small breed

Best dog food for a Shih Tzu

Every food below is scored against a Shih Tzu specifically, not against dogs in general. Breed changes how much each factor counts, which is why the same food can rank very differently from one breed to the next.

4–7.5kgTypical weight
10–16Years
330kcal/day at 5.8kg

What matters most for this breed

Protein fit15
Fat ceiling15
Joint support5
Skin and coat25
Filler content20
Ingredient transparency20

Target protein for a Shih Tzu sits between 22% and 28%, with fat ideally under 14%.

Daily calories by weight

Resting requirement scaled for activity, for a neutered adult. Divide by the kcal per 100g on the pack to get grams.

WeightLowModerateActive
4kg214249321
5.8kg283330424
7.5kg343400514

A growing puppy or a senior needs a different figure again, which is where the app does the work for you.

Top ten foods for a Shih Tzu

1. Fish4Dogs Finest Salmon CompleteA · 100
2. Fish4Dogs Superior SalmonA · 100
3. James Wellbeloved Senior LambA · 100
4. Natures Variety Senior SalmonA · 100
5. Arden Grange Adult Lamb & RiceA · 97
6. Arden Grange Adult Salmon & RiceA · 97
7. Arden Grange Sensitive FishA · 97
8. Beco MSC Cod & HaddockA · 97
9. Beco Wild Boar & HaddockA · 97
10. Burgess Sensitive Fish & RiceA · 97
Lowest scoring for this breed
Bakers As Good As Looks WetD · 15
Hills Prescription Diet k/d KidneyD · 20
Eukanuba Veterinary RenalD · 20
Cesar Deliciously Fresh ChickenD · 20
Purina WinalotD · 22

Common questions

How much should I feed a Shih Tzu?

A neutered adult Shih Tzu at the middle of the breed weight range, around 5.8kg, needs roughly 330 kcal a day at moderate activity. Convert that to grams using the kcal per 100g on the pack. Your own dog's actual weight matters more than the breed average, which is what the app uses.

What is the best dog food for a Shih Tzu?

Against the Shih Tzu profile, Fish4Dogs Finest Salmon Complete scores highest at 100 out of 100. The ranking below covers all 568 foods we hold.

How much does a Shih Tzu weigh?

Typically 4 to 7.5kg, classed as a small breed, with a usual lifespan of 10 to 16 years.

What should I look for in food for a Shih Tzu?

For this breed the two heaviest weighted factors are skin and coat and filler content. Target protein sits between 22% and 28%, with fat ideally under 14%.

Get this for your own Shih Tzu

Scan the pack and PawsePal scores it against your dog's actual weight, age and any health conditions, then gives you the portion in grams.

Open PawsePal

Calorie figures use the same resting energy calculation as the PawsePal app and assume a neutered adult. Weight ranges are breed typicals, not targets for an individual dog. This page is information, not veterinary advice.