Does your little Shih Tzu turn their nose up at just any old snack? You are not alone! These adorable, fluffy companions often have very specific tastes, and finding a treat they truly love can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt.
Choosing the perfect treat for your Shih Tzu is more than just satisfying a craving. Their small size means you need to watch ingredients carefully. Are you worried about choking hazards, or maybe finding something gentle on their sensitive stomachs? Many owners struggle to balance tasty rewards with healthy options that fit their dog’s unique needs. It’s frustrating when you want to spoil them without causing tummy trouble!
Don’t worry; we have done the heavy lifting for you! Inside this guide, we break down exactly what makes a treat ideal for your small friend. You will learn about safe ingredients, perfect portion sizes, and discover some top-rated snacks that your Shih Tzu will beg for. Get ready to become the treat expert your dog deserves!
Top Dog Treats For Shih Tzu Recommendations
- USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified.
- Main ingredient is organic chicken! No wheat, corn, or soy!
- The perfect bite sized training treats made in small batches for freshness, quality, and safety!
- MADE IN THE USA! Buy with confidence! All Healthy Breeds products are made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. All raw materials utilized are of the highest quality and are evaluated for purity and potency prior to use.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog products including health care, grooming, dental care and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our Amazon storefront. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- GRAIN-FREE PUPPY TREATS: These bite-sized, soft puppy training treats are the perfect reward during training sessions or any time you want to thank your dog for good behavior. Puppy bites contain 6 calories per individual treat!
- SUPPORTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: Soft dog treats are crafted with salmon, a healthy source of DHA to promote healthy brain development.
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: These treats for dogs are made with minimal ingredients focused on quality proteins: made with lamb and salmon, with added vitamins specifically for puppies.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Treats for dogs do not contain wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, or artificial colors.
- MADE IN USA: Our dog treats are quality-assured, made in USA, and crafted from the finest globally-sourced ingredients. Treats are tender, healthy, and bite-sized for small, medium, and large dogs of all lifestages, and activity levels.
- USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified.
- Main ingredient is organic beef! No wheat, corn, or soy!
- The perfect bite sized training treats made in small batches for freshness, quality, and safety!
- MADE IN THE USA! Buy with confidence! All Healthy Breeds products are made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. All raw materials utilized are of the highest quality and are evaluated for purity and potency prior to use.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog products including health care, grooming, dental care and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our Amazon storefront. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- CONTAINS: One 40-oz. canister of Milk-Bone MaroSnacks small dog treats with real bone marrow
- CRUNCHY OUTSIDE, MEATY INSIDE: A dog biscuit with a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- ONLY 10 CALORIES EACH: Ideal dog training treats that can also be used as an everyday snack
- MADE WITH CALCIUM: Helps maintain strong teeth and bones
- BAKED WITH LOVE: Produced in Buffalo, New York, USA
- Contains one (1) 25-ounce container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Chicken Recipe With Chicken Breast dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chicken breast
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Loved since 1908
- Chicken First: Pur Luv Jerky Wrapped Dog Treats are jerky dog treats made with Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Real Sweet Potato: The center of these tasty chicken wrapped dog treats is real sweet potato that dogs love, and is good for them too
- Rawhide Free: These chicken jerky dog treats are a 100% rawhide free alternative to traditional rawhide dog chews
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv sweet potato treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Easily Digestible Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken and Sweet Potato chews offer a tasty and easily digestible chicken dog treats
- Highly Palatable with natural pork liver base
- 500 treats per bag!
- Only 1.5 calories per treat
- Clean ingredients with no corn, soy or artificial flavors
- Made with natural bacon
- VET RECOMMENDED FORMULA- A daily nutritional supplement with a synergistic blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!
- TASTY SOFT CHEWS- Our delicious heart shaped soft chews help maintain optimal health in dogs no matter the breed, age or activity level! Easy to administer!
- DIETARY SUPPLEMENT- Perfect to supplement your dog's diet. Helps with skin & coat, digestion, bladder support, and overall health!
- MADE IN USA- Made in FDA, USDA and FSIS Regulated Manufacturing Facilities. All raw materials utilized are of the highest quality and are evaluated for purity and potency prior to use.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog healthcare products, grooming products and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above the title to see our amazon storefront!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Treats for Your Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, charming dogs with big personalities. They love to snack! Finding the right treats helps keep them happy and healthy. This guide helps you pick the perfect bite for your little companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Shih Tzu treats, look for specific things. These features make a big difference in your dog’s health and happiness.
- **Size Matters:** Shih Tzus have small mouths. Treats should be small or easily broken into tiny pieces. Large, hard treats can be a choking hazard.
- **Softness or Crunch:** Older Shih Tzus or those with dental issues need soft, chewy treats. Younger dogs or those needing teeth cleaning enjoy a light crunch.
- **Calorie Control:** These little dogs can gain weight easily. Look for low-calorie options, especially if you give treats often during training.
- **Training Utility:** Treats used for training should be highly motivating and quick to eat. They should not take long for the dog to chew up.
Important Materials in Shih Tzu Treats
What goes into the treat affects your dog’s body. Always check the ingredient list first.
High-quality treats use whole, recognizable ingredients. Good protein sources are often chicken, turkey, or fish. Many owners prefer treats made with real fruits or vegetables like sweet potatoes or blueberries. These add vitamins.
Avoid treats loaded with artificial colors, flavors, or unnecessary preservatives. These chemicals offer no nutritional benefit and might cause stomach upset in sensitive breeds like the Shih Tzu.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality
Treat quality is not always obvious on the front of the bag. You need to read the fine print.
Quality Boosters: Treats that include healthy fats like Omega-3 fatty acids improve coat shine. Single-ingredient treats (like dried liver) often represent high quality because they are simple and easy to digest.
Quality Reducers: Fillers reduce quality. Corn, wheat, and soy are common fillers. While not always dangerous, they offer little nutrition for your dog. If your Shih Tzu has allergies, fillers often cause itching or digestive trouble.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat changes what kind you should buy. Think about when and why you give the treat.
Training Sessions: For quick rewards during obedience training, use very small, soft, high-value treats. The dog must get the reward instantly to link the action with the treat. You want the reward to disappear fast.
Long-Lasting Chews: If you need to keep your Shih Tzu busy while you work, choose a slightly tougher chew stick or a dental chew. Ensure these are appropriately sized so they do not break off into large chunks.
Sensitive Stomachs: Many Shih Tzus have sensitive digestive systems. If your dog has tummy issues, choose limited-ingredient treats or vet-recommended sensitive formulas. Introduce new treats slowly.
Shih Tzu Treat FAQs
Q: What size should treats be for a Shih Tzu?
A: Treats should be small, about the size of your pinky fingernail, or easily broken into tiny pieces. This prevents choking and helps control calories.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for my Shih Tzu?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free is only better if your dog is actually allergic to grains like wheat. If your dog tolerates grains well, a grain-inclusive treat with quality meat is fine. Always check the main ingredients.
Q: How often should I give my Shih Tzu treats?
A: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. Use them sparingly for positive reinforcement, not as meal replacements.
Q: What ingredients should I strictly avoid?
A: Avoid artificial sweeteners like Xylitol (which is highly toxic to dogs). Also, limit treats high in sugar, salt, or artificial dyes.
Q: My Shih Tzu loves crunchy treats. Are they bad for their teeth?
A: Hard, crunchy treats can sometimes help scrape off plaque. However, extremely hard treats (like bone fragments) can break small Shih Tzu teeth. Choose commercially made dental chews designed for small breeds.
Q: Can I give my Shih Tzu human food as treats?
A: Some human foods are safe in moderation, like small pieces of carrot or apple. But never give them grapes, chocolate, onions, or anything high in fat or seasonings.
Q: What is a “high-value” treat?
A: A high-value treat is something your dog loves more than anything else. Trainers use these for difficult training tasks. They are usually smelly or meaty, like freeze-dried liver.
Q: How do I introduce a new brand of treat?
A: Introduce new treats slowly over several days. Give a very small amount first. Watch your dog for any signs of itching, vomiting, or diarrhea. This tells you if the new ingredients agree with them.
Q: Do dental treats really clean teeth?
A: Certain dental chews are proven to reduce tartar buildup when used daily. Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal on the packaging for verified cleaning power.
Q: Are dehydrated meat treats safe for my small dog?
A: Dehydrated meat treats are often excellent because they are high in protein and low in fillers. Just ensure the pieces are soft enough for your Shih Tzu to chew easily without large, hard edges.