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Can homemade food meet nutrient needs for allergic Shih Tzu's skin?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 20 lbs

I have been considering making my dog his food, however I'm concerned he won't get all of the nutrients he needs. He does well with Royal Canin Shih Tzu food and he's been known to be allergic to food and other things. His skin gets very pink and scratches himself at times. Could homemade food help? Thanks

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 4th, 2017

If you want to prepare food for RJ, please visit www.acvn.org to find a board certified veterinary nutritionist in your area. They can help you develop a nutritionally balanced recipe for RJ that does not contain ingredients he may be allergic to/sensitive to. If this is not possible, then you may be better off sticking to the diet he is currently on.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! First of all he is adorable! Already prepared diets like the Royal canin one that you are feeding him are the way to go when you have an allergic pup. That is a very high quality food. Homemade food is great though you have to be so careful about what ingredients you use that it becomes a lot of work and honestly very expensive. If he is tolerating his diet well, he likes it and he does not have allergies, I would probably stay on that. Perhaps you can consider homemade food in the future if he becomes itchy again. Good luck with RJ!

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