Feeding a picky Shih Tzu can feel like a never-ending battle. You scoop out a new brand, set it down, and they sniff it before turning away. The next day, they might take a few bites, only to ignore it completely after that. If you’re a first-time Shih Tzu parent, it’s easy to feel frustrated and wonder if you’re doing something wrong.
I went through the same struggle with Cooper. Some days he’d love a food, and the next he wouldn’t touch it. That’s when I learned that picky eating is actually common for Shih Tzus, and thankfully, there are foods designed with them in mind.
In this guide, I’ll share two popular options that Shih Tzu parents swear by for even the fussiest eaters. You’ll see real feedback, the pros and cons, and the details you need to make the best choice for your pup.
Let’s dive in and see what could finally win over your picky eater.
5 Best Food for Picky Shih Tzus For Sale (2025 Reviews and Ratings)
1. Cesar – Steak Lovers (Wet Food)

This Cesar variety pack is one of the most popular wet dog food options on the market for small breeds. It comes in convenient 3.5 oz trays that are easy to store, serve, and reseal. Each tray contains a meat-focused recipe that appeals to picky eaters.
This pack includes six flavors: Filet Mignon, Porterhouse Steak, Prime Rib, Grilled Steak & Eggs, Grilled New York Strip with Vegetables, and Filet Mignon with Bacon and Potato.
Why It Works for Picky Eaters
Shih Tzus tend to prefer soft textures and rich meat flavors. This product hits both marks. Each flavor is formulated with real meat as the first ingredient and has a smooth loaf texture that’s easy to chew, especially for older dogs with dental issues.
It’s also grain-free and doesn’t contain artificial flavors or fillers, although trace amounts of grains may be present due to manufacturing processes.
Pros
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Six meaty flavors keep meals interesting
- Perfect portion size for small breeds
- Easy to store and serve
- Great texture for older or toothless dogs
Cons
- Trays are not recyclable in many areas
- Some users reported expired or spoiled batches, especially from online stores
- Not all picky eaters respond well to every flavor
- More expensive than many supermarket brands
What Customers Say
Many customers report that their dogs love this food.
- “My pups know the word ‘Cesar.’ They come running when I open a tray. Perfect for my senior dogs with few teeth.”
Others appreciate the portion size:
- “I mix ¼ of a tray with dry food and a pumpkin topper. My dog eats it all within minutes.”
The convenience also stands out:
- “Peel-and-serve is such a time-saver. No mess, no waste. And my picky eater hasn’t skipped a meal since we switched.”
But not all reviews are positive. Some buyers noticed issues after ordering online, particularly through large retailers.
- “The trays looked fine, but half the box seemed old. Be careful where you buy it.”
2. Nutrish – Chicken & Veggies (Dry Dog Food)

Nutrish Little Bites is a dry food option that offers balanced nutrition in a small, manageable kibble size. It’s designed specifically for small breeds and uses real chicken as the primary ingredient.
The recipe includes brown rice, carrots, peas, and chicken fat, along with added vitamins and minerals. It avoids artificial preservatives and has no meat by-products.
Why It Works for Picky Eaters
Some picky dogs won’t touch dry food. But this formula offers a meaty aroma and taste that many find hard to resist. The kibble is small and easy to chew, making it ideal for Shih Tzus, especially those with sensitive teeth.
It’s also affordable, which makes it a practical daily meal option for budget-conscious owners.
Pros
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Affordable compared to other premium brands
- Small kibble is perfect for Shih Tzus
- No artificial flavors or meat by-products
- Widely available in pet stores and online
Cons
- Some users reported illness after a packaging or recipe change
- Contains corn and soy, which some owners prefer to avoid
- Quality may vary between batches
- Not recyclable packaging
What Customers Say
Many reviewers were surprised that even their fussy eaters enjoyed this dry food.
- “I’ve tried so many foods, and my picky dog finally eats this. No tummy issues, either.”
- “My dog loves it. Easier for her small teeth and great value for the quality.”
Some also use it as a mix-in:
- “I mix this with other food. She’s picky, but she always finishes when this is in the bowl.”
That said, not everyone had a good experience. Some reviewers raised concerns.
- “My dog wouldn’t touch the new bag. It smelled strange and gave her allergies.”
3. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue – Chicken & Oatmeal (Dry Dog Food)

If your Shih Tzu is still a puppy, you need a food that supports healthy growth and development. Blue Buffalo Baby Blue is made specifically for small breed puppies. It’s packed with nutrients and uses real chicken as the first ingredient.
This high-protein formula includes DHA and ARA, which are fatty acids that help with brain and eye development. The kibble is sized just right for tiny teeth and mouths, making it easier for puppies to chew.
Why It Works for Picky Eaters
Picky puppies need food that’s both palatable and nutritious. This recipe balances soft chewability, good aroma, and whole-food ingredients. It contains no poultry by-product meals, no corn, and no soy, which are common triggers for food sensitivity.
If you’re starting your Shih Tzu on dry food, this option provides a gentle and healthy introduction.
Pros
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
- No corn, soy, or poultry by-products
- Puppy-friendly kibble size
- Easy to digest for most small breed pups
Cons
- Some batches reportedly caused stomach upset
- Not all dogs tolerate the ingredients well
- Expensive for puppy food
- Smell may not be appealing to some dogs
What Customers Say
Dog owners with Shih Tzu puppies have had great experiences with Baby Blue.
- “My 4-month-old Shih Tzu loves this food. He’s growing strong, and his coat is healthy and soft.”
- “My older dog with stomach issues started eating this puppy food—and tolerated it better than her prescription diet.”
Several buyers also noted good digestibility:
- “No diarrhea. No stomach problems. The size is perfect for small dogs.”
However, there have been some complaints as well.
- “My puppy loved the first bag. The second one made him sick. I switched brands immediately.”
- “This batch made my puppy very ill. Buyer beware.”
4. I and Love and You – Beef + Lamb (Dog Treats)

If you’re looking for a high-quality treat that even picky Shih Tzus will love, these jerky bites are a top choice. Made with beef and pasture-raised lamb, these soft chews contain no grains, no fillers, and no artificial additives.
They’re small and chewy, which makes them perfect for training or rewarding good behavior. These treats are recommended by holistic vets and made with minimal ingredients.
Why It Works for Picky Eaters
Jerky-style treats tend to have strong smells and rich flavors, which appeal to fussy dogs. These are especially helpful for dogs that refuse bland biscuits or dry treats. Since they’re meat-forward and free from rice and corn, they work well for sensitive stomachs too.
They also double as a high-value training tool.
Pros
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- No fillers, grains, or artificial preservatives
- Soft and chewy texture ideal for small dogs
- Great for training or positive reinforcement
- Strong scent appeals to picky eaters
Cons
- Some batches may spoil or smell off
- Can cause digestive upset in sensitive dogs
- Strong smell may not be pleasant for humans
- Higher price point for a small quantity
What Customers Say
Many owners of picky dogs reported excellent results with these jerky treats.
- “My dog is super fussy and usually refuses all treats. But she goes nuts for these and even tried to sneak more.”
- “Both of my dogs—small and large—LOVE these. Great for training and scent games.”
- “Smells like real jerky. My Maltese is old and picky but begs for these.”
But not all feedback was glowing. Some users noted spoilage and adverse reactions.
- “Got a bad batch. The treats smelled weird, and my dog wouldn’t touch them.”
- “After one treat, my dog vomited and had severe gas. Now I check every pack before using.”
5. Open Farm – Turkey & Chicken (Dry Dog Food)

If you’re looking for a premium, clean-label dog food for your picky Shih Tzu, Open Farm could be worth considering. It features ethically sourced turkey and chicken as the main proteins. The recipe skips corn, wheat, soy, and artificial ingredients. Instead, it includes non-GMO fruits, veggies, and superfoods like pumpkin, coconut oil, and sweet potatoes.
What sets this brand apart is transparency. Every ingredient is traceable back to its source. That gives peace of mind to pet parents concerned about food quality and safety.
Why It Works for Picky Eaters
Shih Tzus with allergies or sensitive stomachs may benefit from the limited-ingredient and grain-free formula. It’s high in protein, yet gentle on the digestive system. Some dogs that refused other foods reportedly enjoyed Open Farm right away. The small, hard kibble also softens easily if your pup prefers a moistened texture.
Its flavor profile—turkey, chicken, and fish—gives picky eaters multiple scents and tastes to latch on to.
Pros
- Ethically sourced turkey, chicken, and fish
- No corn, soy, or artificial additives
- Non-GMO fruits and veggies
- Traceable ingredients for transparency
- Works well for dogs with allergies or digestion issues
Cons
- Some dogs experience allergic reactions
- Can cause GI upset in sensitive pups
- Higher price point than average dog food
- Not all picky eaters are fans of the smell or texture
What Customers Say
Many dog owners rave about the health turnaround after switching to Open Farm.
- “My picky Chiweenie only has 3 teeth and eats this eagerly. I soften it, and he scoops it up. No allergies. Beautiful coat.”
- “My rescue pup had chronic GI issues. This pork recipe gave her relief after years of vet visits.”
- “My dog used to leave food untouched. Now he finishes every bowl. Healthy weight, no itching, and solid poop!”
Pet parents also love the ethical sourcing and clean ingredients:
- “My dog is allergic to chicken, so I appreciate the variety. Ingredients are high-quality, and I like knowing where they come from.”
- “Yes, it’s pricey, but my dog’s health is worth it.”
That said, not all dogs take well to this brand.
- “My dog refused to eat it. I mixed it with old food, and he still turned away. Ended up with gastroenteritis.”
- “Both dogs got itchy and sick. Lots of scratching and diarrhea. Definitely won’t repurchase.”
- “It smells like mildew. My puppy hated it.”
Choose the Right Food for Your Picky Shih Tzu
Finding the right food for a picky Shih Tzu can feel like a guessing game. One day, they seem to enjoy a flavor, and the next day, they refuse it completely. That’s why patience and a bit of trial and error are often part of the process.
What matters most is your Shih Tzu’s overall health, energy, and happiness. Keep exploring different options until you discover the one that makes them excited for every meal. When you find it, you’ll know. It’s the bowl they finish with a wagging tail.