Yey, your Shih Tzu is finally an adult! I remember reaching that stage with Cooper and feeling both excited and a little unsure. I kept asking myself, “When is he ready for adult food? And which one should I trust?”
Most Shih Tzus are considered adults at around one year old, though some keep filling out until 12 to 15 months. That’s usually the sweet spot to switch from puppy food to adult food. When I hit that point with Cooper, I dove into research, talked with other Shih Tzu parents, and tested different options until I found what really worked for him.
In this post, I’m sharing what I’ve learned both from experience and from digging into the best recommendations out there. You’ll find a breakdown of adult dog food types, what matters most when choosing one, and reviews of five top-rated brands trusted by Shih Tzu parents in 2025.
Because honestly, our little companions deserve more than just “good enough.” They deserve food that keeps them healthy, happy, and full of energy.
Let’s get started. Here are the five best adult dog foods for Shih Tzus this year.
5 Best Dog Food for Adult Shih Tzus: 2025 Reviews and Ratings
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Blue Buffalo is one of the best-known premium pet food brands, trusted for its use of natural ingredients and real meat as the primary protein source. The Life Protection Formula was developed specifically for adult dogs to support overall health with balanced nutrition, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich “LifeSource Bits.”
This formula is especially popular with small breed owners who want to prioritize skin, coat, and digestive health—key needs for Shih Tzus.
Beyond chicken & brown rice, Blue Buffalo offers flavors like lamb, fish, and beef with rice, giving owners flexibility to rotate proteins or find the best fit for sensitive dogs.
What’s Good About It
- Premium Natural Ingredients: Real meat as the first ingredient across all recipes, providing high-quality protein for lean muscle maintenance.
- No Artificial Additives: Free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Comprehensive Skin & Coat Support: Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from natural sources like flaxseed to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat
- Antioxidant Immune Support: Features LifeSource Bits—cold-formed vitamin and mineral nuggets that support immune system health
- Multiple Protein Options: Various flavors available to accommodate different taste preferences and protein sensitivities
What You Should Watch Out For
- Premium Pricing: Significantly more expensive than conventional brands, which may not fit all budgets
- Palatability Variations: Some dogs may be sensitive to the smell or texture
- Transition Period Required: Like all dog foods, it requires a gradual introduction to prevent digestive upset
What Customers Say
- “My picky pup loved it from day one. His coat is shinier, and his digestion improved.”
- “Great for skin allergies. Our Shih Tzu’s condition improved after switching to this.”
- “My dog has been eating this for 9 years and is in great shape.”
- “My dog wouldn’t touch it. I wasted my money.”
- “It caused my dogs to lose weight and become very ill.”
- “It smelled bad, and my dogs refused to eat it. We had to throw it out.”
Should You Buy It?
If you want to feed your Shih Tzu a high-quality, natural diet and are willing to pay extra, this could be a great fit. However, be aware of the reported digestive issues. Introduce it slowly and monitor your dog closely.
2. Purina ONE (Dry Dog Food)
Purina ONE is part of Purina’s science-based nutrition line, designed to provide complete health support at a more affordable price point than some boutique brands.
The Chicken & Rice Formula is one of their most popular recipes, using real chicken as the first ingredient and pairing it with rice for easy digestibility. This formula aims to cover multiple health areas—muscle, joints, skin, coat, and digestion—making it appealing to Shih Tzu owners who prefer an all-in-one solution without breaking the bank.
Purina ONE also comes in other flavors like lamb & rice or turkey blends, offering options for dogs with taste preferences or mild sensitivities.
What’s Good About It
- Science-Based Nutrition: Backed by extensive research and feeding trials conducted by veterinary nutritionists
- Multi-Benefit Formula: Addresses muscle, joint, immune, dental, and skin health in one complete food
- Joint Support: Contains natural glucosamine to support healthy joints—important for small breeds
- No Fillers Philosophy: Every ingredient serves a nutritional purpose
- WSAVA Compliance: Meets the highest industry standards for pet food manufacturing and nutrition
What You Should Watch Out For
- By-Product Inclusion: Contains some by-product meals, which, while nutritious, may concern some owners
- Formula Updates: Occasional recipe adjustments may temporarily affect palatability
- Individual Sensitivities: Some dogs may experience adjustment periods when switching
What Customers Say
- “My dog loves the taste. He digs through the bowl to find the soft chicken bits first.”
- “Their coats and energy levels are excellent. No stomach issues so far.”
- “It smells better than other kibble. Fresh and easy to digest for older dogs.”
- “My dog became lethargic and refused to eat after a few feedings.”
- “The bag smelled odd.”
- “My dog used to love it, but now she won’t eat it. The texture looks different.”
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a high-protein food with added joint and digestive support, this might be a strong option. But test it carefully with your Shih Tzu and monitor for any signs of stomach upset.
3. Purina Beneful Medleys (Wet Dog Food)
Purina Beneful Medleys was created with mealtime variety in mind, offering small-breed owners a selection of globally inspired recipes in convenient, single-serve cans.
Each pack contains Tuscan, Romana, and Mediterranean-style flavors, made with real meat, veggies, and grains in a savory gravy. The softer texture makes it a great option for Shih Tzus with dental issues, smaller mouths, or picky appetites.
While chicken is a common protein base, Beneful’s wet food line also includes beef and salmon varieties, giving owners flexibility to mix things up or use these as toppers alongside kibble.
What’s Good About It
- Perfect Portion Control: 3 oz cans are ideal for small dogs or as toppers for dry food
- Enhanced Palatability: Soft, moist texture with savory gravy appeals to picky eaters
- Variety and Enrichment: Multiple flavors and textures keep mealtime interesting and engaging
- Digestibility: Easier to digest than dry kibble, especially beneficial for older dogs
- Convenience: Individual serving sizes eliminate waste and ensure freshness
What You Should Watch Out For
- Higher Cost Per Serving: Wet food is typically more expensive than dry kibble per meal
- Storage Requirements: Opened cans require refrigeration and have shorter shelf life
- Potential for Pickiness: Dogs may become accustomed to wet food and refuse dry alternatives
What Customers Say
- “Perfect size for my 20-pound dog. He loves all the flavors.”
- “My older dog with missing teeth eats this easily and stays excited at mealtime.”
- “I use this as a topper on dry food. She licks the bowl clean every time.”
- “One dog got sick, then the other. We had to go to the vet.”
- “My dog used to love it, but now she runs away when I serve it.”
Should You Buy It?
If your Shih Tzu needs softer food or you’re looking for variety, this could be worth a try. But given the number of reported reactions, introduce it slowly and watch for any changes in digestion or behavior.
4. Cesar – Steak Lovers (Wet Dog Food, Variety Pack)
Cesar is a household name in small-breed nutrition, particularly known for its gourmet-style wet foods packaged in convenient peel-away trays.
The Steak Lovers Variety Pack is tailored for meat enthusiasts, featuring flavors like filet mignon, porterhouse steak, and grilled steak with eggs—all formulated to appeal to picky eaters and small dogs.
With its portion-controlled trays and smooth pâté-like consistency, this food is especially popular for older Shih Tzus or those who have trouble chewing kibble.
While chicken is included in most recipes, Cesar also offers a broad range of other flavors like lamb, turkey, and mixed proteins across its product lines.
What’s Good About It
- Small-Breed Specialist: Formulated specifically for the nutritional needs and preferences of toy breeds
- Gourmet Appeal: Restaurant-inspired recipes with rich flavors and smooth textures
- Convenient Portioning: 3.5 oz trays provide perfect single-serving portions for small dogs
- Easy Consumption: Smooth pâté texture is ideal for dogs with dental issues or small mouths
- Premium Ingredients: Features real meat as primary ingredients across varieties
What You Should Watch Out For
- Contains Chicken in All Flavors: Despite the steak theme, nearly every recipe includes chicken, which could be a problem for dogs with allergies.
- Premium Pricing: Higher cost per serving compared to traditional wet foods
- Rich Formulation: May be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Potential Dependency: Dogs may become accustomed to gourmet textures and refuse other foods
What Customers Say
- “My four little pups go crazy when they hear ‘Cesar.’ Great for picky eaters and seniors.”
- “This is the only wet food my dog will eat. He’s 13 and still runs around like a puppy.”
- “Perfect for my small dog with no teeth. She eats this like a treat.”
- “It gave my dog bubble-guts and mucusy stool. I had to stop using it.”
- “Despite the steak branding, it all contains chicken. Watch out if your dog is allergic.”
Should You Buy It?
If your Shih Tzu is picky or needs soft, tasty meals, this could be a winner — but only if they tolerate chicken. Try a few trays before committing to the full 36-pack, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or food allergies.
5. Kibbles ‘n Bits (Dry Dog Food)
Kibbles ’n Bits has been a longtime staple in the dog food aisle, known for delivering an affordable option with appealing flavors that many dogs love.
The Bacon & Steak Formula combines crunchy kibble with chewy meaty bits, creating a texture mix that often excites even picky eaters.
While it’s considered a budget-friendly choice with more fillers and artificial colors than premium brands, it remains popular among owners who need a cost-effective food that their dogs will readily eat.
In addition to bacon & steak, Kibbles ’n Bits offers flavors like Original Beef & Chicken, Bistro Oven Roasted Beef, and Triple Steak, giving Shih Tzu owners a range of flavor choices within the same price tier.
What’s Good About It
- Flavor Variety: The mix of bacon and steak flavors is a hit with many dogs. Owners say their pets get excited during mealtime.
- Texture Combo: It combines crunchy and chewy bits, which many dogs enjoy.
- Affordable: It’s cheaper than many premium dog foods, making it an option for those on a tight budget.
- Large Bag: The 16 lb. size lasts a while for small dogs like Shih Tzus.
What You Should Watch Out For
- Ingredient Quality: It contains several fillers and artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 2. These additives don’t offer any nutritional value.
- Artificial Preservatives: BHA and propylene glycol are present. These are controversial ingredients that some pet owners prefer to avoid.
- Not Ideal for Sensitive Dogs: Dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs may experience adverse reactions to this food.
What Customers Say
- “My dog loves this food, especially the flavor. She gets so excited when it’s poured into the bowl.”
- “It’s a great value. My older dog finds it easy to chew.”
- “I’ve been buying this for years. All my dogs love it.”
- “My dogs wouldn’t eat it at all.”
- “Cheap food. My dog got sick and lost weight.”
- “The smell was off, and my dog didn’t want to touch it.”
Should You Buy It?
If your dog isn’t sensitive and you need an affordable option, this may work. But if your Shih Tzu has digestive issues or food allergies, you may want to avoid it.
Allergy Alerts & Food Safety Tips
Sometimes, even the best-reviewed dog food may not sit well with your pup. Food allergies are more common than many owners realize. Symptoms can appear suddenly, including itchy skin, frequent licking, ear infections, diarrhea, or vomiting, which may all signal a reaction.
I learned this the hard way with Cooper. After trying a chicken-flavored formula with added chicken toppers, he developed digestive issues. That’s how we discovered he was allergic to chicken. If you notice changes in your dog after switching foods, stop the new diet immediately and consult your vet.
Also, pay attention to the food’s appearance and smell. Check for odd colors, mold, or unusual odors, as these may indicate spoilage. Even sealed bags or cans can sometimes go bad, especially if stored improperly.
Quick tips:
- Introduce only one new food at a time.
- Watch your dog closely for the first 1–2 weeks.
- Store food in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
- When in doubt, toss it out. Your Shih Tzu’s safety is more important than saving a few servings.
What to Look For in an Adult Dog Food for Shih Tzus
Before jumping into brands, here are some key criteria:
- High-quality protein up front — ideally named animal protein (e.g., “deboned chicken,” “beef meal”) as the first ingredient.
- Moderate fat content with healthy fats — Shih Tzus benefit from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat and skin health.
- Digestive support — prebiotics, probiotics, fiber sources (e.g,. beet pulp, chicory root) can help with their sensitive guts.
- Joint support — small breeds often benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin, especially in longer-lived dogs.
- No unnecessary fillers or artificial additives — avoid excessive corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives, especially if your dog is sensitive.
- Appropriate kibble size and texture — small or mini kibble is easier for a Shih Tzu to chew.
- Variety and rotation — having alternate flavors or formulas helps prevent boredom and may reduce risk of food sensitivities.
Always transition slowly: mix increasing amounts of the new food over 7–10 days, and monitor your dog for changes in stool, appetite, energy, or skin condition.
So, which dog food is best for your Shih Tzu?
Choosing the best food for your adult Shih Tzu means balancing taste, nutrition, price, and your dog’s unique needs. Every product on this list has its pros and cons. What works for one Shih Tzu might not work for another.
Here’s a quick recap:
- On a budget? Kibbles ‘n Bits gives you a lot of food for a low price, but it may not suit sensitive stomachs.
- Prefer natural ingredients? Blue Buffalo uses real chicken and no fillers — great for health-focused pet parents.
- Need all-in-one support? Purina ONE offers joint, skin, and digestive benefits in one easy formula.
- Have a picky or older dog? Purina Beneful and Cesar wet foods are flavorful, soft, and perfect for tiny mouths — but they may not agree with all dogs.
Pro Tip: Always introduce new food slowly. Mix it with your dog’s current food over several days and watch for changes in energy, stool, and appetite.
Still undecided? Start with small packs or trial sizes to see how your Shih Tzu reacts. And when in doubt, consult your veterinarian. This is especially important if your dog has allergies, health conditions, or a sensitive stomach.
