What My Shih Tzu Eats in a Day: A Real Feeding Routine for Healthy Puppies & Adults (2026)

If you’ve recently welcomed a Shih Tzu into your family, one of the biggest questions you’ll probably have is, “What should I feed my dog every day?”

I remember asking myself the exact same question when Alex joined our home. There were so many different opinions online that it became confusing. Some people recommended homemade food, while others suggested only kibble. Every article seemed to have a different answer.

Over time, I learned that there isn’t a single perfect diet for every dog. Instead, consistency, balanced nutrition, proper portion sizes, and choosing quality food make the biggest difference.

Today, I’d like to share Alex’s real daily feeding routine, what works for him, and the lessons I’ve learned as a first-time Shih Tzu owner.

Why a Consistent Feeding Routine Matters

Dogs love routines, and Shih Tzus are no exception.

Feeding your dog at roughly the same time every day helps support healthy digestion, keeps energy levels stable, and even makes potty training easier because you can better predict bathroom breaks. It is very imported to know what and how much you should feed your dog, in Dog Feeding Chart by Weight I have clearly mentioned everything.

When Alex was a puppy, sticking to a schedule also helped us build a predictable daily routine. As he grew older, maintaining that consistency became even easier.

If you’re still raising a young puppy, you’ll also find our My Shih Tzu Vaccination Journey: What Every First-Time Puppy Owner Should Know helpful because vaccinations and nutrition often go hand in hand during the first few months.

Alex’s Daily Feeding Routine

Now that Alex is older, his meals are simple and consistent.

Morning

Our day usually starts with fresh water and a short walk or some light playtime before breakfast.

Breakfast is served around the same time each morning. This helps him know what to expect and keeps him from constantly begging for food.

After eating, Alex usually relaxes for a while before becoming his energetic self again.

Afternoon

During the afternoon, Alex mainly drinks water, rests, and enjoys some play sessions.

If he’s been especially active or we’ve spent extra time outdoors, I may offer a healthy treat later in the day.

Evening

Dinner is served several hours before bedtime.

Keeping dinner at a regular time has helped maintain his routine and allows enough time for digestion before he settles down for the night.

Fresh water is always available throughout the day.

What Alex Eats

Every dog has different nutritional needs, but Alex’s meals focus on balanced nutrition rather than variety for the sake of variety.

His diet includes:

• High-quality dog food
• Lean cooked chicken occasionally
• Dog-safe vegetables as treats
• Plenty of clean drinking water

I avoid giving random table scraps because many foods that are harmless to us can actually be dangerous for dogs.

If you’re unsure what foods to avoid, don’t miss our guide on 7 Dangerous Foods Dogs Should Never Eat, where I cover several everyday ingredients that should never be part of your dog’s diet.

Treats Are Rewards, Not Meals

Like most Shih Tzus, Alex absolutely loves treats.

They’re useful during training and positive reinforcement, but I’ve learned not to overdo them.

Too many treats can quickly add unnecessary calories and reduce interest in regular meals.

Now I use treats mainly for:

• Training
• Rewarding good behaviour
• Learning new commands
• Special occasions

Keeping treats limited has worked much better than offering them throughout the day.

Foods I Never Give Alex

One lesson I’ve learned is that saying “no” to certain foods is just as important as choosing the right ones.

Some foods I completely avoid include:

• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Foods containing xylitol
• Alcohol
• Cooked bones

Even small amounts of some of these foods can become serious emergencies.

Whenever I’m unsure about an ingredient, I check before offering it to Alex.

Keeping Alex at a Healthy Weight

Shih Tzus can gain weight surprisingly quickly if portions aren’t monitored.

Instead of filling the bowl whenever it looks empty, I pay attention to:

• His activity level
• His body condition
• His appetite
• Treat intake
• Advice from our veterinarian

Regular exercise and controlled portions have helped him stay active without becoming overweight.

Common Feeding Mistakes I Avoid

After spending time with Alex, I’ve realised there are several mistakes many new dog owners make.

Feeding Too Many Treats

Treats are great, but they should never replace balanced meals.

Changing Food Too Quickly

Sudden food changes can upset a dog’s stomach. In one of my articles I have shared What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea.

Whenever introducing new food, it’s much better to transition gradually over several days.

Sharing Human Food

It’s tempting because those puppy eyes are hard to resist.

But many human foods simply aren’t suitable for dogs.

Overfeeding

More food doesn’t always mean a healthier dog.

Proper portions are far more important than constantly filling the bowl.

Does Every Shih Tzu Need the Same Diet?

Not necessarily.

Age, weight, activity level, medical conditions, and even personal preferences all influence what works best.

A growing puppy won’t eat the same way as an adult dog, and senior dogs often need different nutritional support as well. You should refer to my Dog Nutrition Guide for Beginners to know more about the diet.

That’s why it’s important to observe your own dog rather than copying someone else’s routine exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times should a Shih Tzu eat each day?

Puppies usually require more frequent meals than adults. As they mature, most adult Shih Tzus do well on a consistent feeding schedule with fewer meals.

Can Shih Tzus eat chicken?

Plain, cooked chicken without seasoning is commonly included in many dogs’ diets. Always introduce new foods gradually and consult your veterinarian if your dog has allergies or health conditions.

Can Shih Tzus eat rice?

Plain cooked rice or Bland Diet for Dogs is sometimes recommended in specific situations, such as temporary digestive upset, but it shouldn’t replace a balanced long-term diet.

Should I feed my dog from the table?

I avoid this because it encourages begging and increases the chance of accidentally sharing unsafe foods.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, feeding Alex became much less stressful once I stopped chasing the “perfect” diet and focused on building healthy habits instead.

A consistent schedule, balanced nutrition, fresh water, regular exercise, and avoiding dangerous foods have all played a role in keeping him healthy and energetic.

Every Shih Tzu is unique, so don’t feel pressured to compare your dog’s routine with someone else’s. Learn what works for your companion, stay consistent, and always speak with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about major dietary changes.

Alex has taught me that good nutrition isn’t about fancy ingredients or expensive trends. It’s about making thoughtful choices every day, one meal at a time.

Raju

Pet Care & Dog Training Expert – PetInfoGuide Pet care writer sharing expert dog training tips, puppy guides, cat care advice, and practical pet health information for responsible pet owners.

PetInfoGuide Editorial Team provides well-researched and practical pet care advice based on trusted sources and real-world experience. Our goal is to help pet owners make informed decisions about their pets’ health, nutrition, and daily care.