Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus UK (2026) — Grain-Free Options Reviewed
Shih Tzus are flat-faced toy companions, and their anatomy drives every feeding decision. Their short muzzle and crowded teeth make large kibble genuinely hard to pick up and chew, so small biscuit size is essential and a low-sugar grain-free recipe helps slow the dental disease the breed is very prone to. Their prominent eyes are vulnerable to ulcers and dryness, so antioxidant- and omega-rich food supports eye health, and tear staining is often reduced on a clean, additive-free diet. Skin allergies and recurrent ear infections are common, and grain-free limited-ingredient food frequently calms both. Because they are sedentary and small, weight gain creeps up fast and worsens their breathing — measure portions precisely and keep treats within the daily allowance.
We've taken our full grain-free roundup and assessed each food specifically for Shih Tzu suitability. Whether you have a puppy or a senior Shih Tzu, here's what the breed needs — and which foods deliver it. (Looking for a different breed? Browse our full by-breed index.)
What Shih Tzus Need from Their Food
Shih Tzus are a small breed weighing 4-8kg, with a lifespan of 12-16 years. They have a low-moderate activity level, which shapes their nutritional needs:
- Protein: 24-28% crude protein — essential for muscle maintenance.
- Fat: 12-16% — lower fat suits their less active nature and prevents obesity.
- Daily intake: Approximately 70-130g dry per day (300-500 kcal), though this varies with activity level and age.
- Omega-3 for skin and eye health — particularly important for this breed.
- Small kibble for crowded jaws — particularly important for this breed.
- Probiotics for digestion — particularly important for this breed.
- Antioxidants for eye health — particularly important for this breed.
Common Health Issues That Affect Food Choice
Shih Tzus are prone to:
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Eye problems (corneal ulcers, dry eye)
- Dental crowding and disease
- Skin allergies
- Ear infections
- Obesity
Several of these conditions are either caused by or worsened by diet. Grain-free food with quality protein sources can help manage inflammation and reduce allergic reactions.
Common Food Sensitivities
Shih Tzus frequently develop sensitivities to: grains, chicken, beef, dairy, artificial colours. If your Shih Tzu has itchy skin, recurring ear infections, or digestive issues, consider an elimination diet starting with a single novel protein source.
Our Top Picks for Shih Tzus
🏆 Best Overall: Lily's Kitchen Chicken & Duck
Small kibble suits a crowded flat-faced mouth, and the natural omega-rich recipe supports the skin, coat and sensitive digestion Shih Tzus are known for. Moderate calories keep a sedentary toy breed from gaining dangerous weight.
Check Price on Amazon →🧴 Best for Skin Health: Canagan Free-Run Chicken
Balanced omega-3 and omega-6 strengthen the skin barrier behind the breed's recurrent skin and ear flare-ups, and grain-free removes a common source of allergic inflammation.
Check Price on Amazon →🌿 Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Symply Fresh Turkey
Single-protein turkey is ideal for the elimination diets allergy-prone Shih Tzus often need, free from the chicken, beef and additives that trigger most reactions and tear staining.
Check Price on Amazon →🦷 Best for Dental Health: Eden Holistic Original
A low-carbohydrate, grain-free profile means less sugar feeding plaque bacteria in a breed with severely crowded teeth, while the small dense kibble encourages the chewing that helps keep teeth cleaner.
Check Price on Amazon →💰 Best Value: Forthglade Natural Chicken
Lower fat (12%) suits a low-activity toy breed prone to obesity, with a clean cold-pressed recipe that's gentle on small-breed digestion. Shih Tzus eat so little that even quality food costs little per day.
Check Price on Amazon →Feeding Guide for Shih Tzus
| Age | Daily Amount | Meals per Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (2-6 months) | Based on expected adult weight | 3-4 | Use a small-breed puppy formula |
| Junior (6-12 months) | Gradually reduce to adult portion | 2-3 | Transition to adult food at 10-12 months |
| Adult (1-8 years) | 70-130g dry per day | 2 | Adjust for activity level |
| Senior (8+ years) | Reduce by 10-20% | 2 | Consider a senior or light formula |
How We Chose These Foods
We evaluate grain-free dog foods against Shih Tzu-specific criteria:
- Meat content and quality — named meat sources, not vague "animal derivatives"
- Breed-relevant nutrients — omega-3 for skin and eye health, small kibble for crowded jaws, probiotics for digestion, antioxidants for eye health
- UK availability and pricing — products you can actually buy in the UK at reasonable prices
- Ingredient transparency — full ingredient lists with clear sourcing
- Real owner feedback — how Shih Tzu owners rate these foods in practice
We're an independent review site. We don't accept payment or free products from brands. Our revenue comes from affiliate links — if you buy through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never influences our recommendations. Read our full disclosure.
Guides for Other Breeds
Looking for a different breed? We have specific food guides for the UK's most popular dogs:
- Best Dog Food for Labradors
- Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels
- Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
- Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
- Best Dog Food for Cockapoos
- Best Dog Food for German Shepherds
- Best Dog Food for Springer Spaniels
- Best Dog Food for Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
- Best Dog Food for Border Collies
- Best Dog Food for Pugs
- Best Dog Food for Jack Russell Terriers
- Best Dog Food for Beagles
- Best Dog Food for Whippets
- Best Dog Food for Yorkshire Terriers
- Best Dog Food for Great Danes
- Best Dog Food for Dobermanns
- Best Dog Food for Boxers
Or see our complete grain-free dog food comparison for all breeds.
Our Top Picks — Full Reviews
Orijen Original
The gold standard of grain-free dog food. 85% quality animal ingredients with multiple protein sources mimicking a natural diet. WholePrey ratios include organs and cartilage for complete nutrition without synthetic supplements.
- 85% animal ingredients — highest on this list
- Multiple protein sources (chicken, turkey, fish)
- WholePrey ratios include organs for natural nutrition
- No synthetic amino acid supplements needed
- Very expensive — £13.33/kg
- Rich formula may cause loose stools initially
- Strong fish smell some owners dislike
Best for: Active dogs, Multi-protein diet, Premium nutrition
Canagan Free-Run Chicken
Premium British-made grain-free kibble with 60% chicken content. Includes joint-supporting glucosamine and MSM, plus sweet potato for slow-release energy. One of the most popular grain-free options in the UK.
- 60% chicken content — genuinely high meat
- UK-made with traceable ingredients
- Includes glucosamine + MSM for joints
- Sweet potato instead of white potato
- Premium price — £8.33/kg
- Only one protein source (chicken)
- Some dogs dislike the small kibble size
Best for: Adult dogs, Chicken lovers, Joint support
Eden Holistic Original Cuisine
Exceptional 80/20 formula from a small-batch UK manufacturer. Gently prepared at low temperatures to preserve nutrients. Six animal proteins in one recipe for a varied, biologically appropriate diet.
- 80% meat content — outstanding
- Six different protein sources
- Small-batch UK production
- Low-temperature preparation preserves nutrients
- Not widely available in shops
- Multiple proteins = not ideal for elimination diets
- Price increase over last year
Best for: Multi-protein fans, Quality-focused owners, Active/working dogs
Symply Fresh Turkey
Outstanding value grain-free option from a well-regarded UK brand. Uses freshly prepared turkey as the sole protein — ideal for dogs with chicken sensitivities. Sweet potato and pea-based carbohydrates.
- Excellent value at £6.33/kg
- Single protein source — great for allergies
- UK-made with high-quality turkey
- No chicken or common allergens
- Lower protein than premium brands
- Limited flavour range
- Less well-known brand
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, Allergy-prone dogs, Turkey-only diets
Acana Classics Prairie Poultry
From the same makers as Orijen but at a more accessible price point. 60% quality poultry ingredients with 40% fruit, vegetables, and botanicals. A solid mid-range option that delivers excellent nutrition.
- Same manufacturer as Orijen — trusted quality
- Good balance of quality and price
- Multiple poultry proteins
- Includes wholesome fruits and botanicals
- Not as premium as Orijen sibling
- Contains some legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
- Can be harder to find in shops
Best for: Quality on a mid-range budget, Poultry fans, Orijen alternative
Lily's Kitchen Chicken & Duck
Well-known premium British brand offering natural grain-free recipes with 50% freshly prepared meat. Certified B Corp with ethical sourcing. Popular choice with good availability in supermarkets and pet shops.
- Widely available in UK supermarkets
- B Corp certified — ethical production
- No artificial preservatives, fillers, or derivatives
- Good range of flavours and sizes
- Lower meat content than competitors (50%)
- Contains potato starch as filler
- Premium price for the meat percentage
Best for: Convenience seekers, Ethical buyers, Fussy eaters
Forthglade Natural Lifestage Chicken
Devon-based family brand making natural dog food since 1971. Grain-free cold-pressed option that's gentle on digestion. Known for excellent palatability and steady energy release.
- Cold-pressed for better digestion
- Over 50 years of UK manufacturing
- No synthetic preservatives
- Steady energy release throughout the day
- Cold-pressed kibble different texture — some dogs take time to adjust
- Moderate meat content
- Smaller bag sizes available
Best for: Sensitive stomachs, Tradition seekers, Devon dog lovers
Harringtons Grain Free Turkey & Veg
The most affordable grain-free option in the UK, widely available in supermarkets. Good entry point for dogs transitioning to grain-free. Lower meat content than premium options but genuine value for money.
- Incredible value at £2.00/kg
- Available everywhere — Tesco, Asda, Pets at Home
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- Good for transitioning to grain-free
- Only 30% meat — lowest on our list
- Potato-heavy recipe
- Basic nutritional profile
Best for: Budget buyers, Grain-free starters, Multi-dog households