Best dog food for Shih Tzu

I hope you will agree with me when I say:

IF you really LOVE your Shih Tzu, Finding Good Food for it is your biggest responsibility!
…Or is it?

Well there is ONE HUGE problem! Finding that “Good” food is not an easy task! Are you getting it right? or Are you risking the Life of your furbaby by feeding him the WRONG type of food?

Your Shih Tzu depends on you and Trusts you 100% for finding the best food!

My Top 10 picks for the Best dog food for Shih Tzus in 2021:

In a hurry? here is the short and sweet version of my comprehensive list of Best dog food for Shih Tzu.

Brand	Our Nutrition rating	Check Price on Amazon	This food is good for
Honest Kitchen - Editor's Choice	(4.9 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Adult & Senior Shih Tzu, Digestive problems, Skin issues, Maintaining ideal weight, Picky eaters, Tearing problems, Great Energy.
Blue Buffalo - Editor's Choice	(4.8 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Adult Shih Tzu. Hot spots. Dry skin patches. Flaky fur. Skin sensitivity. Very itchy skin. Sensitive digestive system.Picky eaters or Random Vomiting. Easy & quick, trouble free transition from other brands.
Taste of the Wild Canine Formula - Editor's Choice	(4.8 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Grain Free. Adult Shih Tzu. Scratching skin to bald. Dull matte looking coat. Picky eaters. Diarrhea. Vomiting. Hives. Obese. Allergic or Hyper sensitivity to other food. Constant, stable source of Energy.
Diamond Naturals	(4.7 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Great Price, quality of ingredients, Ideal for sensitive stomachs, For picky eaters, To reduce or control weight of Shih Tzu, Easier to Chew
Merrick Grain Free	(4.6 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Grain Free, Fills them up with only a little of this food, No Chinese Ingredients.
Wellness CORE	(4.5 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Shih Tzu Puppies, Skin problems, Rough coat, Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting at night or blood in stools. Finicky eaters. Rusty stains around the eyes. Allergies or sensitivity to grain. Increase Energy in the body.
Canidae Life Stages	(4.2 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Great for loosing weight. Reduce skin irritation. Control allergies
Whole Earth Farms	(4.1 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Great for softer hair, and for controlling grain related allergies.
Rachael Ray Nutrish	(3.8 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	Good for Picky eaters, Sensitive stomachs. Easy to switch from other foods
Hill’s Science Diet	(3.7 / 5)	Check Price on Amazon	To Manage a healthy weight, picky eaters, Easy to chew kibble.

What you are about to read below can make a HUGE difference!
To how long your dog is going to live, and how healthy and happy it’s going to be!!!

Where you are searching for the best dog food for Shih Tzu, there’s no definitive BEST brand of dog food that would be ideal for all dogs.

There are some that are better than others for your particular pet’s needs. And if you follow these guidelines, you can make an informed decision about what nutrition you are giving your pet.

Ready? Let’s go.

Best dog food for Shih Tzus

#1 Blue Buffalo Life Protection – Best Mid-Priced Dog food

Proteins: 20-24% (Protein-rich, Real meat and Meal)

Fats: 9-14% (Omega 3 & 6 Fatty acids)

Carbs : 5% Fiber (Wholesome Whole grains)

Vitamins and Minerals: Real fruits & Veggies, Calcium, Phosphorus, Glucosamine

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Holistic, Natural Preservatives, No Bad stuff

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Blue Buffalo Life Protection

Blue Buffalo produces holistic dog food, rich in protein, made with the all-natural ingredients. Its LifeSource® Bits, mixed in with the rest of the kibble, are made of fruits, veggies, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

With ingredients such as deboned chicken as well as antioxidant-rich apples, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, and hearty whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats, you can be sure that the nutrients are coming from the finest sources.

They use no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Blue Buffalo has the largest variety of breed, size, and condition-specific choices in natural dog food. They offer specific blends for large, small, old, young, gluten-sensitive, and overweight dogs, ensuring the best nutrition for your dog’s situation.

Your dog will have a shinier coat and firmer poops with Blue Buffalo. It is easy on the tummy, and the weigh-control formula will help get your heavier pup in shape. The gluten-free variety is great for reducing skin irritation and fur loss.

Conclusion

#2 Honest Kitchen Force – Editor’s Choice Best Dog food to buy in 2021; Best All Natural Ingredients

Proteins: 24 – 35.5% (Protein-rich, Real meat)

Fats: 8.5-18% (Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids)

Carbs : 5.8 – 9.6% fiber (Grain-free, Gluten free, Potatoes)

Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and Minerals premix, Real Fruits and Veggies

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Human-grade, Natural Preservatives, NO Bad stuff

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Honest Kitchen Force

Honest Kitchen is probably the best dog food for Shih Tzu! and the closest to homemade organic dry and wet food. With whole, minimally processed, human-grade ingredients, this is the closest thing to a raw-foods or homemade diet for Shih Tzu you’ll get, but in a much more convenient form.

Recipes include free-range chicken, cage-free turkey, range-raised beef, as well as organic flaxseed, and fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, apples, alfalfa, kelp, pumpkin, cabbage, and bananas, plus vitamins and minerals.

Varieties include a recipe that’s easy to digest for pups that have trouble with more-common proteins and a moderate-calorie recipe perfect for picky eaters who have problems with grains, gluten, or weight. This food is ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.

This unusual product comes in pouches containing dehydrated food powder, which you mix with warm water to reconstitute into a kind of stew.

This allows for a longer shelf-life and more convenient packaging than raw foods, while offering better nutrition than most kibble.

Conclusion

#3 Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy – High-Protein Kibble/Best Kibble

Proteins: 36% (Protein-rich, Real meat)

Fats:18% (Omega 3 & 6 Fatty acids)

Carbs : 25%; 5% Fiber (Frain-Free)

Vitamins and Minerals: Real fruits & Veggies, Calcium, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: All natural preservatives, no bad stuff

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy

Wellness CORE prides itself on premium ingredients, featuring high-protein, grain-free recipes packed with the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals of fruits and vegetables.

CORE subscribes to the raw feeding philosophy, providing a lot of meat, but it is available in a dry kibble for your convenience.

The vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are excellent for your pet’s skin and fur as well as its immune system, teeth, and eyes.

Probiotics and fiber promote digestive health, and high-quality proteins and carbs give a boost in energy. The puppy kibble also includes DHA for proper growth and development.

The main ingredients are whole meats and meal, with added goodness from carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, spinach, parsley, apples, blueberries, and bananas.

And there are absolutely no fillers, grain, corn, soy, beet pulp, wheat-gluten or artificial additives..

Conclusion

#4 Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food – Best Mid-Priced Dog food

Proteins: 25-32% (Protein-Rich, Whole Meat and Meal)

Fats: 15 – 18% (Omega 3 & 6 Fatty acids)

Carbs : 38% with 3 – 4.5% Fiber (Grain-free, Sweet potatoes)

Vitamins and Minerals: Real fruits & veggies (Potatoes, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries), Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Natural Preservatives, No bad stuff

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild offers a grain-free, high-protein blend that your dog will absolutely love.

The high-quality proteins (mostly whole meats with some meal) are mixed with sweet potatoes, fruits, and vegetables, and supplemented with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a rich, delicious kibble.

This grain-free blend is great for pups with skin problems and gluten sensitivity. The salmon variety is specifically made for sensitive tummies, and other flavors contain higher protein for more active dogs.

Several flavors feature novel protein sources (duck, venison, bison, boar), which are ideal for dogs with food allergies.

The kibble is rich enough to fill up on in smaller servings, but not so rich that it causes digestive upset; stools will be firm and easy to clean up. Best of all, dogs love the taste.

Conclusion

#5 Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs – Best Lower-Price Budget food-Best overall ingredients in budget food

Proteins: 23 – 26% (Chicken and Chicken Meal, Beef Meal, or Lamb Meal)

Fats: 14 – 16% (Omega 3 & 6 Fatty acids)

Carbs : 3 – 4% Fiber (Rice and Barley)

Vitamins and Minerals: Real fruits and veggies, Vitamin E, zinc, selenium, antioxidants

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Natural with No bad stuff

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs
This natural kibble is made with high-protein meat as the first ingredient and also contains antioxidant-rich kale, pumpkin, papayas, blueberries, oranges, chia seeds, coconut, carrots, and spinach.

The beef and lamb flavors are chicken-free for those with chicken-sensitive systems. All varieties are free from corn, wheat, and soy.

The best part of this brand is the price. Although the price may fluctuate some from time to time, it is generally the highest quality food on the market for less than $1 per pound.

Conclusion

#6 CANIDAE Life Stages Dry Dog Food – Best Budget food Overall 3rd Place

Proteins: 21 – 26% (Chicken meal, Lamb meal, and Duck meal)

Fats: 12 – 15% (Omega 3 and 6 Fatty acids)

Carbs : 4% fiber (some gluten-free varieties, Brown rice)

Vitamins and Minerals: Antioxidants, Probiotics

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Natural, No bad stuff

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about CANIDAE Life Stages Dry Dog Food
Canidae has great protein from natural, high-quality chicken meal, lamb meal, turkey meal, and fish meal paired with brown rice and wholesome fruits and veggies.

They never use wheat, soy, or corn fillers or artificial preservatives, hormones, or antibiotics.

This kibble is made for all dogs—every size, age, and breed. You don’t have to switch between puppy and adult or aging formulas; you’ll get the right nutrition with one vet-designed formula.

Every bit of Canidae gets the HealthPLUS Solutions treatment, which is full of live probiotics (for digestive health), antioxidants (for immunity), and healthy omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (for great skin and coat)..

Conclusion

#7 Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural – Best Lower-Priced Food with High Protein

Proteins: 26% (U.S.-farm-raised Chicken, Beef, Turkey, and Venison)

Fats: 8 – 14% (Omega 3 & 6 Fatty acids)

Carbs : 4 – 6% Fiber (wholesome Brown rice)

Vitamins and Minerals: Real fruits, veggies, prebiotics, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins C and E

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Natural, no artificial preservatives or flavors, but has Artificial color

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural
Rachael Ray’s Nutrish contains simple ingredients, and first on the list are high-quality proteins such as whole chicken, beef, and turkey that are raised in the United States.

Added to them are wholesome brown rice, peas, carrots, and antioxidant-rich cranberries as well as vitamins, minerals, and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.

Dogs love the flavor, and it is good for soft, shiny coats and less-runny eyes. Not only that, it’s affordable. This natural dog food is only $1 per pound, but Rachael still donates a portion of the proceeds to animals in need.

Conclusion

#8 Hill’s Science Diet Small Breed – The most scientifically designed formula with lowest protein

Proteins: 19.5 – 21.5% (Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal)

Fats: 12.5 – 13% (Omega 3 & 6 Fatty acids)

Carbs : 3 – 4% Fiber (Rice, Barley, Wheat)

Vitamins and Minerals: Prebiotics, Calcium, Vitamins C and E

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Natural, no artificial color, Preservatives, or flavor

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Hill’s Science Diet Small Breed
Hill’s Science Diet is just what it says: the formula is created by vets and scientists for optimum balanced nutrition, using ingredients from only high-quality suppliers.

Quality protein is first ingredient in this variety that is especially tailored for small and toy dogs. With vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids, this is a formula for enhanced immunity to help your pooch live longer.

Science Diet has clinically proven benefits, natural ingredients, and no artificial colors or flavors.

This small kibble is great for little mouths and the nutrition is great. Not only that, but the company donates a portion of the proceeds from every bag to help shelter pets.

Conclusion

#9 Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food – Best High-Protein Kibble/Best Kibble design

Proteins: 34 – 38% (Deboned whole Meats and Meals)

Fats: 14 – 17% (Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids)

Carbs : 3.5 – 4.5% Fiber (Grain-free, Potato)

Vitamins and Minerals: Real fruits and Veggies, Chondroitin, Glucosamine

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Natural, no artificial color, preservatives, or flavor

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Merrick offers real meat and produce sourced from local Texas farmers, never using ingredients from China. The natural, nutrient-rich food is grain-free and intended for all dogs.

The first ingredients in every flavor are real deboned meats followed by meal, potatoes, and real vegetables. This protein-rich food fills up your pet and provides lasting energy.

Real fruits and veggies like sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, and more pack every variety with vitamins and minerals.

It is fortified with nutrients such as antioxidants, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to give your dog a healthy coat and joints.

Your dog will love the flavor, and you will love that the food is produced with the finest American ingredients in an organically certified kitchen.

Conclusion

#10 Whole Earth Farms Grain Free – Best Budget dog food that is Grain Free!

Proteins: 26% (Beef, Lamb, Chicken, Pork, Turkey, Duck, and Salmon meals)

Fats: 13% (Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids)

Carbs : 3.5 – 6% Fiber (Grain-free, Potato)

Vitamins and Minerals: Real fruits and veggies, Vitamins E and B12

Preservatives and Bad Stuff: Holistic, no artificial color, preservatives, or flavor

AAFCO approval: Yes

The MUST Know, True Facts about Whole Earth Farms Grain Free
This holistic food is both grain-free and affordable.

With high-quality proteins, fruits and veggies, and no wheat, corn, soy, or artificial ingredients, you’ll feel good about what you’re giving your dog.

Not only does it taste good, the varieties are all grain-free, and some are chicken-free, which are good for allergies and sensitivities, and the wholesome ingredients in this best dog food for Shih Tzu, will give your dog a healthy, shiny coat..

Conclusion

Shih Tzu Really are what they eat!

Why is finding the best dog food for Shih Tzu is important? because pups are what they eat. Their energy levels, health, even the mood depends on food.

Of course, we spend a lot of money on grooming tools like dog hair clippers, spend time and effort on grooming our Shih Tzu because is very important

BUT

Nutrition and food are the foundation of good health and well being. Before we take a look at what is the best dog food for Shih Tzu is, it is necessary to understand the long term and short term implications of food.

What to Look for When Buying Food for My Shih Tzu?

There are so many brands of dog food on the market, but which is best for your pooch? Here’s what you need to know about the top high-quality brands so that you can make an informed decision.

Avoid giving These Food!!!

• Any Food which does NOT have the Approval of AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). This approval would assure the particular food contains 4 basic ingredients of the nutrition profile (Protein, Fat, Fiber, Moisture).
• Avoid giving any food which contain the following.
  Fruit pits and seeds; macadamia nuts; too much of salt; soda, tea, coffee, and drinks with caffeine; onions; chocolate; raisins and grapes. These are not healthy and can cause serious kidney damage, seizures, coma, and even death!.

Best dog food for Shih Tzu – Buyer’s Guide

How to find the best food brand for your Shih Tzu

All dogs should have food made of Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, and Minerals. When looking for best dog food for Shih Tzu, you should always consider these 5 fundamentals.

How do I figure out what will work best for my dog?

In addition to reading labels and comparing brands of dog food, ask the experts.

Find dogs that are really healthy and perform well and ask their owners or trainers what they feed them. See what people feed their pets to keep them healthy at an older age. Also ask them about their feeding routines and amounts.

Problems You May Need to Consider when you feed a Shih Tzu…

Best dog food for Shih Tzu with Allergies / Grain Free Shih Tzu Food

Always consult a professional and an experienced veterinarian first! Should they decide food is the culprit then…

Usually these can be cured by switching to foods that are Grain Free. There are a range of Grain free food from High Quality (Best Dog Food for Allergies)

to
Budget friendly and of acceptable quality ( Best Budget Food that is Grain Free ).

Best food for Shih Tzu with Stomach issues/ sensitive tummy

After consulting a professional, switching to a milder type of dog food would help…

Sensitive tummies can also be caused by allergies. This is shown by vomiting, flatulence, and diarrhea. Again, try alternate sources of protein and fiber to see if eliminating an ingredient can help.

Other dogs have trouble with too much protein or fat, so try a blend with lower amounts of those.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection is a high quality product with Low Protein.

Taste of the Wild is a another good product with No Grains, and Low Protein.

What should I look for to reduce itchy skin?

Most of these problems are caused by the wrong type of food.
Itching, irritation, and inflammation of the skin can be caused by allergies.

Try different varieties, eliminating various ingredients, such as the type of meat or grain, until you find out what works for your pooch. Vitamins A and C as well as omega fatty acids can also help reduce skin irritation.

When addressing one of these problems, make sure you look at the ingredients of any treats as well.
Best Dog Food for Dog with Sensitive Skin issues

How much should I feed my dog?

How much food should you feed your Shih Tzu?

We need to be mindful of the quality and the quantity of food it is given each time and each day. Because getting the right amount of food at the right time/s of the day is as very important as what you feed it.
Depends on the age of the pet and your convenience.

Is it a senior(old – Age 10 year or more), adult (Age 1 year to 10 years), or puppy (Age less than 1 year)? Depending on the age, we would be able to determine the right proportion of food to give it so we can optimize its health and longevity.

How much should be fed to a Senior Shih Tzu, an adult, puppy?

This depends on the following factors

Feeding amounts depend on

1. Age
2. Body Weight
3. Activity level
4. Individual Metabolism
5. Build
6. Environment (Feed less in the Summer but Feed more in the Winter)
7. Overall health

The particular food may also contribute to how much your pet eats. Foods rich in protein tend to fill your dog up faster than lower-protein foods.

In order to answer these questions refer to the Shih Tzu feeding chart below:
You should consult the amounts, but divide them into two feedings per day.

	Age	How much to feed per day based on bodyweight	Calories per day based on bodyweight*	Feed How many times a day
Puppy	From 2 months Up to 1 year old	About an ounce of food (28 – 30 grams) for each pound of its weight (about 60 grams of food for 1 Kg of bodyweight) This is about 6% of it's bodyweight in food	55 Calories per 1 lb (Pound) of bodyweight (120 Calories per 1 Kg)	3 times or more (Divide the daily feeding amount by the number of times you are going to feed, to find out how much to feed per meal) Feed about every 8 hours or more frequently Also read about free feeding and related health risks!
Adult	1 year or more and less than 10 years	half ounce (14 – 15 grams) per 1 lb (pound) of its bodyweight (30 grams per 1 Kg of bodyweight ) This is about 3% of it's bodyweight in food	35 Calories per 1 lb (Pound) of bodyweight 70 calories per 1Kg of bodyweight.	Only 2 times a day (Divide the daily feeding amount by 2 to find out how much to feed per meal) Work up to feeding every 12 hours apart. Start with feeding at 9AM and then again at 5PM (8 hours between meals). Then try to extend the interval up to 12 hours. If you are trying this carefully monitor the condition because they might start vomiting bile, if they are kept too long on an empty stomach!
Senior	Age 10 years or more	5 grams of food per 1 lb of bodyweight. 11 grams of food per 1 Kg of bodyweight This is about 1-2% of it's bodyweight in food	25 - 28 Calories per 1 lb (Pound) of bodyweight	Feed Only once per day

*There is a high calorie variation in a given unit of food, among various food brands!!! (Do “Better” expensive premium food have more calories per lb or kg?)

** pregnant or lactating females will have significantly different calorie, food and energy requirements!

As can be seen from the above chart,
a Shih Tzu owner can easily determine the eating habits of a Shih Tzu.
the eating frequency of puppies is higher than those of adults because they are still growing and they burn more than twice the calories of an adult.

This is why the puppies, compared to adults, require twice as much calories per pound of their bodies’ weight.

How much to feed a dog per day?

Puppy (Up to 1 year old)– about an ounce of food (28 – 30 grams) for each pound of its weight (about 60 grams of food for 1 Kg of bodyweight). 6% of bodyweight in food.

Adult (1 year or more and up to less than 10 years)/ – half ounce (14 – 15 grams) per pound of its weight (30 grams per 1 Kg of bodyweight ). This is about 3% of its bodyweight in food.

Senior (Age 10 years or more)- 5 grams of food per 1 lb of bodyweight. 11 grams of food per 1 Kg of bodyweight. This is about 1-2% of it’s bodyweight in food

What’s in a Cup?

The usual recommendation is 1 or half a cup of high quality food. But that is confusing and misleading! This is where we take apart those two,
1. What is in a a “Cup” or rather how much is in a cup? And
2. What is “Quality food” what is in it? What makes it good quality and what makes food bad quality?

Unless you are weighing out exact amounts every time you feed, you should find a cup that is the right size to measure out food. Using a standard 12-ounce (340-gram) cup to measure may work well. But for smaller and older dogs, a 6-ounce (170-gram) half-cup will work better.

In general, here’s a guideline.

Puppies (under 1 year) should generally get one ounce of food per pound of its weight. That equals about 60 grams of food per kilogram of body weight.

Adults (ages 1 to 10) should generally get half an ounce of food per pound of its weight. That equals about 30 grams of food per kilogram of body weight.

Seniors (age 10 and up) should generally get a quarter-ounce of food per pound of its weight. That equals about 15 grams of food per kilogram of body weight.

Check the first ingredient first!!!

This is the First listed ingredient in the list of ingredients.
Pure Meat or Fish should be the First and the Major ingredient (at least 80% ). Be Very careful if the first ingredient is Meal or some rubbish “by product” or Corn, Wheat or some other filler!!!!

Best dog food for Shih Tzu puppy

Use a product:
that has ALL PURE meat (NOT Meat by products) as the First 3 main ingredients.
100% Grain Free (NO Corn, no Rice formula, or other grains), and 100% Gluten Free!.
Made in USA Without using ingredients imported from China.
Our top choice for best dog food for Shih Tzu puppy is Wellness CORE Grain Free.

Best Dog Food for Puppies

Nutritional Needs of Shih Tzu

Just like other breeds of dogs, all Shih Tzu are required to have water, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and amino acids from protein.

Water

should be given as frequently and as much as they want. Should be available always and it is best that it is filtered, clean, and fresh.

How to check the dog food you just bought?

Look: Now is the time to Be sensible and use ALL of your Senses…

Before you open the pack

Check the label to make sure that this is the brand you ordered and the correct type (Puppy, adult, senior) of food for your puppy or dog! Mixing up can end up with needing an expensive, time consuming, and stressful trip to the vet.

For example, if you feed puppy food to an adult, it might start vomiting ( or have diarrhea) and being sick. Check the expiry date /best by date!Also make sure that you have received a genuine product, not a fake!

Open the pack

Check the food for funny smells. Pre packaged dog food can sometimes have dangerous fungus/mold which can emit a funny smell. Or even can have worms! Sometimes the food gets ruined during storage or transport.

Touch and feel- Size, shape, Texture

Touch the kibbles and check the size, and shape, do you think your dog can easily grasp it? If your puppy is small, or has not teeth yet, then do you think it can swallow it? Without getting stuck in the throat? How is the texture?

Testing the food on your Shih Tzu

Guide to Switching Foods

Now comes the ultimate test!
Gradually introduce the new food using the transitioning method below, so that their digestive system can get time to adjust. Don’t always believe food manufacturers when they say you can transition them quickly to the new food!

They simply want to sell more food as quickly as possible. With some premium brands however, You can actually transition 100% within a week without any issues.

The Nice and Easy Transition method to changing food

Gradually introduce the new food by mixing a small amount with your dog’s old food and gradually increasing the proportion. This helps its digestive system acclimate to the new food and its ingredients.

You can introduce the new food over the course of a week or two. However, if your dog is especially sensitive, you can extend any of the periods below to a full week before increasing the amount.

For the 1st week (Mix 25%, 75%)

Always mix about a 25% portion of the new food with 75% of previous brand of food you used to feed Let it take it’s own time with this new blend of first meal and don’t push it to eat.

If that goes well then gradually increase the percentage of the new food over the next few days.

Let it take it’s own time with this trial meal. Don’t push it to eat! Watch out for any unwanted effects like allergic reactions, vomiting, diarrhea, if noticed discontinue immediately!

Also carefully monitor stools for blood and mucus, to make sure that they are soft, well formed, not too loose or runny and not too smelly.which can indicate a problem with the new food.

For the 2nd week

Mix 50% of the new food with 50% of the old brand

For the 3rdweek

Mix 75% of the new food with only 25% of the old brand

For the 4th week

Fully replace the old brand with the new one

If they are adapting well to the new diet, then you can transition them more rapidly. Just observe to make sure they are not vomiting, and not displaying any other discomforts.

Urine, should be of a normal color, constant with what you would have observed before, not too dark.

Behavior

To see that the dog is healthy and happy, and behavior is normal. Bad food can be indicated by unnaturally bad behavioral issues!

With the new food, your dog should be energetic and happy, with clear skin and soft fur.

Ideal weight?

The average weight of a Shih Tzu is between 10 lbs (4.5 Kg) and 19 lbs (8.6 Kg)
It is very important to weigh your Shih Tzu regularly
Either at home or at your Veterinarian’s so you know you are feeding the right amounts (based on the bodyweight) and they are in good health.

During the first year (puppy time) there should be a steady gradual and a regular increase of weight.

Rapid weight variations (gain, loss stalling)

Can indicate serious health issues! That should be brought to the immediate attention of a qualified and an experienced vet.

Free Feeding, Over feeding?

“Free feeding” means the dog would have access to food, so it would eat at any time they desire to do so.This is NOT advised. All meals should be given according to a regular and regulated schedule.

Obesity?

We must also understand it is critical not to over feed our Shih Tzu. No matter however much it wants to eat or you want to feed it. Nor allow it to engage in free feeding, because they are prone to obesity

This is because free feeding can lead to Shih Tzu eating unhealthy and potentially dangerous amounts of food!.

Normally free feeding is advised for puppies up to 3-4 months but definitely not after that! Because this breed of dogs are highly prone to obesity than most of the others!

It is recommended that once your Shih Tzu is three months or more, it should not be “free fed” or allowed to engage in “free feeding” . This is the time to introduce feeding ONLY 2 times a day.

How to check for ideal weight/ overweight / Obese Underweight

To check if it has put on extra weight / Fat just feel the ribs with your hands. You can’t just look at it to check because their coat makes them look larger – Especially Shih Tzu.

That is why your Shih Tzu looks very slim after a bath, because the coat (both coats) stick to the skin.

if the ribs appear to be poking through its skin then it’s underweight, which needs a veterinarian’s intervention.
if you can feel the ribs as well as a layer of muscle and fat then it’s of the right weight

if you cannot feel any of its ribs at all (excess fat tissues) then it’s overweight/ Obese needs a veterinarian’s intervention.

Feeding schedules

We usually feed at 9 AM and at 5 PM which makes it easier. However During the growth stages of the initial 4 months we fed our puppies 3 times a day 9 AM, 5 PM and 1AM (meals 8 hours apart)!!!.

Practical issues and problems with feeding schedules

It was very difficult to keep up with the 1AM feeding time, but ALL our puppies never missed a single meal. It is a lot more easier to feed 2 times a day because it’s more practical.

Especially if you are going to keep your pet at the veterinarian (The Vet is not going to wake up or stay up until 1AM to feed our puppies!)

Shih Tzu eating habits

It is very important to observe the eating habits. So that you know what is normal and that helps you to (establish a baseline and) notice abnormal eating habits.

These abnormal habits could mean that your Shih Tzu is developing a serious health condition.

For example eating less, eating more. This is just as important as monitoring the condition (well formed, loose, etc) and frequency of stools

Shih Tzu eating problems / disorders

It’s very common for this breed of dogs to have eating issues and disorders. Some are picky eaters while others eat massive masses of food relative to their bodyweight!

Picky eating can also be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or something serious like juvenile renal dysplasia. So a visit to the vet is highly recommended.

Best dog food for picky Shih Tzu

Whatever you do, do NOT feed them table scraps / human food to encourage them to eat. Usually, the picky eaters will beg for these, and if given they will happily eat. But this is not the correct way to resolve this issue.

Home cooked food or raw food might be an effective option that would work for picky eaters. However, you need to make sure that the right nutrients as discussed below are included to make a well balanced nutritious meal.

A simple and a Much more effective solution is Best dog food for picky Shih Tzu

How frequently should a Shih Tzu be fed?

Puppy

Your dog should be fed three times or more a day when it is still a puppy. In order to maintain its blood sugar levels at a steady pace, spread the meals throughout the day. This would mean frequent but small portions.

Treats?

Also, the general advice is, as long as your Shih Tzu is healthy and in good shape, you are to give them some treats in between meals.

But we don’t.We minimize treats because of the issues with dangerous and low quality ingredients in treats. Especially ones imported from China or the ones that are made with ingredients imported from China

Treats are making pets sick!

Here is an FDA warning “Caution to Dog Owners About Chicken Jerky Products” {https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm092802.htm}

How often to feed Shih Tzu seniors and Adults

It is important to find the best dog food for Shih Tzu seniors and adults, that’s a given, but what can be equally or even more important is how you plan and use that food to optimize the health of your dog.
For adults 2 meals per day. For senior Shih Tzu dogs, one meal each day would be sufficient. In addition to numerous nice healthy homemade snacks. But to make sure your adult/senior Shih Tzu is happy and at its best behavior.

Problems with feeding schedules

Just keep an eye on any developing stomach problems that are known to occur when it has been on an empty stomach for prolonged durations of time because it has been of a rigid feeding schedule.

Snacks

The Shih Tzu puppy food serving size does not mean that they should be excluded from healthy snacks.

In order to reinforce good behavior in your Shih Tzu or as a form of reward, snacks should be given Irrespective of the age. Again keep a careful eye on FDA warnings about food that can harm your pet! You can signup for free Alerts here {https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm149147.htm} Especially if you decide to give them cheap commercial, shop bought treats.

Wet,dry or raw dog food for Shih Tzu

As Shih Tzu owners we have always wanted to know what type of food is the best dog food for Shih Tzu. All Shih Tzu breeds are in love with dry food (Kibble) so this is the best type of food to give to them.

Of course your Shih Tzu might prefer other food, so in that case it is a matter of testing out several food types and see which suits them best.

It’s all about the Kibble

What is the best type of Kibble for your Shih Tzu?
There are 4 important things about the kibble,
1. Size
2. shape
3. Texture
4. Smell

The Shih Tzu has a short but broader round head with a broad shorter muzzle (brachycephalic breed). A larger tongue compared to the size of the mouth which makes it difficult to grasp.

Specially designed kibble shapes for Shih Tzu makes it easier for them to grasp, to pick up the kibble and the crunchy texture makes it easier to chew it.

Dental issues

Most Shih Tzu are prone to developing dental issues. Kibble texture helps. It cleans out their teeth easily reducing tatar and plaque build up in the teeth. Wet food gets stuck in their teeth and causes dental issues. This is why breeders advocate dry food.

Is Dry food good for the coat and the skin?

Their coat comes in 2 layers a fleece like undercoat and a long silky topcoat. Dry foods help with maintaining good skin flora and both coats.

Dry food and stool odor

Dry food (which contain only 6–10% moisture by volume) normally reduces stool odor compared to wet food. But one exception is if the dry food has a high percentage of fat then the stools will be looser, smellier and the dog will have more gas.

Again all of this is highly individual because it depends on the digestive system of your dog, so test a few different brands and see which one wins. Usually dry food is great for most of these small breed of dogs.

Smelly stool problem with Wet food!

Poo is smelly with almost all types of store bought canned wet food (contains 60–90% moisture) that our Vet recommended!. Also Shih Tzu seem to like dry kibble food more.

How to know if you are feeding your Shih Tzu properly?

In order to determine if you are feeding your Shih Tzu enough, or if it is being overfed or underfed, the body weight is the most accurate and reliable indicator.

Just as with human beings, if you over feed, they are highly prone to rapid weight /fat gain and obesity which creates serious health risks. An adult/senior Shih Tzu should have a sturdy and squared body, a puppy should be round.

Excessive advertising

Most of these commercial food brands for Shih Tzu dogs benefit from excessive advertising. This helps to build up their brand’s image in the consciousness of pet owners.

However, this excessive advertising and exposure does not mean that their brands are the best or has the ideal level of nutrition. In other words, just because a brand is popular does not mean it is the best.

Dog owners simply get over exposed to such excessive advertisements, when they discover those particular brands in the stores and supermarkets, they simply feel that they are already very familiar because they have heard so much about the brand.

As a result they assume the brand must be for their dog. This is a flawed, faulty and a dangerous assumption.

Why is food a very important factor for any breed of dogs?

Long term issues

The most critical long term aspect is longevity.Did you know that the lifespan of your beloved Shih Tzu is directly related to the food you feed.

Let’s be honest, all of us have had that dreaded thought about the day when our dogs are no longer with us 🙁
Also this will help to reduce the trips to the Vet! Which would mean saving a fortune!

So as Shih Tzu parents, it really is important to make sure that you do your VERY best to prolong the life of your pet as long as possible by keeping it fit and healthy.

How to prolong the life of your pet, By finding out what is already working!

A great way to do this is by finding out what has already worked for other Shih Tzu and small breed dogs, who are living well beyond their expected age and who are exceptionally helthy and active.

Whenever I come across another Shih Tzu owner, a breeder, a handler or a dog trainer, I always make sure to ask the age and if that happens to be above 12 years then I question them thoroughly about the daily rituals/routines of what they feed, how they feed, when they feed, how many times they feed, how much they feed etc.

I am not only curious about their version on best dog food for Shih Tzu but I even want to know what kind of feeding bowls they use :). It is all about the small things,the small changes to the daily rituals and routines that can make a HUGE difference!

Because I want to copy their success to get my Shih Tzu to live beyond what they are normally expected to!. What you read below is based on a mix of this, what has worked for us and many others, a lot of my own research and what I have tested on my pets based on the Veterinarian’s advice.

Apart from longevity, another important reason why food is important is, because it has a direct impact on the health (allergies, coat health, skin) of your Shih Tzu.

Short term issues

Are smelly and/or malformed poo (stools/ feces), smelly and/or dark colored urine and behavioral issues caused by the wrong type of food.

if your pet lives with you in a confined environment like a flat or condo or a hotel room then
these are all very important and critical considerations, along with house training it.

So, there you have it, the major reasons why anyone who has a Shih Tzu would want to pay extra attention to their pet’s food by finding the best dog food for Shih Tzu are for longevity reasons, health reasons and behavioral issues and odor prevention.

Guaranteed Analysis (“As Fed” or “As Is” basis) vs Dry Matter (DMB) Basis

When comparing canned food, should you compare on a dry matter basis?

Pet food companies report their food’s nutritional value based on something called the “guaranteed analysis”. The guaranteed analysis is the way you can see what nutrition value is in your pet’s food.

There are four major nutrients that the guaranteed analysis is based off: protein, fat, fiber and moisture.

Now when you are comparing dry food or kibble across one another in your search for best dog food for Shih Tzu, this analysis can be a fine way to help determine the nutritional value of the food, but when you are comparing canned food to one another or comparing dry food to canned food the analysis can be misleading.

Due to the extra weight added by the moisture in wet food, the protein and fat percentages appear to be at a lower percentage than the dry food when canned food usually has higher levels of protein.

To confront the issue when comparing dry food and canned food, it is important to remember and use the “dry matter basis”. Dry matter basis removes water from the equation and looks at the foods as if both were dehydrated.

This allows dry food with 10% moisture to be compared to canned food with 75% moisture to be compared on the same level and allows canned food with different moisture levels to be compared to one another as well.

The dry matter basis can be followed using this formula:

%Ingredient Value
————————— x 100 = Dry Matter Basis (DMB)%
(100% – % Moisture)

(Courtesy of Feline Nutrition Awareness Effort’s website)

So if a canned food has the protein labelled at only 10%, it doesn’t seem like enough protein for your pet. Yet if it has 75% moisture So if you removed the moisture you would be left with 25% dry matter and would plug it into the equation to get (10/25) x 100= 40.

This now means that the food has an actual ratio of 40% protein in it, which sounds much more comparable to the dry food.

References Related to best dog food for Shih Tzu

Some of the research journals that were referenced by out DVM for this article…

Bosch, G., Hagen-Plantinga, E., & Hendriks, W. (2015). Dietary nutrient profiles of wild wolves: Insights for optimal dog nutrition? British Journal of Nutrition, 113(S1), S40-S54. doi:10.1017/S0007114514002311

P. R. Buff, R. A. Carter, J. E. Bauer, J. H. Kersey; Natural pet food: A review of natural diets and their impact on canine and feline physiology, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 92, Issue 9, 1 September 2014, Pages 3781–3791, https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2014-7789

Pedrinelli V, Gomes M de OS, Carciofi AC. Analysis of recipes of home-prepared diets for dogs and cats published in Portuguese. Journal of Nutritional Science. 2017;6:e33. doi:10.1017/jns.2017.31.

Hilton J. Carbohydrates in the nutrition of the dog. The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 1990;31(2):128-129.

Tal M, Parr JM, MacKenzie S, Verbrugghe A. Dietary imbalances in a large breed puppy, leading to compression fractures, vitamin D deficiency, and suspected nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. The Canadian Veterinary Journal. 2018;59(1):36-42.

Wang W, Brooks M, Gardner C, Milgram N. Effect of neuroactive nutritional supplementation on body weight and composition in growing puppies. Journal of Nutritional Science. 2017;6:e56. doi:10.1017/jns.2017.57.