Vet-approved Maltese Shih Tzu Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips

Maltese Shih Tzu may be tiny in size but they have big nutritional needs that go beyond simply filling their food bowl.

Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or want to fine-tune your current routine, choosing the right diet plays a key role in your Maltese Shih Tzu’s long-term health.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu—what to look for, what to avoid, and how to support their wellbeing at every stage of life. With vet-approved advice, you’ll learn how nutrition can help manage common issues like weight control, dental care, and skin sensitivities.

Plus, we’ve included a downloadable puppy feeding schedule to help you stay on track and meet your pup’s changing dietary needs as they grow.

Feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu the right diet is one of the most impactful ways to support their health, happiness, and longevity. This affectionate, low-shedding breed can be prone to issues like dental disease, sensitive skin, and weight gain—all of which can be managed or even prevented with balanced, high-quality nutrition. Understanding their unique dietary needs helps you lay the foundation for a vibrant, active life from puppyhood through their senior years.

Related reading: The Vet’s Guide to Maltese Shih Tzus: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Quality ingredients

The first ingredient in your dog’s food should always be a high-quality animal protein: chicken, turkey, lamb or fish. These proteins are essential for building and maintaining lean muscle, fuelling daily play, and supporting immune health.

Healthy fats, especially those from fish oil or flaxseed, help nourish the skin and coat, which is especially important for Maltese Shih Tzus, who are prone to dryness, itchiness and sensitivities. Look for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids listed in the ingredients.

Avoid foods that rely heavily on fillers like corn, soy or wheat. While these aren’t necessarily harmful, they offer little nutritional value and can contribute to unwanted weight gain in a small breed with a slower metabolism.

Added nutrients like DHA for brain development (particularly in puppies), antioxidants for immune support, and prebiotics for healthy digestion are also valuable additions.

Always check the label. The best diets list meat first, are AAFCO-approved, and avoid unnecessary additives. If it’s hard to pronounce or sounds like a chemistry experiment, your Maltese Shih Tzu probably doesn’t need it.

Size and energy level considerations

Maltese Shih Tzus are classified as a toy breed, and their food should be formulated accordingly. Choose small or toy breed-specific dog food with kibble sizes made for tiny mouths—this reduces the risk of choking and encourages chewing, which is vital for your dog’s dental health.

Despite their calm temperament, Maltese Shih Tzus can have bursts of energy throughout the day. Their food should reflect this with a nutrient-dense formula that offers energy without excess calories. Overfeeding, especially with calorie-dense treats or table scraps, can lead to rapid weight gain and associated health issues.

• Puppies need more calories per kilogram of body weight, plus added DHA and calcium for brain and bone development.
• Adults benefit from balanced maintenance diets that support their moderate energy output and skin health.
• Seniors often require fewer calories and diets that include joint support ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, along with antioxidants for cognitive health.
  
  

When it comes to feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu, the format of their food matters just as much as the ingredients. Wet food, dry food and mixed feeding each have their place—and understanding the pros and cons can help you choose the best option for your pup’s health, lifestyle and preferences.

Dry Dog Food (kibble)

Dry dog food is a popular choice for Maltese Shih Tzus, especially those prone to dental issues. The crunchy texture helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup, which is important for small breeds with compact jaws and crowded teeth.

It’s also convenient to store, easy to portion, and typically more cost-effective than wet food. Many premium dry foods are now formulated specifically for small breeds and include dental support, omega fatty acids and joint-protecting nutrients.

Wet Dog Food (cans or pouches)

Wet dog food tends to be more appealing to fussy eaters thanks to its stronger aroma and softer texture. It’s a great option for older Maltese Shih Tzus with dental issues, or dogs recovering from illness who need encouragement to eat.

It’s also naturally more hydrating, which can be helpful if your dog doesn’t drink much water. However, wet food alone doesn’t offer the same dental benefits and tends to be more expensive per serving.

Mixed feeding (wet + dry)

A combination of wet and dry food can offer the best of both worlds—palatability and hydration from wet food, plus the dental and nutritional support of kibble. Just be careful with portions. It’s easy to overfeed when mixing formats unless you adjust quantities to avoid doubling up on calories.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—what matters most is choosing a complete, balanced, AAFCO-approved food that suits your Maltese Shih Tzu’s age, health, and taste preferences. If you’re unsure, speak to your vet about which format best supports your dog’s individual needs.

While Maltese Shih Tzus are generally healthy and long-lived, they do have a few common breed-related health concerns that nutrition can directly help manage—or even prevent. Choosing the right food can play a powerful role in protecting your dog’s quality of life from puppyhood to their golden years.

Here are the top issues to watch out for—and how diet can make a difference.

1. Dental Disease
Maltese Shih Tzus are highly prone to dental problems. Their small mouths and close-set teeth can lead to tartar buildup, gum inflammation and eventual tooth loss if not managed early. Look for dry food specifically labelled for dental support, with a kibble texture that helps clean teeth during chewing. Some formulas also include ingredients like sodium tripolyphosphate, which can reduce plaque and tartar formation. Regular dental chews and vet-recommended toothbrushing are excellent complementary tools.

2. Skin Allergies and Sensitivities
Dog skin flare-ups are common in this breed, often caused by food intolerances or environmental allergens. Symptoms can include itching, redness, flaky skin or recurrent ear infections.

Choose diets rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help soothe inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier. Limited ingredient diets or formulas with novel proteins like duck or salmon are often beneficial for dogs with sensitivities. For chronic issues, your vet may recommend a prescription hypoallergenic diet.

3. Tear Staining
Those signature dark tear stains around the eyes are common in Maltese Shih Tzus and can be linked to excessive tearing, shallow eye sockets or even food sensitivities. Feeding a high-quality diet without artificial preservatives, colours or fillers may reduce inflammation and improve overall tear film quality. Good hydration and balanced nutrition—especially with added zinc and B vitamins—may also help minimise tear staining.

4. Joint Health and Mobility
While not as common as in larger breeds, Maltese Shih Tzus can still develop joint issues like patella luxation or dog arthritis, especially as they age or if they carry extra weight. Look for diets with added glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3s to support joint health. Weight management is also crucial—keeping your dog lean significantly reduces stress on the joints.

5. Digestive Sensitivities
Some Maltese Shih Tzus have delicate digestive systems and may experience bloating, dog diarrhoea or irregular stools. Gentle, easily digestible formulas with prebiotics and fibre (like beet pulp or pumpkin) can support gut health and help manage upset stomachs in dogs. Avoid sudden food changes and consider sticking with a single, high-quality brand that agrees with your dog’s system.

Feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu the appropriate diet helps actively support their health through targeted, thoughtful nutrition.

When selecting dog food for a Maltese Shih Tzu — whether purebred or a mix — it’s wise to pick formulas that are specially designed for small  or toy breeds, with appropriate nutrient balance, kibble size, and attention to coat, skin and digestive health. 

Below are food types your vet might recommend, depending on your dog’s life‑stage or specific needs.

Best food for Puppies

Royal Canin Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food

This Royal Canin formula is designed for small breed puppies up to 10 months. Contains highly digestible proteins, DHA for brain development and a tailored kibble size for tiny mouths. Also includes a specialised antioxidant complex for immune support.

Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Chicken Formula Puppy Dry Food

This Purina Pro Plan puppy dry food is formulated specifically for small and toy breed puppies. It features real chicken as the first ingredient to support lean muscle growth, higher energy needs of tiny pups, and kibble sized appropriately for small mouths. Pro Plan also includes probiotics for digestive health and essential nutrients for overall development.

Best Food for Adult Maltese Shih Tzu

Advance Toy/Small Breed Lamb with Rice Adult Dog Dry Food

Formulated for small and toy breeds, this Advance recipe combines protein‑rich lamb with rice for digestibility. It provides well‑rounded nutrition, smaller kibble for ease of eating, and palatability that’s great for fussy adults.

Hill's Science Diet Small Paws Chicken & Rice Recipe Adult Dog Dry Food

A vet‑recommended adult small‑breed formula made with easy‑digest ingredients and clinically proven antioxidants. It supports immune health, energy levels, lean muscle maintenance, and healthy digestion — all tailored to the needs of small adult dogs.

Best Food for Seniors or Dogs with Special Needs

Hill’s Science Diet Active Longevity Adult 7+ Dog Dry Food

This senior formula is developed for older dogs to help maintain vitality and health as they age. It contains high‑quality protein to support lean muscle, balanced nutrients for digestion, and antioxidants for immune health — ideal for senior small breeds needing balanced aging support

Royal Canin Expert Mature Consult Small Breed Adult Dog Dry Food

This tailored formula provides balanced nutrition for ageing small breed dogs, with nutrients that support muscle preservation, healthy skin & coat, and cognitive function. It’s suitable for mature dogs transitioning into their senior years.

Best Food for Skin, Coat & Digestive Support

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

This dual‑action formula is designed for dogs with both skin and digestive sensitivities. It features real salmon and mackerel as the first ingredients, includes omegas to support skin and coat health, and avoids common allergens like wheat, soy, and chicken that may trigger irritation. Gentle ingredients help improve nutrient absorption and reduce stomach upset

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Adult Dry Dog Food

Formulated for small and toy breeds, this recipe supports optimal digestive health with prebiotic fibre that fuels beneficial gut bacteria. It also provides vitamin E and omega‑6 fatty acids to nourish skin and help maintain a shiny, healthy coat — making it a great everyday option for sensitive dogs.

Maltese Shih Tzus might be little, but when it comes to feeding, the details matter. Their size, metabolism, age and activity level all influence how much food they need — and getting it right is crucial for their long-term health.

Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes owners make with small dogs. Because Maltese Shih Tzus have such compact frames, even small overestimations in daily portions can lead to rapid weight gain and related health issues, like joint strain or pancreatitis.

Here’s a general guide to how much to feed your Maltese Shih Tzu. Always use this as a starting point and adjust based on your dog’s body condition and vet advice.

These amounts are based on high-quality, energy-dense food formulated for small breeds. If you’re feeding a different type of food (e.g. home-cooked or wet-only), consult your vet for specific amounts.

Feeding frequency

• Puppies (under 10 months): 3–4 small meals per day
• Adults (1–7 years): 2 meals per day
• Seniors (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day, to support digestion and stable energy levels

Smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent digestive upset and keep energy levels balanced — particularly in puppies and seniors.

Feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu isn’t just about topping up the bowl—it’s about making choices that genuinely support their long-term health. While it might seem straightforward, even the most well-intentioned owners can fall into habits that don’t quite meet their pup’s nutritional needs. Here are some of the most common feeding slip-ups, along with signs that it might be time to reassess their diet.

Overfeeding

It’s easy to overfeed small dogs, especially when you’re estimating portions or giving in to those pleading eyes. But even a few extra grams of food or too many treats can tip your Maltese Shih Tzu into an unhealthy weight range. Obesity is one of the most common—and preventable—health issues in small breeds.

Vet Tip: Use measuring cups or a kitchen scale for precision. Stick to daily food allowances, and count treats as part of their total calorie intake.

Switching foods too quickly

Changing your dog’s food overnight can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhoea, vomiting or refusal to eat. Maltese Shih Tzus, in particular, can be sensitive to dietary changes.

Vet Tip: Always transition gradually over 5–7 days by mixing the new food with the old, slowly increasing the new and decreasing the old.

Ignoring subtle signs

Changes in stool consistency, itchy skin, excessive paw licking, tear staining or bad breath can all be linked to diet. If your Maltese Shih Tzu is showing any of these symptoms, it could indicate a food sensitivity or imbalance.

Vet Tip: Monitor your dog’s coat, skin, stools and energy levels. If anything feels “off,” bring it up with your vet.

Feeding inappropriate human foods

Foods like onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, and raisins are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. High-fat table scraps—like bacon, sausages or creamy sauces—can also cause digestive issues or trigger pancreatitis.

Vet Tip: Stick to vet-approved treats and avoid feeding from the table. Not everything safe for humans is safe for your dog.

Not adjusting with life stage or health

Puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. So do dogs with medical conditions like kidney disease, joint problems or food allergies.

Vet Tip: Reassess your dog’s diet at each life stage or when their health status changes. Your vet can recommend a tailored diet if needed.

Is it okay to rotate my Maltese Shih Tzu’s food?
Rotating between similar high-quality diets can be beneficial for Maltese Shih Tzus, as it may reduce the risk of developing food sensitivities and boredom with mealtime. Just be sure to transition slowly over 5–7 days to avoid digestive upset, and always check with your vet if your dog has a history of allergies or sensitivities.

Do Maltese Shih Tzus need a grain-free diet?
Most Maltese Shih Tzus do well with whole grains like rice and oats, which can support digestion and steady energy. Grain-free diets are not automatically better and should only be used under veterinary guidance—especially if your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy or intolerance.

How can I tell if my Maltese Shih Tzu is overweight?
You should be able to feel your Maltese Shih Tzu’s ribs without pressing too hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If they’ve lost their shape or seem sluggish, they might be carrying extra weight. Regular weigh-ins and a vet check can help confirm.

How many times a day should I feed my Maltese Shih Tzu?
Maltese Shih Tzu puppies benefit from 3 to 4 small meals per day to support steady growth and prevent hypoglycaemia. Adult dogs do well on 2 meals daily, while seniors may benefit from 2 smaller, easily digestible meals to support their metabolism and digestion.

Can Maltese Shih Tzus have treats?
Maltese Shih Tzus can have treats, but they should be healthy, low in fat, and limited to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Treats like boiled chicken, dental chews, or vet-recommended snacks are good choices. Avoid table scraps or high-fat options that could lead to weight gain or pancreatitis.

Feeding your Maltese Shih Tzu the right diet is one of the most powerful ways to support their health, happiness and longevity. From puppyhood to their senior years, tailored nutrition can help manage common issues like dental disease, skin sensitivities, and weight gain.

Choose vet-approved, small-breed-specific food, feed appropriate portions, and adjust as your dog’s needs change. When you get their nutrition right, you’re not just feeding them — you’re helping them thrive.