Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu

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.

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

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food

This Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for your Shih Tzu puppy and comes in Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe.

It contains DHA from fish oil for brain development and supports eye development. It is made with natural ingredients like Chicken Meal, Barley, Pork Meal, Whole Grain Wheat and Corn, Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, etc., for your puppy’s muscle growth and good health. Antioxidants are blended in to support the immune system of your furry companion.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Bright Puppy Dry Dog Food

Another great option is the Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium Bright Puppy Dry Dog Food. Made with real U.S. farm-raised chicken, this is another best dog food for your Shih Tzu puppy.

It contains brown rice, fruits, and vegetables for healthy digestion. With DHA from fish meal, your puppy’s brain development is surely ensured.

Additionally, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids support your puppy’s skin health and healthy coat. It has antioxidants, too, that help boost your pup’s immune system. Natural foods with supplements of vitamins and minerals are added, helping your puppy grow strong and healthy.

For Adult Shih Tzus

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult is dry dog food made specifically for an adult Shih Tzu aged ten months and older. This food is also specifically kibble-shaped, making it perfect for your fur baby’s short muzzle.

It contains various nutrients, which include EPA, DHA, Vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin. These are important in improving skin health and keeping his long coat soft and shiny. Other minerals and vitamins in this formula aid in maintaining your pet generally healthy too!

NUTRO ULTRA Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

There is also this NUTRO ULTRA Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, which contains three sources of protein — chicken, lamb, and salmon. Superfoods like Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Whole Grain Oatmeal, Whole Flaxseed, Pea Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, and many more supplement this formula, providing balanced nutrition for your small pet. This great-tasting dog food is sure to provide your dogs with the essential nutrients for their general health.

This kibble-shaped dog food is tastier for Shih Tzus to chew. It contains no artificial flavoring, coloring, or preservatives.

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe

The Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe is perfect for your Shih Tzu as it is specially made for small breeds. It has an abundance of fiber and whole grains, making this a complete meal for your furry friend. It likewise keeps him energized and active. Deboned chicken and turkey meals, among other sources of protein, are enriched with real vegetables and fruits to keep his muscles strong and sustain your pet’s development. Additionally, it contains omega fatty acids to improve your fur baby’s skin and coat.

This classic healthy grains recipe aids in proper digestion. It has a great taste that dogs surely love.

For Senior Shih Tzus

Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

This Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food is specially made for senior dogs of small breeds. It has three protein sources — Chicken, Lamb, and Salmon, making for a healthy meal for your senior dog. Fruits, vegetables, superfoods, and other natural ingredients in this formula provide the essential vitamins and minerals our dogs surely need.

Since some senior dogs are picky eaters, this dog food comes in kibbles and a combination of flavors and nutritious ingredients that your dogs would surely gobble down. It contains no artificial coloring, preservatives, or flavoring, nor any chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat.

As your dog ages, its nutritional needs vary, and they become quite picky with its foods. This dog food comes in extra small kibbles for our aging dogs who are picky eaters.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe

Senior dogs of small breeds would surely gobble on this Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Small Paws for Small Breeds, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe. It comes in Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe, which your dog would surely love.

Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil in this recipe support joint health, helping your dogs stay active. It also has omega-6 fatty acids that nourish your dog’s skin and maintain its shiny coat. It contains vitamins, minerals, and an antioxidant for a healthier heart, kidney, and bladder and helps boost your dog’s immune system too.

For Allergy-Sensitive Shih Tzus

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food

This Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food is specially made for dogs with grain allergies, hence, one of the best dog food for a Shih Tzu with allergies. It contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, boosting your dog’s immune system and keeping its growth healthy.

This dog food is gluten-free. Still, it keeps your dog energized and healthy. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in this formula help maintain your dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat.

Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dog Food

Another worthy dog food for allergy-sensitive, small breeds is this Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dog Food. This dog food is 100% grain-free, making it perfect for your allergy-sensitive dog. Besides being grain-free, it is likewise devoid of preservatives and artificial coloring and flavoring. It is composed only of premium ingredients — Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, and many other nutritious ingredients that your Shih Tzus greatly needs.

This dog food is rich in protein to keep your dog active and healthy. The combination of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and other minerals to achieve your dog’s optimal health.

For Shih Tzus On Diet Or On Weight-Loss

Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dog Food

For the weight maintenance of your Shih Tzu, this Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dog Food is a perfect choice. This recipe is specially formulated for weight management.

This dog food helps your furry companion lose weight and manage his weight without sacrificing the necessary nutrients he needs. Made with chicken, vegetables, and fruits and supplemented by vitamins and minerals, this dog food will support your dog’s nutritional needs and still help him manage his weight.

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dog Food - Healthy Weight

Another dog food that may help our little dogs on a diet is this Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food Small Breed Healthy Weight, is specially formulated to help your small breed dog achieve a healthy weight. It is made primarily of turkey for weight management. But it does not do away with the necessary ingredients to keep your dog healthy.

It contains natural ingredients, and no artificial flavoring, coloring, or preservatives were added. It comes in kibble sizes which your dog would find easy to munch on.

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.