small breedUpdated March 2026

Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus

Our top food picks for Shih Tzus. Fresh food delivery, subscription boxes, and kibble brands that actually work for this breed.

At 9 to 16 pounds, the Shih Tzu is a lower energy small breed. Shih Tzus are a Toy breed with a fast metabolism packed into a tiny body. What you put in the bowl has a direct effect on how they feel and perform day to day.

Shih Tzus are prone to Brachycephalic Syndrome, Eye Problems, Dental Problems. A food that addresses these breed-specific risks goes a long way.

Shih Tzus have demanding coats that need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from their food. If the coat looks dull, diet is usually the first thing to check. We put together our top picks below: subscription food services, monthly boxes, and kibble options that work well for this breed.

Shih Tzu Nutrition Profile

25–30%

Protein

15–20%

Fat

3–5%

Fiber

40 cal/lb

Calories

Best Fresh Food Delivery for Shih Tzus

These services build a meal plan around your Shih Tzu's weight and age. Real food, vet-approved recipes, shipped to your door.

Ollie

The Farmer's Dog

Real food made fresh

8.1/10

$50–$100/mo

Spot & Tango

Fresh & UnKibble options

7.7/10

$40–$90/mo

Open Farm

Ethically sourced, transparent ingredients

7.4/10

$55–$100/mo

Sundays

Air-dried dog food made simple

7.4/10

$45–$85/mo

PetPlate

Fresh-cooked delivered

7.1/10

$45–$95/mo

Best Subscription Boxes for Shih Tzus

Monthly boxes with toys, treats, and chews picked for your Shih Tzu's size. Good nutrition is half the battle. Enrichment is the other half.

BarkBox

Monthly surprises for your pup

8.5/10

$23–$35

Super Chewer

Tough toys for power chewers

7.6/10

$29–$45

Pawstruck

Natural chews & treats at honest prices

7.1/10

$20–$35

Goody Box

One-time curated boxes from Chewy

6.7/10

$19.99–$35

Bark Bright

Dental care made delicious

6.5/10

$25–$35

Farm Hounds

Ethically sourced, single-ingredient treats from sustainable farms

6.4/10

$25–$45

Feeding by Life Stage

🐶Shih Tzu Puppies

Get a small-breed puppy food for your Shih Tzu. The kibble size and calorie density are designed for their 16-pound adult frame. Most can move to adult food around 10 to 12 months.

🧓Senior Shih Tzus

Shih Tzus live about 10 to 18 years, so around age 12 you should start thinking about a senior formula. Fewer calories, easier on the stomach.

Recommended Kibble Brands

Widely available dry food brands suitable for Shih Tzus. Listed for informational purposes.

Best Overall

Orijen Small Breed

Small kibble packed with 85% animal protein for tiny dogs with big nutritional needs

Breed-Specific

Royal Canin Small Breed Adult

Concentrated calories in small kibble for tiny jaws and fast metabolisms

Premium

Acana Heritage Free-Run Poultry

Premium whole-prey ratios with 60% meat content from cage-free chicken and turkey

Vet Favorite

Hill's Science Diet Adult

Vet-recommended formula backed by clinical research, balanced for everyday nutrition

Allergy-Friendly

Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon

Real deboned salmon as the single animal protein, grain-free for food sensitivities

Weight Control

Wellness Core Reduced Fat

Lower calorie density with high protein to maintain muscle while trimming weight

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Shih Tzu

How much food does a Shih Tzu need per day?

A Shih Tzu weighing 9 to 16 lbs needs roughly 360 to 640 calories per day, depending on age and how active they are. Split that into two meals. Weigh portions instead of eyeballing. It's easy to overfeed without realizing.

What health issues should Shih Tzu food help with?

Shih Tzus are known to develop Brachycephalic Syndrome, Eye Problems, Dental Problems. Look for foods that address these: and omega-3 fatty acids for overall health.

What protein percentage is right for a Shih Tzu?

Shih Tzus do well on 25–30% protein. The first ingredient should be a named meat like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. Skip foods where corn, wheat, or soy is listed first.

When should a Shih Tzu puppy switch to adult food?

Most Shih Tzu puppies can move to adult food around 10 to 12 months. Your vet can check growth progress and give you a more exact timeline.

What foods are toxic to Shih Tzus?

Same as all dogs: chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol (check sugar-free gum labels), onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones. Small breeds like Shih Tzus are more sensitive to toxins, so even tiny amounts can be dangerous.

When is a Shih Tzu considered senior?

Shih Tzus live about 10 to 18 years, so they start hitting senior territory around age 12. That's when you might want to look at lower-calorie formulas with joint support and easier-to-digest protein.

Learn More About Shih Tzus

📖 Shih Tzu Breed Guide 🍖 Dog Food Services ⚖️ Compare Breeds