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This (updated) guide reviews all of the best dog foods for Shih Tzus this year.
Finding the right dog food can be really overwhelming. (Thanks to hundreds of dog food brands available)
WITH just a little knowledge about the nutritional requirements of your breed, and the foods themselves, you can make an informed decision about the best dog foods for your Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzus are a toy breed that can have a big attitude when it comes to what they will eat. As a general rule, an adult Shih Tzu should consume about 50 calories per pound of bodyweight; seniors may need a little less, puppies may need a little more.
Finding the right dog food plays a huge role in your pup’s health and well-being. And we’ve written this list to educate and inform you.
The 3 Life Stages of a Shih Tzu
Since dogs age at different rates, life stage ranges for any breed are never exact.
The age data found in the following table were obtained from multiple sources and should be used to help you find the best possible food for your shih tzu.
| Life Stage | Age |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Under 9-12 months |
| Adult | Over 9-12 months |
| Senior | 11+ years |
We’ll share The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food for shih tzus based on the life stage of your pet.… and we’ll answer the 6 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding this super-popular small breed dog.
Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus September 2022
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for Shih Tzus for September 2022.
Rating:
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult is one of 9 dry recipes rated in our review of the Nutro product line.
This small breed recipe derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 19% fat and 44% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.
A holistic blend of “superfoods” containing a balanced mix of 3 premium (lean) proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and healthy whole grains… ideal for optimal small breed nutrition. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Ollie Turkey is one of 4 fresh cooked recipes included in our review of the Ollie product line.
This Ollie recipe derives the lions share of its animal protein from turkey thigh, turkey liver, and turkey heart. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 39% protein, 25% fat and 28% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
A nutritionally balanced, fresh-cooked meal that’s as close to homemade as you can get… but without all the fuss and hard work. Ollie’s made in small batches, custom packaged and delivered fresh, right to your door.
A super-tasty, healthy option ideal for smaller dogs. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Small Breed Puppy is one of 21 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
This Small Breed Puppy formula obtains the better part of its animal protein from fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 19% fat and 41% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
We also note this recipe is fortified with taurine, an amino acid many veterinary professionals believe may help reduce the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease found in certain breeds.
An affordable choice for those shih tzu parents who prefer a quality, grain-inclusive recipe. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Little Bites Chicken and Brown Rice is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Health Extension product line.
Little Bites gets the better part of its meat protein from fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, and lamb meal . Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 20% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%.
The formula contains 8 different probiotic ingredients to help support healthy digestion… as well as zinc polysaccharide complex and 4 other costly chelated minerals for superior absorption and balanced nutrition.
A classic, grain-inclusive design that’s ideal for shi tzus of all ages. Easily recommended.
Rating:
Teeny Tiny Steak Tip Dinner is one of 8 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick product line.
Merrick Lil’ Plates derives most of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Contains above-average levels of omega fatty acids as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy skin and joints. Complete and balanced design with both prebiotics and probiotics to aid in digestion.
A top pick for smaller breeds. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Texas Beef and Sweet Potato is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick product line.
Merrick Lil’ Bites Small Breed derives most of its animal protein from fresh deboned beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 17% fat and 32% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
We note this formula contains BOTH prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion. Lil’ Bites also includes naturally sourced levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal point health.
Reasonably priced. A top quality kibble option for smaller breeds. Recommended with confidence.
Rating:
Small Breed with Real Chicken is one of 12 dry recipes contained in our review of the Instinct product line.
This Instinct Raw Boost formula receives the major part of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 22% fat and 32% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
It’s not only made with cage-free chicken, the recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy or artificial colors or preservatives. The formula also includes zinc proteinate and 3 other chelated minerals, costly supplements for superior nutrition… ingredients found in better quality dog foods.
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Small Breed Senor is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete product line.
This Wellness Complete recipe acquires the better part of its meat protein from deboned turkey and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 13% fat and 51% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Features a smaller kibble size for smaller mouths and easier chewing.
Wellness Complete Health has always been one of The Dog Food Advisor’s favorite, small-breed brands. Yet even though this particular recipe is designed for seniors, it’s also available as a fully-balanced, nutritious “regular” adult dog food, too.
For More Choices: See our Best Dog Food for Seniors page
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Turkey Fare is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes evaluated in our review of the Nom Nom product line.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare receives the majority its animal protein from ground turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 17% fat and 39% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
If you’ve ever wanted to serve your shih tzu a fresh home-cooked meal… but without all the time-consuming effort… then Nom Nom makes a smart choice.
Top level, human-grade ingredients and a 100% balanced recipe designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Not cheap. Yet highly recommended.
Rating:
Small Breed with Chicken and Turkey is one of 4 dry recipes contained in our review of the Whole Earth Farms product line.
Whole Earth Farms Small Breed derives the majority of its animal protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
In addition, the recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy or artificial coloring agents. Plus, it’s not only optimized for smaller dogs, it’s also 100% free of BHA or other high-risk, chemical preservatives.
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Shih Tzu Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Royal Canin product line.
This Royal Canin breed-specific puppy recipe obtains the major part of its meat protein from chicken by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which produces a favorable fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
We also note this formula includes fish oil. Fish oil is rich in the omerga-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, for healthy skin and coat as well as optimal joint nutrition. Recommended with confidence.
For More Choices: Visit our Best Puppy Foods page
Rating:
Chicken and Wild Salmon is one of 3 wet recipes analyzed in our review of the Nature’s Recipe product line.
This Nature’s Recipe derives the better part of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 65% protein, 12% fat and 16% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 18%.
We’re also pleased to note the inclusion of zinc glycine complex and 3 other chelated minerals for superior nutrition. These are more costly forms of nutritional supplements typically found only in better quality dog foods.
To view more top recipes for your Shih Tzu… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Breed Dog Food — Best Food For Shih Tzu With Sensitive Stomach
Ratings: 
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Brewers Rice, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Yellow Peas, 5. Cracked Pearled Barley
It’s not uncommon for Shih Tzus to have a sensitive stomach. But with this formula, everything’s sunshine and roses for Shih Tzus as it contains chicken meal and barley, which are good for trouble-free, healthy digestion. Also, this formula places special emphasis on the coat health of small dogs. Hill’s Science Diet is one of the biggest names in dog food due to the quality of its ingredients. All ingredients in this product are a product of the United States.
Prebiotics are a feature of this food for Shih Tzus, which greatly improves its digestibility. It contains Omega-6 fatty acids which are a lifesaver for dogs with skin and coat allergies. This formula is not only good for digestion but also improves the immune system with the help of vitamins C and E. It contains no artificial flavors or colors, making this food a great choice for your Shih Tzu.
FAQ
What kind of food do Shih Tzus like?
- Nutro Ultra Small Breed.
- Ollie Fresh Dog Food.
- Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy.
- Health Extension Little Bites.
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Wet Food for Small Breeds.
- Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed.
- Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed.
- Wellness Complete Small Breed Senior.
How much should my Shih Tzu puppy eat?
According to the All Shih Tzu website, a shih tzu puppy needs to be fed three times a day. It should eat one ounce of food for every pound that it weighs. For example, if the puppy weighs five pounds, it should eat five ounces of food at each meal.