Best Dog Food For Shih Tzus

The Shih Tzu is a toy dog breed, weighing 10-19 pounds when fully grown. The breed is known to be prone to obesity, so be sure to watch the amount of what you feed to your dog.

Shih Tzu is a literal translation of the phrase “little lion.” They are cute, tiny, and hairy with an affectionate personality. They grow up to 8-11 inches tall. Like other breeds, Shih Tzus are susceptible to health conditions. It is crucial that they eat right.

Here are the Top 10 Best Food Options to keep your Shih Tzu healthy.

Top Food Options For Shih Tzu

Nutritional Requirements For Shih Tzu

No matter how cute and stuffed toy-looking they may seem, shih tzus are predisposed to eye and dental diseases as well as bladder infections. They should therefore be fed the sustenance suitable to their health conditions.

Because shih tzus have long hair, they should eat food that facilitates good growth of their coat. They need to eat substantial amounts of food to fuel their energy. Their diet should include protein, regulated healthy carbohydrates, fat, and fiber.

For protein, look for meat or fish. Verify that it is the correct protein to avoid bladder stone formation. Male shih tzus are particularly susceptible to this. For fat, look for fish oil.

You should control your dog’s food intake. Obesity is a problem that affects shih tzus, too. There is a whole range of diseases that your shih tzu can contract, but you can keep it healthy by feeding it right.

You can feed your pet either wet or dry kibble. However, since shih tzus are predisposed to dental problems, it is better to give them dry kibble as this helps in strengthening teeth.

If your pup prefers wet food, you can feed it a combination of wet and dry food, provided that they are of the same brand. This is to avoid a mismatching of food that may result in an upset tummy.

Do not buy those with artificial preservatives and non-nutritious additives. You should also reject those with fillers that ‘fatten’ the food: meat by-products. These cause digestive problems and in the long run, urinary infections.

What you put inside your dog’s stomach matters if you want it to live longer. As long you give your shih tzu with food that provides a balanced, nutritious diet, you can expect it to be in good physical shape.

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food

Shih Tzu’s have a tendency to develop dental problems, which can be avoided by feeding them dry food to strengthen their teeth.

This would be a good option for small dogs, seeing as the  kibbles themselves are very small, allowing your Shih Tzu to eat it comfortably, with no struggle.

They also have a pleasant aroma that stimulates your Shih Tzu’s appetite even more, so this would be a good pick for picky Shih Tzu’s.

Royal Canin’s Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food contains 22% protein which is good for young Shih Tzu’s to get their strength from, which is a great start.

It comes in 2 Sizes, one 10-Pound bag and a 2.5-Pound bag. The 2.5-pound bag should come in handy if you are switching from another product or even when you are just introducing your Shih Tzu to dog food.

Taste of The Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Puppy

Another one of the dry food products in our list, Taste of The Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Puppy will also help you Shih Tzu in their dental problems.

The Grain-Free Formula provides easily digestible energy for you puppy, and also gives proper nutrition for them to grow stronger. It contains 28% protein, meaning it may be best to feed this to pups, as it will give them more nutrition to develop their system.

The product comes in two flavors: Pacific Stream and High Prairie. The puppy formula comes with smaller kibble sizes compared to the much bigger canine formula, but both still provide proper nutrition for your dog.

Taste of The Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Puppy comes in three sizes: 5-Pound, 15-Pound, and 30-Pound bags. The 5-pound bag would be great for testing the product to see if your puppy would be allergic to any of the ingredients included.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipie Dry Dog Food

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is comprised mainly of meat. It also includes Omega Fatty Acids from salmon oil.

It contains not less than 15% fat which means this has the capacity to keep your Shih Tzu’s hair healthy should you choose this product.

There are many flavors in this line, including: “Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon”, Original Turkey & Chicken, Puppy, Reduced Fat, Small Breed, and “Wild Game, Duck, Turkey, Boar & Rabbit.”

This contains only premium, all natural with no wheat, meaning this formula has no “filler” ingredients that would do no good for your Shih Tzu’s health.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food comes in three sizes: 4-Pound Bag, 12-Pound Bag, and 26-Pound Bag. This would be a great product if you want the best for your Shih Tzu and you’re not tied to a specific budget.

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag is another dry dog food, only this one maintains a favorable balance of “good bacteria” to promote healthy digestive health.

This product is mainly focused on Shih Tzu puppies between 8 – 10 months of age, with 16% crude fat helping to develop the Shih Tzu’s hair.

It also has an exclusive nutrient complex with EPA, DHA, and vitamin A, providing the Shih Tzu’s skin the nutrients it needs to maintain healthy skin.

Nutrients in the formula lessens the stool odor of your Shih Tzu, so you could pick this product if your Shi Tzu lives indoors (apartments, houses, etc.).

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food, 2.5-lb bag would be suitable for young Shih Tzu’s that have already developed to some degree, and if you are planning to use the same brand for when your Shih Tzu is already an adult, this would be the most convenient choice as they also have one for adults.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Dog Food contains a lessened amount of fat, therefore this would be more suitable for adult Shih Tzu’s as they have already developed their hair and only need to maintain it.

Where it may be lacking in fat, this product makes up in protein (minimum of 20%) which would further provide nutrients for your adult Shih Tzu.

This dog food comes in a variety of flavors, such as: Chicken and Brown Rice, Fish and Brown Rice, Large Breed Fish and Oatmeal, and many more.

It also contains whole grains, real chicken, blended vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, keeping your dog in top shape. This would be a great product for those who want the best product for their Shih Tzu, but are restricted to a budget.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dry Adult Dog Food comes in four sizes: 4 lb, 6 lb, 15 lb, and a 30 lb bag, for your budget Shih Tzu needs.

Nutritional Requirements For Shih Tzus

No matter how cute and stuffed toy-looking they may seem, shih tzus are predisposed to eye and dental diseases as well as bladder infections. They should therefore be fed the sustenance suitable to their health conditions.

Because shih tzus have long hair, they should eat food that facilitates good growth of their coat. They need to eat substantial amounts of food to fuel their energy. Their diet should include protein, regulated healthy carbohydrates, fat, and fiber.

For protein, look for meat or fish. Verify that it is the correct protein to avoid bladder stone formation. Male shih tzus are particularly susceptible to this. For fat, look for fish oil.

You should control your dog’s food intake. Obesity is a problem that affects shih tzus, too. There is a whole range of diseases that your shih tzu can contract, but you can keep it healthy by feeding it right.

You can feed your pet either wet or dry kibble. However, since shih tzus are predisposed to dental problems, it is better to give them dry kibble as this helps in strengthening teeth.

If your pup prefers wet food, you can feed it a combination of wet and dry food, provided that they are of the same brand. This is to avoid a mismatching of food that may result in an upset tummy.

Do not buy those with artificial preservatives and non-nutritious additives. You should also reject those with fillers that ‘fatten’ the food: meat by-products. These cause digestive problems and in the long run, urinary infections.

What you put inside your dog’s stomach matters if you want it to live longer. As long you give your shih tzu with food that provides a balanced, nutritious diet, you can expect it to be in good physical shape.

Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Shih Tzus are a small breed, yet they have high energy needs due to their active way of life. If you are looking for an all-natural, grain-free, and protein-focused dog food, this is the right pick.

Similarly, if you do not want your pet to ingest artificial additives, Wellness CORE is the choice. It has no added meat by-products or fillers.

It has a complete set of high quality protein, omega fatty acids, and fiber. Its protein and fat are mainly sourced from deboned turkey, with some chicken meal. The carbs are from potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, and broccoli.

The fibrous content is from carrots, parsley, spearmint, apples, blueberries, and kale.   It has additional spinach, which supplies magnesium and iron for better fitness. It likewise contains flaxseed, a source of omega-3. This gives a healthier coat shine.

Furthermore, the kibbles are dry, making them convenient for consumption. They do not hurt your pooch’s stomach because they are naturally preserved. This is recommended for overall gluten and grain-free holistic wellness.

NUTRO Ultra Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra is suggested if you want an energy-packed meal for your little doggy. It is made of three proteins sourced from chicken, salmon, and lamb. Whole grains and rice bran supply carbohydrates of the kibble.

What makes this a healthy option is that it is made with variety of 12 superfoods: sunflower oil, flaxseed, tomatoes, whole eggs, spinach, pumpkin, coconut, blueberries, carrots, chia seeds, apples, and kale.

Shih tzus are high maintenance because of their hair. They need constant grooming. Nutro is recommended if you want healthy skin, hair, and teeth for your little lion. The sunflower oil, which has linoleic acid, is good for the coat.

The antioxidants found in the fruit and vegetable ingredients strengthen the immune system by preventing cellular damage. Since shih tzus are the active type, it is important that their bodies store and restore energy.

Nutro Ultra is natural, made with non-GMO ingredients. Its nutrient-dense composition cater to the health needs of your small breed pup.

Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food by Nature’s Variety

Nature’s Variety is a good selection for your shih tzu because not only are the kibbles high in protein, there are also freeze-dried raw real chicken in each scoop.

The Instinct Raw Boost formula makes sure that your dog cultivates its natural wolf instincts by eating actual chicken meat. “Freeze-dried” means that your pet is eating real chicken, minus the moisture.

The protein is from chicken, turkey, and herring. The high protein content in the freeze-dried chicken is good for lean muscles of your bouncy pet. Remember that shih tzus are the frolicsome type.

Additionally, it contains no potato, wheat, soy, or gluten, corn. There are no by-products and artificial preservatives, too. It has probiotics, antioxidants, and omega oils good for the digestion and the immune system.

You do not have to worry about your dog not being able to digest the kibbles because they are bite-sized. If you want food that promotes prime wellness without disengaging real meat, this is the choice for your dog.

 

Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs

Diamond Natural dry dog food is made with probiotic technology to ensure that the good bacteria is absorbed by your pooch. It is superb for digestion and immune system.

It has glucosamine and chrondonitin, supplements good for joints and cartilage. This is apt for shih tzus because they are prone to hip dysplasia (dislocation). Their diet must include ingredients that fortify their joints and muscles.

The kibbles are small-sized. It is easier to be gnawed on by your little lion. It has chicken and rice formula. If you prefer to feed your dog viand and rice, this is the spot-on choice.

It has superfoods, antioxidants, and probiotics intended for diets of small breeds. The kibble is also dry, good for the dental care of your dog.

The carbohydrates are made from cracked pearled barley, ground white rice, and quinoa. Aside from the chicken meat that provides the protein, it also has the superfoods beet pulp, pumpkin, kale, coconut, spinach, carrot, and papaya.

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Shih Tzu Adult dry dog food

Plaque and tartar formation are two of the dental problems that shih tzus can suffer from if their food intake is not watched. Royal Canin dry food kibbles are made to reduce these problems.

Shih tzuhs have brachycephalic jaws with short muzzles. The kibbles are shaped in such a way that they are convenient for this type of jaw.

This brand is also appropriate for you in terms of cleaning up after your pet. The kibbles are designed for stool and odor reduction.

It is made of brown rice, oat groats, and wheat gluten. It has healthy fats from vegetable and fish oil. The protein is from chicken. The omega 3/6 and the biotin are good for uninterrupted hair growth and smooth shine.

Further, Royal Canin is breed-specialized. It is specifically for adult shih tzus. Thus, you are sure that the nutritional contents are custom-made exactly for the nutritional needs of your dog.