Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzus
Dogs are a man’s best friend, and there is no doubt that Shih Tzu make great pets. These little dogs are full of personality and love, and they require a lot of care to stay healthy and happy.
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Chihuahuas
- Top 10 Best Puppy Dog Foods
- Top 10 Best Dog Foods For Dry Itchy Skin
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Large Breeds puppies
In this article, we will discuss the 20 best dog foods for Shih Tzus in 2022. We will take a look at the nutritional needs of these dogs and recommend some of the best food options available on the market. Keep reading to learn more.
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior
- The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe
- Eukanuba Small Breed Adult Dog Food
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Wet
- Hills Science Diet Puppy Small Bites
- Iams ProActive Health Adult Minichunks
- Pupper Chicken Topper
- Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Adult
- Instinct Raw Boost Toy Breed with Real Chicken
- Merrick Classic Small Breed Dog Food
- Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food
- Instinct Original Small Breed Dog Food
- Diamond Naturals Small Breed Chicken and Rice
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Adult Chicken
- Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato, and Pumpkin
- Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Recipe
- Now Fresh Small Breed Dog Food
- Halo Grain Free Small Breed Wet Dog Food
- CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Filet Mignon Flavor with Spring Vegetables
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food
What are Shih Tzus known for?
- Shih Tzus are known for being loyal, loving, and affectionate companions. They’re also known for being one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. If you’re thinking about getting a Shih Tzu, or if you already have one, you’ll want to make sure you’re feeding them the best food possible.
- Shih Tzus need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. They also need plenty of fiber to help keep their digestive system healthy.
How often should I feed my Shih Tzu?
- Some good ways to feed a Shih Tzu include feeding them a high-quality dog food that is made for their specific breed, feeding them twice a day, and measuring out their food so they’re not eating too much or too little.
- You should also make sure to give them plenty of exercise, and avoid feeding them table scraps or giving them too many treats.
What is the best food for a Shih Tzu with allergies?
- There are a few things to look for when choosing the best food for your Shih Tzu with allergies. The first is to make sure that the food does not contain any of the common allergens for dogs, such as wheat, corn, soy, or chicken.
- You’ll also want to choose a food that is hypoallergenic and easy to digest. Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the food you choose is nutritionally complete and balanced for your Shih Tzu’s life stage.
What are some health conditions that Shih Tzus are known for?
- Shih Tzus are known for being prone to certain health conditions, such as obesity, hip dysplasia, and allergies. That’s why it’s important to feed them a diet that is healthy and nutritious.
- One way to keep your Shih Tzu from getting obese is to feed them a high-protein diet. You should also make sure they get plenty of exercise, and avoid feeding them table scraps or giving them too many treats.
How often should I exercise my Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus need to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. This can be in the form of walks, runs, or playtime. You should also make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to run and play so they can stay healthy and fit.
What is the best food for a senior Shih Tzu?
The best food for a senior Shih Tzu is one that is easy to digest and contains all of the nutrients your dog needs for good health. You should also avoid foods that are high in fat or calories, as these can cause weight gain in your senior dog.
What are some foods that are bad for Shih Tzus?
Some foods that are bad for Shih Tzus include table scraps, bones, and fatty meats. These foods can cause digestive problems or weight gain in your Shih Tzu.
You should also avoid giving your Shih Tzu chocolate, coffee, tea, or energy drinks. These products contain caffeine and other stimulants that can be dangerous for your dog.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzus
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food — Best Overall
For Shih Tzus and other small dogs with sensitive stomachs, dry or itchy skin, or other signs of food sensitivities and allergies, The Farmer’s Dog fresh food is invaluable. A fresh dog food diet is the best way to support your Shih Tzus overall health. The Farmer’s Dog recipes are pre-portioned and specialized to your Shih Tzu, and the ingredients are sourced from small farms, so you can trust that it is real food.
The Farmer’s Dog fresh food contains omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and improve arthritis for your Shih Tzu. The specialized portions will also help you avoid overfeeding your furry friend, reducing the likelihood of your Shih Tzu becoming overweight and developing diseases like diabetes or even cancer.
Not only is the food packed in USDA-approved kitchens, but the food doesn’t use feed-grade ingredients. The Farmer’s Dog food simply includes meat proteins, fresh produce, and essential vitamins and minerals. Providing your dog with a diet of fresh dog food from The Farmer’s Dog contributes to your Shih Tzu’s overall health.
The Farmer’s Dog fresh food is definitely the 1st best overall dog food for your canine companion.
- Avaliable online only
- Food only uses clean USDA proteins
- Specialized nutrition based on breed, age, activity level, ideal weight, and food sensitivities
- Delivered right to your door.
- Contains no preservatives or unnecessary fillers
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Our final pick is the Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Dry Dog Food. The small kibble size is perfect for toy breeds like the Shih Tzu. Real turkey is the first ingredient in this kibble, always a good sign! This contains a large amount of protein, at 27%, which is good for a dry kibble.
This kibble isn’t suitable for puppies, so don’t feed it until your Shih Tzu is over 10 months old. The high fat content will suit some dogs, but for older or less active Shih Tzus, you’ll need to be careful that it doesn’t cause them to gain weight. If your Shih Tzu is particularly fussy, they may not like the taste of this kibble, as some users have reported that their dog turned their nose up at it.
- Two bag sizes available
- Some dogs don’t like the taste
- Not suitable for puppies
- Expensive
- High in fat
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Dry Dog Food — Best Value
As the best dog food for Shi Tzu for the money, we recommend Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Dry Dog Food. The non-GMO ingredients in this dry kibble include farm-raised chicken, sweet potatoes, and brown rice. The formula is also enriched with both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support a healthy coat and skin.
While it contains plenty of wholesome ingredients, what this kibble doesn’t contain is any meat by-products, soy protein, corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. So, you can feel confident that you’re feeding your pup tailored nutrition while avoiding ingredients that won’t do your pup any good. While we think this food is a great budget choice, it just missed out on our top spot because it’s designed for small breeds in general, not just Shih Tzus.
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Great value for money
- Two bag sizes available
- Contains omega-3 and -6
- Low in protein
CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food
If you have multiple Shih Tus or are looking for a larger bag of food that offers great value for money, then the CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Dry Dog Food is a great choice. This feed is designed for all breeds, sizes, and ages, which is perfect if you have Shih Tzus and larger breeds. This feed contains a blend of chicken, turkey, and lamb, although these are sourced from meat meal rather than real meat.
This formula was created by veterinarians, so you can be sure that it includes everything your Shih Tzu needs to thrive. If your pup has allergies, this is also free from ingredients that can commonly trigger allergies, such as soy, wheat, and corn. With a high percentage of protein, a small amount of food will be all your puppy or adult dog needs to thrive. This makes it an economical option too!
- Premium ingredients
- Includes probiotics
- No by-products, soy, wheat, or corn
- Not designed specifically for small breeds
- Kibble is quite large
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food — Best for Puppies
If you’ve just brought home your gorgeous new Shi Tzu puppy, one of the first things you’ll want to get right is what to feed them. Royal Canin has again come up with a winning formulation. The Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice. This feed is high in protein, which will help your pup build the lean muscle THAT they need to stay fit and healthy. It also contains antioxidants designed to support your pup’s immune system as they settle into their new home and start exploring the world.
It also contains vitamin A, DHA, and EPA, which will help support your pup’s skin so you can be proud of their luxurious Shih Tzu coat. When your pup is around 10 months of age, you can switch them onto one of the brands that we recommend for adult Shih Tzus.
- High in protein
- Puppy formulation
- Small kibble size
- Contains meat by-products
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
Another great choice for your Shih Tzu is the Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food. While many dog food formulas are designed for small breeds in general, this one by Royal Canin is specifically created for Shih Tzus over 10 months old. This kibble contains a blend of nutrients designed to keep your pup in the best of health.
Shih Tzus have small jaws and can be prone to dental issues. The shape of this kibble is designed specifically to be as easy as possible for your pup to eat. While this kibble is expensive, we still place it in our top five as the only dog food to be specifically designed for your precious Shih Tzu.
- Exclusive shaped kibble
- Enriched with omega-3
- Supports coat health
- Specifically for Shih Tzus
- Expensive
Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Some Shih Tzu dogs thrive on a grain-free diet, so if that sounds like your pup, the Rachael Ray Nutrisy Zero Grain Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice. The first ingredient is real farm-raised turkey, which is supplemented with a range of fruits and vegetables and all the minerals and vitamins your dog needs to stay healthy.
While this is an excellent grain-free choice, bear in mind that it’s not formulated specifically for Shih Tzus or even small breeds. That means the kibble is a larger size, and that can cause problems for some Shih Tzus, as they might find it difficult to eat.
- Different bag sizes available
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Large kibble size
- Expensive
- Some dogs don’t like the flavor
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food
If your Shih Tzu prefers wet food or you want to feed a combination of wet and dry food, then the Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Loaf in Sauce Canned Dog Food is definitely a good choice. From the same range as our best overall choice, this breed-specific canned dog food is designed to provide all the breed-specific nutrients that your Shih Tzu needs to thrive.
Some Shih Tzus can be a little fussy about their food, but this loaf is extremely palatable and should tempt even the pickiest of dogs. As well as tasting great, this wet food is packed with ingredients designed to support cardiac, skin, and coat health.
- Palatable for fussy eaters
- Supports cardiac health
- Contains meat by-products
- Contains carrageenan
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food
The Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food is rich in protein and healthy ingredients, and it doesn’t contain any fillers or grains. It’s specifically formulated to provide everything that a small breed dog needs to stay fit and healthy. The first ingredient is real turkey, and there’s also contains pre- and pro-biotics to maintain a healthy digestive system.
It is high in protein and fat, which is great for active dogs but can quickly cause your pup to pile on the pounds if they’re less active than average. So, you may need to adjust their rations accordingly. This also contains peas, which can trigger allergies in some dogs.
- Two bag sizes available
- Contains peas, which can trigger allergies
- Expensive
- Contains meat meal
- May to too high in fat for inactive dogs
Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Puppy Foods for Shih Tzus
After reading our reviews, you can choose a food based on our recommendations and be done with the work. But if you’re frustrated at trying to compare different dog foods and you want to learn more about how we did it, then this short buyer’s guide is for you. In it, we’re going to discuss the important things to know when picking food for a Shih Tzu, helping you to make a more informed decision.
Finding the Best Food for a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a breed with a few specific needs. Let’s take a look at the considerations you should give to dog foods that you want to feed your Shih Tzu. Knowing what to look for can help you to compare different options that look good on the surface and tell which one is truly the better bet for your best friend.
Healthy and Vibrant Coat
One of the trademarks of the Shih Tzu breed is their long, luscious coat. But if you don’t take care of your dog’s coat through diet, then it won’t be as luxurious as you might hope. To keep that coat in top shape, Shih Tzus require additional fat and protein. Additionally, essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 are vital.
Feeding a Brachycephalic Breed
- Many Shih Tzu owners have heard their dog snorting, snoring, and breathing noisily. It’s a phenomenon that’s not limited to Shih Tzus though.
- This is something that’s a regular occurrence with brachycephalic breeds like Shih Tzus, including Pugs and Boston Terriers. Brachycephalic breeds have Brachycephalic syndrome, which gives them their flat, smushed-looking faces.
- Brachycephalic syndrome can also cause problems when it comes to breathing and eating. Because of this, kibble size is more important with Shih Tzus and similar breeds than it is with other dogs. If you feed your Shih Tzu kibble that’s too large, it could pose a choking hazard.
Allergies and Itchiness
Allergies and skin problems happen with many Shih Tzus. They often experience inflammation, redness, dry skin, infections, hair loss, severe scratching, and more. For many of these dogs, the culprit is the food they’re eating. You’ll have to be careful not to feed your Shih Tzu anything that could cause an allergic reaction.
Picky Puppy Problems
A common issue when feeding Shih Tzus is that they’re often picky eaters. This can make it difficult to find a food that your dog will agree with. You can guess all you like, but at the end of the day, the only way to know if your Shih Tzu will eat a particular food is to offer that food to yours and see what happens.
Chemicals, Colorings, and Additives
More so than most dogs, Shih Tzus are sensitive to additives in their food of any type, including chemicals, colorings, preservatives, and more. We prefer to feed our Shih Tzus foods that are free of artificial additives entirely. Even natural additives can be difficult for a Shih Tzu to digest though, so pay attention to what’s on the ingredients label of your dog’s food.
Final Thoughts
After reviewing the top eight dog foods for the Shih Tzu breed, we found the best choice overall to be The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. With recipes customized specifically to your dog’s needs, and high-quality ingredients mean you can be confident your pup is getting tailored nutrition that will help them feel and look their best.
As a budget option, we suggest the Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Dry Dog Food. Containing a blend of wholesome, non-GMO ingredients, this feed is also supplemented by plenty of beneficial fatty acids to help that long and lustrous Shih Tzu coat shine from the inside out.
In this list, we made sure there’s something to suit all Shih Tzu dogs, whether they’re puppies or older dogs or if they prefer wet canned food or dry kibble. Making sure you choose a diet that’s correctly formulated for these sensitive little dogs will help them stay feeling and looking their best. As devoted dog parents, that’s all we can ever ask for!
