In Overview: Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu
Hey Shih Tzu enthusiasts!
Ready to discover the ideal nutrition for your Shih Tzu? With the help of RCVS Certified Veterinary Advisor, Alex Crowe, we’ve curated the finest options for the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus.
Ensure your playful and affectionate companion flourishes with nutrition tailored to support their distinctive personality and overall well-being!
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– The Paw Paw Pick –
Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grainsd
– The Paw Paw Pick –
Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains​
- 77% animal-based protein provides amino acids that support lean muscle mass and healthy heart.
- Made without pea and potato protein powders.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
- Includes probiotics for digestive and immune system health.
- Formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
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Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free​
Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free​
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- Made from fresh, human-grade meat & vegetables
- Vet-formulated to exceed AAFCO standards
- Four recipe options made in USDA-approved kitchens
- Two week trial plan available
- Free shipping & edit your subscription any time
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Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain​
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain​
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- The #1 ingredient in this high protein, limited carbohydrate, and low fiber all life stage dog food is lamb.
- 90% of protein is from quality animal sources.
- It’s a low glycemic formula so it’s a great option for pets that need a food that won’t spike blood sugar.
- Contains no whole peas, legumes, meals or by-products.
- Food vitamins retain their freshness through a coating system that allows them to be included post cooking.
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Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein​
Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein​
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- This delicious soft paté features real chicken as the first ingredient plus lamb, whitefish, and a vibrant medley of nutritious superfoods.
- Crafted with real, high-quality ingredients sourced from Nutro’s network of farmers and suppliers.
- Formulated without chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial additives, or grains, though trace amounts may be present due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing.
- Serve this scrumptious wet food on its own, or use it as a dry food topper to help keep mealtime fun.
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Castor & Pollux PRISTINE Grain-Free​
★★★★★ 4.8/5
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Overview
Our top choice for the best budget-friendly dog food for Shih Tzu is Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Small Breed. This kibble offers excellent quality without breaking the bank. Its main ingredient is deboned turkey, providing a rich source of protein and essential amino acids, followed by chicken meal to further enhance the protein content.
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This formula is designed to meet AAFCO’s Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance, making sure that it provides the best dog food for Shih Tzu. The inclusion of healthy grains and a balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids contributes to healthy skin and a shiny coat. There are added probiotics to support digestion and boost immune health.
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While this dog food receives many positive reviews, it’s not uncommon to find picky eaters who may be reluctant to embrace the kibble, a common issue seen in many dog food reviews. If you’re looking for a cost-effective and healthy option for your Shih Tzu, Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Small Breed is the best dog food for Shih Tzu.
Pros
- Affordable
- Deboned turkey is the first ingredient
- Meets AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profile for Maintenance
- Added probiotics for healthy digestion and immunity
- A balanced blend of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health
Cons
- Some pickier eaters may not eat the kibble
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Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe
★★★★★ 4.6/5
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Overview
Castor & Pollux Pristine is a wet dog food specially made for small breeds, boasting responsibly sourced, high-quality ingredients. What makes this recipe one of the best dog food for Shih Tzuis grass-fed free-range beef, raised without any antibiotics or hormones.
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The vegetables used in this food are grown in an environmentally conscious manner, free from synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides. It’s a grain-free formula, devoid of corn, soy, wheat, or gluten. It’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian to make sure that grain-free food is necessary and suitable for your dog’s specific needs.
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To maintain natural goodness, Castor & Pollux refrain from including any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors in their foods. While it may come with a bit higher price tag, the company has earned a good reputation in the dog food industry.
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When it comes to finicky eaters, you’re in luck with the Pristine wet food as it’s highly appetizing and palatable, so mealtime should be a breeze for your dog.
Pros
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors
- Ideal for picky eaters
- Real grass-fed beef is the first ingredient
- No synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides used to grow ingredients
Cons
- Expensive
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Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain​
★★★★★ 4.4/5
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Overview
The Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Puppy recipe is one of the best dog food for Shih Tzu, making sure they receive the right food for their growth and development. This food impressively contains 90 percent protein directly sourced from animals.
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The top two ingredients, lamb and dehydrated lamb provide an exceptional protein source rich in essential amino acids. The inclusion of chicken fat is essential for cognitive development, and the recipe proudly excludes any by-products.
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This formula doesn’t contain ingredients such as peas, potatoes, or legumes, which have raised concerns due to the FDA’s investigation into a possible link between canine DCM and grain-free diets containing these elements. Instead, the grains used in this food are limited and boast a lower glycemic index.
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Apart from a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, the recipe incorporates herring oil and dried whole eggs, offering substantial nutritional benefits. It’s important to know that these ingredients, while nutritionally valuable, may lead to some gas in your dog, but it is still one of the best dog food for Shih Tzu.
Pros
- Uses GMO-free grains
- 90 percent of protein comes from animal source
- The first two ingredients are lamb and dehydrated lamb
- Rich in protein and fat for proper growth and development
Cons
- May cause gas
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Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein​
★★★★★ 4.2/5
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Value For Money
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Overview
Nutro’s Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein is a wet food pate that garners recommendations from veterinary professionals. This best dog food for Shih Tzu is rich in moisture and carefully made with a blend of healthy ingredients. The first five ingredients are chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, lamb, and whitefish, highlighting its commitment to quality animal protein sources.
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What makes this recipe one of the best dog food for Shih Tzu is its commitment to avoiding GMOs, chicken by-product meals, and artificial additives. Alongside the premium animal protein sources, it features a medley of superfoods and a healthy mix of vital vitamins, nutrients, and fiber.
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This formula is grain-free, omitting corn, wheat, soy, and other grains. It’s essential to make sure that grain-free food meets your dog’s dietary requirements. As for customer feedback, some have noted that this food may be drier compared to your typical wet food and may stiffen when refrigerated.
Pros
- Quality proteins in the top ingredients
- Rich in moisture
- Made without GMOs and chicken by-products
- No artificial additives
- Made with a blend of healthy superfoods
Cons
- Drier than other wet foods
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Your Shih Tzu: A Buyer’s Guide
Before You Buy
When it comes to selecting the best dog food for Shih Tzu, there are some important factors to keep in mind. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make the best decision for your dog.
Conduct Your Research
Before deciding on the best dog food for your Shih Tzu, it’s essential to do some research on the brands you’re considering. Not all dog food companies are equal, and various aspects determine their reputation and trustworthiness.
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Investigate the company’s history, including its years in the industry, any past recalls, and consumer reviews. Take a closer look at the food’s place of origin and the source of its ingredients. This way, you can make sure that the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu suits your dog’s needs.
Read and Understand Labels
We strongly recommend every pet owner familiarize themselves with how to read pet food labels. While it may appear complex initially, understanding these labels can help you make the right decisions regarding your Shih Tzu diet.
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There are valuable resources available to help you grasp the details of dog food labels. check the ingredient list, caloric content, and guaranteed analysis to evaluate how they compare to other options. This step is important in your search for the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu.
Consider Your Budget
As you shop for dog food, it’s important to keep your budget in mind. Providing quality sustenance is an ongoing expense over your dog’s lifespan. Shih Tzu are small dogs, which can help manage overall costs.
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You need not compromise on quality for affordability, as many budget-friendly options still provide good quality food. We strongly discourage opting for low-quality dog foods, as they may lead to health issues down the line, resulting in costly vet bills. After determining your budget, you can narrow down your choices, making the decision-making process more straightforward.
Consult Your Veterinarian
Always remember to consult your veterinarian about your dog’s food. They possess valuable insights into any specific dietary needs your Shih Tzu may have. It’s important to know their advice before making any changes to your dog’s regular diet.
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Your veterinarian is familiar with your dog’s overall health and can offer valuable recommendations. They might even suggest certain brands you hadn’t considered. Your veterinarian’s guidance helps find the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu that guarantees your dog’s health.
Conclusion
the decision ultimately rests in your hands. The reviews from satisfied pet owners are a testament to the quality of these dog food options. The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe stands out as the best dog food for Shih Tzu, offering exceptional quality fresh food.
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If you’re looking for both quality and budget-friendliness, Nulo Frontrunner Ancients Grains is the second best dog food for Shih Tzu. It provides excellent quality without breaking the bank.
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Castor & Pollux, with its sustainably sourced Pristine wet food, offers premium quality that aligns with environmental responsibility, which makes it one of the best dog food for Shih Tzu. For puppies, Farmina N&D’s puppy recipe is an excellent choice to kickstart their nutrition journey on the right path.
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Last but not least, Nutro Ultra Grain Free Trio is not only endorsed by veterinarians but also promises a delectable wet food option that your dog is sure to savor. The choice of the best dog food for Shih Tzu will have a significant impact on your Shih Tzu’s health and happiness.
