Is Pedigree Good for Shih Tzus? An Honest 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 Pedigree or Mars Petcare.
How we researched this review: We reviewed the current Pedigree Small Dogs product listing and ingredient list, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall notices, and pet food selection guidance from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and VCA Animal Hospitals. We have not fed this food to our own dogs. Last reviewed: September 2026.
Pedigree is one of the most widely sold dog food brands, and it is affordable. But is it a good choice for a Shih Tzu? Here is an honest look at what is in it, the pros and cons, and who it suits.
Our Verdict
Pedigree Small Dogs dry food is a complete and balanced, budget-friendly option for healthy adult Shih Tzus. It is not the best fit for puppies, dogs with food allergies, or owners who want a meat-first recipe. If your dog does well on it, with a healthy weight, good stools, and a nice coat, there is no need to switch.
What Is in Pedigree Small Dogs Dry Food?
We looked at Pedigree Small Dogs Grilled Steak and Vegetable Flavor, the small-breed adult formula. According to the Amazon listing:
- It is labeled 100% complete and balanced for adult dogs.
- It contains 36 vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, per the brand.
- The first ingredients are ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn protein meal, meat and bone meal, and soybean meal.
- The animal fat is preserved with BHA, a synthetic preservative that some owners prefer to avoid.
Corn and by-product meals are not harmful in themselves. What matters most is that the food is complete and balanced and made by a company with strong nutrition expertise. Pedigree 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 what quality control it uses.
Pros and Cons for Shih Tzus
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete and balanced for adult dogs | Grain and by-product first, not meat first |
| Small-breed kibble | Contains meat and bone meal, chicken by-product meal, and soy, which some allergic dogs must avoid |
| Low price and easy to find | Preserved with BHA |
| Made by a large company with a research center | Not formulated for puppies |
Is Pedigree Good for Shih Tzu Puppies?
Choose a food labeled for growth instead. VCA advises checking the label for a nutritional adequacy statement for growth. The small dogs formula we reviewed is labeled for adult dogs. See our best puppy food guide for small-breed puppy options.
Is Pedigree Good for Shih Tzus With Allergies or Sensitive Stomachs?
Usually not the first choice. Beef, dairy, chicken, and wheat are the most commonly reported food allergens in dogs, and this formula contains meat and bone meal and chicken by-product meal. For dogs with itchy skin or digestive upset, read our allergy food guide and our sensitive stomach guide, and talk to your vet.
Recent recall: On July 2, 2026, the FDA posted a voluntary recall of two lots of PEDIGREE Can High Protein Chopped Chicken and Duck Flavor wet dog food (13.2 oz, lot codes 613C3KKCFC and 613C1KKCFC) because of possible metal and plastic pieces. Mars said the cans had been sent for destruction but were fraudulently diverted and sold. The dry Small Dogs formula was not part of this recall. Always check the FDA recalls page for the latest information.
How to Feed Pedigree to a Shih Tzu
- Measure meals and use the calorie information on the bag. Our Shih Tzu feeding guide shows daily calorie ranges.
- Switch gradually over about 10 days.
- Watch your dog’s weight, stools, skin, and coat.
- Keep treats under 10 percent of daily calories.
If Pedigree works for your budget and your dog, you can find it here:
Better Options for Some Shih Tzus
If you want a small-breed food with a different ingredient profile, our guides compare options for every need:
- Best puppy food for Shih Tzus
- Best food for sensitive stomachs
- Best food for allergies
- Our Cesar wet food review
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pedigree good for Shih Tzus?
Pedigree Small Dogs is a complete and balanced, budget-friendly option for many healthy adult Shih Tzus. It is not ideal for puppies, dogs with food allergies, or owners who want a meat-first recipe.
What are the main ingredients in Pedigree Small Dogs?
According to the product listing, the first ingredients are ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, corn protein meal, meat and bone meal, and soybean meal.
Has Pedigree had a recall recently?
Yes. On July 2, 2026, the FDA posted a voluntary recall of two lots of PEDIGREE Can High Protein Chopped Chicken and Duck Flavor wet food because of possible metal and plastic pieces. Check the FDA recalls page for updates.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat Pedigree Small Dogs?
The formula we reviewed is labeled for adult dogs. Puppies should eat a food labeled for growth.
Is Pedigree hypoallergenic?
No. Pedigree does not make a hypoallergenic diet. Dogs with suspected food allergies usually need a prescription diet for a vet-guided food trial.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Voluntary recall of two lots of PEDIGREE Can High Protein Chopped Chicken and Duck Flavor wet dog food (July 2026)
- WSAVA: Guidelines on selecting pet foods
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding growing puppies
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute: Waltham and Mars Petcare
- Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P. Common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research, 2016
- Amazon.com product listing for Pedigree Small Dogs, checked September 2026
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
