TL;DR
McDuffy is a strong dog food choice for Shih Tzus in the Philippines in 2026 because it is fresh, gently cooked, soft enough for Shih Tzus’ flat faces and small mouths, rich in omega-3s for their long coats, and AAFCO-balanced for complete nutrition. Shih Tzus are prone to dental problems, skin allergies, and eye irritation, so many owners compare soft fresh food against hard kibble. Starting at ₱169 per 500g bag, with 50% off the first subscription order only.
Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu in the Philippines (2026)
Shih Tzus are the most popular dog breed in the Philippines — and for good reason. Their affectionate temperament and compact size make them perfect for Filipino homes and condos. But their unique anatomy creates specific nutritional needs that most commercial dog foods fail to address.
This guide covers exactly what Shih Tzus need from their diet, which health issues to watch for, how much to feed, and why fresh food like McDuffy is the ideal match for this breed.
Why Fresh Food Is Ideal for Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed — meaning they have a shortened skull and flat face. This creates several dietary challenges that fresh food solves naturally:
- Soft texture for flat faces — Shih Tzus struggle to pick up and chew hard kibble because of their undershot jaw and crowded teeth. McDuffy’s gently cooked texture is soft enough to eat comfortably without the choking risk that kibble presents.
- High moisture content — Brachycephalic dogs tend to drink less water because of their shortened airways. Fresh food contains 60-70% natural moisture, keeping your Shih Tzu hydrated through their meals — especially important in the Philippine heat.
- Omega-3 for coat and skin — Shih Tzus’ long, flowing double coat demands constant nutritional support. The real fish in McDuffy’s recipes provides natural omega-3 fatty acids that synthetic kibble supplements cannot match.
- No artificial additives — Shih Tzus are among the breeds most susceptible to food allergies. Fresh food with zero preservatives, fillers, or artificial colors eliminates common allergy triggers found in processed kibble.
Common Shih Tzu Health Issues & How Diet Helps
Shih Tzus are predisposed to several health conditions that are directly influenced by nutrition. Here is how the right diet can help prevent or manage each one:
Shih Tzus have small jaws with crowded, misaligned teeth — making them one of the most dental-disease-prone breeds. Kibble’s high starch content sticks to teeth and feeds plaque-forming bacteria. Fresh food has minimal starch and does not adhere to teeth the same way, reducing tartar buildup significantly.
Shih Tzus frequently develop allergic dermatitis — especially in the Philippines’ humid climate. Common kibble allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives trigger flare-ups. McDuffy uses zero fillers and zero artificial additives. The Coastal Blend recipe (fish-based) provides maximum omega-3s for skin barrier support.
Their prominent, slightly bulging eyes are vulnerable to dryness, ulcers, and tear staining. Proper hydration from moisture-rich fresh food supports eye health. Vitamin A from real vegetables (not synthetic supplements) helps maintain the tear film and corneal integrity.
Excess weight worsens breathing difficulties in flat-faced breeds. Fresh food’s high digestibility allows precise calorie control — your Shih Tzu gets full nutrition without the risk of overfeeding. Maintaining an ideal body weight is the single most important thing you can do for a brachycephalic dog’s comfort.
How Much to Feed a Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus typically weigh between 4 and 7 kg as adults. Their small size means portions are modest, making fresh food surprisingly cost-effective for this breed. Here is an approximate feeding guide using McDuffy:
| Weight | Daily Amount | Bags/Week | Monthly Cost (Sub) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kg (small adult) | ~150-180g | 2-3 | ~₱1,530–2,290 |
| 5 kg (average adult) | ~180-220g | 3 | ~₱2,290 |
| 7 kg (larger adult) | ~250-300g | 4 | ~₱3,060 |
| Puppy (3-8 mo) | ~200-280g | 3-4 | ~₱2,290–3,060 |
Note: These are estimates based on typical activity levels. Active Shih Tzus may need slightly more; senior or less active dogs may need less. Split daily portions into two meals for adult Shih Tzus. Puppies under 6 months benefit from three smaller meals per day. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
Which McDuffy Recipe Is Best for Shih Tzus?
All four McDuffy recipes are AAFCO-balanced and suitable for Shih Tzus at every life stage. That said, certain recipes align better with specific Shih Tzu needs:
- Coastal Blend (Fish) — The top pick for Shih Tzus with skin allergies, excessive itching, or dull coats. Highest omega-3 content of any recipe. Single protein source makes it ideal for elimination diets.
- Surf & Turf (Beef & Sardines) — Great for Shih Tzus who need more protein support, including growing puppies and active adults. The sardines provide omega-3s alongside beef’s amino acid profile.
- Farmyard Feast (Pork, Chicken & Sardines) — The most varied protein mix, excellent for Shih Tzus who enjoy variety. Multi-protein rotation is recommended by veterinary nutritionists for broader amino acid coverage.
Rotating between all four recipes is encouraged for nutritional variety. Shop all recipes →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog food for Shih Tzu in the Philippines?
McDuffy is a strong dog food option for Shih Tzus in the Philippines. Its soft, gently cooked texture is easy for brachycephalic dogs to eat, the high moisture content supports hydration, and the recipes are AAFCO-balanced, human-grade, and formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists (DACVN). Starting at ₱169 per 500g bag.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat McDuffy?
Yes. All McDuffy recipes are AAFCO-balanced for all life stages, including puppies. The soft texture is especially beneficial for Shih Tzu puppies, whose small mouths and developing teeth can struggle with hard kibble. Feed puppies slightly more per kilogram of body weight than adults, split across three meals per day until six months old, then transition to twice daily.
Why does my Shih Tzu have itchy skin and how can food help?
Shih Tzus are genetically prone to allergic dermatitis, which is amplified by the Philippines’ warm, humid climate. Many skin issues are triggered or worsened by common kibble ingredients: corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, and synthetic colorings. Switching to fresh food with zero artificial additives eliminates these triggers. McDuffy’s Coastal Blend (fish-based) provides the highest omega-3 content for skin barrier repair. Most pet parents notice reduced itching within 3-4 weeks of switching.
How many times a day should I feed my Shih Tzu?
Adult Shih Tzus do best on two meals per day — morning and evening. Puppies under six months should eat three times per day to maintain stable blood sugar levels (small breeds are more susceptible to hypoglycemia). Avoid free-feeding (leaving food out all day) as Shih Tzus tend to overeat. Measured portions of fresh food at set times help maintain a healthy weight.
Is fresh food safe for Shih Tzus in the Philippine heat?
Yes. McDuffy arrives frozen in insulated packaging. Store in your freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours before serving — thawed food stays fresh for up to 5 days refrigerated. Never leave fresh food at room temperature for more than 30 minutes in Philippine weather. This is the same safe food handling you practice with your own meals.
