You’ve come to the right place if you’re on the lookout for the best dog food for your Shih Tzu. We’ve done the research and put together a list of the top-rated formulas on the market, so you can make an informed decision about what to feed your furry friend.
When it comes to choosing the best food for your Shih Tzu, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, these dogs are prone to obesity, so you’ll want to make sure the food you choose is calorie-controlled.
Secondly, Shih Tzu’s can be picky eaters, so it’s essential to find a formula that your dog will enjoy eating. And lastly, these dogs are prone to dental problems, so you’ll want to choose a small kibble size food that’s easy on your pup’s teeth.
With all of that in mind, here are our 8 top picks for the best dog food for Shih Tzu’s in 2022. We’ve also added a few of our favorite toppers for picky eaters!
Health issues
The Shih Tzu may be prone to allergies, cleft palates, eye issues, renal disease, von Willebrand’s disease, and obesity, among other health problems. Some of these conditions are genetic, while environmental factors can cause others. To help ensure your Shih Tzu stays healthy, take your pup to the vet for regular checkups and vaccinations, and feed him a balanced diet.
Bone broths
If you’re wondering what the best dog food for Shih Tzu’s should be, you should be entirely focused on ingredients and what a recipe offers in terms of health benefits. Your pup’s digestive health will affect their wellbeing.
Adding bone broths ensures a nutrient-rich and edible topper for your Shih Tzu’s meals and adds moisture to his diet. Look for human-grade ingredients supplemented with superfoods to optimize health and longevity. Bone broth also provides natural minerals and joint supporting compounds to help with joint and mobility issues.
Air-dried dog food
For example, companies like Ziwi use the slow, gentle air-drying process to eliminate pathogens and protect the nutritional integrity of raw ingredients to allow for nutrient-dense shelf-stable pet food.
Ziwi creates a complete and balanced pet food for pets that’s easy to feed, especially if you’re traveling with your pet. Ziwi can be a tasty topper or complete meal for all dog breeds and life stages and doesn’t require refrigeration or rehydration. It also features twice the moisture of the average dog kibble. It’s also one of our top picks for senior Shih Tzu’s because it can also be used for training rewards.
Advantages of air-dried dog food
- Minimizes the damage to proteins, nutrients, enzymes, and vitamins
- Preserves nutritional value
- Enhances digestibility
- Shelf-stable and safe
- Healthy ingredients
- Fresh meat
- Vegetables and fruit
Top 11 Dog Foods for Shih Tzu’s
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in food for your Shih Tzu, let’s look at our top eight picks.
- Pros
- Crafted with glucosamine & chondroitin for optimal joint health
- Contains a unique blend of whole grains to support healthy digestion
- Features crunchy bites beneficial for dental health
- First ingredient is always deboned meat, fish, or poultry
- Crafted with probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive health
- Added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids support their healthy skin & coat health
- Potato-free dog food has no peas or lentils.
- Crafted in their Hereford, TX kitchen
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the flavor.
With over 3,000 positive reviews, Merrick small breed dry dog food is one of the most popular products on the market. This food is made with real meat as the first ingredient, and it also contains a variety of healthy grains and vegetables. This small breed recipe features real deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It’s also crafted with whole grains, including quinoa, to support healthy digestion in Shih Tzu’s.
We like this dog food for Shih Tzu’s because it features added glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to support healthy hips and joints. This recipe does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and is also fortified with vitamins and minerals for overall health. The first five ingredients are the following: deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, and turkey meal.
Features
- A wide array of recipes to choose from
- Over 3,000 positive reviews
- Available for various life stages
- Protein-packed
- Smaller-sized kibble for small breeds.
- A Merrick pet food product
- Affordable for multi-pet households
- Available in grain-free, healthy grain, wet, & treats
- US pet food product
- Pros
- Chicken as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for gut health
- Offers specialized health benefits for highly active small dogs.
- Crafted with easier-to-chew kibble size
- High in protein
- Includes phosphorus & other minerals maintain strong bones& teeth
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the flavor.
(SAVOR Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula)
The Purina Pro Plan Shredded Formula is an excellent choice for small breed dogs. It is made with high-quality ingredients and provides all your dog’s nutrients to stay healthy and active. This formula is also designed to help reduce shedding and maintain a healthy coat.
The kibble is easy to chew and digest, making it an excellent option for small breed dogs. We like this formula for Shih Tzu’s because it is packed with nutrients and helps keep their coat healthy and looking great.
So if you are looking for dry dog food specifically designed for small breeds, the Purina Pro Plan Shredded Formula is an excellent choice. This product features over 10,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Beef or shredded chicken options
- Over 10,000 positive reviews
- Features nutrient-dense bite-sized kibble
- A Purina pet product
- Suitable for small & toy breed dogs
- Pros
- Specialized kibble size for small jaws& teeth
- Features an exclusive blend of antioxidants & vitamins that provides optimal immune support
- Includes highly digestible proteins for easy digestion
- Crafted with probiotics
- Provides an excellent online feeding table for pups
- Allows for balanced intestinal flora, which promotes optimal stool quality.
- Cons
- It may be expensive for multi-pet homes
As your Shih Tzu puppy grows, their nutritional needs will change. That’s why Royal Canin has created specific foods for each stage of your pup’s life. Small Puppy is tailored to support puppies’ health at eight weeks to 10 months old.
Although Royal Canin is more expensive than other dog foods, it’s worth every penny because it’s specially formulated for the Shih Tzu. It features all the ingredients your Shih Tzu needs to grow into a healthy adult dog. This small breed dog food formula has you covered featuring FHA and DHA to encourage cognitive development and EPA/DPA to support healthy joint development and vitamins E and A.
During this critical growth period, puppies need highly digestible energy and nutrients to support their rapid growth. This food is designed to meet those needs, with a balanced blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that promote healthy digestion and easy stool pick-up.
Small puppy Royal Canin is highly palatable and easy to digest, making it the perfect food for your growing pup.
Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it’s essential to feed them food that is specifically designed for their age and size. This product features over 7,000 positive reviews and is our top pick for puppy food. Keep in mind that you’ll need to switch to a small adult after ten months.
Features
- Breed-specific dog food
- Over 7,000 positive reviews
- Formulated for small breed puppies like the Shih Tzu
- Suitable for pups with an expected adult weight of 9-22 lbs.
- Meets the high energy needs of small breed dogs during their short, intense growth period
- A Royal Canin pet food
- Pros
- Moisture content can help support hydration.
- Designed around the unique needs of small dogs (up to 22 lbs.)
- Suitable from puppyhood through maturity.
- It can be fed as a complement to dry kibble or as a complete meal
- Best food for weaning small breed puppies
- Cons
- Not producing larger cans for large litters.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Starter Mother & Babydog Mousse in Sauce Wet Dog Food is a unique, scientifically formulated recipe for mother dogs and puppies. The first year of puppyhood is crucial to healthy development in puppies.
This puppy formula features everything a mother dog needs to support her during pregnancy and nursing, and it provides puppies with the nutrition they need to grow and develop properly. This food is designed to be easily digestible and is packed with all the nutrients mother dogs, and puppies need. It is a complete and balanced diet that will help keep your dog healthy and happy.
Features
- Scientifically formulated
- Meet the nutrition and energy needs of mother dogs during 3 rd trimester & lactation
- Vet recommended
- Wet food
- Affordable
- Pros
- Feature gourmet entrées that fussy Shih Tzu’s love
- Perfectly proportioned for no-hassle feeding
- Enhanced with vitamins & minerals
- Contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals
- Features no corn, wheat (a joint thickening agent used by other brands), or soy, & NO artificial flavors or preservatives
- Natural beef or chicken is the first ingredient
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste.
Blue Buffalo Delights Natural Small Breed Wet Dog Food Cups are a delectable, nutritious, and grain-free option for your small breed pup. Made with real chicken, these 3.5-oz cups are packed with flavor and heartiness and are free from any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Blue Buffalo Delights is a great way to show your furry friend some love, whether used as a topper on your dog’s dry food or a stand-alone meal. We like this senior small breed dog food for Shih Tzu’s because it’s easy to chew, grain-free, and full of flavor that little ones love.
This product features over 8,500 positive reviews and is our top pick for senior Shih Tzu small breed dog food. The first six ingredients include beef, beef broth, water, chicken liver, carrots, and chicken. Keep in mind that there’s no glucosamine or chondroitin in the formula, so you’ll need to add that in.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet households
- Single serving meals that are always fresh
- Numerous pack sizes from 12,24,36 to choose from
- High-quality senior dog food
- Created specifically for small adult breeds
- Over 8,500 positive reviews
- Wet, grain-free food that’s easy to consume
- It can be topped over dry kibble
- Numerous recipes to choose from with the variety pack
- A Blue Buffalo pet product
- Pros
- Suitable as a meal topper too
- 100% ethically & sustainably sourced meats & seafood
- Crafted with including green mussels, organic kelp, & green tripe.
- For all life stages & breeds
- No added carbohydrates, no grains, no sugars
- Up to 96% meat with superfood inclusions
- Highly digestible with added probiotics
- Features essential amino acids
- Suitable for joint health & mobility
- Cons
- It may be costly for multi-pet homes.
As a pet parent, you want the best for your Shih Tzu. You want them to have a long and happy life, full of energy and good health. And that starts with feeding them the right food.
ZIWI Peak air-dried dog food is made with only the finest, all-natural ingredients. It’s high in protein and grain-free, with limited ingredients and superfoods to support your dog’s health. Plus, it’s deliciously satisfying for even the pickiest of eaters!
Air drying is a delicate process that preserves the nutrients in the food, so you can be confident that your dog is getting all the goodness they need. And because it’s made with love in New Zealand, you can be sure that ZIWI Peak is of the highest quality.
Features
- 3 portions of raw ingredients make one portion of finished air-dried
- The gentle air-drying method naturally preserves food
- No artificial fillers
- Recipes made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, & bones
- Nutrient-dense
- Peak Prey recipe
- Over 3,700 positive reviews
- Works for dogs with food sensitivities & selective palates
- Pros
- Free of corn, wheat, and soy
- Features glucosamine & chondroitin
- Nuggets crumble easily for optimal feeding
- It does not contain synthetic vitamins
- Grain & gluten-free
- No legumes or lentils
- Whole food nutrients are more easily absorbed
- Easily digestible
- Beneficial in maintaining healthy weight levels & preventing obesity
- Beneficial for oral health
- Good online feeding guide
- Cons
- It may be pricey for multi-pet households but well worth it.
The leading provider of high-quality, raw, Primal freeze-dried dog food features a turkey & sardine formula that offers superior amino and essential fatty acid levels. Made in the USA with only the finest ingredients, this formula is perfect for dogs of all life stages and provides everything they need for a complete and balanced diet. All you need to do is rehydrate with warm water, bone broth, or raw goat milk.
Turkey is an excellent source of protein for dogs and is easily digestible. Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for healthy skin and coat. This formula also contains added vitamins and minerals to ensure your dog gets everything they need to thrive. It’s crafted with all organic ingredients for food-derived vitamins A, B-Complex, C, and D and is a complete raw dog food diet.
Grain-free and complete, their Turkey & Sardine Formula is the perfect way to give your dog the nutrition they need. We like this dog food because it is high quality, easily digestible, and full of the nutrients that dogs need to thrive.
As the leading provider of high-quality, raw, freeze-dried dog food, the turkey & sardine formula features superior amino and essential fatty acids levels. Made in the USA with only the finest ingredients, this formula is perfect for dogs of all life stages and provides everything they need for a complete and balanced diet.
Features
- Freeze-dried turkey & sardine nuggets
- No antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones
- Certified organic produce
- For all breeds & life stages
- Made in the US
- Provides optimum levels of calcium
- An extensive array of formulas to choose from
- Sustainably sourced
- Ethically raised
- Suitable as a go-to treat or crumbled high protein treat or topper
- Pros
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Easy for travel or meals on the go for dog shows & pet vacays
- Low fat-good for weight management
- High in calcium and phosphorus for growing bones & tissue
- Works well for dogs with suspected gluten allergies & sensitive stomachs
- Cons
- Often sold out
Just Food for Dogs features all fresh, whole food ingredients in their recipes. Their meals are cooked in small batches and gently frozen to preserve nutrients and flavor. These are veterinarian formulated formulas created to meet or exceed the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Just Food for Dogs is suitable for all breeds and all life stages. We like this dog food for Shih Tzu’s because there are zero rendered meats, zero artificial coloring, zero growth hormones, and zero scary acronyms like BHA, BHT, or LFBT. This product features over 2,700 positive reviews and is a definite must-have if you have a picky eater. Here’s the takeaway:
Features
- #1 vet-recommended fresh food brand
- Affordable
- Suitable for adult dogs & picky eaters
- Made with natural ingredients
- Over 2,700 positive reviews
- Features no preservatives
- Crafted with 100% human-grade ingredients
- Pros
- Features 95% meat, organ & bones + organic fruits and veggies
- Poultry-free, grain-free, gluten-free with no binders
- Improves appetite & digestion
- Provides relief from allergies
- Good for dental health
- 11 Kcal/ tsp
- Cons
- None
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra nutrition and flavor to your dog’s diet, you might want to try Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Marie’s Magical Dinner Dust. This powder is made with real meat and vegetables, so it’s a great way to boost your pup’s health.
Plus, it’s easy to use – just sprinkle it on their food, and they’re good to go! This is another must-have for picky eaters. This product has over 3,900 positive reviews. The first five ingredients include beef, beef liver, beef kidney, beef heart, and beef tripe.
Features
- Affordable
- Freeze-dried dog food topper
- All Life Stages
- Encourages picky eaters
- Grass-fed beef dinner dust
- Over 3,900 positive reviews
- A Stella & Chewy pet food product
- Made in the US
- Crafted in Stella and Chewy’s own USA kitchen
- Pros
- Includes fruits & veggies like spinach, pumpkin, broccoli & beets
- Wild-caught fish
- Pure ingredients & raw protein
- Crafted with 95% meat, organs & bone
- Grass-fed, cage-free, wild-caught proteins
- Certified Organic* fruits & vegetables
- Fortified with added vitamins & minerals
- Enhanced with probiotics & antioxidants
- Cons
- None
As a busy pet parent, you want to give your four-legged friend the best of the best. But you also want something convenient and easy to use. That’s where Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Stella’s Super Beef Meal Mixers Grain-Free Dog Food Toppers come in! Made with 95% beef, organs, and bone plus taurine and probiotics, they’re perfect for adding extra nutrition to your dog’s diet. And since they’re freeze-dried, you have to add water, and they’re ready to eat!
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Stella’s Super Beef Meal Mixers Grain-Free Dog Food Toppers are:
- Made with 95% beef, organs, and bone
- freeze-dried for convenience
- Perfect for adding extra nutrition to your dog’s diet
- Taurine and probiotics for added health benefits
So if you’re looking for a convenient way to give your Shih Tzu the best of the best, look no further than Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Stella’s Super Beef Meal Mixers Grain-Free Dog Food Toppers! This product features over 12,400 positive reviews.
If you’re opting for the salmon and cod recipe, the first six ingredients include ground salmon with bones, ground cod with bones, cod liver oil, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries, and spinach.
Features
- Affordable
- Features 7 flavor options, including salmon, beef, chicken, & duck
- Over 12,400 positive reviews
- A Stella & Chewy pet food product
- Protein-rich recipe
- For all life stages
- Pros
- Beneficial for mobility, digestion & optimal bone health
- Primal three-ingredient broth with organic turmeric as an anti-inflammatory antioxidant
- Suitable on wet or dry food
- Hydrating & nourishing broth
- Crafted with certified organic bones for high nutritional value Cons
- Cons
- None
As your pet’s best friend, you want to give them the world. But sometimes, it seems like they need a little help getting around. If your furry friend is having trouble getting up and about, it might be time to try Primalvore All-Natural Duck Bone Broth for Dogs & Cats.
This Mobility Formula is packed with collagen peptides to support your pet’s joints, digestion, skin & coat, and hydration. Made with all-natural ingredients and human-grade, this duck bone broth is grain-free and made in the USA. So give your pet the nourishment they need to help them feel their best. We like this product because it’s so affordable for multi-pet homes, and it’s also organic, featuring 100% human-grade ingredients.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet households
- Option of two-pack or six-pack
- Added Collagen peptides & organic turmeric
- Flavor options include beef, chicken, pork, or mixed pack
- Human-grade organic bone broth for dogs & cats
- Marrow infused healthy food topper
- Made in the US
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog food for your Shih Tzu is an important decision. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as your dog’s age, activity level, and overall health. It’s essential to find nutritionally complete and balanced food that contains all of the essential nutrients your Shih Tzu needs for a healthy diet.
When it comes to Shih Tzu’s, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best dog food. However, you can follow some general guidelines to help you choose the right food for your Shih Tzu.
If you’re unsure where to start, talk to your veterinarian about what type of food is best for your Shih Tzu. They can help you choose a food that meets your dog’s individual needs.
When it comes to feeding your Shih Tzu, quality is just as important as quantity. Be sure to choose a dog food made with high-quality ingredients that is nutritionally complete and balanced. Avoid foods high in fillers or artificial ingredients, as these can be harmful to your Shih Tzu’s health. Finding the right dog food for your Shih Tzu will help ensure that they stay happy and healthy for years to come.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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