Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus — Nutrition That Matches the Breed
Shih Tzus are prone to allergies, sensitive skin, and tear staining — all influenced by diet. Clean, single-protein freeze-dried raw addresses the root, not the symptom.
What Shih Tzus need most from their food
The Shih Tzu's flat face, long coat, and allergy predisposition shape their nutritional needs:
Food Allergies
Shih Tzus are one of the more allergy-prone breeds. Wheat, corn, soy, and low-quality proteins are common triggers — all absent from Loyal Saints.
Skin & Coat Health
Prone to skin issues and a long coat that reflects diet quality. Omega-3s from salmon oil support skin barrier and coat.
Tear Staining
Often linked to diet, additives, and food sensitivities. A clean, additive-free diet can reduce the triggers behind tear staining.
Digestive Health
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy affects digestion. Highly digestible food reduces digestive burden.
Why freeze-dried raw is right for Shih TzusShih Tzus
Shih Tzus are among the more allergy-prone breeds, and many of their most common issues — itchy skin, ear infections, tear staining, digestive upset — trace back to diet. The most effective dietary strategy is a clean, single-protein, limited-ingredient diet free of the common triggers: wheat, corn, soy, and low-quality protein. Loyal Saints contains none of these in any formula.
The breed's long coat and sensitive skin also benefit directly from dietary omega-3s, and the flat-faced (brachycephalic) anatomy means highly digestible food reduces the swallowing and digestive challenges common to the breed.
Formula recommendation for Shih Tzus
Chicken Formula
Our gentlest, single-protein formula — ideal for the allergy-prone Shih Tzu. Easy to isolate as part of an elimination approach, with no common allergen triggers.
Shop Chicken Formula →Turkey + Salmon Formula
For coat and skin support. Salmon oil omega-3s help the Shih Tzu's long coat and sensitive skin.
Shop Turkey + Salmon Formula →The proof is in King.
Loyal Saints was built because of one dog's transformation. King — Kristina Voltin's dog — developed chronic digestive issues and food allergies eating processed food. She formulated a human-grade, whole-food, freeze-dried raw diet and King's health transformed. Every formula is held to that standard: would I feed this to King?
For Shih Tzus owners navigating the same questions Kristina faced — about ingredients, about what's really in the bag, about whether the food is actually good — Loyal Saints is the answer she built for them.
Read King's story →What's not in it — matters for Shih Tzus.
Many Shih Tzu issues — itchy skin, tear staining, ear infections — are downstream of diet. Removing wheat, corn, soy, and synthetic additives addresses the most common triggers at the source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog food for a Shih Tzu with allergies?
A single, clean protein with no common allergen triggers. Loyal Saints Chicken is single-protein and free of wheat, corn, soy, and synthetic additives — the most common Shih Tzu triggers. Feed exclusively for 8–12 weeks to assess. If chicken has been a staple, start with Turkey + Salmon as a novel protein instead.
Can diet reduce my Shih Tzu's tear staining?
Tear staining has multiple causes, but diet is often a contributor — particularly additives, low-quality ingredients, and food sensitivities. A clean, additive-free, whole-food diet removes those dietary triggers. Many owners report reduced staining after switching, though anatomy and tear-duct factors also play a role.
How much should I feed my Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus typically weigh 9–16 lbs and need roughly ½ cup of rehydrated Loyal Saints daily, split into two meals. Monitor body condition and adjust based on weight and activity.
Why does my Shih Tzu have itchy skin?
Itchy skin in Shih Tzus is frequently diet-related — food sensitivities to wheat, corn, soy, or specific proteins are common. A single-protein, allergen-free diet removes the most likely dietary triggers. Combined with omega-3s for skin barrier support, most diet-driven itching improves within 8 weeks.
Clean food for a sensitive breed.Shih Tzus
Single-protein, allergen-free, omega-rich. Built for the Shih Tzu. ~$2–3/day with Halo Club.
