Described by many as the perfect lap-warmers, Shih Tzus are one of the most easy-going and devoted dog companions on the planet. As a Shih Tzu owner, you’d want your dog to stay happy and healthy for years to come.
Shih Tzu puppies, adults, and seniors have different development and nutritional needs. For this reason, it’s important to settle for the best dog foods ideal for your Shi Tzu’s age across their life span.
Shih Tzus are also prone to certain health problems, picky eating habits, sensitive stomachs, and food allergies, all of which can be avoided or managed through proper nutrition.
Given the wide range of dog foods available today, it can be difficult to decide which one’s the best dog food for your Shih Tzu. To help you out, I’ve narrowed down the most nutritious dog foods that will keep your Shih Tzu’s tail wagging for longer!
8 of the Best dog foods for Shih Tzus
Be sure to consult with your vet before introducing your Shih Tzu to any dog food on this list.
1. Best dog food for an adult Shih Tzu in general
Your adult Shih Tzu needs a nutritionally balanced adult dog food specially formulated for small breeds like Shih Tzus.
We recommend: Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
This adult dry dog food is carefully made for small dog breeds. Its high protein content from three sources: chicken, salmon, and lamb. This will help strengthen your Shih Tzu’s muscles.
It contains different healthy whole grains loaded with fatty acids to keep your Shih Tzu’s skin and coat healthy.
This trusted dry dog food also has fruits and veggies packed with antioxidants and vitamins that work together to boost your Shih Tzu’s immune system, strengthen their vision, and improve their heart health.
2. Best wet food for a Shih Tzu
There’s no better way to give your Shih Tzu a hydration boost and lure them into eating than feeding them wet food. The extra moisture, rich aroma, and appetite-stimulating taste of wet food make this type of food a worthy choice for your Shih Tzu.
We recommend: Merrick’s lil’ Plates Small Breed Wet Dog Food
This grain-free wet food, free from artificial flavors and gluten ingredients like wheat, is formulated for complete nutrition.
It features a savory gravy and chicken, turkey, or beef as the top ingredient to help your Shi Tzu build healthy muscle and boost their energy levels throughout the day.
Merrick’s wet food is full of essential nutrients that promote overall health, probiotics that improve digestion, and a high number of fatty acids to keep your dog’s skin and hair healthy for the long term.
3. Best dog food for a Shih Tzu Puppy
Puppyhood is a crucial stage of life for a Shih Tzu puppy as they have several development needs that can only be met through proper nutrition.
A Shih Tzu puppy needs the right set of nutrients and ingredients that will work for their growing needs and delicate stomach, not against.
We recommend: Blue Buffalo Formula Small Breed Dry Dog Food
This reputable puppy food is specially made for small-breed puppies. It has quality, digestible proteins that are easy on the stomach and will help your Shih Tzu puppy build strong muscle.
It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like calcium to support healthy bones, teeth, and joint development in Shih Tzu puppies.
This puppy food contains arachidonic acid (ARA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vital fatty acids found in a dog’s breast milk that promote healthy brain and eye development in puppies.
These omega fatty acids will also keep your Shih Tzu’s skin healthy and coat luscious. The antioxidants in this food will protect your Shih Tzu puppy against sickness by supporting their immune system functioning.
On top of all the nutritional value, your Shih Tzu puppy will find the kibble easy to munch and the flavor irresistible.
4. Best dog food for an elderly and senior Shih Tzu
An elderly Shih Tzu must be on a diet specially crafted to address the unique nutritional needs of senior dogs. This will ensure they remain in their best health as they age.
We recommend: The Blue Buffalo life protection Formula Senior Small Breed Dog Food
Starting with chicken as the top ingredient, this senior dry dog food for small breeds is packed with high-quality proteins to help your senior Shi Tzu maintain a healthy muscle mass in their golden years.
One of the most common problems that elderly dogs, including senior Shih Tzus, is the loss of muscle mass.
The best dog food for senior Shi Tzus will be enhanced with garden veggies, antioxidant-rich fruits, and digestible grains. This offers your elderly Shi Tzu a balanced combination of essential vitamins and nutrients.
It has chondroitin and glucosamine to boost your senior Shi Tzu’s joint health, taurine to strengthen their cardiovascular functions, and essential vitamins to improve their immunity.
It’s also loaded with L-carnitine, an amino acid that supports healthy metabolism, and probiotics to improve your senior Shih Tzu’s digestive health.
5. Best dog food for a fussy Shih Tzu
Having a Shih Tzu that turns their nose away each time they get to the bowl can be frustratig.
We recommend: Ollie Fresh Dog food
This is suitable for both adult Shih Tzus and puppies who are picky eaters. It’s a unique fresh wet food, available as a subscription-only meal plan for your dog, includes a combination of meat protein, nutritious veggies, and more nutrient-rich ingredients slow-cooked to retain flavor and texture.
The pairing of various food items that have different textures and flavors makes the Ollie Fresh Food a fantastic choice for Shih Tzus who are picky eaters.
Ollie’s high-quality recipe formulations are developed by veterinary nutritionists, so you’re sure your Shi Tzu will get the right nutrients from this delicious dog food.
This freshly cooked food is customized according to your Shih Tzu’s age, weight, and other crucial factors.
6. Best dog food for a Shih Tzu that needs to gain weight
If your Shih Tzu is struggling with low weight, they will need food high in protein and healthy fats to help them bulk up.
We recommend: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dog Food
It’s formulated with a much higher amount of quality proteins and healthy fats.to ensure your dog only adds healthy weight. As always, make sure to chat with your vet before putting your Shi Tzu on a weight gain diet plan.
7. Best dog food for a Shi Tzu with an upset stomach
It can be a worrying time if your Shih Tzu is experiencing an upset tummy or sensitive stomach. Fortunately, the right homemade diet can help ease the discomfort while providing them nutrition during this vulnerable period.
We recommend: A bland homemade diet
The best bland foods to give your sick Shih Tzu are mashed sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, plain pureed pumpkin, boiled plain white rice cooked into a mash, overcooked oatmeal, mashed bananas, and warm, unseasoned bone broth.
These foods are easily digestible, soothe the digestive system, and contain ingredients that will restore your dog’s poop to a firm state (if they also have diarrhea).
8. Best dog food for a Shih Tzu with allergies
If your Shi Tzu suffers from allergies, it’s best to stick to a grain-free food with limited ingredients that still provides superior nutrition.
We recommend: Blue Basics Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free
This grain-free dry dog food is specifically formulated for allergy-prone small dog breeds like your Shi Tzu. It’s made of only high-quality protein to minimize the likelihood of allergic reactions from different protein sources.
It’s also crafted with a few simple but nutritious ingredients (eight in total, including the main ingredient, lamb meat). These carefully selected minimal ingredients lower the possibility of allergic reactions.
The food doesn’t have fillers like soy protein, corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives and flavors that cause allergic reactions. It’s enhanced with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics to support your Shi Tzu’s immune system, digestive health, and skin health.
Plus, it has the perfect balance of proteins and digestible carbs to meet your Shih Tzu’s energy needs.
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Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/shih-tzu-dog-laying-bench-seat-164086/