Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu 2025
Shih Tzus are one of the most charming breeds you’ll ever come across. With their round faces, big eyes, and fluffy coats, these dogs are bursting with energy and affection. They were bred originally in ancient China and Tibet as royal lap dogs, but since then, they’ve won the hearts of pet lovers across the world.
These dogs have a specific set of needs that sets them apart from the usual dog breeds, especially when it comes to their diet. Their small size and sensitive stomachs mean that these dogs are prone to particular health conditions, such as dental health issues, allergies, and joint problems, as they age. This means that choosing the right food can make or break their overall health and happiness.
Luckily for you, there’s a wide range of food options on the market that you can get for your Shih Tzu. This includes everything from dry kibble and wet food to raw and home-cooked diets. Each food type has its pros and cons, so you need to understand what works best for your furry friend. This article will help you find the best dog food for Shih Tzus.
What to Think About When Buying Dog Food for Your Shih Tzu
Understanding the requirements of these dogs, including their food quality, potential allergies, calorie needs, and preferences, can make all the difference in supporting their lifestyle and appearance. Here’s all you’ll need to consider:
Food Quality
As Shih Tzus are small and have a pretty rapid metabolism, it’s important that their food is of the highest possible quality. Feeding low-quality food can lead to undesirable weight gain, malnutrition, and stunted growth.
This means you’ll need to focus on a diet of premium ingredients to support their delicate digestion, skin health, and coat. It should be rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and it should not contain any artificial ingredients.
Food Allergies
The sensitive stomach of a Shih Tzu can often lead to food allergies, which can further cause itchy skin, digestive issues, and general discomfort. Suddenly changing their diet or adding common allergens like certain grains or artificial additives can also cause lethargy and significantly dull their coat. Keep a close eye on what your canine consumes and introduce changes gradually to avoid shocking their system.
Calorie Needs
This dog breed may be small, but they have high energy needs that need to be met with the right balance of calories. Too few calories can leave them feeling sluggish, while too many can lead to obesity and related health issues.
Generally, adult Shih Tzus need about 340 calories a day, whereas more active dogs will need around 540 calories. Make sure to consult your veterinarian to find the best calorie range for your dog’s specific activity level and health.
Special Health Needs of Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are more susceptible to certain health conditions because of their genetic makeup and breeding history. Their short snouts and flat faces look adorable but can often lead to more delicate respiratory systems. Other needs that pet parents have to account for include caring for issues like cataracts, ear infections, degenerative joint diseases, and more.
Life Stage
The transition from puppyhood to adulthood and then into seniority is a critical time for Shih Tzus. Their dietary requirements change according to their life stage. Puppies, for example, will need more nutrients to support their growth and energy, while adults will need more balanced nutrition for maintenance. Seniors usually need lower-calorie diets, around 280 calories a day, with additional joint support.
Wet Versus Dry Food
Shih Tzus can have both wet and dry food, with each type having a different impact on their dental health, energy, and hydration. Easy-to-store dry and crunchy kibble is helpful for removing plaque and fitting into the Shih Tzu’s tiny mouth. On the other hand, wet food is beneficial for improving hydration and is also often more appetizing. You can also choose to mix both kibble and wet food together to get the best of both worlds if your pup enjoys it.
Your Shih Tzu’s Preferences
Shih Tzus can be picky eaters at times, so make sure to pay attention to what they like and dislike. Your dog might prefer certain textures and flavors over others. The more you can recreate what they like, the more they’ll enjoy their meals and get the nutrients they need. This will make feeding time a lot more enjoyable as well.
The Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu
Our team researches popular dog products to provide reviews and insights. If you choose to purchase using the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which helps support our work at no additional cost to you. Now that we’ve covered the essential nutritional needs of Shih Tzus, let’s look at the best dog food you can get for them. Here are our top-rated choices, which we’ve carefully evaluated for quality, ingredients, and suitability for this lovable canine.
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
This small-breed formula combines grain-free kibble with freeze-dried raw pieces, making it an excellent option for Shih Tzus who need added protein and raw nutrition.Key Notes
High-quality, grain-free, ideal for joint health and small breed support.
The Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain Free feed is specially formulated for small dogs like the Shih Tzu. The primary ingredient of this item is cage-free chicken with a focus on nutrients like calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, plus glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It’s also free from grains, artificial colors, and preservatives, making it easy for digestion for puppies all the way through to the senior life stages of your dog. You’ll also find probiotics and omega fatty acids in each package to support gut and coat health regardless of the Shih Tzu’s preferences. Price points for Instinct products are generally high, so you’ll need to consider whether this fits your budget.Pros
- High-quality, cage-free chicken is used
- Grain-free with no artificial colors or preservatives
- Includes raw, freeze-dried pieces for better taste and nutrition
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Probiotics for digestive health
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited quantity of bigger chicken pieces which Shih Tzus might enjoy more
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
This Shih Tzu-specific formula offers targeted nutrition for their unique dietary needs, such as supporting skin, coat, and digestive health.Key Notes
Promotes skin and coat health and supports digestion.
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food is exclusively for purebred Shih Tzus over 10 months old who need meals for easy digestion, coat maintenance, and skin support. This dog food's unique shape is designed to accommodate short muzzles and underbites, making it easier for dogs to eat comfortably. It’s also enriched with omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin, all of which create a soft and shiny coat, while the nutrient complex with EPA and DHA aids in skin health. If your dog lives indoors with you, the high-quality, digestible proteins and targeted fiber content also help reduce stool volume and odor. That said, this dog food is also on the pricier side and is limited to adult Shih Tzus.Pros
- Tailored kibble for Shih Tzu's unique jaw
- Omega fatty acids and biotin for coat health
- Nutrient complex for skin health
- Supports digestion to reduce stool volume and odor
- Backed by over 50 years of breed-specific research by Royal Canin
Cons
- Expensive compared to some dog food brands
- Limited to adult Shih Tzus only
Merrick Lil’ Plates Premium Grain Free Dry Dog Food For Small Dogs
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This is another grain-free, protein-rich formula tailored to small breeds that focuses on digestive health, joint support, and a balanced blend of nutrients for energy and coat health.Key Notes
Grain-free, high in protein, supports joint and digestive health.
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe is another excellent option for small-breed adult dogs. This premium, gluten-free food offers deboned chicken and a perfect balance of protein and healthy fats to help maintain lean muscle mass and steady energy levels in Shih Tzus. The small kibble size is perfect for tiny mouths so that your dog has great dental health and freshening breath. It also has omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for shiny coats and healthy skin and glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. However, you might be able to find similar brands on the market that offer the same benefits at a lower price.Pros
- Small kibble size for senior Shih Tzus
- Balanced minerals support heart and kidney health
- Omega-6 and vitamin E for enhancing coat and skin
- Easily digestible for energy maintenance in older dogs
- #1 vet-recommended senior dog food
Cons
- Limited to small-breed adult dogs
- Some Shih Tzus might prefer a different form of protein
- Cheaper alternatives are available
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken, Brown Rice, & Barley Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This package provides senior small-breed dogs with easily digestible, balanced nutrition that is made for aging needs like supporting heart, kidney, skin, and coat health.Key Notes
Made particularly for senior small breeds, it supports heart and kidney health and is rich in omega-6 and vitamin E.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Dry Dog Food is the perfect meal for Shih Tzus aged 7 and older. It includes easily digestible chicken, brown rice, and barley, along with balanced minerals and omega-6 fatty acids with vitamin E. It is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients and is often recommended by veterinarians for small dogs that enjoy smaller kibble sizes. However, keep in mind that lower-fat options are available, which may be more beneficial for dogs with obesity or liver disease.Pros
- Small kibble designed for senior Shih Tzus
- Balanced minerals for heart and kidney support
- Omega-6 and vitamin E for healthy skin and coat
- Easy to digest for maintaining energy in older dogs
Cons
- Limited to small, senior breeds only
- Might not suit picky eaters
- Might not be the ideal choice for dogs suffering from obesity or liver disease
Nature′s Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This is the perfect budget-friendly, wholesome meal with quality protein, digestive support, and immune health benefits tailored for small dogs like Shih Tzus.Key Notes
Grain-free, fiber-rich for digestion, affordable and nutritious.
Nature's Recipe Grain Free Small Breed Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe is a much more budget-friendly option for small dogs while remaining incredibly nutrient-rich. It uses real chicken along with sweet potatoes and pumpkin as carbohydrate sources instead of grains. The omega-6 fatty acids from chicken fat are great for the dog’s skin and coat. Similarly, antioxidants like zinc and vitamin E help build up a stronger immune system for your furry friends. Some users may find the smell of this food less pleasant, but overall, it's a good choice for those seeking affordable nutrition.Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Real chicken and grain-free, with sweet potato and pumpkin for easy digestion
- Omega-6 and vitamin E for skin health and immunity
- Taurine for cardiovascular health
Cons
- Noticeable odor may be disturbing
- Limited flavors for picky eaters
- May not suit more active small breeds that need higher protein and fat levels
Your Guide to Buying Dog Food for Shih Tzus
Feeding your Shih Tzu is a journey where you continually strive to provide them with the best nutrition specific to their needs so that they can live a long and fulfilling life. This section holds all the answers to frequently asked questions about feeding Shih Tzus, covering everything from portion sizes to handling common food-related health concerns.
How Do I Introduce New Food to My Shih Tzu?
As we mentioned above, introducing new food to Shih Tzus can be a tricky process that can easily upset their stomachs. Make sure that the transition is gradual by mixing about 25% of the new food with their current food and slowly increasing the new food’s ratio over 7-10 days. This will help prevent gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea.
What Nutrients Are Most Important for My Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are energetic little creatures that thrive on a balanced diet rich in protein and omega fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are particularly beneficial to help with such breeds that have more sensitive skin.
Fiber and probiotics are also crucial to aid digestion and combat constipation and bloating. Look for foods that are formulated with these nutrients to support your Shih Tzu’s health from the inside out.
How Much Should I Feed My Shih Tzu Each Day?
Given their small size, Shih Tzus require smaller, more frequent meals to maintain their energy levels. Divide their daily food intake into two to three meals to prevent blood sugar drops and avoid overeating. We also recommend checking the feeding guidelines on every dog food bag and consulting your vet to determine the correct portions based on your Shih Tzu’s weight and activity level.
What Are Common Food Allergies in Shih Tzus?
Shih Tzus are somewhat prone to food allergies, with sensitivities to ingredients like corn, soy, or grains. You’ll be able to tell that your furry friend is having an allergic reaction if they have excessive itching, ear infections, and digestive issues. If your Shih Tzu shows these symptoms, immediately talk to your vet about switching to a limited-ingredient diet or a grain-free formula.
How Can I Prevent Obesity in My Shih Tzu?
The simple solution to prevent obesity is to monitor your Shih Tzu’s portion sizes, avoid overfeeding treats, and engage them in daily activity. As long as you check your pup’s weight regularly, you’ll get a good handle on their health and can adjust feeding amounts as needed.
Selecting the Right Dog Food for Shih Tzus
Selecting the best dog food for your Shih Tzu is vital to ensure your fur baby’s health, energy, and happiness throughout their life. These dogs have unique dietary needs, and it’s important for you to choose high-quality foods that support them. As you explore the options linked in this article, we recommend that you keep your vet involved at every stage. The better your Shih Tzu's nutrition plan fits their needs, the healthier and happier they’ll be!