https://adstxt.journeymv.com/sites/ace1f93f-cd55-4fec-9957-78330cef9e00/ads.txt

Best Dog Food For A Shih Tzu

By Everything Shih Tzu Updated September 28, 2022

This post may contain affiliate links. Read privacy & disclosure policy for info

As a small breed, Shih Tzu dogs don't eat a lot, so every bite counts. Feeding a quality, nutritionally packed meal will help keep them healthy for a long time.

So how do you know if you're feeding your Shih Tzu the best dog food?

Feeding your Shih Tzu the best dog food doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive.  Although, at a minimum, it should contain quality ingredients and be complete and balance to meet your dog's nutritional needs.

Two Shih Tzu (Rocky and Max) eating their dog food from their bowlsMax and Rocky

When looking at labels on dog food, quality ingredients will list:

  • Pure meat and organs as the first ingredients
  • A minimal amount of grain like brown rice, but not corn
  • No by-products or animal digest
  • No BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin, which are artificial preservatives
  • No Fillers

Ingredients must list in order from the largest to the least. What this means is the first ones listed weigh more than the last ones listed.

So by having pure meat as the first ingredient, followed by other quality ingredients, it provides the healthiest nutrients for your dog.

If the first ingredient listed is corn, well, you may want to put it back on the shelf.

To get a better sense of what all these ingredients mean, our article "Understanding Dog Food Ingredients" helps to  clarify some of the terms you'll see on the label. 

Homemade dog food may be the best way to make sure you are only feeding your dog quality ingredients. 

Although with schedules being as they are, there isn't always enough time to cook a homemade meal for your dog.

Here is where a quality commercial dog food will help.

Here are our picks for the best dog food for Shih Tzu:

  1. Stella and Chewy
  2. Fromm
  3. Wellness
  4. Taste of the Wild
  5. Artemis
  6. Blue Buffalo

Best Dog Food For A Healthy Shih Tzu

With so many choices, it can seem overwhelming.

We've put together a list that may help make your decision easier. Our Shih Tzu's love them, perhaps your dogs will love them too.

Stella and Chewy Raw Dog Food

Stella & Chewy offers a raw food diet for your pets.  It comes frozen and freeze-dried.

The freeze-dried patties are a great alternative when going on a road trip as it doesn't require refrigeration. It's a great way to make sure your dogs have good healthy food while traveling. 

The ingredients in Stella & Chewy's food is "only the good stuff" sourced from farmers.

They use grass-fed and cage-free meats and poultry, along with fruits and veggies. It also contains organs and bone with no added hormones or antibiotics.

Our boys can be rather picky about what they eat, so we're pretty happy they like this food. 

If you've been thinking about a raw food diet for your dog, there's a good chance your picky eaters will like it too.

To find where you can get Stella & Chewy's near you, use their store locator. 

Or save yourself the trip and have it delivered directly to your door when you order online at Amazon.

Fromm Dog Food

Fromm has become one of the best dog foods available.

Not only because of the ingredients but also because they genuinely care about their customers, your dogs.

Fromm dog foods come in both dry and wet.

Our boys are pretty picky when it comes to eating dry foods.  There are very few dry dog food brands that they will eat, and Fromm is one.

We found this out when we went on a family vacation with our dogs and discovered we had forgotten their food at home. 

My sister-in-law generously offered us some of her dogs Fromm dry food until we could go to the pet store the next day.

I didn't expect them to eat it, yet surprisingly, they ate the entire contents of the bowl!

The ingredients are very high quality and healthy.  However, this does make them a little more expensive compared to other brands.

You may be able to save a little money when you buy online.  Compare the price on Amazon.

Wellness Brand 

If you're seeking human-grade ingredients or a grain-free, then Wellness just may be the best dog food for your pup.

In addition to their original Wellness line of Super 5 Mix foods, they also have a product line called CORE. CORE is a high protein, low carb, and grain-free dog food, with human-grade ingredients. 

This diet also comes in a reduced-fat version for dogs that are a little overweight, or can't eat fats.

The Simple Solutions line uses exotic proteins such as duck and venison if your dog has food allergies.

Wellness has a canned food that reads that it is 95% beef, or chicken, or lamb.

Although this is a great product, this is only supposed to be used as a mixer or topper and not a meal by itself.

If you are having trouble getting your little guy to eat his kibble, you can scoop out a teaspoon or two of the 95% meat product and mix it in with his kibble.

Taste of The Wild

Taste of the Wild by Diamond foods brand rates as one of the best dog foods for your dog.

They have several formulas that are higher in protein, grain-free, and lower in carbs. 

The High Prairie Canine Formula, for example, has both venison and bison in it and is excellent for dogs with food sensitivities.

Overall, Taste of the Wild is a good option for your dog.  It comes in both canned and dry foods.

Artemis Pet Food Brand

Artemis market themselves as having a "holistic approach to dog food."

The dry kibble is on the petite side, making it much easier for a small dog to chew.

Our dogs will eat this on occasion.  However, I usually have to mix it with either warm water or a little bit of canned food, or they will only take a couple of mouthfuls and walk away from it.

Not their favorite, but it is healthy food for dogs.

Artemis opened for business in California in 1998. This pet food company uses only quality food ingredients like chicken, brown rice, peas.

Artemis does offer samples on their website, so you can try it before you buy it--Win!

Shih Tzu and a Terrier dog playing together

Blue Buffalo Brand

There's been some controversy over Blue Buffalo brand lately and has caused us to think about the brand again.

It seems some are claiming that it is making their dogs sick with vomiting and diarrhea. 

Blue Buffalo refuted this, saying they are "being set up by their competitors."

Our boys have been eating Blue for quite a few years but, we haven't had any of the issues with them. 

However, we don't just feed them Blue Buffalo, we use multiple other brands as well as some home cooking, so they don't get bored with eating the same thing over and over.

You will have to judge whether or not to use Blue Buffalo.

If you have had some experience with Blue positive or negative, we'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

Shih Tzu Dog sitting on a stone wall

Another option is having food delivered right to your door, freshly cooked for your dog.

This has become a popular alternative for those who would like to make a home cooked meal for their dogs, but just don't have time to do it themselves.

You will likely pay a little more for the convenience, but you will get a quality meal for your best furry friend.

These are just a few of the choices to consider when you are trying to find the best food for your dog, depending on what your dog needs.

Usually you won’t find these in groceries stores, but will find them in specialty stores like Petco, and Pet Source, or our particular favorite store Especially For Pets.

Or you can usually save a little money by ordering them online at places like Amazon.com, and Chewy's which typically give you better pricing.

Another way to find these dog food brands is to go to their websites and see where you can buy it from.

I highly recommend you ask your local pet stores if they have samples, and see how your dog likes these foods so you're not throwing money out the window.

Is a grain-free diet good for dogs?

There has been significant debate regarding the decision to feed our dogs a diet that does not contain any grains and the potential effects that this may have on them.

Read our article titled "Is A Grain-Free Diet the Right Choice for Your Dog?" to have a better understanding of what feeding your dog a grain-free diet entails, as well as whether or not you believe the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of feeding your dog a fresh dog food diet.

Is Expensive Dog Food Really Worth It?

A high quality food is ideal for your dogs health, but it isn't necessary for them to survive.

But it has been said "You are what you eat".

This is not only true for ourselves, but for animals too.

Our dogs used to get Caesars and Purina canned foods which they seemed to like it as they ate it when we put it in their bowl.

But their coats were dull, and they had more health issues like poor digestion.

I wanted more for my beloved dogs, so we decided to feed them higher quality foods.

When they switched to a higher quality food their was a noticeable change in not only their appearance but also their health.

Softer, shinier coat, clearer eyes, and firmer, less stinky stools.

This was a welcomed change!

Remember to make any changes to your dog’s diet slowly by mixing in the new food with your dog’s current food.

Watch your dogs physical condition to see if he gains or loses weight when eating the new food, also observe his coat to make sure it's shiny and healthy after you change foods.

You might like these

Food related:

Have your say!

Does Your Shih Tzu Have a Favorite Dog Food? Let others know!

Not all dogs are alike. What one Shih Tzu likes, another may not.
If your Shih Tzu has a favorite dog food, please share it with others!
Also, we all like photos of Shih Tzu. Feel free to upload your pups photo too.

What Other Visitors Have Said

Click below to see what others feed their Shih Tzu...

The Farmer's Dog 
My Shih Tzu, Lilli, really loved Little Caesar's but as I studied and learned more about canine nutrition I wanted a healthier option for her. So I …

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal - High Fiber 
I very recently took over the care of an 8-year old Shih Tzu, whose owner now has Alzheimer's and can no longer care for her. This dog is very loving …

Tru Dog Feed Me

TRU DOG BEEF FEED ME 
I have switched what I was feeding and transitioning slowly to TRUDOG BEEF FEED ME. Its 99 percent pure beef from U.S.A grass fed beef and freeze dried …

JASMIN

Fromm Dog Food 
I only feed the kibble and several flavor variety's of FROMM, and not canned dog foods as its my opinion that canned foods put too much weight on dogs …

Blue Buffalo Dog Food 
My Shih Tzu's, Buster and Bella, have been eating Blue Buffalo dog food for a couple of years now. I switched them from prescription ID science hills …

Diet for a Liver Shunt 
I have a 14 month old shih tzu who has a smaller liver and larger kidneys than normal and crystals in his blatter and urine. The veterinarians did …

Only Natural Pet Redmeat Feast 
My Shih Tzu, as we jokingly say, is allergic to being alive and my search for something he would eat and that he COULD eat has been exhausting. We …

Rachel Ray Dog Food - Nutrish 
Gave my girl Rachel Ray Dog Food. My 2 yr old female Shih Tzu, she is a very picky eater. I have tried a lot of different brands of dog food, and …

Precious Shih Tzu Puppies

Health Extensions Little Bites 
I have 2 precious shih tzus puppies and they love Health Extensions Little Bites dry food. It's the perfect size for their tiny little mouths and is conveniently …

Hills Science Diet Dry
for Sensitive Skin and Stomach 
My Bella was having very loose stools and infections, until the doctor made me switch from Beneficial to Hills Science Diet. It is more expensive, …

Earthborn Holistic Dog Food 
My Shih Tzu love their Earthborn Holistic dry dog food. It is kinda pricey but well worth the money. I love my fur babies and want to make sure they …

Pure Balance Dog Food 
Pure Balance dog foods is available in both wet and dry. We have a baby boy name Satchie. His eating appetite became low during summer and when we …

My Little Chloe

Iams Dog Food 
My dog had very bad allergies in her ears and skin all year round, so I tried taking eggs, beef and soy out of her diet and put her on Iams canned food …

Home Made Dog Food  
We have a beautiful little Shih Tzu girl named Sophie. We started her on Blue Buffalo at 8 weeks old. My wife and I already had a trip planned so we …

Pedigree Wet Dog Food
Suggestions for Alternatives? 
I've notice my one year old Shih Tzu has been itching and her skin is irritated. Could it be her food? She is on the Pedigree brand wet dog food. …

Royal Canin Dog Food
for My Shih Tzu  
I have been feeding my Shih Tzu Royal Canin dog food since he was a puppy and he goes crazy everytime I pour it in the bowl. It was recommended by my …

Nutri Source Adult Dog Food 
Our breeder was giving NutriSource Puppy food to my Shih Tzu Benny Boo, who is 20 months, he was 3 months old when we got him. When we ran out of …

Ziwipeak 'Daily Dog' Air Dried Cuisine-Lamb, Ziwipeak 
Before Ziwipeaks Dog Food my Shih Tzu, Dawson, was a typical picky eater. He would not eat kibble very well. When he was a puppy I fed him Performatrin …

Dog Food Raw Meat 
Can a raw dog food diet be considered as a good food diet for my Shih Tzu? I really don't know if it helps, but some how my Shih Tzu becomes healthier …

Shih Tzu Photo -Casey

Purina Dog Foods 
I fed her Purina Puppy Chow when I first brought Casey home last year, because that's what she was used to from her breeder. Soon she became very tired …

Acana Lamb and Apple Not rated yet
My five year old female shih tzu Darla enjoys this dry food since she was a year old. No allergies or upset stomach for her but just enjoys eating.

Orijen Six fish dry kibble  Not rated yet
All skin issues resolved, with this food. Best natural quality dog food around. Highly recommended to other Shihtzu owners, with the same results of resolved …

Beneful Not rated yet
Our nine-year-old, very healthy and happy Shih Tzu, Rocky, eats only Beneful. He won't eat dog treats unless they are the vegetable shaped Beneful treats. …

Natural Balance Not rated yet
My little guy loves Natural Balance. I recently found out that this product is Made In the USA! He likes the kibble, but enjoys the roll food very much. …

Click here to write your own.

Natural Choice Small Bites Not rated yet
My dog loves Natural Choice small bites in lamb, mixed with a steak, lamb or chicken wet food. It's not an easy diet to feed because the canned foods …

Pet Botanics Dog Food Not rated yet
Pet Botanics Dog Food is similar to Blue Buffalo and affordable. My little Bella loves it, and it's so good for her. Pet Botanics is a Solar Powered …

Merrick Brand Dog Food Not rated yet
I started my puppies (Sam and Mia) on Merrick Dog Food as their first food. I used warm water on their food until they had good teeth for chewing. …

Click here to write your own.

Share this with a friend: