10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu Puppies – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks
Updated on
If you have a Shih Tzu puppy and you’re looking for the best food for them, then this article is for you. We will look at user reviews and the benefits and disadvantages of the top ten dog foods for your Shih Tzu puppy. Whether your puppy has a specific diet, is a picky eater, or you’re just looking for a new option, it might be overwhelming to dig through online. Hopefully this will cut your search time in half and help you find the perfect choice.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
 |
 |
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription |
|
Click to Save 50% |
Best Value
 |
 |
Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food |
|
Check Price |
 |
 |
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy |
|
Check Price |
| Best for Puppies |
 |
Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy |
|
Check Price |
 |
Nulo Frontrunner Dry Dog Food |
|
Check Price |
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu Puppies
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
| Main ingredients: | Beef, turkey, chicken, pork, sweet potatoes, carrots, lentils |
| Protein content: | 33-46% |
| Fat content: | 19-34% |
| Calories: | 562/lb |
The Farmer’s Dog is the overall best dog food for Shih Tzu puppies this year. With a completely raw alternative to regular dog food, this is fresh and conveniently delivered to your door. The human-grade recipes contain your choice of beef, turkey, chicken, and pork options. They are created in a kitchen just like how people make their meals everyday. These ingredients are whole and nutritious, providing just what your Shih Tzu puppy needs. With numerous health benefits to your dog’s coat, tummies, and more raw food may be your choice.
Although we think this food is the best overall choice, there are a few downsides. The first is that this is a subscription-based service. It’s not something that you’re going to find in stores. The second is that it is a bit more costly than other foods since it is a fresh food option. That also means it has a shorter shelf life than other dog foods.
- Raw, fresh ingredients
- Delivery available
- Multiple flavor choices
- Subscription-based
- Expensive
- Less shelf-stable
2. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food – Best Value
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Cracked Pearled Barley |
| Protein content: | 32.0% |
| Fat content: | 22% |
| Calories: | 453/cup |
Diamond Naturals is rated the best dog food for Shih Tzu puppies for the money.. It is great for puppies who have been advised by a veterinarian to follow a specialized diet, as it contains no corn, wheat, or soy. It’s made in the USA and contains only high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted companies worldwide. The chicken used in this recipe is free range and is the number one ingredient. It also includes vitamins, minerals, and nutrients beneficial to a growing puppy. With the added benefit of superfoods like blueberries and oranges, and antioxidants to support a healthy overall immune system.
The downside to this food is that the flavor may not be a hit with some dogs, especially those that have chicken allergies. Since the food is a budget-friendly option, there are also concerns about the quality of the ingredients.
- Smaller kibble
- Antioxidant-rich
- Supports overall wellness
- Not a favorite flavor
- Cheap ingredients
3. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy
| Main ingredients: | Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten |
| Protein content: | 26% |
| Fat content: | 15% |
| Calories: | 355/cup |
Royal Canin is a good high-end dog food for Shih Tzu puppies. This choice of Shih Tzu puppy food is designed with puppies from 8 weeks to 10 months old in mind. The shape and size of the kibble is also made especially for the small mouths of Shih Tzu puppies, in terms of their bite. This recipe includes ingredients to support a healthy immune system, with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The included probiotics support the digestive system of your small dog and helps with stool odor and consistency.
This is a good premium choice of dog food for your puppy while they’re growing. However, it is made with chicken by-products which isn’t the most high-quality protein ingredient. It’s also pricey, being a premium option, especially for the amount of food that you get.
- Designed for small breeds
- Promotes digestive health
- Chicken by-product
- Increased price
- Small bag
4. Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids) |
| Protein content: | 29% |
| Fat content: | 17% |
| Calories: | 417/cup |
The Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy is the best dog food for Shih Tzu puppies. The kibble included in this dog food is created with puppies and small mouths in mind. The kibble is created for small Shih Tzu jaws and helps to promote dental health. With the addition of vitamins, minerals, and DHA to promote brain development, the nutritional value of this dog food is high. There is no addition of fillers, chicken by-products, or wheat, corn, and soy, which is great if you’re told by a vet to avoid these ingredients. This recipe has the added bonus of real meat, fruits and vegetables, plus nutrients enhanced with superfoods and proteins.
The downside is that some users felt that the kibble was too small. Others said that the food upset their dog’s stomach and that their dogs didn’t find the added bits tasty.
- Designed for puppies
- LifeSource Bits add nutrition
- Proteins
- Upset stomachs in some dogs
- Kibbles are too small
- Added bits may not be tasty to some dogs
5. Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Turkey Small Breed Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oats, Barley, Brown Rice |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 16% |
| Calories: | 432/cup |
Shih Tzu puppy dog food is made with animal-based amino acids to support lean muscle mass and heart health for small dog breeds. With a high amount of real meat content, no fillers or by-products, this dog food option is great if you’re looking for good protein content. This option also includes omega-3 and 6 fatty acids which promotes a healthy coat and lean muscles.
The added probiotics add the bonus of supporting the digestive and overall immune system of your puppy. It removes the need for protein powders by substituting real meat instead. You can feel good about the ingredients in this choice of dog food. However, the kibble size may be too large for some Shih Tzu puppies and some picky dogs may not like the turkey flavor.
- Real ingredients
- High protein
- Supports maintenance
- Larger kibble
- Some dogs may not like the turkey flavor
6. Health Extension Little Bites
| Main ingredients: | Organic Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Lamb Meal |
| Protein content: | 24% |
| Fat content: | 18% |
| Calories: | 418/cup |
The Health Extension Little Bites dog food is suitable for small breed dogs of all life stages . Made with small mouths and tummies in mind, the kibble is smaller sized for easy consumption. The ingredients are organic, free-range chicken and lamb for high protein content. This specialized recipe is tailored towards the smaller breeds to support overall health for both teacup and toy pups.
With added benefits like superfoods, and whole grains such as brown rice and flaxseeds, the combination is sure to provide a balanced diet for a growing puppy. There are added vitamins and minerals to support tummy health, heart health, and fatty acids for health coats and skin. The downside to this food is the price, as it is one of the more expensive options on our list. The kibble may also be too small for larger Shih Tzus as they grow from puppies to adults.
- Hypoallergenic
- No artificial preservatives
- Superfoods
- Expensive
- Kibble is too small
7. Ollie Fresh Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Lamb, turkey, beef, chicken, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries, kale |
| Protein content: | 11% |
| Fat content: | 7% |
| Calories: | ~1390/kg |
Ollie Fresh Dog Food is an alternative raw, fresh ingredient option for Shih Tzu puppy owners. Their ingredients are minimally processed and all-natural containing the added benefits of superfoods, minerals, and nutrients. Their recipes are cooked in small batches for freshness upon delivery and special care and attention. None of the recipes have fillers, preservatives, and follow special dietary restrictions like corn, wheat, or soy (only required when suggested by a vet). All Ollie dog food is made in the US and sourced from trusted companies for high-quality ingredients. The included meat is hormone and antibiotic free, ensuring a balanced diet for puppies.
The downside is that this is another subscription service, with the price depending on the size and age of your dog. It’s also difficult to cancel the subscription if you change your mind about it. Plus, being a fresh food, it spoils quicker than other dry foods.
- All-natural ingredients
- Customizable to your dog
- Delivery
- Price is confusing
- Difficult cancellation
- Spoils quickly
8. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Puppy Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Salmon Meal |
| Protein content: | 28% |
| Fat content: | 15% |
| Calories: | 394/cup |
The Merrick Lil’ Plates dog food for puppies includes real chicken as one of its main ingredients. It’s grain-free for those puppies who’ve been advised to follow this diet by a veterinarian. The recipe includes many benefits to your Shih Tzu puppy’s overall health with the addition of omega fatty acids. The small size of the kibble is great for smaller mouths. The crunchy texture is also helpful to reduce plaque and help promote cleaner teeth.
The ingredients are sourced from local and global trusted brands and crafted in the USA. With glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health, there are many bonuses to choosing this dog food. The downside is that with chicken being the main protein source, this food may be tough on dogs with sensitive tummies since chicken is a common allergen in dogs.
- Promotes muscles
- Added vitamins
- Supports healthy coats
- Tough on sensitive tummies
- Chicken may cause allergies in some dogs
9. Eukanuba Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Chicken Fat, Wheat |
| Protein content: | 32% |
| Fat content: | 21% |
| Calories: | 465/cup |
Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed dry dog food is suitable for Shih Tzu puppies up to 1 year old, and the inclusion of smaller adult dogs. This option has a high protein content great for growing dogs to support muscle growth and healthy bones. It’s good for active dogs who need a boost of energy and maintenance of bones and muscles. With the added benefit of calcium, phosphorus, concentrated fat and carbs, it has everything a growing puppy requires early in life.
This option also includes DHA levels to support brain development for smarter dogs. It also adds fibers and prebiotics for digestive health and antioxidants for a better immune system. The downsides to this food are that it may cause smelly poops and it may be hard for some dogs to digest. The bag is also not resealable, which may cause the food to go stale quicker.
- High protein
- Concentrated ingredients for high activity
- Real chicken
- Smelly stool
- Hard for some dogs to digest
- Not resealable
10. Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients: | Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat |
| Protein content: | 27% |
| Fat content: | 14% |
| Calories: | 381/cup |
Whole Earth rounds out the list of the top ten dog food for Shih Tzu puppies this year. With its first ingredient being chicken and turkey, this food could be a great choice for a growing pup. The nutritional value of Whole Earth Farms dog food is high-quality containing a high protein content, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. The ingredients also add vitamins and minerals for added nutritional value. Fruits and veggies provide a decent amount of fiber for a good digestive system and an overall balanced diet.
This option is crafted in the USA backed by experts in nutrition and veterinary studies. It is also crafted specifically for small dogs using appropriately sized kibble. The downside is that picky eaters may not like this food and it is an expensive option.
- Omega fatty acids
- Farm grown ingredients
- Pro and prebiotics
- Picky dogs may not like it
- More expensive option
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for a Shih Tzu Puppy
When browsing the web for the best choice in dog food for your Shih Tzu puppy, there are a few important things to consider.
Ingredients/Kibble Size
The first thing to consider is to look for small dog breed specific food; the kibble is usually smaller and easier to consume. Think about ingredients in terms of any special dietary restrictions your puppy might have such as grains or corn. They might even have a dislike or allergy towards a type of protein, such as chicken.
Type of Dog Food
The best type of puppy dog food seems to be the raw alternatives or those using natural ingredients. Raw dog food uses fresh ingredients made in the kitchen and easily served for the best nutrient levels. They are generally delivered to your door and sealed in separate containers to easily divide per meal. Other dry dog food is served in paper bags of different weights and cannot be as easily portioned. However, fresh and raw dog food can spoil more easily than dry dog food.
Breed Specific Needs
To make the best choice for your Shih Tzu puppy, consider their size and their breed specific needs to ensure they grow to their utmost potential. This includes ingredients that support healthy muscle growth and coat health.
A common factor among these options for dog food for Shih Tzu puppies seems to be the inclusion of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients to support overall health and improve puppy immune systems.
Conclusion
The 1st best overall dog food for shih tzu puppies is from The Farmer’s Dog, using fresh and raw ingredients delivered customized for your dog’s needs. The best value dog food for Shih Tzu puppies is Diamond Naturals with a high protein content and lower price point. Royal Canin is a premium dog food created with small breed puppies in mind. Blue Buffalo is the best dog food for puppies as it’s curated specifically for puppies using small kibble.
From the reviews, it is obvious that most dry dog food for Shih Tzu puppies is designed with their small breed in mind. With an abundance of healthy ingredients, the best choice depends on your dog’s palette, dietary needs, and price point.
Featured Image Credit: STEVEPHILCOPHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock
