Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu: Healthy Choices for Small Breeds

Bred solely to be companions, Shih Tzu dogs are little, happy creatures who love nothing more than to show their owners plenty of affection. These small dogs are deeply loyal and always down for a cuddle. 

Because these dogs are so family-friendly and tolerant, the Shih Tzu breed is one of the most popular when it comes to canine house pets. These dogs are loved by many, not only for their sweetness, but because they bring an air of joy into any room they are welcomed into.

A Shih Tzu dog will prefer your lap over playing with other fur pets and does well with pet parents who have the time to dedicate to him. This pooch is great for apartment living, not requiring lots of yard space to feel fulfilled.

Like any other breed, Shih Tzus thrive when provided with a high-quality diet. Since each breed has a specific need, the best dog food for Shih Tzu pups may differ from the best dog food for another kind of dog.

When feeding your pup, it’s important to know what his requirements are so you can provide the appropriate food for him. We’ve listed down all the important information about the Shih Tzu breed and reviewed lots of food products to ensure that we only recommend the best dog foods for your tiny canine. 

Before we get to our review, let’s take a closer look at this small, loveable dog.

Breed Overview

Pedigree

The Shih Tzu dog is commonly thought to come from China, but some believe the breed actually came from Tibet. According to a theory, Tibet probably sent Shih Tzu dogs as gifts to Chinese royalty. Another create the Shi Tzus that we know today.theory puts forth the idea that the Chinese bred other pooches with Pugs, Lhasa Apso, or Pekingese to 

Regardless of whether they came from China or Tibet, it is widely agreed that Shih Tzu dogs are one of the oldest dog breeds in history. They go as far back as 1000 years, and may even have existed for far longer than that based on paintings, art, and writings. 

These companion dogs, also called Chrysanthemum Dogs because their facial hair grows out in all directions (like a flower and the dog’s nose is the center), have flat faces and long silky coats that come in a variety of colors that range from black to silver.

Because of these long locks, pet parents have their hands full with maintaining these dogs’ appearance, since their coats require daily grooming.

Size

Shih Tzus are small breeds that usually grow to between eight to 11 inches tall.

Weight

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), adult Shih Tzu dogs will weigh between nine to 16 pounds.

Although they are quite small, these pups are solid. They are charming, beautiful, and lively, loving to be pampered and loved by their human family.

Energy Level

Shih Tzu dogs are highly loyal pups who will follow you everywhere you go. That’s about as far as their energy levels will allow, because this is one of a few small breeds that are prone to laziness. They will happily sit on their human’s lap and do nothing else for hours. 

Of course, exercise is still necessary, but a short walk or run will usually suffice for these little dogs.

Lifespan

Because Shih Tzus are small, and small dogs generally live longer than their larger counterparts, Shih Tzus are expected to live from 10 to 16 years with proper care and diet.

 

Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzus

1. Ollie Fresh Turkey with Blueberries

We chose this Ollie recipe as our best dog food for Shih Tzus because it is fresh, customized for pups, and made up of only the best ingredients possible.

This is a unique wet food option that offers a tasty meal your Shih Tzu will enjoy. It is made with fresh, human-grade ingredients that are processed minimally as a way to retain as many nutrients as possible.

Ollie also makes sure that its meals do not include any artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. The ingredients list is quite short and packed with recognizable ingredients.

The brand customizes its recipes to each specific customer’s dog, taking into account the breed, size, age, and energy levels of the dog. This way, you are certain that you are giving your pup the precise amount of calories and nutrition that he needs with each meal instead of the rough approximation that happens with other dog food brands. 

Ollie does a fantastic job of providing appetizing, wholesome nutrition to your Shih Tzu without any common allergens. When ingredients are wholesome, they are already packed with flavor and do not require any additives, like artificial flavors.

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2. Nulo Gently-Cooked Meals Duck & Quinoa Recipe

This gently-cooked meal offers a gourmet dining experience for your canine companion, blending nutrition and flavor into every bite.

This thoughtfully crafted recipe features premium-quality duck as the primary protein source, delivering rich, lean nutrition to support muscle maintenance and overall vitality.

Quinoa, a nutrient-dense ancient grain, complements the formula by providing essential carbohydrates for sustained energy, along with fiber to aid digestion.

Enhanced with a medley of fresh, wholesome vegetables like carrots and spinach, and a hint of cranberries for a boost of antioxidants, this meal supports a balanced diet for optimal health.

Free from artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products, the gently-cooked preparation method locks in essential nutrients and natural flavors, ensuring your pup gets the very best in every serving.

Ideal for dogs of all breeds and life stages, this wet food can be served as a complete meal or a delicious topper to dry kibble, making mealtime both nutritious and irresistible.

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3. Purina Beneful IncrediBites with Farm-Raised Beef

This food is specially formulated to meet the unique needs of small dogs while delivering big flavor in every bite. Crafted with real farm-raised beef as the first ingredient, this nutrient-rich recipe provides high-quality protein to support strong muscles and active lifestyles.

Each kibble piece is tailored in size for small mouths, making it easy to chew and enjoy. Supplementary additions, like carrots, peas and barley deliver the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that support complete health, including immune system support.

Fortified with antioxidants, calcium, and omega fatty acids, this dry dog food supports a healthy immune system, strong teeth and bones, and a shiny, vibrant coat. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, every bowl offers a balanced, complete meal you can feel good about serving.

Whether your little companion is running around the park or curling up for a nap, this delicious and nutritious formula fuels their day with the quality ingredients they deserve.

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4. Bil-Jac Small Breed Chicken, Oatmeal & Yams Recipe

This product is specially crafted to meet the nutritional needs of small breed adult dogs, offering a delicious and wholesome meal in every bite.

Real farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein to support strong muscles and an active lifestyle. The addition of oatmeal and yams offers a gentle, easily digestible source of carbohydrates, delivering sustained energy for your energetic pup.

Enriched with essential nutrients like omega fatty acids, this recipe promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin, while naturally sourced fiber supports digestive health.

The small kibble size is perfectly designed for little mouths, ensuring an enjoyable eating experience for small dogs. Free from fillers, gluten meals, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives, this recipe provides balanced, premium nutrition you can trust.

5. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Turkey & Hearty Vegetable Gravy

This grain-free wet dog food recipe is made with fresh turkey as the main ingredient, giving small breed dogs a flavorful source of protein that helps support lean muscle maintenance and overall body condition. Turkey is a mild, easy-to-enjoy protein, which makes this a particularly appealing option for picky eaters who can be hard to please at mealtime.

Turkey liver adds even more nutritional value to the recipe. Organ meats are naturally rich in important vitamins and minerals, so they help boost the food’s nutrient profile while also enhancing taste. Dried egg whites contribute additional high-quality protein, helping make each serving complete and satisfying.

A blend of wholesome vegetables like carrots, pumpkin and spinach provides natural fiber to support healthy digestion, which is especially helpful for small dogs with sensitive stomachs. Fruits such as blueberries and apples add extra nutrients and antioxidant support, helping protect cells from everyday damage and supporting immune health.

Because this formula is made without grains or gluten, it can be a good choice for dogs that do better on simpler, easier-to-digest meals. It is also made as a complete and balanced food for both puppies and adult dogs, so it works well for households with small dogs in different life stages. The single-serve cup format makes portioning easy and helps ensure each meal stays fresh and convenient.

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6. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe