7 Delicious Homemade Shih Tzu Dog Food Recipes

This recipe is the gold standard for a reason. Vets often recommend a bland diet of chicken and rice for dogs with upset stomachs. It’s gentle, easily digestible, and provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to help your pup feel better fast. It’s also a fantastic base recipe you can build upon once you know your Shih Tzu loves it.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1/2 pound)
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup finely diced carrots
• 1/4 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon fish oil or olive oil (optional, for healthy fats)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breast and rice in a medium pot. Add the water or broth.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken breast from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred it into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your Shih Tzu’s little mouth.
4. While the chicken cools, add the diced carrots and peas to the rice and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. If you’re using oil, drizzle it in and mix well.
6. Let the food cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect starter recipe for any Shih Tzu owner venturing into homemade food. It’s a lifesaver for days with tummy troubles and a simple, beloved meal for any day of the week. Just remember to consult your vet about adding a vitamin/mineral supplement for long-term feeding.

If your Shih Tzu is a little foodie with a love for rich flavors, this beef and vegetable stew will be a huge hit. It’s packed with iron-rich beef for muscle health and a medley of dog-safe vegetables for vitamins and fiber. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet potato (small dice)
• 1/4 cup chopped green beans
• 1/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1 1/2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for fresh breath!)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan or skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the sweet potato, green beans, carrots, and water/broth to the pan.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
4. Stir in the fresh parsley.
5. Allow the stew to cool to a safe temperature before serving. You can mash the ingredients slightly with a fork to make it easier for your Shih Tzu to eat.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This savory stew is ideal for the active or picky Shih Tzu who turns their nose up at blander foods. It provides a fantastic boost of energy and nutrients, making it a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Is your Shih Tzu’s gorgeous coat looking a little dull? This recipe is your secret weapon! Salmon is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are superstars for promoting healthy skin and a glossy, luxurious coat. Paired with vitamin-rich sweet potato, this meal is a beauty treatment from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1 (4-ounce) salmon fillet, skinless and boneless
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup kale or spinach, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or flaxseed oil
• Water for boiling/steaming

Instructions:

1. Bake or poach the salmon fillet until it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. There’s no need to add any seasoning.
2. While the salmon is cooking, boil or steam the sweet potato cubes until they are very tender.
3. In the last few minutes of the sweet potato cooking, add the finely chopped kale or spinach to wilt it.
4. Drain the vegetables well. In a bowl, mash the sweet potato and greens together.
5. Flake the cooked salmon into the sweet potato mixture. Add the coconut or flaxseed oil and mix everything gently.
6. Serve once it has cooled completely.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate meal for any Shih Tzu struggling with dry skin, allergies, or a lackluster coat. It’s a nutrient-dense, delicious way to support their overall health and keep them looking as fabulous as they feel.

If you’re keeping an eye on your Shih Tzu’s waistline, this low-fat, high-fiber recipe is a perfect choice. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef, and oatmeal provides soluble fiber that aids in digestion and helps your pup feel full and satisfied. It’s a gentle, comforting meal that’s easy on the tummy and the scale.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 2 cups water or low-sodium turkey broth
• 1/2 cup finely chopped zucchini
• A handful of blueberries (a great antioxidant treat!)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any fat.
2. Add the water/broth and the rolled oats to the saucepan with the turkey. Bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the chopped zucchini and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal is soft and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool. Just before serving, stir in the fresh blueberries.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is tailor-made for the less active or senior Shih Tzu, or any pup that needs a lighter meal. It’s a wonderfully balanced and gentle dish that supports healthy digestion and weight control without sacrificing flavor.

Food allergies are a common headache for Shih Tzu owners, with chicken and beef being frequent culprits. Lamb is considered a ‘novel protein,’ meaning it’s less likely to cause a reaction in sensitive dogs. Paired with the chewy, nutritious grain barley, this recipe offers a delicious solution for pups with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground lamb
• 1/2 cup uncooked pearl barley
• 2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint (optional, aids digestion)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground lamb over medium heat. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the barley and water/broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
4. Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Stir in the optional chopped mint and let the dish cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

If you suspect your Shih Tzu has allergies to common proteins, this lamb and barley recipe is a must-try. It’s a robust and tasty meal that can help soothe food-related sensitivities while providing excellent nutrition.

Need a super-fast, protein-packed meal? This scramble is the answer! It takes less than 10 minutes to make and is full of high-quality protein from eggs and calcium from cottage cheese. It’s perfect as a special breakfast, a light dinner, or a nutritious topper to entice a picky eater.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped spinach or parsley
• A tiny splash of water or milk
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil for the pan

Instructions:

1. Lightly whisk the eggs with the splash of water/milk in a small bowl.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a small non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and let it cook gently, stirring occasionally with a spatula.
4. When the eggs are almost set, stir in the cottage cheese and chopped spinach/parsley.
5. Continue to cook for another minute until the eggs are fully cooked but still soft.
6. Scrape the scramble into your dog’s bowl and let it cool before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

For the busy pet parent, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s a fantastic way to provide a quick, healthy, and delicious protein boost that your Shih Tzu will absolutely adore. It’s especially good for tempting seniors or puppies with small appetites.

Who doesn’t love meatloaf? This dog-friendly version is a fantastic way to cook in batches, saving you time during the busy week. You can pack it with lean protein and veggies, and it slices up perfectly for easy portioning. It feels like a special-occasion meal that’s healthy enough for every day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup grated vegetables (carrots and zucchini work well)
• 1/4 cup peas
• Optional topping: A thin layer of unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potato before baking.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rolled oats, beaten egg, grated vegetables, and peas. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix!
3. Press the mixture into a standard loaf pan or form it into a free-form loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. If using a topping, spread it evenly over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the loaf is cooked through and the center is no longer pink.
6. Let the pup-loaf cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

The ‘Pup-Loaf’ is the ultimate time-saver for the dedicated homemade-food chef. Cook once and have healthy, pre-portioned meals ready for days. It’s a satisfying, nutrient-packed dinner that makes homemade feeding incredibly convenient.

Switching to homemade food is an amazing act of love, but it’s important to do it right. Your Shih Tzu’s health depends on a balanced diet. Here are a few key things to keep in mind on your culinary journey.

Achieving Nutritional Balance

A balanced canine diet consists of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. While our recipes provide a great foundation, they are not formulated to be 100% complete for long-term feeding on their own. It is critically important to speak with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They can help you formulate a truly complete diet, which may include adding a specific canine vitamin and mineral supplement to your homemade meals.

Portion Control is Key

Shih Tzus are a small breed and prone to weight gain. A general rule of thumb is to feed about 1/2 to 1 cup of homemade food per day, split into two meals, for an adult Shih Tzu. However, this varies wildly based on age, weight, and activity level. Your vet can give you the most accurate feeding guidelines for your specific dog.

Foods to ALWAYS Avoid

Many human foods are toxic to dogs. Never include these in your recipes:

• Onions, garlic, chives
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many products)
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Cooked bones (they can splinter)

Transitioning Slowly

Don’t switch your dog’s food overnight! This can cause major digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new homemade food (about 25%) with their old food (75%). Gradually increase the amount of new food over 7-10 days until you have fully transitioned.

How much homemade food should I feed my Shih Tzu?

This depends on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. A good starting point for an adult Shih Tzu is typically between 1/2 and 1 cup of food per day, divided into two meals. However, you should always consult your vet for a precise recommendation tailored to your individual pet.

Can I make these recipes in big batches and freeze them?

Absolutely! Most of these recipes, especially the stews and the ‘Pup-Loaf,’ are perfect for batch cooking. You can portion out the meals into individual freezer-safe containers or bags. They can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw a portion in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Do I need to add supplements to homemade dog food?

For long-term feeding, yes. While these recipes are healthy, they may not provide every single vitamin and mineral your dog needs in the perfect ratio. To ensure a complete and balanced diet, it’s essential to talk to your vet about adding a good quality canine multivitamin and mineral supplement to your dog’s daily meals.

My Shih Tzu is a picky eater. What can I do?

Homemade food is often a great solution for picky eaters! The fresh ingredients and enticing aromas are hard to resist. Try warming the food slightly to enhance its smell. You can also experiment with different proteins (like the lamb or salmon recipes) to see what your pup prefers. Sometimes, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a tiny bit of plain yogurt on top can do the trick.