20 Best Foods for a Shih Tzu Puppy
I feed my Shih Tzu fresh pet and he loves it. You can find it in the dog food section in a refrigerator at least that’s where we get ours at wal mart or Publix
Author: Vickie R.
Likes: 61
Have fed Fromm for years. Good ingredients, only minor recalls, and they love it. For my kidney girl I cook rice, sweet potatoes, vegetables and top with Vital Essentials freeze dried raw for her protein.
Author: Lynda S.
Likes: 3
I used Royal Canine for Shih Tzu’s. My Shih Tzu lived for 14 yrs and 4 mos. Was never sick until the last few months of his life. No table food. And the dog food was dry dog food.
Author: Fonda V.
Likes: 63
I used Science Diet Puppy food.
Author: Kay K.
Likes: 61
Our female Shih Tzu loves Blue Buffalo small adult chicken and rice. It’s never had any recalls. And she’s always been super healthy at each vet visit for 10 years! Good luck! Ps…I add a little salmon oil to it for dogs and she devours it! 
Author: Chelsea M.
Likes: 9
I’ve had mine she a year now, and never would eat any kind of dog food, so she eat only home cooked, chicken, green beans, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes. I’ve went through very kind I could do. Never had dogs like this before.
Author: Jannie G.
Likes: 21
I use Diamond Natural Puppy .. I had a time with finding a food that agreed with my 2 Babies! They are 3 years now but very sensitive bellies unlike my first Baby! Good luck!!!
Author: Martha S.
Likes: 1
I had 3 Shih tzu’s fed them Pedigree, one lived to 12 and the other till he was almost 18 years, never sick until the end, my boy and now our puppy is 9 months and he eats the same food, I love Shih tzu’s!
Author: Darlene F.
Likes: 9
I used Hills Science Diet for mine who gave us 16 wonderful years.
Author: Patricia P.
Likes: 37
I feed my Shih Tzu chicken breast and Natural Balance (small breed) Salmon and Sweet Potatoe. I cook his chicken daily and mix it with the Natural Balance. My dog is 10 years old and weighs 21lbs.
Author: Gladys L.
Likes: 3
I used Bil Jac small breed puppy food. You can order it from Chewy.
Author: John B.
Likes: 1
Purina puppy chow and little Cesar’s puppy food
Author: Diana M.
Likes: 6
I used Nutro small breed and switched to senior as she got older. They have a puppy formula as well.
Author: Pam W.
Likes: 0
Mine are not able to eat any dog food sold in stores or from the vet, due to allergies, which caused severe ear infections. I now cook their meals and that too, has been trial and error. I learned that chicken is not something they can tolerate at all, so I mostly use ground hamburg and ground turkey. I cook the hamburg or turkey in an electric skillet and when done, I add a cup of rice and then frozen veggies, until all is done. The concoction lasts about 4 days, and I store it in containers which I keep in the fridge until needed. For breakfast, I generally make scrambled eggs, which they absolutely love. I also give them fresh apples and other fruits as a snack. Good luck with your new fur baby and may you enjoy him/her for many years to come!
Author: Bonnie P.
Likes: 0
Hard Iams food she’s going on eleven years old she never gets sick. I had little dog, 16 years that’s what I fed her
Author: Janice M.
Likes: 3
Fresh Pet. My dog loves the chicken. I told my Vet and he said it was very good for my dog. It’s at Sobeys and Petsmart and some Walmart in the fridge where dog food is.
Author: Bonnie D.
Likes: 3
I feed my Shih Tzu, Royal Canin Shih Tzu. She has been on it all her life + it has a stool reducer in it. Some foods cause too much bulk. (more poops). She is 9 yrs old now and very healthy.
Author: Jean G.
Likes: 1
Everyone will have a different recommendation and none are wrong. These babies are picky! I always say to feed what your baby will eat and what you can afford and your schedule allows. Mine won’t eat kibble. We tried Fresh pet that worked for a while. Then I home cooked and that was overwhelming and I was worried about getting all the right nutrients. We now feed a new line by Cesar called wholesome bowls and meal toppers. My boy loves them. Best wishes
Author: Marianne D.
Likes: 43
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient kibble. As others have pointed out, shih tzus have very sensitive stomachs.
Author: Libby J.
Likes: 1
I adopted a 2yr shih-tzu and he was on a vet recommended food, only to find out he was extremely allergic to chicken. He is now on Food Sensitivity kibble and canned food and is doing so much better. His skin has gone to a healthy pink instead of bright red and he doesn’t scratch like he used to.
Author: Kelly V.
Likes: 1
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Shih Tzu Puppy Foods
-
What type of food is best for Shih Tzu puppies?
Shih Tzu puppies thrive on high-quality, small-breed puppy food that contains a balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Look for formulas that feature real meat as the first ingredient, along with omega fatty acids, DHA for brain development, and essential vitamins and minerals. -
How often should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy?
Shih Tzu puppies typically need to eat 3–4 times a day until they are about 6 months old. Because of their small size and high energy levels, they benefit from consistent access to nutritious meals to support their growth and prevent hypoglycemia. -
Are grain-free diets good for Shih Tzu puppies?
Grain-free diets can be beneficial if your Shih Tzu puppy has allergies or sensitivities to grains. However, unless a veterinarian recommends it, a well-balanced puppy food with wholesome grains (like brown rice or oats) is often perfectly healthy and beneficial. -
Should I choose wet or dry food for my Shih Tzu puppy?
Both wet and dry puppy foods have benefits. Dry kibble can help with dental health by reducing tartar buildup, while wet food is more palatable and hydrating. Many Shih Tzu owners opt for a combination of both, or dry food topped with a little wet food to encourage appetite. -
What ingredients should I avoid in Shih Tzu puppy food?
Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or meat by-products. Fillers like corn and soy may also be problematic for some puppies. Always choose a food made from recognizable, whole-food ingredients. -
When should I transition my Shih Tzu from puppy food to adult food?
Most Shih Tzus can be switched to adult food between 9 and 12 months of age. The exact timing depends on your puppy’s size, activity level, and overall health. Consult your vet for personalized recommendations to ensure a smooth transition. -
Can I feed my Shih Tzu puppy homemade food?
While homemade diets can be healthy if properly balanced, they require careful planning to ensure all nutritional needs are met. If you’re considering a homemade diet, work closely with a veterinary nutritionist to avoid deficiencies during this critical growth phase.
As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your shih tzu’s food. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Toledo, United States.