6 Best Dog Food for Shihpoos: From Real Owner Reviews

If you’ve got your mind set on getting a Shihpoo, there are a few things to be aware of about these cute-as-a-button canines. While you likely know all about the different sizes these darling doods come in and their potentially tricky coat care, nutrition is something else you’ll need to pay close attention to. 

Luckily, the Shihpoo’s nutritional requirements don’t differ much from your everyday small dog. However, unlike most others who will happily gulp down food (and non-food items) with relish, they tend to be a little pickier. That’s why you’ll want the best-tasting as well as the most nutritious food to tempt your regal pooch. Luckily we’ve done all the work, reading through numerous reviews to come up with these six best foods for Shihpoos.

Table of Contents

• Shihpoo Nutritional Needs: A Quick Overview
• Common Shihpoo Health Issues and How Food Can Help
• Best Foods for Shihpoos: Buyer’s Guide 
• Best Foods for Shihpoos: Reviews
• The Homemade Food Option
• Shihpoo Feeding Guide 
• Shihpoo Nutrition: Frequently Asked Questions

Shihpoo Nutritional Needs: A Quick Overview

If you’re new to the dog ownership game, many myths can lead you astray when picking the perfect food for your pet. Likely at the top of the pile is the idea that dogs only need protein in their food, and anything else is simply a cheap filler ingredient. While it’s true that meat plays a vital part in your pup’s diet, much like us, canines have evolved to benefit from other foodstuffs. As such, their kibble should include: 

High-Quality Protein

Sitting somewhere between carnivores and omnivores, dogs depend more on animal proteins than we do. That’s why these should always be the number one ingredient in any food, treats, or anything else you give your pup. In terms of kibble, it should make up at least 18% of the content. The amino acids in protein help with muscle development, cell regeneration, and effective organ functioning, among other things.

Healthy Fats

While fats have become a bad word for us humans, dogs get most of the energy they need to do all the doggy things they do from them. Omega fatty acids are also great for boosting skin and coat health. As with protein, animal sources are best here, although plant sources provide other health benefits. Around 10-15% is good, with tubbier pups doing well with a little less than their more active counterparts. 

Digestible Carbs

While not required in the same quantity as we need them, carbs still have a lot to offer our canine friends. While it’s generally best to avoid the simple kind, complex carbohydrates (starches and fibers) such as those found in whole grains and veggies provide slow-release energy, aid digestion, and regulate metabolism. They also help keep your pet feeling fuller for longer. Less than 10% is best in kibble, if possible.

Beneficial Others

Alongside these three key components, modern foods add various nutrients that support your pup based on their size and life stage. Many people aren’t aware that there are different types of foods for small and larger dogs. Ones for the former are more calorie-dense to support their speedier metabolism. 

Beyond that, puppy foods have, among other things, calcium for bone and teeth growth, while senior blends have more omega fatty acids that help ease aging joints. Details of who the formula is best for will be right there on the label. All the foods listed here are for smaller dogs like Shihpoos but might better suit one life stage over another. 

Common Shihpoo Health Issues and How Food Can Help

Overall, health and well-being are heavily tied to nutrition. The food you give your dog can not only prevent them from developing illnesses based on deficiencies in their diet, but it can also help ease preexisting conditions. In looking at the problems Shihpoos are susceptible to, we need to consider the two breeds involved: the Shih Tzu and the Poodle. 

Sensitive Stomach

From their Poodle side, Doodles can sometimes inherit intolerances to certain ingredients, making it tough for you to find a food that agrees with your pooch. Opt for a blend with a limited number of recognizable ingredients. Lists of long words tend to indicate the presence of preservatives that likely won’t be doing your dog and their gastrointestinal system too much good. 

Allergies

Another way dietary intolerances make themselves known is through skin issues. Itchy, dry, flaky skin shows something wrong with the formula you are feeding your pal. If this is the case for you, look for skin and stomach-sensitive food types. These often contain highly digestible ingredients and large concentrations of omega acids that help skin retain vital moisture making it less itchy. 

Joint Problems

While less common in smaller dogs, joint issues can still manifest as your pup starts to get a little older. You might notice them having issues getting about or simply looker a little stiffer in the limbs. Arthritis is as much a problem for pups as it can be for people. However, specific nutrients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, found in foods developed for senior dogs, can help relieve joint pain. 

Gas/Bloat

Again, more of a problem with larger canines, but still relevant for littler ones – and very serious indeed, bloat is a condition where the stomach twists in on itself, blocking both the entrance and the exit. Intolerances can play a part here, but the biggest risk is your dog guzzling down their food much too fast. Feed your pup little and often if you can. If not, there are various bowls designed to slow down their eating. 

Best Foods for Shihpoos: Buyer’s Guide

With so many dog food options on the market today, things can get pretty confusing. The good news is that when you find a brand that you (and your pet) like, they’ll likely offer a variety of types and flavors. Short of any intolerances or other issues, you should be able to stick with them. 

Getting to this point, though, can be a little tricky, with many different things to think about. For instance, will you go for wet or dry food? If you were to ask your dog, they would go for wet food every time. It smells more strongly like meat and is more similar to what they would be eating out in the wild. 

However, kibble is just better in so many ways. First off, it’s much more nutrient dense. This means that you can feed your pup much less, saving you $$$. It’s also less package heavy, making it more environmentally friendly and better for storage as it stays fresher for longer.

Another emerging trend in the canine market is grain-free foods. While this can be a good thing as a lot of lower-end brands tend to pack their products with too many of these to save money, dogs do okay on good-quality whole grains. Very few pups are intolerant to them. For more on this and associated DCM, risk check out Is Grain-Free Good for Dogs? The Long Debate.

Best Foods for Shihpoos: Reviews

Best for Happy Hounds

We love Halo’s excellent small-breed food for its high-quality ingredients that provide optimal nutrition and digestive support for all pups, like the darling Shihpoo. Certified cage-free chicken is the very first ingredient. It’s supported by whole grains and a healthy mix of non-GMO vegetables for a good dose of fiber and a host of vital vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and prebiotics for a well-balanced canine diet. 

Reviewers are super into the humane angle of this food as well as the holistic health part. Plus, it contains no corn, wheat, soy, or by-products. The kibble size is great for little mouths, and even finicky eaters seem to enjoy the flavor. It’s even suitable for dogs who have had issues with other, similar foods. With 94% of buyers saying they would recommend this product to a friend, it’s a great all-around for your Shihpoo.

Best for Plump Pups

A common issue with smaller breeds is obesity. This is often due to a combination of overfeeding and under-exercising. Rather than reducing the food amount (below the manufacturer’s guidelines), a diet food formula such as this is recommended. The great thing about Hill’s Science Diet blend is that it contains fewer calories by cup than other kinds and has ingredients that boost metabolism. 

This food is recommended by vets, which is always the sign of a great brand. In terms of reviews, pet parents rate the formula well. Best of all, dogs seem to love it. Loss of flavor is always a worry when it comes to a diet kibble, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. The biscuits are also nice and small, which makes them perfect even for tiny pups. 

Best for Mature Mutts

When your pet hits their golden years, a few modifications to their diet will keep them happy and fit for longer. Luckily this is not something you’ll have to worry too much about. You can simply trade in your current food for a senior blend like Blue Buffalo’s Life Protection Formula. Not only is this food less calorie dense to avoid weight gain, but it contains omega acids and glucosamine to keep joints functioning well. 

Blue Buffalo is a popular pet brand, and this food is no exception. Reviewers appreciate the softer, varied kibble biscuits for pups with more delicate teeth. Above that, the food is high quality and packed with antioxidants to keep immune health high. Plus, it tastes good, which means it’s as popular with canine customers as it is with their owners – on the whole, the reviews are all excellent.  

Best for Sensitive Souls

As covered above, allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances are all issues for pups with Poodles genes. So you might have problems finding a food that agrees with your Shihpoo. If that’s the case, you might want to give Purina’s Sensitive Skin and Stomach blend a whirl. This excellent dry food has salmon as the first ingredient, making it both highly digestible and packed with essential omegas. 

Owners note that this food is great for doing just what it says on the pack – protecting against issues with stomach and skin. In large part, that’s down to the abundance of omega 6, which is super hydrating, and the lack of any chicken products, which some dogs can have a real hard time with. The bites are nicely small, and the flavor also seems to work for most dogs. 

Best for Fussy Fidos

Many foods are chicken flavored for various reasons, including that it is often cheaper than other meats and a great source of lean protein. However, not all dogs love the taste. Merrick Lil’ Plates food is a great option for picky eaters or simply for pups needing a change. It’s got an excellent list of ingredients that dogs seem to love. 

Pet parents feel happy about feeding this kibble to their pup because of all the fantastic health benefits it offers. It has an optimal blend of proteins, fats, and fibers and contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and other joints, making it a top choice for older pooches. The biscuits are a good mix of small and crumbly, making them easy for little dogs to chew. 

Best For Puppies

If your puppy is still growing, choose a food that will support this. We like the Wellness Complete Health kibble with its more-calorie-dense formula for extra energy and with extra protein and fats as well. This excellent blend is fortified with numerous other nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and probiotics that all play an essential role in a dog’s brain, bone, and muscle development. 

The reviews say it all here, with most purchasers rating this product as excellent and 93% saying they would recommend it to a friend. As you scroll through, you see repeatedly, “puppy loves it!” so the brand is doing something right in terms of flavors too. The kibble size and texture seem great even for teeny tiny tots, and it’s also excellent for skin and coat health. 

The Homemade Food Option

If you have the time and the know-how, you may decide to make your pet’s food yourself. While this is possible, you do need to have a good understanding of your dog’s specific nutritional needs (based on their size and life stage) and the kind of foods that will provide them with precisely what they require. Expert canine sites such as the American Kennel Club can provide further advice.

Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid: 

• Onions, garlic, and chives
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts 
• Avocado
• Grapes and Raisins 

Shihpoo Feeding Guide

Many canines tend to be a little on the larger side, mainly because their owners are overfeeding them. The problem is that kibble is so nutrient-dense that you need so very little of it that it feels like you may not be feeding your pet enough. Especially when the food is gone, and your baby looks up at you with those sad, chocolate eyes. 

Pay no attention. As long as you feed your dog the recommended amount per the manufacturer’s guidelines, they will be absolutely fine. Try not to overdo the snacks, either. Opt for low-cal training treats or even veggies, which, weirdly, many Doodles seem to love. Double-check that you are getting it right with our handy calculator. 

Here’s a dog feeding chart for adults:

And here’s a puppy daily feeding chart:

Shihpoo Nutrition: Frequently Asked Questions

Owning a dog can be complicated, with many different things to figure out. Food can be one of the toughest challenges of all. You don’t want to buy something that will either make your hound sick or that they won’t even go near. That’s why it pays to check the reviews to see which brands are good and which ones have found favor with other, similar dogs. We have done in coming up with our top picks for this list. We hope the information here helps you find the right food for your Shihpoo.