Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus

Most small-breed dog food, including Shih Tzu-specific formulas, is built around palatability and kibble size rather than the brachycephalic, skin, and tear-staining realities of a Shih Tzu’s body. For a breed where additives and low-quality fillers can directly worsen visible health issues, that gap matters.

What most dog food for Shih Tzus relies on:

• Artificial dyes, additives, and low-quality fillers that are widely linked to increased tearing and the reddish-brown facial staining Shih Tzus are known for
• Multiple common allergens in a single formula — beef, dairy, wheat, corn — increasing the likelihood of triggering the skin and coat reactions this breed is prone to
• Calorie-dense formulas that contribute to weight gain in a small, low-activity companion breed
• Small kibble marketed as the ‘breed-specific’ feature without addressing the tear-staining, skin, and digestive needs that actually define Shih Tzu nutrition

What sets Brothers apart:

• Named animal protein first: chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, or venison meal, for complete amino acids and clean, functional nutrition
• No artificial colors, dyes, or preservatives — removing the additives most associated with excess tearing and tear staining
• Marine omega-3s at meaningful levels for skin barrier function and the long, healthy coat Shih Tzus are prized for
• Better gut health support that impacts skin, coat, and immune function across a small, sensitive system

Tear staining — the reddish-brown discoloration in the fur beneath the eyes — is one of the most visible and frequently searched Shih Tzu health concerns. The staining is caused by porphyrins, iron-containing pigments in tears that oxidize and turn reddish-brown when the fur stays damp. Shih Tzus are especially prone to it: their brachycephalic (flat) facial structure, shallow eye sockets, and often-blocked or malformed tear ducts cause tears to overflow onto the face rather than drain normally, and their light facial fur shows the staining dramatically.

While facial structure is genetic, diet plays a meaningful and often underappreciated role. Excess tearing is frequently driven by food sensitivities and allergies. A Shih Tzu reacting to an ingredient in its food may tear more, worsening staining. Artificial additives, dyes, and low-quality fillers are commonly cited contributors as well. Just as importantly, the mineral and impurity content of what a dog consumes affects porphyrin load. A clean, additive-free, high-quality diet with limited allergens reduces the dietary drivers of excess tearing, and many owners report visible improvement in tear staining after switching to a cleaner formula.

Diet is not the only factor in tear staining. Facial anatomy, tear duct health, and grooming all matter, and persistent staining warrants a veterinary check for blocked ducts or infection. But a clean, high-quality, low-additive diet removes the dietary contributors and gives a Shih Tzu the best nutritional foundation for clearer eyes.

As a flat-faced breed, Shih Tzus can gulp air while eating due to their compressed airway, contributing to gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort. Smaller, appropriately shaped kibble and highly digestible, low-fermentation ingredients reduce the air intake and gut fermentation that drive these issues. Feeding smaller meals more frequently, rather than one large bowl, also eases digestion for a brachycephalic dog.

The Shih Tzu’s flowing double coat is a defining feature and a direct reflection of nutritional status. A dull, dry, or flaky coat often signals inadequate essential fatty acid intake or an underlying food sensitivity. Skin allergies are common in the breed, presenting as itching, hot spots, and recurrent ear infections. Marine omega-3s support the skin barrier and coat quality from within, while clean, limited-ingredient nutrition and ingredients that support long-term health reduce the inflammatory reactions that degrade skin and coat condition.