Are you an owner of Shih Tzu that gives you a headache when you feed it? Or do you want to provide a healthy diet to your furry friends so that they can maintain proper weight and remain active throughout the day? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you need not worry because this detailed guide includes every solution to your problems. Shih Tzu, also known as the little lion, is a renowned lap dog with fun and fierce personality. This breed not only loves to snuggle on people’s laps but also enjoys daily walks and a little bit of exercise.
The unfortunate thing about Shih Tzus is that they suffer from a few health conditions, including allergies, dental problems, hypothyroidism, and joint & bone problems. In order to prevent them from such health risks and boost up their energy levels, it is the duty of all owners to ensure that their pets get enough nutrition from food. Therefore, we have created an extensive list of the best rated shih tzu puppies food that can help your pet in gaining proper nutrition. Moreover, we have also mentioned our reviews based on our evaluation and guidance by our experts. Therefore, this guide will enable you to choose the best shitzu dog food with premium quality ingredients and exciting flavors.
Top Rated Shihtzu Food Reviews
Based on the high-quality and best shih tzu diet that we have collected from Amazon and other e-commerce platforms, we have created this detailed list. Here we have included the top-rated 15 Shih Tzu foods that are reasonable for their growth and health. From various types of nutrients to health benefits, every product mentioned below focuses on giving your good pet health. So, without any further adieu, move ahead.
The 15 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu You Can Buy Now
1
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Food
- Stools & odor reductions
- Exclusive kibble shape
- Supports skin health
Average Review 9.9
2
Royal Canin Shih Tzu puppy magnificent
- Develops immune system
- High-quality proteins
- Supports digestive health
Average Review 9.8
3
Healthy Breeds Soft Chewy Dog Treats
- Tasty Flavored Snack
- Best training rewards
- Ideal for small breeds
Average Review 9.8
4
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Wet dog food
- Supports Skin & Coat health
- Promotes heart health
- Appealing textures
Average Review 9.7
5
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed food
- Rich in nutrients
- Healthy digestion
- Complete daily nutrition
Average Review 9.7
6
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- Nourish skin
- Promote a lustrous coat’
- Highly digestible ingredients
Average Review 9.6
7
Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food
- 4 Unique flavors
- Gourmet meals
- Enchances with Vitamins & Minerals
Average Review 9.5
8
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Dog
- Balanced nutrients
- Cage-Free Chicken ingredients
- Easy to chew
Average Review 9.5
9
The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food
- Real whole food ingredients
- Ideal for Adult dogs
- Highest quality & safety
Average Review 9.4
10
Blue Buffalo Grain Freee Puppy Food
- Supports Muscule & Bone
- Small Bite Kibble
- Promotes Brain & Eye Development
Average Review 9.3
11
Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws adult dog food
- Provides high quality protein
- Highly digestible ingredients
- Antioxidant for Immune supports
Average Review 9.2
12
Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Balanced Nutrition
- Strong Bones & teeth
Average Review 9.1
13
Hill’s Science Diet Little dogs Food
- Promotes healthy brain
- Ideal for small & mini puppies
- Strong bones& teeth
Average Review 9.0
14
ROYAL CANIN wet formulas
- Supports joint health
- Maintains optimal weight
- Developing GI system
Average Review 9.0
15
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- Easily digestable
- Supports Skin & Coat
- Formulated for sensitive stomaches
Average Review 9.0
1. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
What We Like?
- Complex of nutrients like EPA, DHA, and Vitamin A
- Suitable for under-bites and short muzzles
- Unique kibble shape design
- Highly-digestible proteins
- Supports skin health
- Precise fiber content
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Dry Dog Food is our top pick among all other options available, with various amazing health specifications. Being the best-rated Shih Tzu food, it has ingredients that can provide your furry friend with every essential nutrient. Moreover, it can promote their overall growth and development in little time. This pack’s unique and impressive kibbles with certain sizes, textures, and structures are adequate for every canine’s jaw shapes and facial structures. Furthermore, they arrive designed in accordance to a pet’s biting patterns that are suitable for the way they pick up and chew a kibble. This dry dog food can easily fulfill all nutritional requirements of pure breeds of 10 months or more.
This breed-specific dog food is an exclusive combo of EPA, DHA, and Vitamin A that supports and improves coat, fur, and skin health. Moreover, this diet is easy to be fed and further benefits a dog’s long coats shiny as well as soft and improves their digestion. It is possible because of the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin, which contribute to a pooch’s overall health. Including this canine food in the normal Lap Dog diet can reduce stools and stool odor as it includes highly digestible proteins, accurate fiber content, and proper carbohydrate sources. We found this dry dog meal to be the most suitable and satisfactory for your lovable Lap Dog, especially those that are purebred under 10 months and older. Our experts also suggested that you can mix it with Royal Canin wet food for giving Shih Tzu a healthy and delicious treat.
2. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
What We Like?
- Adequate for Shih Tzu of 8 weeks to 10 months
- Develops immune system and natural defenses
- Rich with antioxidants, especially Vitamin E
- Prebiotics for promoting digestive health
- Kibble shape structures and textures
- Infused with high-quality proteins
If you are an owner of a small Shih Tzu puppy that is only 2 months old and want a perfect feeding solution for them, then you are at the right place. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is a great feeding solution for all pooches. This best puppy food for Shih Tzu is designed to meet a pure breed’s nutritional requirements, which age 8 weeks to 10 months. For maintaining a canine’s health, it is essential to feed them with a diet that has proper levels of distinct kinds of nutrition.
Puppies of this particular breed may look small in size, but their nutritional requirements are large. Thus, it is better to give them vitamin and nutrient-rich food. Besides, Royal Canin’s dry dog food fulfills your small furry friends by furnishing their immune system support, digestive care, and skin and coat health. Moreover, we found that its unique-shaped kibbles with a great texture suit are perfect for those that have short muzzles and underbites. Furthermore, our experts also pointed out the combination of high-quality proteins and prebiotics to support a pup’s digestive system and promote optimal stool quality. Therefore, with all such great features, many customers are indeed happy with the quality of this best dog food for Shih Tzu puppy.
3. Healthy Breeds Soft Chewy Dog Treats for Maltese
What We Like?
- Combo of dried blueberry, dried cranberry, and chicken liver
- Perfect for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes
- Effective and strong aroma
- Mere 4 calories per treat
- Savory chicken flavor
Healthy Soft Chewy Dog Treats for Shih Tzu is an ideal food for every size, breed, and age. It means that these chews are not only for Lap dogs of any specific age but are developed by considering the flavors of different breeds of canines. As a result, these treats will make a pooch feel good both health-wise and taste-wise. Moreover, your paw mate will consume only 4 calories per treat and gain multiple health benefits with every bite. Made in the United States, these chewy treats confirm the established purity and safety standards.
Savory chicken flavor can easily attract a canine’s attention and act as a tasty reward. Moreover, one can also make use of these treats as a training reward, and a dog will also love to be a part of such training regularly. These best dog food for maltese shih tzu include an excellent blend of chicken liver, dried cranberries, and dried blueberries that a Shih Tzu can salivate even just by seeing them. In case your furry friend is prone to allergies, then you can also go for gluten-free/grain-free beef, or chicken freeze dried flavors. We found that these chewy treats are great when it comes to their aroma and ingredient quality but not when you talk about their thickness.
4. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Wet Dog Food
What We Like?
- Targeted levels of sodium, L-carnitine, and taurine
- Combination of EPA, DHA, and Vitamin A
- Smooth paté texture for easy chewing
- Supports skin & coat health
- Balanced soft dog meal
- Unique-shaped kibbles
This wet dog food is great for Shih Tzu in giving it all nutrients and vitamins for its health. Royal Canin is a renowned brand in providing premium quality dog diet as it focuses on developing a perfect formula for a specific canine breed by putting every essential nutrient. This brand’s wet dog food has kibbles of a unique shape, dimension, and texture suitable for every Shih Tzu’s facial and jaw structure. These distinct shapes also help pets while biting as it eases the way they pick and chew a kibble. Furthermore, an individual can also mix this wet food with a dry diet so that their furry mates can get extra benefits with a single diet.
Royal Canin’s soft dog food features Loaf in Sauce for a paté that is perfect for any pooch’s appetite and easy for it to eat. Furthermore, it can meet all nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus of age 10 months and older. It can further promote their heart health by including proper sodium, taurine, and L-carnitine that contribute to healthy cardiac functioning. Our experts found that this wet meal also has an exclusive complex combo of different nutrients, including DHA, EPA, and Vitamin A. All-in-all, Shih Tzu Royal canin dog food supports healthy hydration in this specific breed’s body by promoting healthy skin and coat.
5. Nutro Natural Choice Adult & Senior Dry Dog Food for Toy Breeds
What We Like?
- Prepared using Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids
- No artificial colors and preservatives
- Natural fibers for healthy digestion
- Made using farm-raised chicken
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Crunchy kibble
If your Shih Tzu is craving a nutrition-rich diet with amazing flavors, then Nutro Natural Choice dry dog food is a perfect choice. This top-rated dog food for small breeds arrives made with a high-quality source of protein, i.e., farm-raised chicken that enhances flavors and taste. Therefore, this makes it a flavorful dog food that all of our loyal buddies will surely love to eat. In addition, it offers a crunchy kibble developed using real ingredients and furnishes natural fiber to promote healthy canine digestion. Thus, it is a complete package of daily nutrition for small breeds.
Nutro Natural Choice dry dog food comes in a packet having a quantity of 15 lbs. Presence of tailored nutrition makes it adequate for all unique needs of tiny pooches. Moreover, being formulated using omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, this food contributes towards healthy skin and a shiny, soft coat. Integrated with non-GMO ingredients, this dry dog food doesn’t contain chicken by-products, corn, wheat, or soy protein. Furthermore, it further not includes artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. Our professionals define this meal as great for toy and small breeds as it comes made using the finest ingredients worldwide. Thus, one can agree that it is indeed a value for money invested.
6. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food
What We Like?
- Highly digestible components for sensitive stomachs and skin
- Prebiotic fiber for balancing metabolism
- Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Calorie content of 3734 kcal/kg
- Made with natural ingredients
- Small Kibble size
In our search for a veterinarian recommended good dog food for Shih Tzus, we came across Hill’s Science Diet package. This canine meal arrives prepared for all small and toy breeds with only natural ingredients and no artificial colors and preservatives. In addition, the prebiotic fiber present in it helps feed your little pet’s microbiome that furnishes optimal digestive health while nourishing its skin. For an odorless stool and proper health every canine owner should go for this product. In our analysis, we found that Hill’s Science diet for canines is the best dog food for Shih Tzu with sensitive stomachs.
It is the no.1 veterinarian recommended dog food for shih tzu that is perfect for your adorable furry friends. Its accurate balance of highly digestible ingredients is good for pups with sensitive stomachs as well as sensitive skin. By including protein as its foremost ingredient, Hill’s Science diet gives clinically proven antioxidant benefits required for tiny and miniature breeds. Besides, these best small kibble dog food includes Vitamin E, Omega-6 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. Thus, every canine that eats it will get good nourishment and a lustrous coat. Our experts have also suggested that this canine food is for small breeds as every nutrient contributes to their growth and is suitable for their taste buds.
7. Cesar Canine Cuisine Gourmet Wet Dog Food
What We Like?
- Balanced amount of vitamins and minerals
- Made with the finest quality ingredients
- Easy and peel-away freshness seals
- Served in convenient trays
- 24 count cases of 3.5 oz
- Crafted without grains
Before anything, this meal for your furry friends comes with 24 packs weighing 3.5 oz. of different types of flavors. Cesar Gourmet wet dog food is Amazon’s best-seller in canned dog food, and it is due to the quality and convenience it offers. This one includes 6 trays of grilled chicken taste, duck recipe, oven-roasted chicken flavor, and turkey recipe. There is no need to worry about your Shih Tzu’s age because it is suitable for both large and small ones by featuring distinct poultry selections to make them addicted and obsessed.
Cesar gourmet wet dog food is served in convenient trays along with an easy to peel away freshness seals trait. Thus, eliminating any unnecessary fuss, making it easier for an owner to serve the food to their pet. Besides, a complete balance of vitamins and minerals constitutes a good digestive system and shiny coat. First ingredients include US Chicken, US-Turkey, or Duck, and crafted without using grains. We found that this canned pooch meal has multiple flavors, simple to handle trays, and an amazing classic loaf in sauce texture. Moreover, most buyers are happy with the quality and content of nutrients present in it. If needed one can add dry food to make this one even more mouthwatering.
8. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
What We Like?
- No artificial colors and preservatives
- Contains 3683 kcal/kg of calories
- Optimal amino acid profile
- No corn, wheat, and filler
- High-quality protein
- Nutritious source
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Dry Dog Food arrives prepared with ingredients of premium quality, having every essential nutrient, including vitamins and minerals. It can be a wholesome as well as a holistic source of nutrition to Shih Tzus. This is a money value diet that includes high-quality proteins made with real cage-free chicken. Presence of an optimal amino acid profile is a plus point which contributes to strong muscles for your loyal companions. Moreover, this meal is specially developed for small breeds.
Inclusion of fruits and vegetables as antioxidants and fatty acids makes Diamond Naturals beneficial for developing a canine’s coat and skin. Besides, it has highly digestible 27% protein, 16% fat along with proprietary probiotics that contribute to survival and growth. Infused good bacteria support digestive and immune systems to maintain an active lifestyle. Small kibble size is easy for pooches to chew and maintain clean teeth with reduced plaque. We concluded that it is a great dry dog superfood having high nutritional values. Our experts also analyzed the composition and amount of every nutrient present in it and confirmed that it is a perfect diet.
9. The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food
What We Like?
- Grain-free and made with free-range chicken
- Dehydrated and supports easier digestibility
- Balanced levels of carbs and calories
- Perfect for adult dogs of every breed
- No by-products or GMO ingredients
- Meets the FDA safety standards
This meal is perfect for canines that are either picky eaters or can’t digest gluten, grains, or lots of calories in one go. Honest Kitchen’s best grain free dog food for Shih Tzu is most customers’ loved product. It is a healthy option prepared using free-range chicken and dehydrated to facilitate easy digestibility. Its dehydration process helps to lock in nutrients thus, ensuring a healthy consequence in all pets. Being a grain-free diet, it is ideal for pooches suffering from allergies or sensitivities to gluten and grains. So, it is also the best dog food for Shih Tzu with allergies.
In case you are looking for the best dog food for overweight small dogs, then this one will be a good choice. It is because Honest Kitchen’s diet has a moderate level of protein and fat, helping in the maintenance of adult and senior canines as well as those pets with an overweight issue. In addition, we are impressed with its unique quality of being a 100% human-grade meal. It meets all rigorous FDA standards and does not contain any red flag pet ingredients, such as corn, soy, rice, or wheat. It is also very safe for your Lap Dog as it doesn’t include any preservative or GMO products. Due to these unique traits and satisfactory results, we have included this product in our best food for Shih Tzu.
10. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food
What We Like?
- LifeSource bits, i.e., a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- Doesn’t contain chicken by-product meals
- Made using fatty acids, DHA, and ARA
- Balance of carbohydrates and proteins
- First ingredient real chicken
- Finest natural ingredients
Blue Buffalo Freedom dry dog food is a flavorful and grain-free formula for your furry friends. This dry dog food recipe begins with high-quality real chicken that enhances a great flavor and taste. It supports all small breeds’ healthy muscle development without containing grains that include gluten. Moreover, it doesn’t have any substance of chicken or poultry by-product meals, wheat, soy, corn, and artificial colors or preservatives. It is a completely natural dog food specially formulated for pets’ well-being and health. Integrated all ingredients are of premium quality with vitamins and minerals.
Blue Buffalo Freedom dry dog food comes with a unique trait offered from exclusive LifeSource Bits. And those bits are an accurate mixture of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals picked by veterinarians and animal nutritionists. Meaning, this meal gives a great immune system for all different life stages of a pup with an oxidative balance. Furthermore, being made using DHA and ARA and essential fatty acids nurtures a pooch in such a way a mother dog’s milk does. This supports the growth and development of a puppy’s eye and brain. Balance between carbs and proteins is also present that accomplishes all distinct needs of toy breeds.
11. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Adult Dry Dog Food
What We Like?
- Made with natural, premium quality ingredients
- Nourishing Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E
- Clinically proven antioxidant benefits
- Highly digestible ingredients
- Extra small kibble size
- High-quality protein
Extremely small kibble size of 7.5 mm makes it suitable for a little canine mouth, and it gets easier for them to take and eat. In addition, Hill’s Science has introduced another best dry food for Shih Tzu that has an accurate level of nutrition which is great for small or toy breed dogs. Developed using easy-to-digest ingredients, this one becomes perfect for all sensitive stomachs. Proper balance of high-quality proteins, Omega-6 fatty acids, and Vitamin E helps pet maintain lean muscles and promote healthy skin and shiny coats.
This dog food is also beneficial for your loyal buddy’s immune system as it contains natural ingredients with a blend of proprietary antioxidants. When it comes to quality, Hill’s Science meal has much to offer every pooch. Its premium quality ingredients such as real chicken, lamb, or salmon protein are utilized to formulate this product and do not include artificial colors, preservatives, or chicken by-product meals. Our experts concluded that it is the best kibble size and ingredients excellent for small breeds. Various buyers also found it the most appropriate food for their fur babies.
12. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
What We Like?
- Purposeful and easily digestible ingredients
- Calorie content of 166 kcal/kg per can
- Prepared from natural ingredients
- Helps to maintain lean muscle
- Veterinarian recommended
- High-quality protein
Looking for the best food for senior Shih Tzus? Well, then go for Hill’s Science diet dog food for Shih Tzu. This wet dog food is prepared with purposeful and easily digestible ingredients that your paw mates will love to have. Tailored nutrition is great for fulfilling all needs of adult dogs during their later stage of life. Maintenance of lean muscles is also possible as it includes high-quality protein, which is beneficial for adult canines in building muscles. Furthermore, it is also easier for them to digest, thereby strengthening their digestive system.
Hill’s Science diet also tops the Shih Tzu food recommendations list, which most veterinarians suggest to all pet owners. You can make use of this product either as a delicious dry topper or a complete meal. Customers will get 24 cans of 5.8 oz. content that can furnish proper levels of nutrition to your furry friend. It further contains a blend of antioxidants that contributes towards a better immune system. Every ingredient of this formula is safe for a canine and does not contain artificial preservatives, colors, and chicken by-product meals. We found that this flavorful meal can also become Shih Tzu’s favorite having all necessary nutrition and healthy ingredients.
13. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws Puppy Dry Dog Foods
What We Like?
- Antioxidant blend for lifelong immune support
- Made with premium quality natural components
- Supports brain and eye development
- Balance of minerals for strong bones
- Calorie content of 3787 kcal/kg
- Includes DHA from fish oil
Hill’s Science is here yet again with its diet of dry stew with chicken & vegetables. This small paws puppy dry dog food arrives developed with natural ingredients. Thus, it fulfills all developmental needs of small breeds of age 1 year or less. Small size of the kibble measuring approx. 7 mm is perfect for all toy breeds. This dry puppy food makes use of DHA obtained from fish oil that supports and enhances the growth and development of a puppy’s brain and eyes. Inclusion of premium quality protein also contributes to their lean and strong muscles.
Infused all nutrition elements are important for small puppies in providing a good immunity. In addition to those nutrients, it also includes a balance of different minerals that promote strong bones and healthy teeth. Moreover, Hill’s Science meal uses a blend of proprietary antioxidants specifically for providing lifelong support to toy and miniature-sized canines. This dry dog food made with natural ingredients meets stringent quality standards and hence, is safe to consume by pets. We have evaluated each aspect of this dry dog food and concluded that anyone could surely go for this as it is great for small puppies.
14. Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition Puppy Loaf in Sauce
What We Like?
- Beet pulp and fish oil for supporting GI system
- Kibble adapted to dog’s jaw shape and size
- Combo of Vitamin C, E, lutein, and taurine
- Supports a pup’s unique needs
- Provides optimal energy levels
- Highly digestible proteins
Royal Canin Canine health nutrition can is a wet dog food present in a gel form. This wet formula arrives designed to satisfy all unique needs of small breeds weighing up to 22 lbs. from puppy to adult. It helps in keeping a small pet healthy from the inside out and can be fed as both a complement to dry kibble or as a complete meal. In addition, it provides optimal energy levels to a pup and supports its growth and development. For the immune system’s development, this dog food has a mixture of healthy nutrients, including lutein, taurine, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
Moreover, all ingredients used in its formulation involve beef pulp and fish oil that supports the developing GI system of a pooch. The presence of highly digestible proteins also benefits pets as it is easier for them to digest and not burden their digestive systems. Besides, its kibble size is developed in such a manner that it supports every canine’s unique jaw size and structure. A combination of different nutrients present in this dog food is better than most other wet foods. They are enough for satisfying the unique needs of pups like optimal weight and dental care.
15. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food for Small Breed
What We Like?
- Natural prebiotics, antioxidants, and Omega fatty acids
- Single source of animal protein
- Easily digestible carbohydrates
- Maintains optimum health
- Limited ingredient recipe
- Natural and grain free
It is a healthy and natural ingredient diet dog food formulated especially for small breed dogs. Wellness grain free limited ingredient meal is a unique product of our top-rated list of dog foods for this breed. This is the best dog food for Shih Tzu with skin allergies as it comes prepared for allergy-prone adult canines or canines with sensitivities and ingredient intolerances. Made using a single source of animal protein that is further properly balanced with easy-to-digest carbs, do not wait anymore in buying it. Presence of prebiotics, chicory root extract, probiotics, and healthy fiber also supports a pooch’s healthy digestion process.
We found that it will also be a good source of re-energizing your little friend. Nutritious as well as adequate blends of premium quality proteins with selected carbs and fats are capable of providing the energy your Shih Tzu needs. Our experts also pointed out that it has antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, probiotics, and taurine that can help maintain optimum health and support the healthy immune system. Besides these traits, vitamins and minerals and Omega-6 fatty acids also support a Lap Dog’s healthy skin and coat. Moreover, all these ingredients of this product are safe to consume and non-GMO, which ensures nutritional benefits.
The Dog Foods for Shih Tzu Buying Guide
Shih Tzus are one of the adorable pets that attract any human with their doe eyes and smooth fur. However, these fuzzy creatures need special care from their pet parents, especially in terms of food. If these pets do not get good food, they may not grow healthily and fall ill. Thus apart from choosing the best dog food, there are some others that you need to know. Therefore, we have furnished this top rated dog food for small dogs buying guide explicitly to give you an idea of what meals you should give your little lion.
What to Feed a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzu puppies require a proper diet on their plates as it is the age of their constant growth and development. They have a rapid metabolism, and therefore, it is essential to provide them with great quality food. A Shih Tzu owner can provide chicken & sweet potatoes, lamb & quinoa, beef, and pumpkin. Several other food options like green beans, whole yogurt, baby carrots, and more can also go into these pooches’ diets. However, it is better to avoid food items like chocolates, tea & coffee, onions, salt, soda, and grapes & raisins. Bottom line, it is important to feed these tiny adorable pups with appropriate meals so that they can grow every day.
Shih Tzu Feeding Chart
| Age | Feeding Amount | Total Calories Per Day | Ideal Weight |
| 0-1 year (Puppy) | 1.0 oz.– 2.0 oz. per day | 30-50 calories per pound of body weight | 2lb-16lb |
| 1-9 year (Adult) | 2.0 oz.- 3.04oz. per day | 80-140 per pound of body weight | 9lb-16lb |
| 9+ years (Adult) | 2.0 oz.- 3.4oz. per day | 80-140 per pound of body weight | 9lb-16lb |
How many Calories Does My Shih Tzu Need?
To prevent Shih Tzu from getting overweight, it is essential to check its calorie consumption. An average adult canine requires approx. 35 calories per pound of body weight are adequate and promote healthy growth. However, for senior dogs, it is good to reduce their calorie amount to 30 calories per pound of body weight. Moreover, pooches of this breed require at most 40 to 50 calories per pound of body weight per day. So, depending upon a canine’s age, an individual has to alter this calorie consumption.
Best Dog Food Brand for Shih Tzu
Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo is popular for providing dog food made up of high-quality natural ingredients and offers a vast range of great recipes. This company presents multiple options and perfect flavors in both wet and dry dog foods for Shih Tzu. Presence of natural ingredients like meat, chicken, turkey, etc., in all of its recipes, ensures our furry friend’s proper development with a flavorful treat.
Royal Canin
Established in 1968, this particular brand has a motive to improve the health of dogs and cats through nutrition. Royal Canin manufactures and supplies a vast range of dog and cat foods that reach various corners of this world. For Shih Tzu puppies and adults, Royal Canin maintains a wide collection of both dry and wet foods available at a pocket-friendly range.
Hill’s Science Diet
Hill’s Science Diet provides biology-based nutrition backed by forward-thinking scientific research. This dog food company offers several options available for Shih Tzu’s of every size, age, and need. As a result, it can help in providing them with appropriate weight by promoting healthy growth and development. Moreover, all of Hill’s Science Diet Shih Tzu food have ingredients that meet AAFCO nutritional standards.
Is Chicken Good for Shih Tzu?
Chicken is a good source of high-quality protein for Shih Tzus. It is an extremely great source of nutrition for them that can support their growth. You must serve your loyal buddies with unseasoned and cooked chicken in their regular meals. Chicken is also a rich source of fat that can support the healthy development of muscles and fur coats. Furthermore, individuals can prepare natural meat and chicken at home and serve them without adding colors and artificial flavors.
What Shih Tzu Food to Avoid?
Shih Tzus are prone to several health concerns which a responsible owner can reduce by serving them appropriate food. So, take a look at these pieces of info as following to ensure proper growth in your best paw friends:
- Chocolates: These may lead to vomiting and are toxic to any canine’s nervous system.
- Raisins, grapes, and currants: These items can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and may even damage kidneys.
- Onions: Affect the normal functioning of red blood cells and may lead to anemia.
- Nuts and Macadamia nuts: They are responsible for kidney stones.
- Cow Milk: It is difficult for dogs to digest cow milk which can also cause diarrhea.
Other food items, such as tea, coffee, bread dough, mushrooms, avocado, sweet candies, garlic, green potatoes, etc., are also not good for this breed.
What Kind of Dog Food do Shih Tzus Like?
Being a picky eater, Shih Tzus may create huge problems while eating, and their pet parents have to put extra effort to get the most favorable options for their pet dogs. In case you have also come across such a similar situation, then go for items with a little bit of moisture and are warm. Besides, one can also choose between dry and wet food in accordance with their pet’s taste. Pooches of this particular breed often like to eat chicken and meat-related dishes, vegetables, and fruits. So, serve different dishes in front of them to get a better knowledge of his/their food habits.
What Vegetables are Good for Shih Tzu?
Several options are available in vegetables that an individual can use for feeding their Shih Tzus. Vegetables can make good snacks that are both healthy and tasty. A person can serve raw veggies, including romaine lettuce, zucchini slices, frozen peas, alfalfa sprouts, and bell peppers. A handful of choices are also available in cooked vegetables. Whelps of this type like to eat steamed green beans, broccoli, or cauliflower that are rich in calcium and Vitamin C. Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage and spinach are also other best choices for serving these dogs.
What Human Foods Can Shih Tzu Eat?
A Shih Tzu can eat various types of human foods and multiple options are available. List of such items is as follows:
Carrots
Carrots are a rich source of Vitamin A that is useful in improving a canine’s immune system, coat, and skin.
Apples
Apples provide essential vitamins, including Vitamin A and C. High-fiber content in this fruit helps to regulate a pet’s digestion process.
White Rice
If your dog has an upset stomach, then cooked plain white rice is a great option. It is easier to digest which helps to bind stool.
Fishes
Fishes like salmon, shrimp, and tuna are safer for dogs and great sources of protein. It is better to serve cooked fish to the dog.
Peanut Butter
Unsalted peanut butter without sweeteners is safe for pups in moderate quantities. It includes Vitamin E and B, niacin, protein, and healthy fats.
How Often Should I Feed My Shih Tzu Dog?
It is very crucial to feed Shih Tzu on time and in a proper amount. Excessive or less feeding may cause several troubles to these pets and can adversely affect their health. Therefore, we recommend you should feed your adult lap dog at least 3 times a day. But this number will increase for puppies and can go to 4 to 6 meals per day. Moreover, they should eat high-quality dry food equivalent to 1/2 to 1 cup of quantity. This is because, in earlier stages, they require more food for growth and development, and hence, their consumption should be extra than that of adult canines.
What Time Should I Feed My Shih Tzu?
For feeding Shih Tzu, one needs to follow a similar consumption pattern for all days. One can feed their dogs in the morning, mid-day, and evening. In the morning, serve them food at the same time every day. For afternoons or mid-day periods, follow this pattern and provide the meal at a fixed time. Evening feeding is also necessary so that they can remain energetic throughout the night. You can also provide snacks to this breed to keep their energy up for the entire day.
How Much to Feed a Shih Tzu Puppy?
Every owner needs to understand all feeding requirements of a Shih Tzu puppy at this age. These pooches have a high rate of metabolism and require a large amount of meal to stay active throughout the day. A puppy should get an ounce of food per pound of its weight. In comparison, an adult or senior canine requires half ounces of food per pound of body weight. A puppy requires more calories for growing and has an increased level of physical activity. Hence, you need to weigh your furry friend before feeding him.
What to Look for While Buying Shih Tzu Food?
There are certain factors to look for before buying a proper and money value dog food for your Shih Tzu which are as follows.
Age and Weight
This is an important factor that a pet parent needs to consider before buying dog food for Shih Tzu. Dog foods have distinctions based on the age and weight of a canine. Without analyzing them, these canines can’t grow at the desired rate and may affect the development of bones and other body systems. Diet of a small puppy is different from that of an adult or a senior one. It is because the diet varies as a pup grows. Ratios of a meal amount to be served will also differ from breed to breed and depend on age.
Health Concerns
Feeding a Shih Tzu with an inappropriate amount of calories, carbohydrates, and fats may pose several health threats. If a pup is already suffering from any type of disease, it is crucial for an individual to pay strict attention to the nutritional information of a product that they buy. Puppies of this breed and other small breeds suffer from low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia. In addition, allergies and other food sensitivities must be considered as several dog diets are unsuitable for pooches suffering from such adverse things. Hence, you need to buy the food accordingly, which has balanced levels of proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Calorie Amount
Amount of calories present in a dog food also plays an essential role while selecting the dog food for Shih Tzu. This factor will depend on the physical activities of your pet. It is correlated to their activity level, and you have to assess the same before buying a dog meal. An adult canine doing a fair amount of physical activity requires a higher calorie intake than a whelp that spends most time laying or sleeping. Further, these things which are neutered also need fewer calories.
Kibble Size
Kbble’s size also needs evaluation before deciding to buy appropriate dog food for your Shih Tzu. If you have picked dry dog food, then this aspect needs great consideration. It is necessary to determine a kibble’s dimension. Your loyal buddy will find it easier to chew a larger kibble, but it is not good for its health. Shih Tzu has sensitive stomachs, so if it gets combined with improper chewing, then it can cause digestive distress. Therefore, it is better to purchase a dog meal having small kibbles suitable for this breed’s biting patterns.
Composition and Ingredients
It is important to know the composition and ingredients present in specific dog food. This is because some dog meals contain garlic that can cause the lethal failure of kidneys. Various food items are not suitable for consumption by this breed, and even a small portion may lead to adverse health effects in them. It is better to do detailed research about each ingredient added to dog food to ensure that it is safe for canines and free from artificial colors and preservatives.
Frequently Ask Question
Can Shih Tzu eat oranges?
Yes, a Shih Tzu can eat oranges. A few slices of oranges are beneficial for its health and provide a lot of nutrients.
Can Shih Tzu eat watermelon?
You will be pleased to know that a Shih Tzu can eat watermelon. This can be a nutritious and amazing treat for it on a hot summer day. However, it is better to remove seeds before giving watermelon.
Can Shih Tzu eat pineapple?
A simple answer is yes. Shih Tzus can eat pineapples but in a small amount is preferable. It is an excellent snack for them offering various benefits. You should avoid serving canned pineapple.
Can a Shih Tzu eat bananas?
Shih Tzu can happily eat bananas but in a very small amount because of the high sugar content. Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, copper, vitamins, and biotin which are good for these adorable pets in a small quantity.
What is the best dog food for a Shih Tzu with allergies?
Wellness Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dog Food is the best dog food for a Shih Tzu with allergies. It arrives formulated especially for these breeds that suffer from allergies, ingredient intolerances, and insensitivities.
What is the best dog food for Shih Tzu?
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Dog Food is the best dog food for Shih Tzu. It has all essential nutrients responsible for their better growth and development. From kibble size to easy digestion, this meal is a combo of all necessary traits.
What is the best dry dog food for Shih Tzu?
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for adult breeds is the best dry dog food for Shih Tzu. It is the veterinarian recommended meal that includes fiber, prebiotics, and omega fatty acids. Furthermore, it is good for Shih Tzus with sensitive stomachs and skin.
Are eggs good for Shih Tzus?
Yes, eggs are good for Shih Tzus, as in fact, they are very nutritious for them. But, if your Lap Dogs has a pre-existing condition for diabetes, then it should be given with restrictions. However, this breed must be given a scrambled egg which acts as beneficial for them.
Is cucumber good for Shih Tzus?
Yes, including cucumbers in Shih Tzus diet is good for them. Cucumbers are rich in water and are non-toxic making a diet healthy for these canines.
How to stop a Shih Tzu from eating poop?
To stop a Shih Tzu from eating poop it is best to clean that mess immediately and also give it proper training.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive buying guide, we pointed out the need for providing your dear Shih Tzu with the best dog food that is dry and wet. Every pet parent wants his/her furry friend to remain healthy and grow at a consistent rate. Thus, it becomes essential to analyze different dog diets for Shih Tzu that are available in the market to get the right product from our vast collection. With the help of our listed dog foods for Lap Dogs which are available on Amazon, you can buy a perfect product at a reasonable price and help in a proper growth of your pets.