The Best Training Treats, Snacks, and Chews 
for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs

Overview

It's common for owners to concentrate on the quality of their dog's main kibble, without much focus on what is given in between meals, but that would be a mistake. Training treats, snacks, and chews play an important role in a Shih Tzu's overall diet. In fact, food given outside of meals accounts for 10 to 30% of a dog's daily intake. 

The type of food tidbits that you offer to your puppy or dog affects everything from training success to command obedience and from digestive health to dental hygiene. So, let's dive in to learn which treats, snacks, and chews are best for your Shih Tzu. 
Shih Tzu with Treats, Chews and Snacks

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The Importance of Quality

Treats, snacks, and chews should be held to the same high standards as main meals. So, this is a reminder that you will want to avoid:
  • Synthetic preservatives which can cause a wide range of allergic reactions. And some are linked to serious health issues, including organ damage and some cancers.
  • Artificial additives like coloring dyes and flavor enhancers which are also linked to allergies. Some are additionally linked to neurological issues. 
  • By-products which include subpar meats.
  • Generic meats which include 4-D animals (dead, dying, diseased, or disabled).
  • Fillers which are cheap ingredients added to pet treats as a cost-saving method.
  • Products made in China. There have been over 5000 reports of dogs made ill from dog treats made in China, leading to over 1000 deaths. 
The goal will be to offer 100% all-natural treats, snacks, and chews with no additives and made in the US, Canada, or New Zealand (a country with high dog food standards).

Training Treats for a Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu with Training Treats and Trophy
What these are: Training treats, also known as reward treats, are given when training a puppy or dog for any sort of action or behavior. 

Why these are given: When a dog receives a 'high value' treat along with praise, this acts as positive reinforcement. It's the most effective way to teach a dog new things or reinforce expected behaviors. This method provides clear and immediate feedback that the dog has performed well, motivating them to repeat the behavior.

When to give these: Times to offer a training treat to your Shih Tzu include 'good tries' or successful attempts for housebreaking, command training, learning to heel, or any other commands. Treats should also be given to reinforce good behavior such as not jumping or barking or to show appreciation for positive behavior such as interacting nicely with visitors, other dogs, etc. 

Tips: Mark the exact moment of a 'good try' or successful obedience with praise that includes the action word; for example, 'Good sit, good dog!' or 'Good potty, good dog!' and palm the treat to your Shih Tzu within just a few seconds of that. 

When training for anything, keep a small zipped sandwich bag nearby that holds a day’s worth of training treats. Have this in your pocket when doing close-contact training such as commands and near the exit door for outdoor training (heeling, house training, etc.) so that you can grab them on the way out.

Be sure to reserve your Shih Tzu's training treats only for training purposes and never dole these out as regular snacks; if you do so, they will lose their perceived value. 

Qualities of the best training treats: For optimal effectiveness, these should be:
  • Moist, as opposed to dry. These may be labeled as moist and/or chewy. 
  • Small, as to not interfere with appetite, since these are often given in rapid succession during training sessions.
  • Offer a strong scent and flavor for maximum engagement.
Recommendations: 
Considering the previously discussed standards, and ensuring the treats remain moist, small, and rich in scent and flavor, here are some of the top training treats for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs: 
These treats boast numerous benefits: they're soft enough to be easily halved for Shih Tzus of any age and are made from 100% all-natural ingredients without chemical preservatives or artificial additives, using an organic preservation blend of mixed tocopherols, sorbic acid (from berries), and herbs like rosemary and spearmint. Ingredients feature lamb, salmon, chickpeas, carrots, and other natural foods, enhanced with blueberries for antioxidants and flaxseed for omega-3. Plus, they're crafted in the USA.

This is a wonderful choice and is a unique blend of flavors: Rabbit and pumpkin, which makes them great as a training treat, as it offers a special flavor combo that a Shih Tzu does not receive often. As the name suggests, these are all-natural with zero artificial additives or preservatives. In fact, this is a very limited-ingredient treat, so it's great for sensitive tummies. Smart Cookie is a Colorado USA company that sources locally. 

These are are perfect for adult Shih Tzu dogs. As with all of our picks, these are 100% all natural, with no fillers, artificial additives, coloring, or preservatives and there's no corn, wheat or soy. There are some fantastic flavors, so it's easy to find one that'll motivate your little guy or gal. Choose from chicken, beef,  salmon or peanut butter. And, Zukes is made in the USA. 

Snacks for a Shih Tzu Puppy or Dog

Shih Tzu Snack
What these are: Snacks are small portions of food that are usually given in between meals to keep a dog satiated and may be offered at other times to 'cushion' the stomach. 

Why these are given: Toy breeds like the Shih Tzu tend to have fast metabolisms and low fat reserves. So, going for too long without any food can cause some issues including:
  • Hypoglycemia - A rapid drop in blood glucose levels. This is seen most often with young pups, but can happen at any age. Signs include weakness, dizziness, and/or confusion.
  • Upset stomach - With no food in the stomach to serve as a 'cushion', dogs can vomit up stomach acid or bile (seen as white or yellowish foam).
  • Fast ingestion of food - If ravished at meal time, a Shih Tzu may eat much too fast. The risks of this range from regurgitation to bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus).
When to give these: Shih Tzu puppies and dogs should be given small snacks 2 to 4 times per day. Many do best with 1 snack between each of the 3 meals and then an additional nighttime snack a couple of hours after dinner. A small snack can also help with motion sickness when given 15 to 20 minutes before a car ride. 

Tips: To reinforce your place as Alpha leader and work on command training, ask your Shih Tzu to obey a 'sit' before handing over a snack. 

Qualities of the best snacks: Unlike training treats, snacks usually work best when be dry. These may be labeled as dry, crunchy, or baked, and may be referred to as biscuits or cookies. 
Recommendations: 
Staying in line with the qualities of top-end snacks and with the caveat of being dry, baked goodies, some of the best snacks for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs include:
As the name implies, these are fruit-based snacks and these particular ones all have pumpkin paired with another tasty fruit. Options include pumpkin with blueberries, cranberries, apple or banana. There is also an awesome sweet potato and pecan combination and a wonderful crispy bacon & apple that Shih Tzu dogs seems to love. These are 100% all-natural with an organic compound (mixed tocopherals) as a natural preservative. And, there is no wheat, corn, or soy and these are made in the USA.  
There are so many options with these all-natural, made-in-the-USA snacks. These are designed for dogs of all sizes, from teeny to large; the only thing to adjust is how many are given for each snacking session. Shih Tzu puppies may do fine with just 1 and most adults will have room in their tummies for at least 2. Flavor options include some scrumptious combos: lamb & apple, yogurt, apples & banana or peanuts & honey. And, these are made in Canada.  

This is a great limited-ingredient dry, crunchy snack from a trusted brand and are ideal for sensitive stomachs with both oats and pumpkin. These are all-natural, with no artificial additives, flavors or preservatives and no fillers. And Merrick snacks are made in the USA.

Edible Chews for a Shih Tzu Puppy or Dog

Shih Tzu with Chew
What these are: Chews are different from training treats and snacks in that they are meant to be chewed on for a longer period of time. In fact, some dogs may take days to work on a particular edible chew. 

Why these are given: Offering something to gnaw on can keep a Shih Tzu busy; if it's flavorful and makes for an enjoyable gnawing activity, their interest is likely to remain high. Teething options are available for puppies to assist with their intense need to nibble. Additionally, dental chews are specifically designed to aid in plaque removal, an essential part of oral hygiene.

When to give these: Chews can be reserved for when a Shih Tzu is home alone or can be given any time that you want your little guy or gal to stay occupied. Puppies that are deep into the teething stage can be given a chew any time that they seem in need of it. 

Tips: Two of the most common type of chews, rawhides and pig ears, should not be given. Rawhides present a dangerous choking hazard and as well as pig ears which additionally have had some serious recalls for salmonella. 

Qualities of the best chews: The best sort of chews will offer the right size, texture, and flavor to effectively to their job. They should last a long time (relative to a snack) and be hard enough to give the jaws a good workout.
Recommendations: 

Marrow bones are an excellent rawhide alternative, providing a nutritious chew that meets a dog's natural urge to gnaw while offering essential minerals like calcium and phosphorous. This type of chew is less prone to splintering and more digestible compared to rawhide. The rich marrow inside engages dogs and its hard consistency helps to improve dental health by cleaning plaque and tartar.


Jack & Pup is our top pick, as it has just one ingredient: Marrow bones sourced from grass-fed, free-range cattle raised without the use of added hormones or antibiotics. These are human-grade chews, made in the USA and are FDA-inspected. This particular option is sized at 3 inches, they're perfect for adult Shih Tzu dogs.

#2 Both Puppy and Adult Chew: Native Pet Yak Chews.

Yak chews are a top choice for puppies and dogs, sourced from the Himalayas where the yaks feed on special, medicinal plants found only in these high-altitude pastures (Note that the North American yak is endangered, so their milk is not used for any type of food).


These are ideal for Shih Tzu dogs that love to chew, because they are tough yet safely soften as they're gnawed on, reducing the risk of choking or splintering. The only ingredients in these are yak's milk, cow's milk, lime and salt, making them a pure, clean treat. The size small is for dogs up  to 15 lbs., and medium is for dogs 15+.

#3 Dental Chews: Greenie Teenie Dental Chews. 
The importance of good dental hygiene cannot be overstated. You'll want to bring your Shih Tzu for regular examinations and work to keep teeth clean with at-home dental care such as brushing, sprays, and chews like this. These are made for puppies and dogs from 5 to 15 lbs. For Shih Tzu over 15 lbs., the 'Petite' size is best. Aside from these original ones, there are also grain-free and blueberry-flavor options. 

Note that these are very hard by design (in order to help remove plaque), so these types of chews are meant to be given to a dog when they are being supervised, in case a small piece breaks off that you'd want to toss out. 

Dog Treats, Chews and Snacks FAQ:

Are grain-free treats better for my Shih Tzu?


Grain-free treats can be better for dogs with specific grain allergies or sensitivities. However, not all dogs require a grain-free diet. Consult your vet to understand your dog's needs.


How often can I give my Shih Tzu these sorts of goodies?


These should supplement the diet, not making up more than 10-30% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to prevent obesity and nutritional imbalance.


Can puppies have adult dog chews?


Puppies should have softer chews designed for their developing teeth and jaws. Treats for adult, strong chewers might be too hard for small pups.


Are rawhide chews safe?


Rawhides can pose choking and blockage risks and might be treated with chemicals. Consider safer, digestible alternatives such as yak chews, collagen sticks, marrow bones, or vegetable-based chews.


How do I store these goodies to keep them fresh?


Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If a bag does not have an airtight zipper, consider using an airtight container for opened packages to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.

Related Articles:

The Best Food Choices for Shih Tzu Puppies and Dogs - What your Shih Tzu eats for meals has a huge impact on both short and long term health. Read important feeding guidelines and a list of the top foods. 

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