Shihtzu wont eat alergy food

Question
I have a 1 1/2 year old Shihtzu that has allergies to all meats (chicken, beef, pork, lamb and wheat) except fish.  The vet gave me the allergy food to try and she will not eat it.  She will be starting allergy shots in about a week. Any suggestions to get her to eat.

Answer

Hi Jan,

Luckily, there are several really good "over the counter" hypoallergenic dog foods these days that your dog might find more palatable than the prescription food you got from your vet. Brands to look for are:

Wellness Simple Solutions Rice and Salmon
http://www.wellnesspetfood.com/dog_wellness_simple_food_solutions_salmon.html

Canidae Grain Free Salmon
http://www.canidae.com/dogs/grain-free-salmon/dry.html

Eagle Pack Holistic Select Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meal with Oatmeal
http://www.holisticselect.com/HS_Fish.html

Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Whitefish & Potato
http://www.frommfamily.com/products-fs-d-d-whitefish.php

California Natural Herring & Sweet Potato
http://www.californianaturalpet.com/products/default.asp?id=1326

The above brands also have canned versions of these dry dog foods.

Beside having the hypoallergenic diet, your dog might benefit from an Omega Fatty acid supplement if she has dry, or itchy skin. An Omega fatty acid supplement can help ensure that your dog's skin and coat stay shiny and healthy. Brands to look for are:

Premium Plus's Omega-3 gelcaps, Premium Plus's Skin & Coat Tabs, Drs. Foster & Smith Vitacaps, and 3V Caps, to name a few.


I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,
Patti