Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus

Mike Sagman  Julia Ogden

By

Mike Sagman
Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman

Founder

Dr Mike Sagman is the creator of the Dog Food Advisor. He founded the website in 2008, after his unquestioning trust in commercial dog food led to the tragic death of his dog Penny.

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&
Julia Ogden
Julia Ogden

Julia Ogden

Content Director

Julia is the content director at the Dog Food Advisor and responsible for the overall strategy of the website.

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Updated: September 18, 2024

Verified by Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Pet Nutritionist

Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.

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Laura Ward

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What’s the best dog food for a shih tzu?

The answer to that crucial question depends on the AGE of YOUR particular dog.

That’s because…

Shih tzu puppies… adults… and seniors… EACH have different nutritional needs… to provide optimal long-term health.

Which means…

A dog food designed for an adult shih tzu may contain too little calcium for a growing puppy… or too little protein… and too many calories for a less active senior.

And there are other important differences, too..

For example…

A shih tzu puppy needs 0.44% histidine (an essential amino acid)… while an adult requires less than half that amount… just 0.19% of the same nutrient.

In contrast…

A senior shih tzu benefits from a dog food containing more protein… and fewer calories per serving.

Here’s the point…

Since there are no official nutrient standards for ANY particular breed…

And to optimize your dog’s long-term health…

It’s critical to choose a food that’s designed to match the AAFCO nutrient profile for your shih tzu’s age… and stage of life.

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

Our Top Recommendations

On this page…

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.

The Dog Food Advisor - Editor's choice

Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus October 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Shih Tzus for October 2024.

  • 1. Nutro Ultra Small Breed

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    Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult is one of nine 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.

    Read our review of the full Nutro Ultra Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain oats, whole grain brown rice
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 29
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adults only (not suitable for puppies)

    Sample buyer review...

    "I am a huge fan of Nutro. My dogs are picky and have sensitive stomachs. The small breed ultra is their favorite. We purchase a bag once every 3 weeks and it suits my two 15 lb boys."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 2. Ollie

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    Ollie Turkey is one of five fresh cooked recipes included in our review of the Ollie product line.

    This Ollie recipe derives the ‘ 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.

    Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here

    Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, pumpkin, turkey liver, turkey heart, carrot
    Type Grain-free, fresh
    Protein Percentage 39
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "Jolene has been with Ollie from the beginning. She never has digestive issues or allergies. Her coat is shiny, she has energy, and I’m thankful I can get fresh food for her delivered at my door."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 3. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy

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    Small Breed Puppy is one of 20 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.

    Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, fish meal
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 32
    AAFCO Standards Growth
    Best For Shih Tzu puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "My Shih Tzu loves this kibble puppy dry dog food. With vet's instructions, I weaned her off what the breeder had been feeding her. She took to it easily without any stomach issues and was eager to eat it, unlike the food the breeder sent home with us. Best decision ever to make this switch. Our vet stamp-approved the decision 100%."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 4. Raised Right Dog Food

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    Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line.

    Raised Right Beef derives the lions share of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.

    One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. Unusually wide recipe selection can be a major plus… especially for picky eaters. Highly recommended.

    Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here

    Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries
    Type Grain-free (carrots, cranberries)
    Protein Percentage 61%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult dogs only
  • 5. Health Extension Little Bites

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    Little Bites Chicken and Brown Rice is one of six 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 Shih Tzus of all ages. Easily recommended.

    Read our review of the full Health Extension Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, chicken fat, lamb meal
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 27
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "I have two small dogs. Recently our regular food had not been agreeing with the older of the two. Both of my dogs Love. This. Food! When I was introducing it with their old food, they would pick it out and leave the old food all over the floor. My older dog no longer gets bloated after eating and both dogs seem to have energy. This is our new regular food."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 6. Merrick Lil' Plates Wet Food for Small Breeds

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    Teeny Tiny Steak Tip Dinner is one of eight 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.

    Read our review of the full Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here

    Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, venison broth, beef liver, dried egg whites
    Texture Wet
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 44
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult Shih Tzus only

    Sample buyer review...

    "My dog gets picky sometimes, so I added these into her food rotation and she loves them."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 7. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed

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    Small Breed with Real Chicken is one of 11 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.

    Read our review of the full Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, chickpeas, tapioca, chicken fat
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 38
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adults only (not suitable for puppies)

    Sample buyer review...

    "I have tried so many dry dog foods and given them away because my Shih Tzu just won't eat them. He gets a handful of this to go next to his wet food and eats it. Picky eater doesn't begin it describe him and add senior into the mix, ugh. I can honestly recommend this one."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 8. Nom Nom Turkey Fare

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    Turkey Fare is one of four 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 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

    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 board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Not cheap. Yet highly recommended.

    Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here

    Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach
    Type Grain-inclusive, fresh
    Protein Percentage 36
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"

    Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com
  • 9. Whole Earth Farms Small Breed

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    Small Breed with Chicken and Turkey is one of three 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.

    Highly recommended.

    Read our review of the full Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken meal, potatoes, canola meal, peas, chicken fat
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 30
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "I changed from a expense grain free brand to this; my dogs are very happy with it. I'm happy with the savings in cost."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 10. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy

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    Shih Tzu Puppy is one of 16 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 omega-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

    Read our review of the full Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Puppy Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, corn, chicken fat, wheat gluten
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 29
    AAFCO Standards Growth
    Best For Shih Tzu puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "I was able to easily transition my shih tzu to this brand. The small kibble is easy for her to pick up and chew, and she loves it. No tummy issues, no poop issues; this brand is perfect for us. And our vet approves! This is “Presley Approved.” :)"

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 11. Nature's Recipe Chicken & Wild Salmon Trays

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    Chicken and Wild Salmon is one of three 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.

    Reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

    Read our review of the full Nature’s Recipe Dog Food (Trays) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, pumpkin, salmon, brown rice
    Texture Wet
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 65
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adults only (not suitable for puppies)

    Sample buyer review...

    "My dog loves these! he is a small dog who struggles to eat and is superrrrrr picky with his food. I've tried so many different wet food items and this is the one he actually eats when i put it down. 10/10 recommend for dogs who are picky eaters."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I switch to a new food... without making my Shih Tzu sick?

In the following video

Internet vet, Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your Shih Tzu’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a new food.

Do Shih Tzus need special dog food?

There are no official pet food industry standards or FDA guidelines established specifically for shih tzus. However, because Shih Tzu puppies, adults and seniors EACH have different nutritional needs, it’s important to choose a food that’s designed to match the life stage of YOUR particular dog.

How much dog food should I feed my Shih Tzu?

An important study found that dogs fed an amount of food to keep them at ideal body condition lived nearly 2 years longer… than other dogs.1

Since every Shih Tzu is different, it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “ideal” for every animal. So, start with the feeding amount printed on the package. Then, over time, adjust that amount up or down… to reach and then maintain your Shih Tzu at ideal body weight.

What's the best dog food for a Shih Tzu puppy?

Since they’re considered small breed dogs, Shih Tzus benefit from eating foods that contain the right balance of calcium and other nutrients specifically designed for puppies. So, until he (or she) reaches 9 to 12 months, your Shih Tzu should be eating a dog food that meets AAFCO nutrient guidelines… and is clearly labeled “for Growth” or “for All Life Stages”.

In addition to the Royal Canin Shih Tzu puppy food above, you’ll find a complete list of The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Small Breed Puppy Foods here.

When can I safely switch my Shih Tzu puppy to adult dog food?

Shih Tzu puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready for adult food until they reach 9 to 12 months of age. 2 3 That’s because adult dog foods can be deficient in protein as well as histidine and other essential nutrients. And why it’s SO important not to switch to regular dog food too soon.

What's the best dog food for a senior Shih Tzu?

According to VCA Hospitals, small breed dogs tend to live longer than large breeds. Shih Tzus aren’t considered “senior” until they reach 11 years of age. So, if your Shih Tzu is 10 years (or older), you may wish to visit The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Senior Dog Foods page here.

Final word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

Sources

1: https://www.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_220_9_1315.pdf



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