His current diet consists of a freeze dried food in the morning and gently cooked fresh food in the evening. He also gets a probiotic chew 2 x's daily. I give him a supplement in his water to help with dental health. Do I need to feed my dog kibble?

What a thoughtful approach to Cornbread's nutrition! It's clear you've put a lot of care into his meals, and that's wonderful to see.

The short answer is: no, kibble is not required. It's simply one option among many. Dogs can thrive on a variety of diets — kibble, freeze-dried, fresh/cooked, raw, or combinations like what you're already doing — as long as the overall diet is nutritionally complete and balanced.

Here's what matters most, regardless of the format:

• Complete and balanced nutrition. Look for foods that meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional standards for your dog's life stage. This is usually stated on the packaging. At 2 years old, Cornbread is an adult, so you'd want foods formulated for adult maintenance (or "all life stages").
• Protein, fats, and key nutrients. Freeze-dried and gently cooked foods can absolutely deliver these — just make sure both products are formulated to be nutritionally complete on their own, not just as toppers or supplements.
• Consistency. Dogs generally do well with a consistent routine, which it sounds like Cornbread already has.

One thing worth knowing about Shih Tzus specifically: they can be prone to dental issues, so the dental supplement you're adding to his water is a great proactive step. Kibble is sometimes credited with helping scrub teeth, but honestly, the research on that is mixed — it's not a reliable substitute for actual dental care.

Your probiotic chews are also a nice addition for gut health, especially since fresh and freeze-dried foods can sometimes be richer than kibble and a little harder for some dogs to adjust to (though at 2 years in, Cornbread's digestive system is likely well-adapted).

A few things to keep an eye on with any diet:
- Stool quality — firm, well-formed stools are a good sign the diet is agreeing with him
- Energy levels and coat condition — a shiny coat and good energy are signs of solid nutrition
- Weight — Shih Tzus can be prone to weight gain, so keeping an eye on his body condition is always worthwhile

When to see your vet: If you haven't had a vet review Cornbread's current diet recently, it's worth bringing it up at his next annual wellness visit. Your vet can confirm that his combination of foods is meeting all his nutritional needs and flag anything that might be missing. If you notice changes in his weight, energy, coat, or digestion, schedule a visit sooner rather than later.