Best Dog Treats for Shih Tzus in Australia

Shih Tzus aren't a dog you can just grab any bag of treats for. The flat face, the small mouth, the stomach that turns without much warning — it all matters. Here's what to look for, and which treats actually work for the breed.

Why Shih Tzu anatomy changes the treat conversation

Shih Tzus are brachycephalic, which just means flat-faced. That shortened muzzle affects more than how they look. It changes how they breathe while chewing, how much jaw pressure they can comfortably apply, and how much treat they can hold in their mouth at once. A dense chew that's completely fine for a kelpie can be exhausting or awkward for a Shih Tzu trying to get purchase from the wrong angle.

Size is the first thing to get right. Too big and they're wrestling with it in uncomfortable positions. Too small and it disappears in one swallow, which isn't enrichment — it's just eating. For most Shih Tzus, something in the 3 to 5 centimetre range gives them enough to work with without becoming a problem. The other thing worth noting is that Shih Tzus are prone to dental issues, so anything rock-hard that puts real stress on the teeth is worth avoiding long-term.

Then there's digestion. Shih Tzus aren't known for cast-iron stomachs. Treats with multiple protein sources, artificial preservatives, or grain-based fillers are more likely to trigger loose stools or skin flare-ups. When something does go wrong, a long ingredient list makes it nearly impossible to identify the cause. Single-ingredient treats are easier on the gut and far easier to troubleshoot.

What the preparation method tells you about a treat

Air-drying removes moisture slowly at low temperatures without cooking the protein. The result is a treat that smells like the actual ingredient, doesn't need preservatives to stay shelf-stable, and sits somewhere between soft and firm in texture. For Shih Tzus, that texture is genuinely useful: enough resistance to engage them for a few minutes, soft enough not to stress their jaw or risk their teeth.

Freeze-drying uses a vacuum process to pull out moisture. It produces something lighter and more crumbly, which can work well for very small mouths or dogs recovering from dental work. The drawback is that freeze-dried treats tend to disappear quickly, which limits how much engagement you actually get from them.

Dehydrated treats use sustained heat over time. They're widely available and shelf-stable, though higher temperatures do affect some of the original nutrients. They work fine as a fast training reward where the point is the positive reinforcement, not the chew time. For a treat you want your Shih Tzu to settle into for a bit, air-dried is the better option.

Getting the protein right, especially for sensitive dogs

Some Shih Tzus handle beef, chicken, and lamb without any issue. Others develop sensitivities, and it often takes a few weeks of observation to work out which protein is the problem. Starting with one protein and sticking with it long enough to read the response is the cleaner approach than rotating through six different treats in a month.

If your dog has already reacted to the common proteins, a novel protein is the next step. Rabbit is a useful option here because it's genuinely rare in commercial pet food. Most dogs haven't been exposed to it, so the immune system hasn't had the chance to build up a reaction. Novel proteins also tend to work well for fussy eaters — the unfamiliar smell gets more interest than the protein they've decided they're over.

Which Cooee K9 treats work for Shih Tzus

For a starting point, Beef Bully Bites are bully stick pieces cut to a bite-sized format, specifically suited to smaller dogs and training use. They come in 100g, 200g, 500g, and 1kg — so you're not committing to a kilo of something before you know your dog takes to it. For a Shih Tzu with no beef sensitivity, the size is right, the protein is single-ingredient, and the chew time is appropriate for the breed.

If your dog needs something softer, Cooee K9's Lamb Ears are 100% Australian lamb ear, air-dried. They're lighter and softer than pig ears, which makes them a much better fit for small breeds and gentle chewers. Senior Shih Tzus with worn teeth also do better with lamb ears than with harder alternatives. The 6-pack is a good trial size before buying in bulk.

For dogs with sensitivities to chicken, beef, or lamb, Rabbit Ears are worth a go. They're 100% Australian rabbit, air-dried, and the 100g bag is the smallest size, so you can test the response before committing to a larger one. Fussy eaters often respond well to rabbit too — the smell is different enough from the usual proteins that it tends to cut through indifference.

If you want a broader overview of what separates a genuinely natural treat from one that just says "natural" on the packaging, the guide to the best natural dog treats in Australia covers the main categories and what to actually check on the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Shih Tzus eat bully sticks?

Yes, with the right format. Full-length bully sticks can be awkward for a small dog to hold and work through safely. Bully stick pieces cut to a bite-sized format are a better fit for the breed. Cooee K9's Beef Bully Bites are cut specifically for smaller dogs, which takes most of the size risk out of the equation.

Are pig ears safe for Shih Tzus?

Pig ears are often too large and too tough for Shih Tzus, and some are processed with flavour additives that don't agree with sensitive stomachs. Lamb ears are a better alternative — softer, lighter, and sized more appropriately for small breeds. If your Shih Tzu has handled pig ears without problems, they're not necessarily off the table, but most of the breed does better with something gentler.

How many treats should I give my Shih Tzu per day?

The standard guideline is that treats shouldn't exceed 10% of daily caloric intake. For a typical adult Shih Tzu eating around 350 to 400 calories per day, that's roughly 35 to 40 calories from treats. Natural air-dried treats are calorie-dense, so 1 to 2 pieces per day is usually sufficient — more than that and you're displacing proper nutrition.

My Shih Tzu is a picky eater. What treats are most likely to work?

Novel proteins tend to cut through fussiness because the smell is genuinely unfamiliar. Rabbit Ears are a practical starting point, and the 100g bag lets you test whether your dog takes to rabbit before buying more. Air-dried treats also smell stronger than processed ones, which helps with dogs that aren't easily food-motivated.

What treats suit Shih Tzu puppies?

Puppies need softer textures while their teeth are still coming in. Air-dried lamb ears or small bully stick pieces are appropriate. Avoid anything rock-hard until the adult teeth are fully through, usually around 6 to 7 months. Keep portions small and stay present until you know how your puppy handles a new treat.

For a breed that asks a lot of whoever's choosing their food, the answer is usually simpler than it looks: one protein, the right size, a preparation method that keeps the texture manageable. Get those three things right and most Shih Tzus will eat well and digest without drama.

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