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What’s the best dog food for a shih tzu?
The answer to that crucial question depends on the AGE of YOUR particular dog.
That’s because…
Shih tzu puppies… adults… and seniors… EACH have different nutritional needs… to provide optimal long-term health.
Which means…
A dog food designed for an adult shih tzu may contain too little calcium for a growing puppy… or too little protein… and too many calories for a less active senior.
And there are other important differences, too..
For example…
A shih tzu puppy needs 0.44% histidine (an essential amino acid)… while an adult requires less than half that amount… just 0.19% of the same nutrient.
In contrast…
A senior shih tzu benefits from a dog food containing more protein… and fewer calories per serving.
Here’s the point…
Since there are no official nutrient standards for ANY particular breed…
And to optimize your dog’s long-term health…
It’s critical to choose a food that’s designed to match the AAFCO nutrient profile for your shih tzu’s age… and stage of life.
The Three Life Stages of a Shih Tzu
Since dogs age at different rates, life stage ranges for any breed are never exact.
The age data found in the following table were obtained from multiple sources and should be used to help you find the best possible food for your shih tzu.
| Life Stage | Age |
|---|---|
| Puppy | Under 9-12 months |
| Adult | Over 9-12 months |
| Senior | 11+ years |
Our Top Recommendations
On this page…
We’ll share the Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food for shih tzus based on the life stage of your pet.… and we’ll answer the 6 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding this super-popular small breed dog.
Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus January 2025
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Shih Tzus for January 2025.
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1. Best Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzus: Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Real Chicken Recipe
This Small Breed with Real Chicken recipe is a high-protein, grain-free mix of kibble and freeze-dried raw food made in the USA. It’s one of 11 dry recipes contained in our review of the Instinct product line.
Instinct Raw Boost receives the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 22% fat, and 32% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
It’s not only made with cage-free chicken, the recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. The formula also includes zinc proteinate and three other chelated minerals. These are costly supplements for superior nutrition usually found in more expensive foods.
Read our review of the full Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Made in the USA
- Free from artificial colors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, chickpeas, tapioca, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults only (not suitable for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have tried so many dry dog foods and given them away because my shih tzu just won't eat them. He gets a handful of this to go next to his wet food and eats it. Picky eater doesn't begin it describe him and add senior into the mix, ugh. I can honestly recommend this one."
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2. Best Wet Dog Food For Shih Tzus: Merrick Lil' Plates Teeny Tiny Steak Tips Dinner
Teeny Tiny Steak Tips Dinner is a high-protein food crafted for small-breed dogs. It’s one of eight wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick product line.
Merrick Lil’ Plates derives most of its animal protein from fresh beef and is served in convenient, single-serving trays proportioned for small dogs. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
This formula contains above-average levels of omega fatty acids as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy skin and joints. It’s complete and balanced with the inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics to aid in digestion.
A top wet pick for smaller breeds. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here
Things we like
- Convenient serving sizes
- High protein
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
Main Ingredients Beef, beef broth, venison broth, beef liver, dried egg whites Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult shih tzus only -
3. Best Fresh Dog Food For Shih Tzus: Raised Right Fresh Beef Recipe
Raised Right Beef is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right product line. This recipe is extremely high in protein, made with human-grade ingredients, and is free of plant-based protein boosters.
Raised Right Beef derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 61% protein, 24% fat and 8% estimated carbs, leaving a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
One of the best fresh, human-grade dog foods on the market. The wide recipe selection can be a major plus for picky eaters or dogs with allergies. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- High protein
- Wide recipe range
Main Ingredients Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 61% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Shih Tzus only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com"Raised Right is the perfect food for my dog. She loves the taste and I love that she can finally eat something with all her food sensitivities. "
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4. Best Puppy Dog Food For Shih Tzus: Nom Nom Turkey Fare
Turkey Fare is one of four fresh human-grade recipes evaluated in our review of the Nom Nom product line.
This particular recipe receives the majority of its animal protein from ground turkey. It also includes real veggies and targeted vitamins for a balanced diet. Ingredients are gently cooked individually and then mixed in small batches to seal in vital nutrients and maximize digestibility for your shih tzu puppy.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 38% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Top-level, human-grade ingredients and a 100% balanced recipe designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Gently cooked ingredients
- Human-grade recipes
- Easy to digest
Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Texture Fresh Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Dogs and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My pups are in love with this food. We first used it as a birthday treat for the pups are they devoured it looking for more. I mixed it in with their normal kibble food and I've never seen them happier."
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5. Best Affordable Dog Food For Shih Tzus: Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
Small Breed Puppy is one of 20 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
This formula obtains most of its animal protein from fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 19% fat and 41% estimated carbs, leaving a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%.
Formulated for the health and well-being of small-breed puppies, Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe includes whole grains and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Plus, it contains DHA to support healthy growth and development in small puppies.
It’s an affordable choice for shih tzu parents who want to feed their pet a quality grain-inclusive recipe. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains DHA
- Affordable
- Contains antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Shih tzu puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My shih tzu loves this kibble puppy dry dog food. With vet's instructions, I weaned her off what the breeder had been feeding her. She took to it easily without any stomach issues and was eager to eat it, unlike the food the breeder sent home with us. Best decision ever to make this switch. Our vet stamp-approved the decision 100%."
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6. Best Dog Food For Shih Tzus with Allergies: Ollie Fresh Turkey
Ollie Turkey is one of five fresh-cooked recipes included in our review of the Ollie product line.
This recipe derives its animal protein from turkey thigh, turkey liver, and turkey heart. It is cooked with single animal proteins which can help you eliminate potential allergy culprits. The food also excludes common allergens such as corn, wheat, or soy. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 39% protein, 25% fat and 28% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
A nutritionally balanced, fresh-cooked meal that’s as close to homemade as you can get. Ollie is made in small batches, custom packaged, and delivered fresh to your door.
A super tasty, single-protein option for dogs with allergies and ideal for smaller breeds. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Single animal protein
- Free from corn, wheat and soy
- Fresh ingredients
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, pumpkin, turkey liver, turkey heart, carrot Texture Fresh Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 39% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult Shih Tzus as well as puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Jolene has been with Ollie from the beginning. She never has digestive issues or allergies. Her coat is shiny, she has energy, and I’m thankful I can get fresh food for her delivered at my door."
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7. Best Grain Inclusive Dog Food For Shih Tzus: Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult is one of nine dry recipes rated in our review of the Nutro product line.
This small breed recipe derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken as well as chicken meal. Although this recipe contains protein boosters such as flaxseed and chia seeds, it still contains a notable amount of meat. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 19% fat and 44% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%.
A holistic blend of “superfoods” containing a balanced mix of three lean proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and healthy whole grains, an ideal for optimal small-breed nutrition. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Nutro Ultra Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Notable amount of named meat
- Contains antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
- Contains three lean proteins
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain oats, whole grain brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults shih tzus only (not suitable for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I am a huge fan of Nutro. My dogs are picky and have sensitive stomachs. The small breed ultra is their favorite. We purchase a bag once every 3 weeks and it suits my two 15 lb boys."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a new food... without making my shih tzu sick?
In the following video…
Internet vet, Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your Shih Tzu’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a new food.
Do shih tzus need special dog food?
There are no official pet food industry standards or FDA guidelines established specifically for shih tzus. However, because Shih Tzu puppies, adults and seniors EACH have different nutritional needs, it’s important to choose a food that’s designed to match the life stage of YOUR particular dog.
How much dog food should I feed my shih tzu?
An important study found that dogs fed an amount of food to keep them at ideal body condition lived nearly 2 years longer… than other dogs.1
Since every shih tzu is different, it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “ideal” for every animal. So, start with the feeding amount printed on the package. Then, over time, adjust that amount up or down… to reach and then maintain your shih tzu at ideal body weight.
What's the best dog food for a shih tzu puppy?
Since they’re considered small breed dogs, shih tzus benefit from eating foods that contain the right balance of calcium and other nutrients specifically designed for puppies. So, until he (or she) reaches 9 to 12 months, your shih tzu should be eating a dog food that meets AAFCO nutrient guidelines… and is clearly labeled “for Growth” or “for All Life Stages”.
In addition to the Royal Canin shih zzu puppy food above, you’ll find a complete list of The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Small Breed Puppy Foods here.
What's the best dog food for a senior Shih Tzu?
According to VCA Hospitals, small breed dogs tend to live longer than large breeds. Shih tzus aren’t considered “senior” until they reach 11 years of age. So, if your shih tzu is 10 years (or older), you may wish to visit The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Senior Dog Foods page here.
Final word
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