Is Cesar Dog Food Good for Shih Tzus? 2026 Review

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Shih Tzu Pedia earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. We are not affiliated with Cesar or Mars Petcare.

How we researched this review: We reviewed the current Cesar Home Delights product listing, past recall reports, and feeding guidance from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), VCA Animal Hospitals, and the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. We have not fed this food to our own dogs. Last reviewed: September 2026.

Cesar is a popular wet food made for small dogs, sold in single-serving trays. Many Shih Tzu owners use it as a full meal or as a topper for kibble. Here is what you should know before you buy.

Table of Contents

Our Verdict

Cesar Home Delights is a complete and balanced wet food for adult small dogs, with real poultry or meat as the first ingredient. It is a convenient option for picky Shih Tzus or as a small topper. It costs more per meal than dry food, and it is not labeled for puppies.

What Is in Cesar Home Delights?

According to the Amazon listing for Cesar Home Delights (Dinner and Stew variety pack):

Real poultry or meat is the first ingredient.
It is labeled 100% complete and balanced for adult dogs, so it can be fed alone or as a topper.
It is described as easy to digest, with no fillers, no added sugar, and no artificial flavors.
It comes in 3.5-ounce trays.
The listing notes allergen information including eggs, gluten, and wheat.

Cesar is made by Mars Petcare, which runs the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, a pet nutrition research center. WSAVA suggests asking any brand who formulates its food and how it tests quality.

Person holding out a bowl of wet food to a Shih Tzu — Wet food can tempt a fussy eater, but measure portions carefully.

Pros and Cons for Shih Tzus

Pros	Cons
Complete and balanced for adult dogs	Costs more per meal than dry food
Meat or poultry as the first ingredient	Not labeled for puppies
Soft texture that many small dogs enjoy	Contains wheat and egg, which some dogs must avoid
Single-serving trays for easy portions	Extra packaging waste

Using Cesar as a Topper for a Picky Shih Tzu

A spoonful of wet food on kibble can encourage a fussy eater. Veterinary nutritionists at Tufts recommend keeping extras to no more than 10 percent of daily calories unless the wet food is a complete and balanced meal. Because Cesar is complete and balanced, you can mix it with kibble, but reduce the kibble so total calories stay the same. See our picky eater guide and our feeding guide.

Recall history: In October 2016, Mars Petcare recalled a limited number of Cesar Classics Filet Mignon Flavor wet dog food packages because small pieces of plastic had entered the food during production. The company reported no injuries or illnesses. Always check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls page for current information.

Is Cesar Good for Shih Tzu Puppies?

Choose a food labeled for growth. VCA advises checking the label for a nutritional adequacy statement for growth, and Cesar Home Delights is labeled for adult dogs. Our puppy food guide includes small-breed puppy wet foods.

Brown Shih Tzu resting on a blanket beside its owner — Wet food suits many seniors and dogs with sensitive mouths. Ask your vet about dental care.

Where to Buy

If Cesar suits your dog and budget, you can find the Home Delights variety pack here:

Check price on Amazon.com →

Alternatives to Consider

For puppies: Royal Canin Small Puppy Thin Slices in Gravy. Read more in our puppy food guide.
For sensitive stomachs: Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin canned food. See our sensitive stomach guide.
For a dry adult food: Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult, made for Shih Tzus 10 months and older, according to Royal Canin.
On a budget: read our Pedigree review.

Shih Tzu with a pink bow looking at the camera — Whatever food you choose, watch weight, stools, skin, and coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cesar dog food good for Shih Tzus?

Cesar Home Delights is a complete and balanced wet food for adult small dogs, with real poultry or meat as the first ingredient. It works well for picky eaters or as a topper, but it costs more than dry food and is not labeled for puppies.

Can I mix Cesar with dry food?

Yes. Because it is complete and balanced, you can mix it with kibble. Reduce the kibble so your dog’s total daily calories stay the same.

Can Shih Tzu puppies eat Cesar?

The Home Delights formula we reviewed is labeled for adult dogs. Puppies should eat a food labeled for growth.

Has Cesar dog food been recalled?

In October 2016, Mars Petcare recalled a limited number of Cesar Classics Filet Mignon Flavor packages because of small plastic pieces. No injuries were reported. Check the FDA recalls page for current information.

How much Cesar should a Shih Tzu eat?

It depends on your dog’s weight and activity. Check the calories on the package and use our feeding guide, which lists WSAVA calorie ranges for Shih Tzu-sized dogs.

Sources

Food Safety News: Mars recalls Cesar Classics Filet Mignon dog food for plastic pieces (2016)
Tufts Petfoodology: How do I get my picky pet to eat?
WSAVA: Guidelines on selecting pet foods
VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding growing puppies
Waltham Petcare Science Institute: Waltham and Mars Petcare
Amazon.com product listings, checked September 2026

This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.