Feeding a Shih Tzu: portions, kibble and budget
Shih Tzu : Allow around 80 to 130 g of kibble per day for a fairly sedentary adult of 4.5 to 8 kg. Its short muzzle makes picking up food harder: kibble shaped for brachycephalic breeds and a shallow bowl make mealtimes easier.
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In short: A small dog of 4.5 to 8 kg with a long, continuously growing coat, a short muzzle and moderate energy. An affectionate, fairly calm flat companion, not very sporty but always close to its people. Its continuously growing coat and short muzzle add up to two budgets: grooming every six to eight weeks and constant heat vigilance, with a harness rather than a collar.
The right daily ration for a Shih Tzu
The baseline for a 4.5 to 8 kg Shih Tzu: 80 to 160 g of complete kibble daily, served in two meals and corrected for age, neutering and activity. The reference is the weight curve: you should feel the ribs without seeing them.
Matching the food to the breed
As a brachycephalic breed, the Shih Tzu struggles to pick up classic round kibble: pieces shaped for short jaws and a wide, shallow bowl genuinely improve mealtime comfort. If it inhales its food, a slow-feed bowl limits vomiting and gulped air — a sore point in flat-faced dogs.
Budget and smart buying
Feeding a Shih Tzu quality food comes to €20-40 a month. The per-kilo price drops with large formats, on three conditions: airtight bin, dry storage, bag finished within six weeks. All our label-reading pointers are on the full Shih Tzu profile.
Frequently asked questions
How much kibble per day for a Shih Tzu?
For an adult of 4.5 to 8 kg: 80 to 160 g a day depending on activity and food, in two meals. Follow the manufacturer’s table and adjust to body condition; your vet has the final say.
Why does my Shih Tzu struggle with a normal bowl?
Its short muzzle makes prehension awkward: a wide, shallow bowl and kibble shaped for brachycephalic breeds solve most of it.
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