Shih Tzu dogs are known for their lovable and affectionate personalities. Just as they are eager to please their families, Shih Tzu owners are also eager to give their pups the best in everything, including the best dog food for them.
Finding the best dog food for this dog breed can be more challenging. Shih Tzus are prone to certain health problems such as hypothyroidism, allergies, periodontal diseases, and bone and joint problems. These health conditions should be considered in choosing your dog’s food.
AT A GLANCE (SEE ON AMAZON):
- For Puppy Shih Tzus: Lucy Pet Vegetarian Formula Dog Food
- For Adult Shih Tzus: Wag Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- For Senior Shih Tzus: Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food, Senior
- For Allergy-Sensitive Shih Tzus: Health Extension Gently Air Dried Salmon Recipe
- For Shih Tzus On Diet Or On Weight-Loss: ACANA Grain Free Dry Dog Food
The Shih Tzu Dog Breed
They are adorable, either as puppies or even as adults. They are playful but have moderate energy levels. For most, the most striking feature of Shih Tzus is their beautiful coats.
Shih Tzus are small-sized dogs that originated in China and have long been bred as companion dogs. They are loyal dogs that are always eager to please. While they can be friendly and outgoing, they tend to be wary of strangers.
Shih Tzus are affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time cuddling with their owners.
This dog breed can adapt to any living condition. It can thrive in an apartment or house in an urban setting.
Shih Tzus have moderate energy levels. They do not require lots of space to spend their energy. Moderate exercises like short walks for around 30 minutes would be enough to get a Shih Tzu’s physical exercise needs.
With little exercise requirements and affectionate personalities, Shih Tzus are one of the most popular and well-loved dog breeds.
What Should I Feed My Shih Tzu?
Various dog breeds and different dog sizes have diverse nutritional needs. So, dog food manufacturers produced and expanded the variety of formulas to answer breed-specific or size-specific needs. Hence, not one dog food is perfect for all kinds of dogs.
Dog food companies come up with the appropriate dog food combination for various breeds. They prepared dog foods for our furry companions with special needs (those with allergies, sensitive stomachs, on a diet, etc.). This is to ensure that our pets always get the best.
Buying dog food for our beloved pets is now easy, with lots of choices in the market. We just have to ensure that we choose the best dog food to support your pup’s growth and development and keep him healthy.
Nutritional Requirements of Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are small dogs with moderate energy. They require a balanced diet to stay healthy.
They thrive on a diet with above-average protein content from natural protein sources like chicken, fish, turkey, and eggs. Always check the label on your dog’s food to ensure that these are the main ingredients.
Shih Tzus have the tendency to gain weight and turn obese. Also, make sure that they consume dog food with moderate levels of carbohydrates and fats.
Shih Tzus have the propensity to choose the food they eat. Some picky Shih Tzus are not fond of dry dog foods. Dog owners most often would mix the dry kibbles with wet dog food to tease a Shih Tzu’s palate. Wet food is also easier for them to eat, considering their small mouths. And some Shih Tzus are fond of munching on small kibbles that are designed specifically for a Shih Tzu’s short muzzle.
Things to Consider
In choosing the best Shih Tzu dog food, there are certain factors that should be considered. Besides choosing a high-quality dog food that has all the essentials every dog needs, it is also vital to consider your pup’s age, activity level, and overall health condition.
Age
Shih Tzu puppies have different nutritional requirements than older dogs. The best puppy food for a Shih Tzu puppy would be one that has at least 22% protein content from natural sources. This would help in muscle development and overall growth.
On the other hand, the best dog foods for adult Shih Tzus would be those that have at least 18% natural protein content and are low in fat and carbohydrates. This would help in weight management and prevent obesity, yet provide your dog with energy.
The best dog foods for Shih Tzus that are enjoying their senior years would be those that are rich in carbohydrates and fiber to keep up with what their body needs.
Activity Level
Depending on your dog’s activity level, you may have to tailor your dog’s diet to fit his active lifestyle. Active dogs would need dog foods that have high contents of protein, calories, and carbohydrates to fuel their energy and sustain their body’s needs.
Overall Health Condition
A Shih Tzu is one of the toy breeds that are prone to skin allergies. When your pup is one, the best dog foods would be those that promote better skin and coat health.
When your Shih Tzu has not controlled himself and is overweight, weight management is essential. This can be supported by low-fiber and low carbohydrates dog food.
What’s The Best Dog Food For Shih Tzus?
And so, we picked several dog foods considered the best and most fitting for Shih Tzus.
For Puppy Shih Tzus
- Plant based vegan diet optimized for all essential amino acids your dog needs, plus fortified with taurine for a healthy heart. Complete and balanced for all breeds and all life stages, and an excellent option for dogs with food sensitivities to...
- This recipe is made with a blend of coconut and canola oils for essential fatty acids, a superfood blend of fruits and veggies, plus a delicious vegetable broth. No corn, wheat, or soy.
- DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development
- High quality protein to fuel growing muscles and active play
- Balanced minerals to support growing bones and teeth
For Adult Shih Tzus
- Real Meat First: Cage-free American chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Probiotics and fiber support healthy digestion and the immune system
- Proteins and fats help support high energy requirements of small breed dogs
- Contains 1- 4 Lb. Bag of Canidae PURE Duck and Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Real food ingredients for the taste your dog will love. Crafted with real duck as the first ingredient, paired with whole ingredients like peas and sweet potatoes
For Senior Shih Tzus
- Made with easy to digest ingredients that help support energy levels, and keep a healthy immune system
- Balanced minerals for heart & kidney health
- Omega-6s and vitamin E for beautiful skin & coat
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- GRAIN-FREE SENIOR DRY DOG FOOD: Premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey is expertly balanced with nutrient rich superfoods for a complete and balanced dog food, with optimal fat and calorie levels your dog needs to stay fit and healthy.
- SUPPORTS HIP & JOINT HEALTH AND HEALTHY HEART: Guaranteed levels of glucosamine for strong joints, antioxidants support strong immune systems, omega fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat and taurine for a healthy heart.
For Allergy-Sensitive Shih Tzus
- Made with up to 85% protein from animal sources.
- Made with super foods.
- 100% human-grade ingredients.
For Shih Tzus On Diet Or On Weight-Loss
- One (1) 13 lb bag of ACANA Grain Free* Red Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
- High protein dog food recipe features 60 percent* high-quality animal ingredients and 40 percent** wholesome fruits, vegetables and nutrients and fiber to help support digestive health
- A freeze dried coating adds rich flavor dogs crave, while Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help support healthy skin and a shiny coat
- Balances protein-rich animal ingredients, whole fruit and nutritious vegetables help your dog maintain a healthy weight
These are but a few of the dog foods available out there, but these are our personal picks.
Visit The Vet
Since these recommended dog food products for every Shih Tzu are our personal picks, this should not be a substitute for a vet’s recommendations.
Some dogs have specific dietary needs. Hence, it is always best if you consult with your vet for the specific dietary needs of your pets.