Finding the best dog food for a Shih Tzu is one of the most important decisions you can make as a dog owner. The Shih Tzu responds well to a diet that’s nutritionally rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, dog food that’s packed with healthy meats, wholesome vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits will add additional health benefits for a Shih Tzu.
Unfortunately, finding the best dog for a Shih Tzu can become quite the headache with the endless varieties available online. There’s over 400 dog food brands that are compatible with a Shih Tzu’s diet and they all claim to be the best.
So what’s the best dog food for a Shih Tzu? Our team of dog food nutritionists analyzed over 400 small and toy breed dog food brands for the very best based off the nutritional needs of a Shih Tzu.
To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements to qualify:
- Real Meat is #1 Ingredient
- Small Breed Specific Formula
- Protein and Fat Levels Balance
- No Corn, Wheat or Soy
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
- Exceeds AAFCO Standards
Wellness CORE® Grain Freed Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food
Wellness CORE Small Breed is made up of a proprietary blend of whole ingredients, essential antioxidants, vitamins and mineral. The formula delivers the nutritional needs for a Shih Tzu. The dry dog food is packed with optimum proteins and fats that is completely balanced per guaranteed analysis.
Wellness CORE includes deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal which extend the protein level to a high 36.0% min. Additional glucosamine and chondroitin are also included to help maintain Shih Tzu bone and joint health. Made in the USA, the recipe is free of grains, gluten, corn, wheat and soy as well.
Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Spearmint, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 396 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 36.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 16.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 2.0% max |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.3.0% max |
| VITAMIN E | 400 IU/kg |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3.0% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.5% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 250 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 200 mg/kg min |
| BETA-CAROTENE | 5 mg/kg min |
| TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS* | +80,000,000 CFU/lb min |
Halo® Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe All Life Stages Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Halo’s Small Breed Chicken and Chicken Liver Recipe is a perfect option for a Shih Tzu. The formula is meant for all life stages which means its suitable for puppy, adult and senior Shih Tzus. Additionally, the recipe is loaded with fresh chicken and chicken liver for a protein-rich diet.
The kibble is highly digestible and contains a healthy amount of fiber as well. Made in the USA, Halo not only has been recognized for its great dog food selection but also for charitable contributions and sponsorships.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product, Dried Peas, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Pea Protein, Soy Protein Concentrate, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), flaxseed, Pea fiber, Natural flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Sulfate, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Dried Carrots, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Golden Algae, Inulin, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Potassium Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Methionine Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Carnitine.
Caloric Content: 3,760 kcal/kg, 413 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 27.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 17.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| VITAMIN E | 250 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3.75% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.90% min |
Castor & Pollux® Organix Grain-Free Organic Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
If you have yourself a picky Shih Tzu you may want to consider feeding a flavorful organic dry dog food formula. Castor & Pollux Organix Small Breed Dry Dog Food is made with over 95% organic ingredients including chicken, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, chickpeas and peas.
The formula is then mixed with a variety of superfoods including flaxseed, blueberries and coconut oil for additional health benefits. To complete the formula prebiotics and probiotics are introduced to help support proper digestion as well. If you are looking for a palatable dog food that your Shih Tzu will enjoy, check out Castor & Pollux Organix.
Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Peas, Organic Tapioca, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sunflower Seed Meal, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Organic Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Blueberries, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Organic Sunflower Oil, Salt, Salmon Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Potassium Chloride, Inulin (from chicory root), Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Organic Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,679 kcal/kg, 368 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 26.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 15.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 11.0% max |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID | 3.0% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID | 0.30% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 800 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 800 mg/kg min |
| BACILLIUS COAGULANTS | 90,000,000 CFU/LB |
Blue Buffalo® Wilderness Healthy Weight Chicken Recipe Adult Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is extremely popular among Shih Tzu owners and when you compare price to ingredient quality, you can see why. This 5 star dry dog food is packed with deboned chicken, chicken meal and turkey meal. A variety of complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, peas and potatoes in addition to antioxidant-rich blueberries, cranberries and carrots makes this a healthy option for a Shih Tzu.
Blue Buffalo uses LifeSource Bits, which is a precise blends of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals selected by holistic Veterinarians. If you are looking for a high-protein, weight control diet for your Shih Tzu, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight is an excellent choice.
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Tomato Pomace, Powdered Cellulose, DL-Methionine, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, L-Carnitine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Caloric Content: 3,269 kcal/kg, 353 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| PROTEIN | 30.0 % Min |
| FAT | 10.0 % Min |
| FIBER | 10.0 % Max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0 % Max |
| CALCIUM | 1.3 % Min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.9 % Min |
| OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS* | 0.5 % Min |
| OMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS* | 1.75 % Min |
| L-CARNITINE* | 100 mg/kg Min |
| GLUCOSAMINE* | 400 mg/kg Min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE* | 300 mg/kg Min |
Nutro® Wholesome Essentials Small Breed Adult Farm Raised Chicken Dry Dog Food
Nutro Wholesome Essentials is one of the best for a Shih Tzu. The protein-rich formula contains a perfectly balanced mix of chicken, chicken meal, split pea and brown rice. Natural fiber is also included for proper digestion as well as antioxidants for immunity health in your Shih Tzu.
Optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acid and zinc are included to help promote healthy skin and shiny coat as well. The palatable flavor and unique kibble shape makes Nutro not only flavorful but easily digestible. Additionally, the formula is made to reduce plaque and tarter buildup which is common in a Shih Tzu.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Split Peas, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Barley, Lamb Meal, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Rice Bran, Dried Sweet Potato, Natural Flavor, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Dried Apples, Dried Blueberries, Dried Carrots, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Inositol, Biotin, Niacin Supplement, Marigold Extract, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Selenium Yeast, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,712 kcal/kg, 377 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 24.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 15.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| VITAMIN E | 400 IU/kg min |
| ASCORBIC ACID | 100 mg/kg min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.2% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.0% min |
| TAURINE | 0.2% min |