Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.5 Best Dog Treats For Shih Tzu | Tiny Dog, Big Taste

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Opening the bag reveals a smell like real chicken pot pie — not a chemical imitation. The soft, tender texture tears apart with almost no effort, making it ideal for a Shih Tzu’s delicate teeth. Each piece includes visible bits of peas and carrots, adding a home-cooked feel that dogs notice immediately. The 16-ounce resealable bag keeps treats fresh for up to 30 days after opening.

Blue Buffalo formulates these with chicken as the first ingredient and backs the recipe with input from veterinarians and animal nutritionists. There is no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives, which aligns directly with the digestive sensitivities common in toy breeds. The softness also works well for senior Shih Tzus with missing or worn-down teeth who still want a satisfying reward.

Reviewers consistently mention that even picky small dogs go crazy for these, and that the treats stay fresh without turning rock-hard. The only minor caveat is that the pieces are somewhat larger than a true training morsel, so you will likely cut or tear each one into two or three smaller bits for a Shih Tzu-sized portion. That extends the bag’s value significantly.

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At only 3 calories each and 400 pieces in a 16-ounce bag, this is the most training-friendly option on the list. The small, soft, chewy morsels are sized perfectly for a Shih Tzu to swallow quickly without stopping to chew, which keeps training sessions flowing. The natural pork liver and bacon base offers strong palatability that even the most distracted dog notices immediately.

The ingredient profile skips corn, soy, and artificial flavors, which reduces the chance of an upset stomach during repeated rewards. Dog trainers frequently recommend these precisely because the treats are small enough that you can give multiple in a single session without derailing your dog’s daily calorie target. The resealable bag also holds up well inside a treat pouch or pocket.

Reviewers with reactive small dogs note that these treats are among the few that can pull a dog’s attention away from a trigger during walks. A minor drawback is the slightly crumbly, granular texture — some pieces flake apart in the bag. For a Shih Tzu, that rarely matters because the pieces are already bite-sized and the crumbs still taste great.

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INABA Churu Bites have a dual-texture design — a soft baked chicken exterior with a creamy, pourable filling inside. This makes them exceptionally useful for hiding pills, which is a common need for older Shih Tzus who require daily medication. The 72% moisture content also provides light hydration, something brachycephalic breeds benefit from during warm weather or after exercise.

Each bite is pillow-shaped, grain-free, and free of carrageenan or artificial colors. With roughly 16 calories per piece, they fit well into a small dog’s daily allowance when given sparingly. The individually portioned tubes keep each serving fresh and prevent the rest from drying out, which is a common issue with larger soft-treat bags.

Owners of senior toy breeds repeatedly highlight that these are the only treats their toothless or nearly toothless dogs can eat without struggle. A Shih Tzu with dental issues will not need to crunch or tear — the bite dissolves with gentle tongue pressure. On the downside, the pieces are smaller than a dime, so you will go through a tube fairly quickly if you use them for frequent training.

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Milk-Bone Soft & Chewy treats bring a familiar brand with a texture that Shih Tzu owners can trust. These rectangular chews are noticeably softer than the classic Milk-Bone crunch, and the beef and filet mignon flavor delivers a savory aroma that small dogs find hard to resist. The 25-ounce canister provides bulk storage, and the twist-top lid keeps the contents fresh between uses.

The formula is fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals including iron, zinc, and B12, plus 18% protein. This added nutritional support can help fill small gaps in a picky Shih Tzu’s diet without requiring a separate supplement. The softness is consistent across each piece — there are no hard edges or dry corners that could irritate a small breed’s gums.

Yorkie and Shih Tzu owners in the reviews mention that even dogs who normally turn down Milk-Bones will eat these eagerly. The stick shape is larger than a true training bite, so you will want to cut each treat into thirds or quarters before offering it to a Shih Tzu. The canister is also bulky for treat pouches, so it works best as a home reward rather than a walk-time companion.

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etta says! keeps its ingredient list short and clean — no gelatin, corn, wheat, or soy — which makes this a strong option for Shih Tzus with known food allergies or a history of loose stools. The pork and bacon flavor is naturally smoky without being greasy, and the treats come out soft with just enough firmness to hold shape in a pocket or pouch without crumbling.

Each treat is about the size of a pea, which is ideal for a small breed mouth. The low-calorie profile means you can use multiple during a training session or a grooming session without worrying about overfeeding. The company sources all ingredients from American farms and manufactures domestically, so traceability is solid for owners who prioritize that transparency.

Reviews from owners of 12- to 20-pound dogs note that these treats disappear quickly and that even finicky dogs stop to chew and savor them. The only recurring note is that an old bag may occasionally feel harder than expected. In those cases, the company has a reputation for making things right, but checking the freshness date on arrival is a smart habit if you buy in bulk.