Shih Tzu are a popular companion dog breed.
These affectionate and playful dogs are perhaps best known for their identifiable faces.
Dubbed the little “Lion Dog”, the Shih Tzu is the 20th most popular dog in the United States.
It’s no surprise that the Shih Tzu is such a popular dog given they’re suited for apartment or city life.
While the Shih Tzu are considered relatively healthy dogs, they can be prone to some food allergies and food intolerances.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best dog food for Shih Tzu in the USA right now.
We believe in dog food delivery companies that offer balanced and complete meals, free from nasties and additives, comprised of high-quality ingredients, customised to meet your dog’s needs.
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Best Dog Food For Shih Tzu in USA
| Rating | Summary | Website | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nom Nom |
|
• Rip-and-serve meals • Four recipes • Top ingredients | Buy Now | |
| Spot & Tango |
|
• Experienced • 12 ingredients • Eco-friendly | Buy Now | |
| Ollie |
|
• Scooper • Flexibility • Resealable trays | Buy Now |
Shih Tzu Diet
Shih Tzu dogs will benefit from a balanced and complete diet.
The American Kennel Club write on their website that Shih Tzu will do well on a high-quality diet. This could include dry food, wet food, fresh meals and more.
Your Shih Tzu’s diet will depend on your dog’s age, activity level, potential food allergies or intolerances and any other health conditions they may have.
In my experience, I found fresh dog meals that are customised to meet your Shih Tzu’s specific needs to be the best dog food format. Dog food delivery companies use high-quality ingredients in their recipes that don’t contain any of the nasties you may find at your local supermarket.
When you’re deciding upon your preferred type of dog food, you’ll need to take into account how many treats your Shih Tzu gets on a daily basis to ensure you’re not overfeeding your little companion dog.
It’s important to use your dog’s weight as a guide when it comes to deciding portion size. The AKC outline on their website that Shih Tzu should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds.
If your Shih Tzu is at the upper end of the scale or weighs more than 16 pounds, you should speak to your vet to help get your canine’s weight under control.
The dog food delivery companies that we’ll feature in this article can also help with guidance on how much your Shih Tzu should be eating on a daily basis.
Shih Tzu Health Problems
While the Shih Tzu is considered a relatively healthy dog, they’re still prone to some health problems. If you’re thinking about getting a Shih Tzu, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the health concerns associated with the breed.
The AKC write on their website that responsible Shih Tzu breeders should be screening their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and eye conditions.
The American organisation don’t list one of the biggest issues facing dogs in the United States: obesity.
Recent statistics in the USA suggest that up to 56% of dogs in the USA are obese.
You may be surprised to learn that obesity is the biggest pet health threat facing our canine companions.
While exercise plays a part in managing your Shih Tzu’s weight, diet is an even bigger factor. So it’s important you know exactly how much you should be feeding your dog.
That’s where subscribing to a dog food delivery company can help.
They’ll ask Shih Tzu owners to provide key details about their dog, such as age, weight and activity level before they’ll tailor your Shih Tzu’s meal plan accordingly.
1) Nom Nom
Website: www.nomnomnow.com
Arthur with his Nom Nom box (Photo: Nom Nom)
Nom Nom provide real good food for dogs and don’t believe we should ask our pets to eat anything that wouldn’t eat.
They source human-grade ingredients that are cooked, mixed and packed with care before being shipped to your door.
Nom Nom use a certified veterinary nutritionists to create their recipes, ensuring that your Shih Tzu will get all the necessary minerals in their diet.
Nom Nom promise on their website that you’ll start to see a difference within two weeks, while they’ll help your Shih Tzu reach their weigh goals by the third month.
The Pros
• High-quality ingredients
• Four recipes
• Formulated by certified vet nutritionist
• Pre-portioned meal pouches
• Home delivery
• 50% off your first order – click here
The Cons
• Premium price
• You can only order from their website
What Dog Owners Are Saying
Nom Nom receive an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 based upon over 1,000 reviews on independent review website Trustpilot.
One Shih Tzu owner was delighted with the impact of Nom Nom.
So far, so good. Deliveries have come as promised, and in good, frozen condition. I have always been in search of the perfect food for all of our babies, and I gotta believe I found it. Our Shih Tzu LOVES IT!! Just hope it continues. We’re only in our third week, but I feel we can already see a change in his coat. Looking forward to more positive changes.
Ana had an extremely positive experience with Nom Nom.
I have a two-year-old (adorable) Shih-Tzu who has had food sensitivities from the first day. I’ve tried everything recommended to me in order to combat the runny stool he had several times a day (veterinary brands, grain-free, allergy specific) and nothing worked. I was anxious to find a steady diet for him that he tolerated well. I was skeptical to try what I considered at the time to be a “wet food” … it seemed counterintuitive. However, not only is Nom Nom IRRESISTIBLE to him (he devours it immediately) but finally his stool is firm and less frequent. I alternate flavors with each order and he loves them all.
Our Verdict
Nom Nom are an excellent option for Shih Tzu owners looking to ditch the kibble for fresh dog food meals.
They’ll tailor your Shih Tzu’s meals to meet their specific needs, whether they need to gain some pounds or lose some pounds.
Nom Nom have four tasty recipes on offer to cater to even the fussiest Shih Tzu dogs.
You can get 50% off your first order by clicking the link below.
2) Ollie
Website: www.myollie.com
Ollie provide fresh and healthy dog meals (Photo: Ollie)
Ollie are looking to provide Shih Tzu owners with healthy dog food for the long run.
They use quality ingredients in their diets, so no by-products or funky fillers.
By filling out their questionnaire, you’ll enable Ollie to ensure your Shih Tzu gets the exact nutrients they need irrespective of their age or activity levels.
Ollie’s website explains they cook their food in small batches to ensure their high standards are met.
The Pros
• Human-grade food
• Customised meals
• Four recipes
• Starter Box (food storage container and custom scooper)
• Money-Back guarantee
• 50% off your first box – click here
The Cons
• More expensive than regular dog food
• Can only order from their website
What Customers Are Saying
Ollie receive an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 based upon over 500 reviews on independent review website Trustpilot.
Terri revealed that her dog loves eating Ollie.
My little diva dog has a very sensitive stomach. I had used Ollie for my previous dog and he loved it. Turns out so does the diva! No stomach upset and no coercion to get her to eat it!!
Rita shed light on how her dog’s tear stains have improved since feeding Ollie.
Shastina suffered with horrible coughing and leaky eye watering before I switched her food to Ollie. She has not coughed and her eyes are sooo much better since she has been eating Ollie. Thank you, Ollie for cooking up healthy chow!
Our Verdict
Ollie are another option for Shih Tzu owners who want to feed fresh meals to their four-legged friend.
They offer beef, chicken, turkey and lamb recipes that are comprised of quality ingredients.
Ollie will deliver your dog’s food direct to your door so you won’t have to worry about popping to the pet store or supermarket to pick up kibble for your Shih Tzu.
Our readers can get 50% off their first order from Ollie when using the coupon code “HELLOBARK” at checkout. To avail of this offer, click this link and use the “HELLOBARK” discount code.
3) Unkibble by Spot & Tango
Website: www.spotandtango.com
UnKibble by Spot & Tango (Photo: Spot & Tango)
Does your Shih Tzu love their kibble? You can still feed dry food to your little lion dog but provide them with a kibble made from high-quality ingredients.
Spot & Tango believe their Unkibble range is the freshest dry dog food on the market.
They use 100% whole foods contained within recipes that have been developed by vets.
Unkibble doesn’t have an artificial additives, colors or flavors, just real meat and human-grade ingredients.
The Pros
• Human-grade ingredients
• Three recipes
• Easy to read labels
• Personalized scooper
• No retail markup
• No recalls
The Cons
• Unkibble can only be purchased on Spot & Tango’s website
What Customers Are Saying
UnKibble aren’t featured on Trustpilot but they do have a review section on their website. The reviews are predictably glowing but we can take a look any how.
Megan was delighted to see her rescue dog thrive on UnKibble.
We adopted a rescue dog who was struggling to gain weight. After trying different types of dry food we found Spot and Tango. She now gets excited for mealtime and has maintained a healthy weight. Her coat is so shiny and the change to her health is visible We are so thrilled with the quality of this product and will be lifelong customers.
Mary was glad to have finally found UnKibble.
I have tried three other dog food delivery services. Spot and Tango is Millie’s favorite! She is so excited for her meals (and wasn’t with the others). Her coat looks amazing and she has no stinky breath!
Our Verdict
While I don’t feed kibble to my dogs, one of our contributors gave UnKibble a try with great results.
Spot & Tango proudly describe their Unkibble dog food as the freshest dry dog food ever.
There’s no doubt that they include high-quality ingredients in their kibble, while their recipes are cooked in the USDA-certified kitchen.
If you’re confident your Shih Tzu will do better on a dry food diet, UnKibble could be a fresh solution for you.
New Spot & Tango customers can get 50% off their first UnKibble box, which is an offer exclusive to our readers on our website. To get your 50% discount, click here.
Anything Else To Consider?
If you’re thinking about making the switch to a new dog food, you should speak to your vet to get their advice on how to transition your Shih Tzu to their new food.
The dog food delivery companies that we’ve reviewed in this article all provide guidance on how to introduce their balanced and complete dog food into your Shih Tzu’s diet.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. Our articles and the products featured in them are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems for you and/or your pet. It's always best to consult your vet regarding any health issues your pet may have.
Wrapping Up
Funny Shih Tzu dog resting on the bed in bedroom (Photo: Adobe Stock)
We’ve come to the end of our article on the best dog food for Shih Tzus.
Nom Nom provide human-grade meals for Shih Tzu owners in the USA. They carefully cook your dog’s meals in their kitchens to ensure they retain their nutritional goodness.
Ollie ensure their dog food contains high-quality ingredients, while providing Shih Tzu owners with a customizable scooper to allow you to exact portion control.
UnKibble by Spot & Tango represent a great way to feed healthy food to your Shih Tzu in a dry food format.
