How Much Should a Shih Tzu Eat?
Typical adult weight: 9-16 lb (small breed). Adjust the weight below to match your dog.
Check the calories per cup on your dog food's bag and enter it above; brands vary a lot (about 300-450 kcal per cup for dry food).
A neutered adult Shih Tzu weighing 9-16 lb needs roughly 320-500 calories a day, about 0.875-1.5 cups of a typical 350 kcal/cup dry food.
Breed note: Small mouths mean kibble size matters; many owners choose small-breed formulas.
Feeding a Shih Tzu puppy or adult
Small and toy breeds usually reach adult size by about 9 to 12 months. Puppies are prone to low blood sugar, so they do best on three or four small meals a day. A small-breed kibble sized for little mouths is often easier to eat, and regular dental care matters because small dogs are prone to dental disease.
Shih Tzu feeding FAQ
How much should a Shih Tzu eat per day?
A neutered adult Shih Tzu weighing 9-16 lb needs roughly 320-500 calories a day, about 0.875-1.5 cups of a typical 350 kcal/cup dry food. The exact amount depends on your dog's weight, age, activity and the calories in the food.
How much should an active Shih Tzu eat?
An active or working Shih Tzu may need about 400-620 calories a day, or 1.25-1.75 cups at 350 kcal/cup.
How much should a senior or low-activity Shih Tzu eat?
A senior or low-activity Shih Tzu may need about 280-430 calories a day, or 0.75-1.25 cups at 350 kcal/cup.
Related guides
- How to Read a Dog Food Label (and Find Calories Per Cup)
- Is My Dog a Healthy Weight? How to Check at Home
- Puppy Feeding Guide: How Much and How Often
- How to Switch Dog Food Without Upsetting Their Stomach
- How Many Calories Does My Dog Need Each Day?
- Dog Treats and Calories: The 10 Percent Rule
- Feeding a Senior Dog: What Changes With Age