Top Shih Tzu-Approved Brands for Tail-Wagging Joy!

Shih Tzus are known for their distinctive appearance and vibrant personalities, making them a beloved choice for many dog enthusiasts. Finding the best brands that cater to their unique needs can ensure their coat remains luxurious and their health is well-maintained. From nutritious food options tailored for their sensitive tummies to grooming products that help maintain their luscious locks, the market is brimming with choices. Below, we've compiled a list of top-rated brands that have consistently delivered quality products for your furry friend.

Illustration of shih tzu

Best brands of shih tzu in 2025

Royal Canin

Royal Canin is a highly regarded brand for Shih Tzu nutrition, known for its breed-specific formulas that cater to the unique needs of this breed. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian Jean Cathary, Royal Canin operates 12 production facilities worldwide, ensuring fresh and high-quality pet food. Their Shih Tzu puppy food, for example, contains about 25% protein and is formulated with EPA, DHA, and vitamin A to support skin, coat, and digestive health. The kibble is specially designed for the Shih Tzu's brachycephalic jaw, making it easy to pick up and chew. Royal Canin's products are recommended by veterinarians and trusted by pet owners for their nutritional value and health benefits. Learn more about their Shih Tzu puppy food.

Hill's Science Diet

Hill's Science Diet is a highly regarded brand for Shih Tzu owners, offering tailored nutrition that supports the specific needs of small and mini breeds. Their formulas, such as the Adult 7+ Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, are designed to support energy levels, luxurious coats, and overall health. These foods are made with high-quality ingredients from North America, Europe, and New Zealand, exceeding industry standards for purity and nutrient content. Hill's Science Diet also contributes to the well-being of shelter pets, helping to feed over 100,000 homeless pets daily. With their breakthrough nutrition and strict quality control, Hill's Science Diet is a reliable choice for Shih Tzu owners. For more information, visit their official website.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo is a highly recommended brand for Shih Tzus, known for its high-quality, natural ingredients and comprehensive nutritional profiles. The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, for instance, features fresh deboned chicken, chicken meal, and fish meal, providing 32% protein, 19% fat, and 41% estimated carbs, making it an excellent choice for small-breed puppies. The brand has seen significant growth, increasing its market share from 2.8% to 8.5% in the food, drug, and mass market channels between 2018 and 2019. Blue Buffalo's products, such as the BLUE Basics Turkey and Potato Recipe, are formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards and include exclusive LifeSource Bits for enhanced antioxidant and vitamin content. With a strong commitment to quality and expansion plans, including a $200 million investment in Indiana operations, Blue Buffalo continues to be a leader in the pet food industry. Discover more about the best dog foods for Shih Tzus.

Wellness Core

Wellness Core is highly regarded as one of the best dog food brands for Shih Tzus, offering a range of grain-free and grain-inclusive formulas that are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. The brand features an average protein content of 38-39.2% and a mean fat level of 16-17.2%, indicating a significant amount of meat in their recipes. Their products, such as the Wellness Core Grain Free and Wellness Core with Wholesome Grains, have earned 5-star ratings from The Dog Food Advisor. These formulas are free from meat by-products, fillers, and artificial preservatives, making them a healthy choice for small breed dogs. The smaller kibble size in their small breed formulas is particularly beneficial for Shih Tzus.

Orijen

Orijen, a renowned brand under Champion Petfoods, is highly regarded for producing high-quality dog food, making it an excellent choice for Shih Tzus. Known for its biologically appropriate nutrition, Orijen dog food contains 85% animal ingredients, aligning with the natural diet of dogs. In 2021, the company generated $200 million in revenue, highlighting its strong market presence. Orijen's formulas, such as the Original Dog Food, meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, ensuring comprehensive nutrition for dogs of all life stages. With a focus on whole prey animal ingredients, Orijen caters to the health and well-being of pets, making it a preferred choice among pet owners.

Nutro Ultra

Nutro Ultra is a top-tier brand for pet owners, particularly those with Shih Tzus, due to its high-quality ingredients and nutrient-rich recipes. This brand stands out with its Ultra line, which features real chicken as the #1 ingredient and a trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon, ensuring strong muscles and a lean body for puppies. With a guaranteed analysis of at least 25% crude protein and 14% crude fat, Nutro Ultra supports healthy whole-body health, including immunity, skin and coat health, and healthy digestion. Introduced as the premium offering from Nutro, the Ultra line is known for its absence of chicken by-product meal, artificial flavors or colors, and artificial preservatives, making it a trusted choice since its inception. This commitment to quality ensures that your Shih Tzu receives the best possible nutrition. Learn more about Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food.

Merrick

Merrick is a highly recommended brand for Shih Tzus, offering high-protein formulas such as Merrick Lil' Plates, which contains 44% protein, 17% fat, and 31% estimated carbs, along with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy skin and joints. This brand is known for its convenient, single-serving trays and inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics for digestion. Merrick dog foods are produced in the United States, with most recipes manufactured at their company-owned facilities in Hereford, Texas. Despite a slight decline in market share over the past five years, Merrick remains an above-average choice, earning a 4.5-star rating from the Dog Food Advisor. The brand's commitment to quality ingredients and balanced nutrition makes it a top pick for Shih Tzu owners. For more detailed insights and recommendations for Shih Tzu dog foods, visit Dog Food Advisor's dedicated page.

Eukanuba

Eukanuba is a reputable brand that offers customized nutrition for dogs, including Shih Tzus, with a product line featuring above-average protein content of around 29%, near-average fat levels of 17%, and below-average carbohydrates of about 46%. This profile indicates a significant amount of meat in their kibble, making it a suitable choice for many dog owners. Eukanuba's formulas are free from plant-based protein boosters and are designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of different life stages and breed sizes. For example, their puppy formulas, such as Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed, are highly rated with a 5-star rating and meet AAFCO standards.

Taste of the Wild

Taste of the Wild is a highly regarded brand for Shih Tzu owners, offering high-quality, grain-free formulas that mimic the natural diet of wild animals. With an average protein content of 44.4% and a fat level of 19.4%, their recipes are rich in animal ingredients like bison, venison, and trout. Introduced in 2007, the brand is part of Diamond Pet Foods and is known for avoiding artificial and anonymous ingredients, instead using natural preservatives and chelated minerals for better nutrient absorption. The brand's canned dog food line, in particular, features a dry matter protein reading of 44.4% and is highly rated, with an average of 5 stars across its recipes. This makes Taste of the Wild an excellent choice for Shih Tzus, especially those with grain sensitivities. For more information, you can explore their detailed review on Dog Food Advisor.

Canidae Pure

Canidae Pure is highly regarded as one of the best dog food brands for Shih Tzus, offering an average protein content of 32% and a mean fat level of 15%, with a carbohydrate content of around 45% in their grain-free formulas. This brand features 11 recipes with ratings ranging from 4.5 to 5 stars, indicating high quality and nutritional value. The ingredients include significant amounts of meat, such as real salmon, lamb, and chicken, making it an excellent choice for dogs requiring a balanced diet. The brand's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients and small-batch production enhances its appeal. With no recent recalls and positive feedback from pet owners, Canidae Pure stands out as a reliable option. For more details, read Canidae Pure grain-free dry dog food review.