Shih Tzu feeding guide: how much and how often
Daily calories, portions by age and practical feeding tips for the Shih Tzu.
An adult Shih Tzu of 6 kg (13 lb) typically eats around 90 to 120 g of dry food a day, about 1 to 1.25 cups, split into two meals. That small allowance vanishes quickly once treats, chews and table scraps are added, and these dogs are very good at looking starved. A gain of 500 g is already close to 10 percent of body weight, so weigh your dog once a month.
The short muzzle changes how a Shih Tzu eats. Deep, narrow bowls push the face into the food and make picking up kibble awkward, so a shallow, wide dish or even a flat plate works better. Small, rounded kibble is easier for a crowded mouth to grasp. Many owners also use a bowl raised a few centimeters, which keeps the long ears and beard out of the food and water.
Clean the face after meals. Food and moisture caught in the mustache lead to staining and a sour smell, and a soft cloth or a quick comb through the beard prevents most of it. Some owners band the facial hair back before feeding.
Shih Tzu feeding in numbers
Illustrative adult portions
| Dog | Weight | Calories | Dry food per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female, relaxed lifestyle | 6 kg | 350 kcal | 95 g (1 cups) |
| Female, typical pet | 6 kg | 400 kcal | 110 g (1 cups) |
| Male, typical pet | 6 kg | 400 kcal | 110 g (1 cups) |
| Male, very active | 6 kg | 500 kcal | 135 g (1.3 cups) |
Puppy portions need measured weight, growth stage and the food’s energy content. A breed-average curve is not a feeding plan. Calculate with measured inputs and review the result with your vet.
Bowl capacity
900 ml
17 cm across
Product height estimate
14.5 to 20.5 cm
not a veterinary recommendation
Rough drinking estimate
0.3 to 0.3 L
keep fresh water freely available
Adult examples assume midpoint breed weights, neutered pets and food with 370 kcal per 100 g. Cups assume 100 g per cup; actual food density varies. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.