Shih Tzu feeding chart
Toy Group · Small breed
How much to feed a Shih Tzu, based on the NRC 2006 energy model and this breed's typical weight range — not a single manufacturer's generic chart.
Feeding notes for Shih Tzus
- Brachycephalic muzzle slows eating and lowers heat tolerance during exercise, so real-world calorie needs often run a bit below the activity factor alone.
- Prone to both weight gain and early dental disease, both of which favor measured meals over free-feeding.
Calculate this breed's daily feeding amount
Shih Tzu feeding calculator
Every complete dog food sold in the US must list this under the AAFCO calorie content statement on the bag or can — usually as kcal/cup or kcal/kg.
More Toy Group breeds
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed a Shih Tzu?
A Shih Tzu at its typical adult weight of about 12 lb (5.4 kg) has a resting energy need of roughly 249 kcal/day before any activity multiplier. Use the calculator above with your dog's actual weight, life stage, and your food's own calorie density for an exact daily amount.
What is the typical adult weight of a Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus typically reach an adult weight of 9–16 lb (4.1–7.3 kg), though individual dogs vary with sex, line, and body condition.
When does a Shih Tzu stop growing?
As a small-sized breed, a Shih Tzu typically reaches its adult weight by around 11 months old, though full skeletal and muscular maturity isn't complete until roughly 12 months.
How many meals a day should a Shih Tzu puppy eat?
Puppies under 4 months generally do best with 4 meals a day, tapering to 3 meals from 4 months until they approach adult size, then settling into 2 meals a day as adults — use the life-stage selector in the calculator above to switch between these.