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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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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