How Much to Feed a Shih Tzu
Adult Shih Tzus typically weigh 9–16 lb. A spayed/neutered adult needs about 322–495 kcal a day, roughly ¾–1¼ cups of a typical 375 kcal/cup dry food. The full chart covers puppy through senior, and below it, what's specific to feeding this breed.
Shih Tzu feeding chart
| Weight | Puppy 4–12 mo | Adult (neutered) | Active / working | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 lb | 402 kcal (1 cups) | 322 kcal (¾ cups) | 503 kcal (1¼ cups) | 281 kcal (¾ cups) |
| 13 lb | 530 kcal (1½ cups) | 424 kcal (1¼ cups) | 662 kcal (1¾ cups) | 371 kcal (1 cups) |
| 16 lb | 619 kcal (1¾ cups) | 495 kcal (1¼ cups) | 774 kcal (2 cups) | 433 kcal (1¼ cups) |
Calories from RER = 70 × kg0.75 × life-stage factor; cups assume 375 kcal/cup; check your bag, foods range 325–450. Run the exact numbers for your dog →
Feeding notes for Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are companion dogs with modest exercise needs, which makes them easy to overfeed, especially since many owners hand-feed and top meals generously to tempt a famously picky breed. Resist rotating foods every time they hesitate; a healthy Shih Tzu won't starve itself. Small-bite kibble suits the short muzzle.
Portion numbers use the same RER/MER formulas as the main calculator. Full formula sources and limits: About & methodology.
Related tools and guides
- Dog food calculator: exact cups from your dog's weight and your bag's kcal/cup
- Puppy feeding calculator: age-adjusted portions for a growing Shih Tzu
- Raw feeding calculator: grams per day at 2–3% of body weight
- Wet + dry mix calculator: leftover kibble after cans, without double-counting calories
- How dog calorie needs actually work
- Monthly dog food cost: kibble vs fresh vs raw by size
Frequently asked questions
How many cups of food should a Shih Tzu eat per day?
A typical spayed/neutered adult Shih Tzu (9–16 lb) needs roughly 322–495 kcal per day, which is about ¾ to 1¼ cups of an average 375 kcal/cup dry food, split into two meals. Use the calculator with your dog's actual weight and your food's real kcal/cup for a precise number.
How much should a Shih Tzu puppy eat?
Puppies need far more per pound than adults: 3× resting energy before 4 months and 2× from 4–12 months, spread over 3–4 meals. Because the amount changes as they grow, weigh your puppy every week or two and re-run the puppy calculator with the current weight.