Best Dog Food for Older Shih Tzu: Top Picks for Optimal Health

As dogs age, they require specific nutrition to maintain their health and vitality. This is especially true for Shih Tzus, who are prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, joint pain, and obesity. Choosing the right dog food can make a significant difference in the quality of life for your older Shih Tzu.

When it comes to selecting the best dog food for older Shih Tzus, there are a few critical factors to consider. First, the food should be formulated specifically for senior dogs, with the right balance of nutrients to support their aging bodies. Second, the food should be easy to digest, as older dogs may have more sensitive stomachs. Finally, the food should be made with high-quality ingredients, without any fillers or artificial additives.

We spent hours researching and testing various dog foods to identify the best options for older Shih Tzus. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and explain why they’re the right choice for your furry friend.

Best Dog Food for Older Shih Tzu

As our furry companions age, their dietary needs change. Senior dogs, especially those of the Shih Tzu breed, require a diet that is rich in nutrients to help them maintain their health and vitality. We have researched and tested various dog foods to bring you a list of the best options for your older Shih Tzu. These foods are specifically formulated to support joint health, maintain a healthy weight, and promote overall wellness. Read on to find the perfect food for your furry friend.

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food that is specially formulated for your older Shih Tzu, then Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Tailored nutrition for purebred Shih Tzus
• Promotes healthy skin and coat
• Helps reduce stool volume and odor

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Contains chicken by-product meal
• Not suitable for dogs with chicken allergies

We’ve been using Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food for our senior Shih Tzu, and we’re impressed with the results. The kibble shape and texture are perfect for our dog’s short muzzle and underbite, making it easy for her to pick up and chew.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it’s designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Shih Tzus. The exclusive complex of nutrients reinforces the skin barrier, promotes healthy skin and coat, and gives long coats softness and shine.

We’ve also noticed that our dog’s digestion has improved since switching to this dog food. The highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources help reduce stool volume and odor, which is a big plus for us.

On the downside, this dog food is a bit pricey compared to other options on the market. Additionally, it contains chicken by-product meal, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.

Overall, we highly recommend Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food for anyone looking to provide their older Shih Tzu with tailored nutrition that promotes skin and coat health and aids digestion.

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for a dog food that is specifically designed for your Shih Tzu puppy, then Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering. We have used this product and here is what we think.

Pros

• The exclusive kibble shape is designed to fit the short muzzle and underbite of a Shih Tzu puppy, making it easier to eat.
• The food includes a complex of antioxidants that helps to protect your puppy’s developing immune system and natural defenses.
• The specific nutrients in the food help to support skin health and maintain your Shih Tzu’s growing, long coat.

Cons

• The price of this dog food is on the higher side compared to some other brands.
• The food is only suitable for Shih Tzu puppies aged 8 weeks to 10 months old.
• The product is not available in an adult version in a small bag.

We found that Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for Shih Tzu puppies. The exclusive kibble shape made it easy for our puppy to eat, and the complex of antioxidants helped to protect her immune system. We also noticed that her coat looked shinier and healthier after eating this food regularly.

However, the price of this dog food is a bit steep compared to other brands, and it is only suitable for Shih Tzu puppies aged 8 weeks to 10 months old. Another downside is that the adult version of this food is not available in a small bag.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a dog food that is specifically designed for your Shih Tzu puppy, Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice. It is designed to meet the nutritional needs of your puppy and help support their overall health and well-being.

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food that’s tailor-made for your Shih Tzu, Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is a great option. Our experience with this product has been positive, and we believe that it can benefit your Shih Tzu as well.

Pros

• The kibble shape and texture are designed to make it easy for your Shih Tzu to pick up and chew.
• It contains an exclusive complex of nutrients that reinforce the skin barrier to maintain your Shih Tzu’s skin health.
• The combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources helps reduce stool volume and odor.

Cons

• The food is designed specifically for Shih Tzus, so it may not be the best option if you have other breeds of dogs.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The food is more expensive than some other dog foods on the market.

Our Shih Tzu loves this food, and we’ve noticed that his coat is shinier and softer since we switched to Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food. The kibble shape and texture are perfect for his short muzzle and underbite, and he has no trouble picking up and chewing the food.

We also appreciate that the food helps reduce stool volume and odor. This is a big plus, as we don’t have to worry about cleaning up as much after our dog.

Overall, we recommend Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food for anyone who has a Shih Tzu. The food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of your dog and can help maintain their skin and coat health. While it may be more expensive than some other dog foods, we believe that the benefits are worth the cost.

Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula – 31.1 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that supports your older Shih Tzu’s nutritional needs, Purina ONE’s Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real lamb, which provides high-quality protein to support strong muscles and a healthy heart.
• This formula contains natural sources of glucosamine to support joint health, as well as vitamins A and E to promote bright eyes and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to nourish a shiny coat and healthy skin.
• The prebiotic fiber in this formula helps maintain your dog’s gut health and provides immune support.

Cons

• Some customers have reported issues with the bag ripping during shipping, causing a loss of product.
• This formula may be a bit pricey for some customers.
• While most dogs seem to enjoy the flavor of this formula, some picky eaters may not be as enthusiastic.

We recently tried this dog food with our own older Shih Tzu, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact it had on his health. The lamb and rice formula is easy to digest and provides plenty of energy to keep him active and playful.

One of the things we really appreciated about this formula is the natural sources of glucosamine, which helped support our dog’s joint health and mobility. We also noticed that his coat was shinier and healthier-looking after just a few weeks of eating this food.

While the price point may be a bit higher than some other dog food brands, we think it’s worth the investment for the quality of the ingredients and the positive impact on our dog’s health. Plus, the convenience of having a large bag delivered to our door through Amazon’s subscribe and save program is a huge plus.

Overall, we highly recommend Purina ONE’s Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula for any older Shih Tzu looking for a high-quality, nutritious dog food.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious dog food topper, Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck.
• Mix this dog food in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and ultimate tail wags.
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*.

Cons

• More expensive than other dog food toppers on the market.
• Some customers reported clumping issues.
• Not suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions.

We recently tried out the Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Variety Pack and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Our older shih tzu, who can be picky with her food, loved the added flavor to her dry dog food. We appreciated that this product is made with real, natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

One thing to note is that this product is on the pricier side compared to other dog food toppers on the market. Additionally, some customers reported clumping issues with the product. It’s important to note that this product may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions, so be sure to check with your veterinarian before purchasing.

Overall, we would recommend Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Variety Pack to anyone looking for a nutritious and tasty dog food topper for their older shih tzu.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7 for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Rice Recipe, 5 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a premium dog food that can keep up with your older Shih Tzu’s specific aging needs, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 dry dog food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Provides easy-to-digest ingredients to support the energy -amp; activity levels in adult dogs
• Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong heart and kidney health
• Provides Omega-6s -amp; vitamin E for healthy skin -amp; coat

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
• A bit pricey compared to other dog foods on the market
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary needs or restrictions

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 for our older Shih Tzu for several months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in her energy levels and overall health. The ingredients are easy to digest, and the balanced set of minerals has helped support her heart and kidney health.

One thing to keep in mind is that some dogs may not enjoy the taste of this dog food, so it’s important to introduce it gradually and monitor your dog’s reaction. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other dog foods on the market, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 for senior dogs who need a premium dog food that can support their specific aging needs.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7 for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Brown Rice Recipe, 15 lb. Bag Chicken -amp; Barley 20.63 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your older Shih Tzu, Hill’s Science Diet is a great option. We’ve been using this product for a while now and have been impressed with its results. It provides easy-to-digest ingredients to support the energy and activity levels in adult dogs, and uses a balanced set of minerals to promote strong heart and kidney health.

Pros

• Hill’s Science Diet provides Omega-6s and vitamin E for healthy skin and coat.
• The high-quality protein helps maintain lean muscle in grown dogs.
• Made with natural ingredients, and made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust.

Cons

• Hill’s Science Diet is a little pricey compared to other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may still be hungry after eating this food.
• Availability may be limited in certain pet stores.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet for older Shih Tzus. It has the right balance of nutrients to keep your dog healthy and happy. Our dog loves the taste and we’ve noticed an improvement in his coat since switching to this brand. If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your older Shih Tzu, Hill’s Science Diet is definitely worth considering.

IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food for Mature and Senior Dogs with Real Chicken, 15 lb. Bag Chicken and Whole Grain 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food for Mature and Senior Dogs with Real Chicken. This dog food is an excellent choice for senior dogs as it is formulated to meet their specific nutritional needs.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real, farm-raised chicken, which provides high-quality protein to support muscle maintenance and healthy bones.
• The blend of fiber and prebiotics promotes healthy digestion, which is important for senior dogs.
• The antioxidants in the dog food support a strong immune system, which is essential for senior dogs.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the dog food.
• The kibble size may be too large for some dogs.
• The price may be higher than other dog food brands.

We recently switched our senior Shih Tzu to IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food for Mature and Senior Dogs with Real Chicken, and we have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health and well-being. The dog food is easy for her to digest, and the high-quality ingredients provide her with the nutrition she needs to stay active and healthy.

Our senior Shih Tzu also loves the taste of the dog food, which is important as some senior dogs can become picky eaters. The kibble size is perfect for her, and it doesn’t cause any discomfort or digestive issues.

Overall, we highly recommend IAMS Healthy Aging Adult Dry Dog Food for Mature and Senior Dogs with Real Chicken. It is a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of senior dogs, and it provides them with the nutrition they need to stay healthy and active.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food, 15 lb. Bag (Pack of 1) Chicken -amp; Barley 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dog food that caters to the specific needs of your aging Shih Tzu, Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• The small kibble size is perfect for toy or small breed dogs with aging teeth.
• The easily digestible ingredients help support energy levels and keep a healthy immune system.
• The balanced minerals promote heart and kidney health.

Cons

• This dog food may not be suitable for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
• The price point may be a bit higher compared to other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the chicken flavor.

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for our senior Shih Tzu for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a positive difference in her energy levels and overall health. The small kibble size is perfect for her aging teeth, and she seems to enjoy the chicken flavor. We appreciate that the ingredients are easily digestible and support her immune system.

While the price point may be higher compared to other dog foods on the market, we believe that the quality of the ingredients and the benefits to our dog’s health are worth the investment. However, we do acknowledge that some dogs may not like the chicken flavor, so it’s important to introduce this food gradually to see if your dog likes it.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7 Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley -amp; Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food for aging Shih Tzus who need a specialized diet to support their health.

Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food, 3 oz can (4-pack) Adult Can 12 Ounce (Pack of 4)

If you are looking for a dog food that is specially designed for your Shih Tzu, then Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• This dog food is formulated for purebred Shih Tzus, so you can be sure that your furry friend is getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
• The tasty loaf in sauce is easy for Shih Tzus to eat and is sure to appeal to their appetite.
• This dog food contains nutrients like EPA, DHA, and vitamin A that help promote healthy skin and coat.

Cons

• Some customers have reported that their dogs did not like the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market.
• The cans are small, so you may need to purchase more than you would with other dog foods.

We have been using Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food for several months now, and we have been very happy with the results. Our Shih Tzu loves the taste of the loaf in sauce, and we have noticed that her coat is shinier and healthier-looking since we started using this dog food.

One of the things we like about this dog food is that it is formulated specifically for Shih Tzus. This means that it contains the nutrients that our dog needs to stay healthy, and we don’t have to worry about whether or not she is getting the right nutrition.

Another great thing about this dog food is that it is easy for our Shih Tzu to eat. The loaf in sauce is soft and moist, which makes it easy for her to chew and swallow. We have had problems with other dog foods in the past that were too hard or dry, but we haven’t had any issues with this one.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Wet Dog Food to anyone who is looking for a high-quality dog food for their Shih Tzu. While it may be more expensive than some other options, we believe that it is worth the extra cost to ensure that our furry friend is getting the best possible nutrition.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your older Shih Tzu, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a high-quality dog food:

Nutritional Value

Older dogs have different nutritional needs than younger dogs, so it’s important to choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for senior dogs. Look for a dog food that is high in protein and low in fat, with added vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.

Ingredient Quality

The quality of the ingredients used in your dog’s food is also important. Look for a dog food that uses high-quality, whole-food ingredients, with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Avoid dog foods that contain fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, which can be difficult for older dogs to digest.

Texture and Flavor

As dogs age, they may experience dental issues that make it difficult for them to chew hard kibble. Look for a dog food that is soft and easy to chew, or consider adding water to your dog’s food to soften it. You may also want to choose a dog food with a strong flavor to entice your dog to eat.

Price

While it’s important to choose a high-quality dog food for your older Shih Tzu, you also want to make sure it fits within your budget. Look for a dog food that provides good value for the price, and consider buying in bulk to save money.

By considering these factors when choosing a dog food for your older Shih Tzu, you can help ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy in their golden years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dietary requirements for a senior Shih Tzu?

As Shih Tzus age, their dietary needs change. They require fewer calories and more protein to maintain their muscle mass. They also need more fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, senior Shih Tzus may require supplements to support joint health and cognitive function.

How can I ensure my older Shih Tzu is getting proper nutrition?

To ensure your older Shih Tzu is getting proper nutrition, you should choose a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for senior dogs. Look for a food that contains lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of fiber. You may also want to consider adding supplements to support joint health and cognitive function.

What ingredients should I look for in food for an aging Shih Tzu?

When choosing a food for an aging Shih Tzu, look for one that contains lean protein, such as chicken or fish, as well as whole grains like brown rice and barley. You should also look for a food that contains plenty of fiber to aid in digestion. Additionally, you may want to consider a food that contains supplements to support joint health and cognitive function.

Are there specific brands recommended for older Shih Tzu dogs?

There are many brands of dog food that are specifically formulated for senior dogs, including Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Blue Buffalo. It is important to choose a high-quality food that meets your dog’s specific nutritional needs.

What are common health issues in senior Shih Tzus that diet can affect?

Senior Shih Tzus may be prone to a variety of health issues, including joint problems, cognitive decline, and dental issues. A proper diet can help to support your dog’s overall health and may even help to prevent some of these issues.

How often should I feed my senior Shih Tzu?

Senior Shih Tzus should be fed smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Aim for three to four small meals per day rather than one or two large meals. This can help to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.