What’s the secret to a happy Shih Tzu? Often, it’s a perfectly timed, delicious treat! These little lions deserve the very best snacks, but finding them can feel like a maze. You want something healthy, something they will actually eat, and something that won’t upset their sensitive tummies. It is frustrating when you buy a bag only to watch your furry friend turn their nose up at it!
Choosing the wrong treat can lead to tummy troubles or even dental issues for your small companion. We know you worry about what goes into those tiny bodies. That is why we dug deep to find the ultimate guide for Shih Tzu treats.
Keep reading to discover the safest, tastiest, and healthiest treat options perfectly sized for your beloved Shih Tzu. We break down what ingredients to look for and which ones to avoid. Get ready to become the treat expert every Shih Tzu dreams of having!
Top Dog Treats For Shih Tzu Recommendations
- REAL BACON IS THE #1 INGREDIENT — These soft dog treats are made with real bacon first, delivering protein-packed flavor dogs go crazy for. Grain-free, no corn, no soy, and zero artificial flavors — just honest, healthy dog snacks.
- SOFT & CHEWY dog treats ideal for training, daily rewards, and gentle chewing. Perfect dog treats for small dogs, senior dogs, and picky eaters, with a tender texture dogs love.
- SAFE FOR ALL AGES & BREEDS — Can puppies eat these? Yes. These healthy soft dog treats are safe for puppies, seniors, and every breed and size in between — from small dog treats to large dog snacks, one bag does it all.
- FIBER-RICH FOR DIGESTIVE SUPPORT — Yes, these dog treats support digestion. Made with upcycled sweet potato and flaxseed, each treat delivers natural fiber to keep your dog's gut happy — healthy dog treats that work as hard as your pup.
- MADE IN THE USA, UPCYCLED WITH CARE — Crafted by pet nutritionists using locally sourced ingredients. We rescue imperfect sweet potatoes from farms to reduce food waste — better treats, better planet, proudly made in the USA.
- CONTAINS: One 25-oz. canister of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy dog treats
- MADE WITH REAL BEEF & FILET MIGNON: Tender, tempting dog snacks they won’t be able to resist
- WHOLESOME AND TASTY: With 12 vitamins & minerals, like iron, zinc and B12, plus 18% protein
- EASY TO CHEW: Soft dog treats for dogs of all ages and sizes
- LOVED SINCE 1908: Produced in Buffalo, NY and Topeka, KS
- OVEN-BAKED GOODNESS: Blue Buffalo Mini Health Bars crunchy dog treats deliver oven-baked apple and yogurt flavor goodness for a satisfying crunch and sweet apple aroma dogs love
- EXPERT-LED NUTRITION: Designed to help your pet thrive from the inside out, Blue Buffalo all-natural dog treats are developed by a dedicated team of veterinarians and animal nutritionists for a trusted option in healthy dog snacks
- REAL NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Made with real apples, real yogurt, and wholesome whole grains, these mini crunchy dog cookies are packed with flavors that make tails wag
- SUPPORTS OVERALL HEALTH: These tasty dog snacks are fortified with antioxidants and vitamins to support overall health and well-being in every crunchy bite
- HEALTHY SKIN & COAT: Omega 3 fatty acids from flaxseed help support healthy skin and promote a shiny coat, making these bite-size crunchy dog biscuits a smart treat choice
- REAL MEAT FIRST: These Blue Buffalo puppy treats are made with real chicken as the first ingredient for a taste dogs love
- GREAT FOR TRAINING: These dog training treats are soft and tender; making them easy to break into smaller pieces
- ENHANCED with DHA: These puppy treats with DHA are formulated to help support cognitive development
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These dog treats for puppies contain no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals and are free of corn, wheat, and soy
- Contains: One (1) 8-oz bag of Baby BLUE Soft Biscuits Natural Puppy Treats, with Chicken & Carrots
- VET RECOMMENDED FORMULA- A daily nutritional supplement with a synergistic blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!
- TASTY SOFT CHEWS- Our delicious heart shaped soft chews help maintain optimal health in dogs no matter the breed, age or activity level! Easy to administer!
- DIETARY SUPPLEMENT- Perfect to supplement your dog's diet. Helps with skin & coat, digestion, bladder support, and overall health!
- MADE IN USA- Made in FDA, USDA and FSIS Regulated Manufacturing Facilities. All raw materials utilized are of the highest quality and are evaluated for purity and potency prior to use.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog healthcare products, grooming products and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above the title to see our amazon storefront!
- USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified.
- Main ingredient is organic beef! No wheat, corn, or soy!
- The perfect bite sized training treats made in small batches for freshness, quality, and safety!
- MADE IN THE USA! Buy with confidence! All Healthy Breeds products are made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. All raw materials utilized are of the highest quality and are evaluated for purity and potency prior to use.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog products including health care, grooming, dental care and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our Amazon storefront. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction guaranteed
- Contains one (1) 8-oz. bag of Milk-Bone Dunkin’ dog treats
- Donut inspired dog snacks made with sprinkles
- Vanilla glaze flavor biscuits dipped and drizzled in vanilla yogurt flavored coating (with other natural flavors)
- Crunchy dog treats that help freshen breath and reduce tartar build-up
- The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation is proud to support dogs who bring joy to hospitalized children
- Triple Action: These dental treats for small dogs reduce tartar buildup, clean teeth, and freshen breath for complete dental care
- X-Shape Design: Pedigree Dentastix small dog dental chews have a unique X-shape and chewy texture that helps scrape away plaque while chewing to help clean hard-to-reach areas around teeth
- Small Breed Formula: Treat your small breed dog (7 to 22 lbs.) to dental sticks for small dogs. 1 treat a day to freshen your dog's breath
- Real Chicken Flavor: Dental dog treats made with tasty chicken flavor your dog will love in every bite
- Waltham Science: Snacks for dogs developed with Waltham Science, a world-leading authority on pet care and nutrition
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Treats for Your Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are wonderful, small dogs with big personalities. They often need special care, especially when it comes to their diet. Picking the right dog treat matters for their health and happiness. This guide helps you choose the best snacks for your little companion.
Key Features to Look For
When buying treats for your Shih Tzu, certain features stand out. You want treats that match their size and needs.
- **Size and Shape:** Shih Tzus have small mouths. Look for small, bite-sized treats. Large, hard biscuits can be a choking hazard or hurt their tiny teeth. Soft or semi-moist treats are often best.
- **Nutritional Value:** Treats should not be just empty calories. Good treats offer small amounts of protein, fiber, or healthy fats. Avoid treats that are mostly sugar or artificial fillers.
- **Dental Support:** Many small breeds struggle with dental issues. Some treats are specifically designed to help clean teeth as your dog chews. Look for treats with a texture that encourages scraping plaque.
- **Training Suitability:** If you are training your Shih Tzu, you need small, easily broken pieces. You want a treat your dog loves but that won’t fill them up too fast during a long training session.
Important Ingredients to Consider
The ingredients list tells you everything about the treat’s quality. What goes into the treat directly affects your dog’s well-being.
High-quality ingredients improve the treat. Good ingredients include real meat (like chicken or beef), healthy vegetables (like carrots or sweet potatoes), or whole grains (like oatmeal). These items give your dog real nutrition.
Be very careful about artificial additives. Preservatives like BHA or BHT are often used to keep treats fresh longer, but many owners prefer to avoid them. Artificial colors and strong artificial flavors should also be avoided. They offer no benefit to your dog.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Treat Quality
Treat quality is not always obvious just by looking at the package. You must read the labels carefully.
What Boosts Quality?
- **Single Ingredient Focus:** Treats made from one main, recognizable ingredient (like dried salmon or real peanut butter) are usually top quality.
- **Natural Preservation:** Treats preserved naturally, perhaps with Vitamin E (tocopherols), show higher quality manufacturing standards.
- **Source Transparency:** Brands that clearly state where their ingredients come from often use better sources.
What Lowers Quality?
Low-quality treats rely on cheap fillers. Excessive corn, wheat, or soy can be hard for some dogs to digest. If these ingredients appear near the top of the list, the treat quality likely drops. Also, treats with very long ingredient lists often contain unnecessary extras.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the treat affects which type you should buy. Think about when and why you give treats.
For **daily rewards** during walks or playtime, soft, highly palatable treats work best. Your dog gets excited quickly, and training moves smoothly. These treats are usually eaten fast.
For **long-lasting entertainment** or crate training, choose a harder chew or a dental stick. These keep your Shih Tzu busy for a longer period, which is great for calming them down before bedtime.
Always remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Even the best treat given too often leads to weight gain.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shih Tzu Treats
Q: How often should I give my Shih Tzu a treat?
A: You should give treats sparingly. Use them for training rewards or small gestures of affection. Keep them under 10% of the daily food intake.
Q: Are rawhide chews safe for Shih Tzus?
A: Generally, rawhide is not recommended for small breeds like Shih Tzus. They can swallow large pieces, which might cause blockages. Softer, digestible chews are safer choices.
Q: What is the best size treat for a Shih Tzu?
A: The best size is small and pea-sized or slightly larger. They should be easy for your dog to chew and swallow quickly without much effort.
Q: Can Shih Tzus eat human food as treats?
A: Some plain, cooked human foods are safe, like small pieces of cooked chicken or carrots. However, many human foods, like grapes, onions, or chocolate, are toxic and must be avoided.
Q: Should I choose hard or soft treats?
A: It depends on the use case. Soft treats are great for fast training rewards. Harder treats help clean teeth or keep them occupied longer.
Q: What ingredients should I absolutely avoid?
A: Avoid chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener), grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and excessive artificial colors or preservatives.
Q: How do I know if a treat is causing my dog digestive upset?
A: Look for signs like soft stool, gas, or vomiting after eating a new treat. If you see these signs, stop giving that treat immediately.
Q: Are grain-free treats always better for my Shih Tzu?
A: Not necessarily. If your dog is not allergic to grains, whole grains like oatmeal can be a good source of fiber. Grain-free is only necessary if your vet suggests it or if your dog shows an allergy.
Q: How long should a dental chew last for a Shih Tzu?
A: A dental chew should last at least five to ten minutes for a small dog. If it disappears in seconds, it is too small or too soft for long-lasting dental cleaning.
Q: When should I switch from puppy treats to adult treats?
A: Most Shih Tzus transition to adult food and treats around 10 to 12 months old. Check with your veterinarian for the exact timing based on your dog’s growth rate.