The Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu: A Complete Guide

Introduction

For top-notch nutrition tailored to your Shih Tzu’s life stage, explore our top picks like Nutro Ultra Small Breed, Ollie Fresh Dog Food, and Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy.

However, Choosing the best dog food for Shih Tzus is crucial to their overall health and well-being. Shih Tzu puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs, so it’s essential to find a food that caters to their specific life stage. In this guide, we will give you the best food recommendations for Shih Tzu dogs at different life stages. We will also answer common questions and give helpful advice for feeding your beloved pet.

Understanding the Life Stages of a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus age at different rates, making it important to consider their life stage when selecting dog food. While there are no official nutrient standards for specific breeds, understanding the general age ranges for Shih Tzus can help guide your decision-making process. Here are the three life stages of a Shih Tzu:

• Puppy (Under 9-12 months): Shih Tzu puppies require a diet that supports their growth and development. They need higher levels of calcium, protein, and essential nutrients to ensure optimal health.

• Adult (Over 9-12 months): Once your Shih Tzu reaches adulthood, their nutritional needs change. A balanced diet with the right proportions of protein, fats, and carbohydrates is essential to maintain their overall well-being.

• Senior (11+ years): As Shih Tzus enter their senior years, their metabolism slows down, and they may become less active. A senior-specific dog food can provide the necessary nutrients to support their aging bodies.

Read more about The Best Dog Food for Small Dogs

The Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu: Our Top Recommendations

Nutro Ultra Small Breed

Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult Shih Tzus. As the primary sources of animal protein, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 29% protein, 19% fat, and 44% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 65%. This high-quality dog food is highly recommended by pet owners. Who praise its taste and suitability for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

• Rating: Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult is one of the top-rated dry recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Nutro product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain oats, whole grain brown rice, making it one of our top picks among dry food for Shih Tzu.
• Type: Grain-inclusive (sorghum, oats, brown rice).
• Profile: Maintenance.
• Best for: Adult Shih Tzu (not suitable for puppies).

Ollie Fresh Dog Food

Ollie Fresh Dog Food is one of the top fresh foods that offers a nutritionally balanced, fresh-cooked meal for your Shih Tzu, providing them with the goodness of real ingredients. This recipe contains ground turkey, pumpkin, turkey liver, turkey heart, and carrot as the primary ingredients.

Moreover, The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 39% protein, 25% fat, and 28% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%. Ollie’s personalised meal plans are delivered fresh to your door, making it a convenient and healthy option for your Shih Tzu.

• Rating: Ollie Turkey is one of the top-rated fresh cooked recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Ollie product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Turkey thigh, pumpkin, turkey liver, turkey heart, carrot.
• Type: Grain-free.
• Profile: All Life Stages.
• Best for: Adult Shih Tzu as well as puppies.

Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy

Blue Buffalo Small Breed dog is specifically formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of Shih Tzu puppies. With deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal as the primary sources of animal protein, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, grains, and essential nutrients.

Moreover, The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 32% protein, 19% fat, and 41% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 59%. This recipe is fortified with taurine, an amino acid that supports heart health, making it a recommended choice for small breeds like Shih Tzu puppies.

• Rating: Small Breed Puppy is one of the top-rated dry recipes for Shih Tzu puppies in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, fish meal.
• Type: Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, barley).
• Profile: Growth.
• Best for: Shih Tzu puppies.

Raised Right Dog Food

Raised Right Beef offers a high-quality, fresh dog food option for adult Shih Tzus. With beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, and cranberries as the primary ingredients, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, vegetables, and fruits making it an ideal fresh food choice for your Shih Tzu. In addition, The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 61% protein, 24% fat, and 8% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%. Raised Right Dog Food is made in small batches, ensuring the freshness and quality of the ingredients.

• Rating: Raised Right Beef is one of the top-rated fresh recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Raised Right product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef heart, carrots, beef liver, cranberries.
• Type: Grain-free (carrots, cranberries).
• Profile: Maintenance.
• Best for: Adult dogs only.

Health Extension Little Bites

Health Extension Little Bites is designed to meet the nutritional needs of Shih Tzus of all ages. With organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, and lamb meal as the primary sources of animal protein, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, grains, and essential nutrients. Furthermore, The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 27% protein, 20% fat, and 45% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 75%. This formula also includes probiotics and chelated minerals for optimal digestion and absorption.

• Rating: Little Bites Chicken and Brown Rice is one of the top-rated dry recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Health Extension product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, chicken fat, lamb meal.
• Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice).
• Profile: All Life Stages.
• Best for: Adult Shih Tzu as well as puppies.

Merrick Lil’ Plates Wet Food for Small Breeds

Merrick Lil’ Plates offers a high-quality wet food option for adult Shih Tzus. With beef as the primary source of animal protein, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, broth, and essential nutrients. Moreover, The dry matter label analysis of this dry food reveals that it contains 44% protein, 17% fat, and 31% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%. This formula is rich in omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, promoting healthy skin, joints, and digestion.

• Rating: Teeny Tiny Steak Tip Dinner is one of the top-rated wet dog food recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Merrick product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef broth, venison broth, beef liver, dried egg whites.
• Type: Grain-free.
• Profile: Maintenance.
• Best for: Adult Shih Tzu only.

Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed

Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed offers a high-quality dry dog food option for Shih Tzus of all ages. With deboned beef and lamb meal as the primary sources of animal protein, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, vegetables, and grains. In addition, The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 43% protein, 17% fat, and 32% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%. This formula includes prebiotics, probiotics, and naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for optimal digestion, absorption, and joint health.

• Rating: Texas Beef and Sweet Potato is one of the top-rated dry recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Merrick product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, offering a balanced mix making this a suitable option among wet dog food brands for Shih Tzu.
• Type: Grain-free.
• Profile: All Life Stages.
• Best for: Adult Shih Tzu as well as puppies.

Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed

Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed offers a high-quality grain-free dog food option for Shih Tzus of all ages. With chicken and chicken meal as the primary sources of animal protein, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, legumes, and essential nutrients. The dry matter label analysis of this wet dog food option reveals that it contains 38% protein, 22% fat, and 32% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%. This formula is made with cage-free chicken and contains no artificial colors or preservatives, making it a top choice for health-conscious pet owners.

• Rating: Small Breed with Real Chicken is one of the top-rated dry recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Instinct product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, chickpeas, tapioca, chicken fat.
• Type: Grain-free.
• Profile: All Life Stages.
• Best for: Adult Shih Tzu as well as puppies.

Wellness Complete Small Breed Senior

Wellness Complete Small Breed Senior offers a high-quality dry dog food option for senior Shih Tzus. With deboned turkey and chicken meal as the primary sources of animal protein, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, grains, and essential nutrients. The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 28% protein, 13% fat, and 51% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%. This formula features a smaller kibble size for easier chewing and is available as both a senior-specific and an all-life-stages option.

• Rating: Small Breed Senior is one of the top-rated dry recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Wellness Complete product line.
• First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, chicken meal, ground brown rice, peas, rice.
• Type: Grain-inclusive (ground brown rice, rice).
• Profile: Maintenance.
• Best for: Adults only (not suitable for puppies).

Nom Nom Turkey Fare

Nom Nom Turkey Fare offers a fresh, human-grade meal option for Shih Tzus of all ages. With ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, and spinach as the primary ingredients, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, grains, and vegetables. The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 36% protein, 18% fat, and 38% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%. Nom Nom’s recipes are designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and are made with high-quality ingredients.

• Rating: Turkey Fare is one of the top-rated fresh human-grade recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Nom Nom product line, considered one of the best food for this small dog breed, even those with allergies.
• First 5 ingredients: Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach.
• Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice).
• Profile: All Life Stages.
• Best for: Adult Shih Tzu as well as puppies.

Nature’s Recipe Chicken and Wild Salmon Trays

Nature’s Recipe Chicken and Wild Salmon Trays offer a high-quality best wet dog food for adult Shih Tzus. With chicken and salmon as the primary sources of animal protein, this recipe provides a balanced mix of proteins, broth, and vegetables. The dry matter label analysis reveals that it contains 65% protein, 12% fat, and 16% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 18%. This formula includes zinc glycine complex and chelated minerals for superior nutrition and is reasonably priced.

• Rating: Chicken and Wild Salmon is one of the top-rated wet recipes for Shih Tzu in our review of the Nature’s Recipe product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, pumpkin, salmon, brown rice.

• Type: Grain-inclusive (brown rice).

• Profile: Maintenance.

• Best for: Adults only (not suitable for puppies).

Read more about Best Cheap Dog Food

Conclusion

Choosing the best dog food for your Shih Tzu is crucial for their overall health and well-being. By considering their specific life stage and nutritional needs, you can ensure that they receive the optimal nutrition they require. The top recommendations for Shih Tzu dog food, such as Nutro Ultra Small Breed, Ollie Fresh Dog Food, and Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy, provide a range of options to suit your pet’s preferences and dietary requirements. Remember to consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and monitor your Shih Tzu’s weight and overall health regularly. With the right dog food, you can provide your beloved Shih Tzu with a nutritious and delicious diet that supports their vibrant and happy life.

Frequently Asked Questions