Best Treats for Shih Tzus (2026): Dental, Training, and Puppy Picks
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Shih Tzu Pedia earns from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca, at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on veterinary guidance and published product details, not on hands-on testing.
How we chose these treats: We used the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) list of accepted dental products, feeding guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals, and safety information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Kennel Club. We then compared current Amazon listings for size, calories, ratings, and availability in the United States and Canada. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Treats are one of the best tools you have. They make training faster, help with nail trims and grooming, and some even help keep teeth clean. But a Shih Tzu is a small dog, and small dogs gain weight fast from extra snacks.
This guide covers the three kinds of treats most Shih Tzus need: dental chews, training treats, and puppy treats. It also explains how many treats are too many and which ones to avoid.
Quick Picks: Best Treats for Shih Tzus in 2026
| Pick | Best for | Type | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenies Teenie Original | Daily dental care (dogs 5 to 15 lb) | VOHC-accepted dental chew | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Purina DentaLife Small | Dental care, second option | VOHC-accepted dental chew | Amazon.com |
| Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken | Everyday training | Soft training treat | Amazon.com |
| Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver | High-value rewards | Freeze-dried treat | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Wellness Soft Puppy Bites | Puppies | Soft puppy treat | Amazon.com |
How Many Treats Can a Shih Tzu Have?
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends that treats and snacks make up no more than 10 percent of daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced dog food.
- Count calories. Check the calories per treat on the bag. A treat that seems tiny to you can be a big snack for a small dog.
- Break treats up. For training, cut treats into pea-sized pieces.
- Adjust meals. On busy training days, reduce your dog’s meal a little to make up for the extra treats.
- Watch the waist. If your Shih Tzu starts to lose their waistline, cut back on treats first.
Dental Treats: Look for the VOHC Seal
The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) reviews test results for dental products and awards a seal to those that meet its standards for reducing plaque or tartar. Its accepted list includes several dental treats, such as Greenies, Purina DentaLife, Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, Whimzees Brushzees, and Pedigree Dentastix Advanced.
Dental chews help, but they do not replace tooth brushing or dental checkups. For the full routine, see our Shih Tzu grooming and care guide.
The Best Treats for Shih Tzus, Reviewed
1. Greenies Teenie Original Dental Treats
Best for: Daily dental care for adult Shih Tzus. This is our top pick.
- Teenie size is made for dogs 5 to 15 pounds, according to the listing
- Canine Greenies are on the VOHC accepted list for both plaque and tartar
Why we picked it: It is VOHC-accepted and comes in a size made for dogs the size of a Shih Tzu.
Keep in mind: Use the size that matches your dog’s weight. If your Shih Tzu weighs over 15 pounds, move up to the Petite size. Supervise chewing, and count each chew toward the daily treat allowance. Greenies sells a separate puppy formula.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
2. Purina DentaLife Daily Oral Care, Small Dogs
Best for: Owners who want a second VOHC-accepted option.
- Chewy, chicken-flavored dental chews for small dogs
- Meets VOHC standards for reducing tartar buildup, per the listing
Why we picked it: It is on the VOHC accepted list for tartar and is made for small dogs.
Keep in mind: It is accepted for tartar only, while Greenies is accepted for both plaque and tartar. The small-dog pack was not in stock on Amazon.ca when we checked.
3. Zuke’s Mini Naturals, Chicken
Best for: Everyday training and quick rewards.
- About 2 calories per treat, according to Zuke’s
- Soft and small, so they are quick to eat
- No corn, wheat, or soy, per the listing
Why we picked it: Low calories per piece make it easy to reward often during training without overfeeding.
Keep in mind: It was not in stock on Amazon.ca when we checked.
4. Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats, Beef Liver
Best for: High-value rewards for hard tasks, such as recall or nail trims.
- Three simple ingredients, according to Pupford
- Small, low-calorie pieces for training
Why we picked it: Freeze-dried liver is a strong motivator for many dogs and is sold in both countries.
Keep in mind: Beef is the most commonly reported food allergen in dogs. If your Shih Tzu has a known beef allergy, choose a different flavor.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
5. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, Lamb and Salmon
Best for: Puppy training.
- Bite-sized soft treats for puppies
- Made with salmon, a source of DHA, according to the brand
- No corn, wheat, or soy
Why we picked it: Soft, small puppy treats are easy for baby teeth and quick to eat during short training sessions.
Keep in mind: Break them into smaller pieces for a young Shih Tzu. It was not in stock on Amazon.ca when we checked.
Treats to Avoid
Never give xylitol. The FDA warns that xylitol, a sugar substitute found in some peanut butters, sugar-free gum, and candy, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs within 10 to 60 minutes. Check labels before sharing any people food, especially peanut butter. If your dog eats xylitol, go to your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Rawhide: The AKC notes that strong chewers can break off large pieces that may cause choking or an intestinal blockage.
- Very hard chews: Bones, antlers, and hooves can break teeth. See our safe chew toy guide for the fingernail test.
- Toxic people foods: Some human foods are dangerous for dogs. Read which human foods are safe for Shih Tzus before sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best treats for a Shih Tzu?
For daily dental care, Greenies Teenie is our top pick because it is VOHC-accepted and sized for dogs 5 to 15 pounds. For training, small, low-calorie treats such as Zuke’s Mini Naturals work well. For high-value rewards, try freeze-dried treats such as Pupford.
How many treats can I give my Shih Tzu a day?
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends keeping treats to no more than 10 percent of daily calories. Check the calories on the bag and break treats into small pieces.
Are dental chews good for Shih Tzus?
Dental chews with the VOHC seal have been shown to help reduce plaque or tartar. They work best alongside regular tooth brushing and vet dental checkups. Choose the right size and supervise chewing.
Can Shih Tzus eat peanut butter?
Plain peanut butter in small amounts is a common treat, but check the label first. The FDA warns that some peanut and nut butters contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Is rawhide safe for Shih Tzus?
It is not recommended. The AKC notes that rawhide pieces can cause choking or intestinal blockages. Choose a VOHC-accepted dental chew or a safe rubber chew toy instead.
Sources
- Veterinary Oral Health Council: Accepted products for dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding growing puppies
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Paws off xylitol, it is dangerous for dogs
- American Kennel Club: Are rawhide chews dangerous for dogs?
- Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P. Common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research, 2016
- Amazon.com and Amazon.ca 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.
