15 Best Foods for Shar Peis with Allergies

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Shar Pei’s diet. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

15 Best Dog Foods for Shar Peis with Allergies

Hello, since I changed his diet both dry and wet food with salmon king fish ingredients 2 years ago, after transitioning from hypoallergenic diet and he is absolutely doing great now and coat looks healthy/shiny. Good luck

Author: Indah W.

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I’ve mine on Harrington’s grain free salmon kibble , she’s pei x staffy but allergic to a lot also.

Author: Kirya M.

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Wellness core grain free dog food (the ocean seafood one)

Author: Sabrina C.

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I make chicken and rice for my elder pei, definitely has improved his skin issues

Author: Tara E.

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It’s definitely worth the money to get them allergy tested at the vet (not the home tests) I put my girl on the fresh food company Ollie. It’s amazing. She is 9 now and so healthy and happy

Author: Kory L.

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Both of mine on Harrington’s grain free also plus 3 piriton tablets daily as had to take them off apoquel as this tablet is fantastic for allergies but lowers their immune system too much

Author: Tammy Claire G.

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No frills working dog biscuits, and green tripe. I used to breed shar-pei’s and never had a problem feeding them like this. The tripe also gives them a nice shiny coat.

Author: Craig Waters R.

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We make are own as 1 ov are shar pei is allergic to most things we use raw minced oily fish and we add broccoli sweet potato and coconut oil and she also has sprats and for treats she has rabbits ear

Author: Shaun H.

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I had mine allergy tested, and the results also then gave me what foods he could eat (turned out he had over 35 allergies!) it’s well worth the money IMO. Good luck

Author: Fern H.

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Carnilove grain and starch free dry and steamed white fish works for us

Author: Fay L.

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Wellness grain free white fish based. Also loved strawberries cucumber peppers xx Serious allergies lots of testing now on steroids for life

Author: Sarah Victoria A.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Best Foods for Shar Peis with Allergies

1. What are the most common food allergies in Shar Peis?
   Shar Peis are especially prone to allergies due to their genetic makeup. The most common food allergens for them include beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, corn, soy, and eggs. Identifying and eliminating these triggers through a food trial or veterinary-supervised elimination diet is the first step toward allergy relief.

2. How can I tell if my Shar Pei has a food allergy?
   Signs of food allergies in Shar Peis often include itchy skin (especially on the feet, ears, and belly), frequent ear infections, digestive upset (vomiting or diarrhea), and chronic licking or chewing of paws. If these symptoms persist, consult a vet for an allergy diagnosis and diet plan.

3. What ingredients should I look for in hypoallergenic dog food for Shar Peis?
   Choose dog foods with limited ingredients and novel proteins (like duck, salmon, or venison) that your Shar Pei hasn’t been exposed to. Grain-free options can help, as well as recipes with sweet potatoes, peas, or oatmeal as carbohydrate sources. Avoid artificial additives, fillers, and by-products.

4. Is homemade food better for Shar Peis with allergies?
   Homemade food can be an excellent choice for managing allergies, as it gives you full control over the ingredients. However, it’s important to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your Shar Pei gets a balanced diet with all necessary vitamins and minerals.

5. Are raw diets safe and effective for Shar Peis with allergies?
   Raw diets can sometimes help alleviate allergy symptoms, especially when using novel protein sources. However, raw feeding carries risks such as bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance. Always consult with a vet before switching to a raw diet, especially for a breed prone to skin and digestive issues.

6. Can treats trigger allergies in Shar Peis?
   Yes, treats often contain common allergens like wheat, chicken, or dairy. When managing food allergies, it’s crucial to read treat labels carefully and only give hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient treats that align with your dog’s dietary needs.

7. How long does it take for a Shar Pei to show improvement after changing their diet?
   It typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to see improvement after switching to a hypoallergenic diet. During this period, avoid feeding anything outside the approved food list. If symptoms persist beyond this window, further evaluation and testing may be needed.

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As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Shar Pei’s food. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.