The Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu in 2022
- The Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu
- 1. Wellness Small Breed Complete Heal
- 2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed
- 3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws
- 4. CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, and Fish
- 5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Canned Dog Food
- 6. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Formula
- 7. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula
- 8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe
- 9. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Toy Breed Formula
- 10. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Formula
Shih Tzu dogs are known for being finicky with their food, which makes them difficult for their owners to cater for. Luckily, there are a good number of dog food brands out there that have tried to create the best dog food for Shih Tzu pups to eat! Though some are catered directly towards the Shih Tzu dog, others are suitable for all small breeds that want the best dog foods in the industry.
Below, you'll find a production selection of 10 of the best dog foods out there for Shih Tzus. These different dog foods promote healthy skin, include high-quality protein ingredients, and will help keep your Shih Tzu's coat looking perfect.
The Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu
1. Wellness Small Breed Complete Heal
Key Features
Calories per cup: 408kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 28%
Crude Fat minimum: 16%
Crude Fiber maximum: 4%
Moisture content maximum: 10%
The first five ingredients are deboned turkey, chicken meal, salmon meal, oatmeal, and chicken fat
This Complete Health dry dog food from Wellness is made specifically for small breed adult dogs. Made in the USA, it’s marketed as a natural food for dogs, and is crafted using the finest ingredients sourced from across the globe. There are absolutely no fillers in this dry food, nor are there any meat by-products. It’s a turkey recipe where dog owners don’t need to worry about any turkey meal making it into their Shih Tzu’s diet! There is, however, chicken and salmon meal in the ingredients list. Thankfully, both come after the number one ingredient – which is deboned turkey.
The balance of ingredients in this kibble ensures that your cross or pure breed Shih Tzus are getting the right nutrition. Wellness has included flaxseed in this product, which is rich in omega fatty acids, and will ensure that your pup has a shiny, healthy coat of fur.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed
Key Features
Calories per cup: 397kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 26%
Crude Fat minimum: 15%
Crude Fiber maximum: 4%
Moisture content maximum: 10%
The first five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley
Noted as being healthy and holistic, Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula dry dog food is designed for adult dogs that are small dog breeds. The chicken and brown rice recipe is a classic one for dogs, though brown rice can be a little harder for dogs to digest than white – it’s usually used in dog food because brown rice is healthier. Both major types of rice have their positives and their negatives, but having brown rice in a natural dog food product isn’t anything out of the norm.
The benefit of small breeds eating this particular dry food is that the high-quality protein of the food helps it meet the energy requirements that small breed dog foods need in order to keep up with energetic toy dogs. In addition to that, the omega fatty acids in this kibble promote coat health, skin health, and they’re small bites of food that Shih Tzus will be able to easily eat.
There’s also added Glucosamine in this food, which is perfect for joint health!
3. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws
Key Features
Calories per cup: 371kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 20%
Crude Fat minimum: 12.5%
Crude Fiber maximum: 4%
Moisture content maximum: 10%
The first five ingredients are chicken meal, Brewers rice, whole grain wheat, soybean meal, and whole grain sorghum
Made with dogs that have sensitive stomachs in mind, Hill’s Science Diet is tailored for small and toy breed dogs – just like Shih Tzu dogs. This product is another chicken and rice recipe, but it uses white rice, which is easier for small dogs to digest. When choosing food for Shih Tzus, owners should be aware of their predisposition for stomach issues. That means that the best Shih Tzu food will be one that is digestible, easy on the stomach, and doesn’t contain any unfortunate products.
Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws is for adult dogs that are between the ages of 1 and 6. Though it contains chicken meal as its first ingredient, it doesn’t contain chicken by-product meal, so the kibble isn’t too unhealthy. That said, it would be best to combine this kibble with a quality wet dog food that avoids meal products altogether.
4. CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, and Fish
Key Features
Calories per cup: 468kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 24%
Crude Fat minimum: 14.5%
Crude Fiber maximum: 4%
Moisture content maximum: 10%
The first five ingredients are chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, and white rice
A wonderful product from CANIDAE that is created for households that have more than one dog. Multi-dog households are a difficult challenge for pet owners because it’s likely that they have dogs that are different ages and breeds. If you have Shih Tzus in your home, they’ll benefit from the multi-protein formula of this dry dog food. Small breeds like Shih Tzus need joint support, too, which they’ll get with the added Glucosamine and Chondroitin in this food.
If you’re looking for the best food for Shih Tzu puppy dogs that make their home with other breeds, sizes, and ages of dog, you’ve found it. This product is vet formulated, suitable for puppies, adult dogs, and canines in their senior years. It contains absolutely no unnecessary fillers; no wheat, corn, soy, or any unhealthy by-products. CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb is one of 5 recipes included in our review of Canidae Dog Food.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Canned Dog Food
Key Features
Calories per can: 166kcal
Crude Protein minimum: 5.2%
Crude Fat minimum: 3%
Crude Fiber maximum: 1.5%
Moisture content maximum: 78%
The first five ingredients are water, chicken, pork liver, whole grain corn, and cracked pearled barley
Our second product from Hill’s Science Diet is their chicken and barley canned wet food. A great Shih Tzu food, these little cans are suitable for “small paws” or small breeds of dog. There’s a good amount of lean protein in each serving of this canned dog food, which will assist your Shih Tzu’s body in their adult years.
There are many recognizable ingredients within the ingredients list of this product, which will put dog owners’ minds at ease when they’re shopping for dog food for Shih Tzu pups that they have at home. The ingredients list of dog foods is often confusing, but there’s very little on this list that the average person wouldn’t recognize.
The top ingredient for this canned wet food is water, which makes this the best food for Shih Tzu dogs because of their tendency to get UTIs.
6. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Formula
Key Features
Calories per cup: 355kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 26%
Crude Fat minimum: 16%
Crude Fiber maximum: 3.6%
Moisture content maximum: 10%
The first five ingredients are Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, corn, chicken fat, and wheat gluten
An excellent example of the best puppy food for Shih Tzus, this version of Royal Canin’s dry dog food is made specifically for Shih Tzus, rather than being a catch-all dog food for all small puppy breeds. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food is formulated just for Shih Tzus, so that these toy breed dogs can thrive just as well as other puppies. The kibble is even shaped so that Shih Tzus can eat it with their short muzzles. This breed has an underbite, which can make picking up and chewing dry food a little more difficult – but Royal Canin has solved that problem with their kibble shape and texture.
The nutrients in this Shih Tzu dog food are designed to reinforce your dog’s skin barrier, promote better skin health, and give them a healthier-looking fur coat. Once your pup is old enough, you can start transitioning them over to the adult Shih Tzu dog food that Royal Canin offers.
7. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula
Key Features
Calories per cup: 345kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 27%
Crude Fat minimum: 16%
Crude Fiber maximum: 3%
Moisture content maximum: 10%
The first five ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, and grain sorghum
Made with the highest quality ingredients available, Diamond Naturals has formulated their own version of the well-loved chicken and rice recipe for adult dogs of the small breed dog group. When looking for a dog food for Shih Tzus, you may consider this dry dog food that contains the vital nutrients needed to keep your pup happy and healthy.
There are several highly nutritious ingredients in Diamond Naturals’ small breed kibble, including several that provide necessary antioxidants and vitamins for your dog. This is a dog food for Shih Tzus that has a more holistic approach to dining than your typical, off-the-shelf dog food.
8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe
Key Features
Calories per cup: 412kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 36%
Crude Fat minimum: 15%
Crude Fiber maximum: 5%
Moisture content maximum: 10%
The first five ingredients are deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, lentils, and peas
Another excellent product from Wellness is their Core Small Breed kibble. This grain-free recipe is rich in protein, formulated for high-energy breeds like Shih Tzus and other small breed dogs, and contains no meat by-products or filler ingredients! It’s a great all-rounder if you’re looking for a grain-free dog food alternative. Many dog owners are now choosing to offer their canines grain-free products because of the apparent benefits.
In addition to being grain-free, Wellness’ Core kibble product works well as a dog food for Shih Tzu dogs because of the added taurine. Taurine promotes cardiac health, supports your dog’s immune system, and aids your pup’s eye health. Taurine is a vital part of any dog’s diet because a taurine deficiency can cause heart conditions in canines.
9. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Toy Breed Formula
Key Features
Calories per cup: 533kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 34%
Crude Fat minimum: 20%
Crude Fiber maximum: 3%
Moisture content maximum: 12%
The first five ingredients are chicken, corn gluten meal, rice, poultry by-product meal, and beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols
Need some dry dog food for Shih Tzu puppies? Purina’s Pro Plan range is a household brand of dog food that is suitable for pups that are under a year old. This recipe includes DHA, which is used to promote healthy brain and vision development in dogs. It also has a guaranteed amount of live probiotics – now, probiotics are often given as supplements to humans who have digestive issues. They’re used in the same way for dogs. Shih Tzus are a breed of dog who often suffer from gastrointestinal upset, which means that having live probiotics in their food could really help with that.
This kibble is formulated for the needs of toy breed dogs, who are often extremely active and high-energy. There’s plenty of good quality protein in the ingredients of this food, too, so you can be sure that your pup is getting everything they need in each serving of Pro Plan’s special toy breed puppy food.
10. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Formula
Key Features
Calories per cup: 355kcals
Crude Protein minimum: 22%
Crude Fat minimum: 18%
Crude Fiber maximum: 4.3%
Moisture content maximum: 10%
The first five ingredients are Brewers rice, brown rice, chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, and oat groats
The third Royal Canin product on this list, this Royal Canin kibble was created with Shih Tzus in mind! Royal Canin designed their Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food to meet all of the nutritional needs of any purebred Shih Tzu that had reached adult age. Dog owners can feed their Shih Tzu puppy this kibble as of their 10th month, knowing that their dog is eating food that was crafted for their exact breed. The kibble, itself, is designed in a way that Shih Tzus can eat it without their underbite causing problems.
Help your dog keep their coat and skin healthy with the omega fatty acids in this food. The complex nutrients are sure to aid your dog’s growth as they enter their adult years, and all of the ingredients are easy for Shih Tzus to digest.
Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu Buying Guide & FAQ
When searching for the best dog food for Shih Tzu pups, there are a few things that you should take into account to make sure you're buying the best Shih Tzu puppy food or adult dog food available. Unfortunately, not all dog food is created equal, and many of the cheaper dog foods out there have filler ingredients that aren't healthy for dogs to eat.
What to Look for When Buying Dog Food for Shih Tzu
When you're on the search for a quality Shih Tzu food, avoid picking up any old dog food from your local corner store. Shih Tzus are small dogs that are prone to UTIs, and as such, they need a specific kind of diet for their sensitive stomachs and other health conditions.
Your Shih Tzu's diet should mainly consist of wet food to ensure that they are getting enough moisture in the diet to help prevent dehydration and UTIs. Because of the higher moisture content of wet dog food, your Shih Tzu dog will be able to stay hydrated throughout the day. The downside to wet food is that it's often less nutritious than dry food because of its higher moisture content. Shih Tzu owners should be aware of their dog's food and water intake each day to be sure that they're getting enough liquid.
Nutritional Value
On the note of the nutritional value of food that is made for small dog breed pups like Shih Tzus, it's important for dog owners to understand that a balanced diet is a vital part of your dog's health. Balanced nutrition means that your pup will be healthy, provided that they're getting daily exercise and don't have any underlying health conditions that aren't being treated.
For humans, we can just take a quick glance at the back of any package of food and figure out whether or not it's healthy enough for us to eat. A lot of food companies now have a traffic light system on their products, too, which means that it takes mere seconds for a shopper to know if something is bad for them.
Dog food is a bit more complex. There's no one out there advocating for better nutrition labels on dog food products. To get an idea of the quality of a small breed dog food, you'll need to look at the guaranteed analysis. This analysis, often found on the back of every dry food and wet food product, informs owners about the nutritional make-up of that product. This should cover the calories, protein, fat, fiber, and moisture content, as well as which vitamins and minerals are included in the food. For a healthy dog, you'll want protein to be the highest number on that list, and there should also be some mention of omega fatty acids included on the packaging.
While checking over the nutrition, you'll want to read over the ingredients list. Dog food ingredients can be extremely telling, and reading them can tell you whether the food is full of fillers and general fats rather than quality ingredients and healthy fat sources.
Quality Ingredients
Any dog food product that you let your Shih Tzus eat should contain as many quality ingredients as possible. Small breeds are prone to obesity and all of the health conditions that come along with a dog gaining too much weight. Because of their small size, Shih Tzu breeds are likely to put on weight if they're eating high-calorie food. Filler ingredients are often high in calories, unhealthy, and - in some cases - can be dangerous for your dog to consume.
Great ingredients to look for include:
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Fermented vegetables
- Eggs
- White rice (not brown rice, it's harder to digest)
- Deboned chicken (and other deboned meat products, including lean ground beef, etc.)
- Salmon oil
- Oats
In terms of vitamins, minerals, and other added supplements, it's great if you can find a dog food that includes Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a range of Vitamins (at least C and E, but as many as possible would be preferable).
Price per Serving
The other thing you should definitely look at when buying dog food for Shih Tzus is the price per serving of food. It's no good buying an expensive organic, grain-free dog food if you only get a few days of meals out of your purchase. Budget matters when you're trying to keep your dog healthy, and your budget is even more important if you have a household with multiple pets.
Cheaper dog foods may seem like an enticing option, but the filler ingredients make them such an unhealthy option for your dog. It's better, where possible, to spend just a little more and get a quality dog food. If your budget is super tight, we recommend supplementing your dog's usual food with small amounts of fresh fruit, vegetables, rice, and boiled chicken. Just because you feel like your budget is low doesn't mean your dog's diet will be full of fillers and meat by-products (even if they're a picky eater!).
Ingredients to Avoid Feeding Your Shih Tzu
- Any meat by-product (like chicken by-product)
- Meal (such as chicken meal, lamb meal, turkey meal, etc.)
- Unspecified meat products that are just listed as "meat"
- Animal fat (chicken fat, etc.)
- Animal bones
- Onion
- Garlic
- Whole avocado (the pit can be toxic for dogs, but avocado oil is fine)
- Corn, cornflour
- Wheat, wheat flour
- Soy, soy flour
- BHA and BHT
- Ethoxyquin
- Propylene Glycol
- Sodium Selenite
- Food dyes, corn syrup, additives
- Sugar
Also, avoid any ingredients that could set off your dog's food allergies. Common intolerances and allergies for small breed dogs like Shih Tzus are:
- Wheat
- Corn
- Soy
- Eggs
- Food additives
- Some proteins
Unfortunately, Shih Tzu dogs have had allergies to all meats in the past, but you won't really know what your dog is allergic or intolerant to until you try to feed them something new. You can identify a food allergy or intolerance by the way that your puppy or adult dog acts after they've eaten. They may scratch, heave, vomit, shake, or have an upset stomach.
FAQ
Q: How much dog food should I feed my Shih Tzu?
The average Shih Tzu really won't eat much. The amount of food for Shih Tzus will vary, depending on their age, but they're still a toy breed of dog. Shih Tzu puppies will eat around half a cup of dog food to one cup of dog food each day. An adult Shih Tzu eats a little more - around 3/4 of a cup to two cups each day. A senior Shih Tzu will eat around the same as a young adult Shih Tzu.
Q: What’s the best dog food for a Shih Tzu puppy?
For Shih Tzu puppies, be sure to choose a dog food that is suitable for their age and weight. Puppies expend a lot of energy, and they grow fast. Their diet needs to be able to keep up with them! Of the dog food products that we've mentioned in this post, these would be the best dog foods to feed a Shih Tzu puppy: CANIDAE All Life Stages, Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy, or Purina Pro Plan Puppy Toy Breed.
Q: What is best for Shih Tzu wet or dry food?
Wet food is typically better to feed a Shih Tzu because they're prone to UTIs, but that doesn't mean that you should forego feeding your dog any dry food. A balanced diet is best for any dog, just make sure your Shih Tzu is drinking enough water, too.
Q: Is Egg good for Shih Tzu?
Eggs are a great source of protein for many dog breeds. The average Shih Tzu shouldn't have any issues digesting eggs, but some Shih Tzus are intolerant or sensitive to them. As with any "human" food, try feeding your Shih Tzu breed dog just a little bit of cooked egg first.
Q: Is rice good for Shih Tzu?
Rice is one of many human foods that dogs can eat with no issues. In the case of a dog that often gets upset stomachs, rice can be helpful because it is easy to digest. Some dogs can be picky eaters, though, and they may not enjoy eating plain rice. White rice is usually recommended instead of brown rice.
Q: Is chicken bad for Shih Tzu?
Not at all! Chicken should be a healthy dog food alternative for any small dog breeds in your home. Like eggs, though, some Shih Tzus have shown sensitivity to chicken, but this isn't a common thing. Only feed your dog cooked, boiled chicken, and introduce it into their diet a small piece at a time. By doing this, you can see whether or not your dog is going to badly react to the new food.
Q: Why won't My Shih Tzu eat?
If your Shih Tzu is refusing to eat their food (and it's something new that you haven't seen them eat before), you probably have a picky eater on your hands. Dogs that are picky eaters will outright refuse to eat the food that's been given to them, especially when they know it isn't their usual food. If the food isn't new, you should know that a lot of various health conditions and illnesses can cause decreased appetite in a small breed of dog. Try switching back to your dog's original pet food before seeking veterinary advice.
Q: How do I get my Shih Tzu to eat more?
As one of the toy breeds known for being picky with their food, you'll need to be able to withstand your dog's whines and requests for human foods. Dogs know that if they ignore their own food long enough, their human will eventually start feeding them the good stuff from the fridge. Instead of giving in to your dog's demands, try switching pet food or buying something like a kibble topper to make their food more interesting.
Take a look at our guide on Dog Food Toppers.
Q: Can Shih Tzu eat bananas?
As a small breed that is likely to get bladder and urinary tract infections, bananas are an excellent type of fresh food to feed your Shih Tzu. Bananas can help to prevent UTIs, boost your dog's immune system, and they can promote proper bone growth in Shih Tzu puppies and other young small dogs.
Q: Is oatmeal good for Shih Tzu?
Oatmeal is easy on the stomach for humans, but it's still a heavy food. For dogs, you'll want to limit yourself to around one tablespoon of this cooked dish per 20 pounds of your dog's body weight. The average adult Shih Tzu weighs between 9 and 16 pounds, so they can't even have a full spoon of oatmeal. A 10lb Shih Tzu can eat half a tablespoon of cooked oatmeal.