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10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu With Allergies – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

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By Nicole Cosgrove

shih tzu puppy eating

If your Shih Tzu is one of the many dogs that suffer from allergies, you know how difficult it can be to find a good dog food that helps alleviate those symptoms. Many commercial dog foods contain ingredients that are known allergens for dogs, such as grains, soy, and dairy. In this blog post, we will discuss the best dog food for Shih Tzu with allergies. We will also provide reviews of some of the most popular brands of allergy-friendly dog food on the market.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for your Shih Tzu with allergies. First, you want to make sure that the food does not contain any of the common allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs. Second, you want to choose a food that is high in quality and nutritious ingredients. And third, you want to find a food that is affordable and will not break your budget.

When it comes to finding the best dog food for Shih Tzu with allergies, there are a few brands that stand out from the rest. Here are our reviews of the best.

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A Quick Look at our Winners (2023)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Ollie Fresh Dog Food Lamb with Cranberries Ollie Fresh Dog Food Lamb with Cranberries
  • Includes organ meats
  • Lamb as the sole protein source
  • Added omega fatty acids
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Nature's Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Nature's Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet
  • Limited number of ingredients
  • High in protein
  • Free of common allergens
  • Third place
    Nature's Logic All Life Stages Dog Food Nature's Logic All Life Stages Dog Food
  • Made with duck and salmon
  • Free of common allergens
  • Figh in healthy ingredients
  • Canidae Pure Goodness Puppy Food Canidae Pure Goodness Puppy Food
  • Made with chicken, turkey, and duck
  • Free of common allergens
  • igh in healthy ingredients
  • Acana Grasslands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Acana Grasslands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • Made with beef, lamb, and chicken
  • Free of common allergens
  • High in healthy ingredients
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzu With Allergies

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

    Ollie Pets Fresh Dog Food Lamb Recipe

    Main ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale
    Protein 10%
    Fat 7%
    Calorie content 1804 kcal ME/kg

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

    This recipe also includes other healthy ingredients, like lamb liver and chickpeas. Organ meats are a great option for just about any dog, as are exceptionally high in nutrients. Furthermore, chickpeas are a safe carbohydrate source, as well. (Just remember that chickpeas are high in protein, so the protein amount in this dog food does include a sizable amount of plant-based protein.)

    We love that salmon oil is included for omega fatty acids and DHA, and taurine for heart health. With all this combined, we think this makes an amazing choice, and is our pick for the best dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies overall.

    Pros
    • Includes organ meats
    • Lamb as the sole protein source
    • Added omega fatty acids
    • Nutritionally complete
    Cons
    • Expensive

    2. Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet – Best Value

    Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet

    Main ingredients Turkey, turkey meal, peas, tapioca starch
    Protein 34%
    Fat 16%
    Calorie content 386 kcal/cup

    Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food is prepared with a restricted number of components to minimize the likelihood of your dog having an allergy. Turkey is the main component in this diet, which is a lean protein that dogs can easily digest. However, turkey is a common allergen for dogs so you may wish to avoid this food if your dog is allergic to turkey.

    Other healthful components include vegetables and fruits, which are also included in the meal. The good news is that it’s free of common allergens such as grains, soy, and dairy, making it ideal for dogs who suffer from those allergies. We think it is the best dog food for Shih Tzus with allergies for the money.

    Pros
    • Limited number of ingredients
    • high in protein
    • free of common allergens
    Cons
    • Some dogs are allergic to turkey

    3. Nature’s Logic All Life Stages Canned Food

    Nature's Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Feast Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients Duck, chicken broth, salmon, sweet potatoes
    Protein 11%
    Fat 12%
    Calorie content 421 kcal/cup

    Nature’s Logic Canine Duck & Salmon Feast All Life Stages Grain-Free Canned Dog Food is our third choice on this list. This food is made with all-natural ingredients, including duck, salmon, and fruits and vegetables. It is grain-free and does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The food 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.

    Pros
    • Made with duck and salmon
    • free of common allergens
    • high in healthy ingredients
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like the taste
    • Poultry is a common dog allergy

    4. Canidae Pure Goodness Puppy Dry Food

    CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy dog food

    Main ingredients Chicken meal, turkey meal, duck meal
    Protein 34%
    Fat 16%
    Calorie content 384 kcal/cup

    Canidae Grain Free Pure Goodness Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies. It is made with high-quality ingredients and does not contain any fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. The food is also grain-free, which is important for puppies who are prone to allergies or sensitivities. In addition, the food contains DHA and EPA, which are essential for cognitive development and healthy eyesight. Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies who need a high-quality, nutritious diet.

    Pros
    • Made with chicken, turkey, and duck
    • Free of common allergens
    • High in healthy ingredients
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like the taste of duck

    5. Acana Grasslands Recipe Dry Dog Food

    ACANA Grasslands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Beef, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potato
    Protein 35%
    Fat 20%
    Calorie content 430 kcal/cup

    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. This food does not contain any grains, wheat, or soy. It is also free of corn, potato, artificial colors, and preservatives. The kibble is shaped like a tooth to help 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.

    Pros
    • Made with beef, lamb, and chicken
    • Free of common allergens
    • High in healthy ingredients
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like the taste
    • Not suitable for dogs with beef or chicken allergies

    6. Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Herring meal, flounder meal, whitefish meal, hake meal, salmon meal
    Protein 38%
    Fat 18%
    Calorie content 436 kcal/cup

    Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with six different kinds of fish as the main ingredients. These are all lean proteins that are easy for dogs to digest. Fish is a great protein source for dogs with allergies and it is also full of omega fatty acids which are great for skin and coat health. The food also contains other healthy ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits. It is also free of common allergens, such as grains, soy, and dairy.

    The downsides to this food are that some dogs may not like the taste if they don’t like food that contains fish. This food is also quite expensive.

    Pros
    • Made with six different kinds of fish
    • free of common allergens
    • high in healthy ingredients
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like the taste
    • More expensive than other brands

    7. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food

    Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food

    Main ingredients Salmon, potato flour, peas, flaxseed
    Protein 24%
    Fat 12%
    Calorie content 350 kcal/cup

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

    The food is also grain-free, which is beneficial for dogs who are overweight or 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 Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food is a nutritious and delicious food that is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes. The downside is that this food contains peas, which may be linked to heart disease in some dogs although studies are still ongoing.

    Pros
    • Made with salmon and potato, free of common allergens, high in healthy ingredients
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like the taste
    • Peas may be linked to heart disease in dogs

    8. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Wet Dog Food

     

    Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Feline Recipe

    Main ingredients Beef, lamb, chicken
    Protein 42%
    Fat 20%
    Calorie content 427 kcal/cup

    If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious wet food for your dog, Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Wet Dog Food is a great option. This food is made with real meat, fruits, and vegetables, and it is grain-free and high in protein. It also contains added vitamins and minerals to ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients he or she needs. In addition, the food is formulated to mimic your dog’s ancestral diet, making it highly digestible. The food is also very affordable, so you can feel good about feeding your dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank.

    The only downside to this food is that it does contain chicken, which some dogs may be allergic to. The other main protein source is lamb, which some picky dogs may not like the taste of.

    Pros
    • Made with beef, lamb, and chicken
    • free of common allergens
    • high in healthy ingredients
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like the taste of lamb
    • Some dogs may be allergic to chicken

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

    Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-free

    Main ingredients Turkey, turkey meal, potato starch, peas
    Protein 24%
    Fat 14%
    Calorie content 333 kcal/cup

    Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Adult Dry Dog Food is a healthy option for your adult dog. This food is 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. This food is also high in protein and fat to help maintain muscle mass and energy levels. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option for your adult dog’s health. But, this is another food that may contain peas, so be careful feeding it to your dog if you’re concerned about heart disease.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Made with turkey and potato
    • Free of common allergens
    Cons
    • Contains peas

    10. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dry Food

    Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley

    Main ingredients Venison, lamb meal, duck meal
    Protein 34%
    Fat 20%
    Calorie content 350 kcal/cup

    Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with real duck as the first ingredient, and it also contains a blend of vegetables and fruits that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The kibble is specially shaped and sized for small breeds, and it’s enhanced with omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. This food is also grain-free and doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

    Overall, this food seems like a good option for small breed dogs who are grain-sensitive or allergic and also have an allergy to other common protein sources. It’s also a good choice for dogs who need a little extra help with skin and coat health. However, some dogs may not like the taste of duck.

    Pros
    • Made with venison, lamb, and duck
    • Free of common allergens
    • Great for skin and coat health
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not like the taste of duck

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    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 grain. If that is the case, then you need to find food that is grain-free. Most of these foods on our list are grain-free, so you have plenty of options to choose from. But most popular dog food brands that aren’t on this list also have grain-free options as well.

    Protein Allergies

    Another thing 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 foods 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. If this is the case, you’ll want to make sure that the food you choose does not contain any of these common allergens. Most limited-ingredient diets are free of these ingredients. Just make sure to choose one with a protein source that agrees with your dog.

    Shih tzu dog getting food from owner at kitchen
    Image Credit: chaoss, Shutterstock

    FAQ

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

    There are a few different dog food brands that make grain-free, high-protein foods that are great for dogs with allergies. Any brand that contains high-quality ingredients and a meat protein as the main ingredient will be good for your dog as long as the food doesn’t contain anything that 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, in general, dogs with allergies 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?

    There are a few different allergens that are commonly found in dog food, but the most common allergens are proteins such as chicken, beef, and pork. Two more common sources are soy and dairy. If your dog is allergic to either of these ingredients, it’s important to find a food that does not contain them. There are many grain-free, high-protein foods on the market that do not contain these allergens.

    Where can I buy grain-free dog food?

    Grain-free dog food is becoming more and more popular as pet owners become aware of the benefits it can have for their dogs. You should be able to find grain-free.

    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 important to talk to your veterinarian so they can run some allergy tests.

    dog food in plastic container
    Image Credit: APN Photography, Shutterstock

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

    There are a few different ways you can tell if your dog is allergic to its 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 is having digestive problems, these could be signs of an allergy.

    Another way to tell if your dog is allergic to its 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, it’s likely that your dog is allergic to those ingredients.

    Lastly, you can have your veterinarian run some allergy tests to confirm whether or not your dog has allergies.

    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 even recommend potential food options for your dog.

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    Conclusion

    If your Shih Tzu has allergies, it’s important to find a dog food that is grain-free and high in protein. There are a few different brands that make great foods for dogs with allergies. Our favorite pick is the Ollie Fresh Dog Food Lamb with Cranberries. It’s also important to talk to your veterinarian about how much food your dog needs each day. Making homemade dog food is another great option for dogs with allergies. This way, you can control exactly what goes into their food and make sure that it’s complete and balanced.

     

    Featured Image Credit: STEVEPHILCOPHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock

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