Best Dog Food of Shih Tzu Puppy: 16 Top Picks of 2025

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Finding the best dog food for Shih Tzu puppy requires understanding their unique needs.

Your little fluffball needs smaller kibble that won’t challenge their flat face, plus higher protein and calcium for proper growth.

Look for premium brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness, or Nutro that offer small-breed puppy formulas with real meat as the first ingredient.

You’ll want to feed at least four meals daily until six months old, then switch to adult food around 9-12 months.

These pups need nutrient-dense options with DHA for brain development and omega fatty acids for that gorgeous coat.

The right choice sets the foundation for lifelong health and happiness.

Shih Tzu Puppy Nutrition

Your Shih Tzu puppy needs specific nutrition to support healthy growth, including higher levels of protein, calcium, and essential amino acids like histidine compared to adult dog food.

You’ll want to feed puppy-formulated food until your pup reaches 9-12 months old, using smaller kibble sizes that work well for their flat faces and providing at least four meals daily until six months of age, which supports their overall healthy growth and development with essential amino acids.

Adjust Feeding for Ideal Body Weight

Finding the right balance for your Shih Tzu puppy’s meals isn’t rocket science, but it requires attention to detail.

Small breed puppy nutrition demands precise portion sizes and consistent weight monitoring to promote healthy puppy growth. Puppy feeding charts are useful tools for determining appropriate food amounts based on weight and age.

Small breeds need precision—every gram of food matters for proper growth and development.

Here’s your puppy feeding schedule roadmap:

1. Measure portions based on your pup’s current weight and activity levels
2. Monitor body condition weekly using hands-on assessment
3. Adjust calories as your puppy grows and energy needs change
4. Track progress with regular weigh-ins and body condition scoring

Puppy Food Has More Calcium, Protein, Histidine

Growing shih tzu puppies need specialized nutrition that adult food can’t provide.

Puppy-specific formulas contain higher calcium levels for bone development, increased protein needs for muscle growth, and essential histidine benefits for proper development.

Food labeling helps you identify these nutrients.

Nutrient	Puppy Requirement	Adult Requirement	Why Puppies Need More
Calcium	1.2-1.8%	0.6-1.0%	Bone formation
Protein	22-32%	18-25%	Muscle development
Histidine	0.44%	0.19%	Growth support
Calories	Higher density	Maintenance level	Energy for growth

The nutrients included in puppy-specific formulas are crucial for proper development, and understanding the differences in nutritional needs between puppies and adults is essential for providing the best care for your growing shih tzu.

Feed Puppy Food Until 9-12 Months Old

Keep your Shih Tzu puppy on puppy food until they’re 9-12 months old.

Adult food risks leaving them short on growth stage nutrients like histidine requirements that small breed puppies need.

Puppy nutrition supports proper development, while switching too early can stunt growth.

When it’s time, plan a gradual food switch to avoid digestive upset in your growing pup, supporting their overall development.

Feed at Least 4 Meals Daily Until 6 Months Old

Your Shih Tzu puppy’s tiny stomach can’t handle large meals, so you’ll need to feed at least four times daily until six months old.

This frequent feeding schedule supports their puppy digestive system and prevents hypoglycemia in small breed puppies.

Regular meals maintain steady energy levels and provide growth spurt support during this critical development phase.

Kibble Size and Texture Important for Brachycephalic Breeds

Choosing the right kibble texture becomes essential when you’re dealing with brachycephalic concerns in your Shih Tzu puppy.

Small breed puppy food should feature appropriately sized kibble that prevents chewing difficulty and reduces aspiration risks.

Look for shih tzu puppy food with smaller, softer textures that support dental health while accommodating brachycephalic syndrome limitations in your growing companion.

Many owners find soft kibble options are easier for puppies to manage, which can be a key factor in their overall well-being.

Top 16 Dog Foods

You’ve learned about your Shih Tzu puppy’s nutritional needs, and now it’s time to explore the specific foods that’ll meet those requirements.

These 16 carefully selected options offer the protein, calcium, and small kibble size your growing puppy needs for healthy development, including the necessary calcium.

Blue Buffalo Puppy

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Blue Buffalo stands out among puppy formulas with its commitment to natural ingredients and solid brand reputation.

This best puppy food choice offers complete nutrition for your Shih Tzu puppy’s development needs.

• Real chicken as the first ingredient provides high-quality protein
• DHA supports brain and eye development during pivotal growth phases
• No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors guarantee clean nutrition
• Small kibble size perfect for tiny Shih Tzu mouths
• Excellent recall history demonstrates consistent quality control standards

Nutro Small Breed Senior

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While senior dog food offers excellent joint support and digestibility factors, it’s not appropriate for your Shih Tzu puppy.

Nutro’s senior formulas have reduced calorie density and protein content compared to puppy food requirements.

Your small breed puppy needs higher calories and nutrients for proper growth. Save senior nutrition discussions for when your pup reaches 11+ years old, considering their specific needs and digestibility factors.

Now Fresh Puppy Small Breed

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Fresh ingredients make all the difference in your small breed puppy’s development.

Now Fresh Puppy Small Breed delivers farm-fresh turkey, salmon, and duck without any meat meals or by-products.

This best puppy food features smaller kibble perfect for tiny mouths, plus essential DHA for brain development.

The ingredient analysis shows real whole foods supporting ideal shih tzu diet requirements during vital puppy nutrition stages, with essential nutrients.

Wellness Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

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Wellness offers solid puppy food specifically designed for small breed development.

The ingredient analysis reveals quality chicken as the first ingredient, providing essential protein for your Shih Tzu’s growth.

Nutritional benefits include DHA for brain development and balanced calcium levels.

Palatability factors make this appealing to picky eaters.

Brand comparison shows competitive pricing against premium options.

Merrick Classic Grains Small Breed Adult Dog Food

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Merrick Classic delivers solid nutrition for your Shih Tzu with chicken-based protein and grain-inclusive benefits.

This small breed dog food contains 404 kcal/cup with 27% protein and 16% fat.

Merrick ingredients include wholesome grains that support digestion.

Customer reviews praise the calorie content analysis and protein source quality, making Merrick Classic a reliable puppy food choice.

CANIDAE Pure Salmon

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CANIDAE Pure Salmon stands out for its single-protein formula, making it perfect for your shih tzu diet if allergies are a concern.

This grain-free formulation delivers high-quality protein source benefits through real salmon, supporting your puppy’s development.

The nutritional analysis shows impressive omega-3 content for coat health, and customer reviews consistently praise this healthy puppy food as an excellent breed-specific diet choice for sensitive stomachs.

Wellness Small Breed Dog Food

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Small breed dogs deserve nutrition that matches their high-energy lifestyle, and this turkey-based formula delivers exactly that.

You’ll find deboned turkey as the first ingredient, paired with wholesome oatmeal and brown rice for sustained energy.

The recipe includes salmon oil for a glossy coat and probiotics to support your Shih Tzu’s sensitive stomach.

What sets this food apart is its perfectly sized kibble – small enough for tiny mouths but substantial enough to promote dental health through natural chewing action, making it a great choice for a Shih Tzu’s needs.

Best For: Small breed adult dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs or picky eating habits needing high-protein, nutrient-rich food.

8. Honest Kitchen Small Breed Dog Food

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Quality matters when choosing nutrition for your Shih Tzu puppy, and Honest Kitchen delivers human-grade ingredients you can trust.

This all-natural formula contains cage-free chicken as the primary protein source, making it perfect for small breeds at any life stage.

You’ll appreciate the cold-pressed manufacturing that preserves nutrients without artificial preservatives or GMOs.

The cluster format provides ideal bite-sized pieces for your puppy’s small mouth, while live probiotics support healthy digestion during those vital growing months.

Best For: Owners of small breed dogs, especially puppies and those with sensitive stomachs, seeking highly digestible, human-grade nutrition.

9. Nutro Ultra Trio Protein Dog Food

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With three powerhouse proteins working together, Nutro Ultra Trio offers your Shih Tzu puppy a nutritional foundation that’s hard to beat.

This non-GMO formula combines chicken, lamb, and salmon with 14 superfoods, delivering 36.6% protein to fuel your pup’s growth.

The omega fatty acids keep their coat silky while antioxidants boost immunity.

You’ll appreciate the absence of corn, wheat, and soy fillers, and real chicken leads the ingredient list, ensuring your little one gets quality nutrition that supports strong muscles and healthy development.

Best For: Puppies or adult dogs needing high-quality protein and nutrient-rich meals for healthy growth and maintenance.

10. JustFoodForDogs Beef Potato Wet Food

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When you’re feeding your Shih Tzu puppy the best nutrition possible, JustFoodForDogs Beef & Potato stands out as a premium choice.

This USDA-certified human-grade wet food contains whole muscle beef and russet potatoes, formulated by veterinary nutritionists.

Your puppy will benefit from its superior digestibility compared to kibble, promoting healthier skin and coat.

The fresh ingredients enhance palatability, making mealtime exciting for picky eaters, and you can serve it as a complete meal or food topper for added nutrition.

Best For: Owners who want a premium, vet-recommended fresh food option for puppies or adult dogs with sensitive stomachs.

11. Open Farm Small Breed Dog Food

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Open Farm delivers what busy pet parents need: traceable, ethically sourced nutrition that’s actually good for your Shih Tzu puppy.

You’ll find 90% animal protein from humanely raised chicken and turkey, perfectly sized for tiny mouths.

The grain-free formula packs green-lipped mussel for omega-3s, plus superfoods like sweet potato and pumpkin.

No corn, wheat, or artificial junk here. Your pup gets complete nutrition while you get peace of mind knowing exactly where every ingredient comes from through their third-party certification system.

They also have a partnership with TerraCycle for recycling packaging, which supports their commitment to ethically sourced products.

Best For: Small breed dog owners who want high-quality, ethically sourced, protein-rich food with complete nutrition and traceable ingredients.

12. Blue Buffalo Chicken and Brown Rice

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Blue Buffalo’s Chicken and Brown Rice formula delivers solid nutrition for your Shih Tzu puppy.

Real chicken serves as the first ingredient, building strong muscles while brown rice provides gentle carbohydrates.

The LifeSource Bits contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support your pup’s developing immune system.

You’ll find no chicken by-products, corn, wheat, or soy in this recipe.

The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, making this a reliable choice for growing Shih Tzus with strong muscles and a developing immune system.

Best For: Shih Tzu puppies needing high-quality, balanced nutrition to support growth, immune health, and a shiny coat.

13. Open Farm Senior Dog Food

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When your Shih Tzu enters their golden years, they’ll need specialized nutrition to keep their joints healthy and digestion smooth.

Open Farm Senior Dog Food delivers with humanely-raised turkey and chicken as primary proteins, plus New Zealand green-lipped mussel for joint support.

This grain-free formula includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health, while prebiotic fibers aid digestion.

The traceable, ethically-sourced ingredients provide complete nutrition that’s easier on sensitive senior stomachs, making mealtime both nutritious and enjoyable for aging pups.

Best For: Senior dogs needing grain-free, protein-rich nutrition to support joints, digestion, and coat health.

14. ACANA Lamb and Pumpkin Dog Food

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With ACANA Lamb and Pumpkin, you’re getting a powerhouse formula that’s 60% quality animal ingredients and 40% wholesome grains.

This limited-ingredient recipe features lamb as the single protein source, making it perfect for Shih Tzus with food sensitivities.

The fiber-rich blend of oats, sorghum, and millet supports healthy digestion, while prebiotics and probiotics keep your pup’s gut happy.

Plus, the freeze-dried coating makes mealtime irresistible. It’s gluten-free and contains no corn, wheat, or soy.

Best For: Dogs of all breeds and life stages, especially those with food sensitivities or picky appetites.

15. Blue Buffalo Digestive Care Dog Food

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When your Shih Tzu puppy struggles with digestive issues, this veterinarian-formulated food can be a game-changer.

Real chicken serves as the primary ingredient, while clinically proven prebiotic fiber supports gut health.

You’ll notice improved stool quality within days, and the formula addresses 95% of digestive problems.

It’s free from chicken by-products, corn, wheat, and soy.

The natural ingredients help reduce gas, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Your puppy will love the taste while getting complete nutrition for healthy growth.

Best For: Puppies and adult dogs with sensitive stomachs or chronic digestive issues needing gentle, natural nutrition.

16. Portland Pet Food Variety Pack

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When you’re looking for convenience without compromising quality, this variety pack delivers five exceptional flavors your Shih Tzu puppy will love.

Each pouch contains 11 or fewer ingredients, all sourced and made in the USA. You’ll find versatile serving options – use it as a complete meal, mixer, or topper for picky eaters.

The shelf-stable, microwave-safe packaging requires no refrigeration, making mealtime effortless. With human-grade ingredients and digestible nutrition, it’s perfect for supporting your puppy’s sensitive stomach and encouraging healthy eating habits.

With digestible nutrition, your puppy will be able to eat comfortably, and the fact that it’s made with ingredients sourced and made in the USA adds to its appeal as a convenient option.

Best For: Owners of puppies or picky dogs seeking convenient, human-grade, easily digestible meals made with high-quality, USA-sourced ingredients.

Shih Tzu Health Considerations

Your Shih Tzu puppy’s unique breed characteristics make them prone to specific health issues that proper nutrition can help prevent or manage.

You’ll want to choose foods with omega fatty acids for skin health, probiotics for digestion, and quality protein sources to support their overall development.

While considering early pet insurance for potential costly health problems.

Prone to Costly Health Issues – Consider Pet Insurance Early

Shih Tzus face expensive health challenges that can drain your wallet faster than you’d expect. Respiratory issues, eye problems, and spinal conditions often require costly treatments ranging from $3,000 to $15,000.

Smart pet parents protect themselves with insurance before problems develop. Additionally, understanding common issues like Intervertebral Disc Disease can help with preventative care.

Pet insurance becomes your financial safety net when veterinary bills pile up. Early enrollment prevents pre-existing condition exclusions that could leave you paying thousands out-of-pocket.

Meat Meals Can Be Healthy Protein Sources if From Named Animal

Don’t let the term "meat meal" scare you away from quality puppy food options.

When you see "chicken meal" or "salmon meal" listed as Named Animal Sources, you’re actually getting concentrated, high-quality protein with excellent Meal Digestibility.

These processing methods remove moisture while preserving the Amino Acid Profile your Shih Tzu puppy needs.

Meat Meal Benefits	What It Means for Your Puppy
Concentrated protein	More nutrition per serving
Removes excess water	Better shelf stability
Preserves amino acids	Supports muscle development
Named animal sources	You know exactly what’s inside
Easy digestion	Gentle on sensitive stomachs

The Processing Impact actually enhances Protein Quality, making these ingredients valuable additions to your puppy’s diet when sourced from reputable manufacturers.

Look for Omega Fatty Acids, Probiotics, Taurine, Organ Meats

Beyond quality protein sources, your Shih Tzu puppy food should include specific nutrients that support their unique health needs.

Consider omega 3 supplements for additional benefits.

Consult Vet on Any Special Nutritional Needs

Your Shih Tzu’s unique breed predispositions require individual assessment from your veterinarian.

Professional guidance helps identify specific conditions like allergies, digestive sensitivities, or joint concerns that affect dietary choices.

Your vet can recommend the best puppy food brands suited to your pup’s needs, creating a personalized puppy nutrition guide that addresses potential dietary concerns before they become costly health problems, based on your veterinarian’s professional guidance.

Choosing Best Dog Food

When you’re selecting food for your Shih Tzu puppy, you’ll want to focus on three key elements: animal fats for taste and palatability, omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and natural, wholesome ingredients without artificial additives.

These components work together to support your puppy’s growth, maintain their distinctive coat, and establish healthy eating habits that’ll last a lifetime.

Look for Diets That Contain Animal Fats for Palatability

Animal fats make puppy food irresistible to your Shih Tzu’s taste buds while providing concentrated energy for their active lifestyle.

These fats boost palatability factors that keep picky eaters engaged with their meals. Quality animal fats in your puppy’s diet support healthy coat development and deliver the energy density growing Shih Tzus need.

• Chicken fat – Highly digestible and appealing to most Shih Tzu preferences
• Salmon oil – Excellent palatability with additional coat benefits for puppy nutrition guide
• Duck fat – Rich flavor that enhances shih tzu diet acceptance
• Beef tallow – Concentrated energy source that improves overall palatability

Look for Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids work like nature’s multivitamin for your Shih Tzu puppy.

These powerhouse nutrients boost coat health, creating that silky shine you’ll love to pet.

DHA supports essential brain development while strengthening puppy immunity against common ailments.

You’ll also notice improved joint support as your little one grows.

The best puppy food contains fish oil or flaxseed for ideal omega-3 benefits.

Look for Natural and Wholesome Ingredients

Quality puppy food for your Shih Tzu starts with ingredient sourcing you can trust.

Choose brands featuring whole foods like real chicken, sweet potatoes, and blueberries over mysterious by-products.

Natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols beat artificial chemicals every time, and limited ingredients work well for sensitive stomachs.

While avoiding fillers guarantees your pup gets maximum nutrition from every bite, making certain the food contains omega-3 fatty acids can also help promote a healthier coat with the use of natural preservatives.

Feeding Shih Tzu Puppies

When you switch your Shih Tzu puppy to a new food, you’ll need to make the switch gradually over four weeks to prevent digestive upset.

You can also enhance your puppy’s coat health by adding fish oil and zinc to their diet, while avoiding histamine-rich foods if they show signs of stomach issues, which can be a key factor in maintaining a healthy diet.

Gradually Transition to New Food Over 4 Weeks

Switching your Shih Tzu puppy’s food requires patience to prevent digestive upset.

Follow a gradual change timeline over four weeks, mixing 25% new food with 75% current food initially. Each week, adjust the ratio until you’re feeding 100% new puppy food.

Proper hydration prevents puppy constipation issues and diarrhea.

This dog food switching guide helps avoid digestive issues while addressing food sensitivities and palatability concerns through careful mixing strategies.

Increase Amino Acids for Coat Color Changes

Several factors influence your Shih Tzu puppy’s coat color changes, particularly amino acid levels in their diet.

These protein building blocks directly impact pigmentation and overall coat health, especially for maintaining rich black coloration.

Quality dietary protein sources guarantee your puppy develops a shiny coat while addressing common issues like tear stains through proper nutrition.

Avoid Histamine-Rich Foods for Concurrent GI Signs

When your Shih Tzu puppy shows GI symptoms, avoid histamine-rich foods like aged meats and fermented ingredients.

These trigger digestive upset in sensitive pups. Start food trial strategies with simple ingredient diets to identify problem foods.

The best puppy food contains low-histamine proteins and supports gut health. Proper allergy testing helps pinpoint specific triggers for long-term digestive comfort.

Add Fish Oil and Zinc for Dull Coats and Scaling

When your Shih Tzu puppy’s coat looks dull or you notice scaling, fish oil and zinc supplementation can work wonders.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, including DHA and EPA, promote a shiny coat while supporting skin health. Zinc proteinate helps address skin conditions and maintains proper coat development.

Always follow dosage guidelines and consult your veterinarian before adding supplements. Many owners find fish oil benefits dogs substantially, which can lead to a shiny coat and improved overall health, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)