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30 Foods for Shih Tzus with Sensitive Stomachs

| Published on September 28, 2022

There are few things worse than dealing with diarrhea in your Shih Tzu! We asked our 800,000 members from Shih Tzu community on facebook the following question: “What’s the best food for a Shih Tzu with a sensitive stomach?”

We’ve summarized the best responses below. Always remember to check with your veterinarian before making changes that affect your Shih Tzu’s health. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be paid affiliate links at no additional cost to you. 

30 Best Foods for a Shih Tzu with a Sensitive Tummy

We sprinkled Forti Flora on her food. Also used Hills Science Diet (Hills I/d digestive care) for sensitive stomachs. She did very well on that regimen.

Author: Anne P.

Likes: 44


We use naturo for my little shih tzus sensitive tummy,and he’s fine with this,no wheat based doggy treats aswell xx

Author: Joanne P.

Likes: 11


Not a food recommendation, but would HIGHLY recommend this probiotic chew from Amazon. My dog thinks they are a treat and it solidified her poop in about 3 days.

Likes: 8


Boiled shredded chicken and plain white rice

Author: William Jason D.

Likes: 117


Both my Yorkie and now my shih tzu have done very well on Nature’s Recipe Grain Free. Stops allergy itching, stomach issues, etc. Great product.

Author: Shayn S.

Likes: 22


We give ours Royal Canin gastro low fat he does really well on it we add a little meat

Author: Tammy M.

Likes: 14


My shih tzu has a sensitive stomach and had pancreatitis at one point so we have to be careful with what foods we give her. Because of that, our vet recommended and prescribed Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein dry dog food for our pup. We have seen an improvement in her digestive health on top of other benefits from the dog food since giving it to her. It is something we highly recommend and she loves it, so I’m assuming she’d recommend it as well!!

Author: Krista W.

Likes: 3


I fed my Shih Tzu Beneful sensitive they also have it in small bites for them to chew it up easy but I also gave him chicken and rice homemade which is really good for them with a little bit of vegetables in it but it’s what you prefer

Author: Bobby N Melinda M.

Likes: 1


I make my dogs food all the time they’ve never had any kind of bought dog food. I make them brown rice, chicken (boiled) I put green beans, sweet potatoes and carrots. They love it and the veterinarian has always told me my dogs are really healthy dogs.

Author: Linda N.

Likes: 13


I have tried everything and my vet got me onto Hills Science Diet Digestive Care, Amazing I wish I had known about them years ago, No addative as they have everything they need so easy and they love them.

Author: Cheryl H.

Likes: 2


Instinct Raw Boost for small breeds. My shih tzu loved it and she had a very sensitive stomach.

Author: Anne Emmons W.

Likes: 0


I give my shih tzu Hungry Bark Hungry Bark – All-Natural Dry Dog Food with Superfoods & Probiotics • Real Meat Protein • Vet-Recommended for All Breeds & Ages •

Author: Annette M.

Likes: 0


Royal canin shih tzu. I might add that shih tzus tend to be hypoglycemic. If they don’t have breakfast, noon snack and dinner they throw up. I’m on my third set of tzus and it happens every time.

Author: Linda Gehrkens G.

Likes: 3


I started using Dr. Marty’s food. My poor baby had diarrhea then constipation and allergies all.tye time. This food has helped.

Author: Brian Shannon H.

Likes: 0


I believe in Fresh Pet ! No preservatives , must be kept in fridge ! You slice and serve ! My baby loves it ! You can get Turkey and vegetables or beef or chicken ! I like to mix them up for variety ! Note , all Shis Tzu’s have sensitive stomachs

Author: Barbara C.

Likes: 0


Dave’s wet food for sensitive stomach. Rescuers use it all the time

Author: Barbara C.

Likes: 0


Now mine can’t tolerate chicken at all .My vet says shih tzus are prone to chicken and grain allergies .She is on Acana Pacifica plus I make my own too ..turkey is fine but not chicken..

Author: Donna H.

Likes: 0


Caesar’s my shih tzu loved it.. and she lived until she was 18 years old..

Author: Grace Marie M.

Likes: 1


My Shih Tzus are on Dr. Marty’s. It’s expensive but good food and one has yeast which makes him scratch like crazy and it really helps.

Author: Lynn F.

Likes: 0


Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach works great in our house!

Author: Anna M.

Likes: 0


I use American Journey for mine Lamb and sweet potato order from Chewy’s online

Author: Cindy M.

Likes: 0


We used Natural Balance for both our Shih Tzu and our terrier mix who really had a bad tummy. It was the only food he didn’t throw up. We also avoided lamb.

Author: Teri Green A.

Likes: 0


Our 13 year old has been on Natural Balance Duck and Potato for most of those years. Limited ingredients. Both wet and kibble.

Author: Catherine A. M.

Likes: 0


Mine is picky and sensitive…. Only thing I could find that works for him is Fresh Pet… the refrigerated from the kitchen home cooked chicken kind….

Author: Amy R.

Likes: 0


I have been making my shih tzu food for quite a while now..ground chicken or organic beef with brown rice frozen carrots & spinach…he loves it and his skin has been so much better

Author: Jeannie Medley P.

Likes: 0


My baby had a lot of problems and our vet recommended Purina Pro Plan for sensitive stomachs small breed formula and it’s worked great. No stomach upset and no diarrhea

Author: Debbie C.

Likes: 0


Performatrin, sensitive stomach and skin coat. It’s salmon flavor

Author: Tina D.

Likes: 0


Nutri Source Chicken and rice dry food. Vet recommended our Lola has been on it for 6 years.

Author: Linda K.

Likes: 0


We have used Wellness deboned chicken and rice for Riley for nine years and 2 teaspoons of little Cesar simply crafted chicken and carrots.

Author: Donna W.

Likes: 0


Purina Pro Plan for Sensitive Skin and Stomach. I had my Shih Tzu on it for 15 years until she died last year. She had such a ‘touchy’stomach, tried many foods. Vet recommended this one. She never got sick again. I have my new Shih Tzu and our Australian Shepherd on it too. Both of them have no tummy issues.

Author: BonnieJean P.

Likes: 0


Natural Balance Salmon & Sweet Potato. Limited ingredients. Small breed.

Author: Kathleen Bainbridge S.

Likes: 0


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