Shih Tzus are active dogs known for their playful, affectionate, and loyal nature. As a responsible pet owner, providing your furry friend with a well-balanced and nutritious diet is important to support their overall health and well-being.
With so many available options, choosing the best dog food for Shih Tzus can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we have put together a list of the best dog foods for Shih Tzus, considering factors such as breed-specific dietary requirements, age, and health concerns.
Whether you are looking for dry or wet dog food, this article will guide you in finding the best dog foods for Shih Tzus.
Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzus
The best diet for Shih Tzu dogs depends on their age, as each Shih Tzu's age group has different nutritional needs.
Shih Tzu Puppies and Adults (Age Groups)
The three age groups for Shih Tzu dog breeds are
· Puppies: Aged under 12 months.
· Teen/Adults: Aged between 12 months and 10 years.
· Seniors: Senior Shih Tzu aged 11+ years.
Adult Shih Tzu dogs typically need little calcium and protein for optimal long-term health. On the other hand, dog food for puppies must have large amounts of protein and more calories than normal.
Top Dog Foods for Shih Tzus
So, here's our list of the best Shih Tzu dog food packs specially picked by reading thousands of dog food customer reviews.
Why We Like It
High-quality protein sources: Nulo Freestyle dog food uses high-quality animal protein sources like salmon, turkey, and duck, which provide the essential amino acids that Shih Tzu puppies need for optimal health.
Grain-free: This dog food is made without grains like corn, wheat, or soy, which can be difficult for some Shih Tzu dogs to digest. This can be especially important for Shih Tzu puppies, often more prone to food sensitivities.
Small kibble size: The kibble pieces in Nulo Freestyle are smaller, making it easier for Shih Tzu puppies to chew and digest their food.
Added probiotics: Nulo Freestyle includes probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help support digestive health.
No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors: Nulo Freestyle uses natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors perfect for the nutrition of Shih Tzu puppies.
Nulo freestyle grain-free Kibble-sized puppy food has been nominated as the "Best Dry Dog Food For Shih Tzu Puppy" by several reputed blogs and has outstanding Shih Tzu owners' reviews and recommendations.
It is packed with high-quality animal proteins that help achieve optimal energy and nutrition levels in a Shih Tzu puppy.
Also, the food is packed with a balanced ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and coat. That's why Nulo Freestyle Small Breed Dog Food is counted as one of the best dog foods for Shih Tzus.
Why We Like It
First Ingredient: Blue Buffalo uses real meat as the first ingredient, providing your dog with essential protein for muscle maintenance and growth.
Whole grains and vegetables: This dog's food contains whole grains and vegetables, providing fiber and important nutrients for your dog's overall health.
Small kibble size: The kibble pieces are small, making it easier for small-breed Shih Tzu dogs to chew and digest their food.
No poultry by-product meal or artificial preservatives: Blue Buffalo does not use poultry by-product meal or artificial preservatives, ensuring your dog is eating high-quality, nutritious food.
Rich in antioxidants: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula contains antioxidants like vitamins A and E, which help support a healthy immune system.
The Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food features real meat as the first ingredient to give your furry friend the protein best suited for Shih Tzu puppies. It contains the finest natural ingredients and a real chicken meal enhanced with vitamins and minerals.
Blue Buffalo is the best food for Shih Tzus because it helps build strong muscles, enhances the dog's immune system, and promotes healthy skin and coat. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Blue Buffalo Food is a premium adult dog food with all the necessary nutrients.
Why We Like It
Optimal nutrient levels: This Shih Tzu, high-quality dog food, is formulated with specific nutrient levels to support adult Shih Tzu dogs' overall health and well-being.
Supports skin and coat health: Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition contains a blend of nutrients to support the health of your dog's skin and ensure a healthy coat.
Delicious flavor: The sauce in this canned dog food makes it appealing to Shih Tzu dogs, encouraging even picky eaters to finish their meals.
Easy to digest: Royal Canin is made with high-quality ingredients and is formulated to be easy for Shih Tzu dogs to digest.
Convenient packaging: The canned format of this dog food makes it easy to store and serve and is ideal for travel or for Shih Tzu dogs who prefer wet food.
Royal Canin is a premium selection featuring Omega 6 fatty acids to support a healthy and shiny coat. It is the best Shih Tzu food because it is made up of precisely balanced nutrients specifically tailored for life stages and sizes.
The mentioned dog food is a nutritionally balanced food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for Shih Tzu adult dogs. The delicious flavor and easy-to-digest formula make this wet food an excellent choice for dog owners looking to support the health and well-being of their furry friends.
Why We Like It
Balanced Nutrition: This food dog has covered your Shih Tzu during all stages of life. Whether your Shih Tzu is young, an adult, or going through senior years, Hill’s food will be nutritious and healthy.
Rice and Whole Grain Sources: Rice and other whole grain sources provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health.
Controlled Calorie Content: This formula is designed to be lower in calories, which can help Shih Tzu dogs maintain a healthy weight.
Added Nutrients: Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food Chicken Meal & Rice formula is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and well-being.
Hill's Science Diet Store specializes in producing top-notch dry dog food for Shih Tzus with highly digestible ingredients. This dog food has nourishing Omega 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E crucial for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Several dog owners term Hill's Science Diet the best food for Shih Tzu as it focuses on proteins promoting lean muscle for your dog's naturally energetic nature.
The Hill’s Science Dog Food is the US Veterinarian's number 1 recommended brand and one of the best dog food brands to consider in 2023, according to NBCNews.
Why We Like It
Tailored nutrition: Royal Canin's dog food is formulated specifically to meet the unique nutritional needs of the Shih Tzu breed. This ensures your dog receives all the essential nutrients to maintain optimal health.
Supports skin and coat health: The formula includes a blend of nutrients to support skin and coat health, helping to keep your Shih Tzu 's coat shiny and healthy.
Promotes dental health: The kibble shape and texture of Royal Canin's Shih Tzu dog food are designed to encourage chewing and promote dental health.
Supports digestive health: The formula includes a blend of fibers to support digestive health and reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Convenient and easy to store: Royal Canin's Shih Tzu dog food comes in a resealable bag, making it convenient to store and helping to keep the fresh food.
Last on our list is the Royal Canin Dry Dog Food. This super healthy, easily digestible, and highly nutritious dog food contains fiber and carbohydrates.
Royal Canin’s Dry Food is renowned as the best food for Shih Tzu as it has a specialized and unique Kibble shape designed for underbite.
This dog food is well-known for being healthy and energetic for each breed. Royal’s adult breed dog food has a texture perfectly designed for a Shih Tzus’ facial structures affecting how they pick up the kibble.
Packed with Biotin to give long coat softness, the Royal Canin Shih Tzu adult food is a perfect choice for your furry friend.
Conclusion
Finding the best dog food for Shih Tzus require careful consideration of their unique dietary needs and preferences. Our research shows that the best dog foods for Shih Tzus should be high in protein, contain moderate fat, and be free of fillers and artificial preservatives.
It's essential to keep in mind that every Shih Tzu is unique and may have different dietary requirements. Thus, it's always best to consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
