Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu (Review & Buying Guide) in 2018

The choice of dog food causes a lot of anxiety amongst owners of specialist breeds such as the Shih Tzu. There is a confusing list of potential ingredients and it is hard to know what is good and what is bad. Your little pooch’s diet can have a profound effect on their health, appearance, and well-being so this is one decision that you must get right.  We’ve put together an easy-to-understand guide to the best dog food for your Shih Tzu.

Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu Buying Guide & FAQ

What to Look for When Buying Food for My Shih Tzu

Nutrition is a complex scientific discipline in all species and dogs are no exception.  The guidance can be conflicting and changeable leaving Shih Tzu owners confused and perplexed about the best approach to take. It can seem that you need a degree in biochemistry to understand the labels on some dog food containers and choose the best puppy food for Shih Tzu.

The best advice when selecting the best dog food for Shih Tzu is to start reading the ingredients lists and to familiarise yourself with common elements of dog food recipes. There is no single, perfect formulation. However, there are a few things that you can look out for. In general, it is best to opt for foods that list specifically named products. This means that you will where they came from. For example, opt for ‘chicken fat’ rather than ‘animal fat’.

There is also an element of trial and error. Each Shih Tzu is an individual with their own metabolism, digestion and taste and texture preference.

Fresh meat is always desirable as are fresh vegetables, vitamins, minerals and Omega oils.

Ingredients To Avoid Feeding Your Shih Tzu

When you are looking for the best food for Shih Tzu, there are some ingredients that you may want to avoid feeding to your Shih Tzu. That does not mean that they will necessarily cause problems in your pet but they have caused issues in some other dogs and you may want to err on the side of caution.  Here is the Shih Tzu food to avoid.

1. Beef

Beef is obviously a meat and a good source of protein and fat but it does cause intolerance in some dogs and is not as digestible as chicken, turkey or lamb. Some studies have identified it as the most common allergen in dogs.

2. Meat and animal derivatives

‘Derivatives’ is a generic term that describes any part of an animal and will include elements that you may not like the idea of feeding to your pooch! Literally, anything can be thrown in including guts, hair, feathers and even wool. It allows a manufacturer to get around naming undesirable ingredients and it leads to inconsistency between batches. They can simply use whatever is available and go cheap at that time. If you want to know exactly what is in the food that you are giving to your Shih Tzu and you want consistency in every pack, this would be one to avoid.

3. Poultry By-products

This describes parts of slaughtered poultry that do not usually go into human food so it is things like heads, hearts, lungs, and intestines. This is not necessarily a bad thing as they can be a good source of nutrition but it is better if it specifies that it has come from chicken rather than ‘poultry’.

4. Cereals

This is one to avoid because the term ‘cereals’ doesn’t tell you anything about which grains have been included. If your pooch has an adverse reaction, you have no way of identifying what may have caused it. One batch could be entirely different from the others and so reactions can suddenly occur even though you have used the same brand for many months.

5. Corn

Corn is a grain that can cause intestinal problems in dogs because it is hard for them to digest. It is used in dog food as a ‘filler’ because it is cheap but it may be worth you paying a little more to avoid it.

6. Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is a preservative that is used in anti-freeze so it is hardly surprising that many dog owners would prefer to not feed it to their dog! There are reports that it can cause hair loss and a dull coat which is the last thing you want for a gorgeous Shih Tzu. Many dog foods contain no artificial preservatives or colours at all and these may be the best option.

7. Soy

Soy is a cheap source of protein and therefore attractive to dog food manufacturers. The bad news is that it commonly causes allergic reactions in dogs and is best avoided.

8. Wheat

Wheat is a very common cause of dietary intolerance in dogs. It is best to opt for foods with an alternative carbohydrate source.

You may also like our food guide for Boston Terriers.

Common Shih Tzu Health Problems

Most Shih Tzus can look forward to a long and healthy life and there are no widespread health problems associated with the breed. However, you will need to be mindful of the following potential issues.

• Eye injuries and infections. Their large forward-facing eyes and short muzzle make them prone to eye issues.
• Umbilical and inguinal hernias. It will show up as a bulge in the abdominal area and must always be checked by a vet.
• Over-crowded teeth. Due to the shape of the jaw.
• Allergies and intolerance. Speak to your vet about a change of diet.

FAQ

Q:  What should I know about Shih Tzu puppies?

A:  Your Shih Tzu puppy is likely to be affectionate and friendly and they will adore being with you! They are very alert and can be territorial so they may bark when the doorbell goes. They can be wary of strangers so it is vital that you train and socialise them correctly to stop them becoming temperamental and snappy.

Looking after their coat is going to involve a lot of effort. They require daily brushing and there will need to be visits to the grooming salon. The hair around the eyes needs to be trimmed. The colour of their coat can change so the adult dog you end up with maybe a different colour to their puppy coat!

Training them can be a challenge as they can be headstrong and stubborn. They can only concentrate for short periods so several short training sessions where you repeat the commands are needed. Housetraining (housebreaking) them can also take time. They are not the dog for you if you expect your pooch to be able to master complex demands!

Q:  How do I change my Shih Tzu dog’s diet?

A:  The general advice for changing a dog’s diet is to do it gradually over a period of seven days. Mix the old food with a small amount of the new food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food. However, if you are changing a diet because of health concerns it is vital that you follow veterinary advice on how to switch.

Q:  How often should I feed my Shih Tzu?

A:  The instructions of dog foods will give you the recommended feeding schedule for that particular product but if you are in any doubt, your vet will be able to advise you. The number of daily calories that your dog needs will depend on their age, their activity level, their health status and their bone structure. As a general rule, Shih Tzu puppy food is given three times a day but this may be reduced to two bigger meals in mature dogs.

Q:  Can certain dog food help reduce shedding in my Shih Tzu?

A:  Even though the Shih Tzu is widely regarded as one of the non-shedding breeds, they will, of course, lose some of their coat. If you notice any problems with your pet’s coat including a loss of texture or the appearance of bald patches you must consult your vet. Diet can play a role in this. It could be an allergy so eliminating certain food ingredients may help or select a food with added Omega oils can help coat shine and strength.

Our Top Pick

CANIDAE All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

A great vet-formulated all-round dried dog food containing no chicken by-products, corn, wheat or soy. The added vitamins, minerals, probiotics and Omega fatty acids promote optimum health. The absence of soy and grains avoids the risk of adverse reactions and stomach upsets.

Sources

1. Do Shih Tzus Shed? Shih Tzu Wire
2. Is a Grain or Gluten Free Diet Right For my Dog? Ped MD
3. Breed Health The Shih Tzu Club
4. What is the best food? The Shih Tzu Club
5. Feeding Your Shih Tzu Miracle Shih Tzu