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Shih Tzu Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food
Royal Canin

Shih Tzu Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food

Verified Aug 26, 2026

Dog · Wet Adult All Breed Sizes

A canned pâté-style wet food formulated specifically for adult Shih Tzus, using pork and chicken (including by-products) as its main protein sources. It’s a complete and balanced maintenance diet with added fish oil for skin and coat support and taurine and L-carnitine for overall health. The soft loaf texture makes it easy for small, flat-faced dogs to pick up and chew.

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Over-the-counter Meets WSAVA criteria AAFCO No recalls

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KibbleLab Score
9.0 out of 10

Top Pick

This is a well-formulated, breed-focused wet diet that provides complete and balanced maintenance nutrition for adult Shih Tzus. It uses a mix of pork and chicken, including nutrient-dense organ and by-product ingredients, and includes fish oil and targeted supplements like taurine and L-carnitine. It’s a good option if you prefer a soft, easy-to-eat texture for a small brachycephalic dog, as long as chicken and pork are tolerated and you’re comfortable with a moderate calorie density for a small breed prone to weight gain.

Nutritional profile 9.0
Ingredient composition 8.0
Adequacy substantiation 7.0
Health considerations 10.0
Manufacturer evidence (WSAVA criteria) +0.5

Computed from 4 of 4 applicable checks. Missing data is skipped, never counted against a food.

The KibbleLab Score (1–10) is assessed from publicly available product data. Our evaluation is science-based, not marketing-based.

Nutritional profile Protein, fat, fiber on a dry-matter basis, for the stated life stage and format
Adequacy substantiation Complete and balanced substantiation; feeding trials valued higher
Ingredient composition Screened for unnamed sources, artificial additives, and label protein inflation. Not a quality ranking.
Health considerations Pulse-heavy grain-free (DCM) pattern and recall history
Verified manufacturer evidence A small bonus when we can verify evidence addressing WSAVA selection criteria
9.0 - 10 Top Pick
8.0 - 8.9 Strong Choice
7.0 - 7.9 Solid Option
6.0 - 6.9 Worth a Conversation
Below 6.0 Review Carefully

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At a Glance

Marketed Benefits
Where these benefits come from Benefits the manufacturer highlights in its own product marketing. KibbleLab lists them for reference and does not verify these claims.
Skin Coat Health Heart Care Appetite Support
Diet & Compliance
Meets WSAVA criteria
Suitable For
Adult All Breed Sizes
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We'll check every ingredient against your pet's sensitivities and avoidance list.

Nutritional Perspective

KibbleLab Review

Strengths

  • Complete and balanced according to AAFCO profiles for adult maintenance, so it can be fed as a sole diet for adult Shih Tzus.
  • Pork and chicken by-products and liver provide highly nutritious organ meats with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids beyond what muscle meat alone offers.
  • Includes fish oil, a good source of EPA and DHA, which supports skin, coat, and overall health in small breeds.
  • Loaf-style pâté is very easy for small, flat-faced dogs like Shih Tzus to pick up, chew, and swallow, which can improve meal-time comfort.

Considerations

  • Contains chicken and pork, which are common protein allergens; not suitable for dogs with known sensitivities to these meats.
  • Like most wet foods, the guaranteed protein percentage looks low due to high moisture; if you feed only this, portion control is important to avoid excess calories, especially in less active small dogs.
  • Uses several gums (carrageenan, guar gum, carob bean gum) as thickeners; these are generally safe, but can occasionally bother very sensitive digestive systems.
Scored using the rubric of an NAVC Certified Pet Nutrition Coach (PNCC). This is informational, not veterinary advice.

Full Ingredient List

Water sufficient for processing, pork by-products, chicken, chicken by-products, pork liver, corn flour, powdered cellulose, vegetable oil, fish oil, carrageenan, natural flavors, carob bean gum, potassium phosphate, taurine, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate (source of vitamin E), L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), niacin supplement, biotin, D-calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement], guar gum, L-carnitine, calcium carbonate, citric acid, choline chloride, sodium carbonate, magnesium oxide, trace minerals [zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate], marigold extract (Tagetes erecta L.).

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
Water
Water is an essential nutrient and the primary solvent and moisture component in pet foods, especially wet and canned diets, and is also used in processing and to adjust texture and palatability. It is vital for digestion, nutrient transport, temperature regulation and waste removal in dogs and cats; pets must have constant access to clean water as dehydration can quickly lead to serious health issues and requirements increase with activity, heat, or illness, while moisture in wet food can help meet part of their daily needs.
02
Pork By-Product
Pork by-product is a common protein and flavoring ingredient in pet foods made from non-rendered portions of the pig such as organs, connective tissue and trimmings, supplying animal protein, fat, B vitamins, iron and other trace minerals that help support energy, muscle maintenance and overall nutrition for dogs and cats. Because composition and fat content can vary by source, owners should be aware of potential pork sensitivities, higher caloric density, and sourcing/quality differences; ensure the complete diet meets species-specific requirements (for example, cats need adequate taurine) and consult the manufacturer or your veterinarian if you have concerns.
03
Chicken
Chicken is a common animal-based protein in dog and cat foods, supplying essential amino acids, B vitamins, and energy-dense fats that support muscle maintenance, growth, and overall health; for cats it also contributes toward dietary taurine but must be present in sufficient amounts or provided via supplementation. It is prized for its digestibility and palatability, though some pets develop sensitivities or allergies to chicken, and nutritional value and safety depend on ingredient quality and processing—raw chicken carries pathogen risks and whole bones can pose choking or GI hazards.
View ingredient
04
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.
05
Pork Liver
Pork liver is an organ meat used in pet foods as a nutrient‑dense source of high‑quality protein and concentrated vitamins and minerals—notably vitamin A, B vitamins (including B12 and folate), iron and copper—that support red blood cell production, skin/coat condition and overall metabolism. Because liver is very rich in vitamin A and certain minerals, it should be included in limited amounts to avoid hypervitaminosis A or mineral imbalances and must be properly processed to reduce pathogen risk; pets with urinary stone issues or a pork sensitivity should use caution.

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.
As Fed
Crude Protein (min)
6.50%
Low High
Crude Fat (min)
4.60%
Low High
Crude Fiber (max)
1.80%
Low High
Moisture (max)
81.50%
Low High
949
kcal / Kg
81
kcal / Can
Moderate
Calorie density category
What is calorie density How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.

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Product Details & Brand

Product Specs

Lifestage Adult
Breed size All Breed Sizes
Texture Pate
Processing method Canned
Food type Wet

AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.

Complete & balanced Yes
AAFCO life stages Adult Maintenance
Substantiation Formulation
Breed Health Nutrition SHIH TZU Adult loaf in sauce is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.

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.

Price tier $$$$
WSAVA Meets criteria

WSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.

Manufacturer

Company name Royal Canin
Parent company Mars, Incorporated
Founded 1968
Headquarters Aimargues, Gard, France
Manufacturing type In House
Manufacturing country France
Manufacturing region Gard
Manufacturing oversight

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

No recalls on record

No recall is listed for Royal Canin Shih Tzu Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food.

Source: FDA animal food recall listings back to January 2019 · Checked daily, last on Aug 31, 2026

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KibbleLab food report
TOP TIER.
9.0 /10 Grade A+
Shih Tzu Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food
Royal Canin · kibblelab.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Royal Canin ever been recalled?

We have no recalls on record for Royal Canin. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.

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.

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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 listings. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check. We track the FDA's animal food recall listings back to January 2019 and publish every pet food recall automatically. A filing that isn't pet food may not appear here.