Shih Tzus are notorious for two things: their adorable flat faces and their finicky appetites. A treat that works for a Labrador often fails with a Shih Tzu because of their small mouths, sensitive digestion, and brachycephalic airway structure that makes hard, oversized chews a genuine choking hazard. The best option is a soft, small-format treat that dissolves easily or crumbles under light pressure while still delivering flavor density high enough to overcome their picky nature.
I’m Mo Mahin — the founder and writer behind Furric. I have spent years cross-referencing veterinary dental guidelines, analyzing ingredient panels for breed-specific sensitivities, and filtering thousands of verified owner reviews to isolate the treats that actually hold up for Shih Tzu owners without causing digestive or dental issues.
Whether you are dealing with a senior dog missing teeth or a puppy that refuses anything not chicken-flavored, this guide covers the most reliable treats for shih tzu as confirmed by real owners and measurable ingredient standards.
How To Choose The Best Treats for Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have a unique combination of anatomical and digestive characteristics that make treat selection more consequential than for other breeds. A treat that is too hard can fracture their small teeth or lodge in their narrow trachea. A treat with too much fat or fiber can trigger loose stools. Here are the three factors that matter most.
Texture and Size Constraints for Brachycephalic Dogs
Because of their flat face structure, Shih Tzus cannot easily pick up wide or long treats. The ideal treat is either small enough to swallow in one piece (under half an inch) or soft enough to crumble with gentle biting. Hard dental sticks longer than two inches present a genuine risk of choking or esophageal blockage. Look for treats described as “soft chew,” “pillow-shaped,” or “bite-size” and avoid any treat that does not yield when pinched between your fingers.
Digestive Sensitivity and Ingredient Simplicity
Shih Tzus are prone to food allergies and sensitive stomachs, often reacting to beef, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. The safest bets are limited-ingredient treats with a single protein source like chicken or fish and a single carbohydrate like pumpkin or sweet potato. Grain-free formulas eliminate one common irritant, but pumpkin-based treats offer the added benefit of soluble fiber that firms up loose stools — a common issue in the breed.
Calorie Burden and Treat Frequency
A Shih Tzu weighing between 9 and 16 pounds needs only about 400 to 600 calories per day. A single treat exceeding 30 calories represents a significant portion of their daily allowance. Prioritize treats with 15 calories or fewer per piece, especially if you use treats for training. Low-calorie density allows you to reward frequently without risking obesity, which exacerbates breathing difficulties in an already brachycephalic breed.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yummy Combs Mini Pack | Dental Chew | Vet-approved tartar removal | VOHC Approved, Extra Small size | Amazon |
| INABA Churu Bites | Soft Treat | Senior dogs with missing teeth | 72% moisture, 16 kcal per tube | Amazon |
| Pawmate Pumpkin Biscuits | Functional Chew | Sensitive stomach support | High fiber, low fat, taurine | Amazon |
| DentaLife Plus | Dental Chew | Dual dental + digestive health | 8 ridges, ProGut blend | Amazon |
| Finn Plaque Patrol | Dental Chew | Medium/large dog households | 7-inch length for 25+ lbs dogs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Yummy Combs Dog Dental Treats – Extra Small
The Yummy Combs Extra Small treats were designed specifically for dogs in the 5.5-12 pound range — the exact bracket a healthy adult Shih Tzu occupies. The honeycomb geometry allows 360-degree cleaning contact around each tooth, and the VOHC approval means the tartar reduction claim has been validated by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Reviewers with Shih Tzus specifically reported that switching to this correct size eliminated plaque deposits that previous treats failed to touch.
The protein content sits at 44 percent, sourced entirely from chicken, and the formula includes twelve wellness ingredients supporting heart, joint, gut, skin, and coat health. The wide comb shape deters gulping by design, encouraging the dog to chew rather than swallow whole — a critical safety feature for a breed with a compressed airway. One owner of four Shih Tzus noted that their veterinarian now recommends these to other brachycephalic breed owners after seeing the results.
The only limitation is that the treat has a firm initial bite resistance that some toy breeds find unappealing. One review noted a picky Yorkie refused to eat them entirely, though other Shih Tzu owners reported that regular use (one treat per day after dinner) produced visibly cleaner teeth within weeks. The resealable bag helps maintain freshness between servings.
Why we love it
- VOHC-approved tartar reduction specifically validated for small breeds
- Wide honeycomb design discourages gulping and forced chewing
- 44% chicken protein with 12 targeted wellness ingredients
Good to know
- Firm texture may be refused by extremely picky or toothless seniors
- Requires correct size selection for safety — measure your dog’s weight
2. INABA Churu Bites for Dogs – Chicken & Cheese
INABA Churu Bites are constructed as a soft baked chicken paste pillow with a creamy Churu filling in the center — essentially two textures in a single treat. The outer shell crumbles with virtually no jaw pressure, making these the ideal choice for senior Shih Tzus that have missing or worn teeth. Each tube contains 0.42 ounces and delivers approximately 16 kilocalories, keeping the calorie load low enough for twice-daily reward sessions without exceeding a small dog’s daily allowance.
The ingredient list avoids grains, preservatives, carrageenan, and artificial colors — four additive categories that commonly trigger skin itching or loose stool in Shih Tzus. The 72 percent moisture content also contributes to hydration, a useful bonus for dogs that do not drink enough water on their own. Owners of 16-year-old Jack Russell mixes and Bichons with dental issues confirmed that these treats dissolve on contact with saliva, making pill concealment straightforward.
The downside is the per-tube cost, which runs higher than standard biscuit-style treats. Each 20-tube variety box contains Chicken & Cheese flavor, and the individual tubes are not resealable — once opened, the treats need to be consumed quickly. The texture is so soft that it may not provide any dental abrasion benefit, so this is strictly a reward or pill-concealment treat rather than a dental tool.
Why we love it
- Dissolves with minimal chewing force — safe for toothless seniors
- Grain-free with no artificial preservatives or carrageenan
- Only 16 kcal per portion, easy to use multiple times daily
Good to know
- Higher cost per ounce compared to standard dry treats
- No plaque removal benefit — purely a soft reward option
3. Pawmate Dog Treats Pumpkin Biscuits Chicken Wrapped
Pawmate’s chicken-wrapped pumpkin stick combines real chicken on the outside with a pumpkin biscuit core that delivers soluble fiber and beta-carotene. The low-fat formulation (no added sugar, grain-free, rawhide-free) makes this a strong match for Shih Tzus prone to pancreatitis or weight gain. The added taurine supports cardiac function — a relevant consideration since mitral valve disease is a known concern in the breed as they age.
The chew texture sits between soft and semi-hard: a Shih Tzu with healthy teeth can gnaw through the chicken wrap and then break down the pumpkin center gradually. Owners of Chihuahuas and toy poodles reported that the treat lasts long enough to provide a calming chewing activity without being so hard that it risks tooth fracture. The resealable bag packaging keeps the sticks from drying out between uses, which preserves the palatability that picky dogs react to.
One limitation is the stick length, which may be too long for a Shih Tzu to handle comfortably without biting it in half first. A 14-year-old pit bull owner noted that one stick per day lasted two weeks, suggesting the treat is dense enough to satisfy without overfeeding. However, owners of extremely small Shih Tzus (under 10 pounds) may need to break each stick into two or three pieces to avoid overconsumption of fiber in a single sitting.
Why we love it
- Pumpkin fiber helps regulate loose stools common in Shih Tzus
- Low fat and no added sugar supports weight management
- Taurine inclusion benefits cardiac health for the breed
Good to know
- Stick length may require breaking in half for very small dogs
- High fiber can cause gas if fed too many pieces per day
4. DentaLife Plus Digestive Support – Small Dog Chews
DentaLife Plus is the only treat on this list that targets both oral hygiene and gut health simultaneously. Each chicken and pumpkin-flavored chew contains the ProGut blend of prebiotics and probiotics that support digestive flora — a meaningful addition for Shih Tzus that experience intermittent loose stools. The eight-ridge design provides mechanical scraping contact down to the gumline, and the product meets VOHC standards for tartar reduction effectiveness.
The chew size is calibrated for small and medium breeds, and the texture is chewy but not rock-hard — a Shih Tzu with a full set of adult teeth can handle it without risk. Owners of French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels reported that the probiotic effect noticeably reduced gas and improved stool consistency after two weeks of daily use. The resealable 19-count pouch delivers one chew per day for nearly three weeks, and the chicken base keeps palatability high even for picky dogs.
The primary caveat is that the calorie density is higher than soft training treats, so these should be factored into the dog’s daily food intake to avoid weight creep. One reviewer noted that the chew was consumed in roughly two minutes by a 50-pound dog, meaning smaller Shih Tzus may finish it even faster, reducing the mechanical cleaning duration. Additionally, the chicken protein base means dogs with chicken sensitivity will need an alternative.
Why we love it
- VOHC-approved dental ridges plus probiotic digestive support
- Chicken and pumpkin flavor accepted by picky small-breed dogs
- Resealable pouch maintains freshness across daily use
Good to know
- Higher calorie count — must be subtracted from daily food portions
- Consumed quickly by small dogs, limiting chewing duration
5. Finn Plaque Patrol Dental Chews – Medium/Large
Finn Plaque Patrol is formulated for dogs over 25 pounds, which places it outside the ideal size range for a standard Shih Tzu. However, for multi-dog households that include a Shih Tzu alongside larger breeds, this chew offers a bacon-flavored dental solution with a minty finish that owners consistently describe as reducing bad breath. The formula was developed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
The treat length reaches seven inches, and owners of 50-pound dogs reported a consumption time of 15 minutes — meaning a Shih Tzu would likely spend 30 minutes or more working on a single chew, which is excessive for their daily treat budget. The plaque-scraping design relies on sustained chewing friction, and reviews from owners of smaller dogs were mixed: some saw visible whitening on front teeth, while others reported no measurable difference.
Given the size mismatch, this product is best reserved for owners who already have a larger dog and want a single treat solution for both animals. For a Shih Tzu-specific purchase, the Finn chews are simply too large and calorically dense to justify as a daily option. The bait-and-switch here is that the chewing time is a positive for dental cleaning but a negative for calorie management in small breeds.
Why we love it
- Vet-formulated with clean ingredients and no artificial additives
- Bacon-mint flavor improves breath noticeably in daily use
- Long chew time provides extended dental cleaning window
Good to know
- Designed for dogs over 25 pounds — too large for most Shih Tzus
- High calorie load makes daily feeding impractical for small breeds
FAQ
Can Shih Tzus eat dental chews safely given their flat faces?
How many treats can I give my Shih Tzu per day without causing weight gain?
What ingredients trigger digestive issues in Shih Tzus most often?
Are grain-free treats necessary for Shih Tzus?
Can I use these treats to hide medication for my Shih Tzu?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most owners, the treats for shih tzu winner is the Yummy Combs Extra Small because it delivers veterinarian-approved tartar reduction in a size and shape specifically engineered for toy breeds, without the choking risk that disqualifies most dental sticks. If your Shih Tzu is a senior or missing teeth, grab the INABA Churu Bites for their melt-in-mouth texture and pill-concealing ability. And for sensitive stomach support combined with low-calorie density, nothing beats the Pawmate Pumpkin Biscuits.