Does your adorable Shih Poo turn their nose up at dinner time, or maybe you worry if their current food truly fuels their playful spirit? Choosing the perfect food for your little companion can feel like a puzzle. Shih Poos have unique needs because they are small and often have sensitive stomachs or picky eating habits. Finding kibble that supports their energy, keeps their coat shining, and prevents those tummy troubles is a real challenge for many owners.
You want the best for your furry friend, but wading through ingredient lists and marketing claims is exhausting. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what your Shih Poo needs to thrive, from the right size kibble to the essential nutrients. Keep reading to discover the top recommendations and practical tips that will transform mealtime from a struggle into a happy routine.
Top Dog Food For Shih Poo Recommendations
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED SHIH TZUS: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 10 months and older
- SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble shape is designed for a small breed’s short muzzle and underbite
- SKIN SUPPORT: Promotes healthy skin and coat with an exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A
- COAT HEALTH: A combination of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin maintains a healthy coat
- OPTIMAL STOOL: Highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources help reduce amount of stools and stool odor
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED SHIH TZUS: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 8 weeks to 10 months old
- SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble shape is designed for a Shih Tzu’s short muzzle and underbite
- HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT: Helps protect puppy development of their immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E
- SKIN AND COAT: Promotes healthy skin and maintains a Shih Tzu’s growing, long coat with specific nutrients
- OPTIMAL STOOL: High-quality proteins and prebiotics for your small breed’s digestive health helps reduce amount of stools and stool odor
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED SHIH TZUS: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 10 months and older
- SPECIALIZED KIBBLE: Unique kibble shape is designed for a small breed’s short muzzle and underbite
- SKIN SUPPORT: Promotes healthy skin and coat with an exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A
- COAT HEALTH: A combination of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and biotin maintains a healthy coat
- OPTIMAL STOOL: Highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources help reduce amount of stools and stool odor
- Small Breed Dog Food – This dry dog food small breed kibble features high-quality protein and a bite-sized dog kibble perfect for small dogs like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Yorkies, and Dachshunds. Great for adult dogs and toy breeds with tiny teeth
- Real Lamb First Ingredient – This high protein dog food is made with real pasture-raised lamb as the #1 ingredient to support strong muscles, energy levels, & meaty flavor for picky eaters. A flavorful choice of healthy lamb dog food for small breeds
- Grain & Gluten Free – Free from grains, gluten, soy, corn or artificial preservatives, this grain free dog food small breed kibble is ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. It's a great small bites dog food for extra skin & digestion support
- Digestion & Gut Health Support – With 90 million probiotics per pound, this small dog food dry kibble has probiotics to help maintain healthy digestion & gut flora, plus fiber to support nutrient absorption—great for sensitive stomach dog food needs
- Immune, Skin & Coat Support – With omega fatty acids, vitamins & NutrientBoost, this dog food for small dogs promotes immune, skin & coat health. Ideal dry dog food for small dogs, senior small breed dog food & healthy dog food for small dogs
- DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and eye development
- High quality protein to fuel growing muscles and active play
- Balanced minerals to support growing bones and teeth
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
- #1 Veterinarian Recommended
- REAL CHICKEN FIRST: This Blue Buffalo dry dog food is made with real, high quality chicken as the #1 ingredient
- HIGH QUALITY NATURAL FOOD: BLUE's natural dry dog food is made with premium ingredients and contains no chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat or soy
- SUPPORTS higher SMALL BREED ENERGY LEVELS: Contains essential proteins and carbs to support higher energy requirements of small breed dogs
- CONTAINS IMMUNITY-BOOSTING LIFESOURCE BITS: LifeSource Bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
- Contains: One (1) 5-lb trial-size bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Chicken and Brown Rice Flavor
- FORMULATED FOR PUREBRED SHIH TZUS: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Wet Dog Food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus 10 months and older
- TASTY LOAF IN SAUCE: Adult dog food featuring Loaf in Sauce for a paté that appeals to a Shih Tzu’s appetite and is easy for them to eat
- SKIN SUPPORT: Supports skin health and promotes a healthy coat with an exclusive complex of nutrients including EPA, DHA, and vitamin A
- HEART HEALTH: Targeted levels of sodium, taurine, and L-carnitine for healthy cardiac function promote heart health
- COMPLETE AND BALANCED: Canned dog food can be fed alone or mixed with Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Chicken is the #1 ingredient in this High-Protein Blue Buffalo puppy food
- ESSENTIAL NUTRITION FOR PUPPIES: This puppy dog food supports cognitive development with DHA, and it provides energy for growth and play
- IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT: High protein dry dog food that contains exclusive, antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
- HEALTHY, WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: This Blue Buffalo dog food is made with no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and no corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains: One (1) 4-lb bag of Baby BLUE Healthy Growth Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe
Choosing the Best Food for Your Shih Poo: A Simple Buying Guide
Shih Poos are adorable, small dogs with big personalities. They often have sensitive stomachs and unique dental needs due to their small mouths. Finding the right food helps keep them happy and healthy. This guide gives you the pointers you need to pick the best kibble or wet food for your furry friend.
Key Features to Look For in Shih Poo Food
When you shop, check the label for these important things:
- Small Kibble Size: Shih Poos have small jaws and teeth. Large kibble pieces are hard for them to chew. Small, bite-sized pieces prevent choking and make eating easy.
- High-Quality Protein Source: The first ingredient listed should be a named meat, like “Chicken,” “Lamb,” or “Salmon.” This gives your dog the energy they need.
- Digestibility: Look for foods made for small breeds or those with sensitive digestion. Easy-to-digest ingredients mean less tummy upset.
- Omega Fatty Acids: These healthy fats help keep their long, silky coat shiny and reduce dry, itchy skin.
Important Ingredients to Seek Out
Good food uses ingredients that truly help your Shih Poo thrive.
Proteins: Real meat is best. Avoid foods where “meat by-products” are the first ingredient. Good sources include deboned chicken, turkey meal, or fish.
Healthy Carbs and Fiber: Complex carbohydrates provide steady energy. Look for things like sweet potatoes, brown rice, or peas. Fiber helps keep their digestion regular.
Vitamins and Minerals: These support the immune system and overall health. Many quality foods add things like antioxidants (like Vitamin E) for cell protection.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Quality
The ingredients list tells the whole story about quality.
What Improves Quality?
- Named Meat as the First Ingredient: This shows the food has substantial, quality protein.
- Natural Preservatives: Ingredients like Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) keep the food fresh without harsh chemicals.
- Added Probiotics: These “good bacteria” support gut health, which is crucial for many small dogs.
What Reduces Quality?
- Artificial Colors and Flavors: These are unnecessary and offer no nutritional value. Avoid “Red 40” or “Yellow 5.”
- Excessive Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy are often used to bulk up the food cheaply. While not always harmful, they offer less nutrition than meat or whole grains.
- Chemical Preservatives: BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin are cheap preservatives that some owners prefer to avoid for long-term feeding.
User Experience and Use Cases
How the food works in real life matters.
For Puppies: Shih Poo puppies grow fast! They need food specifically labeled for “Puppies” or “All Life Stages.” This food has extra calories and nutrients for growth.
For Picky Eaters: Some Shih Poos are fussy. Try wet food or kibble that has a strong, appealing smell (often achieved through high-quality fish oils) to encourage them to eat.
For Sensitive Stomachs: If your dog often has loose stool or gas, switch to a limited-ingredient diet (LID) or a grain-free option made with novel proteins (like duck or venison) until you find something that agrees with them.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shih Poo Food
Q: What is the best protein source for a Shih Poo?
A: The best protein source is a named meat like deboned chicken, salmon, or turkey listed first on the ingredient label.
Q: Should I feed my Shih Poo grain-free food?
A: It depends. Grain-free food is good if your dog has a specific grain allergy. Otherwise, high-quality grains like brown rice or oats are fine sources of energy.
Q: How often should I feed my adult Shih Poo?
A: Most adult Shih Poos do well eating twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening.
Q: What size kibble is right for this breed?
A: Look for “small breed” formulas. The kibble pieces should be small enough for your dog to easily pick up and chew without struggle.
Q: Why is my Shih Poo always hungry even after eating?
A: This might mean the food lacks enough filling protein or fiber. Check the guaranteed analysis to ensure the protein percentage is high enough (around 25% or more for adults).
Q: Can I mix wet food with dry kibble?
A: Yes! Mixing a small spoonful of wet food with dry kibble can make the meal more appealing, especially for picky eaters.
Q: What ingredients should I absolutely avoid?
A: Avoid artificial colors, artificial flavors, and chemical preservatives like BHA or BHT if possible.
Q: How long does it take to switch to a new food?
A: You must switch slowly over seven to ten days. Mix a little new food with the old food each day to prevent stomach upset.
Q: Is food for small breeds necessary?
A: Yes, small breed formulas are usually better because they have the correct calorie density and smaller kibble size for the Shih Poo.
Q: What about dental health in their food?
A: Look for kibble designed to clean teeth slightly as they chew. Some brands add ingredients that help control tartar buildup.