What is the best food to give a Shih Tzu

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 20, 2024

Contributions sourced from

5 Best Dog Foods For Shih Tzus (2024)

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus

The charming Shih Tzu, a breed that was once exclusively reserved to provide canine companionship for Chinese royalty, is a much-loved family pet. Highly prized for its sophisticated appearance, the Shih Tzu is an amiable little breed that loves to have fun. To keep pace with the Shih Tzus daily needs, this breed requires a high-quality diet that is based upon lean, healthy proteins and that is well-balanced to meet this dogs nutritional requirements perfectly.

A breed that can suffer from stomach issues, a highly digestible food formulation that is enriched with prebiotics and probiotics is ideal for the Shih Tzu. The best dog foods for Shih Tzus include fiber-rich foods to support digestion.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus are busy little creatures and benefit from a diet that fuels their daily activity levels. The average adult Shih Tzu requires between 300 and 500 calories per day. Moderately active dogs fall towards the bottom of the spectrum with dogs that engage in rigorous daily exercise requiring the most calories. Whether the dog is spayed or neutered will also impact the recommended calorie intake. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information.

Shih Tzus are well renowned for eating far past the point of satiation if allowed to do so. To prevent weight gain from occurring, it is best to carefully measure the best dog food for Shih Tzus and monitor all intake. Free feeding is strongly discouraged.

The ideal diet for the Shih Tzu should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. The total amount of food for the day should be divided between two to three meals that are fed throughout the day to keep hunger at bay.

Dietary Requirements for Shih Tzu Dog Foods

The Shih Tzu will do best on a diet that is based on high-quality, lean proteins derived from animal origins. Whole meats are the ideal protein source; however, meat meals are also an excellent choice.

Though Shih Tzus do suffer from stomach sensitivity on occasion, they are not prone to skin issues as some other breeds are. To ensure the Shih Tzu can process and utilize their food well, any carbohydrate included in their diet should be easily digestible; whether it is derived from a fruit, vegetable, or whole grain.

Healthy fats are an important means by which the Shih Tzu obtains energy to fuel its daily activity and development. As an added bonus, fats help the Shih Tzus coat and skin to remain in excellent condition. The ideal source for healthy fats is animal-based such as chicken fat or oils from salmon or mackerel.

The best dog foods for Shih Tzus often contain supplements to support important body functions such as digestion and heart health.

Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Shih Tzu:

Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list

Protein should be the primary ingredient in any diet that is suited to the Shih Tzus needs. Whole, lean meats are preferred but meal meals are also acceptable.

Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements

The addition of helpful supplements can greatly aid the Shih Tzus health and wellness. Among the most desirable items to look for in a food for the Shih Tzu are glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food

All foods appropriate for the Shih Tzu should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.

Shih Tzu Feeding Guidelines

The Best Food for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs

Now that we've covered what to avoid and what you want your Shih Tzu's food to have, let's look at some of our top recommendations.

The following meet every single requirement for a top-quality, superior dog food, and go above and beyond. With any of these, you can feel 100% confident that you are offering top-notch meals.

With grains:

Merrick Classic Recipe for Small Breeds

The #1 ingredient is chicken meat. Other ingredients include turkey, salmon (great for omega-3 and 6), chicken liver, carrots, blueberries (great source of antioxidants), chia seed, oatmeal, and apples. This has a unique blend of healthy grains: brown rice, barley, and quinoa (super healthy) all 3 of which tend to be very well tolerated.

There is no soy or corn, this has all of the recommended vitamins and minerals, and there is zero artificial coloring and zero chemical preservatives. This is considered a top-quality brand, is sized for small dogs, and is made in the USA.

Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds

This is an excellent option, containing ingredients like turkey, chicken, oatmeal, salmon, flaxseed, brown rice, barley, peas, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. These components provide essential nutrients, including omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and well-tolerated grains. It's free from fillers, corn, soy, wheat, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, and chemical preservatives.

The puppy formula includes DHA for cognitive development, while the senior formula, suitable for Shih Tzu dogs aged 8 and up, contains added glucosamine and chondroitin. Designed for small breeds, the kibble size is perfect for little dogs, and it's manufactured in the USA.

Halo Natural for Small Breeds - Chicken and Liver

This organic dog food is a top recommendation for its high-quality, natural ingredients. It features antibiotic and hormone-free chicken, cage-free chickens, non-GMO vegetables and fruits, with no processed foods. Free from artificial colors, flavors, and with all-natural preservatives, Halo is known for its easily digestible food, beneficial for a Shih Tzu's stomach.

The formula includes chicken, eggs, chicken liver, salmon, peas, oats, vegetable broth, pearled barley, flaxseed, sweet potato, apples, blueberries, green beans, carrots, cranberries, and zucchini, offering a nutritious blend of vegetables and fruits. Additional ingredients are vitamins, minerals, and plant-based preservatives.

Manufactured in the USA, Halo sources some vegetables from Canada and New Zealand, known for their stringent safety standards.

Grain-free:

Please note: If you jumped down to this section but want to read the latest update regarding grain-free dog food, jump back a bit to 'What about grain-free?'.

If you do wish to go with a grain-free recipe, this is one of the best.CORE is a simple recipe with traditional meats that only includes wholesome foods: turkey, chicken, spinach, peas, potatoes, flaxseed, salmon oil, broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, kale, and sweet potatoes. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve or flavor the food or are added vitamins or minerals.

There are no fillers, by-products, corn, soy, or wheat. And there are zero artificial flavoring, coloring, or chemical preservatives. This also hashealthy omega fatty acids, antioxidants, botanicals, glucosamine and chondroitin, and probiotics. This is ideally sized for a pleasant eating experience and, of course, this is made in the USA.

Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Small Breed

This is a budget-friendly grain-free option for your Shih Tzu, free from the 16 FDA-listed DCM-related brands. It offers tasty recipes like Salmon & Whitefish, Chicken & Turkey, and Poultry-free Pork, Beef & Lamb. It's 100% natural, with no artificial additives or fillers, made in the USA, and includes essential vitamins and minerals.

Unlock the Best Nutrition for Your Shih Tzu: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food for Your FurBaby

By Everything Shih Tzu December 28, 2022

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Shih Tzus are small but mighty, and to keep them healthy and happy, their diet and nutrition needs to be top-notch.

A balanced diet for a Shih Tzu should include protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals.

With the right food, you can ensure your fur-baby stays happy and healthy for many years.

This article will cover everything you need to know about the best food for your Shih Tzu, including nutritional requirements, benefits, and more.

So, keep reading to unlock the best nutrition for your Shih Tzu!

The Benefits of Feeding Your Shih Tzu the Nutritional Diet

When it comes to your pup's health, providing a balanced diet is fundamental.

Feeding your Shih Tzu a balanced diet high in nutrition will help ensure that they get all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.

Here are just some of the benefits of feeding your dog,a well-balanceddiet:

helps boost their immune system
improve their digestion
provide them with the energy they need to stay active and playful
keep them looking and feeling their best
helping them live a longer, healthier life

Now that you've learned about some of the advantages of a nutritionally balanced diet for your dog, the next step is to learn about the nutritional requirements.

Understanding Your Shih Tzu's Nutritional Requirements

When it comes to understanding your pup's nutritional requirements, there are a few things to consider.

First, your Shih Tzu's age is important.

Puppies need more calories and nutrients than adult Shih Tzus, so choosing a food specifically designed for puppies is necessary.

Second, you need to consider your pup's activity level.

If your dog is very active, they may need more calories than a dog that spends most of their time lounging around.

Finally, you need to consider any health issues your pup may have.

If your dog has a health condition, you must talk to your vet about the best food for your pup's specific needs.

So, what are the nutritional requirements for dogs?

The nutritional requirements for dogs vary by age and breed, but in general, a balanced diet should include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Proteins are essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
Carbohydrates provide energy and help the body absorb vitamins and minerals.
Fats provide energy and help keep the coat healthy.
Vitamins help maintain healthy vision, skin, bones, and teeth.
Minerals are essential for metabolism and hormone balance.
Finally, water is vital for keeping the body hydrated.

Now that you are aware of the essential nutrients for your dog's diet, you will have a better understanding of how to create a balanced diet.

Creating a Balanced Diet for Your Shih Tzu

When creating a balanced diet for your Shih Tzu, it's important to include all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy and active.

A good place to start is with a high-quality dry food made specifically for small breeds. This kind of food usually has the right amounts of proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Additionally, you can supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean proteins such as boiled chicken or fish.

If you want to provide the even better nutrition for your dog, you could also look for a food that is low in fat, high in protein, and contains no fillers or artificial ingredients.

Also, to make sure your dog receives all the nutrients they require, look for a food that contains essential vitamins and minerals.

When preparing homemade dog food, lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish are excellent sources of protein.

For carbohydrates, whole grains, starchy vegetables, and fruits are all good choices.

Essential fatty acids can be found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed.

Vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can be found in numerous foods, including eggs, dairy products, and leafy greens.

If you don't have the time or energy to cook for your dog, consider having fresh food delivered to your door by companies such as The Farmers Dog.

Finally, always make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water so they can stay hydrated.

Choosing the Best Dog Food for Your Shih Tzu

When determining which dog food is best for your Shih Tzu, its essential to consider their age, size, and activity level.

Puppies and senior dogs may require different types of food than adult dogs.

Additionally, smaller breeds may need smaller kibble sizes to make sure they can chew and digest the food properly.

When selecting a dry food, look for one that is specifically designed for small breeds and contains quality ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.

Also, it is very important that you learn to read the label to make sure it has all the essential nutrients your Shih Tzu needs to stay healthy.

The Best Food for Shih Tzu: Dry, Canned, and Raw

When it comes to the best food for a Shih Tzu, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Every dog is unique and has different dietary needs.

The best diet for your Shih Tzu will depend on their age, activity level, health status and any allergies they may have.

Generally, the three most common types of food for a Shih Tzu are dry kibble, canned food and raw diets.

Dry Kibble:

Dry kibble is a convenient and cost-effective option for feeding your Shih Tzu.

Look for high quality kibble that contains natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives or flavorings.

Make sure to check the guaranteed analysis on the label to ensure that it contains enough protein and fat for your pups needs.

Canned Food:

Canned food can be a great alternative to dry kibble as it typically contains more moisture which can be beneficial for your pups health.

When choosing canned foods look for ones that are made with natural ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives or flavors.

Additionally, make sure to check the guaranteed analysis on the label to make sure it meets your pups nutritional needs.

Raw Diet:

A raw diet consists of uncooked meats, vegetables, fruits and other whole foods that are not processed or heated above 118F (48C).

This type of diet can be beneficial as it mimics what dogs would eat in the wild but can also come with risks if not done properly such as bacteria contamination or nutritional deficiencies so make sure to do plenty of research before starting this type of diet with your pup.

Overall, choosing the best food for your Shih Tzu comes down to finding one that meets their individual needs while also being safe and nutritious.

All three types of food (dry kibble, canned food and raw diets) can provide benefits but it's also important to know how much to feed your Shih Tzu.

How Much Food Should a Shih Tzu Eat Per Day

When it comes to feeding your Shih Tzu, providing the ideal amount of food is key.

The amount of food your dog needs will depend on how old they are, how active they are, and how healthy they are.

Generally speaking, a Shih Tzu should eat between 1/2 to 1 cup of food per day.

However, it's always a good idea to consult with your vet if you are still unsure of the exact amount of food for pup needs each day.

Supplements and Treats for Your Shih Tzu

A healthy diet is essential for your Shih Tzu, but you can also give them treats and supplements to round out their diet.

The skin and coat of your dog can be kept in good condition with the help of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids.

Treats, such as freeze-dried meat or fruit, are another option for rewarding your canine companion when training.

Just be sure to limit your intake of treats to a reasonable amount.

Dog Food and Allergies

It may surprise you to learn that some dog foods can actually make trigger an allergic reaction in dogs.

Some dog foods can cause allergies in your dog because they contain ingredients that are not compatible with their digestive system.

Some of the most common allergens in dog food are beef, chicken, dairy, eggs, wheat, grain and soy.

Your pet may have an allergic reaction to some or even all of these ingredients, which can lead to itchy skin and scratching,stomach problems, and other health issues.

If your pet has a known allergy to any of these ingredients or if you suspect they may have an allergy, it is important to read the label of any dog food you give them to ensure that it does not contain any of these allergens.

Talk to your vet about putting your pet on a hypoallergenic diet if you think it might have a food allergy.

10 Tips for Feeding Your Shih Tzu

A healthy, well-balanced diet is important for your dog's health, but there are a few other to keep in mind.

1. Make sure you feed your dog at the same time every day. This will help them maintain regular eating habits and digestion.

2. Feed your dog a high-quality diet that is specifically designed for their age, size, and activity level.

3. Always provide fresh water for your dog to drink throughout the day.

4.Don't leave food out all day; offer fresh food and only enough for one sitting. This helps to reduce overeating and weight gain, as well as preventing them from eating food that has gone bad.

5. Divide meals into two or three smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal; this will help them digest their food better and avoid bloating or gas issues.

6. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps as these can be unhealthy and cause digestive issues or weight gain if fed in excess amounts or too frequently

7. Avoid feeding your dog foods that are high in sugar, salt, or fat; these ingredients can be unhealthy for dogs over time if consumed in excess amounts

8. If youre considering adding treats to your dogs diet, make sure they are low-calorie, healthy options like fruits and vegetables

9. Feed your dog in a quiet, stress-free environment.

10. Monitor your dogs eating habits; if they are not eating enough or seem to have less energy than usual, consult with your veterinarian

In addition to these ten important tips, make sure you always keep up with regular checkups with your veterinarian to ensure that all of your dog's dietary needs are being met.

Lastly, be sure you stay informed about food recalls from the FDA website (https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals), as there have been many recently due to contamination issues throughout the United States!

Bottom Line

Providing your Shih Tzu with the best nutrition is vital for their health and happiness.

With the right food, you can ensure your pup is getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need.

The best way to ensure that your pet is getting the nutrients they need is to read the label of any dog food you feed them.

When choosing a commercial dog food, look for one that is specifically formulated for small-breed dogs like Shih Tzus, as they have different nutritional requirements than larger breeds.

Look for high-quality ingredients, avoid fillers and check the guaranteed analysis for protein, fat and fiber levels.

If your pet has any known allergies, make sure to avoid foods with those ingredients as well.

If you still are unsure what to feed your dog, consult with your veterinarian.

Your vet can help you determine which type of food and ingredients are best suited for your pups individual needs.

Additionally, you should also research various brands of dog foods and read reviews from other pet owners to get an idea of what works best for them.

With a bit of research and care, you can make sure that your furry friend is getting the nutrition they need!

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. It is important to consult with a licensed veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations based on a specific dog's individual health status and needs.