Best Dog Food For Shih Tzu With Allergies (2024)

If you have a Shih Tzu with allergies, picking the right dog food can be a bit of a puzzle. You want something yummy for your furry friend and keep them healthy and free from those pesky allergy symptoms. It’s like being a detective, finding the perfect match for your special pup.

We understand that it might feel overwhelming with all the choices out there. You might wonder, “What ingredients should we look for?” or “How do we know if this food is good for my Shih Tzu’s allergies?” Don’t worry; we’re here to help you through this journey.

In this friendly guide, we’ll explore together the best dog food for Shih Tzu with allergies. Think of it as a roadmap to your little buddy’s happy and healthy life. Ready to become a pro at choosing the best food for your Shih Tzu? Let’s get started!

9 Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu with Allergies: Our Recommendations

1. Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Dry Dog Food

We’ve recently added Royal Canin Shih Tzu Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food to our Shih Tzu diet, particularly considering its benefits for those with allergies.

Royal Canin’s formula seems to be a good match for Shih Tzus with sensitivities. The ingredients are chosen to minimize allergic reactions while ensuring a nutritious diet. The kibble is easy to chew, a plus for our little one.

Compared to other products, we appreciate Royal Canin’s focus on breed-specific needs, especially for those Shih Tzus dealing with allergies. It might be a bit more expensive, but the specific formulation aimed at reducing allergic symptoms is a significant advantage.

2. Nature’s Logic Grain-Free Duck & Salmon Feast Wet Dog Food

Nature’s Logic Grain-Free Duck & Salmon Feast Wet Dog Food is available in a 4-pound package and offers a unique combination of duck and salmon, making it a palatable choice for our furry friends.

Nature’s Logic Wet Dog Food stands out with its all-natural ingredient list. The absence of common allergens like wheat, corn, rice, soy, and sweet potatoes is a big plus, especially for dogs with sensitivities or allergies. Including muscle, organ meat, and fruits and vegetables makes it a nutrient-dense option.

Nature’s Logic offers a more natural approach, focusing on whole-food ingredients without synthetic additives than other wet dog foods. This is particularly beneficial for dogs’ overall growth and maintenance, especially for those with dietary restrictions.

The packaging is straightforward, and the size is convenient for storage. While it might be slightly more expensive than some other brands, the quality of ingredients and the health benefits they offer make it a worthwhile investment.

3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Dry Dog Food comes in a 15-lb bag specifically designed for older, small-breed dogs, focusing on their unique nutritional needs to prevent them from allergies.

The primary ingredient, deboned chicken, is an excellent protein source for maintaining muscle health in senior dogs. We appreciate the inclusion of brown rice and oatmeal, which provide necessary carbohydrates for energy. The small kibble size is perfect for our dog, aiding in tartar removal and being easy to chew.

Blue Buffalo’s emphasis on immune support, hip and joint care, and muscle maintenance aligns well with the needs of aging dogs. Adding LifeSource Bits, rich in antioxidants, is a unique feature that sets this brand apart.

Compared to other senior dog foods, Blue Buffalo stands out with its tailored nutrition for small breeds and the inclusion of specialized LifeSource Bits. The price is a bit on the higher side, but the quality of ingredients and the health benefits they offer make it a worthwhile investment for our aging companion.

4. Nutro Core Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

Nutro Core Dry Dog Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a rewarding choice. This 13 lb. bag is packed with nutritious ingredients tailored for small breeds.

The primary ingredient, natural chicken, offers high-quality protein essential for our dogs’ muscle health. We’re impressed with the inclusion of whole grains like barley and brown rice, which provide energy and aid digestion. The small kibble size is just right for our dogs, making it easy for them to eat.

Nutro’s commitment to avoiding chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy protein, and artificial additives aligns with our preference for natural, wholesome food for our pets. It also helps to cope with the allergy issues in Shih Tzus

Nutro stands out with its focus on natural, high-quality ingredients compared to other small-breed dog foods. While it’s slightly more expensive than some alternatives, the benefits for our dogs’ overall health and well-being make it a justifiable expense.

5. NUTRO ULTRA High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food

The ingredient list of Nutro Ultra Natural Dry Dog Food is impressive, with chicken, lamb, and salmon meals providing essential amino acids. We’ve noticed an improvement in our dogs’ muscle tone and energy levels. Including whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal supports digestive health, which is a plus for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The large bag is convenient, ensuring we don’t run out of food quickly. However, its size might be cumbersome for some to handle and store.

Nutro Ultra stands out with its protein variety and natural ingredients compared to other weight and allergy management dog foods. While it’s a bit pricier, the quality of ingredients justifies the cost.

6. Blue Buffalo Salmon & Potato Dry Dog Food

We’ve been feeding our Shih Tzu Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dog Food, Salmon & Potato, and it’s been quite effective, especially for our dog with sensitive skin and stomach issues. This 24-pound bag offers a wholesome blend of deboned salmon and potato, making it a suitable choice for dogs with food sensitivities.

Salmon, a high-quality protein source not commonly used in dog food, has been excellent for our dog’s coat and skin health. Including easily digestible carbohydrates like potatoes and peas has improved our dog’s digestion. The absence of chicken or poultry by-product meals and common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs makes it an excellent choice for dogs prone to allergies.

Compared to other similar products, Blue Buffalo Basics stands out for its limited-ingredient formula, which is particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitivities. While it is priced higher than other brands, the benefits for dogs with specific dietary needs make it a worthwhile choice.

Blue Buffalo Basics is an excellent option for pet owners looking for a natural, limited-ingredient diet for their dogs, especially those with sensitive skin or stomachs. Focusing on high-quality ingredients and avoiding common allergens makes it a top pick.

7. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food comes in a 16-lb. bag, which is a good size, and the kibble is well-suited for adult dogs.

The primary ingredient, natural turkey, provides a rich source of protein, which is great for muscle maintenance and overall health. We’ve observed improvements in our dog’s skin and coat, likely due to the inclusion of sunflower oil, a source of omega-6, and fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The oatmeal is gentle on the stomach, making it a good choice for dogs with digestive sensitivities.

Purina Pro Plan offers a unique combination of turkey and oatmeal, which seems more digestible for sensitive dogs than other sensitive skin and stomach formulas. While it’s a bit more expensive than some standard dog foods, the benefits for dogs with specific dietary needs make it a worthwhile investment.

8. Farmina N&D Dog Dry Food for Puppies

Farmina N&D Dog Dry Puppy Grain-Free Pumpkin Medium/Maxi Lamb & Blueberry contains high protein from lamb and dehydrated herring, which is excellent for the puppy’s growth and development. The inclusion of pumpkin and blueberry not only adds natural flavor but also provides essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Farmina N&D stands out with its grain-free recipe and unique flavor combination compared to other puppy foods. The price is a bit higher than some standard puppy foods, but the quality of ingredients and nutritional benefits make it a worthwhile investment for our growing pup.

Overall, Farmina N&D Dog Dry Puppy Food is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-protein, good-for-allergies, grain-free diet for their puppies. Its unique combination of ingredients supports healthy growth and development, making it a top pick for our puppy’s nutritional needs.

9. Arden Grange Classic Chicken Adult Dog Food

The main ingredient in Arden Grange Classic Chicken Adult Dog Food is fresh chicken, which provides a high-quality, easily digestible protein source. Our dog’s coat looks healthier and shinier, likely due to the balanced ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Including nucleotides for digestion, cranberry extract for urinary health, and organic citrus for dental health makes it a well-rounded choice for overall wellness.

Compared to other adult dog foods, Arden Grange provides a unique blend of ingredients supporting various health aspects, from fighting allergies to digestion and healthier coat conditions. While the flavor options are limited, the nutritional benefits are noteworthy. The smaller bag size is great for testing but might require frequent repurchasing for larger dogs.

What Ingredients to Look for in Dog Food Brands

Key Ingredients to Look for

• Hypoallergenic ingredients are like superheroes for allergic dogs. They help fight off those annoying allergies. Look for foods with things like fish, sweet potatoes, and peas. These are not only tasty but also kind on their tummies.
• Your Shih Tzu needs the right mix of vitamins and minerals. Just like us, they need a balanced diet. Ensure the dog food has enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber. This keeps their coat shiny and their energy levels high!

Ingredients to Avoid

• Some foods are big no-nos for allergic pups. Avoid things like corn, soy, and wheat. These can make allergies worse. Also, steer clear of artificial colors and flavors. They’re not good for your dog’s health.
• Avoid foods with too many preservatives and fillers. They don’t add any nutritional value and can upset your dog’s stomach.

Managing Allergies Through Diet

How Diet Influences Allergic Reactions

Did you know that what your Shih Tzu eats can affect their allergies? It’s true! Some foods can worsen allergies, while others can help calm them down. It’s like when we eat healthy foods, we feel better. The same goes for your dog. A good diet can make a big difference in how they think.

Incorporating Supplements and Probiotics

Sometimes, your Shih Tzu might need more than just their regular food. This is where supplements and probiotics come in. They’re like a helping hand for your dog’s digestive system. Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep their gut healthy. And supplements? They can add extra nutrients that your dog might need. It’s like giving them a little health boost!

The Role of a Balanced Diet in Improving Health

Just like us, dogs need a balanced diet. This means the right mix of proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins. A balanced diet helps keep their body strong and can even help with allergies. It’s all about giving your Shih Tzu everything they need to be happy and healthy.

Feeding Guidelines for Allergic Shih Tzus

Portion Sizes and Frequency

Feeding your Shih Tzu the right amount is super important. It is too little, and they might not get all the necessary nutrients. Too much and they could gain weight. Most dog food packages have a guide, but every dog is different. If your Shih Tzu is more of a couch potato or an active little runner, you might need to adjust the portion size. It’s like us, needing more food when we’re super active!

Adjusting Diet Based on Age and Health Condition

Puppies, adults, and senior dogs have different needs. Puppies are growing, so they need more calories and nutrients. Older dogs might need less food and maybe even special senior dog food. And if your Shih Tzu has other health issues, like being overweight, their diet might need tweaking. It’s all about what’s best for them at their current stage of life.

Importance of Consistency in Diet

Once you find a dog food that works for your Shih Tzu’s allergies, stick with it. Changing their food often can upset their stomach and make allergies harder to manage. It’s like how eating the same healthy breakfast every day helps us feel good. Consistency is key for your dog, too.

Conclusion

We’ve talked a lot about how to pick the best food for your Shih Tzu with allergies. It’s like finding the key to a lock. The right food can make a huge difference in their health and happiness. Remember, it’s all about avoiding those allergens, choosing nutritious ingredients, and ensuring the food suits your dog’s age and lifestyle.

Like a gardener watches their plants grow, keep an eye on how your Shih Tzu is doing with their new diet. You might need to make some adjustments along the way. That’s okay! It shows you care a lot about your furry friend’s well-being.

You’re now armed with all the necessary information to help your Shih Tzu thrive, even with allergies. Stick to the plan, be patient, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey with your little buddy. You’re doing a great job as a pet parent!