Dog Feeding Guide
How Much Should a Shih Tzu Eat?
Complete feeding guide for the Shih Tzu — daily calories, kibble amounts, and a life-stage feeding chart from puppy to senior.
Adult Daily Calories
300–500 kcal
≈ 0.8–1.4 cups of standard dry kibble · Feed 2× daily
Shih Tzu Feeding Chart by Life Stage
Calorie needs vary significantly with age, activity level, and whether your dog is spayed or neutered.
| Life Stage | Calories/day | Dry Kibble | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy — 8–16 weeks | 750–1250 kcal | 2.1–3.5 cups | 4× daily |
| Puppy — 4–6 months | 600–1000 kcal | 1.7–2.8 cups | 3× daily |
| Puppy — 6–12 months | 480–800 kcal | 1.3–2.2 cups | 2–3× daily |
| Adult (active) | 300–500 kcal | 0.8–1.4 cups | 2× daily |
| Adult (less active / neutered) | 255–425 kcal | 0.7–1.2 cups | 2× daily |
| Senior (7+ years) | 240–400 kcal | 0.7–1.1 cups | 2× daily |
* Cup amounts based on ~360 kcal/cup. Check your food's packaging — premium kibbles can range from 300–450 kcal/cup.
Shih Tzu Feeding Tips
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Measure every meal
Use a kitchen scale or measuring cup — eyeballing portions is the #1 cause of gradual weight gain in dogs.
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Adjust for activity
Shih Tzus need 20 min of exercise daily. On rest days, reduce food by 10–15% to match lower calorie burn.
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Limit table scraps
Human food is often too rich, salty, or toxic to dogs (onions, grapes, xylitol). Keep treats to under 10% of daily calories.
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Always provide fresh water
Dogs should have constant access to clean water. Active dogs may drink 2–3× more on exercise days.
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Transition food slowly
When changing food brands, mix 25% new / 75% old for a week, then gradually shift to 100% new over 7–10 days.
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Reassess every 6 months
Calorie needs shift as dogs age, gain/lose weight, or change activity levels. Review portions at every vet visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I feed my Shih Tzu?
An active adult Shih Tzu needs roughly 300–500 kcal per day — about 0.8–1.4 cups of standard dry kibble. Always check the feeding guide on your specific food's packaging as calories vary by brand.
How often should I feed my Shih Tzu?
Adult Shih Tzus should be fed twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening. Puppies under 6 months need 3–4 smaller meals daily to support rapid growth.
How many cups of dog food per day for a Shih Tzu?
Based on a typical kibble of 360 kcal/cup, an adult Shih Tzu needs about 0.8–1.4 cups per day. Use the exact calorie count on your food's packaging for the most accurate amount.