If you are here, it’s probably because you own a Shih Tzu—one of the cutest breeds of dogs we’ve ever laid eye upon. These little dogs look like they came right out of a “glam” magazine. Much of which can be attributed to the Shih Tzu’s beautiful skin and coat.
Being extremely small and cute, as owners, we must remember to take care of their nutritional health because they can be delicate.
I know it’s a difficult job finding the best-suited dog foods for your Shih Tzu. But, no worries!
This guide will help you decide the right food for your Cute little canine friend.
The Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu in 2020
#1 Wellness Core Grain-Free Small Breed Formula
Wellness Core Grain-Free Formula made it to the top of our list of the ultimate dog food for Shih Tzus and we have our good reasons.
To begin with, it’s grain-free with 36% protein straight from turkey and chicken; this will help your Shih Tzu build its muscles, which is extremely helpful to avoid hip dysplasia. This food also has added glucosamine and chondroitin that ensures support to their joints, bones, and cartilage.
The Omega fatty acids from salmon oil and flaxseed are a treat to the Shih Tzu’s “royal” skin and hair.
Most importantly, this formula contains antioxidants like spinach, blueberries, etc. from eight whole food sources that will strengthen your pet’s immune system.
Due to the grain-free ingredients and dense nutrients, the risk of allergies being triggered is highly decreased, which makes it perfect for Shih Tzus with allergies.
Check out the latest price on Amazon.
#2 Nature’s Variety Instinct – Chicken Meal Formula
Packed with protein, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids, this is one of the finest dog foods you will find in stores to buy for your Shih Tzu.
In addition, it contains naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, along with phosphorus and calcium for naturally strong bones.
They use whole food ingredients with minimal processing where they freeze-dry raw pieces to keep the nutrition is intact. Along with probiotics, this food is great for the digestive health of your Shih Tzu.
The kibble is perfectly sized so that your Shih Tzu will find it easy to chew.
Most importantly, it’s free of artificial colors and preservatives. Also, it doesn’t contain any grains, gluten, corn or soy, many of which are common allergens for Shih Tzus.
Check out the latest price on Amazon.
#3 Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
This formula is made from brewers’ rice and chicken byproduct, with 22% crude protein.
We suggest this brand because it’s breed-specific and the small-sized kibble makes it easy for your Shih Tzu to chew.
In addition, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help your Shih Tzu’s coat to stay shiny and healthy.
Buying this brand, you can rest assured that it’s a complete balanced diet for your “imperial” Shih Tzu.
Check out the latest price on Amazon.
#4 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Chicken
They call their kibbles “Life Source Bits”, dense in antioxidants from seven fruits and vegetables. It contains vitamins and minerals, all of which promotes the overall health of your Shih Tzu, boosting its immune system.
Nutrients in this formula are cold-pressed, which means they remain potent and their goodness is preserved.
It is also made of chicken, brown rice, flaxseed, and chicken fat— so that means there’s a good amount of protein (26%), good quality fats (15%) and carbohydrates in order to keep up your dog’s energy levels.
The food also contains kelp, which provides thyroid support. The glucosamine helps maintain their joints.
The kibble is small and bite-sized, which is perfect for their miniature jaw.
Check out the latest price on Amazon.
#5 Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Protein
The key ingredient is venison (real venison too—nothing fake), which contains 32% protein for muscles and about 18% fat for your Shih Tzu’s energy and metabolism. It also contains garbanzo beans for the extra boost.
It also contains natural antioxidants derived from fruits and vegetables, which are superfoods that help make it easy to digest.
And let’s not forget the prebiotics which is good for your pet’s overall health. It is free from artificial preservatives, grain (which should keep you worry-free about allergens), corn, etc.
With all the rich ingredients and the protein and carbohydrate macros, it is one of those formulas where the chances of your Shih Tzu having an allergic reaction is extremely low. That’s why it’s such a popular dog food for Shih Tzu with allergies.
Check out the latest price on Amazon.
Shih Tzu Calorie Needs
A dog ’s caloric needs are generally based on the age, energy, and weight of the dog.
A typical adult Shih Tzu needs about 35 calories per pound of body weight.
Being the toy breed that they are, Shih Tzu’s can weigh between 9-16 pounds, which means you will have to give them approximately 420 calories for typical adults and 340 calories for senior Shih Tzus. If your Shih Tzu is on the more active side, opt for 650 calories.
Again, as we’ve said before, let your dog guide you as to how much food they need in a day.
Calorie Chart for Shih Tzu According to Weight
General calorie chart for your Shih Tzu according to weight
Because they’re small, they aren’t able to eat too much; however, knowing their caloric requirements, you can figure out small portions and serve them multiple times a day. If you give them too much food, there is a high chance some of the food might go to waste—they’re picky eaters.
Shih Tzus are prone to health issues so make sure to give them the right amount of food for their optimal nutritional needs.
Proteins, Fats & Carbohydrates for Shih Tzu
The average macronutrients you would want to typically give your Shih Tzu are as follows:
Proteins:
About 25-30% for an average Shih Tzu and, if your Shih Tzu is really active, increase that to 30-35%.
Fats:
They need lower fat percentages in their daily macros—approximately 15-20%. Be careful with the fats because Shih Tzus are not very active and they tend to gain weight. But, do not eliminate it altogether because they need the omegas to keep their coat silky and smooth, not to mention nourished.
Carbohydrates:
According to the National Research Council, dogs do not really need carbohydrates in comparison to proteins and fats. So, the ideal dog food for Shih Tzu would contain a maximum of 25% carbohydrates.
Keep the flow of vitamins and minerals high because the healthy effect of antioxidants is required for a strong immune system to prevent chronic diseases.
Common Health Issues Affecting Shih Tzus
Some common health issues your Shih Tzu may encounter include hip dysplasia, bone, and joint problems, allergies and dental problems.
Keep in mind, Shih Tzus may also suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome, which is breathing difficulty due to the shorter and broader head and nose. Due to their heavy coats, they are not very tolerant of heat.
They also have a brachycephalic jaw—which means their mouth is small—so keep their kibble small, otherwise, they may have difficulty eating.
Given these factors, Shih Tzus can be given commercial food or even homemade food like cooked brown rice, vegetable, turkey, etc.
Though your dog will be the best indicator of how much they can eat, we encourage you to consult a vet or pet expert to confirm their optimal diet requirements.
When you go shopping for food for your Shih Tzu, you’ll find there are a lot of choices. In case you aren’t sure which commercial dry dog food to choose, check our reviewed dog foods for Shih Tzu and pick your desired one.
A healthy diet and nutrition are necessary to keep your dog healthy and lively. We love our dogs and want to give them the very best. So why compromise on a vital aspect such as nutrition? Go for the right dog food for Shih Tzu because these royal pets deserve no less.