Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus With a Sensitive Stomach (2026)
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 foods: We used guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals, the American Kennel Club, and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). We then compared current Amazon listings for digestibility features, small-breed options, customer ratings, and availability in the United States and Canada. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Does your Shih Tzu often have soft stools, gas, or the odd bout of vomiting? A food made to be easy to digest may help. But the first step is not a new bag of food. It is a visit to your vet.
Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of many illnesses, from parasites to pancreatitis. A food change cannot fix those. Once your vet rules out a medical problem, the right food can make a real difference. This guide shows what to look for and which foods fit a small dog like a Shih Tzu.
Call your vet right away if: your dog vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea for more than a day, has blood in the vomit or stool, will not eat or drink, or seems weak or in pain. VCA Animal Hospitals warns that dehydration can develop quickly when vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours. Read our Shih Tzu vomiting guide for more warning signs.
Quick Picks: Best Food for a Shih Tzu With a Sensitive Stomach
| Pick | Best for | Type | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini | Best overall | Dry | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Breed (Salmon) | Dogs that do better on fish | Dry | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
| Royal Canin Small Digestive Care | Stool quality | Dry | Amazon.com |
| Purina ONE +Plus Skin & Coat, Sensitive Stomach | Budget pick | Dry | Amazon.com |
| Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin (Canned) | Wet food or topper | Wet | Amazon.com | Amazon.ca |
Signs Your Shih Tzu May Have a Sensitive Stomach
The American Kennel Club lists three common signs:
- Occasional vomiting
- Loose stools
- Gas (flatulence)
Your dog may show one of these or all three. Changes in stool are a useful clue. See our guide to healthy Shih Tzu poop to know what is normal. If itching and ear infections come with the stomach trouble, a food allergy is possible. Our allergy food guide covers that.
What to Look For in a Sensitive Stomach Food
- High digestibility. VCA notes that vets often recommend small, frequent meals of a highly digestible, low-fat diet during stomach upset. Many over-the-counter sensitive stomach foods use the same idea.
- The right fiber. The AKC notes that fibers such as beet pulp, inulin, and psyllium can support good stool quality.
- Moderate fat. Lower-fat foods are often easier to digest. Ask your vet if your dog has a history of pancreatitis.
- Complete and balanced. Look for an AAFCO statement for adult maintenance. WSAVA also suggests choosing a maker that employs qualified nutritionists and runs quality control testing.
- One change at a time. Switching foods often can cause the very upset you want to avoid. Give a new food time to work.
The Best Foods for a Shih Tzu With a Sensitive Stomach, Reviewed
1. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini
Best for: Most adult Shih Tzus. This is our top pick.
- Highly digestible formula with prebiotic fiber, according to the brand
- Vitamin E and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat
- Small kibble for small and mini breeds
Why we picked it: It is a small-breed formula that targets both the stomach and the skin. That is helpful if your dog also has dry or itchy skin. It is sold in both countries.
Keep in mind: It is an adult food. Do not feed it to a growing puppy unless your vet approves.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
2. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach, Small Breed (Salmon)
Best for: Dogs that do not tolerate chicken-based foods well.
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health, per the listing
- Made for small breed dogs
- Formerly sold as Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin and Stomach
Why we picked it: Salmon gives you a different protein from most chicken-based foods. The added probiotics are a plus for dogs with loose stools.
Keep in mind: It is higher in protein and calories than some foods. Measure meals so your dog does not gain weight.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
3. Royal Canin Small Digestive Care
Best for: Small dogs with soft or irregular stools.
- Made for small dogs 10 months and older, according to the brand
- Highly digestible proteins, prebiotics, and dietary fibers
- Designed to support stool quality
Why we picked it: It focuses only on digestion and is made for the size of dog you have.
Keep in mind: On Amazon.ca, this listing shows a different Royal Canin product, so we list the Amazon.com link only. Check your local pet store in Canada.
4. Purina ONE +Plus Skin & Coat, Sensitive Stomach
Best for: Owners on a budget.
- Real salmon is the first ingredient
- Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat
- Four antioxidant sources, per the brand
Why we picked it: It is a lower-cost option from a major manufacturer that still uses salmon as the main protein.
Keep in mind: It is not a small-breed formula, so the kibble may be larger. The bag we found is 16.5 pounds, which is a lot of food for a small dog. We could not find it in stock on Amazon.ca.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned (Variety Pack)
Best for: Picky eaters, or as a topper for the matching dry food.
- Chicken and vegetable, and salmon and vegetable flavors
- Easy-to-digest ingredients, according to the brand
Why we picked it: It matches our top dry pick, so you can mix them without changing the diet.
Keep in mind: The cans are 12.8 ounces, which is several meals for a Shih Tzu. Cover and refrigerate opened cans, and reduce the dry portion when you add wet food.
Check price on Amazon.com → | Check price on Amazon.ca →
How to Switch Your Shih Tzu to a New Food
A slow switch is the best way to avoid an upset stomach. The AKC suggests starting with about 80 to 90 percent old food and 10 to 20 percent new food. Then shift the mix slowly over about 10 days. Here is a sample schedule based on that advice.
| Days | Old food | New food |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | About 80 to 90% | About 10 to 20% |
| 4 to 6 | About 50% | About 50% |
| 7 to 9 | About 25% | About 75% |
| 10 | 0% | 100% |
If stools become loose, slow down and stay at the last mix that worked for a few more days. If the problem continues, call your vet.
What About Chicken and Rice?
Boiled chicken and rice is an old home remedy. VCA Animal Hospitals says it is no longer the best recommendation. It is not complete or balanced and is short on more than 10 essential nutrients. If your dog needs a bland diet, ask your vet for a complete therapeutic diet instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog food for a Shih Tzu with a sensitive stomach?
Our top pick is Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini because it is highly digestible, made for small breeds, and sold in the United States and Canada. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small Breed is a good salmon-based option. See your vet first to rule out a medical cause.
How do I know if my Shih Tzu has a sensitive stomach?
Common signs include occasional vomiting, loose stools, and gas. These signs can also point to parasites, infections, or other illnesses, so ask your vet to check your dog before you change foods.
How long should I take to switch my Shih Tzu to a new food?
The AKC suggests about 10 days. Start with mostly old food and a little new food, then slowly increase the new food. Slow down if stools become loose.
Can I feed my Shih Tzu boiled chicken and rice?
Only for a short time, and only if your vet agrees. VCA Animal Hospitals says chicken and rice is not complete or balanced and lacks more than 10 essential nutrients. Your vet can suggest a complete bland diet instead.
When should I take my Shih Tzu to the vet for stomach problems?
Call your vet if your dog vomits repeatedly, has diarrhea for more than a day, has blood in the stool or vomit, stops eating or drinking, or seems weak. VCA warns that dehydration can develop quickly when symptoms last more than 24 hours.
Sources
- American Kennel Club: Best dog food for sensitive stomachs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Gastroenteritis in dogs
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Bland diet instructions for dogs and cats
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee: Guidelines on selecting pet foods
- 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.
