Shih Tzu Supplements

Overview

A dietary supplement for dogs typically contains at least one dietary ingredient, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, essential fats, or botanicals. These supplements, available in various forms like liquids, pills, powders, and chewables, are intended to complement a dog's daily nutritional intake rather than replace meals. While they cannot cure diseases, some supplements may help manage health issues by reducing symptoms or preventing certain conditions from developing.

You may have wondered if you should be giving supplements to your Shih Tzu or, if you’re already doing so, if you are offering the best one for your particular puppy or dog’s needs.

Here, we’ll cover the 7 most important supplements for Shih Tzu which are:

A High-calorie Nutritional Gel: This is for cases of under-eating at any age or circumstances in which a puppy is not gaining weight as expected.
Mobility Joint & Hip Supplements: This includes Glucosamine HCI and Chondroitin for joint health and an Omega-3 fish oil. This is vital for all Shih Tzu age 6 and up and any puppy or dog with a previous bone or joint issue. Some vets recommend starting at early as age 1 (as soon as a small breed dog is done growing).
Skin and Coat Health Supplements: This includes omega fatty acids which play a crucial role in skin and coat health; these are often given to dogs that suffer from allergies or chronic skin issues.
Digestive Health Supplements: This includes probiotics and digestive enzymes which can greatly help with sensitive stomachs.
Antioxidants: These play an amazing role in preventing many age-related diseases.
Multivitamins: These are typically only needed in some cases (home cooking or certain raw food diets) but if so, are vital.
Calcium: This is also only needed in some cases, but if so, is critical.

Let’s dive in to see the details of these supplements and the key factors to know about them.

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A High Calorie Nutritional Supplement

Purpose:

Help undersized puppies gain weight.
Offer calories and nutrients for a Shih Tzu of any age that does not or cannot take in enough daily calories.

What to know: One of the biggest hurdles in these cases is a Shih Tzu being unable to chew or take in enough solid food to grow or maintain their weight. This is often the case with a small, undersized newborn or older puppy, or a senior Shih Tzu with tooth loss leading to under-eating.

A nutritional supplement is typically a gel substance that requires no chewing at all, has a relatively high number of calories, and tastes sweet to make it appealing. Most can be given by hand-feeding, usually from a spoon in which the dog licks the gel.

Recommendation: Our top choice for the best high-calorie gel supplement for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs is Tomlyn NutriCal Nutritional Gel. This is a concentrated gel that is an excellent source of calories and has a wide range of vitamins and minerals including omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and dextrose to help prevent low blood sugar levels.

The puppy formula has 20 calories per teaspoon and the adult formula has 28. These are good amounts considering that pups require about 55 calories per pound of body weight per day and adults require anywhere between 25 to 40. Though this or any other similar supplement is not meant to fully replace meals, it can help quite a bit for puppies and dogs that need a boost.

Notes: Issues that revolve around insufficient weight gain for pups or refusal or inability to eat for dogs of any age (to the point of weight loss) are very serious and should be diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian.

Mobility Supplements: Joint and Hip Health

Shih Tzu walking up an incline, breathing well

Purpose:

For dogs age 6 years and up, to help prevent or delay osteoarthritis (some veterinarians recommend starting at early as age 1, when a small breed is done growing).
For adults and seniors, to treat osteoarthritis
For any Shih Tzu with previous bone or joint issues, to help prevent or delay post-traumatic arthritis

What to know about Shih Tzu dogs and osteoarthritis: As a dog ages, the body produces less glycosaminoglycan, a by-product of glucosamine, that works to repair body tissue and cartilage damage that naturally occurs from everyday wear and tear. The body also produces less chondroitin which works alongside glycosaminoglycan and also aids in maintaining proper fluid levels in the tissue around the joints for good shock absorption and lubrication and supplies nutrients to cartilage.

Increasingly insufficient levels of these naturally occurring compounds leads to inflammation of the joints, joint stiffness, and deterioration of joint cartilage. Signs include decreased mobility, behavioral changes, and moderate to severe discomfort.

What to know about Shih Tzu dogs and post-traumatic arthritis: This is technically a form of osteoarthritis and is the development of the disease in a joint that was previously injured in some way. For Shih Tzu dogs, this often includes dislocation issues such as patella (kneecap) subluxation, hip dysplasia or abnormalities such as Legg-Calve-Perthes or collapsed trachea. This also includes any sprain, fracture, or bone break. In fact, arthritis is about 7 times more likely to develop in an injured joint than an uninjured one and to occur much faster.

How common joint issues are with Shih Tzu: There are several elements that can affect the age of onset and severity of issues with Shih Tzu. This includes level of exercise and activity throughout the dog’s life (the more moderate exercise, the better), quality of the diet, a dog’s weight (excess weight increases the risk), and how quickly any bone or joint issues are diagnosed and treated.

This said, for dogs in general, 1 out of 5 adults have arthritis. Approximately 65% of dogs 7+ years and 85% of dogs 8+ years have some level of this painful and sometimes crippling disease.

How joint supplements can help: If you place your Shih Tzu on a joint supplement before any issues develop this can go a long way in helping to delay the onset of arthritis. And, if your Shih Tzu has already been diagnosed with the disease, some combination supplements can ease symptoms and help to increase mobility.

Let’s look at the main supplements that are made for joint health:

1) Glucosamine and 2) Chondroitin. These are almost always found together in one supplement. These work together to repair cartilage, keep joints lubricated, and strengthen supporting tissue. And 3) MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) which is also commonly added to joint supplements for dogs. Its benefits are very similar; this can help with slowing down cartilage degeneration and decrease inflammation.

Recommendation: A mobility supplement that we really love is Zesty Paws Mobility Bites Joint Supplement for Dogs; This has both glucosamine HCI and Chondroitin, along with OptiMSM (a premium form of methylsulfonylmethane) that provides excellent muscle support. As with all their products, this is 100% all-natural with no artificial additives or preservatives.

Please note: For fish oil, another supplement that can help with mobility, please see next (as this is mainly known for skin and coat health)

Skin & Coat Supplements: Omega Fatty Acids

Purpose:

Improves skin health. Quality omega helps with inflammation, rebalances skin to correct dry or oily issues, helps make skin more resilient to handle stressors such as contact irritants, allergens, etc. that may otherwise cause skin sores, hot spots, rashes, and other reactions.
Improves coat health (hydrates to restore shine and moisture to the coat, improves texture, prompts hair growth)
Can work alongside Glucosamine HCI & Chondroitin to help with the symptoms of arthritis via its anti-inflammatory properties and helps to improve overall joint health and mobility.
As an added plus, is thought to support heart health and eye health.

What to know: Omega fatty acids are essential fats, meaning that a dog’s body (or yours, for that matter) cannot make these. They must be obtained from food (or supplements). There are 11 types of omega fatty acids. But, for the purpose of your Shih Tzu’s health and well-being, we’re just going to talk about 3 of them.

1) Omega-3 ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is derived from some foods such as flaxseed (common in dog foods) canola, and soybeans. The body first sees this as an energy source (to be used or stored, as is done with other fats). In order for ALA to help in other ways, it must be converted into one of two other types of omega-3: DHA or EPA. But the body only converts a negligible amount.

2) EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 3) DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are two types of omega-3 fatty acids that directly help improve a dog’s skin and coat health, as well as provide the other benefits mentioned (heart, eye, and joint health). EPA and DHA are derived mainly from fish, some other seafood like eels and shrimp, and some algae, but levels vary.

Fish with high amounts of EPA and DHA include salmon and mackerel. Other types of fish and seafood that contain decent amounts include bluefin tuna, albacore tuna, swordfish, and trout. And in general, wild fish has more EPA and DHA than farmed fish.

Though certain top-quality dog foods have some level of omega-3 oil in them (via flaxseed and/or fish oil), if your Shih Tzu is suffering from skin or coat issues, extra supplementation is usually helpful.

Recommendation: Our top pick for the best omega-3 fish oil supplement for a Shih Tzu is Zesty Paws Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. This is 100% fish oil sourced from wild salmon that is caught off the Alaskan coast. The only other ingredient is mixed tocopherols, a natural organic compound that acts as a preservative. That’s it, there are no additives whatsoever, so this is one of the best fish oil supplements for Shih Tzu that is available.

It is made in the USA and comes in a nice handy pump that makes it very easy to dispense. And, you don’t need much; dogs at or under 12.5 lbs. (5.6 kg) just need 1/2 pump per day and dogs between 12.5 and 24 lbs. (5.6 and 10.9 kg) need just 1 pump.

Most dogs absolutely love the taste of fish oil and this should be mixed very well into meals (so that they cannot pick out just the pieces that are coated in the oil).

Digestive Health Supplements: Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes

A Shih Tzu resting in bed with stomach issues

These supplements help aid digestion and ease a sensitive stomach, help with coprophagia, can be a part of allergy treatments, and more. We will look at probiotics first, and then digestive enzymes; in many cases, both should be taken for the most effective results.

1 Probiotics.

Purpose:

To balance the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ intestinal bacteria to help with digestive issues including runny stools, chronic diarrhea, and/or flatulence.
To help a puppy or dog recover and rebalance after a bout of parvo or other stomach or intestinal-related illnesses.
To help improve nutrient absorption.
To help prevent chronic urinary tract infections.
Is sometimes prescribed for dogs suffering from severe allergies; this can help with inflammatory responses.

What to know: Probiotic supplements for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs can help restore gastrointestinal health by adding in more ‘good’ bacteria when there has been an imbalance and there is a population overload of ‘bad’ bacteria. When you’re looking for a probiotic to give to your Shih Tzu, there are two elements to keep in mind:

1) CPU. This stands for ‘colony-forming unit’ which refers to the number of active or ‘alive’ bacteria in each serving. For canines, there should be 1 billion (yes, that is with a ‘b’) at a minimum.

2) Number of strains. There are many different strains of bacteria in a dog’s body (and yours, for that matter) so giving a Shih Tzu just one strain of probiotics may not help at all. Ideally, you want to offer a supplement that has multiple strains; typically, the more strains the supplement contains, the higher the likelihood that the ‘right’ one(s) will be included to fix the imbalance.

Recommendation: Our #1 pick for the best probiotic for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs is Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs. This has 2 billion CPU (twice the recommended minimum) and a whopping 22 strains. And, this is made in the USA, has no artificial additives, flavors, coloring, or fillers. It is a completely tasteless power that is easily added to meals, and this lasts for quite some time since most Shih Tzu only need 1/3 to 1/2 scoop per day.

2 Digestive Enzymes

Purpose: Digestive enzymes for Shih Tzu serve multiple purposes:

Balancing Intestinal Bacteria: They help balance the 'good' and 'bad' intestinal bacteria, aiding in digestive issues such as runny stools, chronic diarrhea, and flatulence.
Recovery and Rebalancing: Digestive enzymes assist in the recovery and rebalancing of a puppy or dog's gastrointestinal health after illnesses like parvo or other stomach/intestinal-related issues.
Improving Nutrient Absorption: They enhance nutrient absorption, ensuring your Shih Tzu gets the most out of their diet.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections: Digestive enzymes can help prevent chronic urinary tract infections.
Managing Allergies: In cases of severe allergies, they can aid in managing inflammatory responses.

What to Know: Digestive enzyme supplements for Shih Tzu dogs play a vital role in maintaining gastrointestinal health by facilitating the breakdown of food and enhancing nutrient absorption. When selecting a digestive enzyme supplement, consider the following:

Enzyme Activity: Look for supplements with adequate enzyme activity, typically measured in activity units (e.g., DU, HUT, or FCC). Ensure the supplement contains sufficient enzyme activity to support your Shih Tzu's digestion effectively.
Comprehensive Formulation: Opt for supplements that include a variety of enzyme strains to address different types of food components. Multiple strains increase the likelihood of addressing various digestive issues effectively.

Recommendation: We recommend is Enzyme Miracle by Nusentia, which has 11 types of plant-based systemic and digestive enzymes. This is 100% all-natural with no by-products or fillers and is made in the USA.

Antioxidants

Purpose:

For adult Shih Tzu, to possibly help prevent or delay many age-related illnesses and diseases.
For any dog that is not receiving adequate amounts via their main diet.

What to know: As puppies grow and dogs age, their bodies produce more free radicals, a byproduct of metabolism that increases with illness, poor diet, and exposure to chemicals like pesticides or artificial additives. These free radicals cause damage by stealing electrons from cell membranes and DNA, perpetuating a cycle of damage linked to diseases such as cancer, asthma, diabetes, degenerative eye conditions, heart failure, and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, affecting up to 68% of dogs aged 15 to 16.

Antioxidants offer a defense by neutralizing free radicals with their electrons, halting their harmful effects. Common vitamins and amino acids, including vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene, and L-Lysine, serve as potent antioxidants. While some are present in dog food, quantities are often too low to effectively combat free radicals. For example, dog food's minimum vitamin E content is 50 IU/kg, and vitamin C is not required at all.

Studies have shown the benefits of antioxidants, with one highlighting that older dogs on an antioxidant-rich diet displayed fewer age-related cognitive issues and maintained better recognition of their families and agility. [1] To support your Shih Tzu's cognitive health and potentially ward off various diseases, considering an antioxidant supplement could be beneficial.

Recommendations:

There are several fruits that are safe for dogs to eat that contain good levels of antioxidants including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Fruits like this are often happily gobbled up and the fiber levels in these cause natural sugars to be digested slowly (no sugar spikes). And, spinach and kale are also good sources; these can be steamed and added to dog food.

And, if you are looking for a packaged supplement, our #1 pick for the best antioxidant supplement for Shih Tzu dogs is VetriScience Cell Advance Antioxidant Support.

This contains 23 different antioxidants, is made in Vermont, and comes in capsule form but you can open these and sprinkle the powder onto your Shih Tzu’s food (be sure to then mix it well).

[1] Dodd CE, Zicker SC, Jewell DE, et al. Can a fortified food affect the behavioral manifestations of age-related cognitive decline in dogs? Vet Med 2003;98:396–408.

Daily Multivitamins

Purpose:

To supplement the diet if a dog is being fed homemade food.
To help restore the right balance of nutrients if a dog is recovering from certain illness, has not been eating enough, or otherwise has a vitamin deficiency.

What to know: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established laws regarding the minimum level of nutrients in dog food. If a dog food is labeled ‘complete and balanced’, this means that it technically contains everything a dog needs in their diet and no additional snacks or supplementation is needed.

The guidelines are for protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. But it must be noted that this does not mean that any certain dog food is a quality one. Protein (which must be at least 18% - based on dry matter) can come from any source: high-quality hormone-free and antibiotic-free meat or roadkill (AKA ‘generic meat’. And the presence of vitamins may come from real fruit or from synthetic vitamins.

Regardless of level of quality, it is very difficult if not impossible for any commercial food blend to contain every nutrient that a dog needs via wholesome food ingredients alone, so vitamins (real or synthetic) are added in.

And if you make homemade for your Shih Tzu, you will also face this issue and need to offer a full and complete vitamin and mineral supplement.

Recommendation: Our #1 pick for the best vitamin and mineral blend for Shih Tzu puppies and dogs is Pet MD Advanced Multivitamins for Dogs. This is a complete vitamin supplement with: Calcium, chloride, copper, folic acid, iodine, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12, and zinc.

There are small liver-flavored soft treats, are made in the USA, and you’ll love the convenience that one bottle contains 365 chews so it lasts exactly one year.

Calcium Supplements

Shih Tzu with Strong Bones Walking Up Stairs

Purpose:

To supplement the diet if a Shih Tzu is being fed a raw food diet, if raw (ground) bones or enough ground eggshells are not being ingested.
To supplement the diet if a Shih Tzu is being fed a homemade diet, but the multivitamin being offered (see previous supplement) does not contain calcium.
With extreme caution, may be given to dams right as they enter labor, to help with contractions; typically, this is done via cottage cheese or another snack food that is safe for dogs and not via a supplement. Note that extra calcium should NEVER be given to pregnant dogs; it is linked to eclampsia (which can be fatal), difficult deliveries, and soft tissue calcium deposits and joint abnormalities in developing fetuses.

What to know: Calcium is a basic nutrient that is required for bone growth and health. It also plays a big role in healthy teeth and nails and plays a minor yet still notable role in a dog’s coat health. Calcium is vital at any age, but too little or too much is especially detrimental to growing puppies.

Healthy Shih Tzu dogs that are eating commercial dog food do not require any extra calcium; their meals will contain enough (as long as it is labeled ‘complete and balanced’). And, pregnant dogs should never be given extra calcium (see #3 under ‘Purpose’ above).

But, if your Shih Tzu is being fed a raw food diet or a homemade diet, there will be a need for a calcium supplement if it is not added in via bone meal, ground bones, or appropriate levels of eggshells (a good source of calcium) or if a multivitamin is being given but does not contain calcium.

Recommendation: Usually, it is best to offer calcium via calcium-rich foods that are safe for dogs to eat. This includes yogurt and cottage cheese. There are also good amounts in some fish like salmon, tuna, and trout and it is found to a moderate degree in foods like spinach, beans, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.

This said, if you are looking for a supplement product to offer extra calcium, a good choice is Animal Essentials Seaweed Calcium. This is calcium derived from seaweed and nothing else; there are no fillers or additives at all. This is sourced in Iceland and packaged in the USA.

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