Shih Tzu Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Shih Tzu — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Shih Tzu, a small breed hailing from China, sits at #20 on the AKC popularity chart. Bred in the palaces of imperial China for over a thousand years, the Shih Tzu's name means 'lion dog' in Mandarin, referencing its resemblance to the guardian lions of Chinese mythology. As one of the smallest dog breeds, the Shih Tzu has nutritional needs that differ significantly from larger dogs. Small breeds have faster metabolisms per pound of body weight, meaning they need calorie-dense food in smaller, more frequent portions to maintain stable blood sugar and energy. An adult Shih Tzu needs between 271 and 418 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Shih Tzu's daily food intake is typically 0.5–0.3 cups of high-quality kibble, fed in two meals. Adults typically weigh 9 to 16 pounds. Despite their luxurious coat, they are surprisingly solid and muscular underneath all that hair.. At 9–16 lbs with energy level 2/5, Their flat face creates breathing challenges, and their prominent eyes are prone to injuries and dryness. Regular veterinary eye exams are recommended..
Daily Calorie Needs for Shih Tzu
Adult
271-418
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
394
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
241-371
kcal/day
Note: Feeding guidelines are estimates based on standard veterinary formulas. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Feeding Strategy for Shih Tzus
With a calm, low-energy temperament, the Shih Tzu is particularly susceptible to overfeeding. Their daily requirement of 0.7-1.1 cups may seem surprisingly small, but exceeding it regularly leads to weight gain. A weight-management or light formula can help, and measuring every meal with a proper cup — not estimating — is essential for this breed.
Feeding a Flat-Faced Shih Tzu
As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, the Shih Tzu faces unique feeding challenges related to their shortened skull and compromised airways. Eating and breathing compete for the same airway space, making mealtimes potentially stressful. Shih Tzus are more prone to gagging, regurgitation, and aspiration during meals. Additionally, their reduced ability to pant efficiently means they overheat more easily — a concern during and after mealtimes, especially in warm environments.
Shih Tzu Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.4-0.6 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.4-0.6 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Shih Tzu
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 0.7-1.1 cups | 271-418 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1.1-1.7 cans | 271-418 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 3-8 oz | 271-418 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 0.7-1.1 cups
- Calories
- 271-418 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1.1-1.7 cans
- Calories
- 271-418 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 3-8 oz
- Calories
- 271-418 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Shih Tzus
The Shih Tzu has modest exercise needs — 20-30 minutes of gentle walks and indoor play daily is usually sufficient. Because of their low activity level, there is rarely a need to adjust food intake for exercise. The bigger risk is overfeeding a relatively sedentary dog. If your Shih Tzu gets less activity than usual (bad weather, recovery from illness), consider reducing portions by 10%.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Shih Tzus, which are predisposed to Patellar Luxation and Renal Dysplasia. Diet plays a preventive and management role at every life stage. For puppies, controlled growth rate and proper calcium-phosphorus ratios protect developing joints. For adults, maintaining ideal body weight reduces mechanical stress on joints. Specific nutrients can slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation.
Recommended Joint Supplements
Dental Health Through Diet
Small breeds like the Shih Tzu are disproportionately affected by dental disease — their teeth are crowded into a small jaw, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. By age three, an estimated 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease, and small breeds are often affected earlier. Diet can help: the mechanical action of chewing kibble provides some cleaning benefit, and specific dental diets have VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approval for plaque reduction.
- Include dry kibble as at least part of the diet — the chewing action helps scrape plaque
- VOHC-approved dental chews provide clinically proven plaque and tartar reduction
- Avoid feeding exclusively soft/wet food, which offers no mechanical dental benefit
- Raw carrots and apple slices (no seeds) serve double duty as low-calorie treats and natural teeth cleaners
- Schedule professional dental cleanings annually — small breeds often need extractions earlier than larger dogs
Coat & Skin Nutrition
The Shih Tzu's Long Double Coat requires nutritional support from the inside out. Double-coated breeds undergo significant seasonal shedding (known as "blowing coat") in spring and fall, during which nutritional demands for skin and hair production increase. A diet deficient in essential fatty acids, biotin, or zinc will show in the coat quality within weeks — look for dullness, excessive shedding, or dry, flaky skin as early warning signs.
Key Nutrients for Coat Health
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Overfeeding because the Shih Tzu always seems hungry
Some breeds appear perpetually hungry due to genetics or behavior. Stick to measured portions and use low-calorie treats like baby carrots, green beans, or ice cubes. If your Shih Tzu inhales food, try a slow-feeder bowl.
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Shih Tzus eat small quantities, free-feeding makes it impossible to track actual intake and can lead to gradual weight gain. Measure portions and offer meals at consistent times, removing uneaten food after 15-20 minutes.
Skipping joint supplements until problems appear
For breeds predisposed to joint issues, preventive supplementation with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect cartilage before damage occurs. Starting these supplements early — even at 1-2 years old — is more effective than waiting for symptoms.
Giving human food scraps as treats
For a 9-16 lb dog, a single ounce of cheese is equivalent to a person eating an entire hamburger. Table scraps quickly add up to a significant portion of a small breed's daily calories. Stick to dog-appropriate treats sized for small mouths.
Assuming small dogs can eat anything without consequences
Low-energy small breeds like the Shih Tzu gain weight easily. Even 10% over their ideal weight puts strain on joints and organs. Weigh food with a kitchen scale for accuracy — measuring cups can be off by 20% or more.
Shih Tzu-Specific Feeding Tips
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Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Shih Tzus, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Phosphorus Control
Monitor phosphorus levels in food. Ensure adequate hydration. A veterinary renal diet may be recommended if kidney issues develop.
Shih Tzu Ideal Weight
Is your Shih Tzu at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 9–16 lbs (males 9–16, females 7–14). Check these three signs: Ribs: Easily felt with light pressure; not visible but not buried under fat. Waistline: A clear narrowing behind the ribs when viewed from above.
Male Shih Tzu
9-16 lbs
4-7 kg
Female Shih Tzu
7-14 lbs
3-6 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Feeding Guidelines Disclaimer
The feeding recommendations on DosageGuide.com are estimates based on standard veterinary nutrition formulas (RER = 70 × weight^0.75) and general guidelines from AAFCO and veterinary nutrition resources.
Every dog is unique. Actual calorie needs vary based on breed, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, spay/neuter status, and the specific food brand you use. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
These guides are for general reference and do not replace professional veterinary guidance. Adjust portions based on your dog's body condition score and weight trends.