What to feed a Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu does well on a complete small-breed food, and because they are a flat-faced, or brachycephalic, breed, the shape of the kibble can matter almost as much as what is in it — a piece that is awkward for a shorter muzzle to pick up and chew properly is more likely to be gulped down quickly or left in the bowl.
Why the Shih Tzu's face shape matters at mealtimes
The breed's short muzzle and slightly undershot jaw can make some standard kibble shapes and sizes genuinely harder to pick up, bite and chew comfortably compared with a longer-nosed breed. Some owners notice their Shih Tzu eating unusually fast, or leaving food scattered around the bowl, which is sometimes more about kibble shape than appetite.
A small-breed formula with a kibble designed to be easy for a shorter jaw to manage can make mealtimes noticeably calmer, and wet food or pouches are a perfectly good alternative or addition if dry kibble consistently seems to be a struggle for your individual dog.
Coat, teeth and everyday nutrition
A Shih Tzu's long, flowing coat is maintained through grooming rather than diet, but a food with adequate quality protein and fat supports healthy skin and coat condition as a baseline. Their small mouths are also prone to dental crowding, so dental chews or a kibble with some dental benefit are worth considering alongside regular brushing.
As a small breed, portion sizes are modest, and it is easy to overfeed a Shih Tzu without realising, given how little food a treat-sized handful actually represents relative to their size. Weighing food against the guide on the pack, rather than estimating by eye, helps keep weight in a healthy range.
Introducing and adjusting their diet
Introduce any new food gradually over several days, mixing it with whatever they are currently eating, rather than switching all at once. This matters for any dog but especially for a breed prone to a sensitive stomach, which some Shih Tzus are.
If your Shih Tzu is struggling to eat comfortably, losing weight, or gaining it steadily despite a controlled diet, that is worth raising with your vet, who can also check for any dental or breathing-related reasons behind a change in eating habits.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice
A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.
£49.00
Alpha Working Dog Maintenance Chicken
An energy-controlled chicken dry food for working dogs with lower energy needs or a tendency to put on weight.
£29.00
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Bakers Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Bakers Chicken with Vegetables dry dog food, 14kg, complete nutrition for adult dogs
£39.15
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
Complete salmon and potato dry dog food with 21% protein in a 1.7KG bag
£6.25
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food Turkey Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for adult dogs, evenly balanced with potato in the mix
From£12.75
James Wellbeloved Adult Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey Rice
A hypoallergenic dry food for adult dogs, in small and large breed versions, built around single-source turkey protein
From£45.75
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Common questions
- Do Shih Tzus need a specific kibble shape?
- Not strictly, but many owners find a small-breed kibble designed with an easier shape for a short muzzle to pick up makes mealtimes calmer for their dog. If your Shih Tzu eats very quickly or seems to struggle with dry kibble, it is worth trying a different shape or a wet alternative.
- How much should I feed a Shih Tzu?
- Follow the feeding guide on your specific food based on your dog's weight, and weigh portions rather than estimating, since it is easy to overfeed a small breed without realising. Adjust gradually based on their body condition, and ask your vet if you are unsure.
- Are Shih Tzus prone to dental problems?
- Their small jaws can lead to crowded teeth, which makes them more prone to plaque build-up and dental disease than some larger breeds. Regular brushing, alongside dental chews or a kibble with some dental benefit, helps manage this.
- Is wet or dry food better for a Shih Tzu?
- Both can be nutritionally complete, so it often comes down to what your individual dog manages comfortably given their short muzzle. Some owners mix a little wet food with dry kibble, which can also help dogs who eat too quickly slow down a little.
Related
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.