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Does your Shih Tzu have a few extra pounds they need to lose? You’re not alone. Members of our I Love My Shih Tzu Facebook community recently shared their insights on the following question: What food would you recommend for an overweight Shih Tzu? We received hundreds of helpful replies, and below we have compiled some of the best responses.
Always remember to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Shih Tzu’s diet, especially if they are overweight and may have other related health issues. iHeartDogs is reader-supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
25 Best Dog Foods for a Shih Tzu That Needs to Lose Weight
I’ve fed all my babies Iams small bites and never had any issues.
Author: Mary DeMaagd D.
Likes: 0
My dogs do not eat, I buy the instant brown rice, I microwave it, and I buy baby carrots put that in there and I just boil chicken for the entire week and I just feed them that for dinner in the morning, I use liquid egg, whites, carrots, and whatever leftover, we only eat chicken and fish in our house. I’ve never had an overweight dog.Author: Linda K.
Likes: 21
Hills Science Diet, Lamb and brown rice. No chicken because of allergies
Author: Terry McWilliams H.
Likes: 9
What did your vet suggest? Ours was eating Royal Canin, but she was always extremely itchy. Has anybody switched to grain-free? We are currently trying Merrick Lil plates… So far, she seems to like it, and she is not itchy, and her coat doesn’t get as oily
Author: Kris T.
Likes: 1
When my dog/Shih Tzu was ill, she recommended boiled rice with boiled hamburger and added vegetables- no spices, no herbs, no butter, just plain – add a little to his/her bowl -this is not a long-term deal. My dog really loved it, and I started making my own vegetable medleys for him, and he loved it- and it was healthier than all other things on the market
Author: Marika F.
Likes: 1
I’m having the same problem. I’ve been giving her Royal Canin, but I have to add something with it, or she won’t eat.
Author: Martha K.
Likes: 4
I feed mine Purina Smart One for small dogs. I have always free-fed her, so there is always kibble in her dish. Sometimes I mix in chicken or lean ground beef, boiled, of course, with sweet potatoes, and she loves it. She is a nibbler, so she eats when she is hungry.
Author: Sharon Wheeler W.
Likes: 1
My dogs love Fresh Pet. I have a piggy and a picky, so I spread a little liverwurst around the sides of the plate, and he loves that, so he will polish that off, then eat his food in the middle of the plate. This has worked for years!
Author: Stacey A.
Likes: 4
Little Caesars lamb, but honestly, probably how much you’re giving her is the real problem. Also, she loves greenies and grain-free treats. Little to no table scraps.
Author: Douglas B.
Likes: 0
Satiety from Royal Canin is what we used for my 27 lb boy, and he’s down 10 pounds and doesn’t beg. Seems to keep him filled up. And his energy level OMG like he’s a pup again..he’s 8.
Author: Kristy C.
Likes: 1
I add peas and green beans to my pet’s food. Also, buy a fresh pet every so often to switch it up. I have one that will eat anything you give him, and the other one seems to get bored with his food.
Author: Lisa J.
Likes: 2
My little girl, Pebbles, was all. of 16+ yrs old and just wouldn’t eat the prescribed food. At her age and health, I gave her what she wanted or would eat. I fed her with weight management canned dog food of whatever she wanted. In her last few weeks, she. ate only a hot dog now and then, ground hamburger, 1 time it was taco meat, then she had some green beans and chicken. The last 3 days, she would only eat tuna fish, nothing else. I would add to it. She passed 1 day short of 17 yrs old. I had never budgeted her health care. My vet had a cc on file for Pebbles for Anything she needed for her well-being. I would travel for my work and be gone for weeks at a time. It was to care for her whoever would bring her to the vet. My point is, we do what we can. And when they have had enough, we need to consider that also. No easy fix.
Author: Patty C.
Likes: 7
Royal Canin… We buy all of her pets’ food through Chewy as an app, and they are quite knowledgeable about all of the dog food and all the stuff that they sell. They are great people, and they made sure that our pets had all of the food through the pandemic
Author: Patti N.
Likes: 2
So is my male dog. He is on Wellness Core weight management for small dogs and loves it.
Author: Vicki G.
Likes: 2
Mine is on Purina Pro Plan Weight Management for small dogs. I get the chicken-flavored shredded blend with kibble and meat pieces. It has been the best thing for keeping her weight between 10 and 11 lbs. She recently had a lot of teeth pulled, so I softened it for her, and she loves it. She’s 11 years old and has been on it for about 8 years now. It’s the bag with the beagle on the front, and we are on Petco’s recurring order delivery. She gets 1/4 cup twice a day. Treats for her are the meat pieces from her food (I pull some out and bag them up for treats), apple pieces, lettuce rinds (the center pieces of the leaves), and softened carrots.
Author: Debby S.
Likes: 1
You can cook fresh meals. I use chicken breast (canned or freshly cooked), brown rice, and canned low-salt string beans. Sometimes I use peas, corn, or carrots instead of string beans. Ask your vet how many calories you should feed him/her and portion it out. One can of each item makes enough for the week, but you can make more at once and freeze it. If you use canned chicken and vegetables, it takes no time at all to put together.
Author: Valerie B.
Likes: 0
My vet reduced mine’s intake to and 1/8 cup dry mixed with a couple of tablespoons of wet food twice a day. And she only wants him on Purina One. He’s done well and seems happy with it. He’s down to his goal weight and now acts like a dog that’s 4-5 years old instead of 12.
Author: Tina Hornsby D.
Likes: 2
Dogs will eat whatever food is available when they’re hungry. Give him only water and a chew bone for 24 hours. The next day, give him more water and ONLY the food the vet prescribed, and in the portions the Vet prescribes. No snacks. No treats. Dogs are, by nature, opportunist feeders. If you try to mix his old food with the Vet’s food, he may avoid the healthy pieces. NEVER leave food out all day. Feed him twice a day, 6 to 8 hours apart. Remove any food he doesn’t eat. Dogs can only get as fat as their owners allow. Tough love makes healthy pets. Be strong.
Author: Dean F.
Likes: 3
Royal Canin canned gastro, boiled chicken breast, a little bit of kibble, and a teaspoon of canned pumpkin.
Author: Rebecca G.
Likes: 1
I give my guys Local Purina One, but until we go back to Michigan and away from all our dogless RV park neighbors who give out treats, we can’t seem to lose weight!! He loves his green beans, though. I buy less salt in canned goods from Walmart.
Author: Diane K S.
Likes: 2
My dog has allergies, per vet, I feed Purina Pro Salmon and Rice for sensitive skin and stomach. I think they have an overweight formula in the pro
Author: Yolanda B.
Likes: 1
Dr Marty’s Nature’s Blend! Amazing for my Shih Tzu!
Author: Byron B.
Likes: 1
Fromm, depending on age, they have Senior Gold. We fed our dogs, and they did great on it.
Author: Bob Alice R.
Likes: 1
Weight maintenance food, and believe it or not, low-sodium green beans mixed in make them full but low in calories, and you can use green beans in place of a treat. Make sure they’re low in sodium, rinse in a strainer with cold water, refrigerate after opening, got 35 lbs off a rescue golden with this diet
Author: Barbara B.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for an Overweight Shih Tzu
1. What are the best types of food for an overweight Shih Tzu?
The best foods for an overweight Shih Tzu are high in protein, low in fat, and rich in fiber. Look for premium-quality dry or wet dog food that includes lean meats like chicken or turkey, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Avoid foods with excessive carbohydrates, fillers, and artificial additives.
2. How often should I feed my overweight Shih Tzu?
Feed your Shih Tzu two measured meals per day, rather than free-feeding. This helps control calorie intake and prevents overeating. Treats should be limited and counted toward the daily caloric total.
3. Can I give my overweight Shih Tzu treats?
Yes, but choose low-calorie, healthy options such as carrot sticks, green beans, or small apple slices (no seeds). Avoid high-fat commercial treats and use food rewards sparingly to support weight management.
4. Is grain-free food better for overweight Shih Tzus?
Not necessarily. While some dogs benefit from grain-free diets due to allergies, it’s more important for overweight Shih Tzus to have food that’s lower in calories and fat, regardless of whether it contains grains. Whole grains like brown rice and oats can actually aid digestion and satiety.
5. Should I consider a prescription weight-loss dog food?
If your Shih Tzu is severely overweight or has health complications, your vet may recommend a prescription weight management formula. These specialized foods are calorie-controlled, nutritionally balanced, and often contain ingredients that promote satiety and fat metabolism.
6. How can I tell if my Shih Tzu is losing weight on a new diet?
Monitor your Shih Tzu’s weight weekly and check for visible signs like a more defined waist, easier movement, and increased energy. Your vet can also help track progress with body condition scoring and regular weigh-ins.
7. Can exercise improve the effectiveness of a weight-loss diet for my Shih Tzu?
Absolutely. Regular, moderate exercise like short walks, playtime, or indoor games can help burn calories and support healthy weight loss. Always consult your vet before starting a new exercise routine, especially for an overweight or senior dog.
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