small batches for freshness, quality, and safety!
- MADE IN THE USA! Buy with confidence! All Healthy Breeds products are made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. All raw materials utilized are of the highest quality and are evaluated for purity and potency prior to use.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog products including health care, grooming, dental care and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our Amazon storefront. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- Contains one (1) 40 ounce package of small dog treats with real bone marrow
- The dog biscuit shell encases a real bone marrow center
- Crunchy on the outside and meaty on the inside, our MaroSnacks dog snacks are a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- Savory treats with calcium, perfect for dogs of all sizes
- Baked with love in Buffalo, New York, USA, with colors from natural ingredients only
- GRAIN-FREE PUPPY TREATS: These bite-sized, soft puppy training treats are the perfect reward during training sessions or any time you want to thank your dog for good behavior. Puppy bites contain 6 calories per individual treat!
- SUPPORTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: Soft dog treats are crafted with salmon, a healthy source of DHA to promote healthy brain development.
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: These treats for dogs are made with minimal ingredients focused on quality proteins: made with lamb and salmon, with added vitamins specifically for puppies.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Treats for dogs do not contain wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, or artificial colors.
- MADE IN USA: Our dog treats are quality-assured, made in USA, and crafted from the finest globally-sourced ingredients. Treats are tender, healthy, and bite-sized for small, medium, and large dogs of all lifestages, and activity levels.
- REAL MEAT FIRST: BLUE Bits treats for dogs are made with real salmon first; perfect for dogs that love a tender, meaty snack
- GREAT FOR TRAINING: These soft dog training treats are bite-sized, tender, and tasty, making them great for training session
- ENHANCED with DHA: Bite-size morsels enhanced with DHA to support cognitive development
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These natural dog treats contain no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and they are free from corn, wheat, and soy
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of BLUE Bits Soft-Moist Dog Training Treats, Savory Salmon Recipe
- Contains one (1) 25-ounce container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Chicken Recipe With Chicken Breast dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chicken breast
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Loved since 1908
- Chicken First: Pur Luv Jerky Wrapped Dog Treats are jerky dog treats made with Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Real Sweet Potato: The center of these tasty chicken wrapped dog treats is real sweet potato that dogs love, and is good for them too
- Rawhide Free: These chicken jerky dog treats are a 100% rawhide free alternative to traditional rawhide dog chews
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv sweet potato treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Easily Digestible Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken and Sweet Potato chews offer a tasty and easily digestible chicken dog treats
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Treats for Your Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are charming little dogs. They love to please. Good treats help you train them and keep them happy. Finding the right treat is important for their small mouths and sensitive stomachs. This guide helps you pick the best snacks for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Shih Tzu treats, look for specific things. These features make treats safe and healthy for your small companion.
- **Size and Shape:** Shih Tzus have small mouths. Treats should be bite-sized or easily broken into small pieces. Avoid large, hard biscuits that can cause choking.
- **Texture:** Soft or semi-moist treats are often best. They are easier for small teeth to chew. Very hard treats can hurt their teeth.
- **Calorie Count:** Small dogs gain weight easily. Look for low-calorie options. Treats should only make up about 10% of their daily food intake.
- **Purpose:** Do you need treats for training? Choose small, high-value rewards. Do you need dental chews? Look for treats designed to clean teeth.
Important Ingredients: What to Feed Your Tzu
The ingredients list tells you everything about the treat’s quality. Good ingredients support your dog’s health.
Top Quality Ingredients
Look for treats where a real protein source comes first. Chicken, turkey, salmon, or lamb are excellent choices. Whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal provide healthy energy. Natural fruits and vegetables, like sweet potatoes or blueberries, add vitamins.
Ingredients to Avoid
Some ingredients can cause problems for small dogs. You should steer clear of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives like BHA or BHT. High amounts of corn, wheat, or soy can sometimes upset a Shih Tzu’s stomach. Also, check for added sugars or excessive salt.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality
Treat quality affects your dog’s well-being directly. A good treat supports their coat, digestion, and energy.
Quality Boosters
Treats enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids are great. These ingredients improve their silky coats. Probiotics help keep their digestion smooth. Single-ingredient treats (like freeze-dried liver) are often the highest quality because they have fewer fillers.
Quality Reducers
Long ingredient lists usually mean lower quality. If sugar or artificial sweeteners are near the top, put the bag down. Treats made mostly from by-products (like meat meal instead of whole meat) offer less nutrition. Extremely cheap treats often use poor quality fillers.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treats matters. Think about your daily routine with your Shih Tzu.
Training Success
For training sessions, you need soft, smelly treats. Shih Tzus respond well to positive reinforcement. Small, quick-to-eat treats let training sessions move fast. If the treat takes too long to chew, the dog loses focus.
Dental Health and Boredom
Dental hygiene is a common concern for smaller breeds. Look for vet-recommended dental chews. These help scrape plaque off the teeth. For quiet times, puzzle toys filled with safe, small treats keep your Shih Tzu mentally stimulated. Always supervise your dog when they chew anything.
10 FAQs About Shih Tzu Dog Treats
Q: What is the safest size treat for a Shih Tzu?
A: Treats should be small enough for your dog to swallow easily in one or two bites. They must not be too hard.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for my Shih Tzu?
A: Not necessarily. Some Shih Tzus do well with moderate amounts of whole grains like oats. Grain-free is only necessary if your specific dog shows an allergy to grains.
Q: How often should I give my Shih Tzu a treat?
A: Treats should only make up a small part of their diet, about 10%. Use them for training or as an occasional reward, not as a meal replacement.
Q: What ingredients cause the most stomach upset in Shih Tzus?
A: Dairy products, high amounts of fat, and artificial additives often cause loose stools or gas in this breed.
Q: Should I choose hard biscuits or soft treats?
A: Soft or semi-moist treats are usually easier for Shih Tzus to manage. Hard biscuits are better for aggressive chewers needing dental help.
Q: Can I use human food as treats for my Shih Tzu?
A: You can use small amounts of safe human foods like plain cooked chicken or carrots. Never give them chocolate, grapes, onions, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
Q: What should I look for on a dental chew?
A: Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval. This means the product has proven effectiveness against plaque or tartar.
Q: Are freeze-dried meat treats healthy?
A: Yes, freeze-dried single-ingredient meat treats are usually very healthy. They offer high protein with minimal processing.
Q: How do I stop my Shih Tzu from begging for too many treats?
A: Stick to a strict feeding schedule. Only give treats when they perform a requested action, like sitting. Never give them table scraps.
Q: What is a “high-value” training treat?
A: A high-value treat is something your dog loves very much, like a small piece of cheese or cooked meat. Use these for hard training tasks.