What Is The Best Dog Food For Shih Tzu

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.

Best Dry Food For Shihtzu

Just like any other dog, the dry food most suitable here is almost the same. We are talking about energetic pets here, so it naturally burns more calories which, in turn, require a good amount of dry food. Among the top dry foods for Shih Tzu are kibbles, which are prepared by making a dough of mixed ingredients. The mixture is then cooked until it rises and finally the cooked dough is cut into shapes, making kibbles.

Other best dry foods for Shih Tzu also include biscuits that are rich in proteins. A plate of biscuits meets the energy needs required by your animal. The flavors of the biscuits must be regularly changed so that your pooch does not get bored of the taste. In cases where a similar flavor is given, the pup gets discouraged and stops eating it altogether.

Buyers Guide For Shih Tzu Dog Foods

Shih Tzus can be quite a tricky breed to feed. Thats because this breed can have a sensitive stomach and some allergies as well. Thats why choosing the best dog food for Shih Tzus requires some prior research. So, to help you with that, weve compiled a list of factors that one should look into when buying dog food for Shih Tzus.

Here they are:

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Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzu With Sensitive Stomachs

Hills Science Diet is the perfect dry dog food for Shih Tzu with sensitive stomachs.

Hills Science is mainly known for providing food thats precisely formulated for specific health issues. Fortunately, they deliver once again with a superb product that helps with digestive problems.

First, it contains an optimal balance of prebiotic fiber and nutrients to help promote your dogs digestive health. This primes your dog to digest their food better and faster for more efficient nutrient absorption.

Next, the ingredients featured in this dog food are easily digestible. Theyre also all-natural, so its both healthy and not taxing to digest for your little one. Apart from providing digestive health, this dog food will also do wonders for your Shih Tzus coat health. This is thanks in part to the Omega Fatty Acids in the formulation.

In our own experience , this dog food really is the deal. It also helped that our Shih Tzu really liked nibbling on it, and we saw no side effects with it.

• Has the optimal nutritional balance to help your Shih Tzu digest
• Helps promote the health and sheen of your dogs coat
• Made with only named and natural ingredients, so youre sure of your dogs digestive health

Cons

• Chicken might cause allergies in some dogs

Q: Whats The Best Dog Food For A Shih Tzu Puppy

For Shih Tzu puppies, be sure to choose a dog food that is suitable for their age and weight. Puppies expend a lot of energy, and they grow fast. Their diet needs to be able to keep up with them! Of the dog food products that we’ve mentioned in this post, these would be the best dog foods to feed a Shih Tzu puppy: CANIDAE All Life Stages, Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy, or Purina Pro Plan Puppy Toy Breed.

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Urpower Stainless Steel Dog Bowl With No Spill Non

Material: Stainless steel bowls and BPA-free silicone mat

Size/Height: Bowl: 2.64 height, 6.00 diameterSilicone mat: 19 length, 11 width

Weight of bowl: 1.4 pounds

Sturdy non slip/non sliding bottom: Yes

Condition, Quality, & convenience: Moderate quality and very convenient

Ease of cleaning: Easy, dishwasher safe

References And Further Reading

• Suto, A., et al, Food allergens inducing a lymphocyte-mediated immunological reaction in canine atopic-like dermatitis, The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 2014.
• Giese, M., When Your Dog Is Always Itchy, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, 2016.
• Nichol, J., DVM, Shih Tzu needs to stick to diet to avoid stones, The Albuquerque Journal, 2016.
• Den Herder, J.S., DVM, et al, Your Shih Tzu: Caring for Your Faithful Companion, 2010.
• Jeromin, A.M., RPh, DVM, DACVD, Malassezia Dermatitis: Is it Complicating your Life?, Veterinary News DVM 360, 2001.

Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

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Do Shih Tzus Need Supplements

A dog on a well-rounded diet shouldnt need any supplements at all. Unless recommended by your vet, all youre doing when you purchase additional supplements or vitamins are paying for the companys advertising fees.

Dont give in to the marketing tactics of manufacturers telling you that your dog needs certain supplements to be healthy.

Best Overall Dog Food For Shih Tzus

With the above information in mind, its time to talk about the best dog foods we found for your Shih Tzu. Weve done some serious research and looked at a number of different brands and styles. There are many different kinds of dog food on the market, and in some cases, we had to make decisions based on convenience and prices.

Nevertheless, we think youll find our list comprehensive, with options for all types of Shih Tzu owners, ages, and lifestyles. At the end of the day, your Shih Tzu is a unique individual with nutritional needs that you will have to assess to ensure theyre eating the best food for them.

Lets start with our best overall pick.

• 80% more meat than in traditional dog food
• Formulated specifically for small breeds
• No grains or artificial additives

Wellness CORE dog food is also fortified with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, which is always suitable for Shih Tzus. It also has glucosamine and chondroitin for bone and joint health.

Pros:

Cons:

• May be too high in calories for some dogs

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Choosing The Best Dog Food For Your Shih Tzu Can Prevent Illnesses

Its important to note that these companion dogs tend to put on weight. Obesity can aggravate or cause health issues to develop.

The nutritional value and overall calories matter more than the type of food youre feeding your dog. As long as your pooch is on a small breed formula, it should be able to sustain them well.

A certain kind of dog food, brand, or recipe is not a cure. But picking out that right one based on your canine friends weight, breed size, and metabolism can help her avoid potential diseases.

Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula

This recipe includes real beef protein, fish for an extra protein boost, and fruits and vegetables that provide all the minerals and vitamins your Shih Tzus body needs for great health.

They believe that by making their dog food contain 10-20% superfoods , your dog will be able to properly absorb all of its required vitamins and minerals.

These superfoods replace common fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy . It contains 25% protein and 15% fat which is pretty average in this price range.

Also Check: Dr Pol Rabbit Feed

Shih Tzu Homemade Dog Food Risks

DIY homemade dog food for Shih Tzu isnt that simple. You need to mindful of some of some of the risks involved.

• Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Not preparing a balanced meal
• Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
• Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
• Not understanding the nutritional needs of your Shih Tzu

A study by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary found that most homemade meals lack key essential nutrients that dogs need to thrive and develop properly. Further research published in The Journal of Nutritional Science concluded 48% of dog homemade diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities and that 71.3 % of dog owners did know how much food to serve per meal.

Even more alerting is a study by the Journal of the American Veterinary Association that showed that more than 90% of homemade dog food recipes found online may be bad for your dog.

Its important you check with a veterinary nutritionist before cooking for your pet for all these reasons. Your vet can provide you with trusted recipes or recommend a homemade dog food delivery service. This can help avoid nutrition-related health problems in your Shih Tzu.

Purina Pro Plan Senior

• One 5 lb. Bag – Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Senior Dog Food,…
• Features enhanced botanical oils to promote alertness and mental…
• Chicken is the first ingredient
• Bite-sized kibble makes chewing easier for small dogs

If you click the link above and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Not only does this recipe promote strong bones, joints, teeth and gums, it also heightens his slowing brain function with botanical oils such as arginine, DHA and B vitamins. It is said to promote alertness and mental sharpness within 30 days, so if he is looking a bit slower than normal why not try him on this recipe.

Real chicken and Fish meal provide him with the energy he needs to play and get up and about with healthier joints, and biotin and Fish oils keep his long coat looking vibrant.

We love that this has the highest protein content and calorie count, so if your Shih Tzu is just as active as he was as an adult, then this recipe will be sure to keep his energy levels up.

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Vegetables For Shih Tzu Dogs & Puppies

1. Carrots

Carrots are a great healthy treat for Shih Tzus. Carrots are not only tasty for dogs but also have a lot of health benefits, including healthy eyesight and teeth.

Benefits:

• Maintain eyesight and keep your dogs vision sharp and clear.
• Helps in preventing tooth decay by removing plaque that damages the teeth over time!

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is a green vegetable that has lots of healthy benefits. Shih Tzus are sometimes intolerant to this veggie due to its strong scent, but ingesting it in small amounts can be beneficial.

Benefits:

• Broccoli helps prevent canine cancer and tumors by removing carcinogens from the system.It improves your dogs cardiovascular health by preventing heart diseases such as high cholesterol, hypertension, etc.

3. Green Beans

Green beans are a great healthy treat for Shih Tzus. Green beans are not only delicious to dogs, but they have many health benefits.

Benefits:

• Green beans improve your dogs vision by stimulating the production of eye cells in dogs. As well, including better eyesight and healthier skin.
• It helps prevent skin allergies that develop when dogs have a lack of nutrients they need.

4. Sweet Potato

Sweet Potatoes are what we like to call a healthy treat because they contain whats known as beta carotene, which helps with eyesight improvement. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties. So dont forget about this precious vegetable/fruit.

Best Shih Tzu Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Is you Shih Tzu a picky eater? This list of the best Shih Tzu food recipes will have your pup begging for homemade males.

As a bonus weve included a homemade yummy treat for because Shih Tzus also deserve some healthy treats from time to time!

Note: Please consult with your pets veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dogs diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

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Best Dog Food For Shih Tzu We Rate 10 Top Quality Choices

With so many dog food brands on the market, it can be challenging to find a suitable one that will be best for your Shih Tzu. There are certain brands that are specially made for different dog breeds, such as Royal Canin, and more generic ones you might still want to consider. In this article, well walk you through the various options if you are looking for the best dog food for your Shih Tzu.

Hungry Bark is a newer company offering super premium dog foods and supplements. These foods are freshly made from the highest quality ingredients and are made from superfoods and probiotics. They source all the ingredients from local US farmers and slow cook the foods in an actual kitchen, instead of a factory.

They can create custom nutritional meal plans specific to your Shih Tzu based on a quick questionnaire about your pup. Or to start, you can try one of their standard kibble dog foods like this deboned chicken and turkey mixed with whole grains. We started feeding this to our dogs and they absolutely love it.

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.

• 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

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Ingredients To Avoid Feeding Your Shih Tzu

When you are looking for the best food for Shih Tzu, there are some ingredients that you may want to avoid feeding to your Shih Tzu. That does not mean that they will necessarily cause problems in your pet but they have caused issues in some other dogs and you may want to err on the side of caution. Here is the Shih Tzu food to avoid.

Best Dog Food For Shih Tzus : Top 10 Products

What is the best dog food for shih tzus? Read through these product descriptions to find our recommendations. All of these healthy options can be delivered right to your door.

1. Royal Canin Shih Tzu

Royal Canin is a dog food brand that understands that different breeds have different dietary needs. Many of their products are specific to the breed. Royal Canin Shih Tzu food products are perfectly suited for the health needs of your dog!

The special kibbles are produced in a way that makes it easier for your pup to grab them with their small mouth. They help reduce tartar and dental plaque.

The shih-tzu recipe is packed full of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to protect the breeds long flowing coat.

Is your pooch a fussy eater? Not to worry, because Royal Canin kibbles key ingredients are brewers rice, brown rice, chicken-by-product meal, and chicken fat- which any pup will love. Its easily the best dry dog food for Shih Tzu dogs.

2. Merrick Lil Plates Small Breed

Will your Shih Tzu only sample the best? Then they will love Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free Small Breed dog food.

The small-sized, crunchy kibble bites are a premium dog food product, focusing on the very best nutrition for your shih tzu. The recipes are 70/30 meaning that 70% consists of fish or meat and the remaining 30% is full of vitamins, fruit, and vegetables. Sounds healthy!

3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dog Food

Wellness CORE is specially formulated to suit small breeds such as Shih Tzus.

4. NUTRO ULTRA Adult

Also Check: Dr Pol Cat Food

Q: Is Chicken Bad For Shih Tzu

Not at all! Chicken should be a healthy dog food alternative for any small dog breeds in your home. Like eggs, though, some Shih Tzus have shown sensitivity to chicken, but this isn’t a common thing. Only feed your dog cooked, boiled chicken, and introduce it into their diet a small piece at a time. By doing this, you can see whether or not your dog is going to badly react to the new food.

Recommended Brands Of Food

All of the foods listed here are good dog foods. We have listed a variety in case your dog has certain issues or you have preferences about what you like to feed. The foods also vary in price.

The foods listed here are kibbles but you can certainly feed your Shih Tzu a canned food if you prefer. There is little truth to the belief that canned foods cause more dental problems for dogs. If you brush your dogs teeth regularly and have your vet take care of them, you shouldnt have any particular problems from feeding canned dog food.

Also, if you are looking for a grain free food for a small breed, several of the brands mentioned here have foods of that kind.

Try some of the foods mentioned here and see how your Shih Tzu likes them. Dogs are individuals so your dog might like one more than another. You should be able to find a good food that makes your dog happy and satisfies any special needs he has. Good luck!

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