Feeding a Shih Tzu: Small Breed, Long Coat and Appetite
The Shih Tzu is a small companion dog of 4 to 8 kg, short-muzzled and long-coated, often sedentary and greedy. Its feeding has three goals: keeping the waistline, nourishing a demanding coat and making eating easy despite a flat face. The quality of fatty acid and protein intake directly affects skin and coat condition, as research on canine skin nutrition reminds us (research on Google Scholar). Our benchmarks are in the dog food section.
A small dog's ration, kept in check
Plan on roughly 70 to 130 g of kibble per day for a 5 to 7 kg adult, in two meals. Not very active, the Shih Tzu gains weight fast: weigh the ration and strictly limit extras. Excess weight tires the joints and worsens the breathing discomfort of a short-faced dog.
Suitable kibble and a supported coat
Choose a small kibble, easy to grab with a short muzzle. A food rich in quality protein and in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids supports the shine of the long coat. Regular brushing remains essential alongside: diet nourishes the coat, it does not replace grooming.
Tear stains and a clean face
Tear stains under the eyes are common in the Shih Tzu. Clean water, a stainless steel or ceramic bowl rather than plastic and a digestible diet can reduce staining, without miracles. The same demand for sobriety appears in other small breeds, as in our feeding a Lhasa Apso.
Frequently asked questions
What kibble size for a Shih Tzu?
Small, round or in a shape suited to short muzzles, so it can grasp it effortlessly.
How do you keep it from gaining weight?
Weighed ration, two fixed meals, counted treats and daily, even moderate, activity.
Does diet affect tear stains?
Partly: hydration, a non-plastic bowl and healthy digestion all help. See the Shih Tzu profile and the dog hub.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.