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Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu

shih tzu and a bowl of food

Shih Tzus are beloved for their playful personalities and adorable looks, but as with any dog, proper nutrition is key to keeping them healthy and happy. Choosing the best dog food for your Shih Tzu can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. In this article, we’ll explore what to look for in a quality dog food and recommend some of the best options to keep your furry friend thriving.

Key Takeaways

  • Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food is specifically formulated for Shih Tzus and meets their unique nutritional needs.
  • Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe is a great option for small breeds, offering balanced nutrition and high-quality ingredients.
  • Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food contains wholesome ingredients and is free from artificial preservatives.
  • Wellness CORE RawRev Small Breed combines high-protein kibble with pieces of freeze-dried raw meat for a nutritious and tasty meal.
  • Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is praised for its quality ingredients and affordability, making it a great overall choice for Shih Tzus.

1. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food

When it comes to finding the best dog food for Shih Tzu, Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food is a top contender. This kibble is specifically designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of adult Shih Tzus. The small, breed-specific kibble is perfect for their brachycephalic jaws, making it easier for them to pick up and chew.

Benefits

  • Tailored nutrition for Shih Tzus
  • Supports skin and coat health
  • Promotes digestive health

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken meal
  • Brown rice
  • Oat groats

Feeding Guidelines

  1. Check the feeding chart on the package.
  2. Measure the appropriate amount based on your dog's weight.
  3. Divide the daily portion into two meals.
If you're shopping for Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food, you might want to consider setting up a subscription for free automatic delivery. This way, you'll never run out of your pup's favorite food!

With a 4.9-star rating from over 300 reviews, it's clear that many Shih Tzu owners trust this food to keep their furry friends happy and healthy. So, if you're looking for a reliable option, give Royal Canin a try!

2. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe

Shih Tzu enjoying Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe dog food from a bowl.

Alright, let's talk about Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken Meal & Rice Recipe. This dog food is a real game-changer for your Shih Tzu. It's made with chicken meal and rice, and it honors its promise to tantalize even the pickiest of palates. Which works out perfectly because I'm not a fan of beef.

Key Features

  • Specially formulated for small breeds
  • Contains high-quality protein from chicken meal
  • Includes a balanced set of minerals for heart and kidney health

Customer Reviews

Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Dry Dog Food has an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Pet parents rave about how their dogs love the taste and how it keeps their coats shiny and healthy.

Why I Love It

I love this food because it’s not just nutritious but also delicious for my furry friend. Plus, the small kibble size is perfect for their tiny mouths. If you’re looking for a reliable and tasty option, this is it!

3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food

When it comes to finding the best dog food for your Shih Tzu, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food is a top contender. This food is specifically designed for small breeds and includes Blue Buffalo's signature LifeSource Bits, which are a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These bits are chosen by vets to ensure your furry friend gets all the nutrients they need.

Pros

  • Contains freeze-dried raw food
  • Small pieces suitable for small breeds
  • Primary ingredients are chicken and chicken meal

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Needs gradual introduction to avoid upset stomachs
If your Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach, this could be a great option as it's grain-free and gluten-free, avoiding common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.

Final Thoughts

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula earns a solid 4.5 stars based on its most popular product lines. While it might be a bit pricey, the quality ingredients and health benefits make it worth considering for your Shih Tzu.

4. Wellness CORE RawRev Small Breed

When it comes to feeding my Shih Tzu, I always look for the best dog food for picky eaters. That's why I love Wellness CORE RawRev Small Breed. This food is packed with prebiotics and probiotics, which are great for my dog's digestion. Plus, the kibble is small and soft, making it easy for my little furball to munch on.

Pros

  • Contains prebiotics and probiotics
  • Small kibble is easy for Shih Tzus to eat
  • Primary ingredients are chicken and chicken meal
  • Contains freeze-dried raw food

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Needs gradual introduction to avoid upset stomachs
One thing to note is that the once freeze-dried ingredients have been removed and now it is only kibbles and a lot of powdery crumbs. So, if you're expecting those freeze-dried bits, you might be a bit disappointed.

Overall, Wellness CORE RawRev is a fantastic option if you're looking for high-quality food for your Shih Tzu, especially if they have a sensitive stomach or are picky eaters.

5. Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food bag on a wooden table with scattered dog food pieces.

When it comes to feeding my Shih Tzu, I always look for the best options. That's why I love Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This food is specifically designed for small breeds like Shih Tzus, and it has some fantastic features.

Key Ingredients

The primary ingredients in this food are chicken meal, potatoes, and canola meal. It's great to know that it doesn't contain corn, wheat, soy, or grain, which are common allergens for dogs. This makes it a perfect choice for dogs with sensitivities.

Benefits

  • Small kibble size is ideal for Shih Tzus.
  • Contains probiotics and prebiotics for gut health.
  • Free from common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.

Why I Recommend It

Although there are many options, I found Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food to be the best overall dog food for Shih Tzus because of its price and inclusion of good-quality ingredients.

If you're looking for a nutritious option for your small breed dog, this is definitely worth considering. It's one of the best dog food for small dogs, and my Shih Tzu absolutely loves it!

6. IAMS Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food

When it comes to feeding my Shih Tzu, I always look for the best value without compromising on quality. That's why IAMS Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food is a top contender. This food is designed specifically for small breeds, making it perfect for my little furball.

Key Ingredients

The primary ingredients in this food are chicken, ground whole grain corn, and ground whole grain sorghum. These ingredients provide a balanced diet that's high in protein and essential nutrients.

Benefits

  • Small kibble size that's easy for Shih Tzus to eat
  • High in protein to support muscle maintenance
  • Affordable without sacrificing quality

Why I Love It

IAMS MiniChunks is not only affordable but also packed with high-quality ingredients. The small kibble size is ideal for my Shih Tzu, who sometimes struggles with larger pieces of food. Plus, it's one of the best dog foods for Shih Tzus for the money.

If you're looking for the best dog food for older dogs, IAMS Proactive Health is another great option.

Final Thoughts

Overall, IAMS Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food offers a great balance of quality and affordability. It's a fantastic choice for any Shih Tzu owner looking to provide their pet with a nutritious and delicious meal.

7. Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe

When it comes to feeding my Shih Tzu, I always look for something that's both nutritious and tasty. That's why I love Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe. This dog food receives the advisor's second-highest tier rating of 4 stars. It's packed with high-quality ingredients like chicken and chicken meal, which are the primary ingredients. However, it's worth noting that lamb and salmon are much further down the ingredient list.

Pros

  • Decent price
  • Contains prebiotics and probiotics
  • Kibble is small and soft

Cons

  • The food is salty
  • Too rich for some dogs
  • Expensive
If you're looking for a high-calorie option that's also cost-effective, this might be the right choice for your Shih Tzu.

8. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food bag on a kitchen counter with a Shih Tzu eating from a bowl next to it.

If you're looking for a solid choice for your Shih Tzu, Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a fantastic option. This dry kibble is specifically designed for small breeds, ensuring your little furball gets all the nutrients they need. The primary ingredients are chicken, chicken meal, and whole brown rice, which provide a balanced diet.

Key Ingredients

Nutro Ultra combines chicken, lamb, and salmon protein, making it a protein-packed meal for your pup. Additionally, it includes a variety of superfoods to further enhance the nutritional benefits.

Nutritional Benefits

This food is packed with vitamins and minerals, ensuring your Shih Tzu stays healthy and happy. The combination of high-quality ingredients supports overall health and well-being.

Price and Availability

You can find Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food on Chewy and Amazon. It's moderately priced, making it a great option for those who want quality without breaking the bank.

Pro Tip: Save up to 35% with autoship on Chewy!

In summary, Nutro Ultra is a top choice for small breeds, offering high-quality ingredients and health benefits. It's no wonder it earns the advisor's second-highest tier rating of 4 stars.

9. Canidae PURE Small Breed Grain-Free Limited Ingredient

Shih Tzu sitting beside a bowl of Canidae PURE Small Breed Grain-Free Limited Ingredient dog food, looking happy and healthy.

If your Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach, then Canidae PURE Small Breed Grain-Free Limited Ingredient might just be the perfect choice. This dog food is designed with limited ingredients to reduce the chances of food sensitivities. Plus, it's grain-free, which is a big win for dogs with grain allergies.

Key Features

  • Limited ingredient formula
  • Grain-free
  • High-quality protein sources

Benefits

One of the standout benefits of this food is its high-quality protein sources. This ensures your Shih Tzu gets all the essential nutrients without any fillers. The limited ingredient list also makes it easier to pinpoint any potential allergens.

Customer Reviews

Many pet owners rave about this product. According to a Canidae dog food review, the product line earns an overall rating of 4.5 stars. Another review highlights that based on its ingredients alone, Canidae Grain Free Pure Dog Food looks like an above-average dry product.

If you're looking for a dog food that combines quality and simplicity, Canidae PURE is a solid choice. Your Shih Tzu will thank you!

10. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Small & Toy Breed

Alright, let's talk about the Solid Gold Mighty Mini Small & Toy Breed dog food. This is one of those foods that you might find a bit pricey, but trust me, it's worth every penny. Why? Because it has so many high-quality ingredients, especially the top ones like lamb, fish, peas, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and egg. Your Shih Tzu will be dining like royalty!

Key Ingredients

The first thing you'll notice is the lamb and fish, which are excellent sources of protein. These ingredients are perfect for maintaining your dog's muscle health and overall vitality. Plus, the addition of peas, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas provides a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.

Nutritional Benefits

This dog food is not just about taste; it's also packed with nutritional benefits. The high-quality proteins and essential nutrients support your Shih Tzu's digestive health, making it one of the best dog food options for sensitive digestion. The inclusion of superfoods and probiotics ensures that your furry friend gets all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Customer Reviews

Many pet owners rave about this product. They love how it keeps their dogs energetic and healthy. One customer mentioned, "It's a bit pricey, but worth it because it has so many high-quality ingredients." So, if you're looking for a top-notch dog food that offers both taste and nutrition, Solid Gold Mighty Mini is a fantastic choice.

If you're serious about giving your Shih Tzu the best, this dog food should be at the top of your list. It's a bit of an investment, but the health benefits are undeniable.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Finding the best dog food for your Shih Tzu doesn't have to be a Herculean task. Remember, these little furballs thrive on high-quality, balanced diets that cater to their unique needs. Whether you go for the top-rated brands like Royal Canin or Hill’s Science Diet, or opt for budget-friendly yet nutritious options like Whole Earth Farms, the key is to choose food that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and free from unnecessary fillers. Keep an eye out for small kibble sizes and formulations that address common Shih Tzu concerns like dental health and sensitive skin. Your Shih Tzu will thank you with wagging tails and endless cuddles. Happy feeding!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dog food brand for Shih Tzu?

Some top-rated dog food brands for Shih Tzu include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness. Look for brands that use high-quality ingredients and have specific formulas for small breed dogs.

How often should I feed my Shih Tzu?

Adult Shih Tzus typically do well with two meals a day. Puppies may require more frequent feeding, usually three to four times a day. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

What type of food is best for Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzu do well on a high-quality, balanced diet that includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Look for dog foods that are specifically formulated for small breeds, as well as those that address Shih Tzu’s health concerns such as dental health, sensitive skin, and tear stains.

Is wet or dry food better for Shih Tzu?

Both wet and dry foods have their pros and cons. Dry food is good for dental health and is easier to store, while wet food is often more palatable and hydrating. A mix of both can also be a good option.

Are grain-free diets good for Shih Tzu?

Grain-free diets can be beneficial for Shih Tzus with specific grain allergies or sensitivities. However, it's essential to consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog's diet.

Can Shih Tzu eat human food?

While some human foods are safe for dogs, many can be harmful. It's best to stick to high-quality dog food and treats specifically formulated for canine nutritional needs.

What should I avoid in dog food for Shih Tzu?

Avoid dog foods that contain filler ingredients, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Ingredients like chicken meal or other meat byproducts are also best avoided.

How can I tell if my Shih Tzu likes their food?

Signs that your Shih Tzu likes their food include eagerness to eat, maintaining a healthy weight, and having regular bowel movements. If your dog shows signs of disinterest or digestive issues, it may be time to try a different food.

*Food for Bark strives to deliver accurate and current pet care information. However, we are not veterinarians. Our content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not replace professional veterinarians' advice. Always consult your veterinarian for any concerns about your pet's health. Use of our site indicates your agreement to this disclaimer and absolves us of responsibility for any outcomes from applying the information provided.
Hilda Wong

Hello! I'm a lifelong dog enthusiast, with a passion that's been part of me since childhood. Growing up, my home was always filled with the joyful presence of dogs. This wasn't just a coincidence; my family holds a deep-seated belief that dogs are more than pets—they are guardians that protect us from misfortune. This belief has profoundly shaped my life. We've always held the view that it's essential to have a dog in the household. In our tradition, if we sadly lose one, we honor their memory by welcoming a new furry friend into our lives. This cycle of care and companionship has been a cornerstone of my upbringing. For me, taking care of dogs is not just a responsibility; it's a way to show gratitude for the joy and protection they bring into our lives. Each dog I've had the privilege of caring for has taught me invaluable lessons about loyalty, joy, and unconditional love. I strive to give them the best life possible, just as they enrich mine every single day.

Hilda Wong