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Get your pet's plan
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Shih Tzu feeding chart: portions by age and weight

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic companion toys: friendly, low-activity, prone to dental disease, allergies, and breed-specific renal issues. Feeding precision and dental routine matter.

Daily portion guide (adult)

These are the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee’s calorie ranges for an average healthy adult dog in ideal body condition. They are starting points, not a prescription.

Weight Calories a day (WSAVA range)
8.8 lb (4 kg) 240 to 297 kcal
11 lb (5 kg) 280 to 351 kcal
13.2 lb (6 kg) 320 to 403 kcal
15.4 lb (7 kg) 360 to 452 kcal
Weight
8.8 lb (4 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
240 to 297 kcal
Weight
11 lb (5 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
280 to 351 kcal
Weight
13.2 lb (6 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
320 to 403 kcal
Weight
15.4 lb (7 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
360 to 452 kcal

WSAVA gives these ranges for guidance only: dogs are individuals, and some need more or fewer calories to stay at an ideal, trim body condition. To turn calories into cups or grams, use the calories per cup or per 100 g printed on your food’s label: daily calories divided by calories per cup gives cups a day. The feeding guide on that label and your vet set the real amount, and your vet adjusts it by body condition: the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines call for a feeding plan tailored to the individual dog.

Split into 2 meals. Energy needs drop after spaying or neutering (AAHA nutrition guidelines), so ask your vet how much to cut back.

Puppy (8 weeks to 10 months)

Toy / small-breed puppy formula. Meals taper with age: 4 a day until 3 to 4 months old, 3 a day until 6 months, then 2 (Merck Veterinary Manual; Blue Cross). Switch to adult food at about 12 months, when the skeleton has finished growing, with your vet’s go-ahead (AAHA’s 2021 nutrition guidelines: a growth diet until skeletal maturity, about 1 year for small and medium-size dogs).

Senior (from about 9 and a half years)

Senior age here is the last 25% of expected lifespan (AAHA 2019 Canine Life Stage Guidelines), counted from the breed’s median life expectancy in McMillan et al. 2024 (Scientific Reports). Older dogs do not automatically need less food or a senior formula: AAHA notes that energy needs may fall with age, but not consistently. Ask your vet to check weight, muscle and calories. Senior bloodwork (every 6 to 12 months) covers kidney values. Keep up dental and eye care.

What makes feeding a Shih Tzu different

Brachycephaly. A slow-feeder bowl helps with gulping.

Dental disease. Crowded mouths. Cornell recommends daily brushing at home and a yearly professional oral exam and cleaning under anesthesia.

Allergies. Skin / ear / paw flares → vet conversation.

Kidney issues. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists Shih Tzus among the breeds prone to inherited glomerular (kidney) disease. Routine bloodwork includes kidney values. If disease is found, your vet sets the diet.

Eye sensitivity. Eye-prominent face; eat-area cleanup helps reduce eye irritation from food / water.

Coat-skin nutrition. Long-coated. A complete and balanced food supports coat condition.

Common breed concerns and feeding

  • Brachy-eating: slow-feeder.
  • Dental: small kibble + daily brushing.
  • Allergies: elimination diet for chronic flares.
  • Renal: routine bloodwork; diet set by your vet if abnormal.

Sample daily routine

Adult Shih Tzu, 12 lb (5.5 kg):

  • 7am: breakfast (slow feeder)
  • 7:30am: 15-min walk
  • 5pm: 15-min walk
  • 6pm: dinner
  • Daily teeth brushing
  • Eye-area cleaning

What to keep track of

  • Dental routine.
  • Skin / ear / paw flares.
  • Weight monthly.
  • Senior bloodwork dates (kidney values).

FAQ

How do I clean my Shih Tzu’s eyes?

Damp cloth wipe daily; remove debris from face folds. Tear-staining is common. Talk to your vet if it bothers the skin.

Are Shih Tzus prone to kidney disease?

Merck lists the breed among those prone to inherited glomerular disease. Blood and urine tests at routine checks (every 6 to 12 months in the senior years) help catch changes early.

What about dental cleaning frequency?

Cornell recommends a yearly professional oral exam and treatment under general anesthesia, plus daily brushing at home. Your vet sets the exact timing.

Sources