Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzus: Nutritious Picks for Small, Loving Breeds

The shih tzu is a beloved dog breed around the world, known to be affectionate and good with both other dogs and children. The American Kennel Club classifies the dog as a "toy" breed because shih tzus tend to be small (the standard is no taller than 10.5 inches and no more than 16 pounds in weight).

Some dog owners and dog experts are proponents of a raw food diet. The American shih tzu club points out that raw dog food proponents argue that, historically, dogs did not have access to cooked (or processed) foods in the wild and that a raw food diet is more akin to the dog's natural diet and thereby better. Advocates of this diet have strong views.

The problem is that raw meats have a risk of bacterial or viral infection. While shih tzu, like other dogs, have digestive systems that can handle certain bacteria or viral infections better than humans, the raw dog food diet still carries this risk. Use only Department of Agriculture-approved food such as liver, beef and chicken. Discuss this option with your dog's veterinarian before putting your dog on a shih tzu raw food diet.

Commercial USDA-approved dog foods

If natural diets (cooked or raw) are not an option, consider purchasing a commercial dog food that has passed USDA inspection. When considering a commercial dog food for your shih tzu, YourPurebredPuppy.com suggests that the first two ingredients in the food be meat (as apposed cereal or vegetable matter). Also, be wary of dog foods that contain artificial preservatives and byproducts. These ingredients might make the food harder to digest and cause health problems with your shih tzu.

Some major pet food manufacturers, such as Royal Canine, sell a brand of food specially designed for shih tzus. The added omega-3 and omega-6 is good for the characteristic silky coat of the shih tzu and might also help with skin allergies not uncommon in this breed. The kibble shape is easy for flat-faced dogs to eat, also a consideration.