If you have already read our post on whether Shih Tzus can eat wet food every day, you know the core rules: the food must be labelled complete and balanced, meat should be the first ingredient, sodium should be controlled, and portions need to match a Shih Tzu’s small calorie budget. With those filters in place, the list of genuinely good options becomes much shorter and more manageable.
Quick Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Loaf in Sauce (24-Count)
- Best Grain-Free Merrick Lil’ Plates Teeny Texas Steak Tips Dinner
- Best for Picky Eaters Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken and Carrots in Gravy
- Best Budget Option Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Variety Pack (Chicken and Turkey)
- Best for Puppies Merrick Lil’ Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate
What to Look for in a Wet Food for Shih Tzus
These are the criteria applied to every product below. They are the same standards any vet-aligned review should use when evaluating wet food for a small, brachycephalic breed.
Non-negotiable. The label must confirm this for the dog’s life stage. Toppers and complementary foods do not qualify as a daily diet.
Chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, or lamb. No generic “meat” or unnamed by-products leading the list.
No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. Shih Tzus have sensitive skin and digestive systems that do not need extra chemical load.
High sodium is a real long-term concern in wet food. Breed-specific and small breed formulas handle this better than generic canned options.
At least 70% moisture. Hydration is one of the primary reasons to feed wet food to this breed, so the formula should actually deliver on it.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 for coat health, quality protein for lean muscle, and where possible, added support for heart and skin health specific to this breed.
The Best Wet Dog Foods for Shih Tzus
This is the only wet food on the market formulated specifically for the Shih Tzu breed, and it is the strongest pick on this list for that reason alone. The smooth loaf-in-sauce texture is designed for a flat-faced dog that can struggle to pick up chunky food. The EPA, DHA, and vitamin A complex directly targets Shih Tzu coat and skin health. And the targeted levels of taurine, L-carnitine, and controlled sodium actively support cardiac function, which matters increasingly as Shih Tzus age. No other wet food at this price point delivers that level of breed-specific formulation.
Amazon reviewers consistently note that Shih Tzus who previously turned their nose up at other wet foods accept this one without hesitation. It can be fed as a sole diet or mixed with Royal Canin’s Shih Tzu dry food, which is the most popular approach among owners who want the benefits of both textures in one bowl.
This is the only wet format in the Royal Canin Shih Tzu breed-specific line. The 24-count case offers the best value per can and works well with Amazon Subscribe and Save.
Pros
- Only breed-specific wet food for Shih Tzus
- Cardiac support via taurine and L-carnitine
- EPA and DHA specifically for Shih Tzu coat health
- Smooth pate texture ideal for flat-faced breeds
- Pairs perfectly with Royal Canin Shih Tzu dry food
- Consistently strong palatability in Amazon reviews
Cons
- Only one flavour available in wet format
- Higher price per can than most alternatives
- Small 3 oz can size means more frequent restocking
Merrick Lil’ Plates is the top wet food recommendation from Dog Food Advisor for the Shih Tzu breed, earning a 5-star rating based on ingredients alone. The Teeny Texas Steak Tips flavour leads the line: deboned beef is the first ingredient, followed by beef broth and venison broth, with a dry matter protein content of 44% and fat at 17%. No corn, wheat, soy, gluten, artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives anywhere in the formula. The chunks-in-gravy texture tends to be highly palatable for picky Shih Tzus and the single-serve tray format eliminates the waste that comes with larger cans opened for a small dog.
- Teeny Texas Steak Tips (Beef)
- Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew (Beef)
- Little Lamb Chop Stew (Lamb)
- Dainty Duck Medley (Duck)
- Petite Pot Pie (Chicken)
- Tiny Thanksgiving Day Dinner (Turkey)
- Surfin’ and Turfin’ (Beef and Salmon)
- Pint-Sized Puppy Plate (Chicken, puppy formula)
- Mini Medley Variety Pack (Beef, Chicken, Turkey — 12-count)
The full range covers beef, lamb, duck, chicken, turkey, and mixed protein options, giving plenty of variety for rotation feeding. Single-serve trays are available on Amazon in cases of 12.
Pros
- Deboned beef as first ingredient
- 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Wide variety of flavours for rotation feeding
- Single-serve trays, no waste for small breeds
- No ingredients from China, made in USA
Cons
- Not breed-specific for Shih Tzus
- Chunks in gravy can be messy around Shih Tzu facial fur
- Some flavours experience occasional Amazon stock issues
Purina Pro Plan is one of the most consistently vet-recommended pet food brands in the US, backed by over 500 Purina scientists and nutritionists. The Chicken and Carrots flavour from the Small Breed in Gravy range is the most popular in the line, and for good reason: real chicken is the first ingredient, the formula is nutrient-dense without artificial additives, and the gravy format is highly palatable for reluctant eaters. Purina Pro Plan’s reputation for palatability is well-earned, and this is a particularly strong option for Shih Tzus who are going through a fussy phase.
The 5.5 oz can is a more practical daily size than the smaller 3.5 oz trays if wet food is being used as a primary component of the diet rather than just a topper. The 24-count case works very well on Amazon Subscribe and Save for consistent pricing and delivery.
- Chicken and Carrots in Gravy (24-count)
- Turkey and Spinach in Gravy (24-count)
- Beef and Green Beans in Gravy (24-count)
- Grain-Free Variety Pack — Chicken and Turkey (12-count, 3.5 oz trays)
All flavours are available in 24-count cases on Amazon. Rotating between two or three flavours across the week is a good way to keep a picky Shih Tzu interested in mealtimes.
Pros
- One of the most vet-recommended brands available
- Real chicken as the first ingredient
- Highly palatable gravy format for fussy eaters
- Larger 5.5 oz can, better value per serving
- No artificial additives
- Multiple flavours available for rotation
Cons
- Not grain-free
- Not breed-specific for Shih Tzus
- Larger can requires refrigerating unused portion each day
This is the grain-free option from Purina Pro Plan and the most budget-friendly pick on this list. The variety pack combines chicken and turkey entree trays, giving a Shih Tzu some flavour variety within a single purchase. Real chicken or turkey is the first ingredient in each tray, neither formula contains corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives, and the 3.5 oz single-serve tray is correctly sized for a Shih Tzu being fed wet food as a daily topper on dry kibble.
For owners who want the reliability and vet-brand reputation of Purina Pro Plan in a grain-free formula at a lower price per serving than the Royal Canin or Merrick options, this is a practical and well-rounded everyday choice.
- Chicken Entree — also available as single-flavour 12-pack
- Turkey Entree — also available as single-flavour 12-pack
- Chicken and Turkey Variety Pack (12-count, 3.5 oz trays)
If a preference for one protein emerges over time, each flavour is also available as a single-protein 12-pack.
Pros
- Grain-free with no corn, wheat, or soy
- Purina Pro Plan quality at a lower price point
- Two-flavour variety in one pack
- Single-serve trays, no waste
- AAFCO complete and balanced
Cons
- Not breed-specific for Shih Tzus
- Only two protein options in this variety format
- No specific coat or cardiac support nutrients
Shih Tzu puppies need significantly more protein and fat than adult dogs to support rapid growth, immune development, and energy levels. This is one of the only small breed wet foods available on Amazon with a genuine puppy-specific AAFCO statement, making it appropriate as a sole or supplementary daily diet for puppies up to 12 months. Deboned chicken is the first ingredient in a savory chicken and turkey broth gravy. Grain-free, gluten-free, and free of artificial additives.
Reviewers with Shih Tzu and Shih Tzu mix puppies consistently report strong acceptance of this formula. The single-serve tray is correctly portioned for a growing puppy, and the softer texture is ideal for young dogs still developing their eating habits. Once the puppy reaches 12 months, switch to an adult formula.
Currently the only puppy-specific wet food in the Merrick Lil’ Plates line. This formula is for puppies up to 12 months; switch to an adult formula after that.
Pros
- Genuine puppy-specific AAFCO statement
- Deboned chicken and turkey as primary proteins
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- No artificial additives
- Single-serve tray, right portion size for a puppy
- Strong palatability reported in reviews
Cons
- Only one flavour option in the puppy wet range
- Not appropriate once the puppy reaches 12 months
- Can be harder to find in stores; Amazon is most reliable
Side by Side: How These Five Stack Up
| Product | Grain-Free | Breed-Specific | Coat Support | Heart Support | Puppy Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin Shih Tzu | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Merrick Steak Tips | Yes | No | Partial | No | No |
| Pro Plan Chicken and Carrots | No | No | No | No | No |
| Pro Plan Variety Pack | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Merrick Puppy Plate | Yes | No | Partial | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Loaf in Sauce is the only wet food formulated specifically for the breed, with dedicated nutrition for coat health, skin health, and cardiac function. No other wet food on this list, or widely available on Amazon, makes those breed-specific promises. For most Shih Tzus, it is the strongest single pick.
Yes. Mixing wet and dry food from different brands is completely fine as long as both are AAFCO complete and balanced. The total daily calorie count needs to account for both, so reduce the dry portion when adding wet food. Royal Canin specifically recommends mixing their Shih Tzu wet and dry formulas together, which is what many owners do to get the benefits of both textures in one bowl.
Not automatically. Grain-free formulas are appropriate for Shih Tzus with confirmed grain sensitivities, but there is no universal evidence that grain-free is healthier for dogs without those conditions. The FDA has also flagged a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in some dogs, which makes it worth discussing with a vet before committing to a fully grain-free diet long-term. Both grain-free and grain-inclusive options on this list are valid depending on the individual dog.
Always start with the feeding guide on the specific product, as calorie density varies by brand and formula. As a general guide, adult Shih Tzus need around 340 to 400 calories daily. A 3.5 oz Merrick tray contains roughly 90 to 100 calories, a 3 oz Royal Canin can is approximately 75 to 85 calories, and a 5.5 oz Purina Pro Plan can is around 130 to 150 calories. If using as a topper on dry food, reduce the dry portion proportionally. A kitchen scale is more accurate than eyeballing portions for a breed this small.
Adding a small amount of wet food mixed into the dry kibble is the first practical step and often all it takes. If the refusal is sudden, accompanied by lethargy, or has lasted more than a day or two, a vet visit is worth it to rule out dental pain, digestive issues, or other underlying causes before assuming it is just pickiness.
So, Which Is the Best Wet Dog Food for a Shih Tzu?
For most Shih Tzus, the Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Loaf in Sauce is the answer. The breed-specific formulation is not marketing; it delivers real nutritional differences, particularly around coat and cardiac support that matters more as Shih Tzus get older. It is the one product on this list designed with the exact needs of this breed in mind.
If the breed-specific formula is outside budget or temporarily out of stock, the Merrick Lil’ Plates Teeny Texas Steak Tips is the strongest all-round alternative, with a genuinely clean ingredient list and a 5-star rating from Dog Food Advisor. The Purina Pro Plan options sit just behind as highly reliable, vet-brand choices that work particularly well for Shih Tzus going through a picky phase. For puppies, the Merrick Pint-Sized Puppy Plate is the clear pick in this group.
Whatever you choose, check the AAFCO statement, introduce it gradually over 7 to 10 days, and give it a couple of weeks before drawing conclusions. Shih Tzus can take a few days to warm up to something new before they decide they love it. 🐾
Sources and References
- Dog Food Advisor: Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus 2026
- Dog Food Advisor: Merrick Lil’ Plates Wet Dog Food Review and Nutritional Analysis
- Royal Canin: Shih Tzu Loaf in Sauce Product Page and Full Ingredient List
- Amazon: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Wet Dog Food 24-Count
- Amazon: Merrick Lil’ Plates Teeny Texas Steak Tips
- Amazon: Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Chicken and Carrots in Gravy 24-Count
- Amazon: Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Grain-Free Variety Pack
- Amazon: Merrick Lil’ Plates Pint-Sized Puppy Plate
- Merrick Pet Care: Lil’ Plates Wet Dog Food Range and All Ingredient Lists
- Purina: Pro Plan Small Breed Wet Dog Food Range
