Utility group · Breed guide
Shih Tzu: weight, routine and daily dose
The Shih Tzu is generally accepted to have originated in China from Tibetan ancestry, and in its early days was known as the Lhasa Lion dog; the Pekingese may also have played a part. The first Shih Tzus shown in England, in 1933, appeared alongside Lhasa Apsos until differences in head type and other features established them as separate breeds. The Shih Tzu Club of England followed in 1934, and the breed was officially recognised in the 1940s.
The breed standard describes an intelligent, active and alert dog, friendly and independent. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, notes that the long coat needs grooming every day, and says the breed is suited to a flat — so a Shih Tzu’s day often runs on a gentle loop of short walks, grooming and meals at familiar times.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 4.5–8 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 1 tablet/day
- One bottle lasts
- 120 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 12 weeks
Weight: Royal Kennel Club, “Weight: 4.5-8 kgs (10-18 lbs). Ideal weight 4.5-7.5 kgs (10-16 lbs).” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Shih Tzu need?
A typical adult Shih Tzu weighs 4.5–8 kg, which sits entirely in the Up to 10 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 1 tablet/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days | Every 12 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Shih Tzu
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablet/day | 120 days | 240 days | 360 days | from £0.17 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Shih Tzu owners
- At 4.5–8 kg, adult Shih Tzus are in the up to 10 kg band. The long coat can hide weight changes, so use scales.
- Long hair around the face can collect food, so a quick wipe after meals fits naturally into the daily grooming routine.
- If a whole tablet is awkward, crush it into a spoonful of the usual food — see how to give a dog a tablet.
- Change food gradually, and speak to your vet about any vomiting, diarrhoea or change in appetite.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Shih Tzu: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Shih Tzu have a day?
Typical adult Shih Tzus weigh 4.5–8 kg, which is the Up to 10 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 1 tablet/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Shih Tzu?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 1 tablet/day one bottle lasts 120 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
Is a Shih Tzu’s mouth too small for a tablet?
Many Shih Tzus chew a small flavoured tablet happily. If yours does not, crush it and mix it into a little of the usual food, offered before the rest of the meal so you can see it has been eaten.
Does a Shih Tzu’s independent streak make a daily supplement harder?
It can help to make it part of something your dog already enjoys, such as a meal it eats readily. Keeping the same time and place each day turns it into a habit for both of you.
Can every Shih Tzu have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Shih Tzu is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Shih Tzu breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Shih Tzu — Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated