Best Training Treats for Shih Tzus (2026)
Shih Tzus are intelligent, food-motivated companions with independent streaks that require consistent, engaging training to channel their clever nature into good behavior. Their small size (9–16 pounds) means training treats must be appropriately portioned—oversized rewards quickly lead to obesity, a common health concern for this breed. Additionally, Shih Tzus are prone to food sensitivities and allergies, making ingredient quality and digestibility critical considerations.
The best training treats for Shih Tzus combine low calorie counts with high palatability, allowing for frequent reward repetitions without derailing daily calorie limits. Look for soft or crumbly textures that suit their small mouths and accommodate their flat-faced anatomy, plus grain-free or limited-ingredient formulas that minimize digestive upset and allergic reactions.
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Our Top Pick
Charlee Bear Original Bear Crunch
Perfect for small dogs or long training sessions where calorie count matters.
Charlee Bear
Charlee Bear Original Bear Crunch
Best low-calorie treat for frequent rewardsThese 3-calorie treats let you reward your Shih Tzu's clever, food-motivated behavior throughout training without contributing to weight gain in this weight-prone toy breed.
- Only 3 calories per treat — train all day without guilt
- Crunchy texture helps clean teeth between brushings
- Tiny size perfect for small and toy breeds
Zuke's
Zuke's Mini Naturals
Best overall training treatDesigned specifically for small breeds, these 3-calorie soft treats suit your Shih Tzu's petite mouth and weight management needs during extended training sessions.
- Only 3 calories per treat — won't fatten up dogs in long training sessions
- Soft texture works for puppies, seniors, and dogs with dental issues
- Real chicken, salmon, or rabbit as first ingredient
Stella & Chewy's
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Best high-value reward treatCrumble these limited-ingredient, raw-frozen patties into tiny portions perfect for Shih Tzus with food sensitivities while maintaining maximum scent appeal for training motivation.
- 100% real meat — freeze-dried raw retains maximum scent and palatability
- Grain-free and limited ingredient — excellent for dogs with food sensitivities
- Crumble into tiny pieces for precision reward delivery
Bil-Jac
Bil-Jac Liver Treat
Best for picky or stubborn dogsThis highly motivating, soft liver treat appeals to independent Shih Tzus who need strong incentives to focus during training despite their stubborn streaks.
- Real chicken liver as first ingredient — consistently ranked among most motivating treats
- Soft, moist texture that holds scent well in outdoor training environments
- Resealable bag keeps treats fresh throughout the day
Wellness
Wellness Soft WellBites
Best grain-free soft treatThese grain-free, soft treats easily break into toy-breed-sized pieces, making them ideal for Shih Tzus with allergies who need frequent, low-stress reward delivery.
- Grain-free with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Soft, semi-moist texture easy to break into smaller pieces
- Multiple protein flavors to rotate and maintain interest
Natural Balance
Natural Balance L.I.T. Limited Ingredient Treats
Best treat for dogs with allergiesSingle-protein formulas help identify and eliminate allergen triggers common in Shih Tzus prone to skin and digestive sensitivities during training.
- Single animal protein and single starch — easy to identify and avoid allergens
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Vet-recommended for elimination diet protocols
Pupford
Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats
Best variety pack for trainingAt just 1–2 calories per treat, these freeze-dried morsels let you execute high-repetition reward training on your clever Shih Tzu without overfeeding concerns.
- Only 1–2 calories per treat — designed specifically for high-repetition reward training
- Freeze-dried retains real meat aroma that dogs respond to reliably
- Available in 475+ treat counts per bag for extended training sessions
What to Look for in Training Treats for Shih Tzus
Size and portion control are paramount for Shih Tzus, whose toy-breed metabolism can't handle large treats or excessive calories. Since these dogs respond well to rapid-fire rewards during training sessions, choose treats that are naturally small or easily breakable into pea-sized pieces. This allows you to reinforce multiple behaviors without exceeding their 200–300 calorie daily allowance.
Shih Tzus have a well-documented tendency toward food sensitivities and skin allergies, often triggered by grains, artificial additives, or common proteins like beef and chicken. Prioritize limited-ingredient treats with named, single-source proteins and no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. If your Shih Tzu has a known allergy, opt for novel proteins like rabbit or duck, or use elimination diet-approved formulas.
Texture matters significantly for this breed's comfort during training. Soft, semi-moist treats work best for Shih Tzus—they're easier to consume quickly, won't irritate sensitive gums or dental issues common in older dogs, and are less likely to crumble messily during outdoor training sessions. Avoid overly crunchy or hard treats that require extended chewing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training treats can I give my Shih Tzu per day?
Shih Tzus should consume no more than 10% of their daily calories from treats, roughly 20–30 calories maximum for training. Using ultra-low-calorie treats (3 calories or fewer) allows 8–10 reward opportunities per session. Calculate your dog's daily calorie needs (typically 200–300 for this breed), then adjust meal portions if adding training treats to prevent obesity and maintain ideal weight.
Can Shih Tzus eat chicken-based training treats?
Many Shih Tzus tolerate chicken well, but this breed has high rates of food allergies and sensitivities. If your Shih Tzu shows signs of itching, ear infections, or digestive upset, switch to novel proteins like rabbit, duck, or turkey. Keep a food diary during initial training to identify any adverse reactions, and consider limited-ingredient treats designed for elimination diets if allergies develop.
What texture of training treat is best for a Shih Tzu's dental health?
Soft, semi-moist treats are ideal for Shih Tzus, especially puppies and seniors with dental sensitivities. While crunchy treats can help clean teeth between brushings, they're unnecessary if you maintain regular brushing routines. Soft treats won't damage the breed's naturally delicate teeth or irritate their flat-faced mouth structure, and they're easier to break into appropriate bite-sized pieces for rapid training reward delivery.
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