Shih Tzu Feeding Schedule by Age
Use food-label guidance as a starting point and ask your veterinarian about portions for your dog.
Feeding your Shih Tzu correctly is one of the most impactful things you can do for their long-term health. This toy breed has a fast metabolism, a small stomach, and a tendency toward picky eating — but with the right schedule and food quality, your dog will thrive. Here's a complete breakdown of what, when, and how much to feed at every stage of life.
Why Feeding Schedule Matters for Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are a toy breed with correspondingly small bodies. Their blood sugar can drop quickly if meals are skipped — a condition called hypoglycemia. Young puppies are especially vulnerable. Symptoms include lethargy, wobbling, glazed eyes, and in severe cases, seizures. A strict feeding schedule eliminates this risk and helps regulate digestion and energy levels throughout the day.
Beyond safety, consistent feeding supports healthy weight maintenance. Adult Shih Tzus should weigh between 9 and 16 pounds. Overweight Shih Tzus face increased risk of joint problems, respiratory issues, and diabetes — learn more about common Shih Tzu health problems and how nutrition plays a role in prevention.
Feeding Chart by Age
Newborn to Young Puppy
- Meals per day: 3–4 meals, evenly spaced
- Amount per meal: 2–3 tablespoons of softened kibble
- Follow the food label’s age- and weight-based guidance and ask your veterinarian how to adjust portions for your puppy.
- Keep to the puppy’s established feeding plan and ask your veterinarian about meal timing, especially for a very young or small puppy.
Growing Puppy
- Meals per day: 3 meals — morning, midday, evening
- Amount per meal: 3–4 tablespoons dry kibble
- Follow the food label’s age- and weight-based guidance and ask your veterinarian how to adjust portions as your puppy grows.
- Notes: Kibble can be offered dry now as teeth are stronger. Continue monitoring weight. If the puppy finishes meals quickly and seems hungry, consult your vet about portion adjustment.
Adolescent Puppy
- Meals per day: 2–3 meals
- Use the food label and your veterinarian’s guidance to determine an appropriate portion for your dog.
- Use the food label and your veterinarian’s guidance to determine an appropriate daily amount for your dog.
- Notes: Begin transitioning to adult food around 10–12 months. Do this gradually over 7–10 days by mixing increasing proportions of adult food into the puppy formula.
Adult Shih Tzu
- Meals per day: 2 meals — morning and evening
- Use the food label and your veterinarian’s guidance to determine an appropriate portion for your dog.
- Use the food label and your veterinarian’s guidance to determine an appropriate daily amount for your dog.
- Notes: Follow the manufacturer's feeding guide as a baseline, then adjust based on body condition. An active Shih Tzu needs more; a sedentary one needs less. Senior Shih Tzus (8+) may benefit from senior formula food with joint support.
Recommended Foods for Shih Tzus
Not all dog foods are created equal. Shih Tzus benefit from formulas specifically designed for small or toy breeds, which have smaller kibble sizes, higher caloric density, and nutrient profiles tailored to compact dogs with fast metabolisms.
Top Recommended Brands
- Royal Canin Shih Tzu Breed-Specific: Formulated specifically for this breed, with kibble shaped to suit their flat face and jaw structure
- Hill's Science Diet Small Paws: Veterinarian-recommended, excellent digestibility, and well-balanced for small breeds
- Merrick Lil' Plates: Grain-free option with real protein and high palatability for picky eaters
- Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed: Affordable, highly researched, and trusted by many vets and breeders
What to Look For on the Label
- Real protein (chicken, turkey, salmon, beef) listed as the first ingredient
- Small-breed or toy-breed formula designation
- AAFCO statement confirming the food meets nutritional standards for life stage
- DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids for coat health — especially important for Shih Tzus with long, silky hair
Foods to Avoid
Several common human foods are dangerous — even deadly — for Shih Tzus. Post this list somewhere visible in your kitchen.
Toxic Foods — Never Feed These
Also avoid feeding table scraps regularly. Human food is often too high in salt, fat, and seasoning for a small dog's system. Occasional safe human foods (plain cooked chicken, small pieces of apple without seeds, carrots) are fine as treats.
Treats: How Much Is Too Much?
Treats are a valuable training tool, but they add up fast in a tiny dog. The general rule is that treats should not exceed 10% of your Shih Tzu's daily caloric intake. For a small dog eating 200–300 calories per day, that's only 20–30 treat calories.
Safe, low-calorie treat options include: small pieces of plain cooked chicken breast, baby carrots, blueberries (1–2 at a time), cucumber slices, and commercial small-breed treats broken into tiny pieces. Avoid treat brands loaded with salt, sugar, or artificial preservatives.
Signs of Overfeeding and Underfeeding
Signs of Overfeeding
- • Visible rounding of belly even after potty
- • Ribs difficult to feel under light pressure
- • Lethargy or reduced interest in play
- • Loose stools or frequent gas
- • Weight gain beyond the 9–16 lb adult range
Signs of Underfeeding
- • Visible spine or hip bones from above
- • Ribs prominently visible without touching
- • Excessive hunger — eating grass, non-food items
- • Lethargy, weakness, or low energy levels
- • Poor coat condition — dull, thinning hair
Fresh Water Every Day
Fresh, clean water should always be available to your Shih Tzu. Change the water bowl daily and wash it with soap and water every couple of days. Some Shih Tzus are particular about their water — if yours refuses to drink tap water, try filtered or bottled water. Adequate hydration supports kidney function, digestion, and coat quality.
Water needs vary with food, age, activity, environment, and health. Keep fresh water accessible and ask your veterinarian about a noticeable change in drinking or urination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a day should I feed my Shih Tzu puppy?
Puppies 8–12 weeks: 3–4 meals per day. At 3–6 months: 3 meals per day. From 6 months: 2–3 meals. Adults: 2 meals per day (morning and evening).
What is the best food for a Shih Tzu puppy?
Choose a high-quality small-breed puppy formula with real protein as the first ingredient. Top picks include Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy, Hill's Science Diet Small Paws, and Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy.
How much should a Shih Tzu puppy eat per day?
Portion sizes depend on the puppy, food, and feeding plan. Follow the product’s guidance and ask your veterinarian how much to feed your individual puppy.
What foods are toxic to Shih Tzus?
Never feed grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol, alcohol, raw dough, or avocado. These cause serious illness or death in dogs.
Can I feed my Shih Tzu wet food?
Yes — wet food adds moisture and variety. Use it alongside kibble rather than as the sole diet for better dental health. Look for wet food with real protein and no artificial additives.
How do I know if my Shih Tzu is overweight?
You should feel (but not prominently see) your dog's ribs under light pressure. If you can't feel them, the dog may be overweight. Healthy adult weight is 9–16 lbs. Ask your vet for a body condition score at each annual visit.
We Send Every Buyer Home with This Exact Schedule
When you buy a Shih Tzu puppy for sale from our McKinney, TX program, we don't just hand you a puppy and wish you luck. Every new owner receives a personalized care handover — including the specific small-breed puppy food your puppy has been eating, the exact meal sizes, and the daily feeding timing they're already used to. Buying from a reputable AKC Shih Tzu breeder means the transition to your home is seamless, not stressful.
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Read moreShih Tzu Training Guide
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Read moreInterested in One of Our Puppies?
Every puppy we place goes home with feeding instructions, a diet history, and our personal guidance. For a complete overview of your puppy's first weeks, see our Shih Tzu puppy care guide.