Quick answer
The best freeze dried dog food for Shih Tzus is Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties because it offers a balanced raw diet in a convenient format, with high-quality animal protein and probiotics for digestive health. If your Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach, consider Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets with limited ingredients. For puppies, Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw provides essential DHA for brain development.
What to consider for Freeze Dried Dog Food For Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus have unique needs: they are prone to dental issues due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, so freeze dried food should be easy to chew and rehydrate. Their small size means calorie density matters to avoid obesity. Look for recipes with moderate fat (around 12 to 18 percent) and protein (30 to 40 percent) to support energy without excess weight. Also, consider joint support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, as Shih Tzus are prone to patellar luxation.
What to look for in a dog food
Choose a freeze dried food that is AAFCO complete and balanced for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). The first ingredient should be a named meat (e.g., chicken, beef, or salmon). Protein should be 30 to 45 percent, fat 12 to 20 percent, and calories around 350 to 450 kcal per cup (adjust for your dog’s size). For Shih Tzus, smaller kibble or easy-to-break pieces are ideal. Look for added omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil or flaxseed) for skin and coat health, and glucosamine for joint support. Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
How we chose these picks
- Evaluated ingredient quality and nutritional balance for small breed dogs
- Prioritized recipes with named meat as the first ingredient and limited fillers
- Checked for AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements
- Considered calorie density to prevent overfeeding in small dogs
- Reviewed customer feedback for palatability and digestive tolerance
- Ensured products are widely available online (especially Amazon)
- Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission
What to avoid
- Avoid foods with unnamed “meat meal” as the only protein source
- Do not default to grain-free unless your vet advises it; the FDA is investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and canine DCM
- Steer clear of all-life-stages formulas for puppies if they are large-breed; for Shih Tzus, small-breed puppy formulas are better
- Avoid abrupt diet changes; transition over 7 to 10 days by mixing old and new food
For more guidance, explore our dog guides and check out our dog food and dog nutrition resources.
