One of the most common questions I get as a veterinary nutritionist is simply, how much should I feed my dog? With Shih Tzus it matters even more than usual, because they are small, easily overfed, and gain weight quickly. A portion error that would be trivial for a large dog can turn a Shih Tzu chubby in a matter of weeks, and that extra weight strains their joints, spine, and already-compromised airway.
The honest answer is that there is no single magic number, because the right amount depends on your dog’s weight, age, activity level, and the specific food’s calorie content. What I can give you is a sensible starting framework, a chart by age, and a simple method to fine-tune it so your Shih Tzu stays lean and healthy for life.
What You Will Need
Accurate feeding starts with a few basics. Guessing is the number one cause of overweight small dogs.
- A measuring cup or, better, a kitchen scale
- Your dog’s current and ideal weight
- The food bag’s feeding guide and calorie content (kcal per cup)
- Your dog’s life stage: puppy, adult, or senior
- A consistent daily routine for two or more meals
- A treat budget kept under ten percent of daily calories
The feeding guide printed on your food’s packaging is calculated for that food’s specific calorie density. Use it as your starting point rather than a generic cup amount, then adjust up or down based on whether your dog is gaining or losing weight over a few weeks.
Step by Step: How to Feed a Shih Tzu the Right Amount
Follow this method and you will arrive at the correct portion for your individual dog, not just an average.
Identify the life stage
Puppies, adults, and seniors have different calorie needs. Puppies need more per pound for growth, while many seniors need slightly less to avoid weight gain as activity drops.
Read the bag’s feeding guide
Find the recommended daily amount for your dog’s weight, then check whether it is the total for the day or per meal. This is your starting ration.
Divide into meals
Split the daily total into two meals for adults, or three to four for puppies. Multiple small meals suit a small stomach and reduce gulping.
Account for treats
Subtract treat calories from the daily total. Treats should stay under about ten percent of calories, or they quietly cause weight gain.
Weigh and adjust every few weeks
Recheck weight and body condition. If your dog is gaining, trim the portion slightly. If losing or looking thin, increase a little. Small, gradual changes work best.
Feeding Chart by Age
Use this as a general starting guide for a typical Shih Tzu. Always cross-check against your specific food’s calorie content and your dog’s body condition, and adjust accordingly.
| Age / Stage | Meals per Day | Approximate Dry Food per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 months (puppy) | 4 small meals | About a quarter to half a cup |
| 3 to 6 months (puppy) | 3 meals | About half cup |
| 6 to 12 months | 2 to 3 meals | About half to three quarters cup |
| Adult (1 to 8 years) | 2 meals | About half to one cup |
| Senior (8 years and over) | 2 meals | About half to three quarters cup |
These ranges assume a standard calorie-dense small-breed kibble and an average activity level. A very active young dog may need the higher end, while a calm or slightly overweight dog needs the lower end. Body condition, not the chart, is the final judge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These feeding errors are the ones I correct most often, and each one is easy to fix.
Free-feeding, leaving a full bowl out all day, makes portion control impossible and is the fastest route to an overweight Shih Tzu. Eyeballing instead of measuring almost always overshoots. Forgetting to count treats and table scraps adds hidden calories. Feeding human food risks both weight gain and toxicity, since foods like grapes, onions, and chocolate are genuinely dangerous to dogs. Finally, switching foods abruptly causes stomach upset, so always transition over seven to ten days.
Tips for Success
A handful of simple habits keep your Shih Tzu at a healthy weight and make feeding effortless.
Measure every meal with the same cup or a scale. Feed on a set schedule at the same times each day, which also supports house training. Weigh your dog monthly and do a quick rib check so you catch weight changes early. Keep treats small and within the ten percent calorie budget, and offer fresh water at all times. When in doubt about the right amount, ask your vet for a target portion based on a body condition score.
When choosing a measured-portion small-breed food, comparing a few options side by side helps. Check current Amazon price on formulas that fit your dog’s life stage.
When to Get Professional Help
Sometimes a portion adjustment is not enough, and the smarter move is a conversation with your veterinarian.
See your vet if your Shih Tzu is gaining or losing weight despite careful feeding, if appetite changes suddenly, or if increased hunger comes with excessive thirst, urination, or low energy, since these can signal medical conditions rather than a feeding issue. Puppies that are not growing well, pregnant or nursing dogs, and seniors with heart, kidney, or dental disease all benefit from a customized feeding plan. Your vet can assign a body condition score, calculate exact calorie needs, and recommend a therapeutic diet where appropriate. For tricky cases, a referral to a board-certified veterinary nutritionist gives you a fully tailored plan.
Safety note: Measure portions by calories rather than guessing, keep your Shih Tzu lean to protect its joints and breathing, and keep toxic foods like grapes, onions, chocolate, and xylitol out of reach (ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435).