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
- USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified.
- Main ingredient is organic chicken! 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
- 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
- GRAIN-FREE PUPPY TREATS: These bite-sized, soft puppy training treats are the perfect reward during training sessions or any time you want to thank your dog for good behavior. Puppy bites contain 6 calories per individual treat!
- SUPPORTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: Soft dog treats are crafted with salmon, a healthy source of DHA to promote healthy brain development.
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: These treats for dogs are made with minimal ingredients focused on quality proteins: made with lamb and salmon, with added vitamins specifically for puppies.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Treats for dogs do not contain wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, or artificial colors.
- MADE IN USA: Our dog treats are quality-assured, made in USA, and crafted from the finest globally-sourced ingredients. Treats are tender, healthy, and bite-sized for small, medium, and large dogs of all lifestages, and activity levels.
- Contains one (1) 40 ounce package of small dog treats with real bone marrow
- The dog biscuit shell encases a real bone marrow center
- Crunchy on the outside and meaty on the inside, our MaroSnacks dog snacks are a satisfying combo of texture and mouthwatering flavor
- Savory treats with calcium, perfect for dogs of all sizes
- Baked with love in Buffalo, New York, USA, with colors from natural ingredients only
- Contains one (1) 25-ounce container of Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy Chicken Recipe With Chicken Breast dog treats
- Soft and chewy dog treats made with real chicken breast
- Fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals
- Great for dogs of all sizes
- Loved since 1908
- REAL MEAT FIRST: BLUE Bits treats for dogs are made with real salmon first; perfect for dogs that love a tender, meaty snack
- GREAT FOR TRAINING: These soft dog training treats are bite-sized, tender, and tasty, making them great for training session
- ENHANCED with DHA: Bite-size morsels enhanced with DHA to support cognitive development
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: These natural dog treats contain no chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and they are free from corn, wheat, and soy
- Contains One (1) 4-oz bag of BLUE Bits Soft-Moist Dog Training Treats, Savory Salmon Recipe
- Chicken First: Pur Luv Jerky Wrapped Dog Treats are jerky dog treats made with Real Chicken as the very first ingredient
- Real Sweet Potato: The center of these tasty chicken wrapped dog treats is real sweet potato that dogs love, and is good for them too
- Rawhide Free: These chicken jerky dog treats are a 100% rawhide free alternative to traditional rawhide dog chews
- Limited Ingredients: Pur Luv sweet potato treats for dogs feature limited ingredient decks so you know exactly what you’re feeding your dog
- Easily Digestible Healthy Snack: The Pur Luv Chicken and Sweet Potato chews offer a tasty and easily digestible chicken dog treats
- 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!
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.