Top 10 Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus With Allergies
Shih Tzus are otherwise known as the Little Lion Dog, which is aptly named for anyone who has experience with this breed of dog.
They are extremely cute but prideful and territorial when they need to be, so you dare not mess with a Shih Tzu. Their fun and courageous personality make them the ideal dog for any home.
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Newfoundlands
- Top 10 Best Human Food for Dog Training
- Top 10 Best Dog Food for Shelties
However, Shih Tzus are one of the most commonly associated breeds with allergies. Their ears and skin can become inflamed, leaving them with very itchy and uncomfortable skin.
To see your once fierce dog in so much discomfort is horrible for any dog owner, so we bet that you’ll want to get it treated as quickly as possible.
Remember that if you’re severely worried about your dog, you can always take them to a professional veterinarian for a check-up.
They might be able to diagnose the issue quickly and reassure you that your dog is going to be okay with a simple lifestyle change or medication.
However, the majority of Shih Tzu allergies come from what your dog is eating. Most commercial dog foods contain ingredients that can spark up allergic reactions.
Don’t worry, though, as we have found the five best dog food for a Shih Tzu with allergies. Swapping to one of these foods should ensure that your dog feels much happier and healthier.
What are the most common allergens in dog food?
There are a few different allergens that are commonly found in dog food, but the most common allergens are proteins such as chicken, beef, and pork. Two more common sources are soy and dairy. If your dog is allergic to either of these ingredients, it’s important to find a food that does not contain them. There are many grain-free, high protein foods on the market that do not contain these allergens.
How much should I feed my Shih Tzu with allergies?
The amount of food you should feed your dog will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. However, in general, dogs with allergies do best on a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about how much food your dog needs each day.
What are the best dog food brands for Shih Tzu with allergies?
There are a few different dog food brands that make grain free, high protein foods that are great for dogs with allergies. Any brand that contains high-quality ingredients and a meant protein as the main ingredient will be good for your dog as long as the food doesn’t contain anything that your dog is allergic to.
Where can I buy grain free dog food?
Grain free dog food is becoming more and more popular as pet owners become aware of the benefits it can have for their dogs. You should be able to find grain free
How can I tell if my dog is allergic to its food?
- There are a few different ways you can tell if your dog is allergic to its food.
- The first is by observing your dog’s behavior. If you notice that your dog is scratching a lot, has red or inflamed skin, or is having digestive problems, these could be signs of an allergy.
- Another way to tell if your dog is allergic to its food is by looking at the ingredients list on the food label. If you see any common allergens such as soy, dairy, or grains listed, it’s likely that your dog is allergic to those ingredients.
- Lastly, you can have your veterinarian run some allergy tests to confirm whether or not your dog has allergies.
What are the most common allergies in Shih Tzu?
The most common allergies in Shih Tzu are to grains, soy, and dairy. However, some dogs may also be allergic to chicken, beef, eggs, or fish. If you’re not sure what your dog is allergic to, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian so they can run some allergy tests.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu With Allergies
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet – Best Value
| Main ingredients | Turkey, turkey meal, peas, tapioca starch |
| Protein | 34% |
| Fat | 16% |
| Calorie content | 386 kcal/cup |
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food is prepared with a restricted number of components to minimize the likelihood of your dog having an allergy. Turkey is the main component in this diet, which is a lean protein that dogs can easily digest. However, turkey is a common allergen for dogs so you may wish to avoid this food if your dog is allergic to turkey.
Other healthful components include vegetables and fruits, which are also included in the meal. The good news is that it’s free of common allergens such as grains, soy, and dairy, making it ideal for dogs who suffer from those allergies. We think it is the best dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies for the money.
- Some dogs are allergic to turkey
- Limited number of ingredients
- high in protein
- free of common allergens
Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Overall
| Main ingredients | Herring meal, flounder meal, whitefish meal, hake meal, salmon meal |
| Protein | 38% |
| Fat | 18% |
| Calorie content | 436 kcal/cup |
Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with six different kinds of fish as the main ingredients. These are all lean proteins that are easy for dogs to digest. Fish is a great protein source for dogs with allergies and it is also full of omega fatty acids which are great for skin and coat health. The food also contains other healthy ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits. It is also free of common allergens, such as grains, soy, and dairy.
The downsides to this food are that some dogs may not like the taste if they don’t like food that contains fish. This food is also quite expensive. But we still think it is the best overall dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies.
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- More expensive than other brands
- free of common allergens
- Made with six different kinds of fish
- high in healthy ingredients
Nature’s Logic All Life Stages Canned Food – Premium Choice
| Main ingredients | Duck, chicken broth, salmon, sweet potatoes |
| Protein | 11% |
| Fat | 12% |
| Calorie content | 421 kcal/cup |
Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Feast All Life Stages Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is our top choice for a premium canned dog food. This food is made with all-natural ingredients, including duck, salmon, and fruits and vegetables. It is grain-free and does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The food is also enriched with vitamins and minerals to provide complete nutrition for your dog. It is available in a variety of sizes and flavors, so you can choose the best option for your dog’s needs. This food is also affordably priced and easy to find in stores. Overall, Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Feast All Life Stages Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is an excellent choice for a premium canned dog food.
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Poultry is a common dog allergy
- Made with duck and salmon
- free of common allergens
- high in healthy ingredients
Acana Grasslands Recipe Dry Dog Food – Vet’s Choice
| Main ingredients | Beef, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potato |
| Protein | 35% |
| Fat | 20% |
| Calorie content | 430 kcal/cup |
Acana Grasslands Recipe dry dog food is designed to mimic your dog’s ancestral diet. It is made with 80% meat and 20% fruits and vegetables. The first ingredient is lamb, and it also includes chicken, turkey, and fish. This food does not contain any grains, wheat, or soy. It is also free of corn, potato, artificial colors, and preservatives. The kibble is shaped like a tooth to help clean your dog’s teeth as they eat. The downside is that some dogs may not like the taste, and this food isn’t appropriate if your Shih Tzu has an allergy to beef or chicken.
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Not suitable for dogs with beef or chicken allergies
- Made with beef, lamb, and chicken
- Free of common allergens
- High in healthy ingredients
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dry Food
| Main ingredients | Venison, lamb meal, duck meal |
| Protein | 34% |
| Fat | 20% |
| Calorie content | 350 kcal/cup |
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with real duck as the first ingredient, and it also contains a blend of vegetables and fruits that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The kibble is specially shaped and sized for small breeds, and it’s enhanced with omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. This food is also grain-free and doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Overall, this food seems like a good option for small breed dogs who are grain-sensitive or allergic and also have an allergy to other common protein sources. It’s also a good choice for dogs who need a little extra help with skin and coat health. However, some dogs may not like the taste of duck.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of duck
- Made with venison, lamb, and duck
- Free of common allergens
- Great for skin and coat health
Canidae Pure Goodness Puppy Dry Food – Best for Puppies
| Main ingredients | Chicken meal, turkey meal, duck meal |
| Protein | 34% |
| Fat | 16% |
| Calorie content | 384 kcal/cup |
Canidae Grain Free Pure Goodness Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies. It is made with high-quality ingredients and does not contain any fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. The food is also grain-free, which is important for puppies who are prone to allergies or sensitivities. In addition, the food contains DHA and EPA, which are essential for cognitive development and healthy eyesight. Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies who need a high-quality, nutritious diet.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of duck
- Made with chicken, turkey, and duck
- Free of common allergens
- High in healthy ingredients
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Salmon, potato flour, peas, flaxseed |
| Protein | 24% |
| Fat | 12% |
| Calorie content | 350 kcal/cup |
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food is a high-quality food that is designed to be gentle on your dog’s stomach. The limited ingredient formula contains only salmon, potatoes, and a few other key ingredients. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities or allergies of almost any kind.
The food is also grain-free, which is beneficial for dogs who are overweight or have trouble digesting grains. In addition, the food is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and coat. Overall, Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food is a nutritious and delicious food that is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes. The downside is that this food contains peas, which may be linked to heart disease in some dogs although studies are still ongoing.
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Peas may be linked to heart disease in dogs
- Made with salmon and potato, free of common allergens, high in healthy ingredients
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Turkey, turkey meal, potato starch, peas |
| Protein | 24% |
| Fat | 14% |
| Calorie content | 333 kcal/cup |
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Adult Dry Dog Food is a healthy option for your adult dog. This food is grain-free and made with turkey and potato. It is also free of soy, wheat, dairy, artificial flavors, and preservatives. The limited ingredient diet is easy on your dog’s stomach and helps to reduce allergies. This food is also high in protein and fat to help maintain muscle mass and energy levels. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option for your adult dog’s health. But, this is another food that may contain peas, so be careful feeding it to your dog if you’re concerned about heart disease.
- Contains peas
- Affordable
- Made with turkey and potato
- Free of common allergens
Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Wet Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Beef, lamb, chicken |
| Protein | 42% |
| Fat | 20% |
| Calorie content | 427 kcal/cup |
If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious wet food for your dog, Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Wet Dog Food is a great option. This food is made with real meat, fruits, and vegetables, and it is grain-free and high in protein. It also contains added vitamins and minerals to ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients he or she needs. In addition, the food is formulated to mimic your dog’s ancestral diet, making it highly digestible. The food is also very affordable, so you can feel good about feeding your dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank.
The only downside to this food is that it does contain chicken, which some dogs may be allergic to. The other main protein source is lamb, which some picky dogs may not like the taste of.
- Some dogs may not like the taste of lamb
- Some dogs may be allergic to chicken
- Made with beef, lamb, and chicken
- free of common allergens
- high in healthy ingredients
Natural Balance L.I.D. Dry Dog Food
| Main ingredients | Sweet potato, fish meal |
| Protein | 28% |
| Fat | 16% |
| Calorie content | 350 kcal/cup |
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food is a high-quality food that is designed to meet the needs of dogs with allergies or sensitivities. The food is made with a limited number of ingredients, all of which are natural and easily digestible. In addition, the food contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
The kibble is larger than most other brands, making it perfect for dogs who have trouble chewing smaller pieces. But the kibble may also be too large for some Shih Tzus. And finally, the food is affordably priced and available in a variety of sizes and flavors. Overall, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for owners who are looking for a healthy and affordable food option for their allergic or sensitive dog.
- Kibble may be too large for some Shih Tzus
- Some dogs may not like the taste of sweet potato
- Made with sweet potato and fish
- Free of common allergens
- High in fat and low in calories
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzus With Allergies
Shih Tzus can have allergies to many things, just like humans. Shampoos, pollen, and food ingredients, to name a few, can all trigger reactions. Food allergies occur when your dog’s immune system recognizes a consumed ingredient as an intruder and works to protect your dog against it.
The most common symptoms of food allergies include:
Life with food allergies can be uncomfortable for your Shih Tzu. It’s important to find the right food for them to minimize these symptoms.
As always, speak to your vet before making the switch to any food for your dog. Your vet is your best resource for what’s appropriate for your dog to eat.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies.
Limited-Ingredient Dog Food
The fewer ingredients in the recipe, the less chance there is of something in the food causing an allergic reaction. Limited-ingredient dog foods have short lists of ingredients that are usually full of things that you can easily recognize. If you know what your dog is allergic to (this can be determined by your vet through careful testing and food trials), then you can easily avoid the ingredient.
Life Stage
Be sure to purchase a dog food that is made for your specific dog’s age. Sometimes a food will be made for all ages, and as long as it states this explicitly on the label, then that’s fine to feed your dog. However, puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs need different nutrients. The food for each life stage will be balanced and made for a dog’s age.
Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Hypoallergenic dog foods were created specifically for dogs with allergies that can’t eat regular food. These diets usually require a prescription and provide your dog with the nutrition that they need while being incredibly careful to leave out any potential allergens. Sometimes, though, this food is not as tasty as regular food. Prescription food may not entice your Shih Tzu to eat the way that their previous food might have.
Protein
- Protein is the most important ingredient in your dog’s food. The protein content of the food should be higher than the fat content. Unfortunately, the most common ingredient that dogs are allergic to is protein.
- Dogs can develop allergies at any time, so it’s possible that your dog was able to eat chicken for years and now is suddenly allergic to it. If your dog is allergic to the protein in their food, the easiest thing to do is change the protein source. A new protein that your dog hasn’t had before is usually recommended.
- If the food contains more than one protein source, the risk of allergic reactions increases.
Final Thoughts
If your Shih Tzu has allergies, it’s important to find a dog food that is grain free and high in protein. There are a few different brands that make great foods for dogs with allergies. It’s also important to talk to your veterinarian about how much food your dog needs each day. Making homemade dog food is another great option for dogs with allergies. This way, you can control exactly what goes into their food and make sure that it’s complete and balanced.
