Breed-Specific Diet
Shih Tzu Feeding Guide: Short Nose, Picky Eaters, Skin Folds
The Shih Tzu's short nose makes eating difficult, their skin and ears are sensitive, and they are notoriously picky. A practical guide for daily feeding.
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Shih Tzu Feeding Guide: Short Nose, Picky Eaters, Skin Folds
The Shih Tzu is an ancient Tibetan companion dog, specifically bred for companionship and royalty. Three main topics define their dietary needs: brachycephalic (short-nosed) skull, notorious pickiness, and sensitive skin.
Typical Characteristics
- Weight: 8–18 lbs
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
- Activity Level: Low to moderate
- Predispositions: dental crowding and tartar, skin and ear issues, pickiness, obesity, eye sensitivity
1. The Short Nose Affects Eating
Due to their flat face, Shih Tzus have difficulty picking up and chewing their food:
- Smaller, flat kibble is easier to pick up
- Shallow, wide bowls are more comfortable than deep ones
- Wet food or soaked dry food may be easier for many
- Risk of choking with greedy eating: a slow feeder can help
2. Dental Crowding: The Hidden Calorie Trap
Due to crowded teeth in their small jaws, Shih Tzus are among the fastest breeds to develop tartar. Painful gums may appear as pickiness! If your dog suddenly becomes "picky," check their mouth first.
- Daily brushing from puppyhood is recommended
- For tartar-prone dogs, consider veterinary dental food
3. Skin, Coat, Tear Stains
Due to their long fur and facial folds, skin problems are common:
- Omega-3 (EPA+DHA): daily 50–70 mg/kg to support the skin barrier
- If food allergy is suspected (itching, recurrent ear infections), try a limited ingredient or novel protein diet
- Tear stains are partially genetic; avoiding extremely pigmented foods is sensible
4. Picky Eating: A Learned Behavior
Many Shih Tzu owners have "trained" their dogs to prefer better morsels. To reset this behavior:
- Set fixed feeding times, 15–20 minutes, then remove the bowl
- No hand-feeding or food enhancements
- A dog will not get sick from missing one or two meals, but inconsistency will keep them picky
Puppy, Adult, Senior
- Puppy: small breed puppy food, 4 feedings daily until 6 months (risk of hypoglycemia)
- Adult: a 13 lb average activity Shih Tzu needs about 350–420 kcal/day; they gain weight easily due to low activity
- Senior (10+ years): senior small breed formula, increase wet food to protect their teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a picky Shih Tzu eat? First, rule out dental pain. Then establish a fixed feeding schedule with a single high-quality food and no enhancements. Pickiness is often learned and can be reversed with 3–7 days of consistency.
What food is good for a Shih Tzu's skin? A diet rich in Omega-3 (fish-based or supplemented with fish oil) and identifiable protein sources. For suspected allergies, an elimination diet under veterinary supervision is advised.
How much should a Shih Tzu eat daily? For a weight range of 8–18 lbs, approximately 250–450 kcal, depending on activity level. Measure portions, as this breed is low activity and gains weight easily.
Can a Shih Tzu eat dry food with their short nose? Yes, but choose small, flat kibble and monitor if they can pick it up comfortably. If they struggle, soak it or provide wet food alongside.
Why does my Shih Tzu have tear stains? Primarily anatomical (shallow eye sockets) is the cause, not food. Diet matters in that allergic irritation can exacerbate it; high-quality, additive-free food and clean drinking water are recommended.
This information is for informational purposes only and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Enter weight and activity level — 10 seconds and you get the daily portion.
References
No breed-specific clinical trial exists for this topic. The recommendations here are based on general small-animal nutrition standards (FEDIAF, WSAVA, NRC) applied to the risks typical of this breed.
- 1.FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) — Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. FEDIAF, 2024. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.Cline MG, Burns KM, Coe JB, et al. — 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 57(4):153–178, 2021. https://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7232 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 5.Packer RMA, Hendricks A, Tivers MS, Burn CC — Impact of facial conformation on canine health: brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. PLoS ONE 10(10):e0137496, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0137496 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 6.Wallis C, Holcombe LJ — A review of the frequency and impact of periodontal disease in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice 61(9):529–540, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13218 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist