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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
A Shih Tzu’s mouth is small, their teeth are often delicate, and their tummy can be famously picky. Finding a treat that checks every box — tiny enough for a teacup jaw, gentle on digestion, and still notable enough to make those big dark eyes light up — is harder than it looks. This guide narrows down the options to nine picks that actually fit the breed, with soft textures and clean ingredient lists that your little lion dog will love.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The common thread here is simplicity: every treat below has the size, softness, and calorie count that suit a Shih Tzu’s daily life, making this list the clearest shortcut to finding the dog treats for shih tzu that actually work without the guesswork.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Dog Treats for Shih Tzu
Picking a treat for a Shih Tzu is different than grabbing the first bag off the shelf. Their unique mouth shape, small size, and tendency toward food sensitivities make a few factors non-negotiable.
Size and Texture Matter Most
A Shih Tzu has a short muzzle and a crowded set of teeth. Large or hard biscuits can be tough to grip and even tougher to chew. Soft, small, or bite-sized treats — around the size of a pea — are much easier for them to handle and help prevent choking.
Watch the Calories Closely
Shih Tzus are small dogs that gain weight quickly. A treat that is only 1.5 to 2 calories each means you can reward good behavior during a training session without ruining their daily food intake. Higher-calorie treats need to be counted carefully in your pup’s daily meal plan.
Look for Shorter Ingredient Lists
Sensitive stomachs and skin allergies run in the breed. A limited-ingredient recipe with a single protein source makes it easier to avoid the common triggers like chicken, beef, corn, wheat, or soy. Novel proteins like trout, elk, or salmon can be a great starting point for pups with known sensitivities.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Calories Per Treat | Texture | Protein Source | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Botanics Training Reward★ Best Overall | Overall Training | 1.5 | Soft Pellet | Chicken/Pork Liver | Amazon |
| Crazy Dog Mini Train-Me!Top Performer | High Value Training | 1.5 | Soft Pellet | Beef/Pork Liver | Amazon |
| Smart Cookie Trout & AppleSensitive Pick | Sensitive Stomachs | 6 | Soft & Chewy | Trout | Amazon |
| MOUNTAIN WILD Elk & Venison | Novel Protein Rewards | — | Soft Jerky Pellet | Elk/Venison | Amazon |
| OH NORMAN! Soft Beef Jerky | Minimal Ingredients | — | Soft Jerky Stick | Free-Range Beef | Amazon |
| INABA Churu Bites | Senior & Picky Eaters | ~16 | Soft Pillow Bites | Chicken | Amazon |
| Three Dog Bakery PB & Honey | Flavor Variety | — | Soft-Baked Wafer | Peanut Butter | Amazon |
| The Honest Kitchen Meaty Littles | Human Grade Quality | 2 | Soft Disc | Beef/Salmon | Amazon |
| Zuke’s Mini Naturals Salmon | Long Lasting Value | 2 | Soft Chewy Bite | Salmon | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Pet Botanics 10 oz. Pouch Training Reward Mini Soft & Chewy
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 950+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The low-calorie, high-reward training treat that owners come back to again and again.
At just 1.5 calories per pellet, this is the treat you can reach for all day long without worrying about your Shih Tzu’s waistline. The bag holds roughly 500 tiny, soft pellets — a number that puts the Smart Cookie Trout & Apple’s 45 treats to a hard test in pure value. Buyers report that even the pickiest puppies get excited the moment they hear the resealable bag crinkle, and the natural pork liver base is the secret to that devotion.
The exclusive BotaniFits blend adds a mix of antioxidant-rich botanicals like blueberries, cranberries, rosemary, and green tea, so you are not just rewarding behavior — you are also sneaking in a little wellness. The texture is soft enough for a new puppy’s gums but holds together in your pocket without turning to dust. Buyers describe it plainly: “At 1.5 calories they make amazing training treats.”
The only real consideration here is the chicken flavor label — the base uses pork liver, so if your Shih Tzu has a confirmed pork sensitivity, check with your vet first. For everyone else, this is the crowd favorite for a reason.
Why Owners Stockpile This Bag
- Only 1.5 calories per treat — guilt-free training reinforcement
- Approximately 500 tiny pellets in a 10 oz pouch, a huge count per bag
- BotaniFits botanical blend adds antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Soft pellet texture is easy on young and senior teeth
One Thing to Know
- Made with a pork liver base — not ideal for dogs with a pork allergy
Reach for this if: you want a low-calorie training staple with an ingredient boost that keeps your Shih Tzu motivated through multiple daily sessions.
Think twice if: your pup struggles with pork or has a very specific single-protein diet.
2. Crazy Dog Mini Train-Me! Training Treats 10 oz. Bag, Beef Flavor
A beef-flavored powerhouse built for high-focus training sessions.
This pick matches the Pet Botanics on calorie count at 1.5 per treat and goes toe-to-toe on quantity with its own 500-treat bag. The beef flavor comes through strongly, and owners of food-driven dogs say it holds attention better than most standard kibble-size rewards. The pellets are tiny, soft, and easy to carry a handful of — a convenience owners lean on for walks and backyard practice alike. As buyers put it, “500 small treats per bag, convenient for on-the-go.”
The ingredient list is clean, with no corn, soy, or artificial flavors. The natural pork liver base again helps drive that palatability, so even a Shih Tzu with a low-key appetite will perk up. The 10 oz pouch is identical in weight to the Pet Botanics, but the beef-forward profile makes this the better choice if your dog goes particularly wild for red meat flavors.
One honest note: a few fussy eaters have turned up their nose at the pungent liver scent, which is stronger than some milder treats. If your Shih Tzu is an ultra-picky chewer, this could be a miss.
What Works
- Low-calorie at 1.5 per piece for frequent rewarding
- 500 treats per 10 oz pouch — excellent training value
- No corn, soy, or artificial flavors in the recipe
- Beef flavor is a strong motivator for most dogs
The Trade-Off
- Strong pork liver and beef scent can put off a tiny minority of picky pups
Best for: owners running multiple training sessions per day who need a high-value, budget-friendly reward in beef flavor.
Not for: a Shih Tzu that has historically rejected strong-smelling treats.
3. Smart Cookie Healthy Soft Dog Treats – Trout & Apple – Grain Free Limited Ingredient
A trout-based limited-ingredient treat that calms sensitive stomachs and allergic reactions.
If your Shih Tzu scratches after chicken or gets an upset tummy from beef, this recipe is the direct answer. Trout is a novel protein for most dogs — meaning their system has never built up a reaction to it — and the ingredient list stays ruthlessly short: trout, apples, lentils, and natural preservatives. Owners of dogs prone to pancreatitis point out a key stat: only 1% fat and 6 calories per chunk, making this a safe choice for breeds that need a low-fat diet. As buyers describe it, the treats are “low fat and tasty he gets excited for them.”
The soft and chewy texture tears apart easily into smaller bits, which matters for a Shih Tzu with missing teeth or a sensitive mouth. The 5 oz bag holds about 45 treats, which is a smaller count than the high-volume training bags above — a fair trade for the premium ingredients. The apple and lentil base gives a natural sweetness without added sugar, and the omega-3s from the trout support a shiny coat.
The honest word from owners is that softness can fade as the bag ages, so store the pouch sealed tight. A few dogs also find the trout aroma unappealing, so this is not a universal winner.
The Core Strength: A single novel protein and limited ingredients make this the safest bet for a Shih Tzu with known food sensitivities or allergy issues.
The Reality Check: At 6 calories each and 45 treats per bag, use these as a daily reward rather than a high-volume training treat.
4. MOUNTAIN WILD Training Treats – Elk & Venison Protein
A wild-sourced elk and venison treat for dogs who need a protein far outside the usual poultry circle.
This is the most adventurous protein option on the list. Elk and deer are foraged from the Rocky Mountains, giving your Shih Tzu a meat source that is completely different from the chicken and beef that dominate most treat aisles. The pellets are small and low-calorie, making them easy to tuck into a pocket for training walks. Owners mention that even stubborn dogs snap to attention for these — the wild game scent is deeply attractive to most canines.
The recipe is grain-free, free of artificial preservatives, and has no fillers. For a Shih Tzu with environmental allergies or a protein sensitivity that has been hard to pin down, rotating to an elk-and-venison treat can help break the pattern of reactions. The 4 oz bag is smaller than the mid-range picks, but the intensity of the flavor means a little goes a long way as a high-value reward.
Keep in mind that the smell is notably pungent — some owners call it a natural smoky scent, while others find it too strong for pocket storage. A few bags also arrive dry, so check the freshness seal on delivery.
The Differentiator: Sustainably harvested wild game protein from the Rocky Mountains gives your dog a novel meat source that is naturally high in protein and low in common allergens.
The Fine Print: The wild scent is powerful, and the 4 oz bag disappears quickly if you use these as a daily staple rather than an occasional high-reward motivator.
5. OH NORMAN! Soft Beef Jerky Dog Treats, Free-Range Beef
A five-ingredient beef jerky stick that is soft enough to snap into Shih Tzu-sized bits.
With only five ingredients — free-range beef, pumpkin, and nothing you can’t pronounce — this is one of the simplest recipes on the shelf. The jerky sticks are shaped like a small French fry, soft and pliable, and break cleanly into whatever size your dog needs. Owners of picky eaters note that the beef flavor is strong without being greasy or leaving crumbs behind. Customers note the texture is “soft and easy to break” for portion control.
The 6 oz bag is a mid-range volume, but the stick format lets you stretch a single piece into several small training rewards. Ethically sourced free-range beef is the draw here for owners who care about where the protein comes from. The pumpkin in the recipe adds gentle fiber that supports digestion — a solid bonus for Shih Tzu stomachs.
The honest downsides: a 6 oz bag does not last as long as the 10 oz training pouches, and the stick shape takes an extra second to break compared to ready-to-feed pellets.
The Appeal
- Just five clean, limited ingredients for total transparency
- Free-range beef and pumpkin for quality protein and fiber
- Soft jerky texture breaks easily into small pieces
- Low odor and no greasy residue on hands
The Catch
- 6 oz bag has a lower treat count than bulk training pouches
- Stick format requires manual breaking for tiny mouths
Ideal for: owners who prioritize a short, traceable ingredient list and don’t mind breaking treats by hand.
Less ideal for: high-volume training days where you want a grab-and-go pellet.
6. INABA Churu Bites for Dogs, Chicken & Cheese Variety Box
A pill-hiding, senior-friendly treat with a creamy center and a texture so soft no teeth are required.
These pillow-shaped bites are a different beast from the pellets and jerky above. Each piece starts with a soft baked chicken paste, then gets filled with Inaba’s creamy Churu center — giving your dog two textures in tiny bite. At roughly 16 calories each, these are higher in calories than the training treats, so you will want to use them sparingly or as a special reward. Owners of senior dogs with missing teeth report them as a lifesaver for medication: “Our 16-year old Jack Russell mix, very picky eater, will take pills in these! No teeth, can’t chew, so the small nuggets are great.”
The 20-tube variety box gives you a mix of flavors, and each tube contains about 0.42 ounces of treats. The moisture content is 72%, which adds hydration — a hidden benefit for dogs who do not drink enough water. The recipe is grain-free, with no preservatives or artificial colors, and each bite includes added Vitamin E for immune support.
The scent is notably strong — owners affectionately call them “stinky crack” — and the per-tube cost is higher than standard bagged treats.
The Standout Use: Hiding pills inside the creamy center works even for the most medication-resistant dogs, and the soft texture makes this a top pick for senior Shih Tzus with dental issues.
Keep in Mind: At roughly 16 calories per pouch, these are richer than low-cal training treats — use as a daily treat or medication reward, not a high-volume training aid.
7. Three Dog Bakery Peanut Butter & Honey Bites for Dogs
A soft-baked bite that brings the classic peanut butter and honey combo without the sticky mess.
These bites are inspired by a human lunchbox favorite, but scaled down for a dog’s mouth. They come as soft-baked wafers that are tender on teeth and gums, making them accessible for puppies and seniors alike. The peanut butter and honey flavor is a crowd-pleaser — owners say their dogs “are addicted to these” and note the bag smells genuinely like peanut butter rather than a chemical imitation. The bites arrive intact without crumbling or turning to dust, which is a common complaint with drier biscuits.
The recipe uses real peanut butter and honey, with no artificial flavors. The 13 oz bag is generous, putting it on the higher end of volume for this price tier. The texture is mess-free, so you can keep a few in your pocket without ending up with a sticky lining.
Softness consistency is the main variable here — some bags arrive with wafers that are softer than expected, while a few reviewers point out pieces that are firmer than ideal. If your Shih Tzu has extremely sensitive gums, test the first bite before committing to the whole bag.
The Best Part: A nostalgic, real-ingredient flavor that dogs find irresistible, in a soft format that works for all life stages.
The Variable: Softness can differ between batches, so inspect the first few pieces if your dog has dental sensitivity.
8. The Honest Kitchen Surf & Turf Meaty Littles: Beef & Salmon Recipe
A human-grade, low-calorie disc that packs brain-supporting DHA into every bite.
This is the only treat on the list made to human-grade standards, meaning it is produced in a facility that meets the same safety and quality benchmarks as human food. At just 2 calories per disc, it competes directly with the Pet Botanics and Crazy Dog for training frequency, while adding DHA for brain health and lean protein for muscle support. Owners of picky Puggles and small mixed breeds say their dogs “go nuts” for these, and the tiny fingernail-sized discs are easy to break in half for even smaller portions.
The Surf & Turf recipe blends beef and salmon for a dual-protein approach. The ingredient list is short and clean: no GMO ingredients, no meat meals, no fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial flavors. The 4 oz bag is small, but the low calorie count means a bag can stretch across many training sessions if you break the discs down.
Value is the recurring pain point here. Owners consistently call the price “too expensive” for the bag size, and the small quantity makes this a premium occasional pick rather than a daily staple for most budgets.
The High Points
- Human-grade manufacturing standards for safety and quality
- Only 2 calories per treat — excellent for frequent training
- DHA supports brain health, especially for puppies and seniors
- Short, clean ingredient list with no fillers
The Big Trade-Off
- Premium price for a 4 oz bag — the cost per treat is the highest on this list
Choose this if: you want the cleanest possible ingredient standard (human grade) and are comfortable paying a premium for a small-batch training reward.
Skip if: you need a bulk option for daily use across multiple dogs.
9. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats, Salmon Recipe
The 2-calorie salmon reward that keeps training affordable with a generous 16-ounce bulk pouch.
Zuke’s is a well-known name in training treats, and this salmon recipe shows why. At 2 calories per mini bite, it stays low enough for frequent rewarding, and the 16 oz pack-of-two gives you a total volume that beats every other bag on this list. That bulk advantage makes this the smartest pick for owners who train daily or have more than one small dog to manage. Owners of dachshunds and small mixed breeds say their dogs love the salmon flavor, and the soft chewy texture is easy on the teeth.
The ingredient list adds vitamins and minerals to the real salmon and cherries, offering more nutritional support than a basic training pellet. The resealable pouch helps keep the treats from drying out over the long life of the bag. Salmon is generally less allergenic than chicken or beef, making this a gentle middle-ground option for Shih Tzus with mild sensitivities.
The batch consistency gets mixed reports — a few owners have received bags that were noticeably harder than usual. The brand’s customer service is praised for resolving these issues, but it is worth checking the first treat’s softness when you open a new bag.
Why It Wins on Value: The 16 oz total gives you more treats per dollar than any other pick, at 2 calories each with a gentle salmon protein that works for sensitive pups.
The Batch Risk: Occasional bags arrive firmer than the usual soft texture, though the manufacturer handles replacements well.
Understanding the Specs
Calories Per Treat
A Shih Tzu typically needs only 300 to 400 calories total per day. A treat that is 1.5 to 2 calories each lets you reward good behavior ten or twenty times without wrecking your dog’s daily food intake. Higher-calorie treats, around 6 to 16 calories, should be used as occasional rewards or counted carefully against their meal portions.
Protein Source & Allergens
Chicken and beef are the most common proteins in dog treats, but they are also the most common allergens for Shih Tzus. Novel proteins — trout, salmon, elk, venison — are less likely to trigger a reaction. Limited-ingredient recipes with a single protein source make it easy to identify what works for your dog and what doesn’t.
FAQ
How many treats can I give my Shih Tzu per day?
Are grain-free treats better for Shih Tzus?
Why does my Shih Tzu need a soft treat?
Can I use training treats for a Shih Tzu puppy?
What is a novel protein and why does it matter?
How should I store a bag of soft dog treats?
Are there any ingredients I should avoid for my Shih Tzu?
Can dog treats cause allergies in Shih Tzus?
What is the best way to hide a pill in a treat?
Are human-grade dog treats worth the extra cost?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the dog treats for shih tzu winner is the Pet Botanics Training Reward Mini Soft & Chewy because it nails the three non-negotiables: 1.5 calories per treat for guilt-free rewarding, a soft pellet texture that works for young and old teeth, and a 500-treat bag that lasts. If you want a novel protein for a sensitive stomach, grab the Smart Cookie Trout & Apple. And for the best bulk value with a gentle salmon base, the Zuke’s Mini Naturals Salmon is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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