Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food
Verified May 21, 2026
A breed-specific dry food formulated for growing Shih Tzu puppies, with chicken by-product meal as the main protein source and rice and corn for easily digestible energy. It includes added EPA, DHA, and vitamin A to support development and coat quality, plus prebiotics and beet pulp to help with digestive health. This diet is designed for small-breed puppies and is complete and balanced for growth, including for puppies that may grow into larger-than-average adults.
This is a well-formulated, breed-focused puppy diet that should suit most Shih Tzu puppies very well from about 8 weeks onward. It uses highly nutritious chicken by-product meal as the primary protein source, with balanced fat and calorie levels to support steady growth rather than rapid weight gain. The added omega-3s, vitamins, and prebiotics make it a strong choice for skin, coat, and digestive support in a small-breed puppy that can be prone to these issues.
The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Complete and balanced to AAFCO standards for growth, including large-breed growth, which provides an extra margin of safety in calcium and energy control for puppies.
- Chicken by-product meal as the first ingredient offers concentrated, highly digestible animal protein suitable for growth, supported by an appropriate 26% protein and 16% fat for a small-breed puppy kibble.
- Includes fish oil (source of EPA and DHA) and specified minimum levels of EPA and DHA to support brain, eye, and skin/coat development in puppies.
- Contains beet pulp and prebiotic fructooligosaccharides to support healthy digestion and stool quality, important for small-breed puppies with sensitive GI tracts.
Considerations
- Contains chicken (by-product meal and fat), which can be an issue for puppies with known chicken allergies or sensitivities.
- Includes wheat gluten and corn, which are generally very digestible but may not suit dogs with specific grain sensitivities (true grain allergy is uncommon, but it’s still something some owners need to avoid).
- Calorie density is relatively high at about 354 kcal per cup, so portion control is important to prevent excess weight gain in a small breed that can become overweight easily.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Chicken By-Product
Chicken by-product is a common protein ingredient in pet foods made from edible parts of the bird not typically consumed by people—such as organs (liver, heart), necks and other tissues—and is used to add protein, flavor and nutrient density. It can provide concentrated protein, essential amino acids, B vitamins and minerals (and may contribute taurine when organ meats are included), but composition and quality vary by source, so pet parents concerned about sourcing, higher ash/fat content or chicken allergies should check the manufacturer’s labeling and quality standards.
02
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
03
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
04
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
05
Wheat Gluten
Wheat gluten is a concentrated plant protein commonly used in dry pet foods as a protein booster, binder and texture improver to help form kibble and extend meat-based ingredients. It provides digestible protein for dogs and cats but is low in certain essential amino acids (notably lysine) and lacks animal-specific nutrients like taurine, so it should not be the sole protein source; pets with wheat or gluten sensitivities may also experience allergic or gastrointestinal reactions.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
Royal Canin is a premium pet food brand offering highly specific diets tailored to different breeds, life stages, sizes, and health conditions of dogs and cats. The brand is known for its science-driven approach and collaboration with veterinarians and pet professionals.
Visit Royal CaninWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
Royal Canin operates manufacturing facilities globally with strict quality control processes and adheres to ISO certification standards. The company maintains full traceability of ingredients, follows HACCP principles, and complies with local and international pet food safety regulations including EU and FDA requirements.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Royal Canin Shih Tzu Puppy Dry Dog Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Royal Canin ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Royal Canin. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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