You’ve probably raised a Shih Tzu before and you know they can be a sweet, energetic companion dog. Their beautiful coats and locks are also a hallmark of the Shih Tzu. Shih Tzus can be allergic to certain types of dog food and are therefore genetically predisposed to developing skin allergies.
Nature’s Recipe Grain Free is the best dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies. It is highly rated for its quality, value for money, and carefully selected ingredients. It is specifically designed for dogs suffering from allergies.
Continue reading to learn more about choosing the right dog food for a Shih Tzu suffering from allergies. You can also find homemade and other brands of dog food that may help reduce your pet’s allergic symptoms.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a dog food for Shihtzu with Allergies
While most allergies in Shih Tzus do not involve food, it is important to choose the right food for your pet. Because once a dog develops allergic reactions, it is possible for their immune system to become insecure and identify other allergens as dangers. If they don’t get the right food, their condition may worsen.
There are so many brands of dog food on the market and each one will promote their product over others. It may be difficult to find the right one for your dog.
Finding the right dog food can often take a lot of trial-and-error. Dogs need to adapt to new foods slowly. This can make it difficult. To avoid any further digestive or stomach problems, you should slowly transition your dog’s food.
These are some of the things to consider when you choose dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies.
IngredientsCustomer reviewsValue of money
Ingredients
Dog Food BrandIngredientsAuthor’s ScoreNature’s RecipeSalmon, sweet potato, pumpkin10/10Blue BuffaloSalmon9/10Hill’s ScienceChicken and barley7/10Purina Pro PlanSalmon and rice8/10MerrickSalmon, potatoes, sweet potatoes10/10
Winners: Nature’s Recipe and Merrick
Food allergies in Shih Tzus can be either related or unrelated. It is best to get your dog examined by a veterinarian to determine if they have any allergies.
Here are some reasons why Merrick and Nature’s Recipe are the best when it comes to ingredients.
Grain-Free
People tend to feed their dogs grain-free products if they have allergies. This may seem like the best place to start but it is important to remember that dogs need energy as well.
The following are some of the benefits that grains offer dogs:
CarbohydratesFiberVitaminsHealthy fatsProteins
Although rare, it is possible for dogs to be allergic to wheat, corn, rice, or barley. Your vet might recommend that you introduce a non-grainy diet to your dog to see if it improves.
Merrick and Nature’s Recipe both use sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and potatoes as alternative sources of carbohydrates. These ingredients are safe for dogs and most dogs that are allergic to grains will not have adverse reactions.
A Shih Tzu suffering from severe allergies is more susceptible to secondary yeast infections. Your dog’s weak immune system can lead to secondary yeast infections. This can cause more irritation and discomfort for your dog’s skin.
No matter what food source, yeast will eat sugar and carbohydrates. It is possible for yeast infection to develop in dogs with compromised immune systems.
Your pet’s allergies can be addressed, and their immune system will be strong enough to manage the yeast growth on their skin. This will help you get rid of the yeast infection.
Protein Source
Merrick and Nature’s Recipe have salmon as their primary source of protein. This is another positive point. Shih Tzus with food allergies are often sensitive to proteins in eggs, beef, and chicken.
Salmon, however, is free from such allergens. Salmon is also rich in healthy nutrients like omega-3 fatty acid, which can boost your dog’s immune system.
Bottom line: While Merrick and Nature’s Recipe may not be the most popular dog food products, they are the best places to start if you have a Shih Tzu who has food allergies. The food formulas are developed with dog allergies in mind. The formula ensures your pet receives all of the nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.
Customer Review
Dog Food BrandCustomer ReviewAuthor’s ScoreNature’s Recipe4.79/10Blue Buffalo4.79/10Hill’s Science4.810/10Purina Pro Plan4.79/10Merrick4.79/10
Hill’s Science wins
While there are many healthy Shih Tzus out there, allergies can also be a problem. Although you may not feel it right away after adopting a puppy, the symptoms typically start around one year after they are born.
Most allergy cases are caused by female dogs. Only one or two puppies from a litter will develop allergies symptoms. The rest of the litter is immune to the condition. However, pregnant Shih Tzus with allergies will likely produce puppies that have the condition.
You should also be aware that if a Shih Tzu from a breeder develops allergy symptoms one year after they are born, it is possible that their siblings or parents may also experience the same symptoms. Your breeder may be able to offer suggestions for how to treat your puppy’s allergies.
Breeders may recommend dog food brands or management strategies they have used for their older dogs.
You can find other buyers online if you and your breeder are having trouble finding the right dog food for your pet’s immunocompromised pets. This article will help you find the top-reviewed products online.
Hill’s Science is the most rated seller on Amazon.com with a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5. There are approximately 11,000 reviews of Hill’s Science.
Disclaimer: Although reviews are not always the best way to judge a product, they can provide insight into the opinions of pet owners about these products and their effectiveness for their pets.
The other products on this list aren’t far behind, however. These products all receive mostly positive reviews from pet owners who have experienced the same issues as you with their pet.
Value for money
Dog Food BrandPriceAuthor’s ScoreNature’s Recipe10/10Blue Buffalo8/10Hill’s Science8/10PurinaPro Plan9/10Merrick7/10
Winner: Nature’s Recipe
Nature’s Recipe is a young company that has only 35 years of industry experience. It has a solid reputation for making high-quality dog food. It is also very affordable compared to other products.
Pet owners often worry about the trial and error stage of finding the right dog food for their pet with allergies. Hypoallergenic dog food, or specially-formulated dog food, can be costly and may not be as effective. Owners have to spend more to get a better food alternative.
Nature’s Recipe comes in 4-lb (1.8 kg) packs. These are affordable and can be purchased as your dog transitions to a hypoallergenic, grain-free diet.
Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Is the Winner for Your Shih Tzu with Allergies
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Nature’s Recipe (Salmon), the best dog food to feed your Shih Tzu with allergies, is Nature’s Recipe Grain Free (Salmon). It meets all the criteria mentioned above.
There are many dog food brands available, so it can be difficult to choose the right one for your pet. It can be even more difficult if your Shih Tzu has allergies.
To help you decide if this product is right for your pet, it’s worth looking at the pros and cons.
Pros
The ingredients are carefully chosen and balanced. It contains sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and salmon which are all safe for dogs who have allergies. It is suitable for all dog breeds and all life stages. If you have multiple dog breeds, there is no need to purchase different brands of dog food. The food is affordable and can be used as a transition food for your dog’s adult food. This is the best-selling product on this list. It also comes in a variety of sizes. There are three sizes available: 4 lb (8.8 kg), 12 (5.4 kg), or 24 lb (9.9 kg).
Cons
The smell may be unpleasant for some dogs and their owners. Salmon is the main ingredient in this product. The main ingredient of the product is salmon. Some pet owners and people may not like its fishy scent. Pet owners who have severe allergies may not be as concerned about their dog’s food.
There are many other great options for Shih Tzu with Allergies.
We will be examining the pros and cons for the other dog food products in this article (available at Amazon.com).
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon
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Pros
It has a pleasant scent. It contains salmon but it is well-received for its pleasant smell. It is loved by dogs and comes in three sizes. It is available in three sizes for pet owners: 4.5 lb (2kg), 11 lb (5kg), and 24 lb (10.9kg). This product can be used for different dog breeds.
Cons
The smallest size pack weighs in at 4.5 lb (2 kilogram). It is slightly heavier than some other brands of dog food and may not be suitable if your dog is already on it. This product may not be used if your Shih Tzu is less than one year old and has developed allergy symptoms. It may cause allergic reactions if it contains chicken meal or dried egg products.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41pSwM-BjuL._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small & Mini Breeds, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe, 4 lb Bag” title=”Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Small & Mini Breeds, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe, 4 lb Bag”>
Pros
The product has received excellent customer reviews. It is popular with small dogs and those with sensitive skin or stomachs. The product’s formula takes into account small dog’s calorie needs and limits.
Cons
This product may contain allergens. It contains chicken and barley as its main ingredients, which are some of the most common food allergens in dogs. There are only a few sizes available for this product. This product is only available in two sizes, unlike other brands of dog food: 4 lb (1.8 kg) and 15. lb (6.8kg).
Merrick Lil plates Grain-Free (Real salmon)
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mt3jXD66L._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe, 4-Pound, Salmon” title=”Merrick Lil Plates Grain Free Small Breed Recipe, 4-Pound, Salmon”>
Pros
It contains only a few, but balanced ingredients. It is safe for dogs who have food allergies because it mainly contains potatoes, salmon, and sweet potatoes. It comes in three sizes: 4 lb (1.85 kg), 12 (5.4 kg) and 20 (10.1 kg). Small dogs will love the small size of this kibble. It can be used to clean and remove plaque.
Cons
It is very expensive. This is the most expensive brand of dog food on this list. This brand is not recommended for dogs with allergies. For puppies, you will need to buy a different type of dog food. To prevent any digestive problems, your puppy will need to be gradually switched from regular dog food to this one.
Purina Pro plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Small Breed
class=”size-large aligncenter” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MG0cPp9PS._SL500_.jpg” alt=”Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Sensitive Stomach Small Breed Dog Food, Salmon & Rice Formula – 5 lb. Bag” title=”Purina Plan Sensitive Skin & Sensitive Stomach Small Breed Food, Salmon & Rice Formula -5 lb. Bag”>
Pros
It is affordable. It is made by Purina, which is a Nestle subsidiary. This gives it a competitive advantage and makes it more affordable than other brands. It is recommended for Shih Tzus weighing between 3 and 20 pounds (1.4 to 9.1 kg). The bag comes in three sizes: a 5-lb (2.kg), 16lb (7.3kg), and a 30-lb (13.6kg) size. To save money, you can purchase the largest bag if your dog is responsive to this product.
Cons
The smallest package is 5 lb (2.3kg). This isn’t the best size for testing if the product is safe for your dog. Although salmon is the main ingredient, it may cause an allergic reaction in your dog.
Homemade Dog Food Alternatives for Shihtzu with Allergies
Although commercially-available dog food is convenient and readily available, many pet owners struggle to find the right product for their pets. There are safe and healthy homemade recipes you can feed your Shih Tzu, even if they are allergic.
Shih Tzus don’t have a preference for food and will eat any treat or meal. Some dogs may be picky eaters. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to give your dog a variety of recipes so that they don’t get bored eating the same thing over and over.
Making homemade dog food is a great idea
You can make homemade dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies.
To ensure your dog’s safety, you should be aware of the ingredients that must not be used when making homemade dog food. You can gradually transition your dog to commercially-available dog food once you have found safe ingredients.
The disadvantages of making homemade dog food
Making homemade dog food is not easy. If you are passionate about cooking, you can make it a fun experience for both you and your pet.
Factors that trigger Shih Tzu’s allergic reactions
Shih Tzus are a happy ball, as they approach humans with love and energy. They can be sweet and affectionate to their owners, but they can be very stubborn if they are not happy.
They can be expressive and rich in emotions, making them a great companion dog breed. It can be distressing for you and your Shih Tzu if they begin to scratch or lick their skin excessively.
Shih Tzu owners who have had Shih Tzus for a while know that they require a lot of care and need to be groomed regularly. Shih Tzus can develop skin allergies, so it is important to groom your pet regularly in order to catch them before they become more serious.
These are some of the things that can cause allergies in Shih Tzus:
PollenDustFleas and ticks or mitesSmokeGrains, like wheat, Specific proteins (like those found eggs, chicken, beef, and milk)Dairy products, such as milk or cheese
Other ingredients in dog food can also cause allergic reactions. No matter what the reason, all can cause extreme discomfort, itching, and sometimes even pain for your dog.
These are some possible allergy symptoms that your Shih Tzu might exhibit:
Licking the pawsRubbing the faceRashes or scabs on the feet, belly, and skin foldsSmelly earsObsessive scratching behind the earsDiarrheaVomitingRunny noseTeary eyes
Your dog may be agitated or wailing in pain. These symptoms can be distressing for pet owners, but they are easily managed. It is important to know what your pet is allergic too.
Lab tests and vet visits can be expensive so pet owners often resort to trial and error in order to find the best conditions for their pets. It is important to choose safe dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies.
Conclusion
It can be difficult for both you and your Shih Tzu to find out that they have allergies. The good news is that allergies are manageable. It often comes down to the type of dog food you choose.
There are many options on the market for dog food, including Nature’s Recipe Grain Free. You can try other options or make your own.
