Shih Tzu Food to Avoid: A Complete Guide to Feeding Your Shih Tzu Appropriately 

Arguably the most popular toy dog breed in the world, the Shih Tzu boasts a beautiful, long, flowing coat and a friendly but vivacious personality. This little but extraordinary breed is a unique nutritional case that must be handled sensitively to promote optimum health, longevity, and energy.

Feeding your Shih Tzu the correct foods—and not the incorrect foods—is the most critical method of disease prevention and health, preventing disease conditions such as obesity, allergies, dental disease, and upset stomach. 

Due to their compact facial structure (brachycephalic skull), Shih Tzus may also have trouble chewing or swallowing certain food textures, adding another layer of complexity to their diet.

Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned Shih Tzu parent, understanding what to feed—and what not to feed—your dog is crucial. 

Optimal Nutrition Schedule – Timing and Amounts for Shih Tzu Puppies and Adults 

When it comes to feeding your pup and knowing the Shih Tzu food to avoid, it is important to understand the age requirement of your pup.

1. Shih Tzu Puppies (8 weeks to 12 months)

• Frequency: 3 to 4 times a day. 
• Serving Size: 
  • 2 to 4 months: ¼ to ½ cup per meal. 
  • 4 to 6 months: ½ cup to ¾ cup per meal. 
  • 6 to 12 months: ¾ to 1 cup per meal. 
• Tip: Provide high-quality puppy food supplemented with DHA for brain development and protein for muscle development. 

2. Adult Shih Tzus (1 to 8 years) 

• Frequency: 2 times a day. 
• Serving Size: ½ to 1 cup per serving, based on activity and weight. 
• Tip: Provide formulas that promote coat health, joint health, and energy balance. 

3. Senior Shih Tzus (8+ years) 

• Frequency: 2 smaller meals a day. 
• Serving Size: ¼ to ½ cup per meal, depending upon metabolism and condition.
• Tip: Select food with high joint-supportive supplements and easy-to-digest food. 

Which Shih Tzu Food to Avoid: Things to Consider 

Here are a few things you need to consider when you are feeding your Shih Tzu.

1. Dry vs Wet Dog Food 

If you are considering feeding your shish tzu dry or wet food, here are the pros and cons of these types of dog food.

Dry Dog Food (Kibble) 

• Pro: Cleans teeth, cheaper, longer shelf life. 
• Con: Hard to chew for older or tiny Shih Tzus. 

Wet Dog Food (Canned) 

• Pro: Increased moisture, easier to chew, more palatable. 
• Con: Costly, can lead to dental problems if only diet. 

Recommendation: Mix both diets or blend softened kibble with warm water or low-sodium broth. 

2. Grain vs Grain-Free 

If you are considering feeding your shish tzu grain or grain-free food, here are the pros and cons of these types of dog food. 

Grain-Inclusive Diet 

Brown rice, oats, and barley are included. 

• Pro: Rich in fiber and energy. 
• Con: Can lead to allergy in sensitive dogs. 

Grain-Free Diet 

Substitutes grains for legumes, peas, or potatoes. 

• Pro: May be for grain-allergic dogs. 
• Con: Linked to heart disease (DCM) in some studies. 

Recommendation: Talk to your vet before making the switch to grain-free. Grain-inclusive is fine if no allergy. 

Good Dog Food Key Ingredients 

• First Ingredient Real Meat – Chicken, turkey, lamb, or fish. 
• No Fillers – No soy, wheat, meat by-products, and corn. 
• Omega Fatty Acids – Keeps coat and skin in optimal condition. 
• Antioxidants & Vitamins – Suppressed immune system. 
• Probiotics and Fiber – Ease of digestion. 
• Limited Artificial Additives – Avoid artificial color, flavor, and preservatives. 

The Best Food for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs 

Dog food can easily be categorized into a few different types, so let’s get into the different types of dog food for your Shih Tzu puppies.

Top Recommended Brands (Grain-Inclusive) 

Here are a few grain-inclusive dog foods.

1. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food 

• Precisely designed kibble size.
• Optimal health for coat and digestive. 
• DHA for brain development. 

2. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws 

•  Veterinarians’ go-to. 
•  Chicken meal and grains. 
•  Sensitive tummies adore it. 

3. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy 

• Genuine chicken starts first. 
• Rice and live probiotics for easy digestion. 

Top Recommended Brands (Grain-Free) 

Here are a few grain-free dog foods.

1. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy Formula 

• Excellent protein. 
• No wheat, corn, soy, or artificial preservatives. 

2. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Recipe 

• The first ingredient is deboned meat. 
• Glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.

3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free 

• High protein. 
• Added LifeSource Bits (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals). 

The Best Food for Senior Shih Tzus (8+ Years) 

As your Shih Tzu enters golden years, food needs are quite different. Older pets require fewer calories but greater joint, heart, and brain support. 

Top Senior Dog Food Brands (Grain-Inclusive) 

Here are a grain-inclusive dog foods.

1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws 

• Formulated especially for older pets. 
• Balanced minerals for a healthy kidney and heart. 
• Soft-easy kibble to bite. 

2. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Aging 12+ 

• Antioxidant formula for cellular health. 
• Kidney and mental health. 

3. Nutro Ultra Senior Small Breed 

• High-quality protein superfood mix. 
• Coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries. 

Tops Grain-Free Senior Dog Food Brands

Here are a few grain-free dog foods.

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Grain-Free 

• Brown rice and deboned chicken (Note: Some have grain). 
• Joint care with glucosamine. 

2. Wellness Complete Health Senior Grain-Free 

• For less active older adults. 
• Heart health through taurine supplements. 

3. Canidae PURE Senior Recipe 

• Limited ingredient diet. 
• Healthy, easy-to-digest fats. 

Shih Tzu Food to Avoid 

Feeding the right chow is only half the fight—half of it is not feeding the wrong ones. These are some foods that you should not feed your Shih Tzu: 

1. Bad or Toxic Human Foods 

• Chocolate – Theobromine, poisonous to dogs. 
• Onions & Garlic – Kills red blood cells and causes anemia.
• Grapes & Raisins – Causes kidneys to fail. 
• Avocados – Persin, toxic in amount. 
• Xylitol (sugar-free gum) – Causes liver failure and hypoglycemia. 
• Macadamia Nuts – Can cause vomiting and muscle tremors. 
• Cooked Bones – Can splinter and kill intestines. 

2. Low-Quality Commercial Foods 

• Meat By-Products – Typically low-quality protein. 
• Excessive Soy, Wheat, Corn Fillers – Low on nutrients and may be allergenic. 
• Chemical Preservatives (BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin) – Linked with health issues. 
• High Sugar and Salt Content – Contributes to obesity and heart disease risk. 

How to Feed Your Shih Tzu! 

A daily routine activity, the feeding of Shih Tzus is a duty to oneself’s health and well-being. From monitoring the right time of feeding to the decision between wet and dry, grain and grain-free, and senior food, every step you take impacts their lifestyle and longevity. 

Always use quality ingredients, monitor them for their activity level and weight, and switch to an adjusting diet as they mature. Knowing which food to feed your shih tzu and which shih tzu food to avoid feeding your pup is important to keep in mind.

Most importantly, listen for foods to eliminate, i.e., foods from the human pantry and lower-quality commercial names.