Their name means “lion dog” and they look like the lion statues one sees sitting outside Chinese restaurants. (Incidentally, in Chinese the name is pronounced “sher zer”)
These adorable, affectionate little friends with their silky hair and shoe button eyes were bred to be lap dogs but even a little lap dog must eat.
Shih Tzu foods must be nutritious and of good quality.
In this article, we’re going to review the following dog foods for Shih Tzu:
- ORIJEN High-Protein, Grain-Free, Premium Quality Meat, Dry Dog Food
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
- Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food – Natural Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
- Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food with A Trio of Proteins from Chicken
- Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Indoor Dry Dog Food
- Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food Small Breed
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food, Grain Free
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Premium Dry Dog Food
- Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food
- Bil Jac Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food With Trio Proteins (Chicken, Lamb And Salmon)
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy
- Zignature Limited Ingredient Lamb Formula Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
- Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food
- Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Sensitive Systems, Limited Ingredient Formulas
- Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe Natural Dog Food & Toppers
- ACANA Dog Protein Rich, Real Meat, Grain Free, Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutritional Requirements For Your Shih-Tzu
The Shih Tzu needs high quality food fit for her age group. Doing nothing but sitting on laps all day can make little Zhuzhu gain weight easily.
And then there’s the fact that people just want to stuff that cute little face with treats.
And all that long, thick fur can make it hard to tell at first how chubby she is. Shih Tzus have much the same nutritional requirements as most of the toy breeds.
They are no more prone to allergies than other breeds but can develop a sensitive stomach. Also keep the following nutrients in mind.
Popular reads: 87 Human Foods Dogs Can And Can’t Eat
Proteins
Protein is important in a dogs diet, but toy breeds don’t need as much as larger breeds.
Shih-Tzus that are all grown up require a minimum of eighteen percent protein in their diet for daily maintenance.
If you are purchasing an ultra expensive high protein dog food, your dog could be peeing a lot of that money away. The protein should be animal based.
Fats
Fat is where it’s at. You may be trying to cut down on fat in your diet, but your dog needs some.
Calories from fat give Zhuzhu energy and fatty acids are beneficial for your dog’s skin, fur, and internal organs.
There are some vitamins that can only be absorbed with fat. Adult dogs require a minimum of five percent fat in their diet.
Pregnant and nursing dogs and puppies require a minimum of eight percent fat every day.
Carbohydrates
Carbs are not the enemy! They really do perform several vital functions.
They are not, as many have said,“filler ingredients” or empty calories. In truth, they are an extra source of energy for your dog just like the fat.
However, the grains in your dog’s food should be whole grains.
Fiber
Fiber is either soluble or insoluble. You may often observe soluble fiber on a dog food’s list of ingredients in the form of chicory, beet pulp, or inulin.
This type of fiber brings more water into your dog’s digestive system. This turns stomach contents to gel and slows the digestive process.
Insoluble fiber brings bulk to the digestive matter and aids in speeding up digestion.
Probiotics And Prebiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics aid in keeping your dog’s gastrointestinal system working. What’s more, they also strengthen the immune system.
Prebiotics are a dietary fiber that promotes the development of “good” or helpful bacteria in your dog’s digestive system.
Vitamins And Minerals
Commercial dog food is often cooked. This can kill harmful bacteria but it can also kill a lot of vitamins and minerals.
Dog food companies usually infuse vitamins and minerals back into the food when the cooking is done in order to see to it that the food is nutritionally complete.
What To Look For While Choosing The Best Shih-Tzu Foods?
Compared to other toy breeds Shih Tzus eat quite a lot. Some are fussy, some are not. (I should write poetry!)
They need lean proteins, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables for vitamins.
Here are some other things you should consider when choosing a food for your Shih Tzu
Balancing Nutrition
Shih-Tzus need a diet that is abundant in lean proteins and healthy fats with easily digestible carbohydrates to offer dietary fiber.
Legally, in order to bear the label “complete and balanced” it must confirm to particular minimums or maximums stated.
By the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The particular levels of minerals, protein, fat and vitamins varies based on the dog’s life stage.
Ingredients of Good Quality
The overall quality of your dog’s food has an immediate effect on his health and wellbeing.
With this in mind, take care to select a product that is formulated with whole food ingredients and does not include artificial additives.
Read the ingredient list. A real meat source (chicken, lamb, beef, etc.) should be the first thing listed.
Meat meal is acceptable. Vegetables and fruits provide fiber and vitamins.
Counting Calories
You’ll be just green with envy at how many calories little Zhuzhu needs! Small and toy breeds have very quick metabolisms.
This means that your Shih-Tzu may need as much as forty to forty-five calories for each pound of body weight as an adult. A puppy will need even more.
Walking your Shih Tzu for twenty minutes could burn fifty calories or more. (Those short legs and compressed jaw mean Zhuzhu won’t walk too briskly)
Keep in mind that metabolism changes with age.
Keep the High Energy Requirement In Mind
Your Shih Tzu has some high energy requirements that you need to meet by choosing a product that is abundant in protein with a moderate to high fat content.
The purpose of the protein is to promote her lean muscle mass. As for the extra fat, it will deliver a highly concentrated source of energy.
Tiny Jaws Mean Tiny Kibble
A Shih Tzu is a tiny dog with a little mouth. They are known as a brachycephalic breed due to having a very short snout.
This condition often comes with a hypoplastic trachea, a throat that’s on the narrow side.
This means their kibble has to be fairly small so they can chew it well easily and swallow without choking.
This also means a sensitive gag reflex so if they don’t like their food they are just not going to eat it. Perhaps this is why they’re perceived as picky.
The Food Should Be Easily Digestible
As said before, even though Shih-Tzus are not as apt to develop food allergies more than any other breed, they may develop sensitivities.
Because of this, you should select a product that is made out of easily digestible ingredients and probiotic supplements.
Remember that dogs can get indigestion just as humans can. As their stomachs produce even more acid than a human’s, they may suffer pretty badly from it.
Chelated minerals and dried fermentation products will promote your dog’s digestion.
Learn How To: Make Homemade Dog Biscuits
From: PuppyToob.com
Ingredients You Should Not Feed Your Shih Tzu
Just as important as what’s in your dog’s food is what’s not in your food.
These ingredients may not be as deadly as say, chocolate, but are just not what’s good for your dog.
If you want top quality dog food, avoid the problem.
Meat And Animal Derivatives
This is so vague it could literally be anything. It could be entrails, feathers, fur, beaks, claws, anything.
It indicates a manufacturer that is careless about what goes into their food and is trying to stick to the letter of the law by being deliberately vague about what’s in their product.
You don’t need this. Your Shih Tzu doesn’t need it. Move on.
Poultry By-products
This is another weasel word used to trick people without blatantly lying.
Organ meats aren’t terrible sources of protein, but companies should be honest if that’s what they use.
“By-Product” can refer to any random part of an animal. The word “poultry” is misleading. Is it a farm bred chicken or a pigeon that got run over in the parking lot?
Propylene Glycol
This is a preservative found in antifreeze. You know, the stuff you try to keep out of your dog’s reach?
It can cause the coat to become dull or even for the fur to fall out.
You don’t want your silky Shih Tzu to lose her pretty fur!
A lack of preservatives may mean a low shelf life, but if you shop smart you can work around this.
High Wheat Content
Wheat is a common filler in many dog foods.
It’s also a common cause of dietary intolerance in many dogs.
Wheat is not terrible for dogs but it is not very healthy for them either.
Don’t spend too much on a dog food that is mostly wheat.
Soy Or Wheat Gluten
What is said about wheat can be said about soy.
Some manufacturers will use soy because it’s very cheap and has a high protein concentration.
Do the research on where the dog food gets its protein sources.
You should also be careful about the sources of animal protein which segues us into….
Meats Sourced Outside Of North America
Now, that “Made in the USA” label is no guarantee that the dog food is perfectly safe. It only means safer.
Much pet food is not kept at consistent and safe temperature conditions. Heat and humidity can support growth of bacteria.
Buying pet food processed in the USA could lower this risk as it means less time in transport. This could lessen exposure to extreme temperature changes.
Related: What Is The Difference Between Small Breed Dog Food And Regular?
Best Dog Foods For Adult & Senior Shih Tzus
#1 ORIJEN High-Protein, Grain-Free, Premium Quality Meat, Dry Dog Food
Allow your dog a nutrient rich, biologically appropriate diet with ORIJEN Original. It was made specifically to give dogs nourishment at any stage of life.
This particular grain-free dog food is filled to the brim with real sources of protein.
These ingredients all together deliver a varied meat-dense diet that nourishes dogs in a natural way.
Pros:
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
- There are no preservatives.
- Only certain high quality ingredients are in this.
- The food is grain-free.
Cons:
- No preservatives means a short shelf life.
#2 Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult dog food is specially formulated nutrition made exactly for the pure bred Shih Tzu.
This one of a kind breed specific diet is tailored perfectly for the Shih Tzu with just the right nutrients to help them live the best life they can live.
The vitamins are just what a long haired dog needs and the kibble is just right for tiny jaws.
Pros:
- Chicken meal is the first listed ingredient.
- It contains only natural flavors.
- The ingredients are highly active.
- The food aids in the reduction of dental plaque.
- It provides nourishment and protection to the dog’s delicate coat.
- Even picky dogs seem to like the flavor.
Cons:
- The pieces are a bit too small. Some dogs choke on them.
#3 Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food
For more than thirty years, Nature’s Recipe has been offering pets the perfect nutrition inspired by nature’s innate wholesomeness.
When it comes to what your dog needs, you stop at nothing to find the food that makes each and every ingredient count so that your dog can live a vibrant life for a very long time.
Pros:
- Salmon is the first ingredient.
- The food is easy to digest.
- The carbs come from potatoes and sweet potatoes.
- The size of the kibble is good for small dogs.
Cons:
- It goes stale easily. Check the expiration date before you buy.
#4 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Dog Food – Natural Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs – Chicken and Brown Rice
Blue Buffalo created this small breed formula with the requirements of small breed dogs in mind. It has real meat as the number one ingredient.
The top quality protein in the variety of formulas aids smaller dogs in the building and maintenance of healthy muscle.
Only authentic meat, vegetables and fruit find their way into this food.
Pros:
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
- This recipe works great for all kinds of small breed dogs
- The vegetables and fruits add nutrients and vitamins to the formula
- The kibble comes in little bites for little mouths
Cons:
- The food comes with a lot of grain in the ingredients.
#5 Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Little dogs such as yours must have a formula with exquisite taste and superior nutrition to aid them in being their best.
This is why Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend Small Breed adult dry dog food is uniquely designed to conform to the requirements of extremely active small dogs that weigh less than twenty pounds.
Pros:
- Chicken is the first ingredient.
- The kibble is small for little jaws.
- The probiotics support digestive health.
- The vitamin A and fatty acids are good for a healthy skin and coat.
Cons:
- Corn and other grains are ingredients.
- By-products are included in the ingredients.
#6 Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food with A Trio of Proteins from Chicken
Nutro Ultra knows that dogs have a deep seated need to enjoy their food every bit as we enjoy ours. And just like us, they should not have to skimp on taste.
Every Nutro Ultra The Superfood Plate recipe is created utilizing only the best of ingredients that not only satisfy but nourish.
Pros:
- The first ingredient is chicken.
- It is fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- It contains fur healthy fatty acids.
- The pieces are small.
Cons:
- Some dogs find the kibble a little too small and swallow it whole.
#7 Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Indoor Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Indoor Life is made with the dietary needs for dogs with a mostly quiet and indoor lifestyle in mind.
A healthy dog who lives indoors might have a tendency to not be exercised much which could affect his weight and digestive system.
With exact nutrition, Indoor Life aids in the support of digestive health and reduces both fecal odor and volume as it contains highly digestible protein, both soluble and insoluble fibers, and high-quality sources of carbohydrates.
Pros:
- It supports a healthy body condition with a correct calorie content.
- This recipe contains L-carnitine.
- It is enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) for a healthy skin and coat.
Cons:
- Rice is the first ingredient.
- Chicken by-product meal is the second.
#8 Cesar Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Provide your dog a tasty meal with CESAR Rotisserie Chicken Flavor With Spring Vegetables Dry Dog Food.
Formulated with authentic chicken as the number one ingredient, this gourmet dog food is made with tender, meaty pieces and vegetables that will make your dog glad that it’s dinnertime.
Pros:
- The first ingredient is beef or chicken. (Chicken is recommended for Shih Tzus.)
- The H shaped kibble keeps the teeth clean.
- It has vegetables for extra vitamins.
Cons:
- Corn is a major ingredient.
- It contains by-products and artificial coloring.
#9 Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food Small Breed
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food Small Breed Health Turkey & Chicken Recipe is a nutritious, completely natural and totally grain free dog food for adult small breed dogs.
Vitamins and minerals support the health of the teeth and bones. Antioxidants and probiotics support your dog’s health.
Pros:
- Deboned turkey is the first ingredient.
- There is plenty of protein.
- It is grain free with potatoes as carbohydrates.
- It contains the needed fatty acids.
- It contains many natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables.
- It is gluten free.
Cons:
- Some dogs just don’t like it.
#10 Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food, Grain Free
Made with a very short list of optimum protein and carbohydrate sources, the L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets dog food may aid you in systematically specifying your sources of protein and carbohydrates in your dog’s food.
It is grain free and designed to help your dog maintain good digestive health and a shiny coat.
Pros:
- It is grain free.
- It’s good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Dogs seem to like the taste.
- There are no artificial ingredients.
Cons:
- Could use more meat based protein; bison is only the second ingredient.
#11 Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Small Bites, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
When those little or toy breed dogs get older, their nutritional requirements change.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites dry dog food is made specifically for the age related needs of small dogs age seven and up.
The delectable chicken flavor is stuffed into a tiny kibble for those small dogs that like som variety.
What’s more, the easily digestible ingredients aid in supporting the energy levels of senior dogs.
Pros:
- Chicken meal is the first ingredient.
- It is made with completely natural and nutritious ingredients.
- The food is easily digested.
- Dogs seem to like the flavor.
- The food and all the ingredients were made in the USA.
Cons:
- It gives some dogs bad breath.
#12 Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Instinct Original’s high protein, grain free recipes are led by a deep seated belief in a raw diet for dogs.
Every recipe begins with real meat that is responsibly sourced real and formulated with more than seventy percent real animal ingredients plus nutritious oils, a thirty percent mix of vegetables, fruits and other healthy ingredients.
Pros:
- Chicken is the first listed ingredient.
- The food delivers balanced nutrition.
- There are no grains or gluten
- It has healthy probiotics.
- The food is very high in protein.
Cons:
- The sodium selenite is unnecessary and makes some dogs sick.
Best Dog Foods For Shih Tzu Puppies
#1 Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
A whole meat source is the first listed ingredient in Purina Pro Plan. This will give high-quality proteins to your dog.
It also has rice in the recipe which is a good source of carbohydrates that your growing puppy needs for energy.
The kibble is crunchy and bite sized, particularly the toy breed focus. The tender, meaty pieces provide a nice texture.
Pros:
- The ingredients are carefully selected.
- Lamb or chicken is the first listed ingredient.
- Dogs seem to like both the taste and texture.
- Overall, the food provides balanced nutrition
Cons:
- It contains corn.
- One of the major ingredients is “poultry by-product meal”.
#2 Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Premium Dry Dog Food
Each and every Nutrish recipe is created with simple and wholesome ingredients. Every single one of those ingredients has a purpose.
The protein from farm bred chicken maintains healthy organs and lean muscle.
The DHA from fish meal helps promote brain development and healthy vision. Brown rice and vegetables supply fiber and B vitamins.
Pros:
- The first ingredient is chicken.
- The antioxidants from the cranberries are good for the immune system.
- The vegetables provide vitamins and minerals.
- The kibble is very small.
- There are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
- It comes with instructions on how to wean puppies.
Cons:
- It contains soy and corn.
#3 Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food – Chicken
Iams proactive Health Small & Toy Breed Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food is recommended by vets and crafted from authentic ingredients.
This recipe begins with farm bred chicken and comes with healthy grains and vegetables.
It is designed to fit the needs of the little puppies expected not to weigh more than twenty pounds at maturity.
Pros:
- Chicken is the first listed ingredient.
- It is easily digested.
- It contains Omega fatty acids.
- It has many necessary vitamins and minerals.
Cons:
- Corn is an ingredient.
- It contains chicken by-product.
#4 Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food, Chicken, Salmon & Oatmeal
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food, Puppy Health Recipe, is a healthy, all natural dog food for puppies crafted out of meticulously selected, real ingredients for the total health of your growing puppy.
It offers needed holistic nutritional support in the midst of the most important year of your dog’s life.
Pros:
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
- The fruits and vegetables are a healthy source of vitamins and minerals.
- It is high protein.
- There are no grains.
- It has twelve percent fat.
- It has natural preservatives.
Cons:
- The kibble could stand to be smaller.
#5 Bil Jac Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Puppyhood is an important time as puppies grow up so very swiftly in that first year of life.
That is why you need something like the specially crafted Bil-Jac Small Breed Puppy Food for the care and nurturing of Small Breed Puppies.
The ingredients include such wholesome ingredients as chicken, oatmeal and yams.
Pros:
- The oatmeal is easy on the digestion.
- There is plenty of protein.
- The fat content is just right for a growing puppy.
- The fruits give natural antioxidants and vitamins for a growing dog.
Cons:
- It contains chicken by-product
#6 Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin knows that everything that makes your Shih Tzu puppy absolutely radiant is in the details.
While they might be tiny little things, Shih Tzu puppies really have great big nutritional requirements.
They can gain from the proper growth mix in order to help deliver immune system support, health of the skin and coat, plus the digestive care they need as they take on puppyhood.
Pros:
- It is high in protein.
- Fat is at eighteen percent.
- It contains vitamin E.
- It has plenty of healthy minerals.
Cons:
- Chicken by-product is the first ingredient.
- It contains corn and other grains.
#7 Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food With A Trio Of Proteins From Chicken, Lamb And Salmon
Every recipe of Nutro Ultra is formulated with only the most high-quality proteins your dog both needs and enjoys with authentic chicken as the number one ingredient.
This food is crafted with a unique medley of superfoods that bring together high-quality animal protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains and seeds.
Pros:
- Chicken is the first ingredient.
- It includes calcium for healthy bone growth.
- The formula contains non GMO ingredients.
- The vitamin E is good for the coat.
Cons:
- The shelf life is short.
- Not for sensitive stomachs.
#8 Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Small Paws for Small Breeds, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food delivers to your pup wan accurate nutrition to lead a healthy lifestyle.
It is formulated using completely wholesome ingredients such as protein rich chicken meal and barley.
This is a nourishing blend that is perfectly balanced in order to conform to your pet’s needs
Pros:
- Chicken meal is the first ingredient.
- The fish oil is good for brain development.
- The antioxidants and vitamin E and C blend work together to promote a healthy immune system..
- It was made from all natural ingredients of high quality.
- There are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
- It was made in the USA.
Cons:
- It contains grain products.
Best Dog Foods For Shih Tzu With Allergies
#1 Zignature Limited Ingredient Lamb Formula Dry Dog Food
Zignature has taken total advantage of the most up to date advances in nutritional science.
All of their recipes are amplified with the health benefits of such health positive supplements like essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and the entire scale of vitamins and minerals
Pros:
- The omega fatty acids are good for the coat.
- The food is grain free.
- It is high in protein.
Cons:
- Could not find an ingredient list.
- High in fat. Better for active dogs.
#2 Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Turkey & Potato
BLUE Basics Dog Food is a tasty, limited-ingredient diet crafted from fewer ingredients chosen with care.
It may be just the thing needed for dogs who have food sensitivities.
All Basics recipes begin with real meat from just one animal protein source not commonly utilized in dog food.
What’s more, included in the recipe are pumpkin and other easily digested carbohydrates.
Pros:
- Deboned turkey is the first ingredient.
- There is no corn, wheat, soy, eggs or dairy.
- Glucosamine is good for the joints.
- It includes antioxidants.
Cons:
- If your dog is allergic to brown rice, oatmeal or fish you need to look elsewhere.
#3 Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small & Mini Breeds, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe
This small dog food has big benefits. Hill’s Science Diet sensitive stomach and skin small and Mini adult dry dog food is a dog food for small and toy breed dogs that offers prime digestive health all the while nourishing their skin.
This sensitive stomach dog food has protein as the primary ingredient and delivers clinically proven antioxidant benefits for the littlest of dogs.
Pros:
- The kibble is good for small dogs.
- It comes with antioxidants.
- Dogs seem to like it.
- It is easy on the stomach.
Cons:
- Rice is the first ingredient.
- Too much grain in general.
#4 Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Don’t think that with ACANA Singles Duck & Pear Limited Ingredient Diet food that “limited ingredient” means less meat.
This nutrient rich dog food is a reflection of the high protein diet that dogs have evolved to eat by nature.
Acana Singles Duck & Pear is packed with sixty percent free range duck, sustaining your dog with a singular animal protein that is easily digestible.
Pros:
- It contains no food allergens
- It does not give dogs stomach troubles
- It can freshen the dog’s breath.
- It gives dogs a very soft coat with vitamins and fatty acids.
Cons:
- The kibble is a bit too large.
#5 Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food with Wild Caught Salmon
Crafted out of ingredients of the best quality, Diamond Naturals provides offers entire nutrition for your dog’s whole body.
Every Diamond Naturals dry recipe is improved with super-foods and known probiotics for maximum nutrition and digestive support.
With salmon caught in the wild and absolutely no grains, this formula is ideal for dogs that might have food-related skin sensitivities.
Pros:
- Salmon is the first ingredient.
- It is grain free.
- It has antioxidants and fatty acids.
- There are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Cons:
- It has a bit of a fishy smell.
#6 Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Sensitive Systems, Digestive Health, Limited Ingredient Formulas Adult Dog Food
when you feed your dog Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Sensitive Systems Formula adult dry dog food.
This premium dog food recipe features salmon as the #1 ingredient, and when combined with rice, oatmeal and other high quality ingredients, it delivers easy to digest nutrition.
Pros:
- Salmon is the first ingredient.
- The food includes glucosamine.
- The antioxidant blend is good for the immune system.
- It includes natural omega acids.
- There are no fillers.
Cons:
- It contains corn.
- It contains chicken by-product.
#7 Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe Natural Dog Food & Toppers
It is vital to be well informed about what exactly is in your wet dog food. This is especially true for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
That’s why the ingredient list on Instinct’s limited ingredient dog food is deliberately short.
It is made with just one animal protein and a single vegetable as opposed to the mix of each you tend to find in many other dog food pouches.
Pros:
- Lamb and lamb broth are the first ingredients.
- It utilizes only one animal protein in order to support dogs who might be allergic to specific animal proteins.
- It contains no grains, dairy, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, or other usual food allergens
- It comes in four pound and twenty pound bag sizes
Cons:
- It needs more vegetables to provide a natural source of vitamins.
- This is more of a supplement than a complete meal.
#8 ACANA Dog Protein Rich, Real Meat, Grain Free, Adult Dry Dog Food
Today’s dogs, even the tiny Shih Tzu, are built much like their wolvish ancestors. ACANA believes in feeding them as such.
Packed with optimal red meats, ACANA Red Meat replicates the meat-based, whole-prey diet that your canine pal was evolved to eat.
The freeze dried liver adds a savory flavor your dog is sure to love.
Pros:
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in the “Free Run Poultry” flavor. (Chicken is better for Shih Tzus than beef.)
- It is rich in protein.
- It’s easy on the stomach.
Cons:
- Dogs can gain weight easily on this.
Shih Tzu Dog Food Related FAQs
You of course have more questions about feeding your Shih Tzu. Here they are with some answers.
# How Many Calories Does My Shih Tzu Need?
This depends on whether you have a puppy, adult or senior.
If Zhuzhu is particularly active, (such as agility training) it may need more calories. Keep health problems such as hypothyroidism, heart problems and medication all in mind.
Generally, a puppy will need fifty-five calories for each pound of body weight.
As for adult dogs, they will need somewhere around forty calories & senior dogs require closer to thirty-three calories per pound.
Read To Learn: How Can I Add More Calories To My Dog’s Diet?
# When Do I Switch From Shih Tzu Puppy Food To Grown-up Food?
It takes a while for all that long, silky fur to grow out.
A Shih Tzu will reach their full adult height in six to eight months of age.
However, it can be two years before a Shih Tzu has gotten to a healthy weight for an adult.
Around the first year of age is a good time to start making the switch.
Did You Find Your Best Dog Foods For Shih Tzu Today?
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food and Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food are two of the best on the list due to their high quality ingredients.
Small kibble bits may not be a problem if you have a particularly small Shih Tzu. A lack of preservatives does mean a short shelf life.
Determine how much your puppy pal eats (or rather, should eat) and shop accordingly.
Feel free to ask any questions and discuss your experiences in the comment section below. Please share this article if you liked it.
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4. Top 21 Best Dog Foods For Labradoodles
5. Best Dog Food For Dachshunds
6. Best Dog Food For Beagles
7. 13 Best Low Sodium Dog Food Brands
8. Best Dog Food For Cane Corso Dogs
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10. Best Dog Foods For Maltese With Tear Stains
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