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6 Best Foods For Shih Tzu Puppies 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dry Dog Food with Grains, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Turkey, For Dogs Up to 25 lbs. (Puppy, Turkey, Salmon & Oatmeal, 4-Pound Bag)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,167
Nutritional Balance
Kibble Size
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
12750 reviews

Nutritional Balance
The ingredient list is impressive. Real turkey as the first ingredient, complemented by salmon and oatmeal, provides a balanced blend of protein, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins.
Kibble Size
Perfect for our two ten-pound gals. This is fairly priced for such excellent quality.
Ingredients Quality
The ingredient list is impressive. Real turkey as the first ingredient, complemented by salmon and oatmeal, provides a balanced blend of protein, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins.
Digestibility
Our pups have been absolutely loving it, which is saying something for the picky eaters in the bunch.
Life Stage Appropriateness
My dog has been eating this food brand since he was 8 weeks old. It is always fresh and good quality.

The Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Dry Dog Food is designed specifically for small breed puppies like Shih Tzus. It features a nutritionally dense formula with ingredients like turkey, salmon, and oatmeal, providing a balanced diet for whole body health. The small kibble size is perfect for tiny mouths, making it easier for puppies to chew and digest.

Its high-quality, natural ingredients are carefully selected to ensure optimal health, with no corn, wheat, or soy, reducing the risk of common allergens. This ensures the food is suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. Additionally, the food is fortified with probiotics for digestive health, antioxidants for immune support, vitamins for eyes and teeth, and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, addressing multiple aspects of puppy health comprehensively.

However, being a premium product, it might be on the pricier side compared to other brands. Also, while it includes grains, which are beneficial for most puppies, it may not be ideal for those specifically requiring a grain-free diet. The 4-pound bag size might also be relatively small for growing puppies, requiring frequent purchases. This dog food provides excellent nutritional value, focusing on quality ingredients and puppy wellness.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,167
Nutritional Balance
Kibble Size
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
12750 reviews

Nutritional Balance
The ingredient list is impressive. Real turkey as the first ingredient, complemented by salmon and oatmeal, provides a balanced blend of protein, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins.
Kibble Size
Perfect for our two ten-pound gals. This is fairly priced for such excellent quality.
Ingredients Quality
The ingredient list is impressive. Real turkey as the first ingredient, complemented by salmon and oatmeal, provides a balanced blend of protein, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins.
Digestibility
Our pups have been absolutely loving it, which is saying something for the picky eaters in the bunch.
Life Stage Appropriateness
My dog has been eating this food brand since he was 8 weeks old. It is always fresh and good quality.
#2

Wellness Natural Pet Food CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Natural Ingredients, Made in USA with Real Meat (Puppy ,Turkey, 12-Pound Bag)

Rating
9.8
Nutritional Balance
Kibble Size
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
5772 reviews

Nutritional Balance
I would not have believed that a dog food could make this much difference; my little dog no longer has weepy eyes, has lost a little weight, and plays like a dog half her age.
Kibble Size
The food is really small bites for the smaller dogs, which is important.
Ingredients Quality
Paying the extra money for a quality food is definitely worth it; cheap dog food is not worth it, why not feed your dog the best?
Digestibility
She loves this food, gobbles it down; no more mixing in canned food to get her to eat.
Allergen Considerations
This food is top-notch; I've noticed a major difference with no more dandruff or dry skin and some allergies went away.

The Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Small Breed Dry Dog Food appears to be a strong choice for Shih Tzu puppies. It offers a grain-free formula, which can be beneficial for dogs with grain sensitivities. The main ingredient is high-quality, responsibly sourced turkey, which contributes to muscle development with 53% protein content. This is essential for the lean body mass of active puppies. The food also supports health with DHA for brain development, antioxidants for the immune system, probiotics for digestion, and calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. The absence of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives further enhances its appeal for pet owners concerned about allergens and ingredient quality.

The kibble size is designed for small breeds, making it suitable for Shih Tzu puppies. However, the product's premium quality and benefits come at a higher price point. Additionally, while it is nutritionally balanced for puppies, those with specific dietary restrictions might need to consult a vet before switching to this diet. The food is made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, ensuring quality control.

For Shih Tzu puppies and other small breeds, this dog food offers a well-rounded, nutritious option, though cost and specific dietary needs should be considered.

Rating
9.8
Nutritional Balance
Kibble Size
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
5772 reviews

Nutritional Balance
I would not have believed that a dog food could make this much difference; my little dog no longer has weepy eyes, has lost a little weight, and plays like a dog half her age.
Kibble Size
The food is really small bites for the smaller dogs, which is important.
Ingredients Quality
Paying the extra money for a quality food is definitely worth it; cheap dog food is not worth it, why not feed your dog the best?
Digestibility
She loves this food, gobbles it down; no more mixing in canned food to get her to eat.
Allergen Considerations
This food is top-notch; I've noticed a major difference with no more dandruff or dry skin and some allergies went away.
#3

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Oatmeal 15-lb

Rating
9.6
Nutritional Balance
Kibble Size
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
4651 reviews

Nutritional Balance
Quality ingredients and nutrition rating, highly approved by vet.
Kibble Size
Tiny kibble perfect for small mouths and teeth.
Ingredients Quality
Healthy ingredients that dogs love.
Life Stage Appropriateness
Puppies eat this right up - it stood out among several brands.

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is specially designed for small breed puppies like Shih Tzus. It starts with real chicken as the primary ingredient, ensuring high-quality protein intake, which is crucial for growth. The recipe also includes oatmeal, contributing to balanced nutrition that supports energy needs and cognitive development with DHA.

The kibble size is small enough for little mouths, making it easier for Shih Tzu puppies to chew and digest their food comfortably. Additionally, it incorporates antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for immune system support, which is beneficial for growing puppies. The formula avoids common allergens such as corn, wheat, and soy, making it suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs or specific dietary restrictions.

It's important to note that while the food is formulated for small breed puppies, individual needs may vary, and adjustments might be necessary to maintain optimal body condition. The packaging highlights the essential ingredients and benefits, although the imagery may differ slightly from the physical packaging. This 15-lb bag could be a good choice for Shih Tzu puppies, particularly for those needing a well-rounded diet to support their early development stages.

Rating
9.6
Nutritional Balance
Kibble Size
Ingredients Quality

Most important from
4651 reviews

Nutritional Balance
Quality ingredients and nutrition rating, highly approved by vet.
Kibble Size
Tiny kibble perfect for small mouths and teeth.
Ingredients Quality
Healthy ingredients that dogs love.
Life Stage Appropriateness
Puppies eat this right up - it stood out among several brands.

Buying Guide for the Best Foods For Shih Tzu Puppies

Choosing the right food for your Shih Tzu puppy is crucial for their growth, health, and overall well-being. Puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs, and Shih Tzus, in particular, have specific dietary requirements due to their small size and unique characteristics. When selecting food for your Shih Tzu puppy, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure they receive the proper nutrients for healthy development.
Nutritional BalanceNutritional balance refers to the right mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the food. This is important because a balanced diet supports your puppy's growth, energy levels, and overall health. Look for foods labeled as 'complete and balanced' by reputable organizations. For Shih Tzu puppies, ensure the food has a good amount of protein (around 22-32%) and fat (around 8-20%) to support their active lifestyle and growth.
Kibble SizeKibble size is the size of the dry food pieces. This is important for Shih Tzu puppies because they have small mouths and can struggle with larger kibble. Small-sized kibble is easier for them to chew and digest. When choosing food, look for products specifically designed for small breeds or puppies, as these will have appropriately sized kibble.
Ingredients QualityIngredients quality refers to the source and type of ingredients used in the food. High-quality ingredients are important because they provide better nutrition and are easier for your puppy to digest. Look for foods with named meat sources (like chicken or lamb) as the first ingredient, and avoid foods with fillers like corn, soy, or by-products. Natural preservatives and whole food ingredients are also preferable.
DigestibilityDigestibility is how easily your puppy can break down and absorb the nutrients from the food. This is important because better digestibility means your puppy gets more nutrition from less food, leading to better health and less waste. Foods with high-quality proteins, prebiotics, and probiotics can improve digestibility. If your puppy has a sensitive stomach, look for foods labeled as 'easily digestible' or 'for sensitive stomachs.'
Allergen ConsiderationsAllergen considerations involve being aware of any potential food allergies your puppy might have. This is important because food allergies can cause discomfort and health issues. Common allergens include grains, certain proteins, and artificial additives. If your puppy shows signs of allergies (like itching, digestive issues, or ear infections), consider a hypoallergenic or grain-free formula, and consult your vet for advice.
Life Stage AppropriatenessLife stage appropriateness means choosing food that is specifically formulated for puppies. This is important because puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs. Puppy food is designed to support growth and development with higher levels of protein, fat, and certain vitamins and minerals. Always choose food labeled for puppies or 'all life stages' to ensure your Shih Tzu gets the right nutrients.

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