Best Dog Food For Allergy Shih Tzu

October 6, 2021

This post is for you if your Shih Tzu has allergies and you've decided to adjust the food they eat to assist relieve their symptoms.

This article will teach you what causes allergies in dogs, the signs and symptoms of food allergies, the different types of dog food available to help, and reviews and suggestions for the best food to help your Shih Tzu.

Hill's Science Diet Hypoallergenic Dog Food is our top pick for a Shih Tzu with allergies. It is specifically formulated for tiny breeds, contains easily digested components, a high-quality protein source, and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. You can read our in-depth review here.

Allergies can be caused by a variety of factors. It might be the fabric of their clothes or the food they eat in people. People can have allergic reactions to specific types of shampoo or skincare, and the same can be said for dogs.

An allergy, also known as hypersensitivity, is an immunologic reaction that occurs in response to specific food allergies, resulting in symptoms that are sometimes misdiagnosed as food intolerance. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference unless you went to a vet.

Allergies are common in the Shih Tzu breed, which may be highly uncomfortable for them and can often cost a lot of money to treat. These allergic responses can cause your dog to scratch incessantly, and they are the second most common reason that people take their pets to the doctor.

Controlling the type of food your Shih Tzu consumes is one method you may help reduce and prevent allergic reactions. But first, you must understand why allergic responses occur and what symptoms you should be on the lookout for.

What Causes Dog Food Allergies?

Dr. Adam Patterson is a clinical professor and Chief of Dermatology at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Small Animal Clinic. He says of allergic reactions in dogs, "Food allergies in dogs express themselves much differently than food allergies in humans."

A person who is allergic to shellfish, for example, may feel throat swelling and even a severe or deadly reaction, whereas in dogs, the allergy is expressed through the skin and is most typically manifested as an itch.

Some vets believe that Shih Tzu allergic reactions are caused by poor breeding techniques, while others believe that they are caused by coming into direct touch with something, such as a home cleaner. The main reason your dog may have an allergic response is due to their nutrition, namely commercial pet food.

Food Allergies in Shih Tzu: Signs and Symptoms

  • Itching and scratching
  • Skin flaky.
  • Infection or inflammation of the ear.
  • Other infections that reoccur.
  • Excessive bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Symptoms of Asthma (sneezing, coughing).

We previously discussed that food allergies and food intolerances can be confused because some of the symptoms are similar. Food intolerance is characterized by digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and soft stools. Food allergy symptoms, on the other hand, differ.

When a dog is allergic to whatever they ate, they may frequently scratch their skin until it is red, painful, and flaky. If this continues for an extended period of time, they may lose their hair, and they may also have ear infections.

If their skin becomes infected as a result of scratching, medications can help, but the symptoms will recur if their diet is not adjusted. Itching is common on their face, legs, paws, and anal area, which can be very uncomfortable. Some dogs may develop excessive flatulence, vomiting, or diarrhea as a result of a food allergy, but this is less common.

Food allergies can often induce asthma-like symptoms in Shih Tzus, as well as coughing and sneezing more than usual, in addition to skin issues. It is not always straightforward to determine which substance is causing an allergic reaction.

Allergy-Friendly Dog Food

There was a time when people would feed their dogs whatever they wanted. They used to go to the pet store and buy any brand they wanted, but times have changed. People are more aware of how different components may impact their dogs, as well as the importance of selecting something appropriate for their breed.

Shih Tzu owners must consider their pets' food allergies when purchasing food. Even food made with high-quality components and holistic nutrition might induce sensitivities. This is where Limited Ingredient and Hypoallergenic dog food come in.

Dog Food with Few Ingredients

Limited ingredient dog diets are something that has been brought to pet store shelves over the years. However, not all dog foods in this category are the same, with each having a unique set of components. We describe what a limited ingredient diet is, how it differs from other dog diets on the market, and the benefits it can provide for your dog below.

Best Dog Food For An Allergy Shih Tzu - Reviews

The Hill's Science Diet Dog Food That Is Hypoallergenic

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Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, Chicken Recipe, 30 Lb Bag
  • This adult dry dog food promotes digestive health while nourishing skin
  • A source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
  • This dog food is formulated to be highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption & easier stool pick-up
  • Packed with vitamin E & Omega-6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin
  • Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust

The Hill's Science Diet Our pick for best dog food is Hypoallergenic Dog Food. It is specially intended for little breeds with sensitive stomachs or skin sensitivities. It has been scientifically designed to be gentle on your dog's stomach and is prepared with easily digestible ingredients that provide a good nutritional balance for all of your dog's needs. It also does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

It contains a combination of omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and other nutrients that support healthy skin and a lustrous coat. It also contains a professionally established combination of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, which help to maintain a healthy immune system.

Wellness Simple Natural Dog Food with Few Ingredients

Wellness Simple Natural Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Small Breed Salmon and Potato Recipe, 10.5-Pound Bag
  • LIMITED INGREDIENT DOG FOOD: Natural, grain free, limited ingredient recipe crafted with a single source of animal protein, expertly balanced with easily digestible carbohydrates and no fillers
  • A LIFETIME OF WELLBEING: Natural prebiotics support a healthy digestive system, antioxidants support a strong immune system and Omega fatty Acids support a healthy coat and skin
  • WHOLE BODY HEALTH: Supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine for a healthy heart
  • FIND THE RIGHT FOOD: Wellness offers a full range of foods to support your dog's specific needs, including grained and grain free options, high protein recipes and limited ingredient diets for dogs with food sensitivities
  • Made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; we craft delicious natural recipes with wholesome, non GMO ingredients chosen for their nutritional benefits

If your Shih Tzu has allergies, Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food is a wonderful choice. It offers a nutritionally balanced and restricted ingredient recipe with a single protein source and easily digestible carbs. It is free of wheat, maize, soy, gluten, and artificial preservatives, as well as artificial colors and flavors. It is also dairy-free and egg-free.

As you can see, it's a wonderful option if you're attempting to eliminate specific foods or food categories from your dog's diet.

Wellness dog food provides fewer calories while yet meeting nutritional needs, making it a good weight-management meal. This is due in part to higher quantities of fiber that is both healthful and easily digestible. This limited component can be found in both wet and dry foods.

Veterinary Diet Royal Canin Food for Dogs

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Low Fat LF Dry Dog Food 1.5 lb
  • A combination of highly digestible proteins, prebiotics and EPA & DHA helps support digestive health
  • A low fat concentration, while providing a maintenance energy level, helps dogs with difficulties in digesting fat
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Veterinary Diet Royal Canin If your Shih Tzu has allergies, you can also feed him dog food. It was created with a veterinarian-exclusive mix to deal with allergy-related symptoms like as hair loss, stomach issues, and itching.

What distinguishes this cuisine is that the proteins are smaller, making them less likely to elicit an immunological response that could result in allergic responses. It also has a lot of important nutrients, a lot of fiber, and prebiotics, which help with digestion.

This dog food is also available in canned or wet form.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Healthy Grains, Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe, 26 Pound (Pack of 1)
  • LAMB IS THE FIRST INGREDIENT providing essential protein and amino acids to help maintain strong muscles; Brown Rice is included as a healthy and rich source of fiber for digestive health; Contains (1) 26-Pound Bag
  • LIMITED INGREDIENT DIET PHILOSOPHY Made with a simple list of premium ingredients; a single animal protein source, healthy grains, and no soy, gluten, artificial colors or flavors; We use fewer ingredients so pets, and pet parents, can live healthy lives
  • SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR LARGE DOGS Made with the same balanced nutritional philosophy, and a larger kibble size, this formula is made to support the heart, bone & teeth, immune system, joint, skin & coat, and digestion health of bigger dogs
  • NUTRITION FOR YOUR LARGE BREED DOG Your large breed dog can enjoy our delicious recipes, not just dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies; Our purposefully crafted formulas reduce the number of ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition
  • SAFETY & TRANSPARENCY Natural Balance's 'Feed with Confidence' program tests every batch of food from start to finish, ensuring safety with every bite; Validate bag on our site or call our Customer Care Team of Registered Veterinary Technicians

Natural Balance Ingredients are limited. If your Shih Tzu has allergies, you can also feed him dog food. It's made with a single quality protein source (salmon) and a single carbohydrate source (sweet potato), so it's free of many of the ingredients found in other dog foods. Salmon contains important amino acids, which aid in muscular tone and maintain your dog's coat healthy and lustrous. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are high in potassium and an easily digestible carbohydrate source.

It is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Despite the fact that this food has a small number of components, it has a high nutritional balance and so delivers additional benefits such as supporting healthy skin and a healthy coat. This meal is available in both wet and dry forms and is appropriate for both pups and adults.

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

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Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Potato 24-lb
  • STARTS WITH REAL SALMON: This adult dry dog food features a single animal protein source along with potatoes, peas and pumpkin to support gentle digestion, making it a good option for dogs with a sensitive stomach
  • LIMITED INGREDIENT DOG FOOD: BLUE Basics is a limited ingredient dog food that doesn’t contain any chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs making it a good option for dogs with food sensitivities
  • ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
  • A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
  • Contains one (1) 24lb bag of BLUE Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Salmon & Potato

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dog Food is our top pick for a dry food to feed your Shih Tzu if they are allergic. This cuisine comprises only one protein source, either salmon or turkey, and is made using high-quality meat. By restricting the number of protein sources to one, your dog is less likely to experience an allergic reaction.

It contains no maize, wheat, grain, or soy, which is ideal if you know your dog has digestive issues with these foods. It does, however, contain sweet potatoes, which provide a considerably greater source of complex carbs. It also contains vital amino acids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and other nutrients that promote the overall health of your Shih Tzu.

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