Top 5 Healthiest Cheese Treatsa Shih Tzu will Love
Overview
Does your Shih Tzu go wild at the first whiff of cheddar? They’re not alone. For many dogs, cheese is an irresistible obsession. And luckily, when not fed in excess, it can be a perfectly safe and satisfying treat. Whether it’s used as a training reward, a pill-hiding helper or just a midday nibble of love, cheese often ranks high on the list of favorite flavors among the Shih Tzu breed.
And if your Shih Tzu has been missing out on cheesy treats due to lactose intolerance, you'll both be thrilled to know there is a fantastic option that they can enjoy without worry; it's completely lactose-free.
So, why do many dogs love cheese so much? It’s a combination of scent, taste and fat content that triggers their natural food-seeking instincts. Cheese has a rich, savory aroma that’s c, the combination of fats and smooth texture can trigger feel-good brain chemicals (dopamine and endorphins) that make dogs feel happy and content.
But here’s the big question: Is cheese good for dogs? In moderation, yes! Cheese can provide protein, calcium, essential fatty acids and even a boost of vitamins like A and B12.
That said, not all cheeses are created equal. Portion control still matters, and while some dogs are sensitive to lactose (there are now dog-friendly options that offer the cheesy goodness without the dairy-related side effects), cheese too high in fat, salt or with aged molds can be unsafe. So, it’s important to know what kinds of cheese are safe to offer, what to skip and which creative, tail-wagging treats are worth trying.
Let’s dive snout-first into the world of cheesy delights for Shih Tzus, from additive-free store-bought snacks to the types of real, everyday cheese you can pick up from your local supermarket. Your Shih Tzu’s taste buds will thank you for these 5 top choices.
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#1 The Classic: Plain Ol' Cheese
Before we get into the specialty treats and gourmet chews, let’s give a little love to the original cheesy indulgence: regular ol’ cheese. The kind of cheese that magically works with everything and never seems to last long enough, no matter how much you get. Turns out, this humble staple can be a total hit with your Shih Tzu, when offered in the right form.
Dogs love cheese for the same reasons we do: it’s rich, flavorful and smells amazing (to them, especially). The creamy texture is easy to chew and the high fat and protein content make it feel like a serious reward. That’s why cheese is often used as a high-value training treat.
But not all cheeses are created equal for dogs. The best types of cheese for a Shih Tzu are mild, low-lactose, low-fat options with lower sodium like mozzarella, Swiss, cottage cheese or plain cheddar.
Steer clear of funky or soft-ripened cheeses like blue cheese, brie, gorgonzola, or anything labeled “aged” or “mold-ripened.” These cheeses can contain higher levels of lactose and fat, but they also pose another risk: roquefortine C, a natural toxin produced by certain molds used in cheese aging. This compound can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, or even seizures in canines.
Also skip overly processed options like American cheese slices or cheese spreads. These often contain additives, excess sodium, and very little actual cheese, making them a poor choice for pups.
Quick tip:
Bites of cheese can be put in the freezer for a nice chilled chew (great on warm days), or melt a bit over their kibble for extra motivation. Soft cheese is also great for hiding small medication tablets.
#2 Northwest Naturals Freeze-Dried Cheese Treats
If you want to treat your Shih Tzu to real cheese without grocery runs or fridge space battles, freeze-dried cheddar might be the answer. And for this, we love Northwest Naturals Freeze-Dried Cheddar Cheese Treats. These are made from just one ingredient: real cheddar cheese. But, thanks to the freeze-drying process, they skip the usual spoilage drama.
These are shelf-stable and last a long time because the freeze-drying gently removes moisture, which is what normally causes food to go bad. With the water gone, the cheese doesn’t even need to be refrigerated. You can just stash the bag in a cool, dry place and you’ve got cheesy goodness at hand whenever you’re ready to dole out these special snacks. Many last for months unopened, and even after opening, they hold up beautifully if kept sealed and dry.
The crunchy texture is a bonus and they’re perfect for training, travel or just a mid-afternoon snack your dog didn’t see coming. And for picky pups like many Shih Tzus, the flavor and texture are irresistible. It’s a great way to keep the fresh cheese flowing in even if you can’t make it out to the store.
#3 Bocce's Bakery Oven-Baked Cheese Treats
We love Bocce's Bakery Cheese Treats for many reasons. These are 100% all natural snacks that are great for the tummy, with their wheat-free and soy-free limited ingredients. There's just 8 ingredients baked into each batch: Cheese, oats and oat flour, coconut, molasses, flaxseed, vegetable oil and citric acid, with zero fillers, additives, food coloring or chemical preservatives.
They are sized nicely for small dogs like the Shih Tzu. And while these can be given as an anytime snack, they are also fantastic to use for training or positive association used to reinforce good behavior since the soft and chewy texture helps provide a soothing sensation that makes cheesy snacks so special.
Bocce's Bakery treats are made in the USA, with all ingredients sourced from small bakeries across the country (mostly in the Northeast and east cost).
#4 Bocce's Bakery Bacon Egg & Cheese Treats
We’re sticking with Bocce’s for this next pick, because they really deliver with their Bocces Bacon Egg and Cheese Dog Treats.
If your Shih Tzu could order breakfast, there’s a good chance this would be it. Bacon, egg, and cheese is the dream combo that gets tails wagging and noses twitching. Rich, savory and packed with satisfying smells, this trio isn’t just a human favorite; it hits all the right notes for dogs too.
And this snack delivers the real deal.
It’s a USA-made treat with wholesome ingredients: 100% real pork, pork liver, eggs and cheddar cheese. There are no artificial colors, no fake flavorings, and no chemical preservatives; just real food, gently preserved with mixed tocopherols (a natural form of vitamin E) to keep things fresh.
Pork and pork liver bring a protein punch and flavor that dogs instinctively love, plus essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Eggs add in more high-quality protein and healthy fats that support energy and coat health. And the cheddar cheese? It’s not just delicious; it adds calcium and a little vitamin A, making every bite both tasty and beneficial.
Everything is bound together with oat flour, a gluten-free, gentle-on-the-stomach ingredient that helps keep the snack easy to digest. And, last but not least, these treats are made in the USA.
Whether you’re rewarding good behavior or just feel like giving your sweetie a breakfast-style surprise, this cheesy, meaty treat is a guaranteed hit. Honestly, don’t be surprised if your Shih Tzu starts requesting brunch.
#5 Himalayan Yak Chews
If you don’t know about this type of snack yet, get ready to hear about an awesome cheese option for Shih Tzus, even those that don’t tolerate dairy foods.
A snack like the Original Himalayan Yak Cheese Chews by the Himalayan Dog Chew Store are a unique way to offer cheese that’s super-healthy.
This particular type of chew delivers the cheesy satisfaction dogs crave, but without the digestive drama for those with a sensitive stomach. These sturdy snacks are made from a traditional recipe straight from the mountains of Nepal, using a simple blend of yak and cow’s milk that’s naturally cured to remove the lactose. That’s right: real cheese with no tummy troubles.
What makes them even better? Due to the hard texture, yak chews are long-lasting, which means your pup won’t polish it off in two chomps like most treats. Many Shih Tzu love to work their jaws, and this is a safe, satisfying alternative to rawhide (which can be dangerous or hard to digest). These chews soften slowly as your dog gnaws away at them, offering a calming outlet that also helps with dental health.
And when it comes to ingredients, it truly doesn’t get any simpler: just milk, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lime juice. That’s it; no preservatives, no fillers, and absolutely no mystery by-products. While we usually recommend USA-made treats, yak chews are a bit different. This type of treat is traditionally sourced from Nepal, where yaks are part of daily life and the ancient recipe has been passed down through generations of skilled artisans.
Please note: Yak chews are typically sold based on a dog’s weight for safety and chewing comfort; the ones we’ve recommended above are sized for dogs under 15 lbs. Be sure to check the label when shopping to make sure you’re picking the right size for your Shih Tzu.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're dealing with a picky pup, a Shih Tzu with a sensitive stomach, or just looking for a way to make snack time more special, the right cheesy treat can hit the sweet spot.
From simple slices to shelf-stable snacks and long-lasting chews, there are some great ways to bring cheesy joy into your dog’s routine. The focus should be on options that are easy to digest, free from unnecessary additives, and just the right texture and flavor to make tails wag.
Please avoid the risky stuff, like mold-ripened or overly processed cheeses, and stick with clean, dog-friendly options that offer protein, calcium and big flavor.
It’s a great feeling to see your Shih Tzu enjoying a snack that you know is healthy. So go ahead and make their day a little bit cheesier!
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