Best puppy food for a Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu puppy does best on a small-breed puppy formula, chosen with kibble size and calorie density in mind rather than picking whatever puppy food happens to be nearby, since a tiny mouth and a fast metabolism relative to body size are the two things that actually differ from feeding a larger breed puppy.
Why small-breed formulas exist
Small breeds like the Shih Tzu have a faster metabolism relative to their size than large breeds do, which means they generally need more calories per kilogram of body weight than a bigger dog would. A small-breed puppy formula reflects that with a more calorie-dense recipe, so your puppy can get what they need from a realistic amount of food rather than needing to eat an impractically large volume.
Kibble size matters more here than owners sometimes expect. A Shih Tzu puppy has a genuinely small mouth, and kibble sized for a medium or large breed puppy can be awkward or off-putting to eat, which is part of why small-breed formulas use a smaller kibble shape as standard.
Shih Tzu features worth bearing in mind at mealtimes
Shih Tzus have a shortened muzzle, which can make some bowl shapes and very deep kibble bowls slightly awkward for them to use comfortably, and can also make them prone to snorting or brief reverse sneezing around mealtimes, which is usually harmless but can look alarming the first time you see it. A shallower, wider bowl is often more comfortable for a flat-faced breed than a narrow, deep one.
Small breeds including Shih Tzus are also more prone to dental issues than many larger dogs, partly because of the relatively larger teeth these breeds carry for their jaw size. Alongside the right food, regular dental care from early puppyhood is worth building into the routine rather than something to think about later.
Portioning and moving to adult food
Follow the feeding guide on the bag as a starting point, based on your puppy's current weight, and check in on their body condition regularly rather than assuming the guide is exactly right for your individual puppy. Small breed puppies can be easy to overfeed given how little food a full daily portion actually looks like in a bowl.
Small breeds generally reach adult size, and can move onto adult food, earlier than large breeds — often from around nine to twelve months rather than the twelve to eighteen months a bigger dog might need. Make any change gradually over a week or two, and ask your vet if you are unsure of the right timing for your puppy.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Reusable Washable Puppy Training Pad
A quilted, machine-washable training pad that absorbs accidents and locks in moisture with a leak-resistant base. Reusable for puppy toilet training and senior dogs, in several bone and paw prints.
From£7.99
Dog Calming Ear Muffs For Fireworks & Thunder
A soft stretchy snood that wraps snugly over your dog's head and ears to muffle fireworks, thunder and loud noises. Helps nervous dogs feel calmer during storms, travel and grooming.
£11.99
MPS Head Cover — Breathable Dog Head & Ear Protector
A comfortable, breathable alternative to the cone of shame — protects head and ear wounds or bandages while letting your dog move freely.
From£30.99
Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs
A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
From£16.49
Pressure-Activated Pet Cooling Mat
Press down, feel the cool — this pressure-activated mat absorbs body heat and stays up to 10°C cooler than the room, with no freezing required.
From£34.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Dog Bed with Bolster Edge
A breathable ice-silk cooling bed with a soft bolster edge and a cool-touch centre panel that helps your dog stay comfortable through warm weather. No need to freeze or refrigerate, it cools naturally on contact.
From£12.99
Dog Front-Limb Mobility Wheelchair
An adjustable two-wheel walker that supports dogs with front-limb weakness or injury. The lightweight frame and padded supports restore mobility, helping your dog stay active, exercise and enjoy walks with confidence.
From£176.99
Plush Foam Pet Stairs
Soft foam steps with a plush, washable cover that help senior, small or short-legged pets reach the sofa or bed safely. The lightweight, sturdy build reduces jumping strain on ageing joints.
From£21.99
Real-Time GPS Pet Tracker
A compact GPS tracker that clips to most collars for real-time location, geofence alerts and find-me sound.
£29.99
Hooded Dinosaur Dog Raincoat
A waterproof hooded dog raincoat with a fun dinosaur spine and yellow fins. It features full-coverage legs, a reflective strip and a built-in D-ring for a lead, keeping smaller dogs dry and visible on wet walks.
From£29.99
Disposable Female Dog Nappies
Disposable, absorbent nappies for female dogs — a secure, leak-proof fit for seasons (heat), excitable urination and incontinence. Soft, breathable outer with easy hook-and-loop fastening. Sizes XXS to XL.
£8.99
Dog Sports Jacket For Medium & Large Breeds
A sleek zip-up sports jacket with full leg sleeves and reflective trim, designed to keep medium and large dogs warm and dry on cold-weather walks. Easy-fit and snug at the cuffs.
From£24.99
Common questions
- Why does kibble size matter for a Shih Tzu puppy?
- Shih Tzus have small mouths, and kibble sized for a medium or large breed can be awkward for them to pick up and chew comfortably. Small-breed formulas use a smaller kibble shape specifically to suit this.
- Do small dogs like Shih Tzus need more calories for their size than big dogs?
- Generally yes, relative to their body weight, because smaller breeds tend to have a faster metabolism. Small-breed puppy formulas are typically more calorie-dense to reflect that, so a realistic portion size can still meet their energy needs.
- When should I switch my Shih Tzu from puppy to adult food?
- Small breeds usually reach adult size earlier than large breeds, often somewhere between nine and twelve months. Switch gradually over a week or two, and check with your vet if you are unsure of the right time for your individual dog.
- Are Shih Tzus prone to dental problems?
- Small breeds generally are more prone to dental issues than larger dogs, so building regular dental care into the routine from puppyhood, alongside a suitable diet, is worth doing early rather than waiting until a problem appears.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.