Are you looking for the best dog food for Shih Tzu? Here is everything you need to know.
Shih Tzu is an adorable toy breed that is generally very small in size. An adult of this breed ordinarily weighs between 9 and 16 pounds only. They are incredibly energetic and playful little creatures that certainly improve their owner’s life with their pleasant and adorable nature. However, their small size makes it incredibly important to provide them with the right kind of food, and so you need to be cautious with what you feed your Shih Tzu.
They can be incredibly fussy eaters and have solid likes and dislikes. Plus, as they are prone to many allergies and health issues, any run-of-the-mill dog food will not suffice for them.
What Your Shih Tzu Needs?
Each breed has different needs when it comes to food, and you should be mindful of what your pup needs while making a purchase. As a toy breed, Shih Tzus have some special nutritional requirements that their food must cater to since this is their only source of nourishment.
1. Protein
Your pup needs ample protein content to maintain strong muscles and a healthy lifestyle. It also prevents them from becoming overweight, which usually leads to even more health issues. Therefore, when looking for dog food, always prioritize protein options as a primary ingredient since this is a basic need for canines.
You should choose a dog food containing identifiable proteins, such as chicken fish, turkey, or lamb meat, and avoid animal by-products or questionable and unknown sources of meat. On average, your Shih Tzu’s food should contain around 20-25% protein content.
2. Fats
Fat is an excellent energy source for your dog, and incorporating it into their diet is essential. Fats make the food taste better, which is an added advantage to have when feeding such a fussy breed. They are easy to digest as well and aid in the development and repair of tissues.
Shih Tzus stand out for their beautiful fur, but they are prone to numerous hair issues. So, omega fatty acids are necessary for their food, since it helps maintain and improve your dog’s fur. Ingredients like salmon oil and flaxseed are good sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, so you should look for these when shopping for dog food.
3. Vitamins and Minerals
These nutrients are essential for the healthy growth of your dog, and if these nutrients are derived from natural sources like fruits and vegetables, then it is even better!
Though several brands use artificially sourced vitamins and minerals, it is best for you to stick to natural sources because Shih Tzus are prone to stomach issues and have a very sensitive digestive system. Look for Vitamins A, B D, K, E, and C in your dog’s food.
4. Antioxidants
Shih Tzus have a relatively long life and will be by your side for many years to come. So what better way to ensure they will be with you for as long as possible than to include antioxidants in their diet? These antioxidants get rid of free radicals in your pup’s body and improve his overall health and immunity.
5. Small Kibble Size
As a toy breed, your dog has a small mouth, and the regular-sized kibble meant for larger species might be too big and uncomfortable for them to consume. Besides, they have sharp jaws and teeth, and chewing large, hard kibbles might be detrimental to their digestive and dental health. So, look for mini or small-sized kibble, which is manufactured explicitly for toy and small breeds.
6. Calories
You need to ensure that your dog gets the appropriate number of calories required to facilitate good health and steady growth. It is generally considered acceptable that this breed needs around 35-50 calories (or one ounce of food) per pound of their body weight. You can easily calculate the number of calories your dog requires and then fulfill his dietary needs accordingly.
If you feel the need, you can experiment a little until you find the perfect balance for your dog. Every dog is different, and this applies to their diet as well. However, if you want to be sure about the proper calorie count, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian before you make any decisions yourself.
7. Easy Digestion
Easily digestible food is always preferable for Shih Tzus since they have sensitive stomachs. For this reason, you should look for food that contains probiotics and fiber since they improve digestion and contribute to their health. These ingredients also help to deal with common digestion issues such as flatulence and diarrhea.
While grains are not necessarily bad for dogs, breeds like Shih Tzus might have trouble digesting some foods, and grains can be one of them. So, if your dog does not react well to grains, avoid it.
What Should You Avoid?
We have discussed what your dog needs in his food for good health, so now let’s move on to some things you should stay away from while buying dog food.
1. Additives
Often commercial dog food contains unnecessary additives which do nothing to improve the nutritional value of the food. These added preservatives, or colors, or artificial flavors do not enhance the food’s quality in any way. Instead, these chemicals can be harmful in the long run, so it is best to stay away from them.
2. Fillers
Dog food also contains filler ingredients sometimes, which offer no nutrients but increase the amount of food in the packet. While buying, make sure that the food you pick does not contain any filler grains like corn or wheat.
3. Allergens
Your dog might have some allergies, so you should avoid food that contains the allergens that cause it. However, if your dog is simply not responding well to food, and you don’t know what ingredient is causing this, you should visit a vet to check for potential allergies and then alter your dog’s diet accordingly.
Alternatively, you could opt for limited ingredient dog food, which has a simple formula and very few ingredients, meaning it is unlikely that they will contain allergens.
Feeding Shih Tzus
Puppies
Your adorable little Shih Tzu puppy will have specific needs that you will need to fulfill and get used to. Since they will be growing rapidly in this phase, you need to provide them with enough nutrients to facilitate their development into healthy and happy adult dogs.
It would be best if you opted for dog food made especially for toy breed puppies, or at least something made for puppies. Make sure to feed your pup 3 or 4 times a day, and then alter it if the need arises.
Adults
When your puppy turns a year old, you should switch to adult dog food. You will need to introduce this change gradually over weeks so that your dog gets used to the change without facing any troubles. Once the dog becomes an adult, you can reduce his feeding to around twice a day.
Seniors
Senior Shih Tzus will need extra care and support, and you should opt for food that supplies him with the necessary nutrients to keep him healthy in the later stages of life. Since an elderly dog also has reduced energy levels and is less active, it might be a good idea to reduce his calorie intake and control his weight closely.
Now that we have established what your Shih Tzu needs, as well as what is harmful to this breed, let’s move on to the list of the best dog foods for Shih Tzus, which we have created just for you!
Choosing The Best Dog Food For Shih Tzus
1. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
This dry dog food is made specifically for adult Shih Tzus, so you can be assured that it will meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs. Its digestible protein and high fiber content reduce your dog’s stool odor as well. The kibbles are small in size and designed to be comfortably consumed by this small breed. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as biotin, which facilitate the maintenance of your pup’s beautiful long coat. It also contains EPA and DHA, which boost your pup’s cognitive health. In addition, vitamins A, B, C, and D contribute to your dog’s overall health and immunity.
What we like:
- Contains EPA and DHA
- Tiny sized kibble
- Contains fatty acids
- Digestible protein makes it easy on your dog’s digestive system.
What we didn’t like:
- Not gluten and grain free
- contains meat by-product
2. Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
This Merrick dog food provides your pooch with ample protein content since it contains 38% crude protein, which comes primarily in the form of whole chicken meat as well as salmon and turkey meal. In addition, the small kibbles are made to cater to small breed dogs, and so they won’t be harsh or painful for your dog to eat.
This dog food is easily digestible and gentle on your dog’s sensitive stomach. It has a nice taste, which is contributed to by the chicken fat in it, and this ensures that even the fussiest eaters will like it. The omega-3 fatty acids in it help you maintain your dog’s luscious coat and skin. In addition, it is packed with supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, improving bone health and strengthening your dog’s hips and joints.
What we like:
- Quality protein content
- Gentle on your dog’s digestive system
- Good kibble size
- Contains fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics which assist in nutrient absorption
What we didn’t like:
- Contains protein meal
3. Taste of the Wild Prairie Dog Food
This Taste of The Wild option is excellent for your Shih Tzu. It is rich in protein, as it contains real bison and venison meat. As a result, it helps your dog maintain lean muscles and prevents unhealthy weight gain.
This dog food contains probiotics that improve your dog’s digestion and facilitate the absorption of nutrients and vegetables and fruits, which are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, it is free of any filler ingredients such as corn, wheat, or soy.
What we like:
- Contains real meat
- Easily digestible – grain and gluten free
- Contains probiotics
- Contains fruits and vegetables which are natural sources of nutrients
- No fillers
What we didn’t like:
- Contains GMOs
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Formula Chicken and Brown Rice
This blue buffalo option is meant for puppies and is an excellent choice for your Shih Tzu pup. It contains high-quality protein from real chicken, which is the first ingredient in this food.
The garden-grown vegetables and fruits and the quality grains provide lots of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, improving your dog’s immunity and quality of life.
The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids promote the health of your dog’s coat. This also contains DHA and ARA, which improve cognitive and retinal health. It does not contain any poultry by-products or meat meals and is free of unnecessary additives or fillers such as corn or soy.
What we like:
- Contains DHA and ARA
- Contains fruits and vegetables
- No meat meals
- No added flavors, preservatives, colors or fillers
What we didn’t like:
- This dog food is only meant for puppies
5. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food
This limited ingredient dog food is ideal for Shih Tzus since there is very little chance of it containing any allergens or any unnecessary ingredients that might mess up your dog’s digestion. In addition, it has quality animal protein in the form of salmon and provides carbohydrates from sources like potatoes that can be digested with ease.
The added probiotics ensure the smooth functioning of the digestive system, and the antioxidants and fatty acids improve immunity, calm irritated skin and help maintain the shiny and healthy coat. It also contains glucosamine which strengthens joints and hips, and taurine, which is good for the heart.
What we like:
- Contains real animal protein
- Contains probiotics
- Facilitates healthy joints and heart
- Limited ingredients
- No gluten or grains
- No additives
What we didn’t like:
- No fruits or vegetables
- The fat content is relatively low
6. Hill’s Science Diet Small Breed Adult Dog Food
This formula has been developed for small breeds and will fulfill your Shih Tzus nutritional needs. It contains chicken, the primary source of protein, and several added ingredients such as brewers’ rice and chicken meal. In addition, it provides omega fatty acids derived from flaxseeds, which help maintain a luscious coat, and Vitamins C and E, which boost immunity.
The prebiotic fiber in it provides for smooth digestion, which is further aided by highly digestible ingredients. This dog food has been made with natural ingredients and is perfect for fussy eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
What we like:
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Contains fatty acids and vitamins
- Natural ingredients
- Good for sensitive stomachs
- No added preservatives, colors or flavors
What we didn’t like:
- Contains grains which are sometimes difficult for Shih Tzus to digest
7. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Dog
This dog food for older small breeds contains quality proteins that help maintain a healthy weight, such as deboned turkey. It also includes brown rice, peas, chicken fat, etc., providing your elderly Shih Tzu with all the nutrients required for a healthy life and a stable amount of energy.
In addition, the antioxidants it contains will strengthen your dog’s immunity, and the glucosamine and chondroitin will help strengthen joints and hips.
Taurine is good for heart health, and the omega fatty acids help maintain the skin and coat. This dog food is easy to digest as well due to the presence of probiotics in it. It is free of additives, fillers, or meat meals, making it an ideal choice for your furry best friend.
What we like:
- Contains probiotics and fatty acids
- Good protein content
- No added preservatives
- No fillers
- No meat by-products
What we didn’t like:
- Contains grains which might be hard for your dog to digest
8. Royal Canine Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Fog Food
This dog food has been made specifically for Shih Tzu puppies between 8 weeks and ten months and has a protein content of around 26%. It helps the growth of a healthy coat and contains plenty of antioxidants and vitamins, which benefit the pup’s developing immune system. The probiotics it contains also improve digestive and gut health, and this food reduces the amount of stool and stool odor drastically.
It also provides your puppy with DHA and AHA and has an adequate calorie count of facilitating the maintenance of high energy levels. In addition, this option has kibbles designed for easy consumption by Shih Tzus, keeping in mind their underbite.
What we like:
- Contains probiotics, vitamins and antioxidants
- Ample number of calories
- Unique kibble design
- Adequate protein content
What we didn’t like:
- None
9. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
This dog food is made for small breeds and is therefore ideal for your Shih Tzu. It provides protein from three sources- chicken, salmon, and lamb, with chicken as the primary ingredient.
The protein content helps maintain lean and healthy muscles. It is made with a special blend of 15 superfoods: chia, blueberries, spinach, coconut, and kale. It facilitates good heart health and vision and improves digestion.
The food provides ample fatty acids from sources like flaxseeds, biotin, vitamins, minerals and promotes the growth of a shiny coat and a strong immune system. It also contains antioxidants that improve your dog’s overall health, and the kibbles are easy to chew so that they don’t hurt your dog’s sensitive teeth. In addition, it is free of any additives, fillers, or chicken meat meal and provides the best quality ingredients to your dog.
What we like:
- The unique blend of superfoods
- 3 sources of meat protein
- Strengthens immunity, maintains skin and coat
- No added preservatives, colors, flavors
- No fillers
- Kibbles are comfortable to chew
What we didn’t like:
- None
10. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet
This fish and sweet potato dog food is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Since it is a limited ingredient recipe, it reduces the chances of your dog encountering allergens and is easy to digest. High-quality salmon is the primary source of protein and provides amino acids, helping to maintain lean and strong muscles.
This recipe is grain-free with no added preservatives, flavors, or colors. It also contains natural fibers from sweet potatoes for enhanced digestion. In addition, it provides your dog with all the essential vitamins and minerals that improve overall health.
What we like:
- Grain free
- Good for sensitive stomachs
- No additives or fillers
- Contains natural fibers
- Grain free
What we didn’t like:
- None
FAQ
Is High Protein Food Good for My Shih Tzu?
High protein content benefits your dog’s development and overall health, and there is no harm in feeding him food with sufficient protein. However, it would be best to remember that there is a limit to the amount of protein that can benefit your dog. If there is excess protein in your dog’s food, more than he can utilize, it will be excreted with urine because the body does not require it. In the long run, however, if the protein content of your dog’s food is consistently too high, it can damage the kidneys.
What Can I Give My Shih Tzu Puppy as a Treat?
Giving your pup treats as reinforcement is vital during the training period, but you should make sure the treats are healthy and good for him. Make sure to offer treats in moderation, and use natural alternatives like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Does My Shih Tzu Need a Grain Free Diet?
The answer to this question is entirely subjective, so you will have to find it out for yourself. Grains are not necessarily bad for Shih Tzus, but some have very sensitive stomachs and have a hard time digesting grain. If your dog faces problems with a grain recipe, switch to a grain-free one.
Should I Feed My Dog Dry or Wet Food?
This, too, depends on your dog’s individual needs. Some prefer wet foods, while others enjoy dry foods more. You can watch your dog closely to observe which one it likes better, or you can even feed it a mix of both options.
Can My Shih Tzu Eat Human Foods?
Foods such as chicken, salmon, green beans, zucchini, peas, sweet potatoes, raspberries, carrots, etc., are fit for your dog to eat. If you want a complete list of what human foods your dog can or cannot eat, you can consult your vet.
What Should I Not Feed My Shih Tzu?
Items like onions, nuts, grapes, fruit seeds, garlic, and chocolate should not be fed to your dog under any circumstances.
Conclusion
We hope this article has answered your queries about the dietary requirements of Shih Tzus. So now, when you head out to make a purchase, you’ll know exactly which options are good enough for your furry best friend!
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