Best Training Treats for Shih Tzu Puppy – 2026 Reviews

These treats land at the top because they’re a perfect size for a Shih Tzu puppy – smaller than most liver bites and easy to crumble into even tinier rewards during repetitive drills. The single ingredient (just beef liver) means there’s nothing to trigger food sensitivities, and most owners report their dogs go absolutely wild for the natural scent. Freeze drying locks in flavour without grease, so you can keep a handful in your pocket without a mess. The high protein content supports muscle development, and the natural iron and zinc are a nice bonus. It’s the kind of treat you can feel good about using heavily during those crucial early training months.

They can be crumbly if handled roughly, and a few owners mention occasional dust in the bag. The strong scent – while a win for motivation – might turn off human noses. Not everyone loves the price per bag compared to cereal-based treats.

If you want a pure, no‑compromise training treat that your Shih Tzu puppy will work for, this is the one to beat.

If the Caledon Farms bites are still a touch large, these Mini Trainers are the next level – truly teeny-tiny, almost like kibble crumbles. For a Shih Tzu puppy, that means you can reward a correct behaviour every few seconds without filling them up. Single‑ingredient beef liver again scores big on digestibility, and the freeze‑dried process keeps the pieces light and non‑greasy. Owners repeatedly note they’re perfect for puppy training classes where constant treats are needed. The low calorie count per piece is a major plus for breed‑prone weight management.

The same crumbliness comes with the territory – you’ll find some dust at the bottom of the pouch. A few pups with weak stomachs may get loose stools if overfed, so introduce gradually. And like all liver treats, the smell is strong.

When only the tiniest treat will do for frequent training of a Shih Tzu puppy, these are purpose‑built and phenomenally effective.

Not every Shih Tzu takes to crunchy or crumbly treats, especially during teething. These semi‑moist chicken Mini Trainers deliver a tender, easy‑to‑chew experience that still holds its shape in your pouch. The real chicken flavour drives strong engagement, and the low‑calorie formulation means you won’t derail a balanced diet. They’re also Canadian‑made with no artificial colours or preservatives. Owners love that they don’t leave greasy hands but remain soft enough for an older puppy or a sensitive mouth.

They have a distinct chicken scent that not everyone enjoys, and some bags may contain slightly inconsistent piece sizes. As with any moist treat, you’ll want to reseal tightly to prevent hardening.

For Shih Tzu puppies who turn their nose up at dry bites, these soft, chicken‑y morsels are a training game‑changer.

Blue Buffalo’s Wild Bits stand out by adding DHA – an omega-3 fatty acid key for cognitive development – making them a smart choice during those first formative months. The soft and chewy texture is puppy‑friendly, and the pieces are small enough for a Shih Tzu (though some owners split them in half for micro‑rewards). Real chicken is the first ingredient, and the grain‑free formula avoids common irritants. They’re also fortified with omega 3 & 6 for coat health, so it’s a treat that multitasks.

The squares are a touch larger than mini trainers, requiring an extra rip for the tiniest puppies. Some owners note the bag includes more dust than expected, and a few dogs with sensitive stomachs had loose output at first.

When you want training rewards that double as brain fuel, these DHA‑enriched bites are a thoughtful pick for a growing Shih Tzu.

If you’re after maximum treat count with minimum calories, these are the standout. At around 1 calorie apiece, you can be generous during training without worrying about overfeeding a teacup‑sized pup. The soft, granular texture is unlike freeze‑dried crumbles – it stays intact in your pocket and is easy for tiny teeth to chew. The addition of Lion’s Mane and Reishi is unique; while not essential, it adds a brain‑health angle some owners appreciate. Real beef liver and salmon oil round out a clean label.

The functional mushroom ingredients might be overkill for some, and the price per bag is higher than basic liver treats. A few pups experienced looser stool during the transition, though that’s common with any new protein source.

For quantity‑over‑everything training with a side of novel ingredients, these micro‑bites let you reward a Shih Tzu puppy constantly without the calorie guilt.

Pupford’s freeze‑dried liver pellets are small and lightweight, perfect for a Shih Tzu puppy’s frequent rewards. With over 475 pieces per pouch, you won’t run out mid‑class. The three‑ingredient recipe (beef liver, salt, rosemary extract) keeps things clean, and the freeze‑dried method yields a non‑greasy, pocket‑safe treat. Owners confirm they’re easy to break into even smaller specks for very young puppies. The wide flavour range is a plus if you need to rotate proteins to keep a picky pup interested.

The pellets can be harder and drier than other freeze‑dried options, which may turn off some puppies. A few customers note the bag doesn’t seal well, so transferring to an airtight container is wise. The rosemary may be an unnecessary extra for purists.

If your Shih Tzu already adores liver and you want a stash that lasts, this bulk pouch is a pragmatic, economical training companion.

For owners who want a dry, non‑greasy treat with no meat, these biscuits fill a niche. The peanut butter and pumpkin flavour is a departure from liver and chicken, and many dogs love the change. Being human‑grade and baked in Canada brings peace of mind, and the bite‑sized, crunchy texture can help scrape plaque off tiny teeth (a bonus for Shih Tzus prone to dental issues). They’re also free of common allergens like soy, wheat, and corn.

Crunchy biscuits can be challenging for very young or teething puppies – some may take longer to chew, slowing down fast‑paced training. The pieces, while small, are not as tiny as freeze‑dried mini trainers, so you may need to break them. A few owners found them crumbly in the bag.

If your Shih Tzu handles crunchy textures fine and you want a vegetarian, pantry‑stable training option, these biscuits are a solid, feel‑good pick.

This flavour variant leans into the antioxidant benefits of blueberries while pumpkin supports gentle digestion – a well‑rounded pick for overall puppy wellness. Like its peanut butter sibling, it’s human‑grade and made in Canada with a short, recognizable ingredient list. The crunchy texture again offers a bit of dental scrubbing, and the pieces are appropriately small for miniature breeds. No meat, no fillers, just a clean baked good.

The same crunchiness may slow down training with an impatient puppy. Some bags arrive with broken or crumbled biscuits, and the blueberry flavour isn’t as universally appealing to all dogs as meaty options. A handful of pups seemed unenthused, possibly due to the lack of animal protein scent.

For health‑conscious owners who want a fruit‑forward, vegetarian treat with added digestive support, these biscuits are a respectable, low‑cal addition to your training pouch.