Best Small Breed Dog Food for Shih Tzu and Toy Breeds in Ontario 2026: Brands to Buy

Small breeds like Shih Tzus, Yorkies, Malteses, and Toy Poodles have big nutritional needs packed into tiny bodies. Because they burn energy fast and have small stomachs, they need calorie-dense, nutrient-rich food with kibble sized for tiny jaws. In this 2026 buyer's guide, our nutrition team walks you through the best small breed dog food in Ontario and points you to the specific brands worth buying. Start browsing our dry dog food collection to see what's on our shelves in North York.

Key Takeaway: Small and toy breeds need roughly 40 kcal per pound of body weight daily (nearly double a large dog's per-pound requirement), small-diameter kibble, and around 26–30% protein. Look for brands like Acana, Orijen, Fromm, Go! Solutions, and Farmina that offer breed- and size-specific formulas. Shop the full dog food selection to match your Shih Tzu's life stage.

Why do Shih Tzus and toy breeds need special food?

Shih Tzus and toy breeds need small breed food because their fast metabolism demands more calories per pound, their tiny mouths need small kibble to chew safely, and they're prone to dental disease and low blood sugar. A 12 lb Shih Tzu may need 350–400 kcal per day, while a 5 lb Yorkie might only need 200–250 kcal. Portion precision matters enormously at this size.

Because toy breeds have crowded, small teeth, they build up plaque faster than larger dogs. Kibble shape and texture that encourages chewing can help. Our team at Ashario Pets recommends small breed formulas specifically because the standard-sized kibble in large-breed bags is often too big for a Shih Tzu to bite comfortably, leading them to swallow pieces whole.

Small breeds are also prone to hypoglycemia, especially puppies under 6 months. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), toy puppies should eat three to four small meals a day to keep blood sugar stable. That's why calorie-dense, highly digestible food is so important — every bite has to count.

What nutrients matter most for small breeds?

• Protein content — 26–30% for adults supports lean muscle on a small frame
• Fat content — 15–18% provides the concentrated energy tiny dogs burn quickly
• Omega-3 and omega-6 — for the long, silky coats Shih Tzus and Malteses are known for
• Glucosamine — supports the delicate joints and patellas prone to luxation in toy breeds
• Probiotics and prebiotics — for sensitive small-dog digestion
• Fiber content — moderate (3–5%) to keep small digestive systems regular

Which brands make the best small breed dog food in Ontario 2026?

As of 2026, the top small breed dog food brands available in Ontario include Acana, Orijen, Fromm, Farmina, Go! Solutions, and Oven-Baked Tradition — all of which offer small-bite kibble or size-appropriate formulas. These brands meet or exceed AAFCO nutrient profiles and use named meat proteins as the first ingredient. All are carried at our North York store.

When a customer walks into our Finch Avenue store with a fussy Shih Tzu, we usually start by asking about kibble size and coat condition. Small dogs are famously picky, so palatability matters. Brands like Fromm and Go! Solutions consistently win over reluctant eaters in our experience, while Acana and Orijen deliver the highest protein content for active toy breeds.

Acana and Orijen (Canadian, high-protein)

Made in Alberta, Acana and Orijen use fresh regional ingredients and pack in the protein — Orijen recipes can reach 38–40% protein. For a healthy adult Shih Tzu with plenty of energy, this WholePrey approach mirrors what dogs would eat in nature. Explore these Canadian-made options in our raw and premium food ranges too, since some owners rotate between kibble and raw.

Fromm and Farmina (premium palatability)

Fromm is a family-owned brand loved by picky small dogs, with gentle, digestible recipes. Farmina's Italian formulas use low-glycemic ancient grains or grain-free options with defined guaranteed analysis. Both offer small-breed-appropriate kibble sizes and are shelf staples at our North York location.

Acana vs Fromm for Small Breeds: Which to Buy?

Both Acana and Fromm are excellent small breed choices, but they suit different dogs. Acana leans higher-protein and more meat-forward, ideal for lean, active toy breeds. Fromm offers gentler, highly palatable recipes that win over fussy eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs. Here's how they compare.

Pet owners tell us that switching a bored Shih Tzu from a supermarket brand to Fromm often solves mealtime standoffs within a week. For a dog that inhales its food and needs muscle support, we point them toward Acana instead. Either way, transition gradually over 7–10 days to avoid tummy upset.

How much should I feed my Shih Tzu or toy breed?

An adult Shih Tzu weighing 10–16 lbs typically needs 350–450 kcal per day, split into two meals. Most small breed kibbles run 380–420 kcal per cup, meaning a Shih Tzu eats roughly ¾ to 1 cup daily. Toy breeds under 8 lbs may need only ½ cup. Always check the feeding chart on your specific bag and adjust to body condition.

Puppies need more. A Shih Tzu puppy should eat three to four meals a day until about 4 months, then two to three meals. Look for puppy or all-life-stages formulas with 22% minimum protein per AAFCO growth standards. The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine notes that consistent, measured feeding helps prevent both obesity and the hypoglycemia toy puppies are vulnerable to.

Weight creep is the number one issue we see with small dogs in the store. An extra treat here and there adds up fast when your dog only needs 400 calories total. Our nutrition experts at the North York store recommend weighing food with a kitchen scale rather than eyeballing scoops — a 25% overfeed on a toy breed is easy to make and hard to walk off.

Don't forget dental health and coat care

Shih Tzus are notorious for dental disease and tear staining. Dental treats and chews sized for small mouths can supplement good food. Browse dog treats and dental chews from brands like Greenies and Crumps' Naturals. For that signature Shih Tzu coat, omega-rich foods plus the right grooming tools from our dog grooming collection make a visible difference.

Should small breeds eat grain-free, wet, or freeze-dried food?

Most healthy Shih Tzus and toy breeds do well on quality dry kibble, but wet and freeze-dried foods offer real benefits for picky or dental-challenged small dogs. Wet food boosts hydration and palatability, while freeze-dried and air-dried options deliver concentrated raw nutrition. Grain-free isn't necessary for every dog — discuss it with your vet.

The FDA has investigated a possible link between certain grain-free diets high in legumes and canine heart conditions. As of 2026, the research is ongoing and not conclusive, so many owners choose brands with named meats and whole grains, or rotate carefully. If your dog has no diagnosed grain allergy, a limited-ingredient grain-inclusive diet is a perfectly good choice.

For toy breeds who turn their noses up at plain kibble, we often suggest topping dry food with a spoonful of wet dog food or a sprinkle of freeze-dried. It's a small change that turns a boycotted bowl into a licked-clean one. Brands like Stella & Chewy's and Open Farm are popular toppers with our small-dog customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best food for a Shih Tzu in Ontario 2026?

The best food for a Shih Tzu in Ontario is a high-quality small breed dry kibble with 26–30% protein, small bite size, and omega-3s for coat health. Top picks available at Ashario Pets include Acana, Orijen, Fromm, Farmina, and Go! Solutions. Choose the recipe that matches your dog's age and activity level, and consult your veterinarian for any health concerns.

How many times a day should I feed a toy breed dog?

Adult toy breeds should eat two meals a day, while toy puppies under 4 months need three to four small meals to prevent hypoglycemia. Because tiny dogs have small stomachs and fast metabolisms, splitting their daily 200–450 kcal into frequent meals keeps blood sugar and energy stable throughout the day.

Is grain-free food good for small breeds?

Grain-free food is only necessary for dogs with a diagnosed grain allergy. The FDA is still investigating a possible link between some legume-heavy grain-free diets and heart issues as of 2026. Many small breeds thrive on grain-inclusive limited-ingredient diets. Talk to your veterinarian before choosing grain-free for your Shih Tzu.

Can I feed my Shih Tzu raw or freeze-dried food?

Yes, many Shih Tzus do well on raw or freeze-dried diets that are complete and balanced to AAFCO standards. Brands like Stella & Chewy's, Primal, and ZIWI offer small-portion options ideal for toy breeds. Freeze-dried makes an excellent topper for picky eaters. Introduce new foods gradually over 7–10 days.

Where can I buy small breed dog food near North York?

Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON, open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. We carry 79+ brands including Acana, Orijen, Fromm, and Farmina, with GTA delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. Call us at +1-647-564-4433.