When it comes to treating your Shih Tzu, quality matters. Whether you’re training your Divine Pup, rewarding good behavior, or just showing a little love, choosing the right treat can make all the difference.
Here’s what you need to know about the best treats for Shih Tzus (including one of our go-to favorites from PawTree).
Why Treats Matter for Your Shih Tzu
Treats are an important part of training and bonding. The right treats can help reinforce commands, provide mental stimulation, and even support your Shih Tzu’s health. But the wrong ones can lead to weight gain, allergies, or upset stomachs.
That’s why ingredient quality, size, and purpose are so important when choosing what to offer.
What to Look for in a Great Treat
When picking out treats for your Shih Tzu, stick with these guidelines:
- Shih Tzus have small mouths and may struggle with oversized or hard treats. Opt for bite-sized goodies, especially during training.
- Limited ingredients MATTER! The simpler, the better. Avoid artificial colors, preservatives, or fillers like corn and soy.
- Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake. That means finding snacks that are rewarding without being too rich.
Our Go-To: PawTree Treats
We’re big fans of PawTree’s Chewy Treats. And by big fans, we mean… we keep a stash on hand at all times. Whether it’s during training, rewarding a good sit, or just because your pup looked at you with those eyes… you’ll reach for these.
They’re soft, easy to break into smaller pieces (hello, treat pouch MVP), and made with wholesome ingredients you can actually pronounce. No weird fillers, no junk, just real nutrition packed into every bite. Divine Pup approved.
And because they’re made by PawTree, you already know you’re getting premium quality that aligns with the care and intention we pour into everything we do here.
DIY Homemade Shih Tzu Treat Option
If you’re feeling a little extra and want to whip something up at home, here’s an easy 3-ingredient recipe that’s pup-approved:
No-Bake Banana Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free only)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
Instructions:
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter until fully combined.
- Add shredded coconut a little at a time until the mixture is thick and holds together.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Note: Always check with your vet before adding new foods, especially if your pup has dietary sensitivities.
Treats to Avoid
Stay away from these when shopping for your Shih Tzu:
- Anything with artificial dyes or high sugar content
- Rawhide (can be a choking hazard)
- Treats with unfamiliar meat by-products or mystery ingredients
- Large bones or jerky-type treats that are tough to chew
In Conclusion
Your Shih Tzu deserves treats that are just as divine as they are. Whether you’re reaching for a PawTree bag or baking something homemade, focus on quality, simplicity, and size. Your pup’s health, happiness, and wagging tail will thank you.
Want to see more of what we use and love? Check out our favorites from PawTree here.
And as always, if you have questions about what your Divine Pup should be eating, we’re here to help. Because healthy, happy puppies are kind of our thing.
