Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu

April 14, 2025

As Shih Tzu, a small, affectionate breed known for its long, luxurious coat, has unique dietary needs to stay healthy and active. Due to their small size and flat faces (brachycephalic), they can be picky eaters and prone to digestive issues, dental problems, and skin allergies. Their coat health also relies on a diet rich in omega fatty acids and quality protein. Choosing the right dog food is essential to support digestion, maintain a shiny coat, and avoid common health issues. In this guide, we’ll explore the best foods for Shih Tzus, what nutrients they need, and tips for keeping them happy and healthy.

What Are the Essential Nutritional Requirements for a Shih Tzu?

To keep a Shih Tzu healthy, energetic, and looking its best, it's important to choose food that meets their specific nutritional needs. Here are the key nutrients to look for:

High-Quality Protein: Supports muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and overall growth. Look for lean sources like chicken, turkey, fish, or lamb.
Healthy Fats (Omega-3 & Omega-6): Essential for maintaining skin health and a shiny coat, and supporting brain function. Fish oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat are good sources.
Fiber: Aids in healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation or loose stools. Ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and beet pulp provide natural fiber.
Vitamins and Minerals: Support immune system, bone health, and organ function. Ensure balanced levels of vitamin A, E, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Antioxidants: Help combat free radicals and support long-term health. Look for natural sources like blueberries and spinach.
Controlled Calories: Shih Tzus are prone to weight gain, so balanced calorie intake and proper portion control are essential to maintain a healthy weight.

What to Look for in the Best Food for Your Golden Retriever

Choosing food for a Shih Tzu means focusing on their unique needs like skin health, digestion, and weight control. Since Shih Tzus are prone to allergies, dental issues, and obesity, the right diet can help prevent these problems.

Here are important factors to consider:

Age-appropriate formulas: Puppies, adults, and seniors need different nutrient levels.
Small breed-specific kibble: Easy to chew and helps reduce dental plaque.
High-quality animal protein: Supports muscle and overall health (e.g., chicken, fish).
Healthy fats (Omega-3 & Omega-6): Maintain skin and coat health.
Digestive support: Look for fiber and probiotics to aid digestion.
Avoid fillers and artificial additives: Choose recipes free from corn, soy, wheat, and artificial colors.
Weight management support: Essential for Shih Tzus prone to weight gain.

Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu in India

Choosing the right food for your Shih Tzu is essential to support their delicate digestion, coat health, and energy needs. Below are some of the best dog food options available in India:

1. Pawpeye Dog Food for Shih Tzu (Lamb & Blueberry Flavour)

Pawpeye Lamb & Blueberry is a premium wet food crafted to support your Shih Tzu's overall health, shiny coat, and digestive wellness. Packed with natural superfoods, it goes beyond basic nutrition — offering tailored benefits for skin, immunity, and energy.

Key Highlights:

Breed-specific nutrition for Shih Tzus, suitable for all life stages.
Made with lamb and blueberries — rich in protein, antioxidants, and natural vitamins.
Omega fatty acids from flaxseed to promote a soft, shiny coat and healthy skin.
Supports immunity, digestion, and reduces hair fall, addressing common Shih Tzu issues.
Pre-portioned pouches for easy, mess-free feeding — great for busy owners.
Irresistible taste even for picky eaters.

2. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult is specifically formulated to cater to the unique jaw structure, digestive sensitivity, and coat health of Shih Tzus. With a mix of high-quality proteins and fibers, it promotes healthy digestion and supports a soft, glossy coat. The kibble is designed to encourage chewing, which also helps reduce tartar build-up.

3. Farmina N&D Low Grain for Mini Breeds

Farmina N&D Low Grain is a premium choice for small breeds like Shih Tzus, offering balanced nutrition with reduced grains. This formula helps support digestive health, maintain a healthy coat, and ensure optimal energy levels for active dogs.

4. Drools Focus Small Breed Adult

Drools Focus is tailored to meet the dietary needs of small breeds such as Shih Tzus. It is rich in high-quality protein and fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health, enhance immunity, and maintain ideal body weight.

5. Orijen Small Breed Dog Food

Orijen Small Breed is a high-protein, grain-free option made from fresh meats and fish, perfect for active Shih Tzus. It supports lean muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and provides energy for daily activities, while avoiding common allergens like grains and fillers.

6. Hill's Science Diet Small Paws

Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws is crafted for small breed dogs, focusing on digestive health and a glossy coat. The formula contains easy-to-digest ingredients, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids, making it suitable for Shih Tzus with sensitive stomachs and skin issues.

7. Pedigree PRO Expert Nutrition Small Breed

Pedigree PRO Expert Nutrition provides a balanced and affordable diet for Shih Tzus. It includes essential nutrients for supporting digestion, a healthy coat, and strong immunity, making it a reliable choice for daily feeding needs.

8. IAMS Proactive Health Small Breed

IAMS Proactive Health Small Breed is designed to meet the nutritional requirements of small dogs like Shih Tzus. It contains high-quality protein for muscle support, nutrients to reduce hair fall, and antioxidants for a strong immune system, ensuring overall health and vitality.

Feeding Chart and Guide for Shih Tzu

Feed your Shih Tzu ¼ to ½ cup of food per day, divided into two meals. Puppies require more frequent, smaller meals (up to four times a day) due to their higher energy needs and smaller stomachs, while adult Shih Tzus thrive on two meals per day.

Feeding Chart:

Puppy (3-6 months): ¼ cup per day, divided into 3-4 meals.
Puppy (6-12 months): ⅓ - ½ cup per day, divided into 3 meals.
Adult (1+ year) Inactive: ¼ - ⅓ cup per day, divided into 2 meals.
Adult (1+ year) Active: ½ cup per day, divided into 2 meals.

Should You Feed Homemade or Store-Bought Food?

Is homemade food better than store-bought food for a Shih Tzu? Both options have pros and cons depending on your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.

Homemade Food Pros:

Control over ingredients: You know exactly what your dog is eating.
Caters to allergies: Useful for Shih Tzus with sensitive stomachs.

Homemade Food Cons:

Time-consuming to prepare: Requires daily effort.
Nutritional balance: Difficult to ensure all nutrients are included in the right amounts.

Commercial Food Pros:

Convenience: Saves time and effort in meal preparation.
Complete nutrition: Formulated to meet AAFCO standards for balanced nutrition.
Variety: Allows you to easily find a formula for specific dietary or health needs.

Commercial Food Cons:

Potential for allergens: May contain ingredients a sensitive Shih Tzu reacts to.
Additives: Can contain artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.

Check our other breed dog foods

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Frequently Asked Questions

1.Can Shih Tzus eat grain-free dog food?

Yes, Shih Tzus can eat grain-free dog food, especially if they have grain allergies, but ensure it still provides balanced nutrients like protein and healthy fats.

2. What human foods are safe for Shih Tzus?

Shih Tzus can safely eat plain cooked chicken, pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, and rice in moderation. Always avoid toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, and onions.

3. How do I know if my Shih Tzu has a food allergy?

Signs of food allergies in Shih Tzus include itching, ear infections, upset stomach, and red skin. Consult a vet if these symptoms appear after meals.

4. Is wet or dry food better for Shih Tzus?

Both can work; dry kibble helps with dental health, while wet food is often more palatable for picky eaters. Mixing both is a common approach.

5. Do Shih Tzus need breed-specific dog food?

Breed-specific formulas are tailored to Shih Tzu’s unique needs like coat health and digestion, but high-quality small breed food also works if balanced.

6. How much protein should be in Shih Tzu dog food?

Shih Tzus thrive on dog food with at least 22-25% protein from quality animal sources like chicken, fish, or lamb to maintain muscle and health.

7. Can Shih Tzus eat a raw food diet?

Yes, but raw diets require careful planning to ensure complete nutrition and avoid bacteria risks. Consult your vet before starting raw feeding.

8. What supplements are good for Shih Tzus' coat health?

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, like fish oil, are excellent for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin in Shih Tzus.

9. How often should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy?

Feed Shih Tzu puppies 3 to 4 small meals daily to support their fast metabolism and growth until they are about 12 months old.

10. Are probiotics important in Shih Tzu dog food?

Yes, probiotics aid digestion and improve gut health, which is crucial for Shih Tzus prone to sensitive stomachs.

11. Can Shih Tzus be fed vegetarian or vegan diets?

Not recommended. Shih Tzus need animal proteins for essential amino acids. Plant-based diets risk nutritional deficiencies unless vet-supervised.

12. What treats are healthy for Shih Tzus?

Choose soft, small treats made from natural ingredients like chicken or fish. Avoid high-fat or artificially flavored treats to prevent obesity.

13. Is high-fiber food good for Shih Tzus?

Moderate fiber helps digestion and prevents constipation, but excess fiber may cause loose stools. Balance is key.

14. Should I rotate my Shih Tzu’s food flavors?

Rotating proteins can prevent boredom and reduce allergy risks, but changes should be gradual to avoid digestive upset.

15. Can Shih Tzus eat dairy products?

Small amounts of plain yogurt or cheese may be tolerated, but many Shih Tzus are lactose intolerant. Introduce dairy cautiously.

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