Top 10 Essential Shih Tzu Items Under 10 Dollars: Affordable Must-Haves

Overview

In today’s economy, staying on budget is more important than ever. At the same time, you of course want the best for your sweet Shih Tzu. So, how do you balance that? How do you offer your Shih Tzu what they deserve while not spending a lot of money? This article is here to help. Ahead you will see our top 10 picks for all type of pet care items that are generally under $10. We’ll cover what makes these so great and the benefits they offer. 



So, if you’re looking for some fantastic yet inexpensive things for your Shih Tzu, let’s dive in. 

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#1 Fruitables Baked Treats

What makes these great: 

Wholesome Fruitables Treats for Dogs are an awesome snack for Shih Tzu dogs of all ages and are fantastic for many reasons. These are a 100% all-natural, healthy snack, which means zero artificial coloring, flavors or preservatives which can cause stomach issues, skin issues and other health problems. There are also no fillers like corn or cheap grains. Natural ingredients like spearmint and rosemary are used to help preserve these goodies and they come in some wonderful flavors including Crispy Bacon & Apple, Sweet Potato & Pecan and Pumpkin & Blueberry. 

The small size of these treats makes them ideally sized for small dogs like the Shih Tzu and these can be used as either a snack to satiate your little guy or gal between meals or as a training treat for good behavior. While super-pleasing to the taste buds, the calorie count is very low, just 8 calories per treat, so there’s no worries there. 

With a focus on real fruit for vitamins and antioxidants, these healthy yet inexpensive snacks are a win. 

#2 Rubber Feeder Balls by Sunglow

Why these are fantastic: 

The Rubber Feeder Balls by Sunglow is a two-pack of treat-release toys meant to keep a dog busy by slowly releasing dry kibble or treats from a chew toy. This sort of toy can be very effective in keeping a dog occupied while fostering independent play and mental stimulation. It’s ideal for clingy Shih Tzu dogs that need a distraction or for any time you’d like your little guy or gal to play by themselves. It’s also helpful on rainy or stormy days when boredom may be setting in. 

As a bonus, chewing on this sort of strong rubber to release treats gives the jaw a great workout and helps keep gums healthy. Enough chewing can even loosen some dental plaque. 

And finally, a terrific aspect of these feeder balls is their sizing; the small 2-inch balls are ideal for Shih Tzu puppies and the medium 2.36-inch is a good size for most adults.

#3 The Petstages Cool Teething Stick for Dogs

What makes this awesome:

If you have a teething Shih Tzu puppy and are looking for an inexpensive teething toy, look no further. The PetStages Cool Teething Stick contains all the aspects a pup needs when gums are itchy and urges to chew are at an all-time high: It can be soaked in water and then frozen, to offer a soothing cooling sensation, it has lots of fabric flaps so a pup can choose the exact ones that feel best to chew on and it’s very durable. 

The bright colors and the ‘crunchy’ aspect of the ice can make this appealing and interesting and it’s also great for hot summer days as a means of staying cool. With so many good qualities, this is a fantastic low-cost find to add to your puppy’s toy collection. 

#4 The Natural Dog Company Snout Soother Nose Balm

The benefits of choosing this:

If your Shih Tzu has a dry, chapped nose or you’re hoping to prevent this common problem, and you’re seeking an affordable solution, the Natural Dog Company Snout Soother Balm is a perfect pick. This balm is crafted from all-natural ingredients, making it gentle yet effective for treating and protecting against dry, cracked, or windburned noses.

And this nose protectant is not just a basic moisturizer; it’s packed with healing properties from vegan ingredients like shea butter, chamomile, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil and rosemary extract. These ingredients all work together to prevent chapping, keep a dog’s nose leather soft and in good shape and soothe and repair any dryness, scaling or cracking. With this small travel size that’s easy to take when out on adventures, it can be a great budget-friendly addition to your Shih Tzu’s grooming and care essentials. 

#5 And the Natural Dog Company Balm for Paws

Why you and your Shih Tzu will love this:

A dog’s paws take on a lot: hot walking surfaces in the summer, slippery sidewalks in the winter, and all sorts of diverse terrain year-round. Paws can get dry and irritated easily and it's important to keep them protected and in good shape. A paw wax or balm is a great tool to do this. It can offer a layer of protection, give a dog better traction, heal minor cuts or abrasions, repel irritants (like pollen and lawncare products) and help moisturize dry or cracked paws. 

And, to get all these benefits while keeping things affordable, this travel-size Paw Balm by Natural Dog Company is a great option. It’s a perfect size for bringing along on outdoor explorations and it’s made with natural plant-based ingredients like calendula extract, vitamin E, and coconut oil. As a bonus, it’s safe for dogs to lick, providing peace of mind.

#6 Bocce's Bakery Oven Baked Sunday Roast Treats for Dogs

What makes these treats special:

The Bocce Bakery Sunday Roast Treats are just the beginning of healthy yumminess; this company has a line of limited ingredient, all-natural dog treats with some unique blasts of flavor. This one is a chicken & pumpkin blend and they also offer Beef & Cheddar, Peanut Butter & Banana Chip, Berry Sorbet and even Coconut Macaroon, among others. 

You’ll be impressed with both the list of wholesome ingredients and it’s affordability. And best of all, with no artificial additives, fillers or cheap by-products, these made-in-the-USA treats offer a super-healthy snack while being easy on your wallet. 

#7 The Arm & Hammer Dental Kit for Dogs

Why you (and your Shih Tzu) will appreciate this:

At-home dental care is crucial for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs for several reasons. Due to their brachycephalic profile, this breed is prone to dental issues, including periodontal disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss and even systemic infections if left untreated. Regular at-home dental care helps remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of these problems. 

Dental issues often develop in a Shih Tzu’s later adult years, which then makes their senior years difficult. So, taking good care of your Shih Tzu’s teeth now contributes to their comfort and quality of life. 

Ways to ensure your sweetie’s teeth stay healthy include brushing, using sprays and giving daily dental chews. You’ll also want to keep up with regular veterinary checkups. For brushing, we love the economical Arm and Hammer Dental Kit because it has everything you need: A small canine toothbrush (sized for puppies of ‘all breeds’, so it’s ideal for most Shih Tzu dogs), a microfiber finger brush (for dogs that need to get accustomed to cleanings) and an effective canine toothpaste. 

#8 Greenies Original Teenies

Why this is an excellent pick:

Since we’re on the subject of at-home dental care, we have to mention Greenies Teenies, which are one of the best dental chews you can offer to your sweetie pie. Chews like these are designed, via both shape and texture, to help remove plaque from a dog’s teeth. Do please note that dogs should be supervised when chomping away on these; they are made to be hard, so pieces can occasionally break off and should be tossed away. 

This budget-conscious small 3-ounce pack won’t give you lots of chews; it has 11. But, if you want to check these out to see if your Shih Tzu likes them, it’s a great way to do so without getting a big bag. Note that this ‘Teenie’ size is for dogs 5 to 15 lbs., so if you have a larger 15+ lb. Shih Tzu, you’ll want to opt for the ‘Petite’ size. 

#9 Lick Mats by MoonGem

Why these are super-helpful:

If you haven’t tried giving your Shih Tzu a lick mat, both of you are in for a nice surprise! Lick mats are small, often silicone rubber mats, that have suction cups on one side (that keep them stuck to smooth surfaces like the inner wall of a bathtub, a sliding glass door, a fridge, etc.) and grooves on the other that are meant to hold something yummy and thick like peanut butter. 

They are designed to keep a canine family member busy and happy. Many pet parents use these to distract their dog from certain tasks like being brushed or having their nails clipped. But these are also great just as a method to offer a fun snack. 

The Lick Mats by MoonGem are an inexpensive yet fantastic find as it’s a pack of two, made from food-safe silicone and the ‘small’ is just about 6x6 inches (a good size for most Shih Tzu pups and adults). 

#10 Doggie Doorbells

Reasons to consider these:

If you ever thought about teaching your Shih Tzu to ring bells when they need to go outside, this is your opportunity. These wallet-friendly Doggie Doorbells by Luckyiren will help you find success. These are stainless-steel bells that are attached to an adjustable-length, heavy-duty nylon material belt and it’s meant to be hung over a doorknob. It ranges from 28 to 32.3 inches (it adjusts via button snaps), so you can tailor it to your Shih Tzu’s paw height. 

It should be noted that not all dogs will learn to use bells, but many catch on quickly and training is pretty straightforward:

Start by hanging the bells at a reachable height on the door you use to take your Shih Tzu outside. Introduce the bells by encouraging your sweetie to touch them with their nose or paw, using a treat as a lure. Each time they make contact, ring the bells slightly and immediately offer praise and a training treat. Repeat this until your Shih Tzu understands that touching the bells causes the jingle sound. 

Then, incorporate the bell ringing into your Shih Tzu’s bathroom routine by guiding them to the bells before taking them outside. Encourage them to touch the bells and, once they ring, take them outside immediately. This helps them associate bell ringing with going potty. Always use positive reinforcement and be consistent. If they ring the bells without needing to go, do not take them outside to avoid confusion.

With regular practice and consistency, your Shih Tzu can learn to ring the bells when they need to go outside, making bathroom breaks more convenient for both of you.

A Final Thought

We hope you enjoyed discovering these affordable yet helpful items for your Shih Tzu. Finding quality care items on a budget isn’t always easy, but as you can see, there are some excellent options out there! These products show that you don't have to spend a lot to provide the best for your little guy or gal. 

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