Use the Feeding Schedule Planner
Building the Right Feeding Schedule for Your Shih Tzu
Enter your Shih Tzu's weight and age above to get a personalized feeding schedule with portion sizes and meal timing. Consistency in feeding time and quantity is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's digestive health and behaviour.
The Shih Tzu is an ancient toy breed that originated in Chinese imperial palaces, where they were bred as lap dogs for royalty. The name 'Shih Tzu' means 'lion dog' in Chinese. They are known for their flowing, silky coats and sweet, affectionate nature. Shih Tzus are adaptable and do well in apartments and homes alike. Like other flat-faced breeds, they can struggle with heat and heavy exercise. Their long coats require daily brushing or a short 'puppy cut' for easier maintenance.
Recommended Feeding Frequency by Age
2–3 months: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day
Adult Shih Tzu (1–7 years): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
Senior Shih Tzu (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day
A typical adult Shih Tzu weighing 12 lbs needs approximately 349 calories daily, which works out to roughly 1.0 cups of standard kibble split across two meals — about 0.5 cups per meal.
Feeding Schedule Tips for Shih Tzus
Feed at consistent times each day — ideally morning and evening, 8–12 hours apart. Consistent timing regulates digestion, reduces begging behaviour, and makes house training significantly easier. Avoid exercising your Shih Tzu immediately after eating, especially if they are a larger breed, to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).
Measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or dedicated measuring cup — "eyeballing" portions is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Account for all treats, chews, and toppers in the daily calorie count.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Shih Tzu
Look for dog food where the first ingredient is a named protein (chicken, beef, salmon — not "meat meal"). Shih Tzus benefit from food with at least 25% protein content and moderate fat levels. Avoid fillers like corn syrup, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), and vague ingredient labels like "animal by-products."
Breed-specific formulas exist for many of these characteristics and can be a good starting point, but they are not mandatory — a high-quality standard adult formula works just as well for most Shih Tzus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I feed my Shih Tzu once or twice a day?
A: Twice daily is recommended for most Shih Tzus. Splitting daily calories into two meals reduces hunger, improves digestion, and is associated with lower bloat risk in larger breeds.
Q: Can I leave food out all day for my Shih Tzu?
A: Free-feeding is not recommended for Shih Tzus, as it makes calorie control impossible and is a major contributor to obesity. Scheduled mealtimes also strengthen your role as a provider, which supports training.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can give breed- and dog-specific recommendations based on a physical examination.