This guide is for U.S. Shih Tzu owners. It shows how to make safe, nutritious snacks. These snacks are perfect for small breeds. They consider portion control and soft textures for their teeth. They also avoid ingredients that could cause allergies.

When you cook at home, you know what’s in your dog’s treats. Homemade treats can be cheaper and fresher than store-bought ones. You can also make them the right size for training. Use ingredients like pumpkin, oats, and lean chicken to keep your dog healthy.

There are many easy recipes. You can make baked biscuits with pumpkin or carrots. Or frozen treats with banana and peanut butter. Soft chews are great for puppies and older dogs. A typical treat might have 84 kcal and lots of vitamins.

How you store these treats is important. Treats with veggies can spoil if not kept right. Dry them in the oven, then seal and freeze. This way, they last longer. Follow these tips to make safe, healthy treats your Shih Tzu will love.

Why make homemade dog treats for Shih Tzus

Creating treats at home comes with benefits. It ends the guessing about what’s inside and allows snacks to be perfect for small dogs. You decide everything about the treat. This way it suits various needs, from training to caring for older dogs.

When you compare store-bought and homemade dog treats, the reasons for switching stand out. Store treats might have unwanted fillers and chemicals. But homemade ones are simple, fresh, and can be made for health benefits.

Benefits over commercial treats

Homemade treats save money over time. Using leftover veggies and pantry items cuts waste and saves dollars. They don’t have the preservatives found in store-bought treats. This means you avoid harmful additives.

Control over ingredients for allergy-prone Shih Tzus

Allergies in Shih Tzus can cause itching, ear issues, or tummy troubles. Many store treats have chicken or soy, which can cause allergic reactions. Making treats at home means you can leave out the bad stuff. This helps find out what causes allergies.

Cost, freshness, and custom portion sizing for small breeds

Since Shih Tzus are small, they need treats sized right for them. Homemade treats can be made small for training or soft for easy eating. Freezing extra treats keeps them fresh. This is perfect for families that are always busy.

• Smaller portions prevent giving too many calories to a small dog.
• Custom textures make it easier for puppies and older dogs to eat.
• Changing ingredients is easy to fit a special diet from the vet.

Understanding Shih Tzu nutrition and treat needs

Small dogs like Shih Tzus need special feeding care. Give them small treats and keep track of them to manage calories. Treats should be considered part of their total daily food, not just extras.

Here’s how to manage calories and portions for small dogs:

• Figure out how many calories your Shih Tzu needs. It depends on their weight and how active they are. Most need just a small amount of calories daily.
• When making homemade treats, such as large biscuits with around 84 kcal, cut them into many small pieces. Aim to make lots of tiny treats from one batch. This helps avoid giving too many treats.
• Scale down treat sizes for training sessions. Use very small pieces or divide recipes into smaller parts for many rewards.
• Keep track of all calories. If you give your dog treats, you might need to give less food to keep their weight right.

Know what nutrients to include and what to skip:

• Give your dog foods rich in fiber, like pumpkin, oats, and veggies (carrots, zucchini, spinach). They help with digestion and provide vitamins.
• Certain fruits, like bananas and sweet potatoes, are good in small amounts. They add fiber and potassium.
• Give plain yogurt and peanut butter in moderation. Always check the label to avoid harmful xylitol and too much sugar.
• Bone broth can be good for hydration and joint health, if it’s low in salt.
• Never give your dog harmful foods like xylitol, chocolate, grapes, onions, or macadamia nuts.
• Make sure treats don’t take the place of their regular, nutritious meals.

Consider your dog’s age when picking treats:

• Puppies need treats that are soft, rich in nutrients, easy to chew, and have controlled amounts of calcium and protein. This helps with training and doesn’t hurt their teeth.
• Adult Shih Tzus should have treats that fit their activity level. Save the richer treats for special times.
• Seniors need treats that are easy to chew and can help their joints. Ingredients like bone broth or omega-rich oils can improve mobility.
• For older dogs, choose treats that are low in calories and easy to digest. When they have dental problems, soft or pureed treats are best.

To manage treats correctly, calculate your dog’s daily calorie needs. Then, divide a batch of treats into many small pieces. Record each treat given. This approach helps you give the right amount of treats. It keeps your dog’s diet healthy and supports training.

Foods safe and unsafe for Shih Tzus

Choosing safe dog food is key for Shih Tzu owners. These small breeds need careful feeding due to their sensitive stomachs. Some common pantry items are great for treats. But, watch out for certain human foods that can be harmful. Always check food labels and keep treats small.

Common safe ingredients

• Pumpkin: Canned plain or cooked pumpkin is good for their digestion. It adds fiber and vitamin A in small doses.
• Oats: These provide gentle fiber. Mix with banana or yogurt for a soft treat.
• Plain yogurt: Pick unsweetened types, whether full-fat or low-fat. Ensure it has no added sugars.
• Sweet potato: When cooked and mashed, it’s rich in nutrients and safe for dogs.
• Banana: A small piece gives potassium and sweetness without sugar.

Toxic and risky ingredients

• Chocolate: It’s very dangerous, causing vomiting or worse. Always keep it away from dogs.
• Xylitol: This sweetener is harmful, causing a quick insulin spike. It’s mostly found in certain peanut butter, gum, and sweets.
• Grapes and raisins: They can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Always avoid these.
• Onions and garlic: These can damage blood cells and lead to anemia if eaten over time.
• Macadamia nuts: Eating these can make dogs weak and cause fever.

How to check labels and human food safety tips

Be careful when shopping for both humans and dogs. Opt for foods with a simple ingredient list. Stay clear of artificial sweeteners, salts, and added sugars.

Always check labels for hidden xylitol, especially in peanut butter and spreads. Some brands like Jif and Skippy are xylitol-free, but double-check for changes.

Choose plain, unsalted pumpkin and yogurt from reliable brands. Skip anything with pie spices or syrups. Serve in moderation and introduce new foods slowly to see how they react.

Homemade dog treats your Shih Tzu can eat safely

Create simple treats to manage taste and health for your Shih Tzu. Find here easy recipes, tips for allergies, and how to make training treats. Baking becomes fun and safe.

Sample ingredient lists tailored for small breeds

• Pumpkin oat bites: 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, ½ cup oats, 1 to 1¼ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour).
• Veggie chews: ½ cup shredded carrot, ½ cup shredded zucchini, 1 cup chopped spinach, 2 eggs, 2½ cups whole wheat or alternative flour.
• Peanut banana biscuits: ¼ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free), 1 banana mashed, 1 cup oats, 1–1½ cups flour.
• Chicken and rice minis: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken, ½ cup cooked wild rice, 1 egg, 1 cup oat flour or rice flour.

Substitutions for common allergies

• Peanut allergy: replace peanut butter with extra pumpkin puree or sweet potato puree for taste and stickiness.
• Grain-free option: go for almond flour or coconut flour mix, use less coconut flour as it’s very absorbent.
• Poultry sensitivity: switch chicken for turkey, lamb, or beef. Cook and shred these first.
• Egg allergy: pick mashed banana or more pumpkin to stick things together; a spoon of ground flaxseed with water adds firmness.

Practical training treat portion sizes

A recipe makes about 48 tiny treats or 24 bigger cookies, depending on the cutter you use.

• Training: use very tiny, low-cal bites. This way, you can give many rewards without giving too many calories.
• Everyday rewards: 1–2 small biscuits work well for normal good behavior.
• High-value, low-calorie choice: for strong motivation, try little bits of freeze-dried meat or thick purées. These keep treat sizes small.

Keep an eye on daily calorie intake and how many treats you give. Using these guidelines, you can make flavorsome, allergy-safe treats. This keeps your Shih Tzu healthy and happy during training.

Easy baked recipes Shih Tzus love

Baked treats are simple to make and great for small dogs. Below are three easy recipes that use gentle ingredients. Each recipe is perfect for Shih Tzus and can be made in any home kitchen.

Pumpkin, spinach, carrot, and zucchini biscuits — recipe outline

• Wet: 1 cup canned pumpkin, 1/4 cup natural peanut butter, 2 eggs.
• Dry: 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, about 3 cups whole wheat flour (add until dough becomes firm).
• Veggies: 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 1/2 cup shredded zucchini, 1 cup chopped baby spinach mixed well.
• Method: First, heat your oven to 350°F. Mix the wet ingredients, add in oats, then flour until the dough is right. Put in the veggies next. Roll the mix to 1/4″ thick, cut into small shapes.
• Bake for about 30 minutes until the edges turn golden. Then, let them dry overnight in the oven on low or just air-dry. You’ll get around 48 small treats. A larger biscuit has about 84 kcal, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber.

Chicken and wild rice biscuit ideas for sensitive stomachs

• Base: Use shredded boiled chicken or drained canned chicken chunks. Choose low-sodium and plain to keep it simple.
• Grain: Combine cooked wild rice with oats or a bit of flour to hold it together.
• Binder: Adding 1 egg per batch helps make the dough and is good for digestion.
• Method: Blend shredded chicken and cooled rice with oats and an egg, press into small shapes. Bake until they are well set, then dry for a firm texture. These treats are soft and easy to digest for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Tip: Always use cooked rice and plain chicken. This avoids any seasoning that might upset your dog’s stomach.

Oat and banana baked treats for digestion and fiber

• Ingredients: Use mashed ripe banana, rolled oats or oat flour. You can add an egg or 1/4 cup pumpkin to help bind.
• Ratio idea: Mix 1 large banana with 1 to 1.5 cups of oats. If the mixture’s too dry, add an egg.
• Method: Combine banana with oats, form into small rounds or drop spoonfuls on a baking sheet. Bake just until they’re set. Let them cool down completely after.
• Why these work: These treats offer soluble fiber, helping with digestion. Plus, they’re low in fat, which is often better for dogs.

Each recipe can be changed for allergies or portion needs. You can switch whole wheat for gluten-free flour if necessary. For best freshness, keep these treats in the fridge. Or freeze them if you want them to last longer.

No-bake and frozen treat ideas for warm months

Warm days mean your Shih Tzu needs tasty, cool snacks. Choose simple recipes that don’t take much time or many ingredients. You can make frozen treats and no-bake snacks in just a few minutes.

• Blend ripe banana with plain, xylitol-free peanut butter until smooth.
• Use silicone molds or ice cube trays, pour mixture in, then freeze for several hours.
• Serve small portions on hot afternoons; banana peanut butter pupsicles thaw fast and help with hydration and cooling.

Watermelon and yogurt pupsicles

• Remove seeds and rind from seedless watermelon, then puree with plain, unsweetened yogurt.
• Freeze in small molds for a two-ingredient treat that’s refreshing and gentle on digestion.
• These watermelon dog pupsicles are hydrating and excellent for warm-weather playtime.

No-bake pumpkin and sweet potato morsels

• Mix canned pumpkin or mashed cooked sweet potato with oats or oat flour and a binder such as peanut butter or a paste of mashed banana.
• Form tiny bites, press into shapes, then chill or freeze until firm.
• No-bake dog treats like these are great when you want chewable snacks without heating the kitchen; store in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Keep treats small for training sessions or snacks. Use plain canned pumpkin instead of peanut butter if your dog can’t eat nuts. Always pick xylitol-free items and make sure the yogurt doesn’t have added sugars.

Soft and chewy treats for puppies and seniors

Soft, chewy snacks are perfect for young pups and older Shih Tzus. They should have ingredients that are gentle on the stomach, mild, and full of protein or easy carbs. Keep the treat sizes small and the calories low to avoid weight gain and still give a tasty reward.

Low-calorie soft peanut butter chews with oat base

Start with finely ground rolled oats, mashed banana or canned pumpkin, and a bit of safe peanut butter. To bind the mixture, add one egg or some extra mashed banana. Combine until just mixed, spread thin, and bake just enough to keep the center soft. Cool it in the fridge for a chew that’s a bit firmer. These treats are low in fat but still delicious.

Moist chicken puree or bone broth gummies for joint support

Cook low-sodium chicken or bone broth and strain it. Add unflavored gelatin and some pureed cooked chicken. Put the mixture into small molds or an ice tray, then chill until firm. These gummies taste great and support older joints with collagen. Make sure to use low-sodium broth to avoid too much salt.

Texture and ingredient adjustments for dental and age needs

Seniors with weak teeth need moist, protein-filled bites that crumble easily. Puppies need very soft and tiny treats with the right protein and safe calcium levels. Use oat flour instead of whole oats for easier eating. To make treats more moist at mealtime, add some yogurt or gravy. Skip the hard biscuits and big pieces that are tough on teeth.

• Keep peanut butter portions small to reduce calories and fat.
• Choose low-sodium broths and verify gelatin amounts for proper set without excess additives.
• Store refrigerated soft treats and freeze bone broth dog gummies for longer life and easy portioning.

Training treats: small, low-calorie, and high-value options

Short, tasty rewards help a Shih Tzu stay focused during training. These treats should be low in calories. It’s best to choose treats that are small, easy to eat, and smell yummy. Changing up the treat types keeps your pet interested and happy.

Three-ingredient tiny training bites recipe ideas

Create tiny rewards with just a few kitchen staples to keep calories low. You can mix mashed banana with oats and a bit of peanut butter. Then bake and cut this into small bits.

You might also mix pumpkin, oats, and an egg, then bake it. This can be broken into many small treats. For a treat with meat, mix cooked chicken with oats and something to stick it together. Shape this into tiny balls and bake for a short time.

Using freeze-dried meat or concentrated purées for high-value rewards

Freeze-dried dog treats are perfect for quick, high-value rewards. Just a small piece of freeze-dried chicken or beef is super tasty but low in calories.

Concentrated purées are also great. Just use a small dab on a toy or mat for a powerful reward. These methods allow you to give more rewards without too many calories.

How to rotate flavors to maintain interest without overfeeding

Switch between veggies, poultry, and fruit treats in different sessions. Throwing in a freeze-dried treat every so often keeps things exciting.

• Combine low-calorie treats, like pumpkin-oat pieces, with meaty bits.
• Use thick purées for harder tasks or longer training times.
• Keep an eye on treat calories daily. Swap bigger snacks for small bites if necessary.

Using small servings, mixing up tastes, and carefully using freeze-dried treats can keep your Shih Tzu healthy. It makes training both fun and effective.

Packaging, storage, and shelf life for homemade treats

Storing homemade dog treats properly ensures they stay safe and tasty. Small adjustments in drying, freezing, and labeling help with everyday use and cut down on waste. Here are easy steps for storing and portioning homemade dog treats, whether for training or gifting.

Best practices for drying, freezing, and refrigerating

Make sure vegetable-containing biscuits are completely dry before storing them at room temperature. You can use a low oven overnight or let them air-dry on racks for a few days. If the biscuits are still moist, seal them in airtight containers and freeze them.

For freezing homemade dog biscuits, separate them into portions for single servings. Before serving, thaw a few at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Store moist no-bake treats and soft chews in the refrigerator, but only keep them for a few days.

How to prevent mold and extend freshness

To stop mold on dog treats, get rid of moisture and limit exposure to air. Make sure wet ingredients are dried out well. Block humidity by using airtight tins or freezer-safe bags.

If you’re keeping treats for more than a week, freeze them. Don’t keep moist, veggie-rich snacks in the pantry. They can quickly grow mold without proper drying.

Labeling and portioning for daily use and gifting

Mark containers with the date of baking or freezing, main ingredients, and the advised serving size. This helps keep track of freshness and controls calories for small dog breeds, like Shih Tzus.

• Divide homemade treats into daily snack bags for training.
• For long-term storage, use freezer-safe bags, and choose decorative tins for short-term gifts.
• Pre-measured portions help you watch calories and prevent overfeeding.

Adapting recipes for allergies and special diets

Many Shih Tzus have allergies to certain proteins and grains. To make allergy-friendly dog treats, start with easy swaps and advice from the vet. Use recipes with few ingredients to pinpoint triggers and make treats safe for daily use.

Common allergies and smart swaps

• Chicken sensitivity is common. Try using turkey, lamb, or beef instead for variety in protein.
• For grain allergies, consider alternative flours. Oat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour are great substitutes for whole wheat.
• If your dog is allergic to peanuts, canned pumpkin or mashed sweet potato can work as binders and flavor enhancers.

Working closely with your veterinarian

Dogs dealing with kidney issues, being overweight, or having chronic skin problems need snacks made just for them. Talk to your vet about sodium levels, the right amount of protein, and how much fat is safe. They can approve treats and help manage your dog’s weight with portion control.

Practical grain-free and limited-ingredient formulas

• A simple baked treat: mix pumpkin, oat flour, and an egg. It’s easy to digest and test for allergies.
• A blend for sensitive bellies: combine banana, oat, and pumpkin. It’s full of fiber.
• Single-protein snacks: dehydrated slices of turkey or beef. These are purely protein.
• Use coconut oil in moderation, and skip onion or garlic powders for seasoning.

For those cooking at home, try one new ingredient at a time. Keep track of any reactions and how many calories your dog gets. Grain-free treats help with elimination diets and finding which foods cause problems.

If you’re unsure, get a plan from your vet. They can turn their advice into recipes for home cooking. They’ll also recommend vet-approved treats that suit your Shih Tzu’s health needs.

Storage test, safety checks, and feeding tips

Before you start giving your Shih Tzu treats regularly, do a storage test and safety check. Make a small batch and store it as you would in the future. Then, check its texture and smell after one and three days. This is to find any excess moisture, mold, or anything else that could hurt your dog.

• Introduce one new treat at a time with just a pea-sized piece.
• Wait one to three days before offering more to see how your dog reacts.
• If storing treats, check them for changes due to moisture, especially those with vegetables.
• For training, break treats into tiny bits to keep calories low but still reward your dog.

Signs of intolerance or allergic reaction to watch for

• Be on the lookout for vomiting, diarrhea, or a lot of gas within the first three days.
• Notice if your dog has skin issues like itching, hives, or face swelling. These are signs of allergies.
• Watch for any changes in your dog’s energy, behavior, or eating habits that might mean discomfort.
• If your dog has severe swelling or trouble breathing, go to the vet right away.

Monitoring calories and integrating treats into daily diet

• Count the calories in treats and include them in your dog’s daily food amount. For example, break a large 84 kcal biscuit into smaller pieces for training.
• Substitute some treats for regular kibble to prevent weight gain when necessary.
• Pick treats with low calories like frozen pupsicles in the summer. These let you keep rewards frequent without adding too many calories.
• Keep a log for a week of what treats you give, how much, and any reactions. This helps adjust treat sizes and frequencies.

Always re-test stored treats and change up the recipes to avoid any intolerance issues. Doing these regular checks and keeping portions small lets you treat your Shih Tzu safely and confidently.

Conclusion

Homemade dog treats are simple to make and good for your Shih Tzu. You can use ingredients like pumpkin, oats, and yogurt. Adding peanut butter or lean meat makes them tasty and healthy. Making your own treats means you know exactly what’s in them. They’re fresher, cheaper, and you can make the right size for training.

Keep your homemade treats safe by drying or freezing them, especially those with veggies. Always check for harmful additives like xylitol. Store treats in the fridge or freezer. Introduce new treats slowly and watch for any bad reactions. Always talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet, especially if they have health issues.

Why not try making pumpkin-veggie biscuits or banana-peanut butter pupsicles? The steps are easy to follow. Cut them into small pieces for training, label, and keep chilled. By planning, your home-made treats will be delicious and safe for your Shih Tzu.