The Shih Tzu was bred as a lap companion, and it shows: a small, sturdy dog with a flat face, a long coat, and a metabolism that doesn't burn much. That combination creates a few specific feeding challenges. A flat face makes picking up some kibble awkward, small mouths crowd teeth and invite dental disease, and a low-activity lifestyle makes weight creep up easily.
Shih Tzus are also more prone than average to skin and ear problems, eye trouble, and bladder stones, and diet plays a part in several of these. This guide covers what a Shih Tzu actually needs from its food, how much to feed, and the foods worth considering.
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Size and shape of the kibble matter — a flat face and small mouth make large or awkwardly shaped kibble hard to pick up. Choose a small-breed formula, or one shaped for flat-faced dogs.
- Hydration and urinary health deserve attention — Shih Tzus are prone to bladder stones. Plenty of fresh water, and sometimes wet food, helps keep urine dilute. Stone-prone dogs need vet-directed diets.
- Calories are easy to overshoot — a 12 lbs (5.4 kg) Shih Tzu needs only around 300 calories a day. A few treats and a heaped scoop can add 20% without anyone noticing.
What Makes Shih Tzu Nutrition Different
A Small, Flat Face
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds can struggle to pick up round, hard kibble. Some Shih Tzus gulp food and swallow air, which leads to gas and sometimes regurgitation. Small, flat or specially shaped kibble is easier to grab, and a shallow bowl or a slow-feeder mat can help dogs that eat too fast.
Dental Disease
Small mouths mean crowded teeth, and crowded teeth collect plaque. Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in small breeds. Diet helps a little, but it isn't enough on its own. Daily tooth brushing and regular vet dental checks do far more than any kibble. Dental-specific diets and chews can be a useful extra, not a replacement.
Skin, Ears, and Food Sensitivity
Shih Tzus are prone to itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, and paw licking. Environmental allergies cause many of these cases, but food sensitivity is a real contributor in some dogs. Chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat are the common triggers. If your Shih Tzu has year-round itching or repeat ear infections, a strict 8-week elimination diet is the most reliable way to find out. Our dog food allergy guide walks through the protocol.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil support the skin barrier and the coat, and that long coat benefits from them. A food with fish oil in the ingredients is a good start.
Eyes and Tear Staining
Shih Tzus have prominent eyes that are prone to dryness, ulcers, and tear overflow. Tear staining is mostly about the shape of the face and how tears drain, and diet changes rarely fix it, despite what many product labels claim. A sudden change in the eyes (squinting, thick discharge, redness, cloudiness) needs a vet visit rather than a food switch. Our article on the recent dry eye recall explains the condition and the warning signs.
Bladder Stones and Water
Shih Tzus are predisposed to bladder stones, and several different types occur. Which diet helps depends on the stone type, so this is a case where a vet diagnosis comes first. In general, keeping urine dilute lowers risk, which means encouraging water intake. Fresh water in several spots, a water fountain, and some wet food mixed into meals all help. See our guide on how much water a dog should drink for the numbers.
Do not buy a urinary prescription diet on your own. The right formula differs by stone type, and the wrong one can make things worse. If your Shih Tzu has had stones or crystals, your vet will recommend a specific food.
⚠️ Shih Tzu ideal weightAdult Shih Tzus are typically 9–16 lbs (4–7 kg). The thick coat hides body shape, so check by hand: you should feel the ribs with light pressure and see a slight waist from above. A Shih Tzu that is even 2 lbs (1 kg) over is carrying roughly 15% extra weight, which strains the back and knees.
What to Look For in a Shih Tzu Food
| Feature | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Kibble size and shape | Small, or designed for flat faces | Easier to pick up and chew; less swallowing of air |
| Protein | Named meat or fish first | Muscle and coat; digestible protein suits small stomachs |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | Fish oil or salmon in the ingredients | Skin barrier, coat, and itch control |
| Calorie density | Moderate; avoid rich formulas for inactive dogs | Prevents the slow weight gain typical of the breed |
| Digestibility | Simple, well-processed ingredients | Fewer loose stools and less gas |
| Artificial additives | Avoid dyes and BHA/BHT/ethoxyquin | Can aggravate sensitive skin |
Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzus
These are well-established foods from brands with veterinary nutrition teams. Recipes change over time, so check the current label for kibble size and the ingredient list before buying.
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult
A breed-specific food. Royal Canin designs the kibble shape for the Shih Tzu's flat face and states that the formula supports skin and coat. It costs more than general small-breed foods, but the kibble shape is a real advantage for dogs that struggle with standard kibble.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws (Chicken & Barley)
A research-backed small-breed food with small kibble and chicken as the first ingredient. A reliable all-rounder for healthy adult Shih Tzus with no particular skin or stomach problems, and widely recommended by vets.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed (Chicken & Rice)
Chicken first, with live probiotics for gut health and a calorie density suited to small dogs. A solid choice for Shih Tzus that eat quickly or get gassy, and often a bit cheaper than the premium breed-specific option.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin (Small & Toy Breed)
For Shih Tzus with loose stools, itchy skin, or a sensitive stomach. Highly digestible, with prebiotic fibre and omega-6 fatty acids for the coat. A sensible first step before moving to an elimination diet.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Salmon & Rice)
Salmon as the first ingredient avoids the chicken and beef that cause many food sensitivities, and adds omega-3s for the skin. A good fit for Shih Tzus with recurring ear infections or itchy paws that you suspect are food-related.
IAMS ProActive Health Adult Small & Toy Breed
A budget-friendly option with real chicken and small kibble. It lacks the extra skin support of the salmon formulas, but it meets the basics for a healthy adult Shih Tzu without sensitivities. Adding a fish oil supplement improves it for coat and skin.
🐾 Get a personalised feeding plan for your Shih Tzu: daily calories, portion sizes, and food ideas based on their weight, age, and health.
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Use these as starting points for an adult, and adjust every 2 weeks based on what you feel along the ribs. Calories come from the standard resting-energy formula multiplied by an activity factor.
| Weight | Sedentary / neutered | Moderately active | Weight loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 lbs (4.1 kg) | ~240 kcal | ~320 kcal | ~200 kcal |
| 12 lbs (5.4 kg) | ~300 kcal | ~400 kcal | ~250 kcal |
| 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | ~355 kcal | ~470 kcal | ~295 kcal |
Weigh the food with a kitchen scale rather than a cup. At 300 calories a day, one extra tablespoon of kibble matters. For your own numbers, use our dog calorie calculator, and see the complete feeding guide for the method.
Puppies: feed 3–4 small meals a day until about 6 months, because very small puppies can drop their blood sugar if meals are far apart. Move to adult food at around 10–12 months. Our puppy food guide covers the transition.
✅ A simple dental routineBrush your Shih Tzu's teeth daily with dog toothpaste if they tolerate it, or at least several times a week. Add a dental chew approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) if you like, and schedule a vet dental check each year. This does more for their teeth than switching foods.
What to Avoid Feeding a Shih Tzu
- Large, hard kibble — awkward for a flat face and a small mouth
- Rich, high-fat foods and fatty table scraps — fast weight gain, and a risk for pancreatitis in small breeds
- Common allergens if your dog is itchy — chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat are the usual suspects
- Artificial dyes and chemical preservatives — see our ingredients to avoid guide
- Toxic foods — chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, and anything containing xylitol
Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu Nutrition
Will changing my Shih Tzu's food stop tear stains?
Probably not. Tear staining is mostly caused by the shape of the face and how tears drain. Some owners report improvement after changing food or switching to filtered water, but the evidence is thin. Keep the area clean and dry, and see your vet if staining comes with redness, squinting, or discharge, because those can be signs of an eye problem that needs treatment.
Is wet food better than dry for a Shih Tzu?
Neither is better overall. Wet food adds water, which can help dogs prone to bladder stones, and it's easier for dogs with crowded or sore teeth to eat. Dry food is cheaper and easier to measure. Many owners mix a small amount of wet food into dry. See our dry vs wet food guide for the full comparison.
How many times a day should I feed my Shih Tzu?
Twice a day for adults, at consistent times. Puppies under about 6 months need 3–4 small meals. Don't leave food out all day, because Shih Tzus gain weight easily and free-feeding makes it hard to know how much they've eaten.
What is the best food for a Shih Tzu with itchy skin?
Start with a salmon-based sensitive skin formula and add fish oil. If there's no improvement after 8 weeks, a strict elimination diet with a novel protein is the next step. Remember that environmental allergies are common too, so persistent itching deserves a vet check rather than endless food changes.
Can Shih Tzus eat grain-free food?
They can, but grain-free isn't a better default. Many sensitive dogs react to the protein, not the grain. Grain-free diets built around peas and lentils have been under investigation for a link to heart disease in dogs. Unless your vet has found a grain problem, a grain-inclusive food is the safer choice. Our grain-free explainer goes into the details.
When should I switch my Shih Tzu puppy to adult food?
Around 10–12 months. Shih Tzus are small and finish growing earlier than large breeds. Switch gradually over 7–10 days, mixing a little more of the new food in every few days, to avoid an upset stomach.
Get Your Shih Tzu's Personalised Plan
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Generate Your Dog's Plan →The Bottom Line
A Shih Tzu needs small, easy-to-eat kibble, controlled calories, and a food that supports skin, coat, and digestion. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult is the most breed-specific choice, Hill's and Purina's small-breed formulas are the dependable all-rounders, and the salmon-based sensitive formulas are the best starting point for itchy skin and ear trouble.
The things that make the biggest difference sit outside the bowl: measuring portions, brushing teeth, keeping water available, and not leaving dental, eye, or urinary problems to a food change. For any dog with stones, eye problems, or persistent skin trouble, your vet's diagnosis should lead and the food should follow.