Brain-support treats for senior Shih Tzu

Cognitive changes in a 12-year-old Shih Tzu are worth taking seriously — and while no treat will reverse what's happening, the right ones can genuinely support brain function through omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and clean ingredients. The best treats are high in protein, low in additives, and sized right for a small dog. Many popular treats are nutritionally hollow despite the marketing — single-ingredient options like dried fish or fish skin are usually the best place to start. To point you in the right direction: has your vet confirmed canine cognitive dysfunction, or are you noticing things like disorientation, changed sleep, or staring into space? And are there any dietary restrictions or allergies I should know about?

That's a clear picture — early CDS in a small senior dog. The nutrient with the strongest evidence for cognitive support in dogs is DHA, the omega-3 found in oily fish. It supports neuronal membrane integrity, which matters a lot at this stage. For a daily treat that delivers this without filler, I'd look at Forthglade Natural Mini Fish Treats — they're made from single-ingredient dried sprats, small enough for a Shih Tzu, and genuinely high in omega-3. No additives, no grain, no nonsense. One or two a day alongside her meals is a reasonable routine. They also tend to be very palatable for older dogs who've become pickier. Is she on any joint supplements or fish oil already? Worth knowing so you're not doubling up on the same nutrients.

Bonios are basically a dog biscuit — wheat-heavy, low in meaningful nutrients, nothing in there that supports brain or joint health. Swapping those out for the Forthglade sprats is a straightforward upgrade. For a 5kg dog, two small sprats a day is a sensible amount — they're calorie-light so they won't upset her weight. If you wanted to go a step further, you could also ask your vet about a dedicated DHA supplement like YuMOVE Senior or Vetri Science Canine Plus, but the fish treats alone are a solid start and something she'll actually enjoy eating. Worth keeping an eye on whether her sleep pattern or engagement levels shift over the next few weeks — early intervention tends to slow progression rather than reverse it, but owners often do notice a difference.

They're available on Amazon UK — search Forthglade Natural Mini Fish Treats and you'll find them, usually in 90g bags. They're also stocked by Zooplus if you want to buy in bulk for a better per-gram price. Either way, it's an easy swap and one of the better things you can do for her at this stage alongside whatever your vet recommends for the CDS itself.