Have you tried shopping for dog food for a Maltese Shih Tzu lately?
If so, then you know that trying to find the best dog food for them is a challenging, confusing, and frustrating experience. There are an incredible amount of options that range across a vast amount of different price ranges.
To help you find the best options, I came up with a list of the BEST dog foods for Maltese Shih Tzus. As you will see in the table of contents below, I split up my list based on the different types of food to make it easier to find the best option for your situation.
25 Best Dog Foods for Maltese Shih Tzus:
Click the link below to JUMP straight to that specific section.
Before you begin, here are a few important things to know about my list:
- Within each section, I tried to put the kinds of dog foods in order from MOST to least expensive. Since prices sometimes adjust, please give me some grace if the pricing hierarchy isn’t perfect! 🙂
- To make price comparisons between different types of dog food easier, I attempted to link to bags with similar weights. When it came to canned food, you will find that I linked to packs of 12 when available.
- Most of the companies below offer LOTS of different recipes and flavors of dog food. To assist in comparison, I tried to find the option that featured TURKEY or CHICKEN as the base ingredient and flavor. But with a little research, you will find that most brands have many other options, depending on your dog’s taste preferences.
BEST Dry Dog Foods for Maltese Shih Tzus:
Many pet owners use this classic dog food for its convenience, long shelf life, and nutritionally balanced recipes. In addition, dry dog food is typically less expensive than wet dog food.
#1. The Honest Kitchen Small Breed Whole Food Clusters
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The Honest Kitchen produces some of the BEST dog food for Maltese Shih Tzus around. Believe it or not, their whole food clusters are considered 100% edible for humans. Yes, you read that correctly! The ingredients are sourced from human-grade, whole foods. 🙂
The Honest Kitchen uses a unique process to ensure as much nutrition passes from the whole foods they use into the food. First, they cold-press the ingredients into bite-size clusters, which are then roasted and dehydrated.
And all of this takes place in a HUMAN FOOD facility. One thing I love about the Honest Kitchen technique is that the food is minimally processed, which means more nutrition is passed on from the food to your dog!
The ONLY negative to this dog food is the cost. As you can imagine, having a recipe that uses nutritious whole foods is expensive. But as you know, you almost always get what you pay for, and in this case, what you are paying for is VERY good.
Positives:
- It only uses ingredients that humans would consume.
- There are NO feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.
Negatives:
- The price is high compared to other dog foods, which may be unaffordable for some pet owners.
#2. Royal Canin Dry Dog Food
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Royal Canin is a highly recommended dog food for Maltese Shih Tzus by many pet owners. It consistently receives high customer ratings and reviews for great taste and even better nutrition.
My favorite part about Royal Canin is that they combine incredibly healthy food with kibble that almost every dog enjoys eating. As a result, even picky dogs tend to have no problems with Royal Canin.
Royal Canin has been in business for over 50 years! The company was founded on the belief that dogs of different sizes and ages require tailored diets based on their size, age, and other needs. And one look at their vast array of product lines proves this belief!
Royal Canin works closely with pet nutrition experts and veterinarians to develop their dog foods. I love how they have such a strong focus on research and development. 🙂
Positives:
- Promotes immunity and digestion with antioxidants and prebiotics.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are included to nourish your dog’s skin and coat.
- To help with the absorption of nutrients, there is a great balance of protein and fiber.
Negatives:
- Higher-priced than many other dog foods, which may be unaffordable for many pet owners.
- Wheat and corn gluten meal are found in the top ingredients.
#3. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed
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In the opinion of many dog owners, veterinarians, and breeders, Wellness Complete Health is one of the BEST dog foods for Maltese Shih Tzus you can buy. They are prepared with a tasty mixture of high-quality ingredients, such as deboned chicken, lamb, turkey, or whitefish, depending on which flavor you choose. All the Wellness recipes are complete and balanced meals for your dog.
Eating this dry food will give your Maltese Shih Tzu the comprehensive nutritional support required to stay active and maintain its health. It contains many antioxidants and other high-quality nutrients, which help maintain cognitive function and keep your dog’s immune system in good shape.
Wellness Complete Health contains:
- No artificial preservatives or flavors!
- No meat by-products or fillers like wheat, corn, or soy, which is especially good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Antioxidants to support the immune system.
- Vitamin A and calcium for healthy eyes, bones, and teeth.
- Probiotics and fiber for digestive health.
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Overall, Wellness is a well-respected company that prioritizes pet wellness and nutrition by offering high-quality, natural dog food. You definitely can’t go wrong by choosing Wellness!
#4. Blue Buffalo Small-Breed Dry Dog Food
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Blue Buffalo is an excellent choice if you want quality, affordable food for your Maltese Shih Tzu.
It’s not as expensive as other options on this list, but it still contains quality ingredients, with “deboned chicken” listed as number one. You will only find natural ingredients in Blue Buffalo, with NO artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
I have fed Blue Buffalo to our dog Chloe for most of her 14-year life, and she is still going strong! 🙂
Included in the kibble is something called “LifeSource Bits.” These smaller bits are made using minimal heat that helps keep the potency of their ingredients. These blends of antioxidant-rich vitamins and minerals include ingredients such as blueberries, cranberries, and sweet potatoes that are carefully selected by veterinarians and animal nutritionists. The bits help support your dog’s immune system and overall health.
Positives:
- The first ingredient is “deboned chicken.” In addition, there are NO “by-product” meals.
- No corn, wheat, or soy. Includes whole grains such as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal.
- Free of any artificial flavors and additives.
- Trusted by thousands of pet owners.
- They do not source their ingredients from China, and their food is manufactured in the United States.
Negatives:
- In 2017, Blue Buffalo admitted to using by-product meals in some of its recipes, which caused some controversy for the company. They settled a class-action lawsuit in 2018 over the issue.
#5. Hill’s Science Diet Small Paws
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Hill’s Science Diet’s dry dog food is formulated to provide the necessary amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals required for your Maltese Shih Tzu. It’s made to enhance cognitive, ocular, and skeletal development, in addition to a healthy immune system.
Please note that the food listed above is made specifically for dogs between the ages of 1 – 6. But have no fear if you have a puppy or an older dog, as Hill’s makes formulas specifically for each of these life stages. 🙂
Incredibly, Hill’s Pet Nutrition was founded over 70 years ago (1948), before anyone else thought about or cared about what they fed their pets! And ever since then, they have been a leader in the pet food industry, continuing to refine their products to provide as much nutrition as possible.
Positives:
- Natural fibers are included in the recipe, which aids in digestion.
- High-quality protein is used as the first ingredient.
- Omega 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
Negatives:
- Some owners said that their pets did not like the taste!
- A few of the ingredients are grains that are not suitable for all dogs, such as corn and soy.
#6. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed
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Another great food for your Maltese Shih Tzu is Purina Pro Plan. I love that the first ingredient says “chicken.” It also includes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which help support overall health by providing essential vitamins and minerals. Even fish oil is added to the recipe to aid in the creation of a healthy and shiny coat.
Interestingly, live probiotics are added to this dry dog food to strengthen your dog’s gut biome, which will help its digestion and immune system. Lastly, Purina Pro Plan does not include any artificial colors or flavors, and it is rich in calcium and phosphorus, both of which help to create healthy bones and teeth for your dog.
One thing my dog seems to enjoy about this dog food is the different textures and flavors. First, there is the standard hard kibble you would expect to find, but Purina also includes softer, tender pieces mixed in! These shredded pieces can be more appealing to many dogs that are picky eaters.
Here is what I like:
- Chicken is the FIRST ingredient.
- It contains fish oil that is full of critical omega-fatty acids.
- Includes antioxidants, live probiotics, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Free of any artificial colors, tastes, and scents.
Negatives:
- Contains poultry by-product meal as one of the first ingredients. While feeding is completely safe, some pet owners avoid by-product meals.
#7. Iams Dry Dog Food – Small Breed
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If you’re looking for a great VALUE regarding dog food, then Iams might be the best choice.
Compared to other products on this list, it is one of the LEAST expensive. But if you analyze the ingredients, you will find that Iams does a great job of providing as much nutritional benefit to their recipe for the cost as possible!
Iams Proactive Health contains chicken as the first ingredient, which is rare for dog food in this price range. It also includes whole grains, such as corn and sorghum, and numerous prebiotics to assist digestion. In addition, flaxseeds are found in this dry dog food to provide the essential omega triglycerides required for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Overall, Iams Proactive Health is highly regarded as an excellent dog food for Maltese Shih Tzu owners on a budget! You can trust that your dog is getting complete and balanced nutrition. 🙂
Positives:
- The first ingredient is chicken.
- Whole grains, such as corn and sorghum, are some of the top ingredients.
- Includes flaxseeds, which are a naturally occurring source of omega fatty acids.
- No artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers.
Negatives:
- Contains chicken by-products.
#8. Pedigree Dry Food for Small Dogs
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When it comes to feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu, do you have a strict budget?
If so, this dry dog food from Pedigree is probably the best option! Not only is it inexpensive, but Pedigree Dry Dog Food is full of essential nutrients, and most dogs think it tastes great. It is rich in essential omega fatty acids to promote a healthy coat, vitamins, minerals, and whole grains, and it does NOT include any artificial flavors.
But to lower the food’s cost, adjustments to the ingredients had to be made. As you can see below, you will find corn instead of a high-quality protein as the first ingredient. In addition, you will also find ingredients such as meat and bone meal and chicken by-products.
Lastly, compared with other dry dog foods, Pedigree is low in protein, and some buyers have said the kibble is too hard for their dogs to eat.
When it comes to dog food, Pedigree has been a trusted name for years. If you decide to move forward with this dry dog food, know that it’s a great option if you have a limited budget to feed your dog, but it is not as healthy as other options.
Positives:
- Great taste that most Maltese Shih Tzus love.
- Free of artificial flavors.
- Whole grains.
- Filled with B vitamins, zinc, and Vitamin E antioxidants.
Negatives:
- Corn is the first ingredient.
- It contains meals made from chicken by-products.
- Kibble can be too hard for some dogs.
Best WET Dog Foods for Maltese Shih Tzus:
Many pet owners prefer wet dog food due to its palatability, which means that many dogs prefer the taste over dry dog food. In addition, wet food has a high moisture content, which helps keep your dog hydrated.
Also, you may want to consider buying a can cover if you feed wet food to your Maltese Shih Tzu. Due to their small size, they are not going to finish a big can of wet food in one sitting. Having a can cover will keep it fresh in the fridge until it is all gone!
#9. The Farmer’s Dog
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In my opinion, The Farmer’s Dog produces one of the BEST dog foods for Maltese Shih Tzus around.
First, you need to know that The Farmer’s Dog is unique, and you don’t purchase it like most other dog food. Instead, it is a subscription service where the food gets delivered directly to your house on whatever schedule YOU choose.
It has to be delivered because their food is made fresh, with HUMAN-GRADE ingredients. When you receive the food in the mail, it comes frozen in an insulated box. Therefore, you must put most of the food into the freezer to ensure it doesn’t go bad, except for the pack you plan on using.
We recently started using The Farmer’s Dog for my dog. And as you can see below, she LOVES the stuff! Her favorite is the turkey recipe, but other flavors include beef, pork, and chicken.
When you go to The Farmer’s Dog website, you will be prompted to take a short questionnaire asking about your pet’s age, breed, activity level, allergies, etc. Using this information, they will formulate a diet and plan just for your dog!
All the ingredients (meat, vegetables, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) are sourced from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards. The Farmer’s Dog also adds human-grade supplemental nutrients such as fish oil, filled with immunity-boosting Omega-3s.
The Farmer’s Dog firmly believes we should not feed Maltese Shih Tzus (or any dogs) the standard dry kibble. They say that no matter how high quality the ingredients these foods use, the extreme processing that is used to create the food severely damages the nutrients. In addition, due to the lack of oversight for dog food, many ingredients listed on the bag are incorrect or manipulated.
Positives:
- The food is freshly-made, gently cooked, and not processed!
- It’s delivered to your door.
- Customer service picked up the phone immediately and was more than willing to answer my questions.
Negatives:
- The BIGGEST negative to The Farmer’s Dog is the price. It is by far the most expensive option on this list. But as they say, you get what you pay for! Making freshly made dog food that includes human-grade whole foods is not cheap. 🙂
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#10. Wellness Complete Health Wet Dog Food
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Wellness Complete Health is one of the BEST wet dog foods you can buy for Maltese Shih Tzus. Wellness recipes are complete and balanced, so feel free to use this food for every meal. It also works great as an occasional treat or mixed with dry kibble.
Honestly, this stew looks so good that I’m tempted to try some. 🙂 One glance at the ingredients, and you will realize how healthy this wet food is for your dog. Turkey, barley, and carrots are the first and most numerous ingredients. And if the turkey recipe isn’t your dog’s favorite flavor, Wellness has many other varieties to choose from.
This wet food from Wellness is a great option because it is incredibly healthy and flavorful. And while it’s more expensive than other options on this list, it’s not nearly as pricey as The Farmer’s Dog. It strikes a great balance between affordability and being healthy for your dog.
Here is what I like:
- No corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
- It contains Omega fatty acids from salmon oil, which is great for a healthy coat and skin.
- High-quality ingredients in a tasty gravy.
#11. Royal Canin Wet Dog Food
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Royal Canin produces one of the BEST wet dog foods for Maltese Shih Tzus available. They consistently receive high customer ratings and reviews for great taste and even better nutrition. The company was originally founded by a veterinarian and is dedicated to providing as much nutritional benefit as possible in their foods.
My favorite part about Royal Canin is that they combine healthy food with great flavor that almost every dog enjoys eating. Based on their many reviews from satisfied users, even picky dogs tend to have no problems with this loaf-style wet food.
As you can see above, Royal Canin uses high-quality protein as many of the top ingredients. Like all the foods they make, the company works closely with veterinarians and pet nutrition experts to ensure each recipe is both tasty and incredibly healthy.
While this wet dog food offers complete nutrition for your dog on its own, many owners mix it with dry food from Royal Canin to offer variety.
Positives:
- The ingredients help support digestive health and a healthy nervous system, along with nourishing your dog’s skin and coat.
- It’s very popular with veterinarians and dog breeders.
Negatives:
- Corn meal is one of the top ingredients.
#12. Blue Buffalo Wet Dog Food – Small Breed
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Blue Buffalo is an excellent choice if you want quality, affordable wet food for your Maltese Shih Tzu. It’s not as expensive as other options on this list, but it still contains quality ingredients, with CHICKEN listed as number one.
In addition to high-quality protein, you will find a wide variety of vegetables, such as carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes. These foods provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s health.
I have fed Blue Buffalo to our dog Chloe for most of her 14-year life, and she is still going strong! 🙂 She is a picky eater and has always liked this flavor the best. Our favorite way to use this paté style of wet food is to mix it with Blue Buffalo dry food.
Positives:
- The first ingredient is “chicken.” In addition, there are NO “by-product” meals.
- In addition to meat, you can find wholesome whole grains and vegetables.
- No corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
- In my opinion, you receive great value for your money.
#13. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food
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Hill’s Science Diet’s wet dog food is formulated to provide all the essential nutrients required for your Maltese Shih Tzu. In addition, it’s made to enhance and support their muscles, digestion, and immune system and provide a beautiful coat.
This easy-to-digest food is also great paired with Hill’s Science Diet dry food. While wet food is great for providing hydration, dry food can help maintain your dog’s oral health.
You can also feel good buying this wet food, as every purchase helps support shelter pets. You can learn more about Hill’s Pets shelter program HERE.
I also enjoyed learning about Hill’s commitment to environmental issues and sustainability. For example, the company uses sustainable practices and renewable energy sources in its manufacturing operations. They also try to reduce their environmental impact through initiatives like recycling and using as little plastic as possible.
Positives:
- It supports a healthy immune system by providing Vitamins C and E and antioxidants.
- High-quality protein is used as the first few ingredients.
- Omega 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
- There is limited sodium, which is important for heart and kidney health.
#14. Purina Pro Plan Wet Dog Food
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Purina Pro Plan makes another great wet dog food. I love that the first ingredient says “chicken,” which is rare for a product in this price range. Pairing this paté style of food with Purina Pro Plan’s dry kibble is a popular combination for any dog! But this wet food provides complete nutrition, so don’t feel like you HAVE to mix it with dry food.
Packed with 23 essential vitamins and minerals, each can has as much nutrition as possible, especially considering the price. The only negative, in my opinion, is the use of meat by-products, but that is expected in this price range.
Here is what I like:
- Chicken is the FIRST ingredient.
- Rice is also one of the first ingredients. This ingredient helps aid your dog’s digestion.
- Free of any artificial colors, tastes, and scents.
- Many Maltese Shih Tzus find wet food more palatable than dry kibble.
#15. Iams Wet Dog Food
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If you’re looking for healthy wet dog food for your Maltese Shih Tzu that doesn’t cost that much, Iams might be the best choice. Compared to other products on this list, it is one of the LEAST expensive. But if you analyze the ingredients, you will find that Iams does a great job of providing as much nutritional benefit to their recipe for the cost as possible!
Iams Wet Dog Food contains chicken as the first ingredient, which is VERY rare for dog food in this price range. It also includes whole grains, such as rice, barley, and oatmeal, to assist digestion. In addition, flaxseeds are found in this paté style food to provide the essential omega triglycerides required for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
The mission of Iams is ‘to enhance the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods.’ In developing their foods, Iams conducts research to the highest ethical standards. They do not undertake, support, or sponsor studies that harm animals.
Positives:
- The first ingredient is chicken.
- Whole grains, such as rice, barley, and oatmeal, are some of the top ingredients.
- Includes flaxseeds, which are a naturally occurring source of omega fatty acids.
- Affordable.
Negatives:
- Contains meat by-products.
- Additives like Yellow #6 and Yellow #5 can be found in the recipe.
BEST Puppy Foods for Maltese Shih Tzus:
It’s important to use dog food that is specifically designed for puppies. These little balls of energy require specific proportions of fat, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water to support their rapidly growing bodies.
#16. The Honest Kitchen Puppy Food Clusters
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Believe it or not, YOU can eat this food from the Honest Kitchen, as it’s considered 100% edible for humans. Yes, you read that correctly! The ingredients are sourced from human-grade, whole foods. 🙂 The quality ingredients that this recipe uses make it one of the BEST foods for puppies.
The Honest Kitchen uses a unique process to ensure as much nutrition passes from the whole foods they use into the food they process. First, they cold-press the ingredients into bite-size clusters, which are then roasted and dehydrated. And all of this takes place in a HUMAN FOOD facility.
In addition, the food is designed to be easily digestible for Maltese Shih Tzu puppies, which helps reduce the risk of upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive issues.
The puppy blend featured above contains real chicken, chicken liver, whole vegetables, fruit, eggs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and probiotics. In addition, there are no meat meals or fillers.
The company’s website is jam-packed with health and training tips, recipes, and success stories. The Honest Kitchen also generously offers a special discount to qualified non-profit rescues, and 63% of their packaging is made from renewable and fully recyclable materials.
#17. Royal Canin Dry Puppy Food – Small Breed
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Royal Canin produces one of the BEST puppy foods for Maltese Shih Tzus.
My favorite part about Royal Canin is that the food is not only incredibly healthy food, but most puppies love the flavor and enjoy eating it. As a result, even picky dogs tend to have no problems with Royal Canin.
Royal Canin firmly believes that dogs should have food tailored to their age and size, which is one great thing about this puppy food. It is made specifically to provide the appropriate amount of fat, protein, and carbohydrates that growing puppies require. This blend is designed for medium-sized breeds, but they also have puppy food for large and small breeds.
In addition to the dry puppy food featured above, Royal Canin makes WET puppy food. Try both to see which one your pup likes better, or mix them together!
Positives:
- Promotes immunity and digestion with antioxidants and prebiotics. It’s made to be easy to digest, which is great for puppies with digestion issues.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are included to nourish your dog’s skin and coat.
- To help with the absorption of nutrients, there is a great balance of protein and fiber.
Negatives:
- The main ingredient is chicken by-product meal.
#18. Blue Buffalo Puppy Food – Small Breed
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Blue Buffalo is an excellent choice if you want quality, affordable dry food for your puppy. It’s not as expensive as other options on this list, but it still contains quality ingredients, with “deboned chicken” listed as number one.
The ‘True Blue Promise’ states they do not use poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Furthermore, this dry food is supplemented with what Blue has coined “LifeSource Bits.” These pieces of small, dark kibble contain a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that have been cold-formed to minimize heat exposure during processing, preserving both potency and flavor.
In addition to the puppy food featured above, Blue Buffalo offers three other foods designed specifically for Maltese Shih Tzu puppies:
- Blue Wilderness Puppy features approximately 10 percent more protein in the form of chicken, chicken with grains, or red meat. The Wilderness products were inspired by what wolves eat in the wild.
- Blue Freedom Puppy is a grain-free puppy food. Instead of grains that contain gluten, you will find peas and potatoes.
- Blue Buffalo Puppy WET food is perfect for mixing with one of the Blue Buffalo dry foods listed above. But it’s also nutritionally balanced and can be served alone.
Positives about ALL Blue Buffalo recipes:
- The first ingredient is always a high-quality protein, such as “deboned chicken.” In addition, there are NO “by-product” meals.
- No corn, wheat, or soy. Includes whole grains such as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal.
- Free of any artificial flavors and additives.
#19. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy Formula
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Purina Pro Plan makes excellent dog puppy food for growing Maltese Shih Tzus!
Here are some of the BEST parts of this kibble:
- Omega-rich fish oil provides DHA to nourish brain and vision development.
- Antioxidants assist a puppy’s developing immune system.
- Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals support the building of strong bones and teeth.
- High-quality protein builds lean muscles. Check out the ingredient list below to see CHICKEN as the first ingredient.
- A highly digestible formula that ensures as much nutrition is passed on to your puppy as possible.
- Their skin and coat should look beautiful from the included Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A.
This puppy food provides a lot of NUTRITION for the cost. It’s great for owners that want high-quality food but can’t afford some of the more expensive options above.
You may also be interested in the Purina Pro Plan wet food specially designed for puppies!
#20. IAMS PUPPY – Small Breed
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If you’re looking for inexpensive puppy food for a Maltese Shih Tzu, then Iams might be the best choice.
Compared to other products on this list, it is one of the CHEAPEST. But if you analyze the ingredients, you will find that Iams does a great job of providing as much nutritional benefit to their recipe for the cost as possible!
One of the best parts about this food is that it includes REAL chicken as the first ingredient. Typically, you will find “chicken meal” or “chicken by-products” listed first in products in this price range. But to help keep the price low, “ground whole grain corn” was used as the second ingredient.
In addition to this dry kibble, Iams also sells WET puppy food. I know my dog has always loved when I combine wet and dry food together!
The mission of Iams is ‘to enhance the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods.’ In developing their foods, Iams conducts research to the highest ethical standards. They do not undertake, support, or sponsor studies that harm animals.
Positives:
- Affordable.
- Provides sufficient nutrients for growing puppies.
- Iams is a well-known and trusted company.
Negatives:
- Only available in one flavor.
- Uses some processed, unnatural ingredients.
- Made with meat by-products and fillers.
Best GRAIN-FREE Foods for Maltese Shih Tzus:
The foods below are not made with grains, such as corn, rice, wheat, or barley. Instead, you will find alternative carbohydrates like peas, lentils, or sweet potatoes.
Over the past decade, grain-free dog foods have become extremely popular. Some dogs have food allergies, so these pets must eat foods that don’t contain grains.
But PLEASE do not start feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu grain-free foods without consulting your veterinarian. Many people wrongly assume that grain-free dog food is healthier, but this is not always true!
#21. Instinct – Small Breed
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Instinct’s mission for pet food is to “stick with what’s natural and keep it simple.” Their goal is to mimic the ancestral diet of wild dogs that consumed high amounts of unprocessed, lean protein and ZERO grains (corn, wheat, soy). This dog food is a GREAT choice for Maltese Shih Tzus with food sensitivities and allergies.
Instinct is unique because its foods are made with a focus on RAW nutrition. They want to make it easy to feed your pet raw food without the hassle (or mess) of preparing raw food at home!
Instinct offers a WIDE variety of grain-free foods that your dog should love.
Here are the most popular options:
- Dry food – this kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw protein for added nutrition and taste.
As you can see, no matter the style of food that your pet loves best, Instinct has a tasty option.
Lastly, Instinct can boast that they are the only raw pet food company in North America to achieve an excellent Safe Quality Food (SQF) rating and certification. In addition, every batch is tested by an external lab before leaving the facility. They have a zero-tolerance policy for pathogens.
Positives:
- Made in the USA.
- All the recipes are high in protein.
- Even picky eaters tend to love Instinct.
Negatives:
- The cost is higher than most other options, and it might not be affordable for everyone.
- Raw meat requires extra care in handling and cleaning.
- Some people have complained about the smell.
#22. Orijen – Small Breed
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Orijen’s philosophy, ‘to nourish as nature intended,’ is fully apparent in their ingredients list. This grain-free food is packed with protein, in addition to having fruits, vegetables, fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.
The company boasts that its first five ingredients are always high-quality fresh or raw protein, and none of its blends include meat by-products, fillers, or preservatives. Their diets are developed with the help of nutritionists and veterinarians who regularly post scientific research to substantiate the reasoning behind their pet-food blends.
Positives:
- The company stays current on pet issues, such as Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
- Recipes developed by nutritionists and vets.
- High-quality ingredients without meat by-products, fillers, or preservatives.
- If your Maltese Shih Tzu likes this dry food, try the Orijen grain-free wet food. Most dogs can’t resist when the two foods are mixed together.
Negatives:
- The cost might not be affordable for all dog owners.
#23. Wellness Core Grain-Free – Small Breed
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According to many pet owners and veterinarians, Wellness Complete Health is one of the BEST grain-free foods you can buy for your Maltese Shih Tzu. This recipe provides comprehensive nutritional support and is prepared with a tasty mixture of chicken, turkey, flaxseed, vegetables, and other antioxidants and nutrients.
Due to their ancestry, Wellness ascertains that dogs flourish on a natural diet with abundant meat and proteins. The company’s team of animal nutrition experts, veterinarians, and scientists develop recipes that are both nutritious AND healthy.
Wellness Core Grain-free contains:
- Chondroitin and glucosamine for strong joints.
- Lots of protein for lean body mass and muscle tone.
- Probiotics and fiber for digestive health.
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives!
The only complaint I could find about this grain-free food is that some people said it made their dog extra gassy.
#24. The Honest Kitchen – dehydrated, grain-free
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The Honest Kitchen easily makes one of the BEST grain-free foods for Maltese Shih Tzus around.
Believe it or not, their products contain honest-to-goodness, HUMAN-GRADE food! To provide your small dog with the best nutrition possible, all their pet food is made with ingredients you might find in your kitchen. The recipes are created by the company’s team of veterinarians, along with a veterinary nutritionist. In addition, all products are 100% non-GMO.
Please note that this grain-free dog food is dehydrated. Therefore, to serve it to your dog, you must add warm water and wait three minutes!
Positives:
- It only uses ingredients that humans would consume.
- A 4 lb (1.8 kg) box makes 16 lbs (7.3 kg) of food once water is added.
- Up to 80% of their customers report improved energy, digestion, and skin/coat health.
Negatives:
- Three minutes might be a long time for your dog to wait for its food. 🙂
- The cost. As you can imagine, having a recipe that uses nutritious whole foods will cost more on average.
#25. Bil-Jac Grain-Free Dry Food
Bil-Jac’s original frozen dog food recipe, with meat as its first ingredient, was introduced in 1947. Despite pressure from pet owners, the company held firm to its conviction to not make dry dog food until it could be the same quality as the frozen recipe.
Bil-Jac has given the same amount of attention to its grain-free recipe.
Their “Nutri-Lock” cooking system allows them to simmer the food in its own juices and gently dry it for maximum flavor retention. Bil-Jac admits that making small batches is neither fast nor convenient but rather a labor of love. As a result, they use only high-quality ingredients such as chicken, pea starch, pea flour, dried beet pulp, brewers dried yeast, pea fiber, and menhaden fish meal.
The founders are all veterans and donate a portion of profits to provide service dogs to America’s heroes.
And if you’re up for some fun, try the Bil-Jac “Two Bowl Challenge!”
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I safely switch the dog food my Maltese Shih Tzu eats?
The best way to change your dog’s food is by doing it gradually. Here is what you should do:
- Start by mixing a small amount of the new food into your dog’s current food. Aim for 25% new food and 75% old food. Use this proportion for two days.
- If your dog is reacting well, increase to 50% new food and 50% old food for two days.
- As you can probably guess, increase to 75% new food and 25% old food after a few days before finally using 100% new food.
During this process, it’s important to monitor your dog’s behavior and appetite. Some Maltese Shih Tzus that switch to new food experience digestion issues or changes in bowel movements. Honestly, it’s a great idea to check their poops to make sure the new food is not causing diarrhea.
Every dog is different, and the transition period varies depending on your pet. If your dog has any negative reactions or you have specific questions, make sure to talk to your veterinarian!
Is dry or wet dog food better for a Maltese Shih Tzu?
This question is hard to answer, as each of these types of food has advantages. Here are some things to consider:
- Nutritional Content: There is no clear winner on whether wet or dry food provides a more balanced diet, as both options can provide optimal nutrition for your Maltese Shih Tzu. In general, dry dog food is more calorie dense, as wet food contains lots of moisture.
- Dental Health: Some studies have shown that dry dog food is better for your dog’s teeth, as chewing the food helps remove tartar and plaque buildup. But, if your pet has dental problems or is older and doesn’t have many teeth left, wet food is definitely a better option since it doesn’t need to be chewed.
- Palatability: Most Maltese Shih Tzus tend to prefer the taste of wet food over dry food.
- Storage and Convenience: Without a doubt, dry dog food is the most convenient food to use. It has a longer shelf life and is lighter to carry since there is no water weight. In addition, most wet foods need to be refrigerated after opening to avoid immediate spoiling, whereas dry dog foods are fine kept in your pantry.
I have found that many dogs enjoy variety in their diet, so I use both wet and dry foods. I commonly mix them together! 🙂
Are meat by-products bad for Maltese Shih Tzus?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question. Whether a meat by-product is healthy or not for your Maltese Shih Tzu depends on the pet food manufacturer, which by-products are used, and how they are prepared.
So you know, meat by-products are the parts of the animal left over after the meat has been removed. Bones and organs are common examples of meat by-products. And most organs, such as the heart and liver, are rich in nutrients that are very beneficial for dogs!
But you must be aware that many by-products are poorly processed or low in nutritional quality, contain high levels of fat, or are difficult to digest.
In general, I think it’s best to look for dog food that doesn’t rely on meat by-products as its main ingredients. But if the manufacturer uses by-products in moderation and they are high-quality, then they can be a healthy addition to dog food. If you have questions about a certain product or brand, contact your veterinarian for more information.
How often should I feed my Maltese Shih Tzu?
In general, most adult dogs are fed twice per day. Many owners feed in the morning and then again at dinner time. No matter which times you choose, it’s recommended to feed at the same time per day.
But depending on your specific Maltese Shih Tzu, you may need to adjust their feeding schedule. Some factors to consider are their age, health, and weight. For example, overweight dogs may need to eat less, while underweight dogs (or puppies) may need to eat more often.
Once again, your veterinarian is your best resource for specific questions about your dog’s feeding schedule, portion sizes, and other unique needs.
What is the best way to find out if a dog food brand is recalled?
You can find a current list of FDA recalls and withdrawals here. It also provides the reason for the recall, the company’s name, and the specific product. There is also a SEARCH bar to easily research a specific dog food you are considering. If you see a dog food you are currently using, contact your veterinarian to discuss the issue further.
What is the healthiest dog food for Maltese Shih Tzus?
No individual dog food wins the contest for “healthiest dog food.” But luckily, MANY different foods provide great nutrition for Maltese Shih Tzus, with many of these options featured above on this list.
Generally, the best dog food for your Maltese Shih Tzu is one they enjoy eating. In addition, you should consider these questions regarding the food your dog is currently eating:
- Is my dog maintaining a healthy weight?
- Do the poops look normal? (Not too firm or too runny)
- Is my dog vomiting between meals?
- How does my dog’s coat look? (No flaky or dry skin)
What dog foods do veterinarians recommend for Maltese Shih Tzus?
If you ask ten vets what their favorite dog food is for Maltese Shih Tzus, my guess is that you will receive ten different answers! Given the number of different dog foods available, combined with the unique health needs of every dog, there is not ONE dog food that vets think is the best.
I recommend asking your veterinarian what they think is the best food for YOUR Maltese Shih Tzu. They will consider many factors, such as age, lifestyle, and current health status, to determine the appropriate diet.
More Articles About Maltese Shih Tzus:
What dog food do you feed your Maltese Shih Tzu?
Let us know below, along with what you like (or don’t)! 🙂