Discovering the best dog food for shih tzu with allergies is quite a task. Understanding the dietary needs and potential allergens can change the game for your fluffy friend.
Breeding Shih Tzu and Their Common Allergies
Shih Tzu is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their cute appearance, loyalty, and affectionate nature. They are small dogs that typically weigh up to 16 pounds when they’re fully grown. Despite their lovable personality, Shih Tzus are prone to several
health issues, including allergies.
Allergies are a common problem among Shih Tzus. They can be allergic to different things such as food, pollen, dust mites, and other environmental factors.
When a dog has an allergy, it affects their immune system causing them to experience symptoms like itching, rashes or hives on their skin and
ears. If left untreated allergies can lead to more serious problems for the dog’s health.
Why Choosing The Right Diet Is Important For Dogs With Allergies
Dogs with allergies require special care from their owners since they need to avoid certain foods that trigger allergic reactions. It is imperative that you take your dog’s
diet seriously if they have any food or environmental allergy because it plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and maintaining overall good health.
Choosing the right food for dogs with allergies is important since certain ingredients can trigger allergic reactions in dogs. The wrong selection of ingredients could lead your dog into a state of discomfort or even severe illness if left untreated over time.
It might seem daunting at first glance but choosing the right diet for your
shih tzu with allergies need not be overwhelming if you know what food items should be avoided at all costs. By considering this aspect closely when selecting your pet’s meal plans will help ensure that he stays healthy and happy throughout his life – which means fewer vet bills too!
The Most Common Allergies Found In Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus usually develop allergies due to a variety of reasons. Food is one of the major causes, but environmental factors like pollen, dust mite feces, and mold can also trigger allergic reactions resulting in skin irritations and other health problems. Some of the most common allergies in Shih Tzus include:
– Food Allergies: Shih Tzus are known to have food allergies that often cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Common food allergens for these dogs include beef, chicken, dairy products, corn, soy, wheat and gluten.
– Environmental Allergies: Environmental allergens can also lead to allergic reactions in Shih Tzus. These may be caused by exposure to things like dust mites or pollen which can result in itchy skin rashes or dermatitis.
– Flea Allergy Dermatitis: This condition is caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes intense itching and irritation. Shih tzus are especially susceptible to flea allergy dermatitis because of their long hair which makes it difficult to spot
fleas hiding in their fur.
Knowing how common allergies affect shih tzus is important when selecting
dog food for your pet. With this knowledge in hand, you will be able to make informed decisions about what type of diet meets your dog’s nutritional requirements and keeps him free from discomfort due to his allergies.
Understanding Shih Tzu Allergies
Shih Tzus are a lovable breed known for their cute and fluffy appearance, but they are also prone to allergies. An allergy is when the immune system reacts to a substance in the environment that is normally harmless.
Common allergens for Shih Tzus include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and certain foods such as beef and chicken. Identifying the allergen causing your dog’s symptoms is essential to effectively treat their allergy.
Common Allergens for Shih Tzus
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds can cause seasonal allergies in dogs. These allergens are more prevalent during spring and fall. Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that can be found in household items such as bedding, carpets, and curtains.
Mold spores can grow indoors or outdoors and can cause allergic reactions in dogs just like humans. Certain ingredients in dog food can also trigger an allergy in Shih Tzus.
Beef and chicken are common protein sources that dogs may develop an allergy to over time. This is why it’s important to choose dog food with limited ingredients or novel proteins if your dog has food allergies.
Symptoms of Allergies in Shih Tzus
The symptoms of allergies in Shih Tzus vary depending on the type of allergen affecting them. If your dog has seasonal allergies, they may experience itchy skin, redness or swelling around their eyes or mouth, sneezing or coughing fits. Food allergies may manifest as skin irritation such as hives or rashes on their face or body areas where there is no hair coat like their ears, paw pads etc., vomiting or diarrhea.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your
Shih Tzu it’s best to take them to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. Allergies in dogs are treatable, and with the right treatment, you can help your furry friend live a happy and healthy life.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Food for Shih Tzu with Allergies
When it comes to selecting the right type of dog food for your
Shih Tzu with allergies, there are several things that you need to consider. Here are some factors that you should keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for your furry friend:
Ingredients to Avoid
The first thing that you should consider is avoiding ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions in your Shih Tzu. Some common ingredients that may cause allergies include wheat, soy, corn, dairy products, and chicken by-products. You can easily find dog foods that contain alternative sources of protein such as lamb or fish instead of chicken or beef.
You should also avoid artificial preservatives and flavors which can be harmful to your dog’s health. Look for natural preservatives like vitamin E and C instead.
Nutritional Requirements
Your Shih Tzu’s diet must be nutritionally balanced. You must make sure the food has a proper balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins.
The best way to ensure that your dog gets all the necessary nutrients is by choosing high-quality dog food brands specifically formulated for dogs with allergies. This will help support their immune system and help maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Type of Dog Food – Wet, Dry or Raw
You also need to decide on what type of food you will feed your Shih Tzu- wet, dry or raw? Each type has its own benefits depending on the individual needs of your pet.
Dry kibble is affordable and convenient; however, it may not be suitable for dogs with dental problems as it can be hard on their
teeth.
Wet food is more moist than dry kibble and is easier for dogs with dental issues to chew.
Raw dog food is a great option if you prefer feeding your dog a natural diet. It consists of raw meats, vegetables, and
fruits which provide lots of nutrients and minerals.
When selecting the type of dog food, it’s important to think about the health and well-being of your Shih Tzu. Each dog has different needs, so it’s essential to consider their preferences and health condition when choosing between wet, dry or raw food.
Top 11 Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu with Allergies
When it comes to finding the
best food for your Shih Tzu with allergies, there are several options available. Here are our top picks, based on their ingredient quality, nutritional value, and overall effectiveness in managing allergies.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Formula
This grain-free formula from Blue Buffalo is perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. It is made with a limited number of high-quality ingredients like turkey and potato to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. It’s also free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Formula
Wellness Simple’s limited ingredient diet is packed with premium proteins like salmon and easily digestible carbohydrates like potatoes to support optimal health. This formula is free from common allergens and features a unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics to promote healthy digestion.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Formula
This grain-free formula from Merrick is made with real deboned lamb as the first ingredient. It’s free from grains, soy, corn, dairy, and other common allergens that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. The formula also contains added vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.
Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula
Natural Balance L.I.D Sweet Potato & Fish Formula features a single source of animal protein (fish) combined with sweet potatoes as the primary carbohydrate source. This complete-and-balanced recipe includes no artificial colors or flavors while being easy on digestion for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Orijen’s Six Fish recipe provides a balanced meal full of fresh ingredients, with six types of fish as the main protein source. It’s free from grains and other common allergens. The recipe also includes fresh fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.
Acana Singles Lamb & Apple Formula Dry Dog Food
ACANA’s Singles Lamb & Apple formula is a limited ingredient diet that features fresh lamb as the primary protein source. It’s free from grains, gluten, and potato ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions in dogs with food sensitivities. This formula has high-quality animal protein to support lean muscle mass and healthy body
weight.
Canidae Pure Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Canidae Pure Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is made with only 9 simple ingredients that are easy on digestion for dogs with food sensitivities. Fresh salmon is the first ingredient along with sweet potatoes to provide a complete meal packed with nutrition without fillers or artificial additives.
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken
This high-protein blend by Instinct is specially designed for smaller breeds like Shih Tzus. The recipe contains real chicken combined with freeze-dried
raw pieces for an added nutritional boost while being free of grain/gluten, corn wheat/soy and artificial preservatives.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties combines raw nutrition in a convenient freeze-dried form that you can serve your Shih Tzu easily while traveling or away from home. These dinner patties are made in small batches using premium proteins like grass-fed beef or cage-free poultry along 100% organic-certified vegetables/fruits.
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Whole Food Clusters
This human-grade kibble formula by The Honest Kitchen is made with chicken as a primary ingredient, alongside nutrient-dense eggs, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and an array of superfoods like dried kale and coconut. The recipe is perfect for dogs of all ages and life stages who have food sensitivities or allergies.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog food for your Shih Tzu with allergies can be challenging; however, the above-listed dog foods offer balanced nutrition and are free from common allergens. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best option that will work best for your dog’s specific needs. Remember to start with a small portion size to avoid stomach upset when introducing new food to your furry friend.
