Shih Tzu Food Calculator: How Much to Feed a Shih Tzu
Quick answer: An average adult Shih Tzu (13 lb / 5.7 kg) needs about 412 kcal a day if spayed or neutered — roughly 1.1 cups of a typical dry food, split into two meals. Shih Tzu puppies need more per pound: about 0.92 cups a day at 2 months, rising to 1.3 cups by 6 months.
A starting point, not a prescription. Weigh your dog every 2-4 weeks and adjust by about 10% if they gain or lose weight you didn't intend. Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories.
Shih Tzu puppy feeding chart by age
Daily amounts for an average Shih Tzu puppy at 380 kcal per cup. Check your food's calories per cup and use the calculator for your puppy's actual weight.
| Age | Typical weight | Calories / day | Cups / day | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | ~4 lb (1.8 kg) | 351 kcal | 0.92 | 4 |
| 3 months | ~7 lb (3.2 kg) | 493 kcal | 1.3 | 3 |
| 4 months | ~9 lb (4.1 kg) | 492 kcal | 1.3 | 3 |
| 5 months | ~10 lb (4.5 kg) | 488 kcal | 1.3 | 3 |
| 6 months | ~12 lb (5.4 kg) | 483 kcal | 1.3 | 2 |
Adult Shih Tzu feeding chart
| Weight | Spayed / neutered | Intact | Very active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter adult (9 lb) | 322 kcal (0.85 cups) | 362 kcal (0.95 cups) | 503 kcal (1.3 cups) |
| Average adult (13 lb) | 412 kcal (1.1 cups) | 463 kcal (1.2 cups) | 643 kcal (1.7 cups) |
| Heavier adult (16 lb) | 495 kcal (1.3 cups) | 557 kcal (1.5 cups) | 774 kcal (2.0 cups) |
Calculated with RER = 70 × kg^0.75 and WSAVA-style life-stage factors (puppies tapering from 3.0 at 3 months to 2.0 from 6 months, 1.6 neutered, 1.8 intact, 2.5 very active). Starting points only — adjust to your dog's body condition.
What does it cost to feed a Shih Tzu?
Turn these daily amounts into a monthly budget for kibble, wet, fresh, or raw food.
Open the Dog Food Cost CalculatorFrequently asked questions
How much should I feed my Shih Tzu?
An average adult Shih Tzu (13 lb / 5.7 kg) needs about 412 kcal a day if spayed or neutered — roughly 1.1 cups of a typical dry food, split into two meals. Shih Tzu puppies need more per pound: about 0.92 cups a day at 2 months, rising to 1.3 cups by 6 months.
How much should I feed a Shih Tzu puppy?
It depends on age and current weight. Using a typical growth curve, a Shih Tzu puppy eats about 0.92 cups at 2 months, 1.3 cups at 3 months, 1.3 cups at 4 months, 1.3 cups at 5 months, 1.3 cups at 6 months. Weigh your puppy every couple of weeks and recalculate, because amounts rise quickly.
How many times a day should a Shih Tzu eat?
Four meals a day until about 3 months, three until 6 months, then two meals a day for life.
When should a Shih Tzu switch to adult food?
As a small breed, Shih Tzus typically reach adult weight by around 9-10 months. Most owners switch around the time a puppy reaches adult size. See our guide on when to switch puppy food to adult food.