Best dog foods for Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus need food that matches their energy levels and small size.
Look for high-calorie, protein-rich foods with glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and phosphorous for joint health, as they’re prone to hip dysplasia.
Since they can be picky eaters and prone to obesity, choose richly flavored, low-fat foods without artificial additives.
Omega fatty acids and vitamin A help maintain their coat. Brands like Nutro, Health Extension, Instinct, and Nom Nom offer quality options priced between $13 and $70, averaging around $44.
The right food helps prevent skin, coat, digestive, and weight issues.
Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu
- The best dog food overall: Nutro Ultra Small Dry Dog Food- $ 32.98 for a 15 pounds bag
- The best price-effective dog food: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Dog Food-$ 23.44 for a 13 pounds bag
- The best dog food for stomach sensitivities: Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food- $63.98 for a 30 pounds bag
- The best freeze-Dried dog food: Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Dry Dog Food: $ 69.99 for a 21 pound bag
- The best breed-specific dog food: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food: $ 50.21 for a 10 pounds bag
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Nutro’s dry dog food, available since May 13, 2009, is ideal for small breeds like Shih Tzus.
Key ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Brown Rice.
With 442 Kcal/cup, 26% protein, and 17% fat, it supports muscle, joint, and digestive health.
Omega fatty acids improve coat and skin, while calcium and phosphorus boost bone and muscle health.
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E enhance memory and immunity.
Free from artificial preservatives, it’s suitable for sensitive dogs. Feed 10-30 lbs dogs ⅔ to 1 ½ cups daily.
Health Extension Little Bites Dry Dog Food
Health Extension’s small breed formula, produced since December 29, 2008, features Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, and Lamb Meal.
With 418 calories per cup, 24% protein, and 18% fat, it supports bones, muscles, skin, and joints.
Omega fatty acids, chondroitin, glucosamine, antioxidants, and probiotics enhance health.
Feed 1-3 lbs dogs ¼ cups, 4-6 lbs dogs ⅓ cups, and 7-30 lbs dogs ⅔ to 1 ¼ cups daily.
Transition over five days. Suitable for sensitive digestion, but avoid in grain-allergic dogs.
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Nature’s Variety, launched on March 3, 2017, is perfect for extra small, small, and toy breeds like Shih Tzus.
Key ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Tapioca, Chicken Fat.
With 35% protein, 20% fat, and 508 calories per cup, it supports muscle health, energy, and joint wellness.
Vitamins C and E boost immunity, while beta-carotene ensures good eyesight. Live probiotics aid digestion.
Free from grains, it’s ideal for sensitive stomachs. Feed 2-6 lbs dogs ½ to 1 cup for maintenance, 1 ¼ to ½ cups for weight loss.
Serve sparingly due to high-fat content.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food
Nom Nom Pet Food, founded in 2014, offers fresh, human-grade recipes customized for your dog’s needs.
With 201 Kcal/cup, 10% protein, and 5% fat, it supports lean muscles, brain function, and mood regulation with ingredients like Turkey, Brown Rice, Carrots, Spinach, and Eggs. Beta-carotene and dietary fiber enhance eye and digestive health.
DHA and EPA aid brain function and mobility. Ideal for picky eaters, it’s perfect for energy and overall wellness.
Feed amounts vary by weight, with heavier dogs needing more. Suitable for dogs with sensitivities.
Nature’s Recipe Chicken and Wild Salmon Trays Wet Dog Food
Nature’s Recipe, perfect for Shih Tzus, focuses on strong muscles and immunity.
Key ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Pumpkin, Salmon, and Brown Rice. With 73 Kcal/cup, 11% protein, 2% fat, 1.5% fiber, and 83% moisture, it hydrates and supports eyesight.
Free from additives, by-products, and artificial preservatives, it suits sensitive tummies.
Contains vitamins A and B12 for skin and coat health. Feed 2-3 cups per five pounds daily. Transition over 5-7 days.
Avoid for dogs with grain allergies.
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Food
Mars Pet Food’s formula, available since March 21, 2010, is perfect for adult Shih Tzus.
Key ingredients: Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Chicken By-product Meal, Chicken Fat, Oat Groats.
With 355 Kcal/cup, 22% protein, and 18% fat, it supports muscle, joint, and cardiovascular health.
Glucosamine, chondroitin, L-carnitine, omega fatty acids, taurine, and vitamin A enhance skin, coat, and heart health.
Feed 8.8 lbs dogs ⅞ cups for medium activity, and 1 cup for high activity. Suitable for sensitive digestion.
Hill’s Science Diet — Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Breed Adult Formula Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science diet, crafted for sensitive dogs like Shih Tzus, alleviates allergies. Launched on February 8, 2016, it includes Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, and Cracked Pearled Barley.
With 392 calories per cup, 21% protein, and 12% fat, it boosts energy and muscle.
Fiber, beta-carotene, and prebiotics support digestion and eye health. Vitamin C and E enhance immunity.
Feed 2 lbs dogs ¼ cup daily, 5 lbs dogs ½ cup, and 8-30 lbs dogs ¾ to 2 cups. Suitable for sensitive stomachs and allergies.
Consult the vet before adjusting portions. Ideal for muscle power and energy.
NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Pet Foods’ diet, available since June 8, 2005, is perfect for Shih Tzus.
Key ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Oats.
With 362 calories per cup, 24% protein, and 15% fat, it supports muscle and bone health, energy, and coat brightness.
Omega fatty acids and vitamin A reduce dry skin, while blueberries protect from cellular damage.
Free from artificial preservatives and additives, it’s ideal for sensitive dogs. Feed 15 lbs dogs 1 cup, and 25 lbs dogs 1 ½ cups daily.
Suitable for dogs with sensitivities, free from fillers.
What Should You Look for While Buying Dog Foods for Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are active dogs that need protein from real meat, along with high-quality carbs like sweet potatoes.
As a brachycephalic breed with small muzzles, they benefit from small kibble to reduce choking risks.
Their long, lustrous coat requires omega fatty acids and vitamin A to stay healthy.
Since they’re picky eaters, their food should be flavorful to appeal to their taste buds. Shih Tzus are prone to sensitivities and allergies, so it’s important to choose foods free from artificial additives.
To support their joints, look for foods containing calcium, phosphorous, glucosamine, and chondroitin, as they are susceptible to hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
What are the best dog foods for Shih Tzu with different health conditions?
The best dog foods for Shih Tzu with itchy skin
- Wellness Simple Grain-free Limited Ingredient Formula. It is crafted with a single source of protein and easily digestible carbohydrates to reduce allergic reactions. It is also free from common allergens, including wheat and corn.
Best dog foods for picky eater Shih Tzu:
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixers Grain-free Topper. It is an excellent choice for your picky Shih Tzu as it is freeze-dried for a burst of raw flavors that delight even the selective feeders.
The best dog food for Shih Tzu with pancreatitis
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diets Gastrointestinal Low Fat Formula. It is highly palatable and digestible, thus suitable for pancreatic dogs. The maximum fat value is 8.5% hence safe for pancreatitis.
Best dog foods for Shih Tzu with a sensitive stomach
- Diamond Care Sensitive Stomach Recipe Dog Food.it is crafted with easily digestible egg protein to lower the risk of stomach problems. It has probiotics and prebiotics to boost digestion
The best dog foods for Shih Tzu with allergies
- Merrick Limited Ingredients Diet Turkey & Brown Rice Formula. Real Deboned Turkey is the only protein source to lower the risks of allergies and provide amino acids for muscle power. It is also free from common allergens like corn.
What are the best dogs with different ingredients for Shih Tzu?
The best dog foods with pumpkin for Shih Tzu
- Farmina N&D Dry Puppy Formula. Pumpkin is on the ingredient list to support digestion and boost vision with beta-carotene. Methionine, taurine, and L-carnitine are essential for a healthy heart. Pumpkin is a proper ingredient as it has nutritional benefits for your dog
The best chicken-free dog foods for Shih Tzu
- Orijen Regional Red Grain-free Dog Food. The main ingredients are Beef, Wild Boar, Goat, Lamb, and Lamb liver which contributes to a high-quality protein value of 38% for lean muscles. These primary ingredients are proper as they promote overall health.
