For every brand of dog food, there are fifteen opinions on it, its quality and whether you should feed it to your dog. I strongly urge you to hie thee to a knowledgable person, the library and the Internet.
Educate yourself on what your dog needs to be healthy, alternatives for dogs with allergies, common foods that are toxic to dogs and what the real scoop is on homemade vs. commercially produced, if you’re leaning to home cooking.
Ask what other people are feeding their dogs and see if their dogs are healthy and happy. Ask your vet, ask your breeder, ask people at the local kennel club or the local pet supply store. Keep in mind that every one has their biases and do your own research.
Treats are great motivators for Shibas of all ages. You can buy them at any pet supply store. Or make your own. Shassi used to bait beautifully for hotdogs.
I highly suggest trying “Harmony Farms” dry kibble… no corn, no wheat, no glutens. My Lab, my Maltese and my Shiba are thriving on it. My Lab used to shed 24/7 365 days a year on Iams, but the shedding is now reduced by at least 80%. Amazing.
I am the proud owner of a beautiful Shiba named Kuma. He is almost ten years old and we have had the worst year and a half we have ever had. He is itching and scratching and biting so much he will bleed. I have taken him to the vet many times and they think it is his thyroid. He has been on thyroid meds now for 8 months and it is not helping. He only gets better on steroids. So every few months he has to get some shots and take oral meds. He is on a strict grain and chicken free diet. I am at a loss. Do you have any thoughts?
Thank you,
Sandie
Sometimes allergies can develop over time. Also, an older dog’s ability to deal with the stresses of allergies likely declines. Tierce has allergies treated with Vanectyl-P, which is a Prednisone/antihistamine combo. I’d rather he deal with the risks than be miserable and scratching all the time. I’m sorry I don’t have more to offer; allergies are hell. Period.