5 Easy Homemade Dog Foods for Shih Tzus That Will Make Them Wag Instantly
If you have a Shih Tzu, you already know they’re basically tiny royalty with fur. They have those big, expressive eyes and that regal little strut, but they also have notoriously sensitive stomachs. I’ve spent countless nights worrying about my little guy, Milo, turning his nose up at kibble or dealing with an upset tummy after a new treat. That’s when I decided to ditch the store-bought mystery ingredients and start cooking for him in my own kitchen.
Let me tell you, the difference was night and day. His coat got shinier, his energy levels stabilized, and honestly, the look of pure joy on his face when he hears the food processor turn on is priceless. I’m sharing my five absolute go-to homemade dog food recipes specifically tailored for the unique needs of Shih Tzus—think small bites, gentle ingredients, and big flavor. These are perfect for meal toppers, full meals (with vet approval), or just a special weekend treat. Let’s get cooking for your furry best friend!
1. Chicken & Sweet Potato Tiny Bites
This is the recipe I make more than any other. It’s incredibly gentle on a Shih Tzu’s digestive system and packed with lean protein and beta-carotene for healthy skin and that luscious, flowing coat they are famous for. The soft texture is perfect for their small jaws and for older pups who might have dental issues.
- 1 lb ground chicken (or finely diced chicken breast)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Steam or boil the sweet potato cubes until they are fork-tender. Mash them roughly and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil and cook the ground chicken until fully browned, breaking it into very small crumbles.
- Add the mashed sweet potato and chopped peas/carrots to the skillet. Stir well, add a splash of water, and simmer for 5 minutes. Let it cool completely before serving.
2. Salmon & Spinach Skin Saver
Is your Shih Tzu a bit itchy? Salmon is a powerhouse of Omega-3 fatty acids, which work wonders for reducing inflammation and keeping their skin hydrated. This recipe is a lifesaver for pups with allergies, and the smell is irresistible to them—even the pickiest eaters will come running.
- 1 can (or pouch) of wild-caught salmon, drained
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 egg (for binding)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, flake the salmon and mix it with the chopped spinach and cooked quinoa.
- Beat the egg and pour it over the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and sticky.
- Press the mixture into a silicone muffin tin or form small patties. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm. Let them cool and crumble into bite-sized pieces for your Shih Tzu.
3. Pumpkin & Turkey Super Mash
Pumpkin is basically a magic bullet for Shih Tzu tummies. It helps with both diarrhea and constipation, making it the ultimate gut regulator. Combined with lean turkey, this mash is high in protein and fiber, keeping your pup full and happy without any unnecessary fillers.
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened applesauce
- A pinch of turmeric (optional, great for joints)
- Brown the ground turkey in a pan, making sure to break it up into very small pieces as it cooks.
- Drain any excess fat, then add the pumpkin puree, applesauce, and turmeric. Stir thoroughly.
- Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Cool completely and serve as a tasty topper over kibble or as a stand-alone meal.
4. Beef & Barley Hearty Stew
For those cold winter nights or for a Shih Tzu that needs a little extra weight on their bones, this stew is the answer. It’s a hearty, warming meal that’s full of iron and complex carbohydrates from the barley. The slow cooking process makes the beef so tender it practically melts in their mouth.
- 1/2 lb lean beef stew meat, cut into tiny cubes
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or water)
- Rinse the barley thoroughly. In a slow cooker or a large pot, combine the beef, barley, grated carrot, and broth.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours (or simmer on the stove for 30-40 minutes) until the barley is soft and the beef is tender.
- Mash the mixture slightly with a fork to ensure all pieces are safe and easy for your Shih Tzu to eat. Let it cool to room temperature.
5. Apple & Oat Soft-Baked Cookies
These aren’t just a meal—they’re the perfect training treat! Shih Tzus respond so well to positive reinforcement, and these soft-baked cookies are chewy, sweet, and full of fiber. The apple provides vitamins, while the oats are gentle on their digestion. I always keep a batch in the fridge.
- 1 cup oat flour (just blend rolled oats in a blender)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until a thick dough forms. It should be slightly sticky.
- Scoop out small teaspoon-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your fingers.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool—they will firm up as they cool, but stay soft inside.
Tips & Safe Baking Guidelines
When cooking for your Shih Tzu, always remember that their digestive tracts are shorter and more sensitive than ours. I always store my homemade creations in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator; they generally last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, I portion them out into freezer bags and freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw a portion in the fridge overnight before serving.
Never use ingredients like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or xylitol (an artificial sweetener)—these are toxic to dogs. Also, while these recipes are balanced for occasional feeding, they are not a complete substitute for a vet-approved commercial diet unless you are working with a veterinary nutritionist. Always introduce new foods slowly to avoid shocking their system, and make sure everything is cooked thoroughly to kill any bacteria.
Finally, always check the temperature! Shih Tzus have very sensitive mouths. I always test the food on my own wrist—if it feels too hot for me, it’s definitely too hot for them. Room temperature is always the safest bet for the most enjoyable dining experience for your pup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much homemade food should I feed my Shih Tzu?
It depends on their age, weight, and activity level. A general rule of thumb is about 1/2 cup of food per 10 pounds of body weight per day, but this is just a starting point. I recommend splitting their daily portion into two meals (morning and evening) to help prevent bloat and keep their blood sugar stable. Your vet can give you the exact caloric target.
Can these recipes help with my Shih Tzu’s tear stains?
Absolutely! Tear stains are often caused by allergies or poor diet. The salmon and sweet potato recipes are great because they reduce inflammation and avoid common allergens like chicken and grains (though the barley recipe is also good). Keeping their diet clean and free of artificial dyes and preservatives is the biggest step you can take to reduce those reddish-brown stains.
Do I need to add supplements to these meals?
If you are feeding these as a meal replacement, you should consider adding a canine-specific multivitamin or a fish oil supplement, as homemade meals lack the exact mineral balance of commercial kibble. However, if you are using these as toppers or treats, your regular kibble will provide the necessary nutrients. Always chat with your vet about what is best for your specific dog.
Are grains like barley and oats safe for Shih Tzus?
Yes, they are generally not only safe but very beneficial. While some dogs have grain allergies, it’s actually quite rare. Oats and barley provide essential fiber, B-vitamins, and sustained energy. I find that these grains are particularly good for Shih Tzus because they help firm up their stool and keep them feeling full without adding unnecessary fat.
My Shih Tzu is a picky eater. What if he doesn’t like the food?
I hear you! Milo went through a picky phase. My best advice is to warm the food up slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds (make sure to stir it well to remove hot spots). This releases the aroma and makes it much more appealing. You can also try mixing a tiny bit of the new homemade food into their old kibble and gradually increasing the ratio over a week.
Cooking for your Shih Tzu is one of the most loving things you can do. It gives you total control over their nutrition and shows them just how much you care. I hope these recipes bring as much joy to your kitchen and your pup’s bowl as they have to mine. Happy cooking, and give your little lion a big hug from me and Milo!
