Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu in 2024

Shih Tzus, with their playful and affectionate nature, are a popular breed among dog lovers worldwide. But as small as they may be, their dietary needs are specific and unique, requiring careful selection of high-quality dog food that provides them with the right nutrients to maintain their coat, energy levels, and overall health. In this article, we find out the best dog foods for Shih Tzus in various categories, from budget-friendly options to grain-free, freeze-dried, and human-grade dog foods.

Our focus will include detailed insights into the best dry puppy foods, best high-protein dog foods, and fresh food options while considering individual needs such as food allergies, sensitive stomachs, and weight management. We’ll also offer answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide clarity on common concerns Shih Tzu owners might face.

Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Shih Tzus

Before we dive into the specific dog food recommendations, it’s important to understand why Shih Tzus have unique nutritional needs compared to other dog breeds.

Small Breed, Big Nutritional Requirements

Shih Tzus may be small, but their high energy levels and dense coats demand a well-balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and specific nutrients like omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. They are also prone to certain health issues, such as dental problems, allergies, and weight gain, making their food choices even more critical.

Common Health Issues in Shih Tzus and How Diet Can Help

Shih Tzus are prone to the following health concerns, all of which can be managed or mitigated through proper diet:

1. Allergies: Many Shih Tzus suffer from food allergies, particularly to grains or certain proteins. Choosing grain-free or limited-ingredient diets can help manage allergic reactions.

2. Dental Problems: As a brachycephalic breed (short-nosed), Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues. Dry dog food can help reduce tartar buildup.

3. Weight Management: Due to their small size, even a little extra weight can lead to joint issues. Low-calorie, high-protein foods are ideal for maintaining a healthy weight.

4. Skin and Coat Health: A shiny coat is a hallmark of a healthy Shih Tzu. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for maintaining a healthy, lustrous coat.

Best Budget-Friendly Dog Foods for Shih Tzus

While premium dog foods often come at a higher price, there are several budget-friendly options that still offer excellent nutrition for Shih Tzus. When looking for affordable dog food, it’s important to avoid fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality ingredients, even if the price is appealing.

1. Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Shredded Blend

One of the best affordable dog foods on the market, Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Shredded Blend provides a well-balanced diet at a reasonable price. It contains real chicken as the primary protein source and includes a blend of kibble and tender, shredded pieces for added texture and flavor that Shih Tzus love.

• Main Benefits: High-quality protein for muscle support, live probiotics for gut health, affordable pricing.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The inclusion of live probiotics aids in digestion, and the small kibble size is perfect for smaller mouths like Shih Tzus.

2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Blue Buffalo is known for using natural ingredients, and their Life Protection Formula is a top choice for Shih Tzu owners on a budget. This food contains deboned chicken as the first ingredient and is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote overall health.

• Main Benefits: No artificial preservatives, enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: Shih Tzus with sensitive skin and coats benefit from the high levels of omega fatty acids.

3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Dry Dog Food

For a grain-free yet budget-friendly option, Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain offers an excellent alternative. Made with turkey and potato, it provides ample protein without the grains that could trigger allergies.

• Main Benefits: Grain-free, no artificial flavors or preservatives, affordable.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: It’s a budget-conscious option for Shih Tzus with grain sensitivities, ensuring proper nutrition without the risk of allergic reactions.

Best Dry Puppy Foods for Shih Tzus

Puppies have unique dietary needs that differ from adult dogs. The best dry puppy foods are rich in protein and fat to support growth, with added DHA for brain development. Here are the top recommendations:

1. Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe

This dry food is packed with high-quality protein from deboned chicken and contains DHA from salmon oil to support healthy brain and eye development in puppies. The oatmeal provides an easily digestible source of carbohydrates, ideal for Shih Tzu puppies.

• Main Benefits: Rich in protein, DHA for brain development, easily digestible ingredients.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The small kibble size is perfect for tiny Shih Tzu mouths, and the high-protein content supports rapid puppy growth.

2. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws

Specifically formulated for small breed puppies, Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws offers a balanced blend of high-quality protein and easily digestible ingredients like chicken meal and barley. This food also contains antioxidants and vitamins essential for immune system development.

• Main Benefits: High-quality protein, DHA for brain development, formulated for small breeds.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The small kibble size and easy-to-digest formula are ideal for Shih Tzu puppies with sensitive stomachs.

3. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy

Tailored specifically to meet the needs of Shih Tzu puppies, this dry dog food offers all the essential nutrients required for growth. The specialized kibble is designed for the short muzzle of Shih Tzus, making it easy for them to pick up and chew.

• Main Benefits: Breed-specific formula, supports skin and coat health, tailored kibble shape.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: This breed-specific formula is perfect for ensuring your Shih Tzu puppy gets exactly what it needs during its formative months.

Best Dry Dog Foods for Adult Shih Tzus

As Shih Tzus grow older, their dietary needs change. Adult Shih Tzus require a diet that maintains energy levels, supports their coat, and aids digestion. Here are some of the best dry dog foods for adult Shih Tzus:

1. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food

Designed specifically for adult Shih Tzus, this food from Royal Canin addresses the breed’s unique needs. It contains biotin and omega-3 fatty acids to keep their luxurious coat shiny and healthy. Additionally, the specially shaped kibble helps reduce tartar and promotes dental health.

• Main Benefits: Tailored for Shih Tzus, supports coat health, promotes dental hygiene.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The formula is specifically designed for Shih Tzus, focusing on their unique nutritional requirements and supporting overall health.

2. Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

This grain-free dry food offers a protein-packed meal with real deboned beef as the primary ingredient. It’s rich in omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health, making it an excellent choice for Shih Tzus with skin sensitivities.

• Main Benefits: Grain-free, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, high protein content.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The high protein and fat content helps maintain their energy levels, while the grain-free formula ensures easy digestion.

Best Grain-Free Dry Dog Foods for Shih Tzus

Grain-free dog foods have become increasingly popular, especially for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities. The best grain-free dry dog foods are made with alternative carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes or peas and provide high-quality protein without grains that can trigger allergic reactions.

1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie

This high-protein, grain-free formula contains novel protein sources like bison and venison, which are excellent for dogs with food sensitivities. The inclusion of sweet potatoes and peas provides easily digestible carbohydrates, and the recipe is packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids.

• Main Benefits: High protein from novel meats, grain-free, enriched with antioxidants.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: This formula is ideal for Shih Tzus with grain allergies, ensuring they receive proper nutrition without risking digestive issues or allergic reactions.

2. Nutro Ultra Grain-Free

With a trio of high-quality protein sources (chicken, lamb, and salmon), Nutro Ultra is a premium grain-free option for Shih Tzus. The food is rich in nutrients that promote healthy skin and coat, making it a great choice for maintaining their luxurious fur.

• Main Benefits: Multi-protein formula, grain-free, promotes coat health.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: Shih Tzus benefit from the omega-rich salmon and the overall high-protein content, which helps support their active lifestyle.

Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods for Shih Tzus

Freeze-dried dog food is an excellent option for dog owners looking to provide raw nutrition without the hassle of handling raw meat. The freeze-drying process preserves the nutrients while offering a convenient way to feed raw food. Here are the best freeze-dried options for Shih Tzus:

1. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties

Stella & Chewy’s offers freeze-dried raw food made from 95% meat, organs, and bones, ensuring your dog receives a diet close to what their ancestors ate. This food is rich in protein and minimally processed, providing optimal nutrition.

• Main Benefits: High protein content, raw nutrition, easy to serve.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The high protein and raw formula mimic a natural diet, helping maintain lean muscle mass and energy levels.

2. Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets

Primal’s freeze-dried nuggets are another excellent raw option. They are made from antibiotic-free meats and organic produce, offering a high-quality, nutrient-dense meal. Simply add water and serve.

• Main Benefits: Organic ingredients, raw diet, grain-free.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: Primal’s focus on organic and high-quality ingredients ensures your Shih Tzu gets the best possible nutrition, supporting overall health and vitality.

Best Fresh Dog Food for Shih Tzus

Fresh dog food has become a popular choice for dog owners seeking top-notch nutrition, made from human-grade ingredients and often tailored to specific needs like weight management, allergies, and activity level. Fresh dog food typically provides better ingredient transparency, fresher meals, and is often delivered straight to your door.

1. The Farmer’s Dog

One of the most well-known fresh dog food brands, The Farmer’s Dog, offers high-quality, human-grade food made with real meat, vegetables, and healthy fats. Each meal is pre-portioned and tailored to your dog’s specific nutritional needs based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and health conditions.

• Main Benefits: Human-grade ingredients, customized meal plans, no preservatives.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The customized meal plans allow you to cater to the unique dietary needs of your Shih Tzu, ensuring they get the right nutrients in the correct proportions.

2. Ollie Fresh Dog Food

Ollie offers fresh, minimally processed dog food using premium ingredients like real meat and vegetables. The meals are designed to mimic what dogs would eat in the wild but with a more balanced, controlled portion size. Ollie’s meals are delivered fresh, ready to serve, or store.

• Main Benefits: High-quality protein, human-grade ingredients, customized recipes.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: Ollie’s focus on balanced nutrition helps support healthy weight, muscle maintenance, and a shiny coat, which are key for a Shih Tzu’s overall well-being.

3. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food

Nom Nom offers perfectly portioned meals made with human-grade ingredients, ensuring your dog gets a balanced diet. Each recipe includes real meat (like beef or chicken) and fresh vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and spinach. The meals are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.

• Main Benefits: Tailored nutrition, fresh ingredients, designed by veterinary nutritionists.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: For Shih Tzus with sensitivities or allergies, Nom Nom’s recipes offer a highly digestible and nutrient-dense option, keeping your dog healthy and happy.

Best Grain-Free Dog Foods for Shih Tzus

Grain-free diets can be beneficial for Shih Tzus who suffer from grain allergies or intolerances. Grain-free dog foods use alternative carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, lentils, or peas, making them easier to digest for dogs with grain sensitivities. Here are some top choices for grain-free dry dog foods that are both nutritious and safe for your Shih Tzu.

1. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed

Wellness CORE offers a high-protein, grain-free formula tailored to small breed dogs like Shih Tzus. The recipe uses turkey and chicken as primary protein sources and is fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. It’s free from corn, soy, and wheat, making it a solid choice for dogs with grain sensitivities.

• Main Benefits: High in protein, grain-free, enriched with probiotics for gut health.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The small kibble size and grain-free formulation are perfect for Shih Tzus with digestive issues, providing them with easy-to-digest nutrition.

2. Canidae Pure Small Breed Grain-Free

Canidae Pure Small Breed uses a limited-ingredient, grain-free formula with real salmon as the first ingredient. This recipe is ideal for Shih Tzus with food allergies, as it eliminates common allergens like grains and focuses on a simple, high-quality ingredient list.

• Main Benefits: Limited ingredients, grain-free, salmon-based protein for coat health.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The combination of salmon and limited ingredients makes this an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy coat and minimizing the risk of allergies.

3. American Journey Grain-Free

American Journey provides a high-protein, grain-free formula at a more affordable price point. It features deboned salmon and sweet potatoes as key ingredients, ensuring a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

• Main Benefits: Grain-free, high-protein, affordable.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The salmon-based recipe supports coat health, while the grain-free aspect helps dogs with sensitivities to grains.

Best High-Protein Dog Foods for Shih Tzus

High-protein diets are particularly beneficial for active dogs like Shih Tzus, as they help maintain muscle mass and support energy levels. A diet rich in animal proteins like chicken, beef, or fish also ensures your Shih Tzu gets the amino acids needed for strong muscles and overall vitality.

1. Orijen Original Grain-Free High-Protein

Known for its biologically appropriate recipes, Orijen Original is one of the best high-protein dog foods on the market. With 85% animal ingredients, including free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs, this food mimics a natural diet and provides optimal nutrition for Shih Tzus.

• Main Benefits: 85% animal ingredients, grain-free, high in protein and healthy fats.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The high-protein content helps maintain muscle mass and supports the high energy needs of Shih Tzus, while the grain-free formula is easier to digest.

2. Acana Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe

Acana is another brand known for its high-protein, meat-rich formulas. Their small breed recipe is specifically tailored for dogs like Shih Tzus, offering a blend of free-range chicken, turkey, and wholesome grains like oats and barley to provide a balanced, protein-rich meal.

• Main Benefits: High in protein, includes wholesome grains, no artificial preservatives.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: The small kibble size and nutrient-dense formula are ideal for maintaining your Shih Tzu’s muscle mass and energy levels.

Best Human-Grade Dog Foods for Shih Tzus

For dog owners who want to ensure their pets are getting the highest quality ingredients possible, human-grade dog foods are an excellent choice. These foods are made with ingredients that meet the same standards required for human consumption, providing your Shih Tzu with safe, nutritious, and clean meals.

1. Spot & Tango Unkibble

Spot & Tango offers an innovative alternative to traditional kibble with their Unkibble. Made with 100% fresh, human-grade ingredients, Unkibble offers the convenience of dry food with the quality of fresh, minimally processed ingredients. It’s also personalized based on your dog’s size, breed, and activity level.

• Main Benefits: Human-grade, made from fresh ingredients, customizable meals.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: Spot & Tango’s customizable approach ensures that your Shih Tzu gets the right nutrients in the right proportions, supporting long-term health.

2. Honest Kitchen Whole Food Clusters

The Honest Kitchen is a well-known brand that produces human-grade dog food. Their Whole Food Clusters are made with real, whole-food ingredients like free-range chicken, organic oats, and fresh produce. The food is gently baked and minimally processed to retain maximum nutrients.

• Main Benefits: Human-grade, real whole foods, minimally processed.
• Why It’s Great for Shih Tzus: Shih Tzus with food sensitivities or picky eating habits will enjoy the clean, natural ingredients in this formula, which are also easy to digest.

FAQs about Shih Tzu Nutrition

To wrap up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about feeding Shih Tzus:

1. How often should I feed my Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus should be fed two to three small meals per day. Their small stomachs can’t handle large amounts of food at once, and spreading out meals helps maintain their energy levels throughout the day.

2. Is grain-free food better for Shih Tzus?

Not all Shih Tzus need grain-free food. However, if your dog shows signs of grain allergies, such as itching, digestive upset, or skin problems, a grain-free diet may help alleviate those symptoms.

3. What ingredients should I avoid in my Shih Tzu’s food?

Avoid foods with artificial additives, fillers like corn and soy, and by-products. Look for high-quality, whole-food ingredients, and steer clear of artificial preservatives and flavors.

4. Can I feed my Shih Tzu raw food?

Raw food diets can be beneficial for some dogs, but they require careful preparation to ensure they meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. Freeze-dried raw food is a convenient alternative for those wanting to offer raw nutrition without the hassle.

5. What’s the best way to transition my Shih Tzu to a new food?

When transitioning to a new dog food, do it gradually over a week. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old and slowly increase the new food’s proportion to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.

6. Can Shih Tzus eat fruits and vegetables?

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat certain fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, and sweet potatoes. However, avoid toxic foods like grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.

7. How can I tell if my Shih Tzu is overweight?

Run your hands along your Shih Tzu’s sides. If you can feel their ribs but not see them, they are at a healthy weight. If the ribs are difficult to feel, your dog might be overweight, and you should consult your vet for guidance on portion control or a weight management food.

8. Do Shih Tzus have specific food sensitivities?

Some Shih Tzus may develop food sensitivities, particularly to grains or certain proteins like chicken. Watch for signs like itchy skin, ear infections, or digestive upset, and consider switching to a limited-ingredient or grain-free diet if necessary.

9. Can Shih Tzus eat human food?

While some human foods like plain chicken or sweet potatoes are safe, many human foods can be harmful to dogs. It’s best to stick to high-quality dog food or consult with your vet before sharing human food with your Shih Tzu.

10. What are the signs of a food allergy in Shih Tzus?

Common signs of food allergies in Shih Tzus include itching, redness, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian to identify potential allergens and adjust their diet accordingly.

Choosing the right dog food for your Shih Tzu involves considering their specific dietary needs, lifestyle, and any potential sensitivities. Whether you opt for budget-friendly options, high-protein formulas, grain-free varieties, or fresh and freeze-dried dog foods, the key is to prioritize high-quality ingredients and nutritional balance. By doing so, you’ll ensure your Shih Tzu lives a long, healthy, and happy life.