Shih Tzu dogs are known for their adorable looks and affectionate personalities, but they also have unique dietary needs.
One of the most crucial aspects of their care is providing them with the right type of food.
Dry food is a popular choice for many dog owners as it is easy to store and can provide a balanced diet for your furry friend.
However, not all dry foods are created equal, and finding the best one for your Shih Tzu can be a daunting task.
When it comes to choosing the best dry food for your Shih Tzu, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the ingredients.
Shih Tzus are prone to allergies and digestive issues, so it’s crucial to choose a food that is free from common allergens such as wheat, corn, and soy. It’s also essential to look for high-quality protein sources, such as chicken or lamb, as well as healthy fats and carbohydrates.
Another critical factor to consider is the size and texture of the kibble. Shih Tzus have small mouths and teeth, so it’s important to choose a food that has small, easy-to-chew kibble.
Additionally, some Shih Tzus may have dental issues, so a food that promotes dental health can be beneficial.
After researching and testing various dry foods for Shih Tzus, we have identified the top options that provide balanced nutrition, are free from common allergens, and have small, easy-to-chew kibble.
In the following sections, we will provide an in-depth review of each of our top picks to help you make an informed decision for your furry friend.
The Round-Up
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Our Pick
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Puppy Owner
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Made in the USA
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Growing Shih Tzu
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Budget Conscious
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Best Dry Food for Shih Tzu
We understand that finding the best dry food for your furry friend can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many options available in the market.
That’s why we have put together a list of the best dry food for Shih Tzu, based on our research and expertise.
Our list includes a variety of options that cater to different dietary needs and preferences, so you can find the perfect fit for your Shih Tzu. Check out our top picks below.
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
We highly recommend
Pros
- The specialized kibble shape is perfect for a Shih Tzu’s short muzzle and underbite.
- The exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A promotes healthy skin and coat.
- The combination of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin maintains a healthy coat.
Cons
- The price is a bit on the higher side.
- The bag size is a bit small.
- Some dogs may not prefer the taste.
We have been using
The kibble shape is perfect for his short muzzle and underbite, and he seems to enjoy the taste. The high-quality ingredients make us feel good about what we are feeding our furry friend.
The only downside is that the bag size is a bit small, and the price is a bit higher than other brands.
However, the benefits of this product outweigh the cost.
We highly recommend
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for a dry dog food that is specifically designed for your Shih Tzu puppy, then
Pros
- Formulated for purebred Shih Tzus
- Unique kibble shape designed for a Shih Tzu’s short muzzle and underbite
- Promotes healthy skin and maintains a Shih Tzu’s growing, long coat with specific nutrients
Cons
- Expensive compared to other dog foods
- Contains chicken by-product meal which some pet owners may not prefer
- May not be suitable for adult Shih Tzus
We have been using Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food for our Shih Tzu puppy for a few months now and have noticed some positive changes.
The kibble shape is perfect for our puppy’s short muzzle and underbite, making it easier for her to eat. We have also noticed an improvement in her coat, which is now shiny and healthy-looking.
One thing to note is that this dog food is quite expensive compared to other brands, but we feel that it is worth the investment for our puppy’s health.
Additionally, some pet owners may not prefer the inclusion of chicken by-product meal in the ingredients list.
Overall, we would recommend Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food to other Shih Tzu puppy owners who are looking for high-quality, breed-specific dog food.
Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Flavor, Adult Dry Dog Food, 15 lb Bag Chicken & Brown Rice 15 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for high-quality dry food for your Shih Tzu, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food.
Pros
- Made with real deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- Contains immunity-boosting LifeSource Bits
- Reduced calories for weight management in small breed dogs
Cons
- More expensive than some other brands
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies
We have been using Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight for our Shih Tzu for several months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his weight management and overall health.
The first ingredient is real deboned chicken, which provides high-quality protein to maintain small breed dogs’ higher metabolisms.
Additionally, the LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.
One downside to this food is that it is more expensive than some other brands, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.
Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste, but we have not had any issues with our Shih Tzu.
Finally, this food is not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies, so be sure to check with your vet before feeding it to your dog.
Overall, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food for anyone looking for high-quality dry food for their Shih Tzu. It has helped our dog maintain a healthy weight and provides him with the nutrients he needs to stay healthy and happy.
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food
We highly recommend the Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food for Shih Tzu owners looking for a high-quality, breed-specific food that meets their pet’s nutritional needs.
Pros
- The Loaf in Sauce texture is very appealing to Shih Tzus, making it easy for them to eat.
- The exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- The targeted levels of sodium, taurine, and L-carnitine promote healthy cardiac function and heart health.
Cons
- The price point is higher than some other wet dog foods on the market.
- Availability of the smaller pouches for smaller dogs can be limited.
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
We have used this product for our own Shih Tzu and have seen a noticeable improvement in her coat and overall health. The Loaf in Sauce texture is easy for her to eat and she loves the taste. However, the price point may be a concern for some pet owners and availability of the smaller pouches can be limited. Overall, we believe that the benefits of this breed-specific food outweigh the potential drawbacks.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, breed-specific wet dog food for your Shih Tzu, we recommend giving Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food a try.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small Paws For Small Breed Dogs, Chicken Meal & Rice, 4.5 lb. Bag Chicken Meal & Rice 4.5 Pound (Pack of 1)
If you’re looking for a dry food that is specifically made for small breed dogs like Shih Tzu, then Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Highly digestible ingredients that are easy on your small dog’s stomach.
- Promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Provides high quality protein to maintain lean muscle in small breed dogs.
Cons
- Contains chicken meal which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.
- Some customers reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste.
- The price point may be higher compared to other brands.
We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Small Paws for a while now and we’re happy with the results. Our Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach, but this food has been easy on her digestive system.
We also noticed that her coat is shinier and her skin is healthier since we started using this product.
The high-quality protein in this food helps maintain our dog’s lean muscle mass, which is important for her overall health.
We appreciate that the food is specifically formulated for small breed dogs like Shih Tzu, so we know that it meets her unique nutritional needs.
One thing to keep in mind is that this food contains chicken meal, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.
Additionally, some customers reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste of the food, so it may not be the best choice for picky eaters.
Overall, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Small Paws for small breed dog owners who want to provide their furry friends with a high-quality, nutritious diet.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best dry food for your Shih Tzu, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some features to look for:
Nutritional Value
The first thing to consider is the nutritional value of the food. Look for a product that contains high-quality protein, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Your Shih Tzu also needs carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats for energy and overall health. Check the ingredients list to make sure the food contains a balanced blend of these nutrients.
Size and Shape
Shih Tzus have small mouths and teeth, so it’s important to choose a food that is easy for them to eat. Look for kibble that is small in size and easy to chew. Some brands also offer special shapes designed to help clean your dog’s teeth as they eat.
Allergies and Sensitivities
If your Shih Tzu has any food allergies or sensitivities, be sure to choose a product that is free from those ingredients. Common allergens include wheat, soy, and corn. Some dogs may also be sensitive to certain types of protein, such as beef or lamb.
Brand Reputation
It’s important to choose a brand with a good reputation for quality and safety. Look for a company that uses high-quality ingredients and follows strict manufacturing standards. You can also check online reviews to see what other dog owners have to say about the product.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the product. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend on dog food. Look for a product that fits within your budget while still meeting your Shih Tzu’s nutritional needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best dry food for your Shih Tzu that will keep them healthy and happy for years to come.
