10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu With Allergies – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

If your Shih Tzu suffers from allergies, you know how difficult it can be to find a good dog food to alleviate their discomfort. Many commercial dog foods contain ingredients that are known allergens for dogs, such as grains, soy, and dairy.

Below, we’ll discuss the best dog food for Shih Tzu with allergies and have reviews of some of the most popular brands of allergy-friendly dog food on the market.

There are a few things to remember when choosing the best dog food for your Shih Tzu with allergies. First, you want to ensure that the food does not contain common allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. Second, you need a formula with nutritious ingredients. Lastly, you need an affordable brand that will not break your budget.

 

 

 

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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu With Allergies

1. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Lamb with Cranberries – Best Overall

Feeding a dog with allergies can be difficult. Luckily, Ollie Fresh Dog Food Lamb with Cranberries is made with limited ingredients. The main ingredient is lamb, which isn’t usually tied to food allergies. Most dogs are allergic to more commonly utilized protein sources, like chicken and beef.

This recipe also includes other healthy ingredients, like lamb liver and chickpeas. Organ meats are beneficial for almost any dog since they’re exceptionally high in nutrients. Furthermore, chickpeas are a safe carbohydrate source. Just remember that chickpeas are high in protein, so the amount in this formula includes a sizable amount of plant-based protein.

We love that salmon oil is included for omega fatty acids, DHA, and taurine for heart health. Overall, we think Ollie’s Fresh Dog Food is the best dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies.

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2. Nature’s Recipe Adult Lamb, Barley & Brown Rice – Best Value

If you’re looking for an affordable recipe with novel proteins, try Nature’s Recipe Adult Lamb, Barley & Brown Rice recipe. Lamb is the first ingredient, and the recipe includes healthy whole grains like barley to promote healthy digestion.

It also includes Vitamin E and zinc to support your Shih Tzu’s coat and skin, and the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids benefit their immune system. Nature’s Recipe does not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s more affordable than most of the brands on our list, but some customers mentioned that their dogs didn’t like the flavor.

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3. Nature’s Logic All Life Stages Canned Food

Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Feast All Life Stages Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is made with all-natural ingredients, including duck, salmon, and fruits and vegetables. It’s grain-free and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Nature’s Logic 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 premium canned dog food.

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4. Canidae Pure Goodness Puppy Dry Food

Canidae Grain Free Pure Goodness Puppy Dry Dog Food is an excellent option for puppies. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and contains no fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. The food is also grain-free, which is important for puppies prone to allergies or sensitivities.

In addition, Canidae contains DHA and EPA, which are essential for cognitive development and healthy eyesight. It’s ideal for puppies who need a high-quality, nutritious diet.

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5. Acana Grasslands Recipe Dry Dog Food

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. It does not contain grains, wheat, or soy.

It is also free of corn, potato, artificial colors, and preservatives. The kibble is shaped like a tooth to 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.

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6. Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has six different kinds of fish as the main ingredients. They are all lean proteins that are easy for dogs to digest. Fish is an excellent protein source for dogs with allergies, and it is also full of omega-fatty acids, which are great for skin and coat health.

Orijen also contains other healthy ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits. It is also free of common allergens, such as grains, soy, and dairy. The downside of this food is that some dogs may not like the taste if they don’t like food that contains fish. It is also quite expensive.

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7. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food is a high-quality food designed to be gentle on your dog’s stomach. The limited-ingredient formula contains only salmon, potatoes, and a few other vital ingredients. This makes it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities or allergies of almost any kind.

It’s also grain-free, which benefits overweight dogs and those who 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 is a nutritious and delicious food perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

The downside is that it contains peas, which may be linked to heart disease in some dogs, but the studies are still ongoing.

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8. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Sensitive Skin Small Bites

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach and Sensitive Skin contains smaller kibble pieces for little dogs, like the Shih Tzu. The ingredients are highly digestible, and the nutrients are easier to absorb. The formula is made in the USA but uses global ingredients.

Although this is a vet-recommended dog food, you don’t need to prescription to buy it. Most dog owners were placed with the Hill’s recipe, but some mentioned that their dogs disliked the flavor. Also, it’s much lower in protein than most premium brands and lists brewer’s rice as the second ingredient.

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9. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Adult Dry Dog Food is a healthy option for your adult dog. It’s 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.

It’s also high in protein and fat to help maintain muscle mass and energy levels. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet is a great option for your adult dog’s health. However, it contains peas, so be careful feeding it to your dog if you’re concerned about heart disease.

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10. Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe Southwest Canyon Premium Dry Dog Food

The Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Real Meat Recipe is designed to replicate a prey-based canine diet and includes novel proteins, such as quail, wild boar, bison, and lamb. It has prebiotics and probiotics to ensure your Shih Tzu’s gut stays healthy.

It also sources its omega fatty acids from salmon oil, smoked salmon, and ocean fish meal. Although it has several novel proteins, they’re much farther down on the list than the peas and garbanzo beans. Beef is the first ingredient, but the peas and garbanzo beans are more abundant than the other animal-based proteins. 

 

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu With Allergies

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Shih Tzu, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

Grain Allergies

Some dogs may have an allergy or sensitivity to grains. If that is the case, you need to find food that is grain-free. Most of the brands on our list are grain-free, so you have plenty of options. However, several popular dog food brands that aren’t on this list also have grain-free formulas.

Protein Allergies

Another factor to consider is the protein content of the food. The most common allergies in dogs are protein sources such as chicken and beef. If your dog has an allergy to any protein source, regardless of what it is, check the ingredients list to make sure the food you choose doesn’t contain those ingredients. We’ve included brands on this list that contain a variety of protein sources so that you can narrow them down for your dog.

Soy and Dairy

Lastly, some dogs may be allergic to soy or dairy. Most limited-ingredient diets are free of those ingredients. Just make sure to choose one with a protein source that agrees with your dog.

FAQ

What are the best dog food brands for Shih Tzu with allergies?

Any brand with high-quality ingredients and meat protein as the main ingredient will be good for your dog as long as it doesn’t contain anything your dog is allergic to.

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, dogs with allergies generally 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 most common allergens in dog food?

The most common allergens are chicken, beef, and pork, but some dogs are also allergic to soy and dairy. If your dog is allergic to these ingredients, it’s important to find a food that does not contain them. Many grain-free, high-protein foods are on the market that do not contain these allergens.

Where can I buy grain-free dog food?

Grain-free dog food is becoming more popular as pet owners become aware of the benefits it can have for their dogs. You can purchase grain-free formulas online and at pet stores.

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 essential to talk to your veterinarian to develop an elimination diet.

How can I tell if my dog is allergic to its food?

There are a few ways you can tell if your dog is allergic to their 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 has digestive problems, they could be signs of an allergy.

Another way to tell if your dog is allergic to their 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, they may be allergic to the ingredients. Your veterinarian can work with you to determine which formulas are best for your dog.

What should I do if my Shih Tzu has allergies?

If your Shih Tzu has allergies, the first thing you should do is talk to your veterinarian. They can help you diagnose the allergy and recommend a course of treatment. They can also recommend the best formulas for your dog.

Conclusion

If your Shih Tzu has allergies, it’s crucial to find a dog food they can eat without experiencing an adverse reaction. Our favorite recipe is the Ollie Fresh Dog Food Lamb with Cranberries due to its high-quality ingredients and healthy protein. For a more affordable option, you can try Nature’s Recipe Adult Lamb, Barley & Brown Rice. It’s easy for your Shih Tzu to digest and contains whole grains for fiber. We hope our guide has helped you determine which brand is perfect for your Shih Tzu.

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Featured Image Credit: STEVEPHILCOPHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock